Deacon Class of 2027
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BEN ARNOLD
Benjamin D. Arnold grew up at Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington and has lived overseas with school, military, and work for half of his adult life. He attended St. Andrew’s University in Scotland from 1999 – 2001 before serving on active duty in the US Marine Corp from 2001-2006. Ben returned to school and graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law. He worked in Germany from 2011 – 2012 and then taught in Indonesia for 8 years where he met his wife, Michella. Ben is fluent in Bahasa Indonesian language. Ben is employed as a staff attorney for the State of Illinois. Ben is currently a part-time Master of Divinity student at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. |
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MICHELLA ARNOLD
Michella was born and raised in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. She completed degrees in International Relations and Philosophy from Gadjah Mada University. She also completed courses in fashion and design from the royal school in Yogyakarta. She has worked as a teacher and businesswoman, is the author of two books about philosophy, and was recently featured as a designer in a fashion show in Yogyakarta. Michella converted to Christianity from Islam several years ago in Indonesia. She met her husband Ben, who joined Westminster this spring, while working together as interpreters and teachers in Indonesia. She joined Westminster this summer. |
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LINDA CAUPERT
Linda Caupert has been a member at Westminster for 54 years. During that time, she has served as elder, Sunday School teacher, and is a current member of WPC Nursery Guild. Linda and her husband Ed raised two children at Westminster. Her daughter and son-in-law, Cara and Chris have a daughter who is now in confirmation. Linda earned an associate degree from Lincoln Land Community College and retired from the Illinois Telecommunication Association. Linda has been active in our community with Beta Sigma Phi service sorority and Girl Scouts. Linda enjoys golf, table games, and dancing. |
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DOROTHY HUTCHISON-GROSS
Dorothy joined Westminster in March 2024. She received degrees in Business Administration and Economics from Illinois College and a master’s degree from Roosevelt University in Marketing Communication. Dorothy worked in marketing and non-profit management for 20 years prior to working for the State of Illinois. Dorothy is the director of Facilities at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Dorothy is married and has two children and two grandchildren. Her hobbies are theater, dance, knitting, and reading. |
CHRISTIAN KENNERLY
Christian Kennerly spent his childhood and youth at Westminster and credits the church as a cornerstone in his life for over 45 years. Christian received his B.S. in Journalism and spent 21 years as a U.S. Army leader, coach, teacher, and mentor. Since returning to Springfield, he has been employed as a customer project manager at Standard Aero. He is interested in participating in Westminster programs that assist the underserved and looks forward to deepening his family’s relationship with the congregation.
Christian Kennerly spent his childhood and youth at Westminster and credits the church as a cornerstone in his life for over 45 years. Christian received his B.S. in Journalism and spent 21 years as a U.S. Army leader, coach, teacher, and mentor. Since returning to Springfield, he has been employed as a customer project manager at Standard Aero. He is interested in participating in Westminster programs that assist the underserved and looks forward to deepening his family’s relationship with the congregation.
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CLAUDIA NASH
Claudia Nash joined Westminster in 2024. Claudia has spent her career in health care, having retired from Illinois Department of Public Health as the manager of genetics and newborn screening programs. She has been involved in volunteer work including Helping Hands, Big Brother/Big Sister, the Springfield African American History Museum, and the Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault. Claudia currently tutors our Nicaraguan families and is interested in fighting homelessness, food insecurity, and environmental issues. Linda is married to Linda Andrews, who serves as the church organist in Dale Rogers’ absence. |
BRAD STELLER
Brad Steller received his B.S. degree in liberal arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Brad is a retired railroad employee who served as a union official and was active in labor mediations. He has served Westminster as Elder and Deacon and is a long-time member of the Family Ministry committee. Brad is married to Krista Steller. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. He enjoys golfing, cycling, landscaping, home construction projects, and college sports.
Brad Steller received his B.S. degree in liberal arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Brad is a retired railroad employee who served as a union official and was active in labor mediations. He has served Westminster as Elder and Deacon and is a long-time member of the Family Ministry committee. Brad is married to Krista Steller. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. He enjoys golfing, cycling, landscaping, home construction projects, and college sports.
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CATHY YOKLEY
Cathy Greek Yokley joined Westminster in March 2024 but spent her childhood and youth at Westminster. Cathy is employed as a dental hygienist. She has two daughters: Dr. Jessica Brand and Rebecca Huston, also a member at Westminster and two grandsons, Elliot and Elijah Huston. Cathy enjoys golf, gardening, reading, and cooking. |
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YOUTH MARIA LAFRENZ
Maria Lafrenz moved with her family to Springfield and joined Westminster in 2023. She is a junior at Springfield High School, is active in our youth group, and has participated in two mission trips. Maria serves as a Nursery Worker with our youngest members on Sunday mornings. Maria’s father, Todd, currently serves on Westminster’s Board of Deacons. |