STAFF

Pastor Dan Forsberg

Greetings! I was born in Mpls., MN in 1955 as my dad was finishing up his Masters of Divinity at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. His first parish was in Howard, SD, after which he went into the Army Chaplaincy. I grew up with 4 sisters and two brothers as an Army Brat, our residence changing every few years. We lived in Minnesota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Kansas (Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth), Germany, New York (Brooklyn and Staaten Island). I graduated from high school at New Dorp High in Staaten Island, NY. I enlisted in the Air Force for 4 years and was stationed at Ellsworth in the Black Hills, SD and in the Eifel mountains of Germany. I went to school at Augsburg College in Minneapolis where I met Debbie Krattenmaker whom I married on May 24, 1980. I transferred to the U of MN and graduated with a degree in Child Psychology. I was then accepted into the Masters of Divinity program at what was then called Luther-Northwestern Seminary, where my dad graduated in 1956. The parishes I have served since 1986 are:

Oklee Lutheran Parish, Oklee, MN

Our Savior's Lutheran, Moorhead, MN

Peace Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND

Trinity Lutheran Church, Valley City, ND

Richland/Colfax Parish, Colfax, Richland County, ND

Bethesda Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN

I have loved every parish that I have been called to. It is wonderful to be in a family community whose roots are in the Swedish Lutheran Church, though I am also very happy we are growing in our diversity and life together in Christ our Lord!

I have 3 daughters: Katie Damico, Jeanne Williamson, and Diana Forsberg. I am grandpa to 7 grandchildren: Isaiah, Lily, Aubrey, Ashlyn, Mason, Selma and Matteo.

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Roxanne West- Office Manager/Administrator

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.

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Roxanne and her husband, Terry, moved into their home in south Moorhead a month after marrying.  They have enjoyed their friendly neighborhood for 36 years. They have two children, Tony and Sharell, a son-in-law Jeffrey and four grandchildren: Mason, Jasiah, Jordan and Journey.  They have been members of Bethesda since 1982. Over the years, Roxanne brought her children through the Christian Education program, taught classes, joined circle and bible studies, participated in many group events, and currently sings in both traditional choir and the informal ensemble. She began her employment at Bethesda in July 2001 as a part-time Volunteer Coordinator, working alongside Marlys Ellefson.  As Marlys neared retirement, Roxanne's position changed to Office Assistant and eventually Office Manager, in 2006.  Roxanne finds her staff position to be very rewarding.   It is a privilege and honor to work by, with and for the family of Bethesda Lutheran Church. She looks forward to many more years of sharing her gifts, prayers, and enthusiasm for her church

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Thomas Hanson- Director of Music

My name is Tom Hanson.  I've been serving as Director of Music at Bethesda Lutheran since 2010.  I am responsible for coordinating music for worship in the life of our church.  I direct the Youth and Adult Handbells, the Bethesda (contemporary) Ensemble and the Adult Choir.  I also play and accompany musical groups with both organ and piano.  

I grew up in the Fergus Falls area where I was immersed in music from an early age in church, school, and private piano lessons.  I graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, attended the Fergus Falls Community College, Association Free Lutheran Bible School and Concordia College, St Paul, Minnesota.  I was very active in the music offerings at each of these schools.  I studied organ privately with several gifted teachers through the years including Christopher Anderson, Peter Nygaard, Marilyn Schneider-Peeters, and Rebecca Worley.

I am very thankful to work with so many gifted people in such a wonderful setting that has such beautiful instruments.  

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Jessica Berndt - Youth Coordinator

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.

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