About Us

We are so glad you are here!

OUR HISTORY

Bethel Church had its beginning on Tuesday, May 11, 1869, when a group of seven men gathered at Nortan’s Hall to discuss the need for a Lutheran church in Rochester. They decided to contact others in the community and meet five weeks later to officially organize. On June 14, they met again and named their church, “Rochester Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.” To view more information about the History of Bethel Lutheran Church, click the link below.

BETHEL’S MISSION STATEMENT

We, the Bethel Congregation, called by God, commit ourselves to:

Proclaim The Gospel

Prepare Our Members For Outreach And Service

Minister To Human Needs

BETHEL’S VISION STATEMENT

Bethel Lutheran Church will stand as a Lutheran and Christian leader in this community by being:

  • A vibrant place of worship;
  • A caring institution utilizing its many resources of people, facilities, and finances to serve members, the community, and interdependent expressions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America;
  • A place to nurture and educate; and
  • An interpreter and supporter of global mission.

BETHEL’S CORE VALUES

Jesus is Lord of all

Jesus is Lord of all; Christ is at the center of all Bethel’s ministry and proclamation.

Corporate worship is Bethel’s highest commitment

Corporate worship is Bethel’s highest commitment and will be expressed by sharing the faith with others throughout the week.

God’s people of Bethel are called to serve family, church, community, and world

God’s people of Bethel are called to serve family, church, community, and world through continuous outreach and mission.

Bethel will model a godly way of life for our members and society

Bethel will model a godly way of life for our members and society, including, but not limited to: a life of integrity, honesty, commitment, and loyalty.

Bethel will be good stewards of our time, talent, and resources

Bethel will be good stewards of our time, talent, and resources in serving members and the community.

Bethel will nurture the entire congregation

Bethel will nurture the entire congregation through education and building up of the family unit.

Bethel will be a source of comfort

Bethel will be a source of comfort to those who suffer, mourn, or are in distress.

OUR PASTORAL STAFF

To learn more about our staff members, click on their profile pictures to read more information.

Pastor Anjanette Bandel

Lead Pastor

Pastor Lisa Hawe

Associate Pastor - Generational Ministries

Pastor Linda Helberg

Pastor of Visitation

Pastor Michael Mandsager

Associate Pastor - Visitation, Mission and Teaching

Bethel Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).