Rev. Laura Sumner Truax, Senior Pastor

Senior Pastor Laura Truax has been on the pastoral staff for 7 years; she became senior pastor in 2004. Rev. Truax has a Master’s of Arts in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in Spirituality and a Master’s of Divinity from Loyola University. Rev. Truax is a teaching pastor at the University of Chicago.

For me, LaSalle is one of the places where the Spirit of God burns bright. I am consistently challenged, encouraged and inspired by those I rub shoulders with each week. Our vision is to be a place where our spirits are fed, Jesus is exalted and our world is changed. We would love for you to join us.

Gary Rand, Associate Pastor of Worship & Arts

Associate Pastor of Worship and the Arts, Gary Rand holds a Doctorate in Music Composition from Northwestern University and a MTS in Worship and Culture from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He is a teacher and leader of worship, liturgy and music with a wide breadth of experience with multi-cultural worship and diverse music styles in a variety of denominational contexts. He is an accomplished choral conductor and a commissioned composer of choral, orchestral, theater and film music. In addition, he has worked extensively with electronic media, live sound media and with other fine art forms, especially dance and theater. Dr. Rand also serves as Seminary Musician and Adjunct Professor at McCormick Theological Seminary.

Lois Scott, Chief Administrator

Lois has been the Chief Administrator for LaSalle Street Church and The LaSalle Foundation since October 2004. She is responsible for finances, staff, and general operations of the church and Cornerstone Center.

I’ve been part of the LaSalle family for over 20 years and I love being part of the many wonderful day-to-day happenings in the church and Cornerstone Center. Our commitment to the neighborhood and to bringing Christ’s kingdom to our community remains our mission.

Rev. Pamela Mayer-Caes - Director of Children's Ministries

Pamela is an ordained Lutheran Minister and has been on the staff of La Salle Street Church since 1999. 

Helping children grow in mind, body and spirit is my passion.  Jesus welcomed the children to be with him; and it is my goal to help children discover and delight in the loving presence of God in their lives.

Children are welcomed, celebrated and mentored at LaSalle Street Church.  We invite you to come experience what our Children's Ministry is all about

Rev. Oreon Trickey, Congregational Care Coordinator

Oreon is an ordained Free Methodist minister who has been involved in ministry to and with homeless folks for the past 13 years. Her position as Breaking Bread Director allows her to continue to live our her passion for social justice coupled with a strong sense of following Jesus (which is what LaSalle Street Church is all about). As Congregational Care Coordinator, Oreon has the opportunity to minister within our church family through small groups, connecting events, and other creative endeavors.

Sharon Williams. Administrative Assistant

Sharon has been the Administrative Assistant at LaSalle Street Church since 1996; she provides staff support to the church team leaders.

Working at LaSalle is more than a job for me, I have endless opportunities to be of service not only to my coworkers but to the LaSalle Street Church community, individuals participating in ministries of LaSalle as well as individuals in our neighborhood. LaSalle is more than a place to worship, it is a place where a servant-heart can be filled and Christ’s love is extended to all.

Devin Goulding, Youth Coordinator

Devin Goulding, our Director of Youth Ministries (6th - 12th Grade), joined us at the beginning of September 2007. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, raised for most of his life in Columbus, and then attended Wheaton College, in Wheaton, Illinois. After getting his bachelors degree in Anthropology he spent 9 months in Los Angeles before moving to Chicago in September 2007. To supplement his part-time work here at LSC, he works as a Barista for Starbucks at the State/Adams store three mornings a week. Devin loves kickball, reading, Jesus, board games, and generally having a good time.

Becoming a part of the LSC family has been a great joy. Working with this staff and our youth is an incredible honor as well as a fantastic time. I look forward to growing with and alongside the youth and other members of our community.

Nicole Mondal, Communications & Projects Coordinator

Nicole has attended LaSalle Street Church since 1997 and joined the team of church staff in September 2007 as the Communications & Projects Coordinator. Nicole works to effectively provide two-way communication from the church office to the congregation and wider community.

It is an honor to serve on staff for LaSalle Street Church as the Communications/Projects Coordinator. LaSalle is a place that encourages each and every person to come as they are and to come with ideas! While serving in the church’s communication department, it is my commitment to further the all-welcoming spirit of LaSalle, providing structure and support to church’s ministries and congregational happenings.

Jeff Binder

Jeff is in his second year of studies at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago as he seeks his Master in Divinity degree.  Born in raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Jeff has been able to serve in ministry across the country for the past five years, most recently in youth ministry at the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville in New Jersey.  This year Jeff will primarily serve with the young adult ministries of this church, while participating in worship and community outreach as well.  In January, he will be traveling to Ghana as part of a travel seminar, exploring the issue of HIV/AIDS in Africa and the church’s response to this pandemic.

Bethany Lowery, Intern

Bethany is a second year Masters of Divinity student at the University of Chicago Divinity School. She received a B.A. in American Government and International Relations/Trade from Smith College. Bethany answered a calling to ministry during an internship with Disciples Peace Fellowship, where she spent the summer speaking to high school church camps throughout the country about Peace and Social Justice in Christianity. While at LaSalle, Bethany will be participating in worship and conducting a survey of the congregation in hopes of gaining perspective on two questions: Who are LaSallers? What draws LaSalle together as a church community?

I am so pleased to be at LaSalle Street Church this year! This is a community who really takes seriously Jesus’ commissioning to “Go out” and live the Gospel message. I am excited and blessed to be part of this faithful community.

Rob Clearfield, Pianist

A native of the Chicago area, Rob Clearfield has had the privilege of a very diverse musical background. Since high school, Rob has shown an interest in many styles of music, studying and performing jazz, gospel, rock, hip-hop, classical and afro-latin. After a brief period of study at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, Clearfield has enjoyed a successful career as a performer, working professionally with such artists as Fareed Haque, Juma Santos, Corey Wilkes, Ernest Dawkins, Steve Gorn, Zach Brock and Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago. In addition to his work at LaSalle, Clearfield is also an active composer. His original music can be heard in the jazz/indie rock group Information Superhighway, whose debut was released fall 2006.

Jan Kroeschell, Senior Center Volunteer Coordinator

Jan has been LaSalle Senior Center's Volunteer Coordinator for 1 year now. And a member of LaSalle Street Church for over 20 years.

I believe LaSalle as a church and the Senior Center play vital roles in reaching out to our Near North neighbors. We now have new-to-the-area 20 year olds helping 80 year olds who have lived here for a long time. It's a beautiful tapestry of Christ's idea of service.

Keith Chase-Ziolek, Senior Center Director

Keith joined the LaSalle Senior Center in 2001 and has been the Director for the past five years.

I am always amazed and humbled by what those who have come before me have accomplished in thirty-five years working with the seniors in our neighborhood. I continue to listen, work with, learn from and be blessed by a diverse group of seniors and volunteers that are the LaSalle Senior Center. Age makes no difference here, this is a place to share your story. This is a place where you can help, get help and belong.

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