At WPLC we empower all people to be leaders in the congregation, bringing forth new ministries and ideas to engage the world and help others glimpse the work of God among us. Our paid staff help guide this process, along with the elected congregation council.
The Rev. Jason Glombicki, pastor and congregation president
Pastor Jason (gender pronouns: he/him – what’s this?) grew up in East Dundee, Illinois, with his parents, brother, and countless pet turtles. He majored in religion, biology, and pre-medicine at Augustana College, Rock Island and worked in Chicago as a homeless shelter case manager with the Lutheran Volunteer Corps.
He continued his education at both the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and Yale Divinity School before receiving his Master of Divinity with a concentration in urban/metropolitan ministry. During his studies, he served in pastoral roles at Temple University’s Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministries and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Easton, Pennsylvania. Before coming to WPLC in December 2013, Pastor Jason worked as a hospital chaplain at Yale-New Haven Hospital specializing in pediatrics and palliative care. In the fall of 2019, Pastor Jason obtained a certificate in non-profit management from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
His passions for ministry include historical liturgical worship, community engagement, administration, and for expansive ministries with marginalized groups (e.g., LGBTQIA+, women, BIPOC, and immigrants). His favorite Gospel is Luke, especially the story of the Good Samaritan, as it is a continual reminder to love God and to love and show mercy to others and ourselves. Its implications are complex and rich, and it shapes and informs Pastor Jason’s ministry.
In his spare time, Pastor Jason enjoys walking along the lake, hiking, playing with his cats, exploring new restaurants with his partner, the fine arts, and keeping up with current events.
Contact Pastor Jason at pastor@wickerparklutheran.org
Vicar KORnelius köeppel, DIACONAL Resident
Vicar Kornelius (gender pronouns: he/him – what’s this?) was born in Germany and grew up in the state of the Bavaria as the oldest son of a Lutheran pastor.
After obtaining his diploma he wanted to study biology and religious education but God lead him on the way to med school after which he worked in poison control for almost 10 years before he followed his wife to the United States in 2021. Since then, he received a Master of Ministry at LSTC (Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago) and wants to become a deacon in the ELCA. He fulfilled one unit of CPE at Mount Sinai Hospital, a hospital with the highest level of trauma.
He worked alongside his father in youth ministry and later on by himself worked as a volunteer in the Catholic Campus Ministry. As someone born into the Lutheran faith he experienced, organized, and managed ecumenical and interfaith events (like a barbeque evening with a diverse crowd of Muslims, Christian, vegans and vegetarians). He is an amazing cook and provided meals for the students after service. As part of his ministry with working with students he also introduced them to his passion of dancing. Kornelius led more than 10 years of ballroom (standard and latin) dance classes in the rooms of the Catholic Campus Ministry, where he met his wife Miriam, a Lutheran theologian student.
They now live in Highland, IN where Miriam is pastoring at an ELCA church close by. They live together with their old, white, Persian cat, Chicco (also called Gucci), and their little dwarf hamster.
His passion in preaching lies in family and youth ministry, especially education, storytelling, and service. He thinks of himself as a deacon, who serves oppressed and suffering humans. This does not only include food and clothing as also the mental and spiritual needs like pastoral care.
Beside dancing, cooking and singing, he also enjoys camping and rollercoasters.
Contact Vicar Kornelius at vicar@wickerparklutheran.org
Dr. Jordan Caviedes Chua, church musician
Dr. Jordan (gender pronouns: he/him – what’s this?) has been a musician in the Chicago metropolitan area for over 15 years, serving as an ecclesial musician, music educator, and performer. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in music and philosophy from Loyola University Chicago and studied the sciences in Loyola’s postbaccalaureate program. Dr. Jordan was awarded a master’s in music education from VanderCook College of Music and completed a doctorate in education from Loyola University Chicago.
He enjoys reading literature by George R. R. Martin, Orson Scott Card, Margaret Atwood, C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien; recreating by Lake Michigan; and playing with his baby niece. Jordan delights in working with both young and experienced musicians. Through his music ministry at WPLC, Jordan desires, as J. S. Bach affirmed, “. . . to give God the greater glory and refreshment to the soul.”
Contact Dr. Jordan at churchmusician@wickerparklutheran.org
Evelyn Rojas, Office Assistant (beginning 3/13)
Evelyn (gender pronouns: she/her – what’s this?) was born and raised in Chicago along with her 4 younger siblings (oldest sibling alert!) and a variety of pets: fishes, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and most recently, a rabbit. Her first time leaving home for an extended amount of time was to go to Williamstown, MA to attend Williams College to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies, with a minor in Latina/o Studies. Evelyn worked as an office assistant for Williams College and teacher assistant for Williamstown Elementary School during her 4 years there. During her stay, she was also able to participate in international social justice learning/volunteering opportunities in Spain, Nicaragua, Uganda, Chile, and Argentina.
Returning back home, Evelyn had a strong desire to give back to her community, so she started her career in non-profit, working with undocumented youth hoping to find their friends and family in the U.S. Since then, Evelyn has held a variety of jobs in non-profit, customer service, and startups. She also loves volunteering in a variety of opportunities that help improve Chicago’s communities and most importantly, connect the people that live in them.
Evelyn enjoys exploring all the amazing cuisines Chicago has to offer with her family and friends, and she enjoys spending time with her rabbit, Honeybear. She is also focusing on traveling more locally, aiming to visit as many national parks as she can with her partner. She is very excited to bring her experience to the wonderful community of Wicker Park Lutheran Church!
Contact Evelyn at office@wickerparklutheran.org
Annette Aragon, Media and Worship Specialist (Sundays Only)
Annette (gender pronouns: she/her – what’s this?) was born and raised in the city of Chicago. She graduated from Hope College with a bachelors in Communications and a minor in Business. During her Sophomore year of college, her brother, Israel, was a victim of Chicago’s gun violence. This lead to her family creating the Israel’s Gifts of Hope Foundation where they work with families and victims throughout the city, advocating for more resources, fostering community between victims and their neighbors, and creating safe spaces for awareness.
In her spare time, Annette enjoys a good binge session with her latest shows. She is most happy when lounging with her pets, hanging out with her family, especially her niece Ariales, and connecting with her friends for their weekly girls nights. She loves hosting themed parties, meditation or painting activities, and jamming out to music from every decade. You can count on her as your karaoke partner any day!
Contact Annette at sundays@wickerparklutheran.org
Evelyn Lopez, Nursery caregiver
Evelyn (gender pronouns: she/her – what’s this?) was born and raised in Chicago. She grew up with her older sister, a younger brother, her mother, and her grandparents. She’s always been really close to her family.
Evelyn graduated in May 2023 with her associates in early childhood education and is planning to continue her education in early childhood education and special education. She has always been interested in becoming a teacher. Ever since Evelyn was little, she asked to volunteer to help the younger children even though she was also learning. She has always had a passion for helping others. When Evelyn’s younger cousin was born, she started to spend her whole summer helping her cousin learn to read and write. After a while, she started to help more kids, and at eighteen, she started to work at a child care center. Evelyn started off as a floater helping the classrooms from infants to 5 years old. After six months, Evelyn was promoted to assistant teacher in the infant room and then, to lead teacher.
She adores all her children and enjoys all her time she spends with her past students and new students. Evelyn hopes to become the best teacher a child could ever ask for. During her free time, she spends time with her family or friends. She loves going to the gym and exploring. Evelyn has traveled to about twenty different places in Mexico! She hopes to keep exploring different parts of the world.
Contact Evelyn at nursery@wickerparklutheran.org