Our Staff

Pastor Tuula (Raittila) Van Gaasbeek was born and raised in the little town of Kuorevesi in Finland. After graduating from Mantta Lukio she studied at the University of Helsinki, from where she received Master of Theology degree in 1982. Shortly after graduation she moved to New York to pursue studies in pastoral care and counselling.

She was ordained a Minister in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) by Indiana-Kentucky Synod Bishop James Stuck. She served congregations in that synod before starting her pastorate at Agricola in July 2008. She is married to Dr. Gary Van Gaasbeek and they are parents of three children. They also have a dog, who is presently taking the place of the children while they pursue university studies in the USA.

Living in a big city again and being able to preach in Finnish bring lots of joy to Pastor Tuula. She is also excited about the many opportunities Agricola has to proclaim the good news in this part of the world. She is working on turning those opportunities into actions.

In her spare time Pastor Tuula likes to run and stay up late reading interesting books.

Before entering into ministry, Rev. Martti Hyhko (M.Div.) served the Agricola congregation as the cantor, organist and choir director for many years. After his retirement from full time ministry in 2009, he returned to Agricola and was appointed as the honorary assistant pastor. He is available to support Pastor Tuula VanGaasbeek with many aspects of ministry in this large congregation