Our Team
Contact the church office at (512) 266-2455
The Reverend Justin Yawn, Rector
What is your job at St. Luke’s in one sentence or less?
I help lead and facilitate ministries at St. Luke’s that further our mission to love and serve God.
What is one of my favorite Scriptures?
Matthew 22:37-40: Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
If I could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I had only one week, I would head straight to Martinborough, New Zealand to enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir, and to Queenstown/Wanaka to go canyoning through the ravines and waterfalls.
What is the most adventurous thing I have ever done?
Paragliding (running off a perfectly good mountain) in New Zealand!
What is my favorite cupcake flavor?
Easy: Boston cream pie.
What is your favorite part about being on staff at St. Luke’s?
I love being able to form relationships with people and watch them grow deeper in their faith with God. This is not something I take for granted, but the core of my ministry as a priest and something I rejoice in every day.
The Reverend Dr. Andrew Benko, Assisting Priest
Anne Severson, Parish Administrator
What is your job at St. Luke’s in one sentence or less?
To provide support to the Rector, other clergy and staff, the Vestry and Treasurer, as well as anyone who comes to the church office.
What is one of my favorite Scriptures?
Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…
If I could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Colorado in the summer time!
What is the most adventurous thing I have ever done?
White-water rafting in the Rockies early in June when the fresh snow-melt caused the river rapids to be running really deep and fast!
What is my favorite cupcake flavor?
Strawberry!
What is your favorite part about being on staff at St. Luke’s?
Seeing God working in all the people here at St. Luke's from huge healing miracles to the smallest blessings each day, and being part of a really fun, bright group of people who bring a variety of gifts to do God's work in this place - it is amazing!
Barbara Frazell, Evangelism and Parish Life
What is your job at St. Luke’s in one sentence or less?
Inviting, welcoming, and connecting our visitors, guests and members.
What is one of my favorite Scriptures?
Isaiah 40:31: but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
If I could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Italy, with my hubs. Bucket list item for both of us.
What is the most adventurous thing I have ever done?
Working crime scenes (I was an APD Victim Services Supervisor in my former life).
What is my favorite cupcake flavor?
Any gluten-free one (it's rare to find good gluten-free treats)!
What is your favorite part about being on staff at St. Luke’s?
Helping people connect with each other and Jesus.
LoriAnn Lavallee, Director of Children & Family Ministries
What is your job at St.Luke’s in one sentence or less?
I have the privilege of partnering with parents as we mentor kids of all ages through spiritual formation, outreach, and "the missions field."
What is one of my favorite Scriptures?
Daniel 12:3b (from the Message): "and those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever."
If I could spend a week anywhere in the world where would it be?
If I had only one week, I would spend the week with my 85 year old Mom, anywhere. But my first choice would be the family Rocking H Ranch near historic Gonzales, Texas.
What is the most adventurous thing I have ever done?
While it was not our intent, while in Yellowstone several summers ago, we found ourselves separated from safety by two very large, adult BUFFALOES. At one point we were a mere 30 feet from them and I sure the "spectators" on the fluff filming our encounter were actually looking for a closer encounter between us and the buffalo.
What is my favorite cupcake flavor?
Well, I am allergic to most EVERY ingredient in a cupcake of any kind, other than Vegan Gluten-Free. BUT, if I could eat any flavor, it would be an HEB vanilla cake with vanilla butter cream frosting.
What is your favorite part about being on staff at St. Luke’s?
Relationships.
- with other staff members: every one is so amazing at what God has called them to do. #teamplayers
- with parents: supportive, patient, mindful. #parentsthatcare
- with students: so smart. so eager to learn. so fun. #blessings #studentsteachus
Kelsey Cooper, Director of Youth Ministries
What is your job at St. Luke’s in one sentence or less?
I help youth and youth families grow in community and fellowship and find opportunities to serve God.
What is one of my favorite Scriptures?
Romans 11:29: …for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.
If I could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would be in Italy! I have so many places there I want to visit, I couldn't possibly go to them all in a week, but I could try!
What is the most adventurous thing I have ever done?
Hiking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain. I took a two-week trip as part of a study-abroad course and graduation gift to myself when I finished undergrad in 2014. It was the hardest physical test I've ever put myself through, and the most spiritually rewarding experience.
What is my favorite cupcake flavor?
I recently picked up a vanilla cupcake and when I unwrapped it, I saw that it was actually a birthday cake funfetti cupcake and the surprise joy of that made it my new favorite cupcake flavor!
What is your favorite part about being on staff at St. Luke’s?
I love the feeling of community. I'm fairly new here, compared to some folks who have been attending for decades, but I felt like I was part of the team instantly.
Charlotte De La Pena, Vacation Bible School Director & Outreach Coordinator
What is your job at St.Luke’s in one sentence or less?
I help coordinate mission and outreach efforts so that our church can demonstrate Christ's love to our community.
What is one of my favorite Scriptures?
Psalm 46:10…He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
If I could spend a week anywhere in the world where would it be?
Italy!
What is the most adventurous thing I have ever done?
Fly in a medical helicopter.
What is my favorite cupcake flavor?
I'm simple: yellow cake with chocolate icing.
What is your favorite part about being on staff at St. Luke’s?
Forming relationships.
Robin Miner, Children & Family Ministries Assistant Director
What is your job at St. Luke’s in one sentence or less?
To partner with families at St. Luke’s and in the surrounding community to help children know, love and serve God.
What is one of my favorite Scriptures?
Mark 9:36-37 Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.
If I could spend a week anywhere in the world where would it be?
Although it’s hard pick just one, I would spend a week on the beach in the Turks and Caicos with my family and a couple of good books.
What is the most adventurous thing I have ever done?
Backpacking through Europe after I graduated from college.
What is my favorite cupcake flavor?
Chocolate coconut
What is your favorite part about being on staff at St. Luke’s?
I love playing a small role in planting seeds of faith in children. It is a privilege to watch them grow in their relationship with the Lord.
Ayesha Cox, Nursery Coordinator
Dr. Donald Grantham, Choir Director
What is your job at St.Luke’s in one sentence or less?
I direct the choir.
What is one of my favorite Scriptures?
Isaiah 55: 12-13 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever.”
If I could spend a week anywhere in the world where would it be?
In Aldeburgh England at the annual Benjamin Britten Festival.
What is the most adventurous thing I have ever done?
Two week-long hikes in the UK and Ireland with my wife Jeanne.
What is my favorite cupcake flavor?
I’m not a fan of cupcakes. If I had to choose one, it would be chocolate and I’d give it to my wife, who has a notorious sweet tooth.
What is your favorite part about being on staff at St. Luke’s?
Working with the wonderful people in the St. Luke’s choir.
Richard Curlee, Worship Leader
What is your job at St. Luke’s in one sentence or less?
I have the privilege of preparing the music and leading the Body into worship of our awesome and merciful God for the Contemporary Service.
What is one of my favorite Scriptures?
Proverbs 17:22: A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
If I could spend a week anywhere in the world where would it be?
In my studio at home, writing and recording the next new God-given song.
What is the most adventurous thing I have ever done?
Building and running the world's only school for bipolar children...OR...whatever new adventure God has planned for me today!
What is my favorite cupcake flavor?
Carrot cake!
What is your favorite part about being on staff at St. Luke’s?
Standing alongside others, searching for grace and mercy as we grow to become more Christ-like.
David Thoresen, Organist
Mary Miner, Parish Secretary
What is your job at St. Luke’s in one sentence or less?
Bulletin preparation, Safeguarding God’s Children compliance monitoring, membership administration, answering the phone, and some ministry support.
What is one of my favorite Scriptures?
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
If I could spend a week anywhere in the world where would it be?
On a tropical island!
What is the most adventurous thing I have ever done?
My two trips to Israel.
What is my favorite cupcake flavor?
Lemon!
What is your favorite part about being on staff at St. Luke’s?
Pastoral care, especially on the phone, has afforded me many opportunities to minister to people.
Kim Weigers, Bookkeeper
