The Brick Podcast explores the idea that being part of the Church means being a brick—each individual life built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, the ultimate "living stone" (1 Peter 2:1-5). As these "bricks" come together, they form a spiritual household of faith, known as the Church. Hosted by Pastor Ben Vogel, Lead Pastor at Bethany Lutheran in Parma, OH, and his daughter Samantha. The Brick podcast takes time to get to know the people who make up the congregation and the Church community. Each episode features guests of all ages, backgrounds, and gifts, sharing their personal stories.
In this episode of The Brick, Pastor Ben sits down with Bethany’s Kindergarten teacher, Katie Kane, who recently received the LEA 2026 Outstanding New Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher Award.
Katie will be recognized during worship on Sunday, May 10. In this conversation, she shares more about her story, including what led her into teaching, how God brought her to Bethany, and what makes Bethany such a special place for children, families, and staff.
This episode is a joyful celebration of faithful Lutheran education, the blessing of excellent teachers, and the ways God continues to work through Bethany Lutheran Church and School
8 Mar 2026
S2_Episode 5: "The Blessings of Stephen Ministry"
In this episode of The Brick, Pastor Ben sits down with Shelley Krisko for an honest and hope-filled conversation about faith, suffering, and care within the body of Christ. Shelley shares her personal faith journey and speaks transparently about a challenging season in her life—one in which Bethany’s Stephen Ministry played a vital role in walking alongside her with Christ-centered care.
Now serving as a Stephen Minister herself, Shelley reflects on what it means to both receive and offer one-on-one spiritual encouragement. Her story is a powerful reminder that God often meets us through the presence of others—and that even seasons of struggle can become opportunities to serve and bless those around us.
If you’re walking through a difficult time, wondering if it’s okay to ask for help, or sensing that God may be calling you to serve others as a spiritual encourager, this episode is for you.
Listen, be encouraged, and be reminded: you don’t have to walk alone.
3 Oct 2025
Episode 4-S2-"Enduring Suffering" with Mark Thomay
In this episode of The Brick, Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with long-time Bethany member, Mark Thomay, to reflect on a pivotal season of his life. Back in 2006, Mark faced a major health challenge that put his life on hold for six months. Enduring constant pain, he struggled with the lessons God was teaching him in the midst of suffering.
Looking back now, Mark shares how God used that difficult time—and other challenges since—to deepen his reliance on Scripture as a constant source of comfort and hope. He also speaks about the strength and love he found in his Bethany church family, whom he truly considers his “home.”
Above all, Mark's story is really about a Savior who sustained a sinner through a challenging season and continues to care for him and those he loves today!
31 Aug 2025
S2_Episode 3_Fifty Years Later_ A Conversation with Pastor Paul Hoffman
In this special episode of The Brick, Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with Pastor Paul Hoffman to celebrate his remarkable milestone—fifty years of ministry in the Lutheran Church. Together, they reflect on the joys, challenges, and lessons learned over the decades. Pastor Hoffman shares heartfelt stories, enduring insights, and the deep sense of calling that has shaped his life in service to Christ and His Church. This episode also looks forward, offering encouragement to the next generation of pastors and church workers. Whether you're a seasoned servant or just beginning to consider ministry, this is a conversation rich with wisdom and hope.
7 Aug 2025
S2-Episode 2-A Conversation with Future Church Workers-Matt Krisko_Samantha Vogel
In this episode of The Brick, Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with two young adults preparing to dedicate their lives to ministry. Matt Krisko is heading to Concordia University, St. Paul, to begin the pre-seminary program, and Samantha Vogel is pursuing a double major in Vocal Music and Music Education at Concordia University, Nebraska. Together, they reflect on the people, experiences, and moments that led them to consider full-time church work. Pastor Ben also invites them to share honest encouragements for others who may be discerning a similar path.
23 Jul 2025
S2-Episode 1: Making Music Together: A Conversation with Heidi Klump
In this episode of The Brick Podcast, hosts Pastor Ben Vogel and Samantha Vogel sit down with Heidi Klump, the friendly voice behind the front desk at Bethany Lutheran Church. Heidi shares her deep roots in the church, reflecting on how her faith and family have shaped her life. She also opens up about her musical background and the meaningful role that music—and her musically gifted family—has played in her walk with Christ. From family singalongs to serving the church through song, Heidi’s story is a beautiful reminder of how faith and family can harmonize to leave a lasting legacy.
2 Feb 2025
Episode 7-Art, Faith, and Overcoming Barriers with Grace Lauterbach
In this episode of The Brick, Pastor Ben Vogel and Samantha Vogel sit down with Grace Lauterbach, a young, college-aged Bethany member, to discuss her unique journey of using her artistic gifts to share her faith. Grace opens up about how her love for art has helped her serve the church in a unique way.
Grace also shares her personal reflections on the challenges she faces as a young Christian in today’s world—how our culture can create barriers for young people trying to follow Jesus.
12 Jan 2025
Episode 6: Hearing the Lord's Call: Heidi Malone's Journey to Lutheran Education
In this episode of The Brick podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel and his daughter, Samantha Vogel, welcome a special guest, Heidi Malone, who has been a dedicated Lutheran educator for the past 18 years. Heidi, Bethany’s third-grade teacher, opens up about the key influences that led her to become a teacher in the Lutheran school system. She reflects on the pivotal moments and unexpected people who helped shape her calling and her path to education.
Join Pastor Ben, Samantha, and Heidi for an uplifting
conversation about faith, teaching, and the importance of listening to God’s
calling.
16 Dec 2024
Episode 5: Part 2- "A Story of Survival and Many Blessings": Fred Toma
In this continuation of Fred Toma’s remarkable story, Pastor Ben Vogel sits down with Fred to learn about the second part of his early life’s journey— one that began in a Russian concentration camp and ultimately led to a new life in America. Fred opens up about his journey to freedom, the challenges of adapting to a new country, and how God blessed him through it all.
1 Dec 2024
Episode 4: "A Story of Survival and Many Blessings": Fred Toma
In this moving episode of The Brick podcast,
Pastor Ben Vogel and Samantha Vogel sit down with Fred Toma, a remarkable
95-year-old member of Bethany Church, who recounts his escape from a
concentration camp following World War II. It is a journey that took him
through unimaginable hardship. Yet, looking back on the journey that
eventually led him to his wife, an ever-growing family and his church home,
Fred has one word to describe his life: "blessed".
24 Nov 2024
Episode 3: Examples that Shape Us: Lois McNabb
In this episode of The Brick podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel and
his daughter Samantha sit down with Lois McNabb, a beloved long-time member of
Bethany Church. Lois shares her deep personal journey of faith and service,
reflecting on the values instilled in her by her family. Lois reminds us that
while the world around us may change, certain core principles of the Christian
faith remains timeless.
17 Nov 2024
Episode 2: A Dad Serving the Church: Alister Englehart
In this episode of The Brick podcast, Pastor Ben Vogel and his daughter, Samantha, sit down with Alister Englehart—a young father, husband, and the Christian Education chair at Bethany Church. Alister opens up about his journey of faith, the joys of being a father and husband, and the challenges that come with balancing family life and ministry. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on what it means to live out your faith in the midst of the everyday responsibilities of life!
26 Sept 2024
Episode 1_ From one brick to another-Samantha Vogel
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