STAFF
STAFF
Rev. Kenneth Jensen, Pastor
Pastor Ken comes to the Midwest from San Diego, California. His education journey began at UC San Diego, where he earned a degree in Political Science. His journey continued to law school, and on to more than three decades of service as an advisor to the judiciary at the San Diego Superior Court.
Alongside his legal career, Ken carried a persistent call to ministry—a call that ultimately led him to Bethel Seminary in San Diego, where he earned his Master of Divinity. Drawn to the United Church of Christ’s commitment to inclusion and social justice, he was ordained in May 2025.
His journey has been rich with life experiences: raising five incredible daughters (yes, five!), becoming a grandfather, and navigating deep personal growth.
Outside the worlds of ministry, Ken finds joy in music—he has sung in choirs since childhood and, with a little practice, just might be found at the piano. Ken finds enjoyment in cycling and swimming, always ready for a new challenge, whether that’s a long ride or an open-water swim (though he’s still warming up to the idea of Lake Michigan!). He enjoys reading, writing poetry, and diving into new ideas and perspectives.
As a pastor, Ken is eager to walk alongside others and encourage us all to follow Jesus. “I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth…I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:18-19)
Alice Scardina, Office Administrator
Alice is a native of Guayaquil, Ecuador.
She immigrated to the United States 11 years ago and married her husband Vincent. Together they have three children and many pets.
With a background as a System Analyst and many years of experience as an Administrative Assistant, Alice’s last two roles were at Catholic schools in the area.
A proud American citizen, Alice is delighted to join the St. John UCC community. She shares, “I have been welcomed, and everyone has shown me a positive and supportive environment. I’m looking forward to serving alongside this great community and getting to know everyone better.”
J. Paul Cochran, Organist
Dr. J. Paul Cochran is organist at St. John United Church of Christ. He has been hooked on church music since the age of six when he performed his first organ prelude. He has served as organist and/or choir director at numerous churches throughout his life. Paul received a Bachelor of arts in Chemistry/Math from Hanover College, a Master of Music in piano from the University of Redlands, and a Doctor of Music in Composition from Northwestern University. He remains active as accompanist, composer, and arranger and as a member of the choir and worship band. Paul appreciates the openness and welcoming spirit of the St. John community. Now retired from a career as an actuary, he resides in Arlington Heights with his wife Lana.
Alberto Mantovano, Choir Director
Alberto is an in-demand musician of great versatility in Greater Chicagoland. In addition to his responsibilities at St. John, he is also the Assistant Conductor and Bass Section Leader of the Elgin Master Chorale and is currently a teacher at Hampshire High School in District 300. He has performed music in a variety of capacities: as a clarinetist, he has performed in the Wheaton Municipal Band and at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic; as a vocalist, he was invited and called back for the Grant Park Orchestra Chorus and the Chicago Symphony Chorus; as a conductor, he has prepared and conducted masterworks by Brahms, Beethoven, Handel, Dett, and many others and was invited to be a Conducting Scholar for Chorus America’s 2019 Conducting Symposium. He made his professional conducting debut with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in November 2023. In addition to continuing to freelance in his various capacities, he is also a burgeoning philanthropist. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra in addition to various other nonprofit committees and organizations in the Fox Valley and beyond. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Butler University in 2015. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, exploring nature, and cooking.
Linda Styzek, Pianist
Linda is the pianist at St. John. She is a 35-year member of St. John and has been the pianist for 17 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. She currently works as a Center Director at the Mt. Prospect Park District. In addition to being the accompanist for the Chancel Choir and Worship Band, she is also a member of the Handbell Choir and the Coffeehouse Band. Linda lives in Mt. Prospect with her husband, Frank, and has 4 children and 4 grandchildren.
Carin Zachar, Bell Choir Director
Carin is the director of both the youth and adult handbell choirs, and has been a member of St. John since childhood. She received a Bachelor in Music Education from Drake University, a Master in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois, and retired in 2011 after 34 years of teaching elementary band and orchestra. A life long flutist, Carin thoroughly enjoys making music with all of the St. John musicians along with friends and members of the Palatine Concert Band. Carin resides in Palatine with her husband, Steve, and has two grown children and one granddaughter.