Our Church Leadership

Each of us is viewed as ministers with the purpose of sharing our faith with those around us.

As a church body, we elect council leaders, including a president and vice president, to help us focus our direction towards our mission to Build Lives through Worship, Mission, and Connection.  We also volunteers designated to focus on the many functions of the church and our mission efforts.  These leaders organize teams in the congregation to serve in these ministries.  There is always a way for anyone and everyone to get involved!

 

2020 Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council

 

President:                                  Kristin Haynes, serving 2nd term through 2021

Coordinator of

Governance & Planning:            Marlene Becker, serving 1st term through 2021

Director of Finance:                   David Cross, serving 2nd term through 2021

Council, focus on facilities:        Julie Hogan, serving 2nd term through 2022

Council, focus on worship:        Amy O'Connor, serving 2nd term through 2022

Council, focus on missions:       Marie Reed, serving 2nd term through 2021

Council, focus on fellowship:     Kaj Christensen, serving 1st term through 2022

Council: focus on education:     Ron Gird,  serving 1st term through 2021

Council:                                     Pastor Dan Roschke

 

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Appointed Lay Leaders:

Treasurer:                  Donna Hartmann

Financial Secretary:   Barry Uhlig  

Secretary:                  Marie Bakke  

 

Trustees:

Jay Sharp

Barbara Burfeind

 

Synod Assembly Representatives for 2021 Synod Assembly

Amy O'Connor

Kaj Christensen

 

2020 Nominating Committee

Pastor Dan Roschke

Kristin Haynes, President

Michele Meyers, Elected Committee Member

C. David Hartmann, Elected Committee Member

Ann Schultz, Elected Committee Member

 

 

 

 

Staff

Marie Bakke, Church Administrator

Marie joined the Bethlehem staff in 2004 as our Discipleship Coordinator. Her mission is to help Bethlehem equip our leadership and volunteers to connect into ministry opportunities. Her hope is that everyone find a ministry that allows them to serve God joyously and with laughter. In 2005, Marie added Communications to her responsibilities at Bethlehem to enhance the connections for Bethlehem members and guests.  She now serves as our Administrator for the Church.

 

Originally from Minnesota, Marie attended Macalester College before moving to the metro-DC area.  Marie came to Bethlehem in 1995 with her husband, Mark, and 3 children, Erik, Leif, and Helga. She has served as the Christian Education Coordinator and the Community Assistance Coordinator, as well as assisting with the Joyful Praise Choir and Vacation Bible School. She has an extensive background in music and computer programming.  She has served as a leader in both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and is currently the Forensics and Congressional Debate Coach at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and West Springfield High School.  Marie lives in Springfield with her family.

 

Esther Cho, Minister of Music 

Esther Cho serves God as our Minister of Music. Esther brings 9 years of experience as a conductor, flautist and director of music at various churches, orchestras and ensembles.  She encourages everyone who wants to share their musical gifts, both vocal and instrumental, to participate in music at Bethlehem.  She welcomes children to participate in the music at worship as well.   

 

Esther has played the flute since she was 14 years old, but has experience in playing the piano, organ, violin, cello, trumpet and many others. She holds a Bachelors and Masters in Music.  

Jenny Kong, Accompianist

Jenny brings a joyful spirit to the piano and provides keyboard support for our worship services.