Windsor, Colorado
Bethel Lutheran Staff
Joe Natwick,
Pastor
Pastor Joe began his call to Bethel in January 2022.
Joe hails from the snow-covered plains of Fargo, ND. Growing up, he spent summers on Lake Sybil in Minnesota, and split the rest of the year between attending church and cheering for the North Dakota State Bison (pronounced "biZon”).
Joe majored in religion and classics at Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA), received his Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary (St Paul, MN), and earned a Doctor of Ministry in biblical interpretation and proclamation at Candler School of Theology at Emory University (Atlanta, GA) in 2022. His research focused on hybrid Communion in a digital era of worship.
Pastor Joe met his wife Becca while both working as summer staff at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp. Together they have one very curious and sweet boy, Espen, and one very cat-like dog, Rev. Becca works as an elementary school counselor.
Pastor Joe loves the outdoors, and you can often catch him hucking discs on a disc golf course. His other hobbies include - but are not limited to - playing guitar, brewing beer, skiing (downhill, cross-country, and water!), backpacking, drinking coffee, discussing theology, and cooking.
Pastor Joe would love to get a coffee with you and hear what God is up to in your life!
Gary Schmidt,
Worship Director
Gary was born and raised in Quebec, the French speaking part of Canada. He attended a small French speaking Mennonite church growing up. At the age of six he told his parents he would be a pianist/musician when he grew up and the rest is history! After self teaching himself to play the piano, he entered college music studies and earned a Bachelor of Sacred Music in Piano from Tyndale College in Toronto, and then a equivalent Masters degree in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music also in Toronto.
At the age of 21 he accepted the position of music and worship director at Evangel Temple in Toronto, and then later at Islington Evangel Center. At that time he became quite involved with the contemporary worship movement and eventually became the director for Canada’s national worship conference called Canada Arise. Gary also toured with Promise Keepers as a music director for their Canadian events.
In 1997 he moved to Loveland Colorado to become the music director at Lifespring Church and spent 14 wonderful years there. Gary has been at Bethel since 2011.
Gary also does a lot of composing, teaching, and recording. Be sure to go to his website www.garyschmidtmusic.com - he is quite talented!
When not doing music he loves being active outdoors and has even volunteered as a rock climbing instructor with the Boulder Mountain Club.
Gary has two grown children who are both techies living in Seattle. Gary is excited to be engaged to a wonderful woman, Ellen, and they are to be married in June 2022. God is good!
Mandy Toms,
Family Ministry Director
After finishing college, Mandy married her high school sweetheart, Jeff and in 2002 they made the short trek from Nebraska to Colorado. Their biggest blessing has been their six kiddos: Sutton, Pearson, Peter, Cyrus, Hadley, and Sophia. They also have three pups - Sue, Ruger, and Duke.
Mandy and her family came to Bethel in 2009 and after many years volunteering and asking Jesus, "Who, me?", Mandy accepted the position as Family Ministry Director in 2019. She has loved every moment, every relationship, every challenge, and every encounter that Godhas put in her path.
When she's not at Bethel, Mandy can be found cheering on one of her kiddos somewhere in Windsor or around northern Colorado at either a basketball game, soccer game, swim meet, tennis match, volleyball match, or even at a debate competition! She also enjoys crafting and being a creative maker!
Anna Wemmerus,
Office Administrator
Anna is a Northern Colorado native who left to chase after a cute guy. After she and the love of her life had kids they moved back to Colorado to raise them near their tribe. They have been in Windsor for 12 years, so it all worked out okay!
From March until July 1st, she loves to play in the yard and grow flowers! After July 1st, it’s too hot to garden so Anna lets the weeds have their day! August brings school and volleyball. She loves volleyball and is often the loudest in the crowd, wearing that badge proudly! Every December, Anna's family goes to the forest to cut down their Christmas tree which is quickly followed by her feeling sad they just cut down a tree. At home, she plays Bakugans, Lego and ninjas. She is still working on her silent ninja steps but her dog follows her everywhere so she is not as sneaky as she would like to be.
Anna truly enjoys and appreciates her church family at Bethel. Work is a joy when you’re working for God and this wonderful group of people!
Renae Kamerzel
Event Coordinator, Custodian
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Renae was born and raised here in Windsor and has never left. Her parents and grandparents farmed north of Windsor. She was also baptized, confirmed, and married right here at Bethel. Renae's grandparents were charter members and helped build Bethel. She graduated from Windsor High School and Aims Community College with an Associates Degree.
Renae's hobbies include scrapbooking, cooking, photography, and gardening. She also enjoys going fishing and camping in the summer. Renae has been married to her husband, Mike, for 34 years. They have 2 sons, Darrin and Loren, who also live in Windsor.
Renae has been the custodian at Bethel for 15 years and she loves the people she works with and this church family.