This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Lead Pastor, graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree in 1987 from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University in 1983, majoring in Sports Medicine. She was ordained on March 5, 1988 and has served parishes in Oregon and New York before coming to St. Mark’s.

In January 1998, Pastor Ekdale was called to St. Mark's, San Francisco, to serve as Co-Pastor along with Pastor Womer. On January 26, 2003, the congregation affirmed her call as Lead Pastor of St. Mark's.  Having grown up in the Bay Area, she finds it a delight and privilege to serve a congregation in San Francisco.

Her ministry passions include team ministry, especially working with Pastor Christian, evangelism and outreach, social ministry, pastoral care, worship and preaching. Her ministry beyond St. Mark’s includes serving on the Boards of the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the San Francisco Interfaith Council. She is also active in the Bay Area Organizing Committee, a broad-based organizing group in San Francisco, Napa, and Marin counties.

Pastor Ekdale enjoys outdoor activities on her days off. She has run one marathon and climbed Mt. Rainier. She loves snow skiing, biking, gardening and running. She grew up in Menlo Park, California and met her spouse in seminary. Pastor Hoch currently serves as Federal Prison Chaplain at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California. They live in the Mission District with their six year old daughter Grace.