Pastor Blog Example

Advent is a time of preparation leading up to the celebration of the nativity of Jesus Christ, observed by many Christians around the world. It is the period of four Sundays and weeks preceding Christmas Day. During this time, Christians focus on spiritual preparation and reflection, preparing to celebrate the coming of Jesus. The word “Advent“ comes from the Latin …

Matthew Rothert

If you haven’t met Matthew yet, you’re missing out. He has been leading our Congregational Care team with Marlin since 2021. His kind and gentle words through that thick Arkansas accent can make anyone smile. Matthew has been married to his wife Carol Lynn for over 55 years and together they have 2 sons, 2 daughter-in-laws, and 6 grandchildren. When …

Mieke Mutschler

Mieke has been attending Beechwood since 1990 and recently joined our staff in 2021 as the CHO (Chief Hospitality Officer) or Connection’s Coordinator as some may say. Mieke is FUN and her joy spills over into our team and community. She has a knack for coming up with big ideas and her constant creativity benefits everyone. Mieke’s love for all …

Marlene Barkel

As our office administrator, Marlene is a self-proclaimed “detail-gal” and we can proudly attest to that. She has been keeping everything in-line at Beechwood since 2019. She proudly wears multiple hats including mother of 2 and grandmother of 4, cherishing the special uniqueness they bring to her life. When not here, Marlene is probably gardening. The love that she pours …

Kylee Allen

Kylee has been on staff with Beechwood since the beginning of 2021 currently serving as the Communications Director. She once stated that her preferred communication style is ‘sarcasm,’ so try not to take her too seriously. Her built-in best friends include: her husband, parents, and 4 siblings. Kylee has a self-proclaimed love of her dogs, craft projects that leave the …

Marty Ryan

Marty has been the Executive Director at Beechwood since 2021. Along with his normal, professional responsibilities, he has quickly become our master snow cone maker along with his incredible wife, Jill. They have two children: Ian (an adult human) and Murphy (a basically-human Sheepadoodle). If you ever can’t find Marty, he’s probably in the woods. He loves hiking, camping, hammocking, …

Larissa Evenhouse

Originally a private investigator, Larissa now serves as our Kid’s Hope Director (which is basically the same thing). She prides herself in being able to throw a really good shindig with her bearded husband, Eric, and four rowdy children: Elouisa, Rosie, Sully, and Gibson. Her laid-back, always-up-for-anything attitude is a blessing to our team. When not here, Larissa is most …

Tanner Huizenga

Tanner has served as our Youth Pastor for the last few years, beginning as the Sports Camp Director in 2017. When referring to his students, he prides himself in being undefeated in ping-pong, and protecting them from tornados. Tanner and his wife, Sydney, have their own zoo which consists of: a dog, two cats, and 20 fish. When not with …

Jim Borgman

As our Building and Grounds Director, Jim’s “can-do-it” attitude has been widely recognized since he joined our staff in 2002. If you’ve ever been to our campus, you’ll quickly understand how substantial of a role he plays. Despite his never ending “to-do” list, his positivity is contagious and he’s always willing to lend a helping hand (whether that’s swinging from …

Laura Cramer

‘Treasurer’ may be the title on Laura’s office door, but we assure you she does SO MUCH MORE than that. Being at Beechwood since 1969 and on staff since 2000, Laura possesses a level of knowledge and experience that everyone benefits from. When not crunching numbers (which some argue is rare), Laura loves to travel. Between visiting her children in …