Leadership
Reverend Melissa Hood, Senior Pastor
E-mail: seniorpastor@umc-cornerstone.org
A native of Illinois, Melissa was raised in a marginally Christian home. As a child, she never declined an invitation to join friends in worship, and when old enough, began to attend church alone. The welcome she received created a nurturing environment in which to experience God's grace and the joy of Christian community. As a young adult, Melissa began to fill leadership roles in her local church. These leadership opportunities refined her gifts and graces for ministry, supporting her discernment that God was calling her to ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church.
Melissa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Dubuque and a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.
Since 1998, Melissa has served in a variety of leadership roles in rural, suburban, and county seat churches and worship sites. Melissa is committed to engaging and creative worship services that invite people to a deeper relationship with God and neighbor. She has a heart for the unchurched and marginally churched people who are looking for a place to explore their faith and have a longing for community.
Melissa and her husband Carl are the proud parents of six children. Their family also includes two sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, six grandchildren, two dogs, and a cat. In her free time, Melissa enjoys live music, theater, cooking, and spending time with family.
Jayson “J” Hemphill, Worship Arts Coordinator
E-mail: worship@umc-cornerstone.org
Jayson “J” Hemphill can’t remember a time in his life when he wasn’t singing. Early exposure to a variety of musical genres and access to his uncle’s extensive collection of Elvis Presley records fostered a rich appreciation of music and created an insatiable need for musical expression. J taught himself to play the piano while in high school and began composing soon after. At Millikin University, he developed a love for music production and recording which further enhanced his ability to create.
After college, J devoted 13 years to touring as the audio technician (“sound guy”) for a Nashville-based band. During this time, he also honed his creative skills, working at jingle-writing and audio post-production in Chicago. From there he moved into the field of corporate A/V where he organized and operated technology for corporate meetings worldwide. More recently, J formed a creative team known as “The Elevate Project”, and also pursued a solo musical career following the release of an EP of original songs in 2019.
J possesses a passion for worship that was kindled after being invited to lead worship part-time at a church in Joliet, IL. He quickly recognized that the skills developed in his other careers were all utilized within the realm of contemporary worship. He served churches as Worship and Music Coordinator, and Director of Contemporary Worship Arts, before joining Cornerstone as Worship Arts Coordinator.
J is thrilled to continue the great tradition of quality worship ministry at Cornerstone!
Office Administrator
Suzanne Lattanzio
office@umc-cornerstone.org
The Office Administrator manages the day-to-day tasks of the church office, coordinates communication, and maintains appropriate records.
Prayer Coordinator
prayer@umc-cornerstone.org
The Prayer Coordinator organizes prayer services, communicates prayer needs, and coordinates the prayer team.
Ministry Council
Charles Horton, Chairperson
ministrycouncil@umc-cornerstone.org
The Ministry Council is made up of committee chairs and delegates. The council works with the pastor, lay leader, and others to fulfill the mission of the church.
Lay Leader
Tish Calhamer
layleader@umc-cornerstone.org
The Lay Leader represents the laypeople (congregation) when working with the pastor for the mission and vision of the congregation.
Financial Secretary
Suzanne Lattanzio
finance@umc-cornerstone.org
The Financial Secretary records and reports congregant’s giving, and provides to individuals written records of annual giving.
Financial Treasurer
Carol Irish
finance@umc-cornerstone.org
The Financial Treasurer compiles and oversees the monthly income and outflow of church finances, disbursing all funds received into the church treasury in a responsible and organized manner, so that the ministry of the congregation can be effective.
Finance Committee
Steve Schwarzwalder, Chairperson
finance@umc-cornerstone.org
The Finance Committee oversees the stewardship of the church’s financial resources. It compiles an annual budget and works with other groups to generate resources for the mission and ministries of the church.
Personnel (SPRC)
Eric Hutchcroft, Chairperson
personnel@umc-cornerstone.org
The Staff/Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) works to build a strong relationship between the pastor and staff of the church, and the parish (congregation). The committee also considers salary and resourcing, and makes recommendations to finance and nominations as needed.
Board of Trustees
Bill Werst, Chairperson
trustees@umc-cornerstone.org
The Board of Trustees gives supervision, oversight, and care of all property and equipment owned and acquired by the church.
Missions Team
The Missions Team organizes opportunities for all ages to come together in mission as we strive to be Jesus' hands and feet both locally and globally.
Membership Secretary
Dave Gathman
membership@umc-cornerstone.org
The Membership Secretary maintains membership records and manages historical documents related to membership, past and present.
Activities Planning Committee (APC)
Bill Werst, Chairperson
activities@umc-cornerstone.org
The Activities Planning Committee creates and coordinates events for community engagement.