Bethlehem Lutheran: Staff Profiles

Staff Profiles

Pastor David Reinke joined Bethlehem’s ministry as Interim Pastor in September 2011. David and Kathy came from the Edmonds, Washington area after he served as Intentional Interim at Anchorage Lutheran Church.
David grew up in Concordia, Missouri, attended St. Paul’s high school and college there, and was ordained into the Lutheran ministry in 1971. His first call was to Concordia (then) College in Portland where he served as Director of Development. He later began and developed a consulting service for congregations that provided capital and annual stewardship campaigns, today known as the Enrichment Group. David has visited and worked with congregations across the country, and is pleased to be back in the Portland area where he and Kathy began their married life together.

Bob Fossum serves as Bethlehem's Family Minister. The mission of Family ministry is to build strong families in relationship with Jesus Christ and with each other. Family Ministry at Bethlehem seeks to provide opportunities designed to equip and enrich family members across the life span to realize more satisfying relationships as persons redeemed and made one in Christ.

Bob earned his master's degrees in Family Life Ministry at Concordia University, Nebraska and has served at Bethlehem since April 1999. He has also received training in marriage preparation and marriage enrichment through the Prepare/Enrich program, Christian - Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (C-PREP), and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod program Marriage Enrichment Experience. Bob works with individuals, couples and families in a variety of settings including educational classes, retreats, workshops, and personal/family consultations. He provides staff direction for various family ministry teams at Bethlehem.

Bob has served in ministry to youth and families in the Northwest District for thirty-two years, both as a Lutheran elementary classroom teacher and Director of Christian Education. Bob and Robin met at Concordia University in 1996, married in January of 1999 and relocated to Aloha in April of that same year. On free days they can usually be found at the coast, hiking in the mountains, or at a local coffee shop or movie theater.

Carolyn Meier has served as the Director of Bethlehem's early childhood program since 1987. With 20 years of teaching experience and with a degree in elementary education as well as a degree in Early Childhood education from Seton Hall University, Carolyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom every day. But most importantly, Mrs. Meier provides a tender spirit and gentle, caring nature that truly reflects the tender love of Jesus Christ. You can be sure that every child (and parent) receives a full dose of the love of God in Christ from our whole staff -- with Mrs. Meier leading the way in both word and actions.

Brenda Shults is our primary contact for our Early Childhood Center and Preschool and can take any inquiries and registrations. Brenda joined the staff in the fall of 2007 and prior to joining our congregation was a preschool director at a Lutheran church in Tualatin. Brenda also serves as receptionist and may be the person who answers the phone when you call.

Robin Fossum is our Parish Administrator.