News from Bethesda
Worship begins at 10am
Our History
Bethesda was officially organized March 1947 with 60 charter members. With a commitment to service and worship, those early members set a standard of dedication that continues to influence every aspect of church life.
The Rev. Paul Klett began his work as pastor in 1947. Services were held at Parkview School (site of the current Bay Middle School).
The Rev. Arthur Bauer served from 1951 until 1954. During his service the cornerstone for the first chapel was laid in 1951 (this structure was razed in 1987).
The Rev. Burnell Peterson led the congregation from 1955 until 1965, dedicating the educational building and fellowship hall in 1961.
The Rev. Larry Kettlehake accepted the call in 1965 and served until 1973. An education and administration addition was complete in 1965. The Rev. George Hummel served as Assistant Pastor from 1971 through 1974.
The Rev. Loyal Bishop served from 1975 until 1977.
The Rev. Dennis E. Stylski served from 1978 until 2015.
The Rev. Robin Craig served as Interim Pastor 2016 – 2017.
The Rev. Angela Freeman, our first female pastor, accepted the call to serve at Bethesda in 2017.
"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope." -Martin Luther
About the name Bethesda
In the Bible, Bethesda was a pool near Jerusalem where Jesus healed a man who had been disabled for over thirty-eight years (John 5).
John 5 tells that even before Jesus healed the man, this pool was a place that people came to be healed and made whole.
In Hebrew the word Bethesda literally means “House of Mercy.” The disabled man met mercy that day in the person of Jesus Christ and his life was forever changed.
You can think of Bethesda as either “healing waters” or as a “house of mercy.” Either way, as a church our goal is to model the very meaning of the Hebrew word “bethesda” by being a house filled by God’s mercy and love.
We desire to be a place where the hurting and the healed can meet together to celebrate our risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Church Staff
Rev. Angela Freeman
Pastor
Email: Pastor.Angela@BethesdaontheBay.org
- My biggest challenge is… trying to tackle too many tasks at the same time.
- My life verse is… “God has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
- My last meal would be… anything made with fresh local ingredients. I love food…!
- My worst habit is… eating too much. Have I mentioned I love food?
- I am happiest… when I am outside with the sun shining, walking through the woods or on the beach in the company of the ones I love — human and canine.
- My favorite Bible character is… after Jesus… Deborah, the only female judge in the OT.
- The best advice could I give a 20 year old… to travel!
- Anything else you’d like to share about yourself? My idea of a perfect day is… either sitting on a white sandy beach enjoying salty ocean breezes or hiking through the mountains.
Mr. Eric Richardson
Minister of Music
Email: Ersings1@yahoo.com
- My biggest challenge is… being patient. This is a difficult time for everyone. For me, I just want my choir and the congregation to be able to sing!!
- My life verse is… “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8)
- My last meal would be… shared with someone who needs it.
- My worst habit is… being too glib, when only a few words are necessary.
- I am happiest… knowing my wife, children, and loved ones are happy and in good health.
- My favorite Bible character is… Jesus.
- The best advice I could give a 20-year-old… keep the Lord at your right hand, and never stop seeking truthful knowledge.
- The one thing I want to make sure people know about Bethesda is… the congregation has such pride and commitment for the quality and standards of music.
- Anything else you’d like to share about yourself? I sincerely love the people of Bethesda.
Dr. Matt Chiu
Organist
1. My biggest challenge is… shifting focus between tasks when locked into something.
2. My life verse is… Psalm 98:4 – “Make joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyour song and sing praises!”
3. My last meal would be…stir fry udon noodles (with tofu).
3. My last meal would be…stir fry udon noodles (with tofu).
4. My worst habit is… staying up late.
5. I am happiest… when traveling.
6. My favorite Bible character is… Thomas.
7. The best advice I could give a 20-year-old… “now” isn’t forever.
8. The one thing I want to make sure people know about Bethesda is… it has a beautiful organ, and a great, welcoming group of people!”
9. Anything else you’d like to share about yourself? I teach at Baldwin Wallace, so if you’re ever in the Berea area, let me know and we can grab a coffee!
Ms. Marion Zelinski
Facilities Coordinator
1. My biggest challenge is… to not be a packrat.
2. My life verse is… “This is the day that the Lord has made-let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
3. My last meal would be… anything dark chocolate.
4. My worst habit is… procrastination.
5. I am happiest… singing in the choir and being with family.
6. My favorite Bible character is… Mary.
7. The best advice I cold give a 20-year-old… live your faith daily.
8. The one thing I want to make sure people know about Bethesda is… we are caring and loving.
9. Anything else you’d like to share about yourself? I have 8 great grandchildren.
Chrissy Morscher
Church Administrator
Email: info@BethesdaontheBay.org
My idea of a perfect days is…Relaxing with family on the beach
My biggest challenge is…I’m too straightforward
My biggest pet peeve is…disorganization
My life verse is…Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
My last meal would be…steak dinner.
My worst habit is…checking Facebook.
I am happiest…when camping.
My favorite Bible character is…Mary.
The best advice I could give a 20 year old is…life moves quickly – don’t wait to do the things you want to do!
My guilty pleasure…getting a candy bar at the grocery checkout.
The one thing I want people to know about Bethesda is…how nice everyone is!
Mr. Joe Dudas
Handyman
Joe is a retired remodeler and lives with his wife of 47 years, Debbie, in North Ridgeville. He has two sons and one grandson. In his spare time, Joe likes to golf and cheer on Ohio State!
BCCC Staff
Mrs. Jenna Portik
Email: Jenna.Portik@BethesdaontheBay.org
- My biggest challenge is… not taking to heart other people’s attitudes.
- My life verse is… “The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before” – Albert Einstein.
- My last meal would be… salmon & Brussel sprouts.
- My worst habit is… overthinking, for sure.
- I am happiest… when I am with my family.
- My favorite Bible character is… Jonah.
- The best advice I cold give a 20-year-old… don’t rush growing up- it’s highly overrated. These are the best years of your life!
- The one thing I want to make sure people know about Bethesda is… we have great teachers.
- Anything else you’d like to share about yourself? Nope!
Mrs. Kelly Stiles
Email: Kelly.Stiles@BethesdaontheBay.org
- My biggest challenge is… Not taking things too personally. I can be overly sensitive.
- My life verse is… “When you saw only one set of footprints in the sand, that is when I carried you.” -Footprints in the Sand
- My last meal would be… A Chimichanga from Don Ramon’s.
- My worst habit is… Overthinking… about everything!
- I am happiest… Spending time with my husband and kids.
- My favorite bible character is… Mary.
- The best advice I could give a 20-year-old…Do what makes you happy. Don’t try to please everyone else around you.
- The one thing I want to make sure people know about Bethesda is…How kind and caring our teachers are.
- Anything else you would like to share about yourself? Nope
Church Council
The Council of Bethesda on the Bay serves as the leadership of this church. Council members serve two-year terms (for up to six years). Any member of Bethesda on the Bay can attend Council meetings which regularly commence at 7:00 PM on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Current Council Members
Emerson Emser
Alison Gregory
Malena Hansen – Secretary
David Johnson
Tom Kelly
Jerry Kiel
Mark Larsen
Dave Petro
Randy Risch – Indoor Property
David Webner – Vice President
Diana Wolfe – President
Bill Zeidler – Treasurer
Ministry Teams:
Spiritual Growth – Alison (chair), Diana, Emerson, Dave Petro
Mission and Ministry – Jerry (chair), Malena, David Johnson, Tom
Administration and Finance – Randy (chair), Mark, Bill, David Webner
Financial committee:
Bill Zeidler – Treasurer
Krystina Schmidt – Financial Secretary
Dave Petro – Investment & Endowmen manager
Jeff Darkow – Controller
Marcia Starr and Robert Emmerich – Members at large
For Church Council contact information, please contact the church office.
To access our online directory, visit “members.instantChurchDirectory.com” and follow the prompts under “Sign In” to “create a login now.” Please remember, you must confirm your email address before you can sign in. The email address you use must be the address as it is listed in our directory!
There is also a free mobile app available for download. Search for “instant Church Directory.”
- 1+(440) 871-2276
- info@bethesdaonthebay.com