At Bethlehem Lutheran Church, you are welcome, just as you are. We want to walk through life with you as part of your faith community, helping you grow in your relationship with Jesus.
About Us
Our Mission & Values
Love
We have been saved through an outpouring of God's love on the cross and not through any of our own doing. We live in the promise, from Romans Chapter 8, that nothing will ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We find purpose in sharing God's love in service and witness.
Bible
We hold the Bible as the Word of God, the story of a loving God, our creator, redeemer, and constant companion. God's Word continues as a living and transforming presence in today's world, for both individuals and communities.
Radical Inclusion
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a story of radical inclusion. Jesus said, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." John 12
The Holy Spirit led early church leaders to proclaim, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3
Service
We have been set free in baptism to love others, especially those most in need. We work together with other churches, and with those of other faiths, to bring peace and justice to our world.
Forgiveness
We have been brought into a relationship with God through forgiveness. As people of God, we are called to embody forgiveness in speech, action, and relationships as we continue God's work of reconciliation.
Church
We are a family-oriented, Spirit-led, Christian church with deep roots in the Lutheran tradition. We are people who experience God's love in church gatherings and in our everyday lives. We are sent to love others.
Our Staff & Leadership Team
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SENIOR PASTOR
Pastor Dawn Hansen Roucka has a heart for people and a passion for seeing lives transformed through the love of God in Jesus Christ. Known for her bubbly, engaging personality and down-to-earth teaching style, Pastor Dawn connects with people from all walks of life—whether in the pulpit, over coffee, or serving alongside the community. She believes church should be a place where everyone feels seen, valued, and loved.
With over 30 years in ministry prior to coming to Bethlehem, Pastor Roucka served as an intentional transition leader for the Northern Illinois and Metro Chicago Synods, worked with Church World Service, LSSI and Women of the ELCA nurturing community development and volunteer engagement. She is also a pastoral leader coach.
When she’s not preaching or leading, you’ll possibly find her and her husband Ken working on their ballroom dance skills, cheering on the Cubs, or enjoying family time with the extended family. Dawn also loves being crafty in her art room or practicing the art of improv. Her life mission is simple: to love God and others genuinely, help others discover their God-given purpose and help make the community a better place.
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CHURCH SECRETARY
Cindy's passions include volunteer work, reading, and being "Grammy" to her five grands, Callie, Catie, Caroline, Jordy, and Raelynn.
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DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Peg appreciates the beauty of nature in all seasons–including Illinois winters! She enjoys rooting for the Cubs and other Chicago sports teams.
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COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Cate’s Bio and Picture are on their way, stay tuned for updates
