Meet our Staff

CARRIE MERCER – Lead Pastor
I’m Pastor Carrie Mercer. I was part of a small team who began The Northside Community Church in 2010. My life was changed when I was introduced to Jesus through a neighborhood bus ministry at the age of 8. I have a passion for people of all ages to find and follow Jesus.

I am a graduate of The Moody Bible Institute. I started in full time ministry as a Children’s Pastor. After thirteen years of leading thousands of children into a deeper understanding of who God is, God called me to use my leadership, teaching and shepherding gifts to begin, inspire and oversee Northside.

I have been married to my husband Corey since October 2000. We have two sons Cameron and Payton. In my free time, I enjoy taking walks, enjoying the sunshine every time it’s out, playing games, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and eating many different kinds of cheese!

As the Lead Pastor, I also have the responsibilities of being on the church elder team, being a non-voting member of the church board, and overseeing the church leadership team.

Meet our Elders

MARK ZINKE
Hi, My name is Mark Zinke. My wife, Julie, and I live in Chicago not far from Northside.  We have 3 children, One in the army and 2 in college.   We’ve been involved at Northside Church since 2017.  I am on the elder board and sometimes I fix things in the church building.  I’m usually involved with Northside bible studies and every now and then I preach on Sunday mornings.

I grew up on a farm in rural Connecticut and at 19 made an impulsive swap for city life, moving to Chicago.  Since in Chicago I started going to school; got my GED, studied the bible at Moody Bible Institute and social work at UIC.  To make money I manage property for a homeless shelter in Chicago and provide counseling to people, usually online.  I like hanging out with friends and family and fixing things.

Meet our Church Board

DON SCHMITZ – Board President
Hi, I’m Don Schmitz, I have been attending Northside since 2015, along with my wife, Ellen.

Right now, I serve as President of the congregation and on the Finance Team. I also usher on Sunday mornings and try to fill in wherever needed. You may see me show up as a character in a skit now and then. 

I worked for 35 years in our family owned metal crafting business. Now, you can find me at The Home Depot, so if you ever need any tools, stop by. In my spare time I love to get together with family and friends, and of course, babysit for our first grandchild, Noah.

See you on The Northside!

EUGIENE BACHEMIN – Board Vice President
Hi, my name is Eugiene Bachemin and I have been a part of the Northside Community Church since it’s start in 2010. I am the vice president and secretary of our church board, as well as a member of the worship team and a Sunday school teacher. I have also served on the youth group team, led women’s bible study, and served during Vacation Bible School (VBS). 

I am elementary school teacher and a single mom to three amazing young men. I love spending time with my family, traveling, and sharing meals with friends. I can honestly say that being part of the Northside family is one of the greatest blessings in my life.

BILL HAMPE – Treasurer
Hello!  My name is Bill Hampe and I have been attending Northside since 2017.  I currently serve as the church treasurer which entails handling the day-to-day finances and processing donations.  I also serve on the Church Board and the Audio Visual team for the Sunday morning services and other activities.

I am a Software Engineer working for one of the largest credit unions in the country and deal with computers and technology. I am married with two adult children.  My wife and I are both Chicago natives with most of the family still local.

I am so very thankful to be able to serve as part of the Northside Family!

Mark Sawires – Board Director
Hi. I’m Mark, and I’ve been serving and overseeing the Northside Hospitality team for the last few years. Our goal is to make Sunday morning welcoming and comfortable for everyone. I also serve on the Board, the Leadership team, and volunteer as a tutor.

My wife, Tracy, and I have 2 grown children. I am happy to call Northside home.

ARETHA BROWN – Nominator
Hello! My name is Aretha Brown and I have been calling Northside home since 2011.

I serve on the Leadership Team, Children’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Worship Team, and Vacation Bible School (VBS).

I am a Relocation Agent in the Housing sector; servicing residential and business occupants who are displaced due to modernization, expansion, or rehabilitation.  I love movies in the park, road trips, and all things art and culture! When I’m not avoiding parallel parking, I’m daydreaming of being organized and tech-savvy.  

Two of my favorite Northside core values are helping people find and follow Jesus and making children, and youth a priority

COREY MERCER – Nominator
My name is Corey Mercer. I have been at Northside from its very beginning. I am on the board as a nominator. I also lead the AV team and play guitar on the worship team.

During the week, I am a software engineer. I am married to a really funny senior pastor, have 2 grown boys, and I enjoy playing guitar, playing video games, and long walks on the beach.

Meet our Leadership Team

LUANN HAMPE
I am Lulu or Antielu Hampe, I am  retired from food service, where I not only had the opportunity to be a friendly and encouraging lunch lady but also was able to oversee the health and nutrition of hundreds of campers each summer.

I love Northside because this is my family, especially my girlfriends.  I have a heart for working with youth and continue to serve for the youth ministry and for the Northside Tutoring program.

SHARON HUGGINS
Hello everyone! My name is Sharon Huggins and I have attended the Northside Community Church since 2018.

When I found the Northside, I was searching for answers and solutions to things I was going through.  I had walked past the church many times, not realizing that it was a church.  One day as I was walking past the church, so filled with anger and frustration, there was a young lady standing in the doorway of the church and she asked if I was coming in. I wasn’t planning to but I did.   After hearing the worship and the worship music I was unable to move. I got struck down by the Holy Spirit and I’ve been here ever since.

I became a member of the hospitality team, I oversaw the nursery, I assisted in children’s Sunday school, tutoring, and I am now on the leadership team. I also have the privilege of being a “greeter” on Sunday mornings and I also sing with the worship team.  I am so grateful to God for what He is doing in my life.

Outside of church, I am a Caregiver for an elderly couple that I adore.

We at the Northside are a family of believers and we would love for you to join us. Come as you are and you will fit right in

COREY MERCER
My name is Corey Mercer. I have been at Northside from its very beginning. I am on the board as a nominator. I also lead the AV team and play guitar on the worship team.

During the week, I am a software engineer. I am married to a really funny senior pastor, have 2 grown boys, and I enjoy playing guitar, playing video games, and long walks on the beach.

LAURA MILLER
Hello! My name is Laura Miller and I have been with Northside since its first days in 2010. I currently serve on the Leadership Team overseeing outreach events, women’s ministry, and preschool. I also love having the opportunity to be a part of the Northside tutoring program and facilitating Financial Peace University classes.

I am an Occupational Therapist and currently work with students from Kindergarten through 5th grade. In my free time, I enjoy being with family and friends.  One of my favorite gifts in life is being an aunt to 8 nieces and nephews ranging from the ages of 6 to 21.

I am so very grateful to be a part of the Northside Family!

MARK SAWIRES
Hi. I’m Mark, and I’ve been serving and overseeing the Northside Hospitality team for the last few years. Our goal is to make Sunday morning welcoming and comfortable for everyone. I also serve on the Board, the Leadership team, and volunteer as a tutor.

My wife, Tracy, and I have 2 grown children. I am happy to call Northside home.

ELLEN SCHMITZ
Hello! My name is Ellen Schmitz and I have been with Northside since about 2015. What drew me here to begin with was the kids. I LOVE teaching kids about the Bible and helping them get to know God better. I have fallen in love with the people that call Northside home. I am on the leadership team that plans Northside’s activities. Mostly I teach and plan Sunday School for our elementary kids.

During the week I am an elementary teacher. My husband, Don and I have three grown children. Our biggest joy of late is our new grandson, Noah! We love to travel and camp whenever we can.

I can’t wait to meet you!