About Us
Learn more about Minooka United Methodist Church
Visitors
Welcome! Together, we live out our calling to love God with our whole selves and love our neighbors as ourselves.
What to Expect:
- Friendly, welcoming, casual atmosphere.
- Hangout time before worship with coffee, tea, water, and light snacks available.
- Brightly-lit stage area with altar table, cross, and the cloths that drape them (traditionally called paraments) all handmade by artisans from the congregation.
- Screens and printed bulletins both with the full order of worship and song lyrics.
- Children’s Corner: Dedicated space for children with quiet activities, books, and art supplies, so the whole family can participate in worship.
- Open Communion offered to all (on the first Sunday of each month).
- Hangout time after the worship experience.
- Sunday School for children. A 30 minute session beginning right after the worship experience held next to Children’s Corner.
Interested in becoming a member? The church offers classes for new members in the fall and spring and culminates in a New Member's Ceremony during those seasons.
Our History
Minooka United Methodist Church was founded in 1856. Those first services were held in a storefront and later in a school. The first church was built in 1866 and has been located at the corner of Church and Massasoit Streets since that time. When the original church was destroyed by a tornado in 1917, a new sanctuary was built. That 1917 building was remodeled and enlarged during 1981 and 1982.
Our congregation continues to grow and while most of our members are of United Methodist background, we have many members from many different faiths. The church serves the Minooka area and surrounding cities.
Come grow with us! We broke ground on the new home of Minooka United Methodist Church on May 1st, 2021. Our first service was held at our new Ridge Road church on March 3, 2024.
Our Team
Dave Buerstetta
Pastor
Striving to follow Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors makes Dave passionate about building community, pursuing social justice, and exploring relational theology. From the biblical tradition and our own experiences, we’ve inherited a beautiful vision calling us to partner with God’s Spirit to create a just and caring society that understands “we are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.”
After growing up in eastern Iowa, Dave (he/him) earned a B.A. from Augustana College (IL) and an M.Div. from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Though he is ordained by American Baptist Churches, USA, Dave has been a pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church since 1995. Dave started serving as Pastor of Minooka UMC in July 2023.
While Dave is devoted to the many aspects of pastoral ministry, he derives the most delight from preaching, designing worship services, conversing with children, teaching youth and adults, and organizing outreach projects.
Recognizing that the body-mind-spirit connection is key for living abundantly, Dave stays active working out regularly, reading extensively, and praying contemplatively. He also enjoys geeking out to science fiction and superhero shows and is a White Sox fan. Dave and his spouse Joann have two children and reside in Naperville.
Melissa Candler
Office Manager
Melissa Candler brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate heart to her role as MUMC’s Office Manager. Born and raised in Romeoville, Melissa attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in her youth and later became an active choir member at The Israel of God Church in Chicago.
From a young age, she was immersed in her parents' metal fabrication business, where she quickly rose to the role of Office Manager by the age of 18, showcasing her strong dedication and work ethic. She later worked in the financial industry as a life insurance agent, bank teller supervisor, and most recently the office manager of a life insurance and investment company.
What sets Melissa apart is her genuine love for people and her unwavering commitment to service and empathy. She approaches every interaction with warmth and understanding, embodying the values of compassion and care. As part of the MUMC family, Melissa is thrilled to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share her faith in the Lord.
Outside of work, Melissa's world revolves around her family. With three daughters and two grandsons, she cherishes every moment spent with them. She finds solace and joy in her flower garden and embraces the outdoors whenever possible.
As Melissa joins our team, she's eager to fully immerse herself in our found family and contribute her talents to serving the community.
Jillian Kohler
Music Director
Jillian is a full-time Home Care Aide for a local “help at home” company in Joliet, Illinois. She lives in Morris, Illinois, and grew up in rural Minooka. Jillian is married to William Kohler, and has one step-daughter, Kyla Kohler.
Jillian has been studying and playing music since age six, with her primary instrument being the flute. Since she was ten, Jillian has been playing her flute in Minooka United Methodist Church. Jillian received her Associate’s in Arts at Joliet Junior College, and then went on to study Music Education at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois.
Jillian is a third generation organist and music director at Minooka United Methodist Church. For over thirty years prior to her direction, her Great Uncle Lew Davies served as the organist, and prior to those years, his mother (and Jillian’s Great Grandmother) Bette Davies was the organist for over fifty years!
Jillian grew up in Minooka United Methodist Church, and is committed to being the hands and feet of our great Lord. Jillian also serves as the piano player in the MUMC Praise Band. Jillian looks forward to playing and directing music at MUMC for many years to come.