Woodlawn Chapel was organized on Pentecost Sunday, 1990 by the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, the regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.) in Saint Louis, MO. Strategically planted on eleven tree-lined acres at the corner of Clayton and Strecker Roads in a rapidly developing neighborhood of western Saint Louis County, Woodlawn's birth was the result of years of planning by the denomination and a generous bequest from the estate of Dr. Alfred M. Langenbach, a Saint Louis dentist. Today, the church serves the neighborhoods of Wildwood, Ballwin, Ellisville and Chesterfield, with members coming from across the Saint Louis metro area. We are a multi-generational faith community that rejoices in God's gift of diversity. Our worship is dynamic and joyful, often combining traditional and contemporary liturgy. Woodlawn Chapel's membership mirrors the community of Wildwood and west Saint Louis County- including retirees, empty nesters, younger families, youth, and dual-income households. Leaving worship, our members are energized for mission in the world, serving regularly at Joint Neighborhood Ministries in Saint Louis' Benton Park neighborhood or other places of need. Men's and women's groups meet regularly for fellowship and service. Throughout the week, our doors our open for an outstanding Mother's Day Out ministry to young children. Bible studies, discussion groups and Wednesday evening music ministry round out our weekly events. Youth in middle school and high school enjoy the mission and spirituality focus of these groups. Youth are encouraged to participate in all levels of the church's life, including service as Deacons and Elders. Children find worship that welcomes them, and a professionally-staff nursery. Woodlawn strives to practice hospitality -- drop by on Sunday, and you'll be greeted with a freshly-baked loaf of bread! It's our way of saying "Welcome, we're delighted to meet you! Pastoral & Program Staff  Rev. Dr. Chris Keating, pastor, was called to Woodlawn in 1999. Chris and his wife, the Rev. Carol Keating, have four children. Rev. Keating is a graduate of the University of La Verne, in California and Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ. He recently completed his doctor of ministry degree with an emphasis on church leadership at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO and will graduate in 2007. Previously, he served as associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Pueblo, CO and Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, KS. Chris grew up in Southern California, and has lived in the midwest since 1989. Chris is passionate about preaching, congregational transformation, and pastoral care. He received training as a facilitator from Healthy Congregations from Dr. Peter Steinke, and has conducted healthy congregation workshops for congregations. His doctoral dissertation included developing a model of shared leadership for multiple staff ministry teams. He serves the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy as moderator of its committee on ministry. Chris' other interests include writing, gardening, volunteering at his children's schools and cooking everything from awesome enchiladas to Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches! Call Chris at 636-458-3009, ext. 222.
 Rev. Ed Zumwinkel, pastoral assistant for youth ministry, coordinates Woodlawn's ministry to families and youth in grades 6-12. Ed is passionate about youth ministry! In addition to a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, Ed received a Certificate in Youth and Theology from the Princeton Theological Seminary Institute for Youth Ministry. Ed is a native of Saint Louis County, and graduated from Parkway West High School and Missouri State University in Springfield. Prior to entering ministry, Ed worked in business. His extensive background in youth ministry has included serving on the planning team for the PCUSA Youth Triennium, keynote speaker at synod and presbytery events, and workshop leader. Recently, Ed returned to Eden Seminary as an adjunct faculty member, teaching a foundational course on youth ministry. Prior to joining Woodlawn Chapel's staff in 2004, Ed was Associate Pastor at the Glendale Presbyterian Church in Glendale, MO. Ed and his wife, Donna, have two sons. You can contact Ed at 636-458-3009, ext. 226.
Ministry Staff Members:
Rev. Carol McCracken Keating, Parish Associate. Carol is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, and received additional clinical pastoral education (CPE) at Colorado State Hospital in Pueblo, CO. She has extensive experience in nursing home and hospital ministry and works as a chaplain at SSM St. Joseph Hospital in Kirkwood, MO. Carol works with the Commissioned Lay Pastor program of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy and preaches in churches throughout the presbytery. She and her husband Chris are the parents of four children. Carol provides additional pastoral coverage and coordinates several special projects at Woodlawn Chapel on a voluntary basis. | Becky Schrotenboer, Secretary. Becky has the record for being the longest-serving staff member at Woodlawn Chapel! Becky coordinates the calendar, publications, and other administrative functions. She is the mother of two children, both of whom have served as elders at Woodlawn Chapel! You can contact Becky at 636-458-3009, ext. 221. | Eric Henson, Director of Music. Eric has been a member of the staff since 2001. He is a graduate of Jefferson College in Hillsboro, MO and attended the University of Missouri, Saint Louis. He has extensive experience teaching music at the elementary level and leading church and community choirs. Contact Eric at 636-458-3009, ext. 224 - he'll be glad you called! | Chris Thurauf, Director of the Woodlawn Chapel Mother's Day Out program. Chris coordinates and supervises all aspects of our MDO program, which serves 50 children four days a week from September through May. For the past several years, Chris has also developed an MDO summer camp program. For more information about MDO, please contact Chris at 636-458-3009, ext. 223. | |
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