Woody Knutson,
Senior Pastor

   It has been my privilege to serve as a parish pastor in several different settings. Being the Senior Pastor at Edison Park Lutheran Church, where there is a rich tradition of gospel proclamation and discipleship, provides daily challenges and surprises. I find joy in those challenges and surprises. I try to dance to the beat God delights in creating. By the power of the Spirit, we seek to make membership at EPLC life-changing.

   My wife, Diane, and I live in one of the parsonages owned by the congregation. We have four married children, with two families living in the metro Chicago area and two living in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our five grandchildren are endless gifts of spontaneity.

Office Phone 773-631-9131, ext. 226
Email: woody@edisonparklutheran.org

Ruth Ann Poppen,
Director of Music

    Since September of 1999, Ruth Ann Poppen has served Edison Park Lutheran Church as organist and Director of Music. There are currently three vocal choirs and three handbell choirs under her direction. In addition to playing for the liturgical Sunday and midweek services, she teaches preschool music and helps coordinate the Sunday School Christmas program. Ruth Ann came to EPLC from Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Palatine where she was the Director of Music for eight years.

    Ruth Ann is "particularly grateful for the opportunity to share God's marvelous gift of music with people of all ages," and finds it rewarding to help both children and adults express their faith through music. "The committed and talented people of EPLC keep our music ministry vibrant and healthy, and we find ourselves energized as we witness together through music."

    New choir members and bell ringers of all ages are welcome and everyone is encouraged to join the singing and ringing!

Office Phone: 773-631-9131, ext. 230
Email: ruthann@edisonparklutheran.org

Diane Wilk,
Business Administrator

    I joined the staff in March 2003 as the business administrator (otherwise known as the money person.) I have been working as an accountant for the past twenty-five years and enjoy the order and variety of tasks in accounting. Since I am also a member of the congregation, I feel doubly blessed because I can work with many of you on both a personal and a business basis.

Office Phone: 773-631-9131
Email: diane@edisonparklutheran.org

Judi Eastwood,
Parish Assistant

    My parents, sister, and I became members of Edison Park Lutheran Church in 1957 when we moved from the Austin area of Chicago. After graduating from Taft, I spent a year at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. I pursued a career in advertising. I lived in many places such as Montana, The UK, and Birmingham, Alabama where Mom, Dad and my sister and her family resided . I began a career in travel. I returned to the Chicago area in 1992, with my parents and continued in the meeting planning and incentive travel business. I have traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Mexico.

    I joined the staff of EPLC at the beginning of June, 2004 as Parish Assistant. I enjoy working with the staff preparing the weekly bulletins and handling other office duties.

Office Phone: 773-631-9131
Email: judi@edisonparklutheran.org

Jake Kohlhaas,
Youth Director

    I first became acquainted with Edison Park Lutheran Church in the summer of 2004 while working as a canoe guide in the BWCAW. During that time I had the opportunity to guide a group from EPLC on a week-long trip. The following November I accepted the invitation to work as Youth Director for this congregation.

    The work of youth ministry can be both challenging and extremely fun. I try to give what I can to help our young people grow in the faith while being aware that spiritual growth starts in the home life of our families. Watching our young people grow and develop and occasionally finding those teachable moments are opportunities that give me joy.

Office Phone: 773-631-9131, ext. 228
Email: jake@edisonparklutheran.org

Lisa Laske,
Contemporary Music Director

    Lisa Laske came to Edison Park Lutheran Church in July of 2005. She serves as Worship Leader and forwards the implementation and growth of contemporary music styling within the contemporary worship service. Prior to her work at EPLC she served for three years at Calvary Community Church in Schaumburg, IL.

    Lisa grew up in Des Plaines, IL and graduated from Maine East High School. She studied music at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urabana and took additional music classes at UCLA. In 1988 Lisa became a Christian. This same year she married her husband Dwayne. The couple now lives in Schaumburg with their two teenage sons.

Email: lisaraelaskey@comcast.net

Dave Gates,
Custodian

    Dave Gates, serves the community of EPLC through the wide variety of tasks assigned to him. He is responsible for set-ups and whatever else comes his way. Dave has been working at Edison Park Lutheran Church since the spring of 2005.

    Dave lives in Edison Park with his wife Mary and two sons. It is the sense of family at EPLC that brought him to this congregation.

Russ Hammer,
Custodian

Mary Gates,
Reminder Editor

Pastor William & Theresa Anderson,
Foreign Missionaries

    Pastor William and Theresa Anderson began service in Seoul, South Korea in August of 2006. There they serve as pastors at the International Lutheran Church. They bring with them abundant experience in Theology, Education and East Asian cultures.