The Bethlehem Staff is ready to serve

Eric is the Youth & Children’s Minister at Bethlehem and has been since 2012. He grew up in Portland, attending Trinity Lutheran School and Portland Lutheran High School. He graduated from Concordia, St. Paul, Minnesota as a DCE.  In 2021 he got married at Bethlehem. He and his wife have one adult daughter living on her own, one in college, one in high school, and one dog who loves to lay by the fire.  He loves giving children’s sermons, inviting youth and their families into a deeper relationship with Jesus, the Blazers, running, and Mario Kart. 

Julie has been the Preschool Director since 2026 and has served Lutheran and Episcopal schools in the role of Preschool teacher, Early Childhood director and music teacher.  Her passion is sharing the Good News of Jesus with little ones and their families through a quality whole child experience. An Idaho native, she received her BA and MEd from Concordia University – Portland. After living in 10 different states, she is happy to have returned to the Portland area. While working part-time here at Bethlehem, she is also serving at Pilgrim Lutheran Christian School in Beaverton. She is an organist, mother of 3 children and grandmother to 3. Her hobbies include New York Times puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, reading and exploring nature.

Joel has been Bethlehem’s Parish Administrator since 2017 and took on the role of Worship Coordinator in 2025.  He grew up in the congregation before attending schools in California and Louisiana.  He holds a Master’s in Teaching from Concordia University, Portland and taught for 5 years before becoming a stay at home dad.  He and his wife now have 3 children in school.  Joel is also a part of the Youth Ministry Squad and leads the Young Adult Bible Study and Men’s Bible Study on Monday nights.

Mary has been Parish Assistant since 2017.  Prior to joining the office staff, Mary worked in Bethlehem’s preschool as a teacher’s aide, starting in 2003.  Mary and her family have been members of Bethlehem since 2000.  She grew up in Wisconsin, moving to Oregon in 1995.  Mary and her husband have 3 grown children and 4 granddaughters.  Mary is involved in Worship Team, Choir, and Women’s Ministry here at Bethlehem.