The following page was written by a member to introduce the men serving as elders at Bethel Community Church:

Bethel Elders

Bethel has been blessed with a group of individuals who bring many different strengths and gifts to our church. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that “the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control” and these men currently serving as elders at Bethel each display all of these in different measures. Above all is the banner of love and we pray that our church, beginning with its elders, will be overflowing with this ‘fruit’.

In spite of busy lives at home, work and/or other activities, these men give of their time and talents with sacrificial LOVE.

Réal Frenette

The joy of the Lord is his strength as Réal serves Bethel with a smile or word of encouragement to all. Always willing to help others in whatever capacity is needed, Réal and his wife Ruth are heavily involved in the Sunday School, AWANA and often have folks over to their home.

Bob Reynolds

A man of peace, Bob brings wisdom to life situations with a calming influence on people as he kindly helps them navigate difficult circumstances that life throws their way. He and his wife, Judy, are a godly example of a Christian marriage as the peace of God is seen in them both.

Jeremy Garnet

Patience as a fruit of the Spirit is not spoken of often yet is invaluable as we in the congregation at Bethel need to have people with the patience to listen well and Jeremy does this, as he listens not only to hear but to understand and then to assist in whatever is needing to be done. Jeremy and his wife, Anne, are a quiet force of love to those around them.

Steve Schmidt

Steve is a man of kindness, with a smile of welcome at the church door or an arm to lean on. He and his wife Alana, are a cheerful duo that are often seen on the stage singing during our worship time. Steve is always ready for a friendly chat to encourage those around him.

Stephen Wilson

As follower of Jesus, we see the faith of Stephen as he pursues goodness in his life, with his wife Pauline. Whether it be leading the communion service or lending a hand to someone at Bethel or fixing something around the church, Stephen is bringing goodness to our community.

Peter Brereton

Peter is defined by his faithfulness as he serves Bethel in his various roles, making sure the job gets done with integrity. He and his wife, Sharon, enjoy teaming up for pre-marital counselling. His thoughtful words can help bring unity or resolution into a given situation.

Tommy Malone

Tommy is Bethel’s gregarious full-time elder, an enthusiastic addition to the team. His gentleness is seen as he takes the time to graciously meet new people, to learn their names and walk the extra mile with them. He and his wife, Nelly, have joined many of the activities happening at the church, adding their energy and ideas.

Jason Chandler

On and off the soccer field, Jason exemplifies self control with his earnest dedication to discipline, working with others to create cohesiveness in our services and often strums his guitar while he and his wife, Fiona, lead the congregation in music to the Lord.

Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5:23-26

THE BIBLE ON BEING AN ELDER:

"Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap."
1 Timothy 3:1-7