Spiritual Team
More about Rev. Bradley D. Viken
I have served as Pastor of Risen Christ Lutheran Church, Springfield since Nov. 29, 2020. Before coming to Ohio I served in the high desert of Southern California, so I am enjoying seasons, variety in weather and beautiful trees again! I’m a native of North Dakota, and have been married to my best friend and the love of my life, Lynda since 1989. We have three beautiful children and 5 amazing grandchildren. Some of my favorite activities revolve around my family, especially my grandkids. I love reading to these little ones. I’m a former 4th grade teacher and Director of Christian Education, and have been a pastor since 1992.
I love to teach, preach, listen, interact, lead, and encourage. I have a strange sense of humor and a creative mind. I enjoy wearing strange costumes during worship as I portray various Biblical characters. I like to ask questions and hear stories from the lives of others.
My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.” (ESV)
My personal mission statement is: Because I am saved, I will surrender, I will serve, I will share Christ.
Office Staff
More about Bethany Viken
Bethany Viken is a single mother of two beautiful children who attend Risen Christ Lutheran School. She has worked as the Office Manager since August 2022. Bethany was born in Minnesota, moved to North Dakota, and then to California. She has been playing piano for over 20 years and loves to be involved with the music ministry at the church. Being a Pastors’ Kid, she has always felt at home at church, and Risen Christ Lutheran is no exception. Her hobbies are cooking, crochet, and drinking coffee.
School Leadership
More about Becky Reid
Mrs. Reid was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at Stephens College and postgraduate studies at St. Louis University and Concordia University. Mrs. Reid has been the Principal at Risen Christ since 2003. Prior to accepting the Principal position at Risen Christ, Mrs. Reid served as a classroom teacher with experience in grades Kindergarten through third. Mrs. Reid’s background also includes both a professional dance career and dance education. Upon retiring from the stage, Mrs. Reid opened a dance studio in St. Louis as owner and Artistic Director for ten years. Mrs. Reid continues to serve as a master instructor at dance studios in Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus and currently has students performing in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and at Disney World. Mrs. Reid enjoys providing original choreography for the programs at Risen Christ as well as teaching tap and tumbling to the K-6th grade students during the Specials class period.
More about Jim Brueggeman
The governance of Risen Christ Lutheran School is through its School Board. The Board guides, steers, directs, and supervises the overall operation of the School, developing the policies that give direction for the daily operation of the School. The Board governs on behalf of the congregation of Risen Christ Lutheran Church, to which it is accountable.
Jim Brueggeman, chairperson, was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. He holds degrees from Akron University and the University of Nebraska in civil engineering, environmental science, and administration. Jim is a retired Army Corps of Engineers Colonel and was the Director of a public work in Cuyahoga, Dayton, and Franklin counties. Throughout the years he has served the Lord through a variety of ways. Jim attended a Lutheran School from grades kindergarten through grade eight and has a heart for Lutheran Education.
More about Kathy Ackley
Mrs. Ackley grew up in Springfield, Ohio. Upon graduating from North High School she held positions in both industry and government including CRSI working with DD adults. Kathy has volunteered at Risen Christ School for over 14 years in a variety of jobs. As Director of Records she brings organizational as well as communication skills between parents and faculty. Kathy loves spending time with her husband, David of 22 years and her two sons Tyler 20 and Dylan 18 years old.
More School Staff at Risen Christ Lutheran School WebSite
Ministry Teams
More about Steve Rutledge
Steve is the Business Manager for the congregation responsible for all secular affairs of the congregation including, but not limited to, financial, property, and personnel management. With the assistance of the Treasurer, he ensures the financial integrity of the congregation. Steve leads the preparation of the annual ministry budget and reports the final budget to the Board of Directors. His duties also ensure that all church property is maintained in good order and repair.
More about Dr Brenda Montecalvo
Dr. Montecalvo provides cutting-edge optometric services. With 30 years of specialized certification in optometric vision therapy, Dr. Montecalvo's expertise makes her a highly sought after practitioner and lecturer. She has dedicated her life to helping adults and children overcome their vision problems.
Besides private practice, Dr. Montecalvo is Past President of the Ohio Optometric Association, Chair of the American Optometric Association Vision Rehabilitation Section, Past President of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association and Associate Clinical Educator for Western College of Optometry and The Ohio State University College of Optometry.
Dr. Montecalvo frequently lectures internationally to general and developmental optometrists about neuro-optometric rehabilitation, optometric vision therapy, and therapeutic lens prescribing.
Dr Montecalvo is active in many roles within Risen Christ.
More about Greg and Chandra Shrader
[email protected] / Foodpantryrisenchristlcms.org
Greg and Chandra met in college at the University of Rio Grande. Working within the Gallia County organization for over 30 years Chandra retired from Children’s Services and Greg from the Probate/Juvenile Court. They were active in Red Cross and various outreach programs both in the community and nationally. Chandra organized several disaster teams for hurricanes and floods. Moving to Greene County near Clifton where Chandra was born and raised they joined Risen Christ. Their heart is helping others regain their position from a loss. Chandra and Greg are focused on encouraging our church members to be involved in community projects like Habitat for Humanity and to organize a disaster team for local emergencies.
More about Sara Hale
Sara Hale has been a member of Risen Christ since 1996 when her daughter Kelly started attending our church preschool. She has been involved in many positions over her tenure at Risen Christ. Sara worked in nursing for 41 years. She is currently involved with banquets at Pioneer Food Service at Cedarville University. She is an accomplished baker achieving may accolades and frequently sharing her skills at Risen Christ. Sara has two daughters: Kelly a librarian in Columbus, OH and Julie a curator at Vesterheim/Norwegian Museum in Decorah, Iowa. Her passions are baking and cross stitching.
More about Denna Johnson
Denna, a life long Ohioan, settled in South Vienna after marrying her high school sweetheart Phillip Johnson. Purchasing an old Inn built in 1836, they started a business which became Johnsons Lamp Shop. Denna, after Phillip's passing during 1999, continued the restoration of the old house and managed the lamp shop transitioning toward retirement during 2019. Denna is looking forward to having more time with her 2 sons, 5 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. Involved with many facets of church work she currently is Stewardship Chairperson, manager of volunteer office staff and devotes energy to being the “Hands and Feet” of Christ at Risen Christ. Being a member of the Risen Christ family is a true blessing in her life.
More about Johnny Bacevic
Johnny manages the Information Technology (IT) needs of the church. These duties include in-house computers and networks, e-mail, and the church & school websites.
He is the Director of the AV Booth, which he updated and redesigned in 2022, and added web streaming to YouTube and Facebook for live and archived sermons.
He is the Director of the Hot Meals Program on Saturdays.
Member of the Promotions Team.
Board of Directors
More about John Bacevic
John an alumni of University of Connecticut and Western Connecticut University studied Electronic Engineering. His career included assignments in designing electro optical systems mostly for military applications prior to moving into business development and strategic planning eventually progressing into management. John has been active in church work over many years filling positions from president to polishing floors as needed. He was treasurer at Lutheran Church of The Way in Massachusetts prior to moving to Ohio. John enjoys cooking, photography and woodworking as hobbies.
More about Becky Krieger
Becky graduated Wittenberg University with a degree in management. She has served in a variety of church capacities over the years. As Outreach Coordinator her skills greatly improved the church’s ability to attract new members. Her heart is in music and enjoys playing the viola during services. Becky’s career as a hotel general manager keeps her very busy. When able, she loves spending time with family and friends.
More about Bethany Viken
Bethany Viken is a single mother of two beautiful children who attend Risen Christ Lutheran School. She has worked as the Office Manager since August 2022. Bethany was born in Minnesota, moved to North Dakota, and then to California. She has been playing piano for over 20 years and loves to be involved with the music ministry at the church. Being a Pastors’ Kid, she has always felt at home at church, and Risen Christ Lutheran is no exception. Her hobbies are cooking, crochet, and drinking coffee.
More about Gene Baumgardner
Gene, a semi-retired farmer grew up in NE Ohio. He met his wife Jo at Ohio State University and attended the University Lutheran Chapel. They were married at Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pickerington prior to moving to Jeffersonville Ohio in 2006 joining Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Washington CH. Both Gene and Jo have been involved in various church programs during their career. Coming to Risen Christ Lutheran in 2014 has provided additional opportunities to continue the Lords work.
More about Sarah Bussell
Sarah was born and raised in Petoskey Michigan and has lived in Cheyenne WY, Naples FL, Atlanta GA and Hickory NC. She attended different colleges studying business, banking and accounting. Sarah worked for SunTrust Bank (now Truist Bank) in their bookkeeping and controller's divisions. In 2016 she moved to Springfield to care for her mom.
More about Steve Rutledge
Steve is the Business Manager for the congregation responsible for all secular affairs of the congregation including, but not limited to, financial, property, and personnel management. With the assistance of the Treasurer, he ensures the financial integrity of the congregation. Steve leads the preparation of the annual ministry budget and reports the final budget to the Board of Directors. His duties also ensure that all church property is maintained in good order and repair.
More about Sandi Click
Sandi grew up at Fifth Lutheran Church and has been a member at Risen Christ several years. Married to Danny, they have seven children and many grandchildren. She began her career with the Humane Society serving Clark County as a Shelter Manager, Dog Warden and Humane Agent. Sandi is the Chief Dog Warden and Director of the Clark County Dog Shelter over the last seven years of her 30 years in this profession. As an avid animal lover Sandi has five dogs, a cat and pet birds. She feels very much at home at Risen Christ and enjoys serving Christ.