Welcome to Bethlehem Lutheran Church

 

Bethlehem Church Council

Phil Hildebrandt
Council President

I am honored to serve for a second year as President of the Congregational Council. We are blessed with an amazing group of leaders who are focused on making Discipleship the fundamental focus of our Vision for Mission. I have seen my own discipleship blossom and strengthen during my time at Bethlehem.  There was a long period of my life where this concept would have scared me off as an unattainable standard. Yet, I have come to realize that discipleship is more of a roadmap for my spiritual growth. I recognize that each of us must find our own place on this spiritual journey, and like most journeys, sign posts along the way can be very helpful. I look forward to serving with you and sharing with you my time, talents and treasures as we build on Christ’s presence in the Fox Valley and beyond.

Dave Samuelson
Council Treasurer

Dave has been a member of Bethlehem for eleven years. He has a wife Carla, a son Matthew (age 10), and a daughter Grace (age 8). He has worked at the Board of Trade in Chicago for sixteen years. Dave has been a member of the Finance Ministry Team for six years and the church Treasurer for one year.

 

Kris Sparks

Kris is a lifelong member of Bethlehem. She works part-time as an administrative assistant in the Emergency Room at Central Dupage Hospital. She has a husband, George, and 2 children, Nathan (18) and Sam (9). She has served in many different roles at Bethlehem throughout the years. In addition to serving on council this year, she is co-coordinating the Hesed House Ministry efforts.

 

Joyce Rodriguez

Discipleship of Christ is and has been a lifelong journey for me. From my baptism, through my years in Sunday School, and confirmation in the Lutheran faith, I have sought to know and follow Christ in my life.

I am challenged to be working for his creation full time with animal rescue and in my personal life through many social ministries here at Bethlehem. I know I am serving where the Lord has enabled and led me. The disciples at Bethlehem encourage me and all believers to continue to grow in our desire to know and serve Christ. I am honored to serve on our Council and to help lead our pursuit of God’s Vision here at Bethlehem.

 

 

Lisa Schubring

This is my third year serving on the Congregation Council at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. I am a lifelong member and have been involved in many different ministries throughout my life. My time on the council has helped me to find out what it means to be a disciple and helped me to grow in my faith and discipleship. I was blessed to be part of a family that put faith and this church as a priority each week. I have in turn tried to pass that down to my daughter. I have been very honored to part of this council. I’ve learned from each person and grown with the group. It has been a great time in my life as a Christian. 

 

Steve Heronemus

Steve and his family joined Bethlehem in 1992. His family includes wife Suzanne and children Michelle (17), John (15), Matthew (11), and Claire (8). He has served Bethlehem in many capacities including several Board positions, Bethlehem Brass member, choir member, and Marketplace participant. He currently teaches high school Sunday School, serves as an occasional instrumentalist, and participates in small group Bible study.

 

Suzanne Warner

Suzanne has been part of the Bethlehem family for 22 years.  She and her husband Brian, a lifelong Bethlehem disciple, have 3 children,  Sarah (19), Anna (17), and Scott (14).  She is on staff as the Business Manager at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Geneva and enjoys the chance to learn and serve in both congregations.  At Bethlehem, she has served in various areas including Confirmation, mission trips to Camp Noah and inner city San Francisco, Congregation Council, and Call Team.  She has also served on the Outreach team of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, which works with funding new and ethnic-specific congregations in the Chicago area.  She is excited to be part of Bethlehem’s vision for growing in discipleship and for serving the wider community.

 

Sarah Belinski

Sarah and her family joined Bethlehem in 1991 when they relocated from Minnesota. Over the years Sarah has helped with Wednesday Night Live and Marketplace. She served on the Vision for Mission team as well as on the Call Committee for Pastor Mark. Currently she is a member of the Church Council, the Senior Choir and serves as a communion assistant and usher from time to time. Being a disciple means sharing your gifts. As you grow and your life progresses you are able to share in many different ways.

 

John Swenby

John and his wife Aimee have attended Bethlehem for the last five years. John has been involved with Faithful Stewards, Helping Hands, the adult choir, and many other special events. John and his partners own a number of pallet recycling facilities throughout the Midwest. In his spare time, John enjoys woodworking and sailing.

In the last few years, with the help of fellow Bethlehem Disciples, John has grown in faith and his understanding of how to use our earthly rewards to help others grow in their faith in God.