Rev. Dr. thom bower, Pastor and Teacher

Rev. Dr. thom bower is ordained in the United Church of Christ. He has served local congregations, taught seminary, and traveled with a circus as a clown. His professional background includes extensive experience in both the performing arts and helping churches in various sorts of discernment. He holds a doctoral degree in Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He also holds three master’s degrees from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religious Education, and Master of Arts in Theological Studies (focused on teaching the bible). thom but grew up in a long family tradition in the UMC (and the EUB before it). In his spare time, he likes to build LEGO castles and dreams of running away with the circus – again.

Email Pastor: thomCOTTC@gmail.com

Clinton Velman, Pianist

Clinton Velman has performed in Asia, Europe, Notth and South American in such prestigious venues as the Palacio de Festivales in Santander, Spain and Carnegie Hall in NYC. Soloist with professional orchestras, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra among them.

He teaches piano in the Chicago area and has developed a successful system to teach children as young as 2 1/2 years old. All of his students have won several Gold and Silver Medals from competitions organized by the Music Teachers National Association. 

He was the Music Director of the First Unitarian Church of Chicago, and pianist at churches in Milwaukee, WI, Pittsburgh, PA and Caracas, Venezuela.

Erika Colin, Office Manager

Erika has served at Church of the Three Crosses since 2006, bringing over 25 years of corporate experience in administration, office management, and marketing.

Email Erika: admin@churchofthethreecrosses.org