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Reverend Mike Pennell - Directing Pastor
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I was born in Urbana, Illinois, and raised on a farm south of the University of Illinois. I am a graduate of Unity High School in Tolono, IL. I received a B.A. Degree from Trinity College, Hartford, CT with a major in Religion. I received the Master of Divinity Degree from Chicago Theological Seminary. I am a life long United Methodist who believes that followers of Jesus must be the church in the world as well as in church. I write short stories and use photography to connect to God's Word in preaching.
My hobbies include photography, gardening, sports (Cardinals, Bears, Illini), genealogy, travel and home improvement projects.
My wife, Jean, is also an ordained Pastor in the United Church of Christ. We have two sons, Matthew and David.
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Danny Motta - Youth and Contemporary Music
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I have always lived in Illinois. My Dad, Gary Motta, is a Methodist Pastor so my parents were moved all over central Illinois. Three constants about my youth and childhood were my commitment to Jesus, homeschooling with my parents and a deep and abiding love for the Cubs. Needless to say, I got used to being made fun of. After graduating from my home High School I went to and graduated from Missouri Baptist University, majoring in religion with a focus in Biblical studies.
The biggest turning point in my life was in Granite City, IL while my dad was pastoring at Neidringhaus UMC. God lead me to Karen Elisabeth Lee. We were married June 8, 2002. Shortly after that, God lead us into youth ministry. I was the Youth Pastor at Shiloh UMC for three and a half years before coming to Sherman in September of ’06 where I currently serve as Director of Youth and Contemporary Music. God has blessed us with three beautiful children: Josiah, Asa and Mara as well as many more in the youth group.
I love to lead worship and currently work with the adult and youth praise bands at Sherman. I love to teach Hsing I Chuan Kung Fu and have done so for seven years. I’m also a huge Lord of the Rings nerd and Tolkien aficionado. My life’s goal is see Christ’s Kingdom come and His will be done. Jesus is everything, and life is nothing without Him.
In His Service,
Danny Motta
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