Who we are

Our Mission: The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation exists to gather, invest, and disburse financial resources to further the mission and values of Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities (Bethlehem).

Since its inception in 1957, a volunteer board of directors has managed the assets of the Bethlehem Foundation.

Income of the foundation comes from a variety of sources, including immediate donations as well as legacy gifts. The income is invested with the primary goal being to generate income with principal preservation and growth as secondary priorities.

The income earned on the investments are re-invested in Bethlehem and the wider world through grants. Since the first grants were made in 1963, more than $3.4 million has been distributed to benefit the church through staff and leadership enrichment, programs, and facilities care. In addition, priorities include support for seminary students from our faith community and outreach to the neighborhood and around the globe.

It is the transformational generosity of our donors that makes this radical impact possible.

GrantS

The BLC Foundation distributes grants that further the vision, mission and values of Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities.

Alive Together: A New Creation in Christ

We strive to be a new creation by being Known, Challenged, and Sent.

The five values shape our work:

  1. Radical Hospitality

  2. Whole-Hearted Worship

  3. Christ-Centered Relationships

  4. Compassionate Service

  5. Transformational Generosity

The Board of Directors

  • Gwenn Branstad

    CHAIR

  • Aaron Pearson

    CHAIR ELECT

  • Tina Ham Peterson

    TREASURER

  • Dave Raymond

    SECRETARY

  • Sandra Anderson

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Sara Ausman

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Dan Engstrand

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Nan Grube

    BOARD MEMBER

  • John Helberg

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Siri Myhrom

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Kelsey Tritabaugh

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Andy Kroll

    EX OFFICIO AS CONGREGATIONAL PRESIDENT

  • Lisa Johnson

    EX OFFICIO AS PAST CONGREGATIONAL PRESIDENT

  • Chris Enstad

    EX OFFICIO AS LEAD PASTOR

Behind the scenes


  • Business Manager

    Managing the daily operations, Naomi is often the first point of contact with the BLC Foundation. She is also creating infrastructure to ensure the historical records of the foundation live well into the future.

    She has been a BLCTC member for 45+ years with various roles in leadership. From teaching two year old Sunday School to singing in the choir, Naomi is a former BLCTC Congregational President and served two terms as a Foundation Board Member.