About A Place to Be Spirituality Center

Our Mission

A Place to Be accompanies those who seek meaning and purpose and something beyond themselves.
Core Values
  • Sacredness:  We believe in every person and all creation dwells the indwelling Spirit.
  • Respect:  Acknowledge the dignity, diversity, and worth of each person as a unique image of God.
  • Community:  Through prayer, empathy, listening and sharing, we create a safe, nonjudgmental, peaceful place.
  • Hospitality:  Welcome all with compassion, acceptance, and celebration.
  • Professionalism:  Commit to competence, quality, trust, and personal spiritual development.​  
  • Emotions: We believe in the authentic sharing of ourselves through laughter, tears and joy.

Leadership Team

  Dan Becker
  Email: beckerd@aplacetobesc.org
"I chose to get involved with APTB so I could be of greater service to God’s people.  We are all on a spiritual journey, and APTB helps bring people together to further that journey."
  Karen Becker
  Email: beckerk@aplacetobesc.org
"I believe that APTB is a space to bring together all of Gods people. It is a safe space for deepening our faith individually and as a community. A place where we can find ourselves on our faith journey."
Craig Bergland
Email: craig.bergland@gmail.com
"I felt led to join the leadership team at A Place to Be because I truly believe centers like A Place to Be have an important role in meeting the spiritual needs of people in contemporary society. In a world desperately in need of community, spirituality centers can provide a safe place to explore faith and build friendships."
  Barbara Bode
  Email: bodeb@aplacetobesc.org
"I chose to be involved long ago because this is a special opportunity to bring together God's people; people who have spiritual needs, are fed by enriching and contemplative readings, retreats, days of reflection, and more.  It is a chance to participate with people who are hurting, lonely, creative and searching. I love our "place to be," our leadership and what we offer. Because we connect at a deeper level we unite as a friendly strong parish community. We really care about eachother."
  Bob Burant
  Email: burantb@aplacetobesc.org
"I have found A Place to Be a spiritual home where I can meet others who have the same core values as I and are looking to deepen their relationship with God.  I choose to be involved as I believe in the mission of outreach to others and serve as Jesus has asked of us."
Jo-Ann Decker
Email: jodecker12@gmail.com
"When I started attending A Place to Be over three years ago, I felt like I was part of the family immediately. It is a very enriching, spiritual, friendly and loving environment. I am so honored to be asked to be part of the leadership team. I have attended almost everything the center has to offer, now as part of the leadership team I hope I can help pass on and build on what I have learned."
Barb Dickmann
Email: badickmann@yahoo.com
"I believe APTB offers the community and world insights into what being catholic is all about ... a reaching out and a sharing of our wonderful faith.  Our APTB gatherings offer opportunities for all of us ... regardless of our our faith journey ... to gather to find common ground and simply relate to each other as we experience things we enjoy doing or receive help with our concerns."
Christine Flint
Email: cflint3697@gmail.com
  Mark Goeden
  Email: goedenm@aplacetobesc.org
"I support APTB because it recognizes that the divine can be found outside of church walls and most often in relationship.  The offerings at APTB allow participants to seek at their own pace, and to share their discoveries with similar seekers."
Chris Lear
Email: learchris@outlook.com
"I feel A Place To Be Spirituality Center fills a niche in our community life. That niche says 'there are folks out there who want to learn more about Jesus' in an environment of acceptance for all people. To help make this happen, we put together the best instruction in an environment where many new approaches stimulate new thoughts and lots of questions. All this, is offered in a warm, ecumenical environment. "
  Father Patrick Wendt
​  Email: wendtp@stjohn23rd.org
Brenda Wingard-Haynes
Email: bwingard2012@gmail.com
"Hello, All!  I am so pleased to become part of the leadership team at APTB.  I have spent many years searching for a spiritual home and finally found it at APTB.  Here, one can explore one's own spiritual journey in a caring, warm, and welcoming environment. There is something for everyone.  In terms of leadership, I have a lot of interests and a few talents as they relate to leading/organizing.  I hope I can bring those interests and talents to the leadership team and those who participate in its programming."

Our Staff

Kelly Lemens, Director
​Email: lemensk@aplacetobesc.org
  Jenny Mitchell, Marketing Coordinator
  Email: mitchellj@aplacetobesc.org
​"I started my journey at APTB as a participant in book groups and retreats, where I learned to explore my faith on a deeper level than ever before with a supportive, caring community. Then I became the 'resident artist,' helping to find and implement creative ways to get in touch with one's spirituality... and 'Euchre queen,' teaching people to play a fun card game with other community members each month. Eventually I joined the staff as 'marketing guru.' I have gained so much from my experiences at APTB and continue to grow deeper in faith with this community. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to help others on their own journeys!"

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