Our Staff
Pastoral Staff
Rev. W. J. Mark Knutson
Senior Pastor
Rev. W. J. Mark Knutson has been Pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon since December 1995. Since Mark’s arrival, Augustana has grown from 243 members in 1995 to an 800-member congregation that is also home to several non-profits. Under Mark’s leadership, Augustana proclaims the Gospel message of love, redemption, peace, justice, and reconciliation.
Over the past 30 years, Pastor Knutson has served on many local and national boards and committees, and has keynoted and conducted workshops in a variety of settings. Mark completed in 2015 his term as Chair of the Northwest Health Foundation Board, and is past Chair of the Board of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and of Familias en Accion. He is on the Steering Committee for the Albina Ministerial Alliance Coalition for Justice and Police Reform. He was one of three statewide petitioners for the Freedom to Marry Ballot Initiative, and is an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow.
In the January 2012 issue of Portland Monthly magazine, Mark was named one of the 50 Most Influential Portlanders. The issue noted his “vigorous activism” against war and in favor of immigration reform and gay rights. His congregation shares his dedication to these and other social causes that put our Christian faith into action in our world.
Rev. Knutson was given the Heart of Sanctuary Award by the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice in 2015; named Ecumenist of the Year in 2009 by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon; Distinguished Pastor by Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley in 2009; the Fortenza Award by Desarrollo Integral de la Familia for service in the Latino community in 2014; the Drum Major for Justice Award in 2015 as a member of the AMA Police Reform Steering Committee; and one of the 50 Most Influential Portlanders by Portland Magazine in 2012. Prior to coming to Augustana, he served as the National Director of Youth Ministries in Chicago for the 5.3 million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon and has a M. Div. from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley. He is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry Program at Wesley Seminary in Washington, D. C.
Prior to his call to Augustana, Mark was Director for Youth Ministries for the 5.3 million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at its central offices in Chicago. He was Director of a 21-member national board of the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO), Multicultural Advisory Committee, and Council of Synod Presidents. The LYO was a major force in lifting up young leaders of many cultural backgrounds to promote greater diversity in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Now over 100 years old, the organization represents 1 million high school students, adolescents, and young adults between the ages of 12-25. As Director of ELCA Youth Ministries, Mark coordinated hunger, justice, and peace education for youth throughout the United States and the Caribbean, and was a liaison to major youth service agencies throughout the United States as well as to the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.
Mark is married to Tamrah and they have a son, Brandon, a graduate of USC who lives and works in Los Angeles.
What brought You to Augustana? God’s call and the possibility of growing a multicultural congregation that is unafraid to step out in faith on the important issues of our day for the well being of all.
What inspires you? A diverse group of people (reflecting the nations of the earth) working together for a vision for the wholeness of humanity bigger than ourselves.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? I surf and boogey board at Cannon Beach whenever I can. I can stay in the ocean for hours.
What have you learnt about your faith and God recently? Not new but always fresh with each day I am reminded just how good God is, how beautiful the human family is and how important it is to have God continually shaping and recreating us in love.
What is your biggest challenge? Discerning what the cutting edge issues of justice, peace, diversity, equity, reconciliation and inclusion are going to be and helping to position the church to be ready and relevant to be proactive with others as a voice of conscience and a movement in action always ready to step out in faith to do what is right.
Rev. Amy Courts Koopman
Associate Pastor
Rev. Amy Courts Koopman accepted Augustana’s call to be associate pastor and joined our congregation on her favorite Holy Day of the year, All Saints Sunday in November 2025. She and her spouse Paul and their son Elijah moved to Portland after 14 years in Minneapolis, MN where Amy previously served as associate pastor at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, and as ministry coordinator and office manager at Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis.
‘Prior to becoming ordained in 2023, Amy was a longtime singer-songwriter and professional performer both as a solo artist and as part of various bands and collaborations, including with her spouse Paul Koopman. You can find and stream her music on most platforms and find her albums, songs, sermons and manuscripts, and other goodies at www.amycourts.com.
As a bisexual queer person, Pastor Amy is a passionate advocate with 2SLGBTQIA+, Black, Brown, Indigenous, disabled, neurodiverse, poor, houseless, and all persons and communities who are sidelined, marginalized, ignored, and oppressed by systems and institutions that favor and uphold dominant culture. She is driven by the call to attend to the margins with Christ’s liberation, healing, and proclamation of God’s favor for the discarded always on her lips (Luke 4:18-19). And she believes wholly that good theology and pure religion have real-time power to deliver material liberation to the lowest and least, as the Kindom of God comes to earth (James 1:27, 1 John 3:17-18). In all ways, Pastor Amy is driven to press us out to the margins until everyone’s inherent Belonging and Belovedness in Creator becomes their embodied reality.
What brought You to Augustana? Holy Spirit and the incredible work She’s doing in the people and ministries of this congregation and community. Truly! Having lived and worked in Minneapolis for 14 years, my family and I had no intention or desire to move across the country and start a new life. But Spirit blows where She blows and we go where She goes — including to my new (but feels like I’ve always been here) home at Augustana.
What inspires you? Water. Thousands-year-old trees. The limitlessness of Creation. The way Holy Communion breaches the veil between time and eternity. Passionate people who are rooted in Beloved Community and propelled by God’s vision of liberation, justice, and wholeness for all life.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? I used to be an ultramarathoner and globetrotting musician.
What have you learned about your faith and God recently? Spirit is wild and free and wants me to be, too!
What is your biggest challenge? Keeping my ADHD brain organized, my keys in one place, and blessing those who curse those whom Christ loves.
Spanish Language Ministry
Francisco Aguirre
Spanish Language Worship Leader
Francisco Aguirre is a dedicated community organizer and influential advocate for migrant and workers’ rights, both locally and nationally. Originally from El Salvador, Francisco fled violence and sought asylum in the United States in 1995. His passion and commitment have led to the co-founding of the VOZ Workers’ Rights Education Project and the founding of the VIVA Inclusive Migrant Network, initiatives aimed at empowering migrants through education and advocacy. Francisco serves as the President of the Board of Directors at the National Day Labor Organizing Network (NDLON), where he champions the rights of day laborers. Notably, Francisco is one of the pivotal figures who sought sanctuary at Augustana Lutheran Church, sparking conversations that contributed to formation of the revival of the National Sanctuary Movement. Despite his significant contributions to our community, Francisco continues to seek approval for his asylum status.
What do you do at Augustana? At Augustana Lutheran Church, my role primarily involves leading the Spanish service, ensuring that our worship is inclusive and accessible to our Spanish-speaking congregation. Additionally, I assist with Sanctuary Sundays, where we empower ourselves in community by learning from one another. We share ideas and strategies to successfully protect our rights, all within the embrace of God’s love. We strive to uphold and support our migrant communities, especially during these challenging times when ICE-ERO activities have intensified. Through our collective knowledge and compassion, we stand together to assist those in need and safeguard our community’s well-being.
What inspires you? I am deeply inspired by the truth and love of God, as well as the needs and suffering of our communities. These elements have moved me to seek justice and peace for others, always guided by the hands of God. God is my shepherd, and everything I do for the sake of others is directed by His wisdom. I believe in justice for all, and I trust that justice will prevail. Together, we will achieve a world of peace, free from violence and discrimination, always walking in the ways of God, our Savior and Creator. I am committed to believing in this vision and helping to create the justice that God teaches us all. My belief in justice tears down borders, violence, and discrimination because God is with me everywhere I go and within every action I take.
What have you learned about your faith and God? I have gained a deeper understanding of my faith and my relationship with God. I have learned that faith is not a static concept but a journey of constant growth and discovery. Through prayer, reflection, and engagement with my community, I have realized the importance of patience and trust in God’s plan, even when the path is uncertain. I have discovered that God’s love is limitless and unconditional, which motivates me to extend grace and kindness to myself and others. Challenges have taught me resilience, and I have felt the strengthening presence of God in moments of doubt and uncertainty. My experiences have reaffirmed that God is a constant source of comfort, guiding me toward a life with purpose and compassion. God has helped me understand that He is a God without obstacles, always guiding us toward safe paths and expanding the doors of the church if necessary, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and that no one is turned away.
Office Staff
Rachel Thompson
Office Co-Manager
Christian Education
Rachel Thompson was born and raised in Portland, OR, and has been attending Augustana since she was 8 years old. After high school, she attended Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA. During her time as a Scottie, she was involved in a variety of programming, including a student led social justice program with the Agnes Scott Center for Leadership and Service as a student activist and advocate for racial justice. She also served as the New Student Orientation Director in 2019. She graduated cum laude and holds a BA in Neuroscience with a minor in Africana Studies.
After graduation in 2020, she was accepted into Teach for America in the Mississippi/Arkansas Greater Delta Region. She taught 4th grade math and science her first year, and 2nd grade self-contained her second year at Sanders Elementary School in Hollandale, MS. Following her return to Portland in 2022, she welcomed a beautiful son, Saheed. She is enjoying being back in her home church community and serving Augustana!
Kay Lowe
Office C0-Manager
Kay joined Augustana in 2013 as a teenager new to Christianity. She joined the church staff in 2023, helping out in the main church office with everything from scheduling meetings and taking phone calls to working on service bulletins and maintaining the sanctuary. She sought out work at Augustana out of a desire to find a job that’s also a vocation. Serving the church, working around friends old and new, has been a great opportunity for that.
Kay holds a BA in English and Studio Art from St. Olaf College, an ELCA affiliated school in the Midwest. She’s happy to bring her experiences from there to Augustana, both to apply her education in theology and Lutheran traditions, and to live out a friendly, community-minded spirit.
Her previous work has included academic archive and research assistance for a professor, and bookselling. She has also volunteered with Lift Every Voice Oregon, the Augustana Church Youth Group, and the Sanctuary Arts team.
Denise Gates
Bookkeeping
Denise Gaines has been a member of Augustana since 2003. Denise and her husband, Glen Jacobs, were married at Augustana in 2006. Denise loves to read, travel to other countries, have time to unwind at the beach and do puzzles when at home. Denise is an animal lover, especially cats and dogs.
She joined the office staff as bookkeeper in 2023. Denise has extensive experience with various bookkeeping jobs since her early days in the workforce.
Denise has two adult children who were part of the Augustana Sunday school family and who served as acolytes and in the handbell choir.
Denise says, “I love the interactions with other Augustana members and the relationships I make when I am in the office.”
Music/Worship Directors
Andy Fort
Contemporary Music Director
Sanctuary Sound Lead
Andrew Fort has been the Music Director of Augustana’s Contemporary Service since 2013. He directs the choir, leads the band, leads our sanctuary sound team, and sometimes fills in as organist for the Classical Service. He studied music at USC and has been involved with Tucker Maxon School since 2004, where he currently teaches music.
What inspires you? Bringing people together through creativity.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
I teach music to children with hearing loss.
What have you learned about your faith and God recently? Even the most dire-seeming situation can turn out positive results.
What is your biggest challenge?
Time management!
Marilyn Keller
Jazz/Gospel Music Director
Jazz Vocalist
Marilyn Keller has been Music Director for the Gospel Jazz Worship at Augustana since 1991. She has been the Interim Youth Advisor since September of 2020.
Marilyn’s roots in Gospel, R&B, Soul, Jazz and Blues music are deep. Her formative training in the Performing Arts at MHCC and on the international stage helped build a career that spans 40 years. Marilyn is serving on the boards of Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble and The Portland Symphonic Choir to lend contemporary ideas and a voice of diversity and equity to both organizations. She is an Adjunct Professor of Vocal Jazz Improvisation at PSU and teaches Vocal Technique privately.
What brought you to Augustana? I came to Augustana in 1991 to provide vocals for the Jazz Worship Service instituted by Pastor Mitch Jones.
What inspires you? The habitation of The Holy Spirit inspires me– I can do ALL things!
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? I have worked several blue-collar jobs. I can operate heavy-lift machinery, overhead cranes, pneumatic tools and can handle high power pressure washers!
What have you learned about your faith and God recently? NOTHING can separate me from the Love of God!
@mtkmusic
www.marilyntkeller.com
dapipes@aol.com
Wally Krueger
Classical Music Director
Choir Director, Organist
Dr. Wally describes himself simply as Lutheran Musician and Educator, a student of the Lutheran musical heritage. He is also a performer, composer, arranger, and former music professor at Concordia University, Portland.
What have you enjoyed about working at Augustana? I have the great opportunity to bring forth classics for organ and choir, while also addressing new avenues of praise. The enrichment of worship through musical arts is a particular joy to me.
Do you have hobbies? When not working on music, I am out back working on my Garden Railroad.
Jazz Musicians
George Mitchell
Jazz Service Musician
George Mitchell along with the Diana Ross band were guest artists at the 2016 White House Holiday Concert for President Obama and family. He has played at every conceivable venue worldwide with Miss Ross’ ensemble. As band pianist, he performed with a 40-piece orchestra at the prestigious Symphonica in Rosso, at the Gelredome, Arnhem, Netherlands; at the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies in Oslo, Norway; and at a 2002 command performance in Hyde Park, London, for England’s royal family. He also performed at private concerts for U.S. President Bill Clinton, South African President Nelson Mandela, and Motown founder Berry Gordy. Mitchell played piano at the famous Motown Records’ 25th Year Anniversary TV broadcast; at VH1 Divas Live in 2000; at Super Concerts in Tai Pei and Tokyo with renowned opera singers Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo; and got soaked–but played on– during thunderstorms at Miss Ross’ famous 1983 Live in Central Park mega concert before a massive crowd of 400,000 fans!
More recently, Mitchell was guest keyboardist on Wicked: The Musical at the Keller Auditorium. He joined Miss Ross’ band numerous times on top-rated TV shows, including: Oprah, The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, the TODAY Show and others.
When not touring, Mitchell pursues his first love—playing jazz piano, Hammond B-3 organ and keyboards. He also is a highly sought-after studio musician and jazz piano instructor.
Geoge’s Website: GEORGE MITCHELL MUSIC – Home
Kevin Dietz
Jazz Service Musician
Kevin has been a member of the Augustana Quartet since 1993.
Kevin Deitz is a composer/arranger, and multi-instrumentalist currently teaching History of Jazz, History of Rock and Roll, Contemporary Music Ensemble (rock band), string bass and electric bass at Clackamas Community College.
As a classical bassist, Kevin has worked with the Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera and Ballet Orchestras, many regional chamber orchestras, and has played in the pit with national Broadway touring companies, including Victor/Victoria, Grease, and Big. He has performed in many regional productions including Sound of Music, Godspell, Matilda, In the Heights, Shrek, Sponge Bob, Newsies, Quilters, Desperate Measures, Gentlemen’s Agreement, Legally Blonde, Working and many more. Jazz bass performances include concerts with Mose Allison, Terrence Blanchard, Dave Brubeck, Kurt Elling, Herb Ellis, Dave Frishberg, Benny Golson, Bobby Shew, Janis Siegel, and Diane Shurr. Pop and smooth jazz performances include concerts with Frankie Avalon, Andrea Bocelli, The Eagles, Sheena Easton, Fabian, Robert Goulet, Tom Grant, Marvin Hamlisch, Il Divo, Jeff Kashiwa, The Moody Blues World Orchestra, Kenny Rankin, Bobby Rydell, The Shirelles, Dan Siegal, Toni Tenille, and Mason Williams. Kevin has appeared on 20 album/CD projects to date and on numerous recordings for commercial clients like Music Minus One, Oregon Catholic Press, Roland Musical Instruments, QFC Foods and Nike.
Kevin’s critically acclaimed CD of original jazz compositions, “Skylines,” was released in 2009 on the Origin Arts label. http://www.origin-records.com/. Jazzweek Magazine ranked it in the top 50 jazz recordings in its first week of release, and it received international radio airplay. Kevin is an artist/clinician for Conklin basses and Conklin Sidewinder strings.
Ron Steen
Jazz Service Musician
Ron Steen started playing at the Augustana Jazz Service in 1997.
Veteran bandleader and drummer Ron Steen is one of the Northwest’s top rhythm keepers and a leader of the Portland jazz scene. He is also the Godfather of Jazz Jams in Portland, having hosted ongoing jam sessions since 1980, including the famed jam at Produce Row. Notable international jazz stars who come through town stop in to Steen’s jams for impromptu music, led by one of the best in the business. In addition to hosting five jam sessions, Steen is also a sought after bandleader and session musician, who his peers hold in high regard for his solid and versatile rhythms and his engaging personality.
Steen’s ability to bring together the top musicians in town and around the nation makes him one of the city’s most valuable assets.