Our Team
Douglas Hoglund, Senior Pastor
Doug@woodside-church.org
In the sixteen years Pastor Doug’s been at Woodside, he’s watched God do some amazing things culminating with the opening of our new building in the fall of 2009. A pastor-of-all-trades, when he’s not deftly juggling his pastoral duties, you might find Pastor Doug doing what he loves best: playing his guitar in the praise band, answering deep theological questions or spending time with his lovely wife Lisa and their children Kristin and Peter, and daughter-in-law Jackie.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go?
I’d love to do an archeological dig near the Sea of Galilee. Other interesting things I like – Mad Magazine, playing Beatles songs, playing with the Woodside band and
any vacation with my family.
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Gloria Yi, Associate Pastor 
gloria@woodside-church.org
Gloria Yi is married to Steve and together they have a beautiful daughter, Emmanuella (Ella). Gloria came to Woodside in 2004 to work with the children and youth. Although she doesn't feel "cool," she definitely senses God’s presence and firmly believes in the gift of prayer—which she believes is her greatest contribution Woodside's children and youth. She loves to witness to Woodside's young people, equipping them to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Question: When did God become more than a word to you, and how did it happen? God became more than a word to me on a Junior high retreat. I was 13. The Holy Spirit came on me and I literally cried through my prayer. For the first time, I actually felt God’s love and an immense gratitude for everything God did in my life. At the end of the retreat I started praying, not for things, but that I would be able to love God more than anything or anyone in my life. Maybe this is why I now love youth ministry.
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 Gregory Penza, Pastor of Young Adults
greg@woodside-church.org
Greg worked with Foundation for Peace in the Dominican Republic before beginning Princeton Theological Seminary in 2008. He came Woodside in 2009 as a seminary intern working with our senior high students. The Spirit of God was evident in his life and ministry, so after graduating from seminary we asked Greg to join our staff. As of July 2011 Greg will develop a young adult ministry and continue his ministry with the high school students.
Question: When did God feel most real to you? God seemed the most real to me about a month ago. It wasn't in the Bahamas, Haiti, or the Dominican Republic on a mission trip or any other place where I've come to expect God. He was in Yardley. I wasn't doing anything special just driving my car through town. He suprised me with His joy. My white beat-up Volvo became my sanctuary for the week. Almost everywhere I went, I arrived with red, puffy eyes from crying with joy. Sometimes I forget what God's joy feels like. Joy is elusive to me. His joy, I remember. God surprised me and sustains me in darkness with the hope of His returning joy. It was during those moments three weeks ago in the Volvo that my God seemed the most real to me.
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 Judy Jones, Administrator and Clerk of Session
judy@woodside-church.org
Judy and her husband Bruce have been at Woodside since 1995. Judy became Clerk of Session in 2000 and Church Administrator in 2001. She and Bruce have a grown son and daughter and 2 delightful granddaughters and have been leading Woodside's summer mission trip to the Dominican Republic for the past 7 years.
Question: What’s your dream job? My dream job is the one I have right now as Administrator at Woodside. Who could ask for anything more than serving the Lord in such a dynamic and Spirit-filled church and have a work environment where I’m surrounded by others who love the Lord and seek to do His will! We have a great staff and congregation and have truly been blessed by the Lord's mercy and grace. To God by the Glory!
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Kim Engelsman, Director of Worship
kim@woodside-church.org
Question: If you knew you couldn't fail and money was no object, what would you like to do in the next five years? I’ve had an idea in the back of my mind probably since my 30s. I would pack up the kids and move to either the Dominican Republic, India or Africa where my heart, faith and hands could be of some help. Not having medical training, I often wondered what help I could be, but now watching the heart breaking scenes in Haiti, I know that even a sharing a loving caress, holding a hand, lending an ear, saying a prayer, or singing a praise song can be of some help.
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Karen Houser, Director of Fellowship
karen@woodside-church.org
Question: What was your favorite vacation? My favorite vacation was a trip to Italy. We stayed in a Villa in the Tuscany region outside of Florence. The villa had a vineyard and olive groves from which the villa owners made their own wine and olive oil. I loved this trip because it was so peaceful there and the food was amazing!
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Karen Kovalcik, Director of Discipleship
karenk@woodside-church.org
Question: Who’s your hero? My hero is Forest Gump. Yes, that’s right. Not because I love shrimp, but I love his simple ways. In the movie when he decided to go out running he had no goal, no personal best record in mind, no direction. He just went. The amazing part to me is that as he continued on his way, consistently and joyfully. Others joined him and cheered him on. When he reached the other side of the United States, he didn’t stop, he simply turned around and kept going. That’s the faith I want—simple, enduring and consistent. I don’t want to complicate my love for the Lord with anything that would keep me from just running along and praising Him the whole way. When He says, “Follow me,” I want to say, “Umm, OK!”
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Darlene Stevens, Director of Worship
darlene@woodside-church.org
Question: What is your favorite Bible passage? My favorite Bible verses are Philippians 4:4-7. I love this passage because it starts off talking about always rejoicing in the Lord. That is something I try to live by. Next it talks about being gentle to people. If only we would always think of that word, "gentle", when we deal with people, how different our relationships would be, also remembering that our Lord is always near. Next this passage talks about prayer, thanksgiving and God's unfathomable peace. These words have held me up through so many trials and troubles in my life. Take everything to Him in prayer. His peace is like nothing this world can ever offer us. Hallelujah to our Lord God Almighty.
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Martha Stringer, Director of Evangelism & Mission
martha@woodside-church.org
Question: What is your favorite praise song and why? I believe God speaks to me through music, and singing and leading the congregation in worship is one of the greatest joys of my life. It is almost impossible to pick a favorite, but the song Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer, in addition to its ethereal melody, has lyrics I try to live by: “May this journey be a blessing; May I rise on wings of faith; And at the end of my heart's testing; With Your likeness, let me wake.” The struggles of life can test our patience and faith. But can we find treasures in the trials? Lean on Jesus—He helps keep my spirit staid and sure.
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Dawn Wills, Higher Ground Director
dawnandscott@juno.com
Question: Are you a morning or night person? I am definitely a morning person! Though I may cringe at the sound of the alarm going off, once I have my coffee in hand I am good to go. The senior high youth will attest to the fact that the late night hours are not my most impressive, and have referred to me as “perky” at hours they would prefer not to see. (I am thinking this was not a compliment :)
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