FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

https://www.bethanylc.com/

Contact: Sue Dobbe-Leahy, sue@dobbemarketing.com

                        815.236-2550

BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH WELCOMES ASSOCIATE PASTOR KATIE MUELLER

(Crystal Lake, Ill.)        “I am thrilled to welcome Pastor Katie Mueller to our community” announced Senior Pastor Cathy Daharsh of Bethany Lutheran Church. “She is a wonderfully creative and inspiring pastor whose energy and passion for ministry are already making a positive impact. Her fresh perspective and deep care for people are a true blessing, and I’m excited to see how her leadership will help us grow in faith and service together.”

Before joining Bethany Lutheran Church, Pastor Katie completed her vicarage at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Villa Park, Ill. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and has served as a Pastoral Associate in Beverly, Ill., where she developed skills in community building and leadership. Additionally, she was the editor of her seminary’s newspaper and worked as a Learning Partner where she supported international students, enhancing her commitment to inclusive community.

A proud Midwesterner, Pastor Katie lives with her spouse, Sadie, and their beloved pets, Rosie and Mimi in Elgin, Ill. With deep roots in the Chicagoland area and the greater Midwest, she values local connections and community.

Pastor Katie’s ministry focuses on open dialogue, holy joy, and a strong sense of belonging. She is dedicated to fostering relationships, providing trauma-informed care, and creating spaces for young people and emerging adults to thrive. Her commitment to justice for marginalized communities reflects her passion for helping others explore their spiritual identities.

At St. Paul Lutheran Church, Pastor Katie enhanced adult education and youth engagement, notably hosting an intergenerational Maundy Thursday Dinner Church Service that welcomed 100 guests. She has received the Echols Prize for Preaching and the Fund for Leaders from the ELCA, recognizing her impactful preaching and leadership.

As she begins her journey at Bethany Lutheran Church, Pastor Katie looks forward to engaging youth through the Plugged In Youth Program and listening to the community's needs to foster joy and belonging. Outside of her pastoral work, she has been involved in the Seminarians for Justice Organization and enjoys songwriting, camping, art, cooking, swimming, and dancing.

Pastor Katie expresses her heartfelt hope for mutual growth with the congregation and emphasizes collaboration in ministry to build a supportive community where everyone feels valued.

            Bethany Lutheran Church is a community of faith committed to gathering people together for renewal and service. Located at 76 West Crystal Lake Avenue, the corner of Crystal Lake Avenue and McHenry Avenue, the congregation has a global mission with a downtown Crystal Lake center.

For more information, visit the Bethany Lutheran Church website www.BethanyLC.com.