Church Leadership
Elders
As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life.
Ruling elders, together with ministers of word and sacrament, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. (Book of Order, G-2.0301)
Currently Serving:
Brenna Greenfield
Amanda Grindle
Laura Johnson
Marsha Johnson
Carolyn Lowry
Jim Wiley
Deacons
The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies and sound judgment should be chosen for this office.
It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord’s Supper. (Book of Order, G-6.0401–02)
Currently Serving:
Krystle Amundson
Jean Bone
Rosie Doyl Ely
Neal Eason
Mike Grindle
Pam Pollock
Jeannie Sagle
Alisa Sutherland
Pat Warner
Staff
Rev. Ófe Abreu Rosario
Pastor
A queer second-generation Dominican-American, homegrown in the Bronx borough of New York City. However, I’ve lived in a few different countries and several parts of the US and consider myself a global citizen.
Previously, I served as the Temporary Pastor of Mission Bay Community Church in San Francisco and as a Press Assistant for the Society of Biblical Literature in Atlanta. I love engaging the stories of the Bible through different viewpoints that lift up the lived realities of all people.
Katie Peterson
Church Administrator
I have been Bethany's Office Administrator since 2017. During the week you can find me as a welcoming face in our church office. I was born and raised in Puyallup, where I am an active member of the First Christian Church of Puyallup (Disciples of Christ). Outside of church, I am involved in the local pin-up community with the Capital City Dolls. I enjoy cooking, baking and being in nature.
Erin Bathurst
Director of Music
I have been leading music at Bethany for the past 13 years and am so grateful for the opportunity to serve this welcoming community. I grew up in Colorado and moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2002 to pursue a degree in music education. I received my bachelors and masters degrees in teaching from the University of Puget Sound and have been teaching for the past 16 years, most currently in the Steilacoom School District. I am a vocalist who loves all genres of music, especially jazz. When I am not teaching/making music or leading at Bethany, I enjoy time in this beautiful place we call home with my husband Sam and my wonderful soon to be 4 year old Harrison.
W. Preston Woodall Jr.
Parish Intern
After a career as a physician in the US Air Force and US Public Health Service, Preston now prepares to serve others as a pastor, encouraging others to grow in love and faith in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
A graduate of Issaquah High School, Pacific Lutheran University (B.S.), Kansas City University, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) and, most recently, Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry (M.Div.), Preston enjoys outdoor recreation, reading, Mediterranean, Indian and Sichuan cooking and being a bass in the Seattle Men’s Chorus. He has been an active member of Bethany since 2006.
Karla Epperson
Musician
I began my teaching career at Olympia HS where I taught the orchestra and choral classes and elementary strings. Later I was asked to start the string program for the Bethel School Dist. I also taught Music ED. at the University of Puget Sound. I am now a cellist with the Trio Classique and pianist for Bethany Presbyterian Church.
Zayda Wilson
Childcare Provider
I have a huge passion for youth development. I currently am teaching at Relife school helping students cope with their past experiences and find new opportunities/outlets for themselves. I have a lot of experience working with youth/children of all ages. I continue to find and learn new ways to be a powerful role model for them.
Charlotte S.
Childcare Provider
I am 16 and a junior in high school. I enjoy working with kids. By working at Bethany, I am hoping to grow both professionally and personally.