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Staff
| Church History: Where We Came From |
The Mission of the Bedford United Methodist Church is to
make Jesus Christ known, loved, followed and served. |
 Jeffrey K. Welsch, Pastor
Jeff grew up in Hollidaysburg, with 2 brothers and 1 sister. He ,graduated from Lycoming College, and then United Seminary in Dayton Ohio in 1980. Having served churches in Chambersburg, Williamsport, the Harrisburg area, and most recently in Altoona, Jeff and his wife Jan were appointed to the Bedford Church in the summer of 2001.
Jeff and Jan have 6 children, most of whom are grown. They are also the proud grandparents of 2 grandchildren.
Hobbies include: golf, tennis, NASCAR, auto repair, and music.
Relationship with Jesus Christ, expressed through the many and varied ministries of the church here in Bedford, is a real passion for Jeff. "We just love it here in Bedford, and hope to remain here for a long time – the Lord willing!" |
 Jan Welsch, Christian Education
Jan grew up in a small town in Vermont, so she loves the quaint, historic atmosphere of Bedford, PA. She graduated from Northampton Business School with a degree in Business. After 5 years in Altoona as Jeff's secretary (yes - and wife!), they moved to Bedford. Even though their six children are mostly grown, their lives are not quiet, because there is always someone or many of them coming to visit and the two grandchildren come too!
Jan has always been involved in Christian Education whether it is attending Bible Study, Sunday School, organizing a new class, teaching a class or just helping out with Vacation Bible School.
She feels that Christian Education is vital in the Faith journey of all Christians. Through our Christian education we not only grow closer to God, but we grow closer as a church family. The fellowship, Christian love and spiritual growth are so important in our faith journey. My hope and my prayer is that everyone will have the opportunity to be part of our Christian Education program and reap the many benefits of small groups. |
 Jesse W. Topper, Fine Arts Minister
Before he became a full time employee at BUMC, Jesse was the keyboard player for the Contemporary Worship service. Jesse has been the organist/pianist at several churches in the area including; Madley Lutheran, Ellerslie United Methodist, First United Church of Christ, Hyndman, and First Avenue UMC. He was the keyboard player for the Contemporary Praise and Worship band, "The Staff" for three years and has played with his father, John, for most of his life. He is graduate of Frostburg State University with a Music Performance Degree. Jesse's love for music is only surpassed by his love for his family and his Savior! He is an avid (and quite average to below average) golfer and enjoys watching as much baseball and football as he can. Jesse and his wife, Christy, reside in Bedford, PA and recently welcomed a new little baby boy into the family! Joshua Davis was born on Sept. 21, 2006. |
 Jim Miller, Minister of Visitation
Jim is retired after 35 at Everett Marble and Granite Works, a local business. Since joining BUMC Jim has participated in the JAM Sunday School program, special music for worship services and is involved with the Congregational Care Team. Jim enjoys watching NASCAR races and singing in the Crossroads Quartet, a group made up of his sons David and Doug and David’s wife, Carole.
Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 Jesus died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Jim believes the most effective way to encourage one another is personal contact. This contact and encouragement between the main body of the church and the individual member is the goal of the visitation ministry. |
Jan S. Oldham, Church Secretary
Jan is a stable part of the BUMC landscape. She has been the point woman in the office for more than twenty-one years. A true multi-tasker, Jan handles walk-ins and phone calls as she processes requests dropped off by committee members, prepares newsletters to go out, keeps the Pastor up on who needs help and packs another food box all at the same time. Seldom do you see anything but a smile on her face. Jan is a Bedford High graduate. She is married to Doug and they have two children.
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Melissa Hicks, Director of the Bedford United Methodist Preschool (B.U.M.P.).
Melissa has a Bachelor of Science degree in Infant and Early Childhood Development, 7 years of working with children of all ages, and is also a parent. |
Donald H Sylvester, Administrative Assistant
Don brings a variety of gifts to the staff.
He earned a BA degree from Virginia Military Institute, has more than thirty five years experience in business and finance as well as owns his own business. Don is a member of the National Association of Church Business Administrators, The United Methodist Association of Church Business Administrators and is a Vietnam Veteran. He handles the daily record keeping of the church, supervises the facilty mangament, maintains the church web site as well as keeps the computer network from blowing up. Don and his wife Ruth are members of BUMC and have four grown children. |
 Rick and Kathy Brazelle, Youth Ministries
Rick and Kathy have 20 years experience working with youth as Youth Directors in the United Methodist Church.
The Brazelles’ have four children and one granddaughter.
Rick and Kathy love working with kids of all ages. Their goal is to help in the spiritual development of youth so they will be equipped to share the love of Jesus Christ in the world and be a blessing to all they meet!
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Church phone number 814-623-8711
SERVANTS ON STAFF
Their phone extensions and email addresses:
Jeffrey K. Welsch, Pastor, # 22 ~
Jim Miller, Minister of Visitation, 814-285-1116 ~
Jan Welsch, Christian Education, # 24 ~
Jesse W. Topper, Minister of Fine Arts, # 27 ~
Jan S Oldham, Office Administrator, # 21 ~
Melissa Hicks, Preschool/Daycare, # 23 ~
Donald H. Sylvester, Business Administrator, # 41 ~
Rick & Kathy Brazelle, Youth Ministries, # 51 ~
Breanne Fetsko, ADS Coordinator, # 25 ~
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If you are interested in knowing more about the activities of the United Methodist Church in Central Pennsylvania. Click on http://www.cpcumc.org/ |
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