Office Manager – Theoni Limouris
Theoni Limouris, a daughter of Greek immigrants, loves to share her heritage, stories and traditions with her “American” friends. A Batavia resident for the last 16 years, she lives with her husband Nick in their empty nest. The mother of two grown(ish) children, Bella, Dennis and rescue pup turned certified therapy dog, Stella Blue.
Theoni has been an active community member who has worked and advised numerous nonprofits in Kane County. She is the Co-Founder of 100 Women Who Care Fox Valley, a women’s giving circle which has won numerous awards for their positive impact in Kane County. Theoni is joining us from CASA Kane County where she officially worked as the Office Coordinator, but was better known as the Director of Fun. Bringing joy and laughter everyday to her co-workers.
In her spare time, Theoni loves playing piano and keeps busy volunteering at; Anderson Humane, The Boys and Girls Club, and her church.
We are excited to welcome Theoni as our new Office Manager.
Deacon – Rev. Luke Pepper
Rev. Luke Pepper is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church. Deacon Luke grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and attended Fremd High School in Palatine (‘04). His home church is Our Redeemer’s UMC in Schaumburg. His favorite memories from church were attending mission trips through the Appalachia Service Project. Deacon Luke has a degree in Political Science from American University (‘08), a Master of Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary (‘11), an Executive Certificate in Church Leadership from Kellogg School of Management (‘14), a Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education from National Louis University (‘17), and a Character Education Certificate from North Central College (‘22). Deacon Luke has recently served as a contributor to an upcoming publication by Judson Press, Raising Faithful Kids: This is the Stuff of Faith.
For the past 7 and a half years, Deacon Luke has served as a middle school special education teacher at Jay Stream Middle School in Carol Stream. At Jay Stream, Deacon Luke also serves as the co-leader of the school’s Tier 2 support system, is a club sponsor, and is an union representative. He has previously served as Co-President of the Carol Stream Education Association and in other executive leadership roles. Before becoming a special education teacher, he served full time at Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove, leading their confirmation, youth, adult education, interfaith, and missions ministries for multiple years. He has also served or assisted congregations in West Dundee, Libertyville, and Waukegan.
Deacon Luke is passionate about inclusion, teaching, and helping others discern how they can help transform the world. He loves to travel to Colorado and Northern California. His faith is rooted in the belief that we are beloved by God and called to be love in this world.
Deacons are ordained clergy appointed in the United Methodist Church to bridge the church and the world. While Deacon Luke serves his primary appointment at Jay Stream Middle School, his secondary appointment will be to Batavia UMC where he’ll support our confirmation classes and other worship opportunities. Welcome Deacon Luke to Batavia UMC!