Rev. Dr. Tércio B. Junker

Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Tércio Junker was appointed to Friendship United Methodist Church in July 2025. Originally from Brazil, he has served as a pastor, professor, liturgist, and musician in various capacities across Latin America and the United States. He holds a Ph.D. in Liturgical Studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and has taught and led in both church and academic settings.

Before joining Friendship UMC, Pastor Tércio served congregations in Brazil and Illinois and worked at Methodist School of Theology (Brazil), Christian Theological Seminary, and Garrett-Evangelical as a professor and chapel dean. He is the author of Prophetic Liturgy: Toward a Transforming Christian Praxis and has led music and worship for global ecumenical gatherings.

Pastor Tércio is passionate about inclusive worship, deep theological reflection, and building communities where everyone feels seen, valued, and called. He is excited to begin this new chapter with Friendship UMC, walking together in faith and love.

He is married to Dr. Débora Agra Junker, an Associate Professor at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and they have three children and two grandchildren. He enjoys music, engaging conversation, and quality time with his family.

Pat Prins

Director of Administrative Services and Facilities

Pat began working for Friendship Church so long ago she doesn’t remember when she started, but it was more than ten years ago. During that time, she’s been the Building Manager. This includes supervising the janitor, making sure rooms are scheduled and cleaned for various activities, rentals, complying with the inspections required by the Village of Bolingbrook, and running the office, printing materials, mailings, and whatever else is needed. She has been a member at Friendship for many years, along with her husband Greg and three grown children. She enjoys the outdoors and camping with her family.

Vanessa Ely

Communications Director

Vanessa is a Marketing & Communications professional with experience in both congregational and corporate settings. She finds joy in communicating the story of God at work in the local church. 

Vanessa earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies from Texas A&M University, and she holds a Master of Divinity from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Daniel Chavez

Projectionist, Live Streaming

Daniel’s current duties include operating the sound system for Friendship Church services, setting up the cameras, editing, reviewing, and projecting the messages, prayers, Bible verses, and hymn lyrics on the wall screens. He also projects the words for praise band rehearsals.

Daniel graduated from North Central College in Naperville with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication and a minor in Computer Science. After graduation, he passed the CompTIA A+ exam and was awarded a certificate in technical troubleshooting. The skills he learned qualified him for his current job as a tech assistant at a Lisle elementary school in District 202. In his spare time, Daniel likes to read non-fiction.

Kloie Valdez

Graphic Design, Communications

Kloie Valdez, originally from the Philippines, moved to the United States with her mother at the age of five. A lifelong member of Friendship Church, she has been actively involved since childhood, beginning with preschool and continuing as an adult.

Kloie launched her healthcare career in 2017 and is now a Registered Nurse at Northwestern Medicine, where she is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care.

In November 2024, Kloie married at Friendship Church, celebrating this milestone surrounded by family, friends, and faith.