Leadership

Pastor Peter grew up in the Washington D.C. area, and studied at Valparaiso University in Northwest Indiana and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.  After an internship in Denver, Colorado, the Lord saw fit to send him back to the D.C. area, where he served Our Savior Lutheran Church in Laurel Maryland as a pastor for 22 years. He married his best friend, Michelle in 1997, and the two of them have been blessed with three wonderful kids, Allison, Matthew, and Nathan.  The oldest two are now—like their parents were—in college at Valparaiso University, while Nathan resides with his parents in Ridgewood. Pastor Peter loves telling others about Jesus as a preacher and a teacher, as well as demonstrating that love through service.  He loves hanging out with family, watching movies, making music and other creative arts.  On his days off you might find him running, exploring nature or tinkering with something, screwdriver in hand.

Kenzie was raised in Northwest Minnesota and graduated at Concordia University, Saint Paul, with a  degree in Christian Ministry and Non-Profit Management. Kenzie’s walk in faith began at age sixteen when a friend invited her to church, and she has been passionate about sharing the Gospel and God's love ever since. On a Sunday morning, you will find Kenzie in our Kids Church classrooms and with the Youth for Youth Connection Group. Her favorite verse in Scripture is Deuteronomy 31:8 which says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave your nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Kenzie feels blessed to work with Bethlehem to share God’s love in intentional relationships both within and outside of the church. In her free time, she also enjoys hiking, mountain biking, good coffee, weightlifting, live music, exploring new places, and chatting about life.

A fun fact about Kenzie is that she and Ben met at Bethlehem in 2021 and are engaged to be married in October of 2024.

Claire has been attending Bethlehem since 1999, when she was just a child.  She remembers her time  in Sunday school and  Confirmation classes, eventually becoming a part of Youth Group and now as a member of staff! Claire’s confirmation life verse  is Jeremiah 29:11; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Claire was blessed enough to have participated in two National Youth Gatherings, one in 2012 to San Antonio and another in 2016 to New Orleans. Claire studied Public Health and Psychology at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Joining the Bethlehem staff has been an exciting opportunity to get to know our Congregation better and share Jesus' love with all she meets. During the week, you will find her smiling face at the front desk in the office. In her free time, Claire enjoys podcasts, iced lavender lattes, hiking, drawing, crafting, nature, and a good book. She lives at home with her two kitties and many plants.

A fun fact about Claire is that she is engaged and is getting married in November of 2023. 

Ben has been a member of Bethlehem for over 15 years and has spent a number of those years serving Bethlehem with his gifts and talents in the Youth, Young Adult and Sunday Morning Worship ministries. He has recently stepped up to take on the role of interim Tech and Worship Coordinator, editing videos for Sunday morning and making sure all technology runs smoothly for our worship service. Ben’s favorite Bible verse is Romans 10:9, "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."  In his free time, Ben enjoys gardening, taking photos, and enjoying a craft beer from a local brewery.

A fun fact about Ben is that he and Kenzie met at Bethlehem in 2021 and are engaged to be married in October of 2024. 

Karen Mabli, the Director of the Bethlehem Early Learning Center, feels blessed to have been a part of the Bethlehem Church community for over 20 years.  Her daughter Grace was baptized at Bethlehem, both of her children were confirmed here, and Karen began teaching Sunday School as soon as her son James was old enough to attend.  Karen became the Director at BELC in the fall of 2019, but prior to that she spent time at the school as a helper and substitute teacher.  Once Karen started getting involved with the school, she knew that she wanted to help shape its future.  The passion and commitment of the staff, plus Karen’s own love for the students and families, are what keeps her coming back for more! It’s not surprising that one of Karen’s favorite Bible verses is  “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”  Proverbs 22:6

Council President

Linda Graduated from Champlain College with an Associates Degree, she is currently a Broker/Associate with Keller Williams Village Square Realty. Linda has been married to Larry Schumann for 44 years and has been blessed with Three Children and Six Grand Children

Vice President

Susan graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology with an Associates Degree and currently works as a sales Manager at FSI - Junior Sportswear Wholesale Company. Susan as be en married to Michael for 26 f un filled years and has Three Terrific Kids - Ryan, Luke, and Kirstin .

Recording Secretary

Cathy worked as a School Library Media Specialist at Haledon Public School, and went to Hunter College – B.A. in Education, Ramapo College – Masters in Educational Technology, and William Paterson – Library Science. Cathy has been married to Mike Eng for 43 years, has one Child and Two grandsons.

Chairman of the Trustees

Married to Susan McGeary Three Terrific Kids - Ryan, Luke, and Kirstin