Staff

Pastor Ben Ahlersmeyer

I’m Ben Ahlersmeyer and I’ve been the pastor at Bethlehem since 2020. My wife, Melissa, and I have two boys who keep us very busy. As a family, we love going to the zoo and Promenade Park. As a dad, I love to build legos and wrestle with my boys. As a pastor I love connecting with our people and sharing the hope we have in Jesus. Bethlehem is a special place that continues to seek ways to share that hope with the neighborhood around us. If you ever have questions about the church, our beliefs or how they mesh with our changing world please reach out! I’d love to get a drink and talk things over.

Office Manager - Rhonda Cheng

I serve as the Office Manager at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where I help keep the church running smoothly by managing daily operations and supporting the church’s mission by creating a welcoming and efficient environment for the congregation, staff, and visitors. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting and scrapbooking, and using my creativity to make lasting memories. I also like cooking and sharing meals with family and friends, often paired with a good glass of wine. Family is at the heart of my life. I am a proud mother of three daughters, a loving grandmother to two grandsons, and a grand dog. Whether at work or home, I try to bring dedication, kindness, and creativity to everything I do.
 

Accounting Manager, Sharon Shediack

I serve as the finance manager at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where I have the privilege of managing the financial health of an organization that serves both its members and the greater community. I’m dedicated to ensuring that resources are used wisely to support our mission and continue to foster growth, outreach, and service.

Janelle Deal moved to Northeast Indiana in 2020 after marrying her husband, Timothy. She has a Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition from Wheaton College and a Master of Church Music from Concordia University Chicago. Janelle began playing the organ at age 22 while working for Wheaton Christian Reformed Church in Illinois, a position she kept for ten years. When she is not practicing organ or playing with her toddler, she enjoys reading, cooking, and drinking tea. Janelle lives in Auburn with her husband Timothy and her toddler, David.