Chris Purdy '27

Ruling Elder

Chris Purdy grew up in Collierville, TN. He was taught the Christian faith by his parents and pastors throughout his childhood and understood his need for a Savior from an early age. He went to Moody Bible Institute, where he met his amazing wife Stacey Purdy. He then attended Wheaton College Graduate School for a time where he enjoyed learning reformed and covenant theology. After that he decided to pursue teaching credentials in mathematics through a teacher residency program in Memphis, TN, and later through a master's degree in pure mathematics at Northern Illinois University.
Chris enjoys lap swimming, gardening, and spending time with his family.

Todd Kyle '26

Todd began attending WPC in the early 2000s. He first was drawn to Christ through the Awana program in elementary school. He attended Ferris State University in Michigan where he studied Print Management. Currently he works as a scheduler for a printing company in Niles.

 Todd has been married to Laura since 2012. They enjoy watching the Cubs, Bears, and --thanks to Laura--the Blackhawks. They also enjoy music, going to concerts, playing games, and walking their dog, Steve Martin, a rescue with a unique history. Todd and Laura are both grateful for WPC and its commitment to preaching the Bible and impacting the Elgin area and the world and consider it a privilege to serve the congregation.

Timothy Daugaard '26

Tim has lived in Elgin for most of his life. He first came to Westminster with his family in 1998 and has served and participated in youth group, choir, worship team, sound room, and various Bible studies and life groups over the years. Tim came to saving faith at the age of 17 and after high school he attended Covenant College, majoring in Biblical & Theological Studies.

In the ten years since college, through the discipleship of his friend Aaron Lira and the fellowship and influence of friends and elders, God has deepened his understanding of the Reformed faith as well as how the gospel fuels the Christian life, and has planted in him a desire to pursue godliness faithfully in all areas of his life. In his spare time, he enjoys time with friends, reading, board games, cooking, writing poetry, and going on Word-walks.

Connel McHugh '26

Connel has been attending Westminster with his family for over 4 years. He grew up in a non-denominational church in Arlington Heights where he sat under the faithful teaching of God’s Word and came to faith at an early age. He continued to be strengthened in his faith while in college while attending Bible studies with Aaron Lira, Tim Daugaard, Nick Holmer, and other young men in the church, where they studied the Bible and it’s applicability to the daily life of a Christian. These studies strengthened and edified Connel’s understanding of the fundamental truths found in the gospel.

He was married to his wife Jessica in 2022, and resides in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Connel works as a physical therapist in a variety of settings, and enjoys spreading the hope found in the Great Healer alone.

Nathan Holmer '27

Nathan has been attending Westminster with his family since he was a toddler, and has grown up being involved in many aspects of the church. He has fond memories of being in Sunday school with Mr. Campus and Mr. Schwartz, singing in the church choir, serving in the praise band, participating in youth group, and serving on a mission trip. Westminster is where he came to Christ in middle school. He became a strong believer in college while attending Bible studies with Aaron Lira, Tim Daugaard, his brother Nick, and other young men in the church, where they studied the Bible and topics such as election, apologetics, and reformed theology. These studies strengthened his relationship with the Lord and grew his thirst for the Word.

Nick Holmer '27

Nick Holmer has been a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for many years, coming to WPC with his family a couple of decades ago. He has grown up in the church going to and enjoying Sunday school with Rick Hess and being involved with youth group led by Rich Engle, as well as participating in the worship band. Being raised in a Christian home and going to church his whole life, there is not a specific moment in his life that Nick remembers answering the effectual call by God’s grace. Through the discipleship, mentoring, and teaching of his mother, Sunday school teachers, and spiritual leaders in his life, he has learned and continually learns of the free and special grace of God and how our faith should be lived out here on earth. Aaron Lira, being one of these spiritual leaders, was influential in shepherding and leading Nick, his brother Nathan, and several other men in the church in valuable and memorable biblical/theological studies. Nick grew up in Hampshire, IL with his family, including his parents and three siblings. He met his wife Lauren at Grove City College in Pennsylvania and married her May 2020.

Jeff Nehlsen '28

Jeff Nehlsen was born in Elgin and grew up in Bartlett, IL. He first came to know Christ through his involvement in youth church, guided by his parents, and has continued to grow in his faith throughout adulthood. The book of John holds a special place in his heart, with John 15:1–11 serving as a guiding scripture and a continual reminder of God’s Word in his life. Since 2021, Jeff and his family have been part of the WPC community, where he serves in the sound room, managing audio, video, and slides for both in-person services and live streams. With a talent for technology, he has enhanced the church’s media room, helping those who cannot attend in person still feel connected to worship.

Jeff attended Elgin Community College and DeVry University and currently works in systems administration management for a multinational financial services corporation. He has been married to his wife, Lauren, since 2008, and together they have three sons who attend Westminster Christian School, along with two rescue dogs. Jeff has a heart for youth sports and has coached basketball and baseball for several of his sons’ teams. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, boating, traveling, and, most of all, spending quality time with his family.

Patrick Bertsche '28

Patrick (Pat) Bertsche has been a member of WPC for many years, starting when he accepted the Superintendent role at Westminster Christian School in 2009.  After serving the school for four years, God led him back into the business world where today he runs an industrial automation company.  Pat and his wife Melanie have been married for over 36 years and have four adult children who all went through WCS from K to 12 and now have blessed them with 10 grandchildren. Pat grew up in Schaumburg and attended Awana at Calvary Baptist Church where he felt God’s call upon his life.  Attending Wheaton Academy and then LeTourneau University (Longview, TX) deepened Pat’s faith as he was continually engaged in spiritual conversations and studying God’s Word. Pat’s heart is geared towards leadership, discipleship and serving and has greatly enjoyed the fellowship, teaching and community at WPC.