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 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. Together they have a chocolate Labrador. 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.
Dr. Julie Rawls - Director of Music Ministry
Dr. Julie J. Rawls began her ministry at PPPCC as Director of Music Ministry in January 1997. Responsibilities include overseeing the total music program which includes the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, and two children's choirs as well as music for special events and holidays throughout the year. Previously, Julie has been a Public School Music Teacher, Minister of Music in Oklahoma and Director of Choral Activities at Tarrant County Junior College in Ft. Worth, Texas. A native Texan, Julie received her Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1998. Her husband, Dr. Arnold Rawls, is Professor of Voice/Resident Artist at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He also maintains an active professional singing career. The Rawls have two children, a son, Graham, born in 1994 and a daughter, Madison, who arrived in May 1999. Julie enjoys being outdoors, playing the piano, and traveling. In October 2001 Julie served as guest conductor of the 1st annual “Palos Sings” concert, sponsored by the Palos Fine Arts Association in connection with Illinois Arts Week.
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 comes to Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church 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" will characterize his time as he invites youth to consider the claims of Christian faith. The first major program was the Senior High Mission Trip to the Mexico-Texas border town of Renosa, Mexico. Bob is married to Kristine, who is a history professor at Moraine Valley Community College.