Meet Our Staff

Nancy Tiff, Office Administrator

Nancy Tiff is the office administrator for Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She joined the staff at Bethlehem in August of 2004. Besides handling her everyday duties as office administrator, Nancy is actively involved in many projects and ministries at Bethlehem. Nancy, her husband Jim, and son Jake have been members of Bethlehem for many years.

You can reach Nancy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling the church office.

Kristen Baltrum, Director of Youth and Household Ministry

Hi! I am Deaconess Kristen Baltrum. I am a member of the Lutheran Deaconess Association in Valparaiso, IN, where I did my undergraduate studies at Valparaiso University. I have been doing Youth Ministry in various ways for the past 18 years and it only gets more and more fun the more I do it! I completed my Masters in Youth and Family Ministry through Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, in 2009. I have a rock-star of a husband, Rob, and two hilarious children, JR (11 years old), and Maddie (8 years old). We have been in Longmont for 10 years and absolutely love this place. I have been part of the BLC staff since March of 2008, and am honored to be among these people.

When I am not at the church building or hanging with my kids (read: driving them places), I enjoy any kind of water sport, reading, or home-brewing with Rob. But teenagers are the ones who fascinate me!

Jasmine Tesdahl, Intern Pastor

Jasmine Tesdahl is the newest member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church staff. Originally from the midwest, she has a B.A. in French from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. She is currently a candidate for ordination in the ELCA, pursuing her M.Div at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver.

Jasmine loves her dual roles as a faith education administrator and a pastoral care provider. You can find her organizing Sunday school, making hospital visits, preaching, assisting with adult education, leading worship services at the local retirement communities, and getting drenched on water day during Vacation Bible School.

Besides her participation in the ministry at Bethlehem and her work at Iliff, Jasmine is a 2nd Lieutenant Chaplain Candidate in the United States Air Force.

Jasmine and her husband, Gene, moved to Colorado in 2005 and have been members of Bethlehem since 2007. They have one daughter, Aspen (4 years old). When she is not working or studying, Jasmine enjoys historical re-enacting with her family, traveling, playing volleyball, enjoying all things French, painting, reading, and knitting.

John Goodman, Music Director

John Goodman has been the music director at Bethlehem for over almost years now. A man who always has a smile on, he brings a wealth of experience and talent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

John is a music teacher by trade, but he recently retired. When not involved in the many musical endeavors going on at Bethlehem, John lends his hand to various other projects, none the least of which is his annual trip to Nicaragua. John's wife Kathy and daughter Rachel are members of Bethlehem as well.

Florence McKinney, Organist

Florence McKinney started playing the piano in 4th grade, and took up the organ in high school. She has been sharing her love of music ever since, and Bethlehem has been blessed by being on the receiving end of that love and talent for the last 37 years! And, Bethlehem hasn’t been the only beneficiary through the years. When Florence wasn’t playing at Bethlehem, she accompanied numerous school choirs/choruses, as well as the Longmont Choralaires.

In addition to playing the organ and piano, she was the Office Administrator for 21 years. Needless to say, she is no stranger to Bethlehem!

Florence decided to “retire” a few years ago. She turned over the reins of Office Administrator, and cut back to playing two Sundays a month. So what does she do when she’s not playing the organ or piano? She knits prayer shawls, paints, does numerous crafts, and she is a Stephen Minister. In her “spare time,” she and her husband, Francis, try to squeeze in a little traveling. In other words, she’s enjoying her retirement!

What was the thrill of a lifetime for Florence? Playing the organ at West Point Army Chapel!

Ray Leake, Pianist

Ray has shared his wonderful talent and love of music with Bethlehem for several years now. Before coming to Bethlehem, he played at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church for 26 years.

Ray has written several piano / organ arrangements for our Christmas and Easter services. He also wrote a Jazz Gospel service, which includes a 7-piece Dixieland Band. These services are always an uplifting experience and a joyous celebration. The Jazz services are held on Pentecost and All Saints Day.

Ray's "real" job consists of teaching private piano lessons, playing with and writing arrangements for several bands, writing orchestral arrangements that have been performed by the Jefferson Symphony, and numerous other “gigs.”