St. Paul’s recently announced:
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School welcomes Director of Parish Music Olivia Thoelke.
A recent graduate of Concordia University Irvine, Olivia has been deeply involved in both music and campus life throughout her time there. Her experience includes performing with the Concordia Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Handbells and several chamber ensembles. Through these opportunities, she traveled extensively and recently performed at Carnegie Hall as principal cellist during a tour in New York City.
Her passion for worship and church music also led her to serve as chapel coordinator and evening prayer coordinator, where she helped establish Evening Prayer as an official campus worship opportunity, introducing students to liturgical evening worship services.
Olivia grew up in a musical family alongside her two sisters, and the three enjoyed playing string trios together throughout their childhood. Her family’s journey through Lutheran education has taken them across the country, serving schools and congregations in Illinois, Texas and now Chicago.
Outside of music, Olivia enjoys baking, cooking, board games, card games and spending time with friends. While cello was her first musical love, she now especially enjoys playing organ for worship and recreation. She is deeply passionate about liturgy, hymnody, theology and the beauty of Church worship.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Olivia to the St. Paul’s family! We look forward to the many ways God will work through her gifts and talents in our congregation and school.
