Reverend John F. Hawkins, III.,

Interim Pastor

The Rev. John F. Hawkins, III joined the staff of Christ Lutheran during May, 2011 as our Interim Sr. Pastor.  Pastor Hawkins was graduated from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, S.C. and ordained in 1977. He has served parishes in Mulberry, IN; Richmond, IN; Lawrenceburg, IN; and Indianapolis, IN. He served six years of active duty in Chaplain Corp of the U. S. Navy and is retired from the USNR as a Lt. Commander.  He has held interim ministry positions at John’s Island, S.C., Jeffersonville, IN; Greensburg, IN; Columbus, IN; and Lexington, KY.

Contact by email 

Laurie Ludwig,

Director, Youth Ministries

Laurie came in July 2011 to Christ Lutheran via Connecticut, where she lived for the past 23 years with her husband Jim, a Valparaiso native.  She has 20+ years of experience in youth, drama, music, and camp ministries.  Laurie loves to create and maintain safe, God-centered communities in which youth can express their true selves and their creativity without fear of ridicule or judgment.    She looks forward to adding her talents to develop and expand the great youth program here at CLC! Contact by email.



Karen Stingely,

Director of Music  

Having worked with the music programs at CLC for 24 years, she serves as the organist for all worship services and leads the Adult Choir, the Handbell Choir, the Contemporary Team, festival musicians, and accompanies most vocal and instrumental ensembles. Karen holds B.A. and M.A.L.S. degrees from Valparaiso University, and has also received the Presiding Bishop’s Certificate in Church Music through the LPM program, co-sponsored by the Episcopal Church in the United States of America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Contact by email.

Beth Coburn,

Director, Little Lamb Preschool

Beth both teaches and shepherds the children, their families, and the staff of Little Lamb. Beth has served as director of the preschool since 1998. Under Beth’s direction Little Lamb has become a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association and has received accreditation from the ELEA. Contact by email.

Reverend Tom Rick,

Sunday School Ministries

Pastor Rick comes to Christ Lutheran after 13 years of service at Acacia Lutheran Church in Norridge, IL and 4 years as a chaplain at Westville Correctional Facility, a position from which he retired in June of 2010. He has been a member of CLC for 5 years. Pastor Rick is serving as Director of Sunday School Ministries. Contact by email.

Kristina Wilburn,

Director, Nursery Ministries

Kristina is our Nursery Director. She is currently a Law Student at Valparaiso University. She brings with her a history of working with children in Christian settings and a never ending smile. In addition Kristina is actively involved in our Youth Ministries program.

Beth Olejniczak,

Parish Nurse

Beth has served as the CLC volunteer parish nurse since the fall of '07. A parish nurse focuses on the whole person to emphasize wellness, disease prevention and health promotion, including healthy spirituality. Care is based on the belief that health is growth toward well being and emphasizes the interrelationship of body, mind and spirit. Beth has been a registered nurse for more than 20 years with a background in women's health. She graduated from Valparaiso University in '87 (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) & '07 (Master of Science in Nursing). Contact by email.

Russell Deenik,

Property Manager



Russell Deenik joined the staff of Christ Lutheran in August of 2011. Along with the CLC Property Manager, Russ is a self employed contractor/handyman. He brings 15 years of experience managing apartments and commercial properties to the job. Contact by email.