Des Plaines' Christ Church to install new senior pastor

Christ Church, United Church of Christ, 1492 Henry St. in Des Plaines, announced the installation of the Rev. Jon Gilbert Martinez, Pastor Gilbert as he prefers, at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 6.

The Rev. Terrill Murff, Chicago Metropolitan Association Associate Conference minister, will be present to install Gilbert as senior pastor during the worship service.

Pastor Gilbert is a multigenerational Tejano (Texan) and Chicano (Mexican American), who has lived in the Chicago area since 2015. He is a 2019 Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary graduate with a Master of Divinity degree.

Pastor Gilbert also holds a bachelor's degree in sociology, with a minor in psychology, from the University of Texas-Pan American and two associate degrees from South Texas College.

Pastor Gilbert has spent the past year at Christ Church as designated term pastor. He received his calling as senior pastor on Jan. 9, 2022. Among his numerous activities and interests, he serves on the Advocate-Aurora Health's Mission and Spiritual Care committee and Council for Health & Human Services Ministries' Welcoming Diversity Group.

Pastor Gilbert invites the community to Christ Church with his familiar Sunday morning greeting - "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here." Within the Christ Church congregation, he places strong emphasis on pastoral care.

Besides in-person services, Chris Church broadcasts live every Sunday via its website, christchurchuccdesplaines.org, and via Facebook.com/christchurchuccdesplaines.

Christ Church is also on Instagram at Instagram.com/christchurchuccdesplaines.

For information, call (847) 297-4230.