Your Bethel Mennonite Pastoral Team
As we turn the corner towards another fall season, we want to share greetings and blessings with you from the pastors here at Bethel. This is another time of transition for us, as Amelia Warkentin begins a new role as Interim Associate Pastor during Valerie Alipova’s maternity leave. We want to take this opportunity to remind the Bethel community of who we are and what we do!
Amelia Warkentin (Interim Associate Pastor) – amelia@bethelmennonite.ca
In covering Valerie’s role Amelia will connect with program areas to do with children, youth and families – including Bethel Kidz and Youth Clubs, and Bethel Kids and Youth Connecting. She will serve as the pastoral resource to the Education Committee and the Communications Committee, alongside regular worship participation. Amelia’s long familiarity with Bethel is a significant gift she brings to our team. Amelia’s regular days in the office are Monday to Thursday.
Kathy McCamis (Associate Pastor) – kathy@bethelmennonite.ca
Kathy is the longest-serving member of this pastoral team, marking six years at Bethel this past summer. Kathy’s role holds together a unique balance of ministry both within the congregation and in our Grant Park neighbourhood. She connects with the Community Ministry programs that run out of Bethel, including our Harvest Manitoba food bank distribution and our partnerships with organizations like Carter Early Learning Centre and Harrow School. Kathy also serves Bethel in worship and pastoral care within the congregation, and supports the work of the Witness Executive together with various other committees and working groups. Kathy’s regular days in the office are Monday to Thursday.
Kevin Derksen (Lead Pastor) – kevin@bethelmennonite.ca
Kevin has been at Bethel for just over a year now, and is settling into his role. Kevin gives leadership to the staff team, alongside the regular rhythms of worship, pastoral care and congregational life. He sits regularly with the Deacons and the Council Executives, in addition to a handful of other groups and committees. Kevin’s regular days in the office are Tuesday to Friday.
As a pastoral team, we work together closely to care for our congregation and provide leadership as needed. Every week we meet to plan, consult and share ideas as we navigate the beautiful and complicated realities of life at Bethel. You will see all three of us preaching and leading worship regularly, and participating in a wide range of Bethel events and activities as we are able. There will also be times where we delegate one or another of us to engage with a particular project or event in order to make the best use of our time. Feel free to connect with any of us as you feel comfortable – we are always happy to hear from you! Blessings on the fall season ahead – we’re glad to be part of the Bethel community along with you.
