Church Staff
Pastor Erin Clausen
(She/Hers)
Senior Pastor
Pastor Erin brings her passion for sharing the love of God to everything she does. She believes that God has created each person with love and grace, and God desires that we experience that love and share it with each other and the world. For every person, that journey looks a little different. Pastor Erin believes that the gift of the church is that no one walks alone on this journey. Together, we can ask difficult questions and share painful moments, celebrate the joys of life, and share everything in between. Pastor Erin earned her M. Div. from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago after earning a BA from Denison University. She lives with her spouse, 3 children, 3 cats, and a tortoise.
Emily Uddenberg
Children/Youth Ministries
Emily Uddenberg has officially been on staff since 2023 after acting as interim Director of Youth Ministries since 2022, and an active part of the congregation of Prince of Peace for over twenty years. Emily oversees Confirmation and Emerge programs working to integrate youth into the framework of all our ministries. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Cleveland Institute of Music and a Masters of Music from New England Conservatory while currently working to integrate music into her work life. Emily is also on the Development staff of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as the Donor Dining and Stewardship Coordinator.
Sonia Deluca
Church Secretary
Sonia works full time as Parish Secretary. She has worked for the congregation of Prince of Peace, initially part time and now full time, since June of 1989. Sonia greets visitors and members, in person and on the phone, with a smile. She maintains and schedules the church calendar, prepares the weekly bulletins, coordinates mailings, orders office supplies, & monitors office equipment. She also provides information and assistance to other staff members, boards and committees.
Karen Wagner
Director of Discipleship
Karen has been a member of the staff of Prince of Peace since August, 1994. Under Karen’s direction, Prince of Peace has developed a vibrant family and children’s ministry centered on a series of “stepping stones” of faith. She coordinates the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programming and facilitates a variety of retreat experiences including mission trips. She coordinates various Bible studies and service opportunities for adults. Karen is a certified Youth Minister through the Center for Youth Ministries at Wartburg Theological Seminary.
Collin Crowl
Organist
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Michelle Heberling
Preschool Director
Michelle loves seeing the world through the eyes of a child, and is excited to experience that everyday as the Preschool Director. She wants every child who walks through the doors to feel seen and loved as they learn, shine and have a ton of fun. Michelle joined the preschool teaching team in 2012, and her 3 children attended Prince of Peace preschool.
Scott Uddenberg
Music Director
Scott has served as Director of Music for Prince of Peace since 2003. Scott directs the Adult Choir, Handbell Choir, Children’s Choirs, and instrumental ensembles, and coordinates the Community Concert Series. He has held similar posts with prior congregations at Lyonsville Congregational Church, Gary United Methodist, and Living Lord Lutheran Church. Scott holds a Masters in Music from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University.
In addition to his church responsibilities, Scott has an active performance schedule and regularly appears with the Chicago Symphony Chorus and Grant Park Chorus. He has additional professional credits with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Music of the Baroque, Florentine Opera, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Ravinia Festival, and as national anthem soloist for the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls. Further, he serves on the voice faculty and is the music director for the theater department at Elmhurst College. He, his wife Kristina and their four children, Emily, Benton, Jennifer and Carrie, reside in Elmhurst, IL.
