About us

Bob Holt is a lifelong Lutheran who has been active in church ministry since his youth. Baptized at Bethany Lutheran in Central Bridge, New York, he grew up deeply involved in congregational life, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and assisting with church projects. Over the years, several pastors and church leaders served as mentors, encouraging his gifts for leadership, preaching, and worship.

Bob has served congregations in a variety of ways for decades, including preaching, leading worship, teaching, and assisting during pastoral vacancies. While a member of Zion Lutheran in Cobleskill, he worked closely with pastors and helped lead worship during times of need. He also authored a book on the church’s history for its bicentennial celebration in 1993.

Later, Bob became active at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Richmondville, where he continued serving as a lay minister and worship leader alongside several pastors. In recent years he has supplied as a Synod Authorized Minister (SAM) in congregations throughout the region and he also leads worship one Sunday each August at the historic Beards Hollow Church.

In 2022, at the request of the bishop of the Upstate New York Synod of the ELCA, Bob agreed to serve as a Synod Authorized Minister for Bethany Lutheran Church in Central Bridge and Helderberg Lutheran Church in Berne. In 2023, Bob concluded his time with Bethany Lutheran and focused his ministry at Helderberg Lutheran Church, where he continues to serve today.

Bob believes God has something special in store for the congregation as they share the love of Jesus and tell His old, old story in new ways. If you are looking for a church home, a place of community and fellowship, or simply a place to grow in faith, you are warmly invited to join us.

Whether you have been part of the Lutheran tradition your whole life, belong to another church, or are simply exploring your faith, you are welcome here.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

May God bless you as we journey together in Christ’s name.