Staff

James Tony - Senior Pastor

The Rev. James R. Tony was called to serve as Pastor of the Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church on August 15, 1990. Pastor Tony (known informally as "PT") was ordained on September 29, 1974, in his home church in Kenmore, New York. During PT's tenure at PPPCC, average weekly attendance has more than doubled and many programs have been added or expanded. His responsibilities as Head of Staff include preaching, teaching, administration, evangelism and planning. Pastor Tony is married to Patricia Barry Tony and they have two children, Kara (LiVecche) and Jonathan, both graduates of Calvin College. PT previously served as Senior Pastor of the John Calvin Presbyterian Church in a suburb of St. Louis. Prior to that he was Assistant Pastor at the Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kansas. He enjoys travel and has led groups to Israel twice and to Greece and Turkey on the "Journeys of Paul." In addition to his addiction to golf, PT also enjoys gardening, woodworking and baking.

David Carlton
Associate Pastor

David Carlton - Associate Pastor

David Carlton was called to become our Associate Pastor of Nurture and Discipleship on September 17, 2004. He comes to us most recently from Liberty Corner, NJ, where he was the Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, David had been the youth director for the Burlingame, CA, Presbyterian Church, near San Francisco, for 4 years prior to entering Princeton. Pastor Carlton has a real heart for people, a winsome personality and a ready smile. His responsibilities include pastoral leadership of the Deacons, Stephen Ministry, Hospitality Team, teaching, preaching and collaborating in all aspects of church life. He is married to Jane who is completing a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northwestern University. On September 1, 2009 they were blessed with Liam David Carlton. David is an avid San Diego Padres fan, having grown up in the San Diego, CA, area. He’s also pretty good at ping pong – he beat the staff ping pong champ, Dorothy Wertzbaugher.

Margaret Downs
Director of Children's Ministry

Margaret Downs - Director of Childrens Ministry

Margaret L. "Maggie" Downs began her ministry at Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church as Director of Children's Ministry on December 1, 1998. Her primary responsibilities are to direct the Children's programs for children in fifth grade and younger, working with both the children and the volunteers who serve in the programs. Previously Maggie served as Director of Children's Education at First Presbyterian Church in Margate, Florida. Additionally she has worked with disabled children and adults, taught in church camps and retreats, taught workshops for volunteer teachers and parents, and produced a puppet/drama/music program for families.

Robert Van Baren
Director of Youth Ministries

Robert Van Baren - Director of Youth Ministries

Robert "Bob" Van Baren came to Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church in July 2005 to take up the ministry with junior high and senior high students as a full-time staff member. Formerly Youth Director at the First Reformed Church in South Holland, Illinois, Bob has a love for young people and experience in their issues, needs and concerns. Mission trips, sports, Bible studies and "hanging out" characterizes his time as he invites youth to consider the claims of Christian faith. Bob is married to Kristine, who is a history professor at Moraine Valley Community College. Bob and Kristine were blessed with an addition to their family when Kyra Beth was born in April of 2007.