Spirit of Hope Church Council

Church Council

Paul Christoffers - President

Paul and Lona are native Iowans, cradle Lutherans, and are now full time Arizona residents. We have been blessed with three children and six grandchildren.

Paul has an undergraduate degree in business administration, a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Drake University Law School, and is a Chartered Life Underwriter, a Certified Financial Consultant, a Certified Senior Advisor, and a realtor. He is admitted to practice law in Iowa and before the Federal Courts of Appeal, the U.S. Tax Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Lona is a University of Iowa graduate and provides management services to non-profit organizations.

Both have been involved with prior Lutheran congregations serving on various boards and committees, installing pipe organs, designing corn mazes, playing in church bands, and singing in the choir. We both feel the Lord’s hand guided us to Spirit of Hope.

Dorothy Hansen - Vice President

Dorothy and her husband Jerry, a retired US Marine, are originally from Sioux Falls, SD, and have been married for 42 years. They settled in Arizona in 1981. Their three sons and wives have blessed them with seven amazing grandchildren. Dorothy and Jerry relocated to the East Valley 18 months ago and joined Spirit of Hope. They were active in Celebration Lutheran Church in the West Valley, where both served on Church Council and chaired mission teams.

Dorothy holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Administration and is a retired public school administrator. She taught in and managed many early childhood programs including the largest preschool program in Hawaii. Her work with young children and at risk families has given her many opportunities to hear Jesus' call to action. Her faith has been strengthened with the blessings she has experienced in her role as wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and congregation member.

Becky Heitkamp - Secretary

Rebecca “Becki” Heitkamp is an Arizona native and has been active with various Missouri synod and ELCA synod Lutheran churches throughout the state since her youth involvement at American Lutheran in Prescott. Becki is also a member of Arizona Lutheran Cursillo. Currently she is the liaison for Education and Youth ministries at Spirit of Hope.

Becki has been married to Roy for 25 years and they are the parents of Nathan 15 and Rachel 12. As a graduate of Grand Canyon University, Becki utilizes her degree in Organizational Sociology to assist foster children and their foster families. She has a passion for healing broken lives and seeing marriages and families succeed. Becki is an avid reader, and also enjoys hiking, cooking, and being a mom.

Terry Hilgendorf - Treasurer

Gerri Wachtmann - Financial Secratary

My husband, Ron, and I came to Mesa, AZ in 1998 from New England after we both retired. We only planned on staying a few months at a time, but fell in love with the climate and people. We have three married children who have blessed us with 9 grandchildren. Our oldest son lives in Mesa with his wife and 4 children. Our daughter lives in Sandown, NH with her husband and 3 boys and our youngest son lives in Concord, MA with his wife and 2 children. We came to the first service held at Spirit of Hope to see what it was like and never left! I was financial secretary at our church in Arlington, MA.

Chad Barta - Member

Chad and Brenda are both graduates of the Univ. of ND, and moved to Arizona in 1997. Chad earned a Bachelor’s of Science and Brenda a Master’s of Science. Chad manages a helicopter repair station in Mesa and Brenda is a Speech-Language Pathologist for the Mesa Public Schools.

They have two sons. Chad was raised Catholic, but converted to Lutheranism when he married Brenda.

Chad and Brenda searched for a congregation that had a mix of generations, a vision that was defined and flexible, strong on education - young and old, and one in which they were not just a number. They believe they have found that in Spirit of Hope, and are excited to play bigger “roles” as the church/congregation grows.

Terry Williams - Member

I am an architect, have a Master's Degree in Business Administration and am working for the City of Mesa as the Building Safety Director. My wife Marilynn and I have lived here since July, 2003. We previously spent 15 years in El Paso, Texas.

In preparation for retirement in three or four years, I have taken up golf and Texas Hold'em poker. I am currently in my second three year term on the SOH Church Council, including three years as president. This is the third congregation in which I have served as President. I have always enjoyed the leadership opportunity the church offers. I look forward to continuing to serve my Lord by working to move the ministry efforts of our congregation along the path that He has set. May God bless all of those efforts.

Bruce Stofferan - Member

I was born and raised in northwest Iowa.   We lived most
of our married lives in southern Minnesota.  I attended 
Iowa State University and had a career in Agriculture
Business.  My wife Marjorie and I have two daughters 
who are married, and three grandchildren in Minnesota.  
We are retired and living active lives in Sunland Springs 
Village.  We are pleased to watch Spirit of Hope grow 
and be a part of that growth.

John Bergstrom - Member

I was born in Minnesota, and baptized and confirmed a Lutheran. I worked for 25 years with the Veterans Administration in many different roles and states. Although I retired in 2003, I still work part-time for VA.

I have been married to Marion for 22 years and between us, we have six independent children who are widely dispersed through the US. We have one grandchild.

We have lived in Arizona for 10 years and have been members of Spirit of Hope for four years. We have been active in education and evangelism as well as the golf and quilting huddles.