Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church Leadership
Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church is blessed to have a leadership team who are truly dedicated to Christ and discerning God's will for our church. Following are brief bio's of our leadership team and church staff.
Interim Pastor
Pastor
We are currently in pastoral transition. We will be served by pulpit supply preachers and an interim pastor during this time, as we seek a new pastor to call.
Please pray for the people of Gethsemane as we seek to discern who God is calling to walk with us next.
Dr. Molly Pemmeraju
Congregation Council President
Molly began her first term as our council president in January 2023.
Molly works as an Anesthesiologist at our local hospital, Essentia Health-Virginia.
Mary Horan
Congregation Council Vice President
Mary began her current service as Gethsemane's council vice president in January 2022. She had previously been a member at-large on the council.
Mary is retired and serves on our church's offering counting team, as well as many other service opportunities within and outside of the church. She also enjoys cheering on her grandchildren in sports, music, and other activities.
Sheila Davidson
Congregation Council Secretary
Sheila began her current service as Gethsemane's council secretary in January 2022. she has previously been the council vice president and a member-at-large on the council.
Sheila works in state government and serves on our church's Generosity Team, as well as participating in the Tuesday night women's Bible Study. She enjoys spending time with her family, including walking their dog, Harley, and reading for pleasure.
Bruce Kniivila
Congregation Council Treasurer
Bruce has been serving as Gethsemane's council treasurer for many years. He is very adept at tracking our church's funds and making sure all the bills get paid on time!
Brenda Varani
Parish Secretary
Brenda "Bunny" Varani has been the Gethsemane secretary since February 2010.
She is a friendly face in our church office every day of the week, greeting newcomers and longtime members alike.
In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities with her dog, Tank, and husband, Rick.
Sue Swanson
Church Musician
Sue accompanies our worship each week with her skills on piano and organ. She is the primary accompanist for our choir, Joyful Noise.
Sue is also involved with the women's bible study, and enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Lance Ness
Custodian
Lance is our part-time church custodian. His work in keeping our church building clean and functional is much appreciated and enjoyed by all the members and friends who come to worship, learn, or visit.