Our Leadership
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be…”
– Peter 5:2
Pastor Seth Wynands
Welcome, and blessings to all!
As pastor, I feel privileged to serve the congregations of Bethesda Lutheran Church and Rivers Edge Presbyterian Church, both in Carlton.
My background:
I came to Bethesda in 2021 after living in Duluth and St. Paul. Before becoming Bethesda’s pastor, I received a Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary.
In Carlton, I’ve taken up skiing, biking, racquetball and shoveling. I live in Carlton with my wife Andrea and our cat. Join us on Sundays for worship!
Nalani Palchizaca Dotseth
Office Administrator/Secretary
Nalani is the friendly face behind the scenes at Bethesda Lutheran Church since May 2025.
About Nalani:
Originally from Princeton, MN, she moved to the Cloquet area while earning her Associate’s degree. She’s currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Anthropology with plans to continue with a Master’s in Library Science.
In her free time, Nalani enjoys reading, catching up on shows, playing videogames, and spending time outdoors, especially paddleboarding or walking her dogs. She lives in Cloquet with her husband, Jesus, and their four furry companions.
Kennady Standin
Accountant
About Kennady: Kennady Stadin is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Accounting at Lake Superior College. Originally from Moose Lake, Minnesota, she now resides in Duluth, where she balances student life with being a dedicated mother to her 4-month-old son.
In her free time, Kennady enjoys golfing, reading, and playing pickleball. Kennady is passionate about building a career in accounting while embracing the joys and challenges of family life.
Our Team
Roxane Schmitz
President
Lynn Beatty
Vice President
Bethesda was the first church we visited when we were looking for a church in 1986, and we never looked elsewhere. I started teaching Sunday School the very next Sunday. I love that we are an All-Welcoming church and I cherish the friendships formed while gathering together for worship. This is my third opportunity to serve on Council in three different capacities. It takes many people to do the numerous, behind the scenes tasks required for the upkeep of a church. Serving on Council is a privilege and a great opportunity to take part in meeting the daily needs of Bethesda.
Diana Davis
Secretary
I love that Bethesda feels like an extended family. I have made many dear friends in the short time I have been attending. Everyone genuinely cares about each other and the willingness they have to help those in need makes such a difference in my life. I care deeply about our congregation—it’s people, ministries, and witness in the community. Serving on council is how I stay invested in what God is doing here. Council service stretches faith. It brings opportunities to pray more, trust more, and rely on God’s wisdom in decisions.
Jeanette Korpola
Treasurer
Debby Johnson
Council Member
My faith journey began 75 years ago at Bethesda Lutheran Church and continues to this day. Bethesda has been very instrumental in my life’s faith journey. I am grateful to my mother, father, Sunday school teachers, and the congregation who introduced me to JESUS and HIS love.
Joann Gustafson
Council Member
Linda Newlon
Council Member
I love Bethesda because it has a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. I receive guidance through bible studies and Faith Formation provides opportunities to discuss life issues with the youth. Time spent at church services at IFCC and Pineview is proof that God keeps His promise that He will be with us forever. We all are on a journey of faith and travel safer when in the company of other believers. Jesus set an example of being a servant in many different ways when he was on earth. As a child of God, I feel that being a member of the council is one of the ways I can serve God and the other members of Bethesda. I pray that Bethesda will continue to bring God’s Word and Love to those who come through the door and those in our community.