Pastor Lindsay Mack leads from a belief that God’s effusive love is alive in people’s lives and in our world. She loves provocative questions about faith, meaningful worship, connecting our faith to Bible stories, and leaning into our call to serve people on the margins of society. She has a passion for deepening the spiritual lives and commitments of people and believes we are all spiritual beings trying to figure out what it is that gives our lives meaning and purpose.
Before coming to LMC in 2017, Pastor Lindsay served as the coordinating pastor of the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission Program in Mexico City, Mexico, from 2013–2017. Previously, she also worked at Family Shelter, a domestic violence organization in the Western Suburbs of Chicago and served with ELCA Global Mission with the Christian Lutheran Church in Tegucigalpa, Honduras from 2003–2006. Along the way, she married Omar and convinced him to return with her to live in the US. Pastor Lindsay has a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City with an emphasis in theological ethics and is ordained in the ELCA. She is the proud owner of a loveable Rottweiler and lives with her family in Chicago.Â
Deacon Sarah hails from Oak Park, IL. She holds a Master of Arts in Children, Youth and Family Ministry from Luther Seminary and also holds a Master of Arts in Counselor Education, Administration of College Student Affairs from Western Michigan University. Deacon Sarah was ordained to Word and Service rostered ministry in October 2023.Â
In her past life, Deacon Sarah held various careers from Student Affairs Administration to corporate to teaching PE at a Catholic School in Little Village. Prior to serving LMC, Sarah served Christ Lutheran Church, Long Beach, CA, as Director of High School and Young Adult Ministry, and also volunteered at Emmanuel Church of England in West Hampstead, London, while an expat. Within her ministry at LMC, Sarah believes in holistically developing faith by asking questions and challenging others to see how God is active in the world. She is also quick to remind you that no matter what happens or who you are—you are a beloved child of God.Â
In her personal time, Sarah enjoys singing, reading, staying active and chasing after her three children. She is always up for a walk or coffee to talk about life's joys and struggles
Russell Angelico is a bandleader and composer from San Diego, CA. Growing up, Russell participated in monthly service-leading for teens as part of the all original band Kavannah ("intention") and continued leading musical services professionally after college. Russell has a B.A. in International Development from UCLA. Prior to moving to Chicago to start a family, Russell worked as a day-to-day artist manager for The Killers, Leona Lewis, Giorgio Moroder, and others, published a portfolio of pop songs with a writing partner, and composed for commercial and creative projects on the side. These days, he enjoys dancing with his baby daughter on his shoulders, learning new instruments, and meeting new people in the community! (Especially musicians!)
Mindy Pugh is a native of Alpena, Michigan, was raised Lutheran, and has been a church organist continuously since age 14. She arrived in metro Chicago in the fall of 1980 for graduate school in history at the University of Chicago (Ph.D., 1994) and has never left. She’s the University Archivist and Campus Historian at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where she also teaches Chicago history courses as an adjunct professor. She lives in Homewood with her spouse Diane and young teen son Daniel; two adult children, Willa and Jason, are independent. Mindy is grateful for careers both in music and history—and sharing in the worship and lives of congregations.
Relocating from the Pacific Northwest in 2023 and a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, Derek brings a strong passion for choral music and a well-rounded background in church music. With extensive experience as a choral conductor, Derek works with a variety of ensembles, using his skills to inspire and unify voices. He is dedicated to fostering a positive and engaging environment where musicians feel valued and motivated.
In addition to his conducting, Derek is a versatile music educator, teaching Pre-K–12th grades and offering individual instruction in voice, guitar, bass, and ukulele that helps students develop a lasting appreciation for music. Derek is also an accomplished composer with a tenure as the composer-in-residence for the Choir of the Sound and St. Mark's Cathedral Compline Choir in Seattle, both marked by recognition for innovation and beauty.
At Luther Memorial Church, Derek is excited to grow and contribute his enthusiasm for choral music to the community.
Jared works in the church office. He manages building use, puts together the weekly News and Notes emails and the Sunday bulletins, takes photos, and does other office-related things. He is Episcopalian, but don't hold that against him. He lives with his boyfriend in Uptown and likes to knit and go running in his spare time.