Leadership
The Rev. Kyle R. Severson — Lead Pastor, began his ministry at St. Luke’s on March 4, 2024. From 2020 to 2024 Pastor Kyle served as Associate to the Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. He was pastor of St. Philip Lutheran Church in Glenview, Illinois from 2015 to 2020, when he was asked to join the Bishop’s staff. He served as vicar (intern) at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit in Lincolnshire, Illinois from 2013 to 2014. Prior to entering seminary, he was Choral Music Educator/Director of Choirs for the Iroquois West Community School District in Gilman, Illinois.
He earned his bachelor’s in arts degree in Music Education from Augustana College (Rock Island, Illinois), where he currently serves on the President’s Advisory Council, and his master of divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He also holds a certificate in non-profit administration from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.
Pastor Kyle is the Convener of the Park Ridge Ministerial Association, serves as one of the volunteer chaplains for the Park Ridge Police Department, and is a member of the Board of Directors of RefugeeOne.
Telephone (847) 825-6659 ext. 110, Contact
The Rev. Julie V. Grafe — began providing pastoral support at St. Luke’s starting July 2024. Pastor Julie served as pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aurora, IL from 2021- 2023 and has provided pastoral supply and support to a variety of churches in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod.
Pastor Julie graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 2020. As registered nurse, Julie earned a B.S.N. from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio in 1990. In 2013, she earned her certificate in Faith Community Nursing from Western Kentucky University. Pastor Julie and her husband, Luther, live in Park Ridge and are proud parents of two young adult children. Telephone: (847) 825-6659 ext. 195, Contact
Vicar Hannah Peterson — I am a pastor’s kid and grandkid and grew up in mountainous small towns of Washington and Montana. My summers included camping under Mt. Rainier and trips to Holden Village. In undergrad at Pacific Lutheran University, I competed on the rowing team and participated in Army ROTC and student government. I came out as queer, and am forever grateful for the community who supported that process. I was commissioned as an Officer in the Army and served for four years between Georgia, Texas, and South Korea, as an armor officer on tanks.
In the spring of 2023, I moved to Logan Square and started at Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago that fall. I am finishing my third year of my M. Div., and intend to become a congregational pastor in the Metro Chicago Synod. I am active in my grassroots organizing political home, The People’s Lobby, where I practice my faith in public.
For joy, I take voice and guitar lessons and make music with friends. I also enjoy being outside, reading sci-fi, and hosting. Talk to me about music, your best adventure, a favorite soup recipe or poem, or whatever else comes to mind; I’d love to connect with you and hear your story.
Annika Sundberg — Director of Music Ministries beginning August 17
BethAnn Lynch – Liturgy Coordinator Telephone (847) 825-6659 ext. 170
Kim Hendee – Sunday School Superintendent Contact
Abriana Tereza – Children’s Music Leader
Gerry Mears – Director of Junior and Senior High School Ministry Telephone (847) 254-7135
Jim Schrop – Facilities Manager Telephone (847) 825-6659 ext.160
Debbie Sanger Clause — Building Use Coordinator Telephone (847) 825-6659 ext.100 Contact
Sylvia Xing — Christian Education Coordinator Telephone (847) 825-6659 ext.100 Contact
Tom Lynch – Custodian Contact
Congregation Officers:
- Paul Rooney – Congregation Council President
- Lisa Ramsey – Congregation Vice President
- Ben Grafe – Secretary
- Debbie Sanger Clause – Treasurer
