Exciting Staff Updates at Gloria Dei

We are excited to announce that we have filled our last remaining Gloria Dei staff vacancy! The Community Coordinator position (formerly held by Krista Dudgeon) has been split into two part time positions– The Community Life Coordinator and the Care and Connections Coordinator. Each position will be filled by current Gloria Dei members.

Community Life Coordinator: Kristelle Behle

Kristelle served on the Gloria Dei staff for over 12 years until 2018, most recently as our Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) Director. Since then Kristelle has continued serving as a foster parent and has also served as the Project Coordinator with Community Pathways to Family Health and Recovery here in Rochester. In her new role Kristelle will work to maintain and develop our small group ministries, connect with newcomers, and help people get involved in the life of the Gloria Dei community and beyond. Kristelle and her husband Brad live in Byron, and are the parents of Whitney, Tyler, and Claire.

Care and Connections Coordinator: Beth Krolak

Beth has been serving as our Interim CYF Director since January, and is also the director of our upcoming Vacation Bible Adventure. With the calling of Deacon Amanda Sabelko as our permanent CYF Director, we are excited that Beth will be able to remain on staff. Beth recently retired as an ELCA pastor after about 10 years, she also comes with expertise as a teacher and preschool director. Most recently she helped to develop “Front and Center,” a nonprofit thrift shop, food pantry and gathering space in her hometown of Eyota. Beth will help support our Care Team Ministry, foster and develop intergenerational events, and coordinate our Sunday hospitality ministry and volunteers. Beth lives in Eyota with her husband Dave, and they are the parents of three adult children, John, Brian, and Sarah.

Both Kristelle and Beth have a love for community and a heart for the people of Gloria Dei. We are excited to have them as ongoing partners on our team. Be sure to greet and congratulate Beth and Kristelle when you see them in the weeks to come.