Meet our Pastors

Pastor Mark H. Larson
Senior Pastor

Pastor Mark started his service as Senior Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in December of 2004. He is most passionate about guiding Bethlehem towards fulfilling its vision of being a community of disciples, not just members.  Central to his vision is that each one of us is blessed with unique gifts, skills, and experiences that we’re called to nurture to their fullest and invited to share with each other.  Pastor Mark truly believes that our personal service to Jesus Christ grows most fully when we walk in faith together. 

In his Welcome Letter and Welcome Video, Pastor Mark shares his passion for welcoming people into our Bethlehem community. Click here to learn more about Pastor Mark's background on his biography.

Pastor Jeffrey Fricke
Associate Pastor for Discipleship

Pastor Jeff Fricke grew up in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Jeff received a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Illinois State University. While at Illinois State, Jeff met his wife, Joy. The two were married the summer after graduation before Jeff entered seminary. Jeff and Joy have been married for 25+ years.

Jeff attended the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and completed his internship at Rejoice Lutheran on the western edge of Omaha, Nebraska. Pastor Jeff returned to the Chicago area to work with Community of Christ Lutheran in Schaumburg, Illinois. This church was a re-development site with the ELCA and eventually was merged with Prince of Peace Lutheran in Schaumburg while Jeff served as Pastor.

Following the seven years in Schaumburg it was back to Omaha to work with another church in transitionm where he served as Senior Pastor. Jeff arrived in the Fox Valley in 2002 to serve in transition as Senior Pastor at Bethany Lutheran of Batavia before coming to Bethlehem as our Interim Associate Pastor. The interim part of Jeff's title was removed when he was called as Associate Pastor for Discipleship in August of 2006.

Pastor Jeff continues to focus on helping people grow in their faith relationship with God and reach out to others with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Click here to learn more about Pastor Jeff's background on his biography.

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