A Message from Pastor Kris:

Dear Bethel Church Council, Staff, Members and Friends,

In 2004, as part of my contextual education at Luther Seminary, I was assigned to Hosanna Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, Minnesota. It was the first place I ever preached a sermon, including one with my three-year old daughter hanging onto my leg for dear life. On August 24th, Hosanna voted to call me as their lead pastor. This is truly a full circle moment. I look forward to shepherding their congregation, as they began shepherding me into ministry so long ago.

I am excited for this new opportunity, while at the same time I am sad to leave Bethel. The past 9 ½ years have meant so much to me, getting to know you and walking with you through so many years and so many joys and changes. I will continue to pray for you and for a bright future in ministry and service. I hope you will pray for me as well in this new venture and for the people of Hosanna as they navigate transition. Your friendship, trust, and support have left a lasting impact. Neal and I leave with hearts filled with gratitude.

My last Sunday in worship will be September 21st. I will do my best to help facilitate a successful transition in this interim period.

Once again, please know that I am immensely grateful to you for allowing me the privilege of serving with you for these past many years. May God bless you now and always.

Sincerely,
Pastor Kris Kurzejeski

A Message from Pastor Ladd:

Dear Bethel Family, 

I want to begin by sharing that I am both excited and saddened as I write this letter. I am excited for Pastor Kris as she steps into her new call as Lead Pastor at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, MN. This is a wonderful opportunity for her to continue living into her gifts and potential. At the same time, I am deeply sad to see her leave her role here at Bethel. 

As many of you know, Pastor Kris has faithfully served our congregation for the past nine years. During that time, she has made a tremendous impact on our community of faith. From leading powerful women’s retreats to teaching Bible studies, from preaching God’s Word to developing staff and leadership teams, Pastor Kris has shaped Bethel in lasting ways. We cannot thank her enough for all that she has done—and for the many things that will continue to bless us even after she leaves. 

As her time with us draws to a close, we want to celebrate and give thanks. On Sunday, September 21, we will gather for a combined worship service at 9:00 am, at the Highlands Campus, followed by a celebration to honor Pastor Kris and her husband, Neal. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for this special day. 

Moving into this time of transition, we do so with confidence, supported by a gifted staff and a faithful council. Together, they will help provide continuity and stability as we move forward. Most of all, we trust that God is already at work, leading us into the future with hope and promise. 

Looking ahead, I want to assure you that the leadership of Bethel is already tending carefully to this time of transition. I have been in contact with the Synod and am actively seeking an interim pastor to walk with us in this season. Our Executive Committee, along with the Council, will continue discerning next steps, including the possibility of calling a full-time Faith Formation Pastor and prayerfully reevaluating the pastoral needs we have for a third pastor. 

Through all of this, we ask for your prayers. Please hold Pastor Kris, Neal, and the congregation of Hosanna in prayer as they begin their new journey together. And please also keep Bethel—our council, staff, and entire congregation—in your prayers. We trust that God is faithful and at work among us. With God’s help, we are confident that Bethel will continue to live out its mission in powerful ways. 

Thank you for being the kind of congregation that always rises to meet the challenges before us. May God’s peace be with each of you. 

In Christ, 
Pastor Ladd Sonnenberg