About Salem Lutheran
Church & Preschool
Welcome to Salem: A Lutheran Church and Preschool Serving Woodbury, MN
Salem Lutheran Church & Preschool is a welcoming Christian community in Woodbury, Minnesota. Through Sunday worship, Bible study, preschool, fellowship, and family-focused ministry, Salem helps children, families, and adults grow in God’s Word and share the love of Jesus in everyday life.
We believe that forgiveness, hope, and eternal life are gifts from God, given by grace through faith in Jesus. Our worship, teaching, preschool ministry, and community life are shaped by Scripture and by the desire to share Christ’s love with others.
Salem Lutheran Church & Preschool is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). We believe the Bible is the inspired and true Word of God and the foundation for everything we believe, teach, and do. At the center of our faith is the good news that salvation is God’s gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Together, we seek to give glory to God as we learn, live, and share His Word, growing in faith through worship, Christian education, fellowship, and service.
Pastor Bob Beaver has served Salem Lutheran Church since graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2023. He and his wife, Samantha, were recently blessed with a son, Allen. As they’ve settled into the Woodbury area, the Beavers have enjoyed the parks, restaurants, shops, and neighboring towns.
“I consider it a blessing, privilege, and joy to serve the Lord by shepherding his people at Salem Lutheran Church. What could be better than sharing the hope of heaven and peace of forgiveness through Jesus Christ? The Scriptures tell us that these blessings are ours by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), and that God gives us faith through his Word, the Bible (Romans 10:17).
I’m always happy to listen and talk about God’s Word. Faith questions? Want to chat? Email me anytime about anything. pastor@salemofwoodbury.com”
Meet Pastor Bob Beaver
Join Us for Sunday Worship
Sunday worship begins at 9:00 am and usually wraps up around 10:00 am. Following worship, we break for snacks and fellowship from 10:00 am to 10:20 am. We then gather once more for children’s Sunday School and adult Bible study from 10:20 am to 11:00 am. Please join us or click below for streams and recordings.
Church and Preschool Staff
Bob Beaver
Bob began serving as Salem’s pastor in July of 2023. He’s passionate about learning about Christ in God’s Word and sharing him with others in worship and personal studies.
Bob and his wife Samantha recently moved to Woodbury. Bob enjoys exploring and learning about the Twin Cities area, golfing, and trying new recipes.
Pastor
Mandy Elseth
Mandy has served as a preschool director and teacher for over 15 years. Mandy has a passion for sharing the love of Jesus with children through music and movement. Mandy loves helping children accomplish new skills and supporting their efforts along the way.
Mandy is married to Troy and they have 2 boys. Mandy enjoys running, all things outdoors and being with family and friends.
Preschool Administrator
Nikki has served as Salem’s Half-Day Preschool Teacher since 2020. Nikki loves working with the children at Salem Preschool. She enjoys helping children conquer new things and teaching them about how much Jesus loves them.
Nikki is married to her husband, Tim, and they have three children, Sophia, Benjamin, and Samuel. In her free time, Nikki enjoys spending time with her family, sewing and making crafts, playing board games, and swimming
Preschool Teacher
Nikki Grunwald
Office Manager
Liz Rassier
Liz serves Salem as the Office Manager managing key functions for the church. She attended Bethany Lutheran College where she received a degree in Business. Outside of Salem, Liz enjoys spending time with her husband and son, exploring the outdoors and attending MN sporting events.