The Brick Podcast

In this episode of  The Brick , Pastor Ben sits down with Bethany’s Kindergarten teacher,  Katie Kane , who recently received the  LEA 2026 Outstanding New Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher Award . Katie will be recognized during worship on  Sunday, May 10 . In this conversation, she shares more about her story, including what led her into teaching, how God brought her to Bethany, and what makes Be...

In this episode of  The Brick , Pastor Ben sits down with Shelley Krisko for an honest and hope-filled conversation about faith, suffering, and care within the body of Christ. Shelley shares her personal faith journey and speaks transparently about a challenging season in her life—one in which Bethany’s Stephen Ministry played a vital role in walking alongside her with Christ-centered care. Now se...

In this episode of  The Brick , Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with long-time Bethany member,  Mark Thomay , to reflect on a pivotal season of his life. Back in 2006, Mark faced a major health challenge that put his life on hold for six months. Enduring constant pain, he struggled with the lessons God was teaching him in the midst of suffering. Looking back now, Mark shares how God used that difficult...

In this special episode of  The Brick , Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with Pastor Paul Hoffman to celebrate his remarkable milestone—fifty years of ministry in the Lutheran Church. Together, they reflect on the joys, challenges, and lessons learned over the decades. Pastor Hoffman shares heartfelt stories, enduring insights, and the deep sense of calling that has shaped his life in service to Christ...

In this episode of  The Brick , Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with two young adults preparing to dedicate their lives to ministry. Matt Krisko is heading to Concordia University, St. Paul, to begin the pre-seminary program, and Samantha Vogel is pursuing a double major in Vocal Music and Music Education at Concordia University, Nebraska. Together, they reflect on the people, experiences, and moments...

In this episode of  The Brick Podcast , hosts Pastor Ben Vogel and Samantha Vogel sit down with Heidi Klump, the friendly voice behind the front desk at Bethany Lutheran Church. Heidi shares her deep roots in the church, reflecting on how her faith and family have shaped her life.  She also opens up about her musical background and the meaningful role that music—and her musically gifted family—has...

In this episode of  The Brick , Pastor Ben Vogel and Samantha Vogel sit down with Grace Lauterbach, a young, college-aged Bethany member, to discuss her unique journey of using her artistic gifts to share her faith. Grace opens up about how her love for art has helped her serve the church in a unique way. Grace also shares her personal reflections on the challenges she faces as a young Christian i...

 In this episode of  The Brick  podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel and his daughter, Samantha Vogel, welcome a special guest, Heidi Malone, who has been a dedicated Lutheran educator for the past 18 years. Heidi, Bethany’s third-grade teacher, opens up about the key influences that led her to become a teacher in the Lutheran school system. She reflects on the pivotal moments and unexpected people who helpe...

In this continuation of Fred Toma’s remarkable story, Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with Fred to learn about the second part of his early life’s journey— one that began in a Russian concentration camp and ultimately led to a new life in America. Fred opens up about his journey to freedom, the challenges of adapting to a new country, and how God blessed him through it all.  

In this moving episode of  The Brick  podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel and Samantha Vogel sit down with Fred Toma, a remarkable 95-year-old member of Bethany Church, who recounts his escape from a concentration camp following World War II.  It is a journey that took him through unimaginable hardship.  Yet, looking back on the journey that eventually led him to his wife, an ever-growing family and his chu...

In this episode of The Brick podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel and his daughter Samantha sit down with Lois McNabb, a beloved long-time member of Bethany Church. Lois shares her deep personal journey of faith and service, reflecting on the values instilled in her by her family. Lois reminds us that while the world around us may change, certain core principles of the Christian faith remains timeless.

In this episode of The Brick podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel and his daughter, Samantha, sit down with Alister Englehart—a young father, husband, and the Christian Education chair at Bethany Church. Alister opens up about his journey of faith, the joys of being a father and husband, and the challenges that come with balancing family life and ministry. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on what it mea...