Meet the Bethlehem Staff
Pastor Brad
Hirsch joined the staff as Senior Pastor in August 2009. Brad
grew up in California, attending high school and college in Oakland. He
married Linda in 1972 and both graduated from Concordia, Seward, Nebraska. He
served as grade school teacher in Utica, NE before moving to Seattle
as youth director and part-time teacher. There they adopted their
three children - Paul, Luke and Juliana. He served as family life
minister in California before beginning his studies to become a pastor
in 2000. He served as vicar and pastor at Grace Chapel, St. Louis,
before coming to Oregon.
Pastor Loel
Haak came to Bethlehem in February of 2002 as assistant pastor following
his retirement and during that time launched the Stephen Ministry. In
2004 he became interim pastor.
Prior to his retirement Pastor Haak completed 20 years of
pastoral ministry at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran in Phoenix, Arizona and 10
years at Hope Lutheran in Seattle, Washington.
He began his pastoral ministry as a missionary-at- large as the
first pastor of St. Mark Lutheran in Phoenix, where he served for 7 years.
During his active career his service to the church at large included that of
Circuit Counselor and Pacific Southwest District Board of Directors. He also
served on the Board of Directors of Hearthstone Retirement Center and Valley
Lutheran High School, and gave leadership to the Lutheran Cursillo movement
in Arizona. Signature ministries in his parishes were Evangelism Explosion
Clinics in Seattle, Stephen Ministry, Elementary School, and an extensive assimilation
process in Phoenix.
He and his wife have been blessed with 4 children and 7 grandchildren.
Bob
and Robin Fossum serve as a team directing Bethlehem's family ministry. Their
ministry mission is to build strong families in relationship with
Jesus Christ and with each other. To this end, they seek to provide
opportunities designed to equip and enrich family members across the
life span to realize more satisfying relationships as persons redeemed
and made one in Christ.
Bob and Robin earned their master's degrees in Family Life Ministry
at Concordia University, Nebraska and have served at Bethlehem since April
1999. They have also received training in marriage preparation and marriage
enrichment through the Prepare/Enrich program, Christian - Prevention and Relationship
Enhancement Program (C-PREP), and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod program
Marriage Enrichment Experience. They work with individuals, couples and families
in a variety of settings including educational classes and forums, retreats,
workshops, and personal/family consultations. They provide staff direction
for various family ministry teams at Bethlehem including Family Builders, youth
and children's ministries, men's and women's ministries, family mission trips,
and Heart to Heart couple's ministry.
Bob
has served in ministry to youth and families in the Northwest District for
twenty-five years, both as a Lutheran elementary classroom teacher and Director
of Christian Education. Prior to their move to Oregon, Robin served for
sixteen years in Student Services at Concordia University in Seward, NE. Bob
and Robin met at Concordia in 1996, married in January of 1999 and relocated
to Aloha in April of that same year. On free days they can usually be found
at the coast, the mountains, or a local coffee shop or movie theater. Oh, and
they love to entertain folks in their home -- the coffee pot is always ready
to go!
Ben
Bauer works with our Jr. and Sr. High Youth at Bethlehem. He is responsible
for leading Youth Group Nights, service projects, "fun" activities,
and assisting in Confirmation Ministry.
Ben graduated from Concordia University in Portland in 2005. He
enjoys crabbing, golf, and just getting out doors.
It is good that he likes to play with kids because he acts just
like them most of the time.
Ben also enjoys serving on the worship teams at Bethlehem.
Kerry
Bauer serves us primarily in the area of Children’s ministry. She
finds great joy in sharing God’s timeless message of unconditional love
and forgiveness with young moldable minds. Kerry
also assists with worship leading and planning.
Kerry grew up in
Aloha, and has attended
Kerry feels so blessed
to be on staff and have the opportunity to be used by God in this community.
Kerry and Ben are parents of
Ellianna, born in March. 2006.
Carolyn
Meier has served as the Director of Bethlehem's early childhood program
since 1987. With 20 years of teaching experience and with a degree in
elementary education as well as a degree in Early Childhood education
from Seton Hall University, Carolyn brings a wealth of knowledge and
experience to the classroom every day. But most importantly, Mrs. Meier
provides a tender spirit and gentle, caring nature that truly reflects
the tender love of Jesus Christ. You can be sure that every child (and
parent) receives a full dose of the love of God in Christ from our whole
staff -- with Mrs. Meier leading the way in both word and actions.
Kerri
Christensen serves as Parish Administrator and in many ways is the "storehouse
of information" that will help with most any question. Kerri is
also the chief editor of our monthly newsletter, The Bethlehem Star. Prior
to assuming this position in 2007, Kerri was the receptionist in our
office.
Brenda
Shults is our primary contact for our Early Childhood Center
and Preschool and can take any inquiries and registrations. Brenda
joined the staff in the fall of 2007 and prior to joining our congregation
was a preschool director at a Lutheran church in Tualatin. Brenda
also serves as receptionist and may be the person who answers the phone
when you call.