Church Staff

I began my service to the church as a second grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in Memphis, Tennessee in the fall of 1979. After two years of teaching I enrolled at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Upon graduation my degree was awarded in 1985 and my first Call into the pastoral ministry was to Faith Lutheran Church and School in Ft. Lauderdale. I served there for seven years before accepting the Call to Immanuel in Washington in 1992.

My educational background is interesting; but does not truly reflect my job as a church secretary. I have a bachelors in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the College of the Ozarks. I have received so many blessings as the church secretary. The people I work with are incredible - extremely dedicated to their vocations and to their Lord. Having the opportunity to work with our church and school families is also a wonderful part of my job. My favorite Bible verse is 'The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?' from Psalm 27:1 I am originally from SW Missouri. I came from a large family of six sisters and one brother. My husband, Garry, and I have two children – Lydia, 21, and Alex, 17. Both of our children are graduates of Immanuel. I have a lot of interests (probably none of them very interesting to anyone else). I like to read (when I can stay awake).

My educational background is from Northern Illinois University where I received a bachelors degree; and Benedictine University where I earned my MBA.

I am relatively new in my position; but I have noticed the positive atmosphere displayed not only by teachers and staff, but also by the students. There is a loving and genuine concern for the well being of everyone in our community.

My educational background began at: St. John’s Lutheran College, Winfield, KS with an Associates degree; and continued on to Southwestern College in Winfield, KS where I was awarded a Bachelors degree. I was finally granted call status by Concordia University, Mequon, WI, in 2008

Some of the areas that inspire me working at Immanuel, is the teamwork, the fellowship and the support of fellow faculty and staff members. Working with young students and watching them learn and grow is very rewarding.

My educational background is from Concordia University, Chicago, where I earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree.

I feel blessed to serve at Immanuel. The teachers and staff along with the families make this a great place to share in God’s ministry. It is a joy to work with this family of faith. My favorite Bible verse is 'A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you much love one another.' John 13:34

Vicar Ted Hopkins  began his year of internship at Immanuel on August 1, 2009.

Ted and his wife, Beth are from Jefferson City, MO. Ted attended Valparaiso University where he  completed his BS` degree in physics. From there he enrolled at Concordia Seminary - St Louis where he is now in his third year. Beth is a math teacher at Parkway South High School.

Ted will assist Pastor Mark in a wide range of pastoral ministry tasks to prepare for the time when he will be ordained and pastor a congregation on his own. Ted will be formally installed at Immmanuel Sunday, August 9. Wecome Ted and Beth, from all of us at Immanuel.

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Concordia University in Chicago. More recently I received a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. September 2009 will mark the anniversary of my first year as Principal, here at Immanuel Lutheran School. From the very moment that we first came to Immanuel, everyone was very warm and welcoming – they are like my second family! Immanuel Lutheran School and Church has been a great blessing to me and my family. My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, 'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' My close family includes my wife, Emily, our son, Aidan and our daughter, Neve.  In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and spending time with my family.