Senior Pastor

Rev. Mikyska began his ministry in the Church by serving as a Youth Director at Gloria Dei (Downers Grove, IL) in 1999. He graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology and was ordained into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in 2010. Pastor Jeff has previously served in ordained ministry at congregations in both Aurora and Elgin.

Rev. Mikyska spent his childhood in Mount Prospect, IL, attending Forest View High School and graduating from Rolling Meadows High School. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in History​ Education from Illinois State University, with Minors in both Political Science and Psychology.

Following college, Pastor Jeff taught Social Sciences for five years at LaSalle-Peru High School. Upon moving back to the Chicago area, he began his work in youth ministry, and eventually chose to enroll in seminary. He earned his Master of Divinity Degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in May, 2010. Pastor Jeff writes a Devotional Blog called Experience the Trinity, which is available on WordPress.com. He also published a devotional book in 2013, called Breath of God: Works of the Spirit. He describes himself as a Contemplative Christian writer and preacher.

Rev. Mikyska and his wife, Gail, have two adult children. Their son James lives with his wife in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their daughter Allison lives with her husband in Elburn. In his free time, Pastor Jeff likes to take hikes through the woods with his camera, capturing as many nature photos as he can. Pastor Jeff is also a large sports fan, especially following hockey and baseball. Amongst his favorite places to visit are Lake Geneva, Door County, and Ontario, Canada. He is quick to point out that if we look hard enough, we can see the fingerprints of God all around us!

Email Pastor Jeff at Pastor@BethanyBatavia.org

Director of Music

Mark grew up in Rochester, Minnesota. The desire to be a church musician was amonst his earliest memories. Piano lessons came first and then organ lessons during high school.

Mark attended college at St. Olaf in Minnesota and Concordia in River Forest, IL, studying theology, music and education. His entire career has been spent serving Christ in churches in Texas and Illinois as an educator, musician, and administrator.

Mark has two sons, both of whom are married and live nearby. When not working he likes to hike, camp, travel and read. Travel is a passion, having spent much of the past years planning and managing international travel for university students and alumni.

​Mark is delighted to be back in parish ministry serving the people of Bethany Lutheran and the Batavia community. MarkWaldron@BethanyBatavia.org

Organist

Alan Spear has been the organist at Bethany since 2006, having previously served as organist for a number of churches, including Methodist, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, United Church of Christ, and Catholic. Alan studied organ at the New England Conservatory of Music, Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford, CT, and at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. With a strong interest in creative improvisation, Alan feels very fortunate to be able to play the wonderful Aeolian Skinner organ and Kawai piano at Bethany.  AlanSpear@BethanyBatavia.org

Church Administrator

Darlene and her family became members of Bethany in 2011 and she joined the Bethany staff in 2014. In her free time, Darlene loves sewing, quilting and mixed media art. She also loves to cook, garden and support scouting activities with her family. Darlene’s favorite aspect of her career at Bethany is helping people connect with each other and with Bethany’s many missions.

You can email Darlene at DarleneHutchens@BethanyBatavia.org

Administrative Assistant

Sue spent her early years on the north side of Chicago and nearby suburbs. She met her husband, Joe, at Triton College in River Grove and married in 1988. They moved to the tri-city area in 2001 to be closer to family.

Sue graduated from Elmhurst College with a double major in psychology and business management. Sue’s full-time work career was centered in downtown Chicago. She joined the staff at Bethany in October 2021.

Sue and Joe enjoy dancing, walking and spending time with family and friends. SueJarocki@BethanyBatavia.org

Financial Secretary

EdMcQuillan@BethanyBatavia.org

Director of Youth and Family Ministry

Emma grew up in Batavia and was baptized and confirmed here at Bethany, continuing a multi-generational legacy. She spent many years volunteering as a youth leader, Confirmation teacher, and Sunday School teacher at Bethany. She joined the staff in the Fall of 2022.

Emma started her work in youth ministry working at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries as a camp counselor for three summers during college. She earned her degree in Middle Level Teaching and Learning from Northern Illinois University in 2019. In addition to serving on Bethany’s staff, Emma teaches 7th grade social studies and math full time. She has a passion for working with all ages of children, but especially middle schoolers.

Emma is also a musician, enjoying playing the piano and flute. She accompanies the Swedish-American Children’s Chorus, who rehearse at Bethany.

Emma and her husband Danny live in Dekalb with their son, Franklin. Franklin always makes appearances at Bethany’s youth and family events – he even attended Confirmation Camp as a 3-month-old! EmmaHess@BethanyBatavia.org

Diaconal Ministry
Ministry Ambassador

Debbie is a commissioned Spiritual Director as well as a graduate of Metro-Chicago Synod’s Diakonia program for Lay Ministry Leaders. She now serves as the chairperson for Metro-Chicago Synod’s Diakonia committee. Debbie currently serves Bethany in a variety of ministries and promotes Bethany in the community. She is Bethany’s representative to the Chamber of Commerce and Not-For-Profic community group. Her outside interests include gardening, sewing, eading, music and watching movies. DebbieGarrison@BethanyBatavia.org