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, as the Nebraska District Vice President (2012-2026) and is currently the Nebraska District President (2026-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.
Pastor Noah Melso
Pastor Melso joined Gethsemane in 2026. He previously served as a vicar in 2024-25 here at Gethsemane. He graduated from Manitowoc Lutheran High School in Manitowoc, WI (2017), Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN (2022) and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI (2026). He is the oldest of five children and his hobbies include long-distance running, playing the piano and organ, reading, and watching his favorite sports teams.
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.