Bethany Lutheran Church: Where Faith and Community Meet
Bethany Lutheran Church: A Welcoming Community
At Bethany Lutheran Church, we strive to create a welcoming community for all. We are a congregation of the North American Lutheran Church, we are Christ Centered in Ministry, and Traditionally Grounded in Scripture. Our mission is to spread the love and teachings of Jesus Christ while fostering a sense of belonging and fellowship among our members. We offer a wide range of programs and services, including Sunday worship, Bible studies, youth groups, and community outreach initiatives. Come join us and experience the warmth and love of Bethany Lutheran Church!
Our Mission
Our Vision and Mission
At Bethany Lutheran, we envision a world where everyone feels loved, valued, and accepted. We strive to create a community where people can come together to worship, learn, and grow in their faith.
Our Mission Statement is The Great Commission from Matthew 28:19-20a.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Leadership
Our 2024 Congregation Council
The Pastor
Pastor James Bartlett, STS
I have been active in ministry since I was in High School with Youth Ministry and then as an adult Lay Leader in the congregation. Throughout my time as a Lay Leader, I did everything from assisting with worship and teaching Sunday School to cleaning the bathrooms and taking out the trash (yes, there is a dirty side to church work too). There was the hard work of transforming our ministry structure and the joy of working with the smallest children in the congregation on their youth nights.
I had attended seminary and graduated in 2015 with a Master of Divinity in Congregational Ministry. That same year I accepted an appointment as Vicar. A Vicar is seminary trained but not yet ordained. I performed all the duties of the pastor except for preaching and presiding during worship.
In 2018 I received a Call as a pastor with the Lutheran Evangelical Protestant Church and was a mission pastor under the Bishop for Chaplaincy. I formally took my vows in 2019. In 2023 I received a Call from Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church as pastor. Since that time I have continued to do ministry to it's fullest.
Ministry is my called vocation, I also have a secular profession, Human Services. I have worked in Human Services for 26 years, 7 in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and 19 in Mental Health. The result of Ministry and Human Services is a lot of opportunity for rewarding ministry work in an underserved population.
Oh, did I mention that I have a wonderful family too! My wife, Jennifer, is awesome and a great support. We have known each other literally our whole lives and finally married in 2016. It only took us about 40 years to realize that we belonged together. Between us we have three great kids, Hope, Skyler, and Alissa.
Favorites:
1. Film: Sergeant York with Gary Cooper
2. Food: Pancakes with sausage gravy
3. Beverage: Sweet tea
4. Board Game: Catan: Settlers, Seafarers, and Cities & Knights all together!
5. TV Show (Overall): M*A*S*H
6. Song: All Creatures of Our God and King
7. Collectibles: Fossils, they are fun to find
8. Pizza Topping: Onion
9. Cookie: Peanut Butter Blossoms
10. Bible Verse: 1 John 1:8-9
Church Staff
Hope Harrington
Hope Harrington
Hope Harrington
I grew up in Milton, PA and graduated from Wilks University. I work as a server at Texas Roadhouse in Selinsgrove (come see me!) I love to draw and paint, and you might have noticed I enjoy decorating s well! I’m excited and thankful to be part of Bethany's team.
Favorites:
Film: The Hunger Games
Food: Chicken Piccata
Snack: Texas Roadhouse R
I grew up in Milton, PA and graduated from Wilks University. I work as a server at Texas Roadhouse in Selinsgrove (come see me!) I love to draw and paint, and you might have noticed I enjoy decorating s well! I’m excited and thankful to be part of Bethany's team.
Favorites:
Film: The Hunger Games
Food: Chicken Piccata
Snack: Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Beverage: Iced Coffee
Board Game: Monopoly
Collectibles: Antiques, POP! Vinyl Figures, Starbucks Cups
Pizza Topping: Pineapple
Cookie: Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chip.
Mary Paulhamus
Hope Harrington
Hope Harrington
I started music lessons (piano) at the age of five years and began playing organ in church at the age of 9 years. I graduated with a degree in music from Susquehanna University and did graduate work in Scotland with a concert pianist and also with the organist of Saint Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. Music and hard work are my favorite ways
I started music lessons (piano) at the age of five years and began playing organ in church at the age of 9 years. I graduated with a degree in music from Susquehanna University and did graduate work in Scotland with a concert pianist and also with the organist of Saint Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. Music and hard work are my favorite ways to spend my time. Growing up my family loved to travel and because of that I have been in every country in Europe except for Poland and Czechoslovakia. I have also been to Turkey.
Favorites:
Food: Cheesecake
Snack: Ice Cream
Beverage: Earl Grey Tea
TV Show (Overall): America Says and Law and Order
Bible Verse: John 3:16
Deb Harman
Deb Harman
Deb Harman
Coming Soon
Wes Miller
Deb Harman
Deb Harman
I am a longtime resident of Montoursville. I grew up at Bethany Lutheran and am a lifetime member of the church. In addition to being the church treasurer, I am an active member of the handbell choir and the chancel choir. I serve as a communion assistant and am an active Sunday School member.
Favorites:
Food: Italian
Snack: Carmel Corn
Bev
I am a longtime resident of Montoursville. I grew up at Bethany Lutheran and am a lifetime member of the church. In addition to being the church treasurer, I am an active member of the handbell choir and the chancel choir. I serve as a communion assistant and am an active Sunday School member.
Favorites:
Food: Italian
Snack: Carmel Corn
Beverage: Pepsi and local beer & wine
Board Game: Corn Hole
TV Show (Overall): Seinfeld
Song: Go Now in Peace
Collectibles: Hurr’s Dairy
Pizza Topping: Pepperoni
Cookie: Chocolate Chip
Bible Verse: 23rd Psalm
How We're Helping
How We're Helping
How We're Helping
We are a community oriented congregation, focused on helping make the world around us a better, happier place. With the help of our members and supporters, we organize fundraisers, assist individuals with urgent needs, and partner with other agencies and organizations to provide assistance for members of the wider community.
Thank You
How We're Helping
How We're Helping
Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you!