Get to Know the New Members of Faith’s Staff!

Gladys Bonnema

Director of Youth and Family Ministries

Gladys is overjoyed to be the new Director of Youth and Family Ministries at Faith. Ten years ago, she joined Confirmation at Faith Lutheran as a 7th grade student and began learning about Jesus, God and church. She has been blessed with great mentors, counselors, biblical educators and Godly friends. As a member of FLYouth, Gladys went on 8 mission trips all around the United States, which ignited her faith. She graduated from Hutchinson High School in 2009. It was when she went to Biola (the Bible Institute of Los Angeles) that God’s word came alive to her and her faith became more than just checking a box to say, “Yes, I’m a Christian.” God has taught Gladys about his character, putting her identity in Christ and how to treat others in light of who they are in Christ. After college, Gladys returned to Minnesota in July to do an internship with Dave Wollan. The internship transitioned into an interim position and finally into to her current full-time position in December 2013. Despite her original plans to return to Southern California, God had different things in store. Gladys hopes to encourage and remind everyone of how amazing God is and that he works in mysterious and unexpected ways. She would love more than anything to sit down and have a cup of coffee (or her personal favorite… hot chocolate) with you.

 

Mike Lauer

Director of Music and Worship

Some of the congregation may recognize Mike as a former member of FLYouth when he was in high school.  Likewise, some may know his parents, Brian and Cyndi, who joined the church early in 2013. Mike graduated from Hutchinson High School in 2009 and studied Jazz guitar at Minnesota State University Moorhead and briefly at the University of Oregon. If you or someone you know needs recommendations for good records, feel free to call him. Along with jazz, Mike enjoys reading and healthy discussion around myriad topics such as art, history and philosophy. For the past three summers, Mike worked for YouthWorks! Inc., in Pine Ridge, Navajo, and the bustling metropolis of Yankton, South Dakota. His time serving solidified his passion for ministry and is a large reason why Mike is so thrilled to be on staff here at Faith. He is always open to talk about jazz, ministry or Kurt Vonnegut, so don’t hesitate to stop by his office for a cup of tea and ask anything you’d like. Mike says he wants to meet anyone and everyone at Faith.