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 from  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, Kenzie also enjoys talking about the intersection of theology and current events, drinking Alani Nu energy drinks or a nice espresso martini, and spending time with her little black cat, Igor. 

After working many years in the corporate world, Margie felt called by the Holy Spirit to embark on a new career path. In June 2024, she embraced this calling and became the Office Manager at Bethlehem. This transition required a leap of faith, guided by the encouraging words of Hebrews 11:27: "It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king's anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible." Since joining Bethlehem, Margie has discovered a vibrant and dynamic culture. She finds fulfillment in working with an amazing leadership team and dedicated volunteers to share God’s love within the local community and beyond. Outside of work, Margie enjoys spending time outdoors, birdwatching, traveling, and making jigsaw puzzles.

Joy was born into a Christian home, was raised in and attended school in Seoul, Korea. She studied church music/piano at ChongShin University in Seoul Korea. She came to the states for further study in music as she received a Master of Music in City University of New York, Brooklyn NY. Joy has served in music ministry for many years, and she served at Living Hope Church in Ridgewood, NJ as a director of music and worship before she joined Bethlehem Church. She is also a passionate music educator as she has been teaching piano and vocal for many years, seeking to actively serve the community through teaching. Joy’s life mission is to empower others through a worship that God seeks and to raise the next generation through music ministry. Her favorite books in the Bible are Exodus and Revelation! Joy has two amazing daughters; Katie and Jordan. Katie is working as a marketing designer and recently got married to Eddie who is serving as a youth pastor at Grace Covenant Church in PA. Jordan is a senior in Boston University studying Media Science in Communications. Joy lives in Ramsey, NJ and enjoys doing things like attending concerts and shows, visiting museums and historical sites… and K-dramas :)

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. 

Jen has been attending Bethlehem since 2019. She began volunteering in Kids Church right from the start, and has never left. Jen is also an assistant teacher at our Bethlehem Early Learning Center since 2021. In her free time, she loves being a Mom to her 4 amazing kids, who she is so proud of.  One of her favorite bible verses is from Psalm 9:1"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."

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

Mike and his wife Sugayo have been richly blessed for over 30 years at Bethlehem - especially as they raised their two (now adult) kids, Paul and Mayumi, with the help of their church family! Mike has served in many roles throughout the years and is currently privileged to lead our Church Council and play guitar with the Praise Band each Sunday Morning.

Vice President

Jenn has been a member of BLC since 1988, and this is her first term on Bethlehem’s Council as Vice President. She is a master colorist and hairdresser, and has been for over 30 years! Jenn has two amazing kids, Victoria and Antonio, and an amazing soon-to-be husband Mike! She and her family are enjoying every blessing that the Lord has given them.

Elaine and her husband Hank joined Bethlehem Church in 2001.  She has enjoyed participating in many activities here such as
Head Usher, Women’s Ministry, and the Church Council.   She enjoyed working as Office Manager at BLC and meeting many church
and community people.  She loves traveling and spending time with her family.

Terry and his wife Georgia were married at Bethlehem and are long time members. Terry is retired and has served in many roles at Bethlehem including Head Elder, President, Upward Basketball, Sunday School Teacher and is currently Treasurer. He has two adult children that were confirmed at Bethlehem and spends time babysitting their three grandchildren, traveling, and at the Jersey Shore.

Chairman of the Trustees

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