Elizabeth Schmidt Pastor for Congregational Care

elizabeth@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org 316-283-3667

Elizabeth works with the pastoral staff and the Deacons to coordinate the care and support of the congregation. A large part of that work will include fleshing out a new version of our visitation practices, reactivating and re-energizing visitation after the disruption of Covid, and developing new ways for us to show our care for each other.  She will serve as the volunteer coordinator for visitation.

Much of Elizabeth’s inspiration for this new role comes from three Scripture passages.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35 (English Standard Version)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23  (as she memorized it, and as exemplified by her mother)

And a song from her high school years:  “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God.  They that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love.  Beloved, let us love one another. First John four, seven and eight.”

Elizabeth’s hope is that we can savor both the old and new wines of caring and compassion, with a lightness that brings joy and fun into our shared lives, at whatever age or stage we find ourselves.