Our Building & Redesign Team

At Bethel, we believe our church is more than a building — it’s a place where faith, friendship, and service come to life. The Building and Redesign Team has dedicated countless hours in prayer, planning, and collaboration to ensure that our campus reflects our mission and supports our ministries for generations to come.

This team listened carefully to the needs of our congregation — through group sessions, surveys with Aspen, and open discussions — they worked faithfully to move the project forward so that Bethel can continue to grow and serve.

The Story of Bethel’s Building Campaign

For more than 200 years, Bethel Presbyterian Church has served as a place of worship, community, and growth. In recent years, our congregation has prayerfully considered how our buildings can continue to reflect our mission to welcome, witness, and serve in Christ’s name.

Early Conversations

Three years ago, under the Session’s direction, a team led by Roger Morris began studying the future of Bethel Haven. As the group reviewed the facility, they realized that the church’s needs extended beyond one building. The focus shifted to how the entire campus could better support ministry, fellowship, and outreach.

A Fire That Sparked Reflection

In October 2023, a fire in the Preschool area forced a difficult choice: either close the Preschool permanently or rebuild it to meet modern codes. This event underscored the urgency of addressing not just the damaged area but the overall safety, functionality, and future of Bethel’s facilities.

Forming the Building and Redesign Team

The Session responded by creating a Building and Redesign Team, chaired by Joe Roy, to lead a comprehensive study of Bethel’s campus. Their charge was to identify both immediate needs and long-term opportunities for growth and community impact. The Building Team members were chosen for their experience and expertise in building, finance and history with Bethel. They are all members at Bethel.

Partnering with The Aspen Group

To guide the process, Bethel partnered with The Aspen Group, a firm experienced in church design and planning who conducted an Aspen Group Discovery Workshop. The entire church was invited to participate in a Group Discovery Workshop sponsored by The Aspen Group on September 3, 2024, on the church campus.

At this workshop we had the opportunity to hear directly from the Aspen team and to participate in a guided discussion regarding campus improvements and ministry impact. The feedback focused on ministry effectiveness, hospitality, accessibility, and flexibility—forming the foundation for a new master plan.

Developing a Master Plan

After reviewing Aspen’s recommendations, the Building Team refined the plan in partnership with Session and began exploring implementation through local architects and contractors. Every proposal was measured against ministry goals, budget considerations, and long-term stewardship.

With Gratitude

Please join us in thanking our Building and Redesign Team for their faithful leadership, countless hours of service, and steadfast commitment to God’s work through Bethel Presbyterian Church.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
— Psalm 127:1

Joe Roy

Build Team Lead

Raised in Louisiana and a Bethel member for nearly three decades, Joe has served as a Youth Group Leader, Deacon, and Mission Trip Leader. His faith-driven leadership and steady guidance anchored this project from the start.

Martha Landis

With a deep love for Bethel’s ministries and a gift for organization, Martha helped ensure that details were handled with care and communication stayed open. Her dedication reflects her heart for community and connection.

Randy Ford

Randy brought a thoughtful, analytical approach to the team’s planning and decision-making. His steady voice and commitment to excellence helped keep the project grounded in both faith and practicality.

Beth Lester

Beth’s enthusiasm and thoughtful input helped shape both the vision and spirit of the redesign. She brought energy, compassion, and a heart for ensuring Bethel’s spaces serve all generations.

Olen Persons

Olen’s perspective and problem-solving mindset was key in navigating the project’s many phases. His insight and faith-filled presence add balance and wisdom to the team’s discussions.

Tommy Knox

In Memoriam

Tommy’s practical experience and hands-on understanding of building and maintenance was invaluable. His attention to details helped the team keep plans realistic and sustainable for the long term.

Campaign Leadership Team

Mark Ariail – markariail@gmail.com
Tina Ariail – tinaariail@gmail.com
David Beard – Dnbeard@roadrunner.com
Karen Beard – bkkbeard@roadrunner.com
Return to Bethel's Main Site
Give

Weather Update

As forecast, we are getting a significant snowstorm today, which will create very hazardous driving conditions. Regretfully, as a result we need to cancel all church related activities for Sunday. This is for the safety of everyone involved. Be on the lookout for a prerecorded video from Pastor Aaron Sunday with a word of encouragement.
 
Additionally, with the freezing temperatures expected to continue through Sunday, we are closing the church office on Monday, February 2. As a reminder most of the staff will be at the national gathering in Atlanta during the week.
 
Please stay safe during the storm, and continue to check on your neighbors in need.

Leadership

Our Building & Redesign Team

At Bethel, we believe our church is more than a building — it’s a place where faith, friendship, and service come to life. The Building and Redesign Team has dedicated countless hours in prayer, planning, and collaboration to ensure that our campus reflects our mission and supports our ministries for generations to come.

This team listened carefully to the needs of our congregation — through group sessions, surveys with Aspen, and open discussions — they worked faithfully to move the project forward so that Bethel can continue to grow and serve.

The Story of Bethel’s Building Campaign

For more than 200 years, Bethel Presbyterian Church has served as a place of worship, community, and growth. In recent years, our congregation has prayerfully considered how our buildings can continue to reflect our mission to welcome, witness, and serve in Christ’s name.

Early Conversations

Three years ago, under the Session’s direction, a team led by Roger Morris began studying the future of Bethel Haven. As the group reviewed the facility, they realized that the church’s needs extended beyond one building. The focus shifted to how the entire campus could better support ministry, fellowship, and outreach.

A Fire That Sparked Reflection

In October 2023, a fire in the Preschool area forced a difficult choice: either close the Preschool permanently or rebuild it to meet modern codes. This event underscored the urgency of addressing not just the damaged area but the overall safety, functionality, and future of Bethel’s facilities.

Forming the Building and Redesign Team

The Session responded by creating a Building and Redesign Team, chaired by Joe Roy, to lead a comprehensive study of Bethel’s campus. Their charge was to identify both immediate needs and long-term opportunities for growth and community impact. The Building Team members were chosen for their experience and expertise in building, finance and history with Bethel. They are all members at Bethel.

Partnering with The Aspen Group

To guide the process, Bethel partnered with The Aspen Group, a firm experienced in church design and planning who conducted an Aspen Group Discovery Workshop. The entire church was invited to participate in a Group Discovery Workshop sponsored by The Aspen Group on September 3, 2024, on the church campus.

At this workshop we had the opportunity to hear directly from the Aspen team and to participate in a guided discussion regarding campus improvements and ministry impact. The feedback focused on ministry effectiveness, hospitality, accessibility, and flexibility—forming the foundation for a new master plan.

Developing a Master Plan

After reviewing Aspen’s recommendations, the Building Team refined the plan in partnership with Session and began exploring implementation through local architects and contractors. Every proposal was measured against ministry goals, budget considerations, and long-term stewardship.

With Gratitude

Please join us in thanking our Building and Redesign Team for their faithful leadership, countless hours of service, and steadfast commitment to God’s work through Bethel Presbyterian Church.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
— Psalm 127:1

Joe Roy

Build Team Lead

Raised in Louisiana and a Bethel member for nearly three decades, Joe has served as a Youth Group Leader, Deacon, and Mission Trip Leader. His faith-driven leadership and steady guidance anchored this project from the start.

Martha Landis

With a deep love for Bethel’s ministries and a gift for organization, Martha helped ensure that details were handled with care and communication stayed open. Her dedication reflects her heart for community and connection.

Randy Ford

Randy brought a thoughtful, analytical approach to the team’s planning and decision-making. His steady voice and commitment to excellence helped keep the project grounded in both faith and practicality.

Beth Lester

Beth’s enthusiasm and thoughtful input helped shape both the vision and spirit of the redesign. She brought energy, compassion, and a heart for ensuring Bethel’s spaces serve all generations.

Olen Persons

Olen’s perspective and problem-solving mindset was key in navigating the project’s many phases. His insight and faith-filled presence add balance and wisdom to the team’s discussions.

Tommy Knox

In Memoriam

Tommy’s practical experience and hands-on understanding of building and maintenance was invaluable. His attention to details helped the team keep plans realistic and sustainable for the long term.

Campaign Leadership Team

Mark Ariail – markariail@gmail.com
Tina Ariail – tinaariail@gmail.com
David Beard – Dnbeard@roadrunner.com
Karen Beard – bkkbeard@roadrunner.com
Return to Bethel's Main Site
Give