CHURCH STAFF & TEAM
PASTOR
HEAD OF STAFF
REV. DAVID BLACK
Pastor Black (he/him) is an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He began pastoring First Church in September 2020.
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY
CALVIN CARTER
Calvin (he/him) has been directing the music ministry of First Church since 2022. His background is in Jazz, Classical, and Improv Theater.
MINISTER OF VIRTUAL WORSHIP
MARIANA THOMAS, M.DIV
Mariana (she/her) hosts and ministers to those who worship with us on Zoom. She also leads the Black Organizing Program at Planned Parenthood.
RENTALS & EVENTS MANAGER
DOZZY IBEKWE
Dozzy (he/him) is a veteran events and venue manager. He is the first point of contact for all who are interested in holding events, programs, and longterm rentals at First Church. He is also the founder and head chef of the West African establishment, Dozzy’s Grill
MARKETING & PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
SANJEEV SINGH
Sanjeev (he/him) has a deep background in nonprofit leadership. He coordinates the church’s extensive list of partnerships, outreach, and events.
PASTORAL RESIDENT
WENDY CORDERO RUGAMA
Wendy (she/her) is a Costa Rican theology student and pastor-in-training. Her studies have focused on theology’s intersections with issues of race, gender, and post-colonialism.
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
SCOTT VINCENT CAMPBELL
Scott is a visual artist and curator with an MFA from the University of Chicago. His practice is grounded in the methodology and traditions of assemblage, collage, and the re-purposed/manipulated object.
LITURGICAL ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE / SOMATIC MINISTER (2022-2023)
ALEXX TEMEÑA
Alexx Temeña (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, experiential designer, and somatic minister. Her residency at First Church is funded by a grant from FTE.
ARTS PROGRAM COORDINATOR & ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
MAX LI
Max (he/him) is First Church’s first artist-in-residence. A multidisciplinary maker and artist, Max’s media range from tintype photography to lego sculpture. He serves as the coordinator for local artists interested in using the church as a venue for performances and exhibitions.
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
KAHARI BLACKBURN
Kahari Blackburn is a Chicago born and based visual artist who loves analog and digital visual mediums. He is a part of the Mural Moves Paint crew which has designed and installed many large scale murals over the city of Chicago.
FACILITIES & CUSTODIAL MAINTENANCE
MARK JOHNSON
Mark (he/him) keeps our building clean and functioning. He is also the entrepreneur and head chef behind BellyUp 63rd, a Jerk restaurant startup in Woodlawn.
PARISH DOG
BELLA
Bella likes to play, nap, make new friends, and chase the fluff that falls out of her fur. She is a good listener and a quiet, affectionate companion.
Schedule a Session by emailing pastor@chicagofirstchurch.org
