Community of Christ Lutheran Church

Leaders & Staff

Pastor Stephen Bond

Pastor Steve is excited to come back to his native Ohio after serving a two-point parish in western Pennsylvania for the past seventeen years. He and his wife Sarah have two children, Mark and Anna. Sarah is a teacher who has taught every age from kindergarten to college, and their children love basketball, soccer, and music. Steve is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. In his spare time, enjoys reading and writing, painting and poetry, and music, or just a good conversation around a cup of black coffee or a pint glass. He and his Chuck Taylor tennis shoes (coordinated with the colors of the church year) are glad to be here at Community of Christ!

Vicar Natalie Downs

I was born in Toledo, OH, but lived a majority of my life in the Bedford area. My husband, Trevor, and I are both Bedford graduates. We have been married for 17 years. Trevor is a Business Intelligence Analyst. We have two daughters, Genevieve (11) and Amelie (6), who share the same birthday! I have been a lifelong ELCA Lutheran, but my path has taken me down many different interactions within ecumenical and interreligious circles. I believe those experiences were spirit-led and helped me to learn how to work with and love other people across denominational and religious lines. Previous to finally saying yes to God’s call to ministry (God was working on me for a long time), I served as a collegiate music professor for a number of years, where I did a variety of things including teaching voice, diction/phonetics, music history, music appreciation, vocal pedagogy, and led the Women’s Chorale. I also had a private voice studio and have taught at the Michigan State University Community Music School, teaching voice and developing programming. I have been blessed to perform in a variety of settings as a classical singer in operas, recitals, and musical theater. Since having children, I am not as active in the performance realm. I have also previously worked as a church musician, serving at Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, MI, for six years, where I led a few different ensembles, coordinated music for worship and community, and even composed a few pieces of music. After that appointment, I have served as a sub-accompanist for churches on Sunday mornings. 

Michelle Gebhart, Administrative Assistant

Michelle started working at Community of Christ in June 2017 as the Pastor’s Executive Assistant, Office Manager, and Financial Secretary. Michelle comes from a 27-year background in banking, holding various positions, allowing her to bring many talents to the church. Michelle resides in Maumee, Ohio with her husband, Kevin, Wholesale Acquisition Manager for the Taylor Company. She has two adult children, Autumn and Kyle. Autumn is a graduate of BGSU with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Kyle is currently attending BGSU. Michelle enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, walking, helping others, and crafting.

Eric Dickey, Music Director

Eric received most of his music education at the Interlochen Arts Academy and Bowling Green State University. He plays both classical and jazz on both piano and organ. He has been a Lutheran Music Director most of his life. Eric resides in Perrysburg, Ohio with his wife Sarah Magoun, Doctor and Violinist.

Bryce Hinegardner, Children, Youth, and Family Director

Bryce is excited to be part of the Community of Christ family and bring his love for working with kids and youth into this role. Before stepping into ministry, he spent a few years in software sales, worked as an archery technician, and coached youth archery. He’s also been involved with Camp Union as a counselor. Bryce and his wife, Codi, who teaches sixth grade English and Social Studies and also serves as a Camp Union director, live in Liberty Center with their son, James (Jamie), who’s just over a year old and loves story time and throwing balls around the house.