Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Bayport, Minnesota

Contacting Our Staff

Education: 

St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN - B.A. in Music and Religion, 1976

Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN,  M. Div., 1980
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN, D.Min, (2010)

Work:

West Prairie Lutheran Church, Williston, ND, 1980-1986

First Lutheran Church, Associate Pastor, Stoughton, WI, 1986-1996

Pastor Rich joined Bethlehem as Sr. Pastor in August of 1996.

Pastor Rich's hopes for Bethlehem:

More important than growing in numbers or growing in programs or finances, I believe that we must all commit ourselves to growing in faith and spirit. I will consider myself successful at Bethlehem if I have helped people become closer to Christ as their savior, and if I have aided our members in achieving a deeper spiritual walk.

Education:
Master of Divinity – Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN. -
                             Parish Administration, Religious Ed., Minors: Youth Ministry, Music
Bachelor of Arts - Concordia University – St.Paul, Mn.                       

Work Experience:
Intern Pastor; Director of Music Zion Lutheran Church, Chisago City, Minnesota
Director of Music, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Oakdale, Minnesota
Director of Christian Education, Youth Ministry, & Campus Ministry – Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, River Falls, Wisconsin
Parish Worker, Hope Lutheran Church, New Hope, Minnesota

Pastor Karen was called to Bethlehem Lutheran Church as Associate Pastor beginning December 1^st, 2005.

Pastor Karen’s hope for Bethlehem:
I hope to encourage all ages at Bethlehem to continue putting their faith into action. How do we live out our Baptism? How do we find God’s calling in our lives? What does it mean to be a member of God’s family? How do we answer the great questions of life? It is in community that we find ourselves and the purposes that God has intended for our lives. Through our church family, we find belonging and encouragement. I hope to see our family at Bethlehem strengthened and enriched through the love of God, the grace of Christ, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, so that wherever we may go, others will see Jesus in us and through us.

Education:
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, B.S. in Instrumental Music Education, 1977
Semester Abroad – Munich, West Germany, Anthology of the Lutheran Liturgy, German Language & Culture, 1979

Work:
Ecolab Inc., St. Paul, MN Graphics Designer & Administrator of Printed Material; Marketing Communications, 1988-2005.

Jean joined Bethlehem as Ministries Coordinator in August of 2005.

Jean’s hope for Bethlehem:
My hope for Bethlehem is to see our already active relationship in the community grow even more, and for our members to find joy and confidence in serving others.

Education: 
B.S. Business Management, 1978, Univ. of Illinois-Chicago, IL
                     AA Business, 1976, College of DuPage-Glen Elyn, IL

Work: 
2004 - Americorps Volunteer Coordinator for Minnesota Reading Corps
1984-1986 - Cutover Coordinator, Ohio Bell, Columbus, OH
1981-1984 - Engineer, Ohio Bell, Columbus, OH
1978-1981 - Engineer, Illinois Bell, Chicago, IL

Jane joined the Bethlehem staff in March 2007.

Jane's hopes for Bethlehem are to nourish our community in faith and God's love.