Welcome Heidi Peterson
Parish Nurse at Minnetonka
Baptized , confirmed and married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Minnetonka Campus , Heidi Peterson has been a member of our congregation most of her life .
Heidi attended nursing school at Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing and has worked in many areas of medicine . Her background includes working as a supervisor in a nursing home , staff nurse in a Neonatal ICU , coordinating flu shot clinics , and home health companion work . Parish nursing has always been an interest of hers , so becoming Parish Nurse at the church she considers “ home ” is a true blessing .
Heidi ’ s husband , Mark Peterson , was also raised at the Minnetonka campus . Their son Andrew and his fiance , Kirsten Bock , will be married in November . Their daughter Mari teaches 5th grade math at a charter school in Denver , Colorado .
Welcome Peter Bruhn
Therapist from Westminster
Bethlehem is excited to offer counseling services from Westminster at Bethlehem . Peter Bruhn , a Therapist from Westminster will be at Bethlehem ' s Minneapolis campus on Tuesdays , Thursdays and Fridays .
Peter joined the Westminster Counseling team in 2016 and has a BA in psychology from the University of Wisconsin and an MA in professional studies from the U of M which encompasses both substance abuse and mental health counseling .
To make an appointment or questions , contact Peter : pbruhn @ wpc-mpls . org
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Care Ministries
Lay Eucharistic Ministry ( LEMs )
As members of this congregation- Go ! Share this bread and wine with members of the Body of Christ who are hungry for this holy meal .
Lay Eucharistic Ministers , LEMs , are trained laypersons who are commissioned at the end of each communion service to go out with communion elements to members and friends of the congregation in homes , hospitals and nursing homes who are unable to be present for worship .
In addition to the communion elements , the Sunday worship bulletin is often brought along to visits , providing opportunity to discuss the sermon and news of the congregation . Many members who have been unable to leave their homes for some time have expressed profound appreciation for this way of connecting to their faith community . In effect , LEMs are extending the scope of Sunday worship outside of the walls of the sanctuary .
One LEM recipient said this of her visits :
I am blessed to be part of the home communion program Bethlehem offers to members who cannot get to church as they once did . I look forward to when Lucinda and Karen bring me communion each month . They also bring the church bulletin so I am up to date with the news from Bethlehem .
When we have communion we say the Lord ’ s Prayer together , and it ’ s so good to say the prayer aloud with other people . I feel this is a special time for me and that we all gain from this time together . We ’ ve shared many conversations and many prayers for each other . It ’ s a blessing for all of us .
One lay minister at the Minnetonka campus said in all his years of caring for individuals , this is one of the best things he has done . The Lay Eucharistic Ministers represent the Body of Christ , the church , in their visits , bringing the gifts of Christ ’ s body and blood-one of the means of God ’ s grace which strengthens us and forgives our sins .
It is truly a sacred ministry where we bring the message of hope and healing to members , some of whom are alone and isolated . Members and volunteers are touched by this ministry .
Presently about a dozen LEMs make visits on a regular basis but more volunteers are needed . If you believe this might be a way God is calling you to serve , please contact Diane Waarvik , dwaarvik @ bethlehem-church . org or Marilyn Christensen , kentmarilync @ gmail . com with questions .
What ' s Left Exhibit moves to Minnetonka
Open April 2-28
What ' s Left is a multimedia exhibit to create a proactive dialogue about suicide and mental illness with a goal of reducing the stigma surrounding them . Join us for a reception on Friday , April 21 , 5-8 pm with speakers , live music and refreshments at 7 pm . Questions ? Contact Diane Waarvik , dwaarvik @ bethlehem-church . org .