Leadership

The Rev. Diane Tomlinson

Rev. Diane Tomlinson comes to us from Bath, North Carolina where she served in the state's oldest church. Originally from Michigan, Diane attained her MDiv from Huron University College in London, Ontario as well as a Master's of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Spring Arbor University. Diane is passionate about social justice and serving the needs of all in God's community and she is happy to be back in an urban setting with opportunities to serve others. In her spare time, Diane likes to read, cook, and travel, fulfilling a dream of going to Machu Picchu as well as traveling in Europe and Central America. She has been married to her husband Mark for 36 years. They have one son, Andrew who lives in Washington, DC with his wife Alyssa. The real love of her life though is her dog, Otis Campbell Tomlinson.

The Rev. Dcn. Douglas Rogers

Doug has served Emmanuel Episcopal since his ordination to the vocational deaconate in 2004. He has an under-graduate degree in communications, and has completed five units of clinical pastoral education. During this course of study he was an intern at Rockford Memorial Hospital, and served his residency at Meritor Hospital in Madison. Prior to his retirement he was employed as a staff chaplain at a 500 bed trauma one hospital in central Wisconsin. In addition to his service as a deacon, Doug provides a prayer ministry during each Sunday worship service.

Wayne Hatwich

Wayne Hatwich received the Master of Arts degree in music from the University of Iowa where his study included organ, voice and accompaniment. At Iowa, he sang with Daniel Moe’s 60-voice University Choir. Other instructors at Iowa included Gerhard Krapf, Delbert Disselhorst, Naomi Rowley, Eldon Obrecht, Richard Hervig, and Bruce Macombie.

Founding and leading Rockford’s Bach Chamber Choir for its first 15 years until 1998, Mr. Hatwich directed choral repertoire ranging from Heinrich Schütz to twentieth-century composers.

Mr. Hatwich has been and continues to be inspired and enriched by participating in classes and workshops led by significant leaders in organ and choral music, such as: Anton Heiller, Marie Claire Alain, Helmuth Rilling, Sir David Willcocks, John Scott, Simon Preston, Gillian Wier and Paul Jacobs.

Wayne sings with the community group Camerata Emanon Singers, and has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for that organization. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists as newsletter editor.

Mr. Hatwich is retired from his former position as healthcare information system consultant for Healthcare Performance Group, and from his previous position as administrative pharmacist at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Gardening, travel, music and family consume and enrich his time.

Trish Rooney

Trish Rooney is thankful to have shared the Music Ministry responsibilities with Wayne Hatwich since 2008. A cradle Episcopalian, she has also served in United Methodist and Presbyterian congregations. She is an active volunteer with the Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, the Rockford Chapter of Guitars for Vets, the Beta Gamma Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, and Emmanuel Guild. She began choral accompanying as a student at Rockford West High School, and continued throughout her educational career at Rock Valley College (AA), Rockford University (BFA) where she was introduced to the organ by Marsha Foxgrover, and the University of North Texas (MME). Trish has been active in the musical life of the Rockford community in many varied positions: Elementary Music Specialist for the Rockford Public Schools, adjunct faculty member at RVC and RU, and accompanist for many local organizations including Bach Chamber Choir, Camerata Emanon, Kantorei-the Singing Boys of Rockford, Rock Valley Children’s Choir, and Rock Valley College Starlight Theatre. She continues to be amazed by and thankful for the power of God’s love as shared by the Emmanuel congregation.

Gale Degner

My name is Gale Degner; I have been an Episcopalian all my life. As a child I grew up going to Holy Trinity in Belvidere. My husband, Dan and I have been members of Emmanuel since 2000, and in February 2009 I was hired as Parish Administrator. I enjoy singing in our Church Choir, participating in Emmanuel Guild, Grace Guild and Altar Guild activities. Prior to working here, I also worked for a law firm for over six years and J.L. Clark for 24 years. Dan and I live in Loves Park, have two Scottish Terriers, Cooper and Loki and enjoy outdoor activities.

Dale Thomas

Dale Thomas became the Treasuer at Emmanuel in January 2017. Dale is a Certified Manufacturing Accountant employed by the Helm Group. Dale and his wife, Mendy, have been dedicated parishioners at Emmanuel for over two decades serving the church in many roles as vestry member, Acolyte warden, ushers and church school teachers. Mendy is active in Emmanuel Guild. They are the parents of Hayley Thomas and Lauren Thomas Snyder (Caleb) and grandparents of Micah.

Maria Mendia

Maria Mendia is a certified elementary teacher and has served as nursery coordinator for 25 years. Children at Emmanuel Episcopal have a friendly, welcoming, and secure place to play and get to know God's people.

Courtney Oakes

Courtney Oakes has been with Emmanuel for 4 years as the Director of Children and Family Ministries. Courtney has many years of experience working with youth and loves working with the families of Emmanuel. Courtney’s husband Matt is on the Vestry and they have three children: Liam, Molly and Libby. While new to the Episcopal tradition, Courtney is no stranger to liturgy and parish life. She and Matt knew Emmanuel was home when they were welcomed with open arms. Emmanuel’s inclusive community and values make it an easy choice as a church home for their family. If you have any questions about Christian Formation or getting connected as a family to Emmanuel, please email Courtney at Coakes@emmanuelrockford.org.

Tim Borden

Tim Borden has been serving a Sexton at Emmanuel for two years. Or to view it another way, he has had two seasons of spring, summer and fall to improve and upgrade the gardens around the churhch. In addition he makes the church look its absolute best for events and every day use. Tim is a baritone who sings in the Emmanuel choir and in Camerata Emanon.

Rachel Boge

Rachel can’t wait to help share the message and mission of Emmanuel Episcopal with the Rockford community! Her duties include managing the camera on Sunday mornings, keeping the website, Facebook, and Instagram accounts regularly updated as well as other duties as assigned.

Rachel is a lifelong Rockfordian and has worked at Rock Valley College in their Communications and Marketing department for the past two years. Rachel attended North Park University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, hanging out with her dog, and working on DIY projects around her house.

Jean Frana

Alan Gibby

Peter Gottlick

Jacob Hardesty

Stacey LaRosa

Mathew Oakes

Susan Schmitz

Jennifer Smith

Kathryn Torrence