About

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We strive to live how Jesus lived

We practice yearly covenant membership, around the affirmation of these five core values:
Affirm that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Affirm that we are prayerfully seeking the Holy Spirit’s ongoing guidance.
Affirm the practice of believers baptism.
Affirm that the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective is our confession.
Affirm that Scripture is authoritative, while recognizing differences in interpretation.

We are a member of Mennonite Church USA. Click here to learn more about our denominational community.

Mission Statement

A worshiping community rooted in God’s love:
 Following Jesus
 Seeking peace and justice
 Serving others

Adopted on May 21, 2023

Ministry Team

The Ministry Team is the leadership body of our church, overseeing the day-to-day life and spiritual care of the congregation. Current members are: Caroline Steelberg (Moderator Co-Chair); Jeremy Kropf (Administrative Co-Chair); Richard Gehring, Barbara Krehbiel Gehring, and Nathan Perrin (Pastors); Elise Ewert (Lay Minister of Christian Formation); Jill Yordy Stasch (Lay Minister of Community Life); Jamie Huff (Lay Minister of Mission); and Joe Hayward (Lay Minister of Worship).

Meet the Staff

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Richard Gehring

Richard serves as co-lead pastor, with primary ministries in preaching, worship, and administration. He and Barbara share a 1.25 pastoral position at LMC, which began on May 15, 2019. Richard received his Master of Divinity degree from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary. His long career in ministry has included pastorates and co-pastorates in South Dakota and Kansas, as well as serving with Barb and their daughters in Trinidad and Tobago with Mennonite Mission Network. Richard has an avid interest in Anabaptist history and is committed to issues of peace and justice. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching movies, and biking.

Office hours: 1-5 PM Tuesday, 9 AM-5 PM Thursday and Friday

[email protected]

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Barbara Krehbiel Gehring

Barbara shares the lead pastor position with Richard, with primary ministries in pastoral care, spiritual direction, preaching, and worship. She received her Master of Social Work degree from University of Illinois-Chicago, and has a certificate in theological studies from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Barbara began her career as a counselor before transitioning to a 20-year co-pastorate with Richard at a congregation in Kansas. She is a certified spiritual director and is committed to fostering faith formation in others. She enjoys watching movies, reading—she and Richard will often read novels together—and tandem biking in her spare time.

Office hours: 9 AM-12 PM Tuesday, 9 AM-5 PM Wednesday and Friday

[email protected]

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Nathan Perrin

Nathan serves as pastor of Christian Formation, working with the congregation as a whole in Christian Formation, with a particular emphasis on children and youth. His half-time pastoral position at LMC began on July 15, 2021. Nathan received his MA in Theology from Barclay College and is currently studying for his Doctor of Theological Ministry at Northern Seminary. His career in ministry has included a pastorate in Wisconsin, as well as serving as a program director for a non-profit. Nathan is passionate about doing holistic ministry within the community—addressing issues such as systemic racism and poverty while preaching a Gospel that seeks to save mind, body, and soul. In his free time, he enjoys collecting vinyl, writing, and reading.

Office hours: 9 AM-12 PM, Tuesday thru Friday

[email protected]

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Katharine Richert

Katharine serves as our office manager. She’s been at LMC since 2004.

Office hours: 9 AM-5 PM, Monday thru Friday

[email protected]

About Mennonites

Mennonites are a Christian denomination and part of the historic peace church movement. We have a strong sense of community, seek simplicity in our lifestyles, emphasize Jesus’ message of peace,  and witness to creative nonviolence.

Anabaptist/Mennonite Christians tend to shape beliefs around these core values:

Jesus is the center of our faith.
Community is the center of our lives.
Reconciliation is the center of our work.

More detailed information can be found here.

We now accept Zelle! Donations should be sent to [email protected].

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