Rev. Dr. Ken Bedell

Bethesda’s annual Homecoming service will take place Sunday, October 20 at 10:15 a.m. This year’s speaker is a familiar face from our church’s past: Rev. Dr. Ken Bedell. Bedell served as Bethesda’ pastor from 1979 to 1984, and his tenure is fondly remembered by many in the congregation, especially those who were kids at the time. Bedell’s impressive credentials include master’s degrees in Divinity (1973), Religious Education (1973), and Practical Theology (1979), as well as a Ph.D. in Sociology (1990). He has authored numerous scholarly books and articles, and currently works in the Department of Education’s Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships division. Bedell last visited Bethesda in 2010, when he took part in the church’s 225th anniversary service, and it is an honor to welcome him back once again to address the congregation.

Mr. Isaiah Embert

Special music this year will be provided by Mr. Isaiah Embert. Embert is in the tenth grade at Chesapeake Christian School in Easton, where he sings and plays the piano for programs. This past summer, Embert was a student at The Stamps-Baxter School of Music, where he learned singing and playing techniques in the gospel tradition and was able to play in front of famed gospel singer Ben Speer.

As in the past, during the service Bethesda’s volunteer of the year will be announced, we will remember friends and members of the congregation who have passed away in the last year, and there might be a few other surprises as well! Following the service, the Women of Bethesda will sponsor a luncheon, to which all are invited.

This year’s homecoming theme is “Restore, Return, Renew.” We hope you will join us for this special service, and indeed join Bethesda in furthering its work in the community.