The Reverend Dr. Thomas Bentz and his wife, Lenore

First Congregational Church of Park Ridge, welcomes the Reverend Tom Bentz, and his wife Lenore.

Tom was ordained in Wisconsin.  He has a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and a Doctorate of Ministry from New York Theological Seminary.  Tom has many years experience in transitional ministry and we are thrilled he has come to our church!

Mr. Patricio Molina, Director of Music

Patrico graduated from the Manhattan School of Music and is pursuing a Masters Degree.

A musician, Chilean-native pianist, composer and conductor Patricio Molina has appeared in a wide range of venues around the world including New York’s Carnegie Hall, Manhattan School of Music, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and the Teatro Municipal of Chile.

As a pianist, Mr. Molina has been invited by NJPAC to play prelude concerts for Lang Lang, Anne Sophie Mutter, Lorin Maazel, The New York Philharmonic, Jacques Lacombe and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Patricio has also appeared as a soloist with orchestras in Chili, the Middle East and the United States. His album “From Los Andes to the Alps” features the music of Schumann and Brahms and is available on iTunes.

The New York Times described him as a “gifted young artist” when they heard his performance on the Symphyony Space “Wall-to-Wall Stravinsky”. To learn more about Patricio Molina and to hear him play, go to his website: www.patriciomolina.cl.

Ms. Terri Bertani, Church Secretary

Terri lives in Park Ridge with her husband, Ken, and their son.  Terri grew up in Park Ridge and graduated from PRHS.  After attending New York School of Design and Montclair University, she worked as a buyer in the retail home furnishings industry, enjoying the resulting travel to international markets in Italy and the Far East.

Terri returned to Park Ridge after her son was born because “it’s a great town to raise a family!”  She began working again part time and started at First Congregational Church in 2009.  She enjoys working with the Pastor and members of the congregation to help them achieve their goals – whether it’s getting the word out about the various events and programs at church or preparing the bulletins for each worship service.

Employment Opportunity:

Christian Education Coordinator Part Time Position Available

Working closely with the Christian Education Board and Pastor, the Coordinator shall oversee, coordinate, recommend resources, train and enable those involved in the church’s youth, family and educational ministries.  Our church welcomes original ideas and passion in order to further inspire our youth, congregation and community.

This is a part time position with the number of hours per week approximately 8 to 10. However, depending upon qualification of candidate, the job profile and number of hours may increase (with compensatory salary). Short term internship positions will also be considered.

For more information including full qualifications and responsibilities please contact the Church Office at: firstcongregationalchurch@gmail.com, or call 201-391-5800.