Senior Pastor: Rev. Sarah Elliott
Joining Bethany on 7/1/2024
Reverend Sarah M. Elliott is a devoted servant leader deeply committed to fostering community engagement and advancing social justice through pastoral ministry in the United Methodist
Church. Her call is to equip and empower the church to serve and share the gospel in the
community and world.
Rev. Elliott earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from American University and Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary, where she was honored with the Diedra Krieward Award for her excellence in teaching ministry. She continues to value the role of learning to grow as a disciple.
In her free time, Rev. Elliott loves puzzles, board games, photography, and dabbles in gardening, activities she shares with her family. Her hobbies mirror her professional life; requiring thought, focus, and a creative spirit, qualities that she brings to her ministry.
Rev. Elliott and her husband, Dr. Patrick Elliott, are thankful to return to their roots in Michigan with their children Preston, Elizabeth, and Magdelena, to serve as God leads.
Personal statement: I am excited to journey with the people of Bethany United Methodist Church. By God’s grace and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be in fruitful building upon cultivating a vibrant, welcoming, community that lives out the teaching of Christ through acts of love, mercy, and justice.
Use the button below to schedule one on one time with Pastor Sarah!
Secretary: Kory Sanger
Kory became our Administrative Secretary in March of 2021. She loves serving Bethany and being that friendly face in the office when people come in to visit. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She also loves photography, flowers of all kinds, collecting and polishing rocks, camping, swimming, reading, and lounging around the house with her husband. Phone: (810)686-5151
Meet Rachel Deshone – Choir Director & Ross Dolittle – Musician
Rachel Deshone is the choir director at Bethany United Methodist Church. You will find her leading the choir and the congregation in song during worship. She also participates with other churches in the district in Easter & Christmas cantatas with many of the members of the choir. Rachel invites you to come to choir practice and praise and worship through song. Ross Dolittle is a talented musician in our church. He is often playing the clavinova during services and accompanying the choir. Ross also directs the Bethany Band. If you play an instrument and want to join the Bethany Band, see Ross. In addition, Ross has taken over as the director of the Bethany Hand Bell Choir. If you want to get involved in our music department in any capacity, see either Ross or Rachel! Bethany UMC is also served by 2 other pianists who you will see in worship from time to time. Mavis Miller and Dana Usealman. Both can be found behind the grand piano on various Sundays. We are also grateful to Dave Bower for his skill in playing the organ in our sanctuary from time to time.
Looking for a Previous Pastor of Bethany UMC?
Rev. Kayla Roosa transitioned to Grand Ledge First UMC in Grand Ledge, Michigan as of 7/1/2024.
Rev. Cathi Huvaere transitioned to retirement on 6/12/2022. If you need her retirement contact information, reach out to our church office. Check out our fun retirement party!
Rev. LuAnn Rourke transitioned to First United Methodist Church in Port Huron in June of 2017. She now serves as a District Superintendent.
