Meet the Staff

Pastor Rakel Evenson

Lead Pastor

I love serving as Pastor at New Life and find deep joy in all the ways we are a blessing as the church to each other, our community and our world. I joined the staff in 2008; my husband Ben and I have two children and when we’re not doing church activities, we like music, parks, and Legos.

Vicar Jackie Miller

Seminarian Intern for 2024-2025

I’m so blessed to serve as the vicar of New Life this year and have my future ministry shaped by this lively and loving community. I am currently a student at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and live in seminarian housing in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Outside of church and school work, I enjoy reading, crafts, cooking, and spending time with friends and the vibrant community at LSTC.

Monica Baxter

Office Manager

Margaret Tracy

Music Director

My grandmother was a musician. She played the organ and loved old music and hymns. My mother and father both played the piano and my mom sang in the church choir. I have 6 sisters and all of us took piano lessons and other instruments including trumpet, french horn and flute. So, I guess I was destined to be musical.

I am a classically trained pianist and recently learned guitar on my own. I love Christian music. All of it. Old hymns, contemporary songs, gospel, instrumental, operas- all of it.

I presently work with the elderly and am blessed to be their song leader in both secular and Christian music. I am married and have 2 children and have a degree in social work. I am very thankful for this awesome opportunity at New Life.

Karen Weitendorf

Director Youth Choir

Dave Tomsky

Celebration Band Director

Roman and Barbara Drozdz

Custodians

Carol Mucha

Nursery Coordinator

I have been serving in the Nursery for over 5 years and leading as Nursery Coordinator. I have loved caring for all the little ones and getting to see them grow!

Stacie Ritz

Nursery Attendant

Jenni Bennecke