Pastor Stephen Helwig
Pastor Helwig has been leading our ministries at Gethsemane since 2008. Prior to Gethsemane he served the congregation of Gethsemane Lutheran in Lee's Summit, Missouri (2001-2008). He served on the Nebraska District Mission Board from 2002-2012 and is currently serving as the Nebraska District Vice President (2012-Present). He received his Master of Divinity from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin in 2001 and his Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Northwestern College in Watertown, Wisconsin in 1995.
Pastor Helwig is married to his loving and supportive wife, Carrie. They have been blessed with six children and are now enjoying a new chapter in life as grandparents. In his free time, Pastor Helwig loves spending time with his family - playing board games and watching movies. He loves camping and fishing and he is also an avid sports fan - watching and cheering on his favorite high school, college and professional teams.
His favorite part of being in the ministry is preaching and teaching - sharing a practical and relevant message of God's Word that will not only assure God's people of His love and forgiveness but will also empower and guide them in their lives of faith.
Dawn Varner - Office Secretary
Dawn Varner currently serves as our part-time office administrative support at Gethsemane. She is retired after 35 years with Omaha Public Power District. Dawn is married and has three daughters and several grandchildren (3 girls and 2 boys) who keep her busy and smiling. She loves reading, gardening, walking, traveling and, of course, spending time with her two dogs.
Emily Zadina - Office Secretary
Emily Zadina currently serves as our part-time office administrative support at Gethsemane. Emily also works in child-care part time at the YMCA, and prior to this she has stayed at home with her children. Emily is married and has 3 children and 1 on the way. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and being outside.