Leadership

Kenzie was born and raised near Moorhead, MN. She is a recent graduate of Concordia University, Saint Paul, with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry and a certification in commissioned ministry as a Director of Christian Education and Outreach. Kenzie’s walk in faith began at age sixteen when a friend invited her to church, and she’s been passionate about sharing God’s love ever since. (To learn more about her story click here.) 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 is excited and feeling 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 cities, and chatting about life.

Claire has been attending Bethlehem since 1999 She began in Sunday school and then Confirmation classes. 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.” One of her favorite verses, as it serves as a reminder of God’s great love and promise for all of us. 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 not only get to know our Congregation better, but also to share Christ’s love to all on a different level. 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.

Diane Berkoben Mitchell came to Bethlehem Lutheran in 2001 as the Minister of Music. She began his musical career in local clubs, the Sheraton chain and the Grand Ole Opry, with many steps in between. Her early training was a classical pianist. After an accident caused her to lose the full mobility of two fingers, God opened the door to singing and songwriting in the contemporary music field, as well as in teaching music. Diane studied music at Fairleigh Dickinson University and worked for several publishing companies and ad agencies in New York and Nashville as a writer, jinglist, studio musician and back-up vocalist. Diane has performed her original Christian music at testimonial concerts throughout the United States. Diane lives in Westwood with her husband, Russell, and sons Billy Ray and Jackson Lee and Angel, the Wonder Dog. Diane has many Bible verses she loves but the one that brings a smile to her face is Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy and with my song I praise Him."
Diane has several hymns of praise that melt her heart; they are "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand", "Onward, Christian Soldiers" and "It is Well".

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