PASTOR

The Reverend Emilie E. Theobald-Rowlands is an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pastor Rowlands former home congregation (the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Pittsburgh (Carrick), Pennsylvania, raised four pastors in the Lutheran Church including: the Reverend Elizabeth A. Platz, who was the first woman to be ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran Church in America in 1970. Pastor Rowlands is a 2004 graduate of Thiel College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Religion. Upon graduation from Thiel College, she completed her Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in urban ministry studies at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (now the United Lutheran Seminary) in 2008. On June 21, 2008, Pastor Rowlands was ordained at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod assembly, held at Thiel College. She has served congregations in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.

When asked, “What attracted you to Bethel Lutheran Church?” Pastor Rowlands replied, “A deep commitment in Word and Sacrament ministry, ministry with people with disabilities and a desire for outreach and education including outdoor camp ministry.” Pastor Rowlands believes it is important for God’s people to be grounded in the basics of the Christian faith through the study of Holy Scriptures, the Creeds and the Lutheran Confessions; along with worship, prayer and education. The Holy Spirit sends us forth to serve with these core blocks as part of our foundation as we proclaim and live the good news of Jesus Christ in the world.

Rev. Theobald-Rowlands is married to Matthew J Rowlands (Thiel College Class of 2005). Together, they are the proud parents of their three-year-old daughter, Elizabeth. Pastor Rowlands enjoys hiking, gardening, genealogy research and is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan! She looks forward to serving in ministry with the people of Bethel Lutheran Church.

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Erika Haskell has been a church organist since high school, first playing at Trinity Lutheran in her home town of Lockport , NY.  She is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music, with a major in Arts Management/ piano and a minor in organ.  Erika worked for The Cleveland Orchestra for 10 years, most recently as Concert and Special Events Manager.  She currently the Manager of Concerts and Events at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music. 

Erika served the congregation of All Saints Lutheran in Olmsted Falls for six years as an organist, choir director and contemporary service leader. 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSITANT

Gail joined Bethel’s staff in 2016. She has been a member of Bethel for 27 years. Gail worked as a secretary for 10 years to increase her education of computers, since their growing inception, and office skills. She is a graduate from Kaplan University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught preschool before coming to work at Bethel.

Gail and her husband Ed live in Medina with their college student and Norwegian Elk Hound/Shiba Inu dog named Anna. They have three adult children, a daughter-in-law and one granddaughter.

Gail enjoys her time babysitting her granddaughter one day a week, walking with Anna at the dog park every day, working on jigsaw puzzles and in the flower gardens. She loves going to the theater, trying out new restaurants and listening to music of almost all genres.

Gail helps The Highland Community Support Network (HCSN) throughout the year but mostly during the Christmas holiday by obtaining wish lists for the children of the families in the network, to provide them gifts to put under their Christmas tree. HCSN is a local community outreach program that aids families with low or no income within the Highland School District.

I feel blessed every day to have been called to do the work of our Lord and be a member of Bethel Lutheran Church.