Connect With Our Staff

The Rev. James Merkel
Interim Pastor

Pastor Merkel began worshiping with us just before Pastor Keith arrived and has been participating in and supporting the journey to this point.

As Interim Pastor, he has all the authority and responsibility of a settled pastor by constitution. Specifically, Pastor Merkle will focus on the following:
1. Ensuring Sunday Morning Worship and Leadership: Pastor Merkel will preside at worship when available and provide for worship leadership when unable to be present. He will also work with the office staff in creating the Worship Bulletin and Announcement Sheets each week.
2. Administrative Leadership and Support: Pastor Merkel will work with the staff, council and administrative support to give guidance.  Be present either on Zoom or in person for council meetings Where unable to be present he will approve the agenda or provide alternative leadership to be present.

Deacon Margaret Howell 

Pastoral Care

We are blessed to have the rich relational history that Deacon Margaret Howell has with St. Luke’s available to support in this time with pastoral care.

Deacon Margaret will:
1. Provide communion visitation and crisis support to any in need of pastoral care
2. Work with families who have experienced a loss in care and guidance to develop a celebration of life service and coordinate with Pastor Merkel
3. Be a resource to Pastor Merkel in other needs that may arise Deacon Margaret is serving a church in Lincolnton as SAM (Synod Authorized Minister). This work takes priority, but we are blessed to have her live close and able and willing to serve.

Ami-Luise Vucovich

Office Administrator


I was introduced to St. Luke’s by my husband Michael and was a helping member of the Live Stream Team to keep the services available during Covid.

I found my Higher Power, God through my recovery program and look to take it one day at a time and to just let God take the wheel.

I really enjoy being able to give back to the church and its members because you have filled a space in my heart that I didn’t know I needed filling.

“O God, judge eternal, you love justice and hate oppression, and you call us to share your zeal for truth. Steady our hope as we walk in Your ways.”  

Archie Hayes 
Parish Sexton

Archie joined the staff of St. Luke’s in 1985. He enjoys watching football (especially the Carolina Panthers) and shooting pool. He works tirelessly to keep the St. Luke’s build clean. He has lived in Charlotte for over 40 years.

2025 COUNCIL MEMBERS

· President: Lisa Rhyne

Secretary: Tom Ainsworth

Treasurer: Phil Brooks

© 2025 St Luke's Lutheran Church