Learning, Living, and Leading from the Heart of Christ.
Our Team
Living Grace Community Church is led by a team of elders who bring support, encouragement, and counsel to the ministry staff. Our staff team leads the day to day needs and ministries of the church. You can reach our staff team at the church office at (847) 639-7566.
Cary Hughes
Senior Pastor
Read Bio
Pastor Cary Hughes has been in local church ministry for nearly 20 years and joined us as our Senior Pastor in January 2021. He received his Masters of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL. He was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and felt the call to ministry at the age of 16 on a World Changer’s mission trip in Waukegan. Cary and his wife, Laura, have been married for 14 years and in his words, “The best part of my life, apart from God’s saving grace in Christ, is my wife Laura and our children, Mirra Grace and Brock.” Cary loves all things Chicago and believes the best pizza in all of Chicago is Uncle Jerry’s Pizza Company in Cary.
Cary’s favorite Old Testament book is Daniel and favorite New Testament book is Hebrews. Outside of the Bible, the books that have had the most impact on him are:
1.) Knowing God by J.I. Packer
2.) The Pastor in Prayer by Charles Spurgeon
3.) Anything by Jerry Bridges
Tom Menard
Associate Pastor of Student Ministries
Read Bio
Tom Menard is a current seminarian working on his Master of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. He was born and raised in Wausau, WI, where he began to serve through Child Evangelism Fellowship as a teenager. Through this ministry, God drew him to a life of full-time ministry, a calling that was affirmed at Moody Bible Institute, where he not only left with a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies but, more importantly, he met his wife Graciela there. Since being married, they have enjoyed spending life together, whether it is enjoying premium coffee together or a good Italian meal in Chicagoland.
Tom’s Favorite Old Testament book is Joel, and his favorite New Testament Book is Philippians. Outside of the Bible, the books that have had the most impact on him are:
1.) Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves.
2.) Shepherds After My Own Heart by Timothy Laniak.
3.) Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Laura Hughes
Director of Worship
Read Bio
Laura joined the staff of Living Grace as Director of Worship Ministries in February of 2024. She graduated from Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a vocal emphasis and piano minor. She also received a minor in Biblical Studies. Laura has been serving on worship teams of various churches since 2006. She grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and has always had a love for music, especially worship music. Laura enjoys the simple things in life but most of all spending time with her favorite people – her husband, Cary, and her children, Mirra Grace and Brock.
Laura’s favorite Old Testament book is Psalms and her favorite New Testament book is John. Outside of the Bible, the books that have had the most impact on her are:
1.) Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin
2.) The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
3.) Sing! How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church by Keith & Kristyn Getty
Lisa Sigler
Administrative Assistant
Read Bio
Lisa has been attending Living Grace Community Church since 2003. She began working as a part-time Administrative Assistant in 2005 and became the full time Administrative Assistant in 2009. She is the mother to two adult sons and enjoys spending time with family and leading a ladies Bible study group on Tuesday night.
Lisa’s favorite Old Testament book is Psalms and her favorite New Testament book is Ephesians. Outside of the Bible, the books that have had the most impact on her are:
1.) True Spirituality by Francis Schaeffer
2.) Prayer: The Great Adventure by David Jeremiah
3.) A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elizabeth Elliot
Barb Lamb
Children's Ministry Director
Read Bio
Barb’s favorite Old Testament book is Isaiah, and her favorite New Testament book is Philippians. Outside of the Bible, the three books that have had the most impact on her are:
1.) Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever by Gavin Edwards
2.) Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
3.) Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
Got Questions?
Click the Connect Button below and ask any questions you might have about our leadership!