Paula Hancock
Executive Director, McKinley Foundation
paula@mckinleycu.org
217-344-0297 x 103
Paula joined the McKinley staff in 2016 with nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit management. Originally from Tuscola, Paula comes to Champaign by way of Chicago where she lived for 24 years. Paula graduated from the University of Illinois with a BA in English Literature and later earned a master of education degree from Loyola University of Chicago. She loves to travel, having summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2012, and is the proud mother of Scarlett. a very spoiled miniature dachshund.
Rev. Heidi Weatherford
Pastor, McKinley Church
heidi@mckinleycu.org
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Pastor Heidi joined us in 2002, and in 2013 we celebrated her 20 years of ordination as a minister. Heidi enjoys exploring how the ancient scriptures of Christianity and Judaism intersect with 21st-century realities that shape our faith. She often weaves music, art, poetry, current events, and activity into our worship. Her theology, a blend of old-fashioned Presbyterian and current progressive thought, means she is passionate that God’s people know they are cherished by God, who loves them as they are—no exceptions.
As pastor/moderator Heidi guides the church’s volunteer leadership board in its decision-making role. Presbyterians believe that all people, not only the pastors, share in the leadership of a congregation. The board, known as the Session, runs the ship that is church life, with Pastors Heidi and Keith acting as the rudder.
Heidi began her career as a music educator, choral director, and performer and continues to enjoy those activities in the community. She also enjoys traveling, theater, movies, reading, and attending sports events and concerts.
Rev. Keith Harris
Associate Pastor & Director of Student Ministry
Pastor Keith is a clinical psychologist as well as an ordained pastor. His infectious humor, his compassionate insights into the human condition, and his spiritual depth make him someone you want to know.
His passion for working with youth and young adults brought Keith to McKinley in 2007 to lead our outreach to University of Illinois students and the residents of Presby Hall, our student dorm. He also serves the congregation in numerous ways, including regular preaching, congregational care, and teaching.
Keith shares his love of sports, both as spectator and coach, with his three sons and daughter. He also enjoys music, movies, and manning a barbecue grill.
Sara McHenry
Director of Christian Education, McKinley Church
sara@mckinleycu.org
217-344-0297
Sara joined the church staff in July of 2019 as the Director of Christian Education. She has a BA in Spanish from Saint Louis University and a Masters in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Illinois. Originally from Urbana, Sara grew up at McKinley Church and is now happy to be raising her two children at McKinley with her husband Kenton. In her spare time she loves to travel, spend time outdoors, and read.
Jennifer Wetzel
Business Manager, McKinley Foundation
jennifer@mckinleycu.org
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Jennifer joined the Foundation staff in October of 2016. Originally from Philo (the “Center of the Universe”), Jennifer currently lives in St. Joseph with her husband and three children. A domestic engineer for 10 years, Jennifer has moved on to bookkeeping and office management. For fun, she likes reading all sorts of literature. And when the weather cooperates, she enjoys being outside.