Pastor Lynne Faris Blessing is moving off of Bethany’s staff this August. You can read about that change in a letter from Personnel Elder Mig Schaaf, and a letter from Pastor Lynne. Session has directed the Personnel Committee to hire a half-time Director of Outreach later this year. This non-ordained director will have no liturgical responsibilities and limited pastoral duties to be freed to fully devote her/his ministry to our outreach efforts.

Additionally, after a lengthy period of prayer, discernment and waiting, Session voted at its April 9 meeting to make a change to Danielle Merseles’ position. As of July 1, Danielle will be our Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. She will be ordained at Bethany following her examination on the floor of Presbytery. We’re excited about this new phase for Danielle and for Bethany. You can read more about these staff transitions in a letter from Pastor Doug Kelly and a letter from Danielle Merseles.

In November 2017, our Session approved a new Leadership Statement. This is a piece of our multi-year process of discerning God’s call for our church around the question of same-sex leaders.

• Read Pastor Doug’s November 17 letter about the Statement
• Read the Statement on Ordained Leaders and Program Staff
• Read Pastor Doug’s overview of Historic and Emerging Views on this issue
• For a little background you can read Pastor Doug’s March 2017 update on this discernment process.

If you have any questions about where we are, or where we’ve been, you can contact Pastor Doug, or any of the elders on our Session. 

The New Hymnal Selection Committee has been charged with reporting to Session their recommendation for a new hymnal that will empower and inspire Bethany’s worship of God. The committee values your input, you can fill out an appreciative inquiry form here.

You may also come to an in-person forum on February 3rd or 10th at 10:15am in 7 Howe.

Read more about this process here.