CONTACT US
PASTOR GRANT VANDERFORD
Grant is called as Pastor and Mission Developer in partnership with Bethesda and a newly-forming ministry with our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Before going to seminary, he served the church for 12 years in youth ministry. He is a 2009 Concordia graduate (Roll Cobbs!), and is a community-loving Moorhead resident. He and his partner Petra (Pee-truh) have two daughters, Selah (Say-luh) and Ingrid, and one dog, Boston. Pr. Grant cherishes good conversations, strong coffee, and hearty laughter. He also finds great joy in cooking for family and friends, being outdoors, singing, and reading nerdy theology books.
Office Phone: 218-236-1420
Cell Phone: 218-849-0907
Email: pastorgrant@bethesdamhd.org
Pastor
Director, Table of Mercy
ROXANNE WEST
Roxanne is one of six children, born in Fargo and raised on a 2000 acre farm west of West Fargo ND. She had a great childhood, with hard-working parents. Their commitment to core values brought them into town every Sunday for worship. Roxanne was active hosting international students during the summer and school-year, which gave her insight into many different cultures and lifestyles.
Office Administrator
Office Phone: 218-236-1420
Email: roxannewest@bethesdamhd.org
DILLON SWANSON
Dillon J. Swanson is a 4th year organ performance major at Concordia College where he has studied with Dr. Peggy Johnson and Andrew Steinberg. While at Concordia he has also studied vocal performance and pedagogy with Dr. Holly Janz and Peter Halverson and conducting with Dr. Kevin Sütterlin, Dr. Michael Culloton, and Dr. Kira Winter.
He holds the offices of Dean of the Red River Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (RRVAGO) and President of the Red River Theatre Organ Society (RRTOS). Other recent appointments include Sub-Dean of the RRVAGO and Chairman of the RRVAGO Diamond Anniversary Committee. Dillon currently leads the production of the RRTOS Silent Movie Night and Holiday Pipes Concert Series.
Musical Director, Cantor, Choir Director, Bell Choir Director
Office Phone: 218-236-1420
Email: dillonswanson@bethesdamhd.org
JESSICA BERNDT
Jessica grew up in Dysart, Iowa. She attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa where she graduated with a degree in Religious Studies and a minor in Child, Adult, Family Services. She worked at a Bible camp, Upper Missouri Ministries (Williston ND), the four summers of her college career as a camp counselor, VBS assistant program director, and Assistant Program Director. Upon graduation from ISU, Jessica moved to the Fargo/Moorhead area. God used camp to change all the direction and plans she thought she had for her life, including her major. Working at camp opened her eyes to the passion she has for youth and the joy it brings to share the Gospel and walk alongside them in Christ. It was fun to see the ways God works in and through us as a group as we run towards Him. It was beautiful to see Him move in so many ways and help youth experience and understand that. Jessica works with the middle school and high school youth, and the confirmation group. It has been a joy to continue to grow in the life of Bethesda. Jessica says her heart fills with joy as she witness 'a-ha' moments in the faith lives of our youth and is thankful for how God is moving in this place and community.
Youth and Confirmation Minister
Office Phone: 218-236-1420
Email: jessicaberndt@bethesdamhd.org
