Please use the tabs below to view information about our staff and board at Hope Lutheran.

Please use the tabs below to view information about our staff and board at Hope Lutheran.

 

Staff Profiles

Add Staff Manage

• Michael Kesar
  

  Michael Kesar

  Minister of Music

  I am originally from Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Michigan, I was a teacher of choir and theology at Martin Luther High School, first in Greendale, Wisconsin (near Milwaukee) and then in Maspeth, New York (part of Queens). After that, I worked for many years in church music in Omaha, Nebraska. I came to Hope in Fall of 2018.

  I met my wife, Vivian at Concordia College, Ann Arbor. She is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. We have 4 children. Natalie is married, has an infant daughter, and lives in Omaha. Ethan is married and he and his wife live in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Son Avery is a student at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska and youngest son, Jonah.

  Growing up in Detroit my spiritual path included time in the Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church and the Baptist Church until I became a confirmed Lutheran in 8th grade. Throughout my life there has been a connection between my faith in Jesus and the expression of that faith in music. I find great joy in using God’s gift of music to deepen our connection with God’s Word and to enhance worship services. It is my goal to encourage people to use their God-given gifts to serve the Lord and His church.

  When not making music l enjoy biking, exercise, cooking, reading, shopping, and sight-seeing.

• Krista Beken
  

  Krista Beken

  Director of Children's Ministry

  The Director of Children's Ministry incorporates the children of Hope Lutheran into the fabric of the congregation and helps them grow in faith through programs, education, and coordination. Krista has been Hope's Director of Children's Ministry since July, 2010.

• Katherine Kohn
  

  Katherine Kohn

  Business Manager

  Katherine is responsible for effectively administering the business affairs of the church - freeing the ministry staff from the burden of managing day-to-day operations. She is responsible for financial affairs, human resources, and insurance administration. Katherine has been Hope's Business Manager  since July, 1999.   
  

• Debbie Hasty
  

  Debbie Hasty

  Office Manager

  Debbie is responsible for the management of accurate membership and attendance information. She also coordinates the day-to-day information, scheduling, and activities that flow through the office. Debbie Hasty has been Hope's Office Manager since July, 1999.  
  

• Bruce Hunter
  

  Bruce Hunter

  Facilities Manager

  I was born and raised on a small dairy farm near Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  I met my wife Wendy in high school and we married after her graduation.  We moved to Madison where I graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.  Our daughter was born during my senior year of college after which we moved to Charleston, West Virginia where I went to work for Union Carbide Corporation.  Our son was born in Charleston.  In my 32 years working for Union Carbide/Dow Chemical we were able to see the world, but this did require a number of moves – from Charleston, WV – to Yokohama, Japan – to Jubail, Saudi Arabia – to Charleston, WV – to Victoria, TX – to Friendswood. 

   

  I have been a Lutheran all my life. Baptized, confirmed, and married in small Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Church in Pickett, Wisconsin.  In Charleston our Lutheran Church options were rather limited -  so we decided to get more liberal and joined an LCMS church – one of only three Lutheran Churches in Charleston. In Yokohama our English speaking church options were even more limited, so we attended an Anglican Church.  In Saudi there were no legal church options available, but we returned to LCMS churches in our subsequent moves. I have been involved as member of the Board of Directors and Building Committee at Hope and managed Hope’s most recent project to build the Family Life Center/Gym, offices, and classrooms and after the project was completed, I joined the Staff as the Facilities Manager.

   

  My time away from work is spent attending sports and theater events our grandsons are involved in.  I also enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking and following  sports – still root for the Packers and season ticket holder with the Texans.    

Board of Directors

Hope is governed by a Board of Directors which consists of the officers of the congregation and the directors. It serves as a forum for the exchange of information, as the point of execution of Voters' Assembly directives, and as our principal governing and planning body.

 

The Current Board

• Ed Grosse, President, Chair
• John Kueck, Vice President
• Blake Beall, Treasurer
• Kasi Culwell, Recording Secretary
• Kirk Dippel
• Karen Kerch
• Dale Kohn
• John Loessin
• Deena Prince
• Sallie Rouse
• Kurt Wagner
• Paul Walls

Constitution and Bylaws

 

Board of Directors Policy Manual (updated January, 2024)

 

Policy Governance Model

 

History of Hope

 

List of Ministries and Leaders

 

State of the Parish Report 2024

 

State of the Parish Report 2023

 

Strategic Ministry Plan