Rev. Martha Martin, Lead MINISTER
Reverend Martha Martin retired in 2023 from the position of Minister of Word and Sacrament at Kingston Road United Church in Toronto. During her time there she offered leadership to the congregation in all aspects of ministry – worship, leadership and volunteer development, community involvement, social justice work and Christian Education. From 2015-18 she was the Intentional Interim Minister at St. John’s United Church in Halifax. She has also served as Minister of Education and Care at St. Andrew’s United Church, Halifax; Coordinator for Congregational Life, Tatamagouche Centre; Instructor at Atlantic School of Theology, Halifax; Volunteer at The Corrymeela Peace and Reconciliation Centre, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland; Atlantic School of Theology, Board of Governors; and Chair, Pine Hill Divinity Hall Board of Governors. Over the past 30 years she has had experience in worship leadership, program planning, implementation and leadership development within churches and non-government organizations. She was a university chaplain at two universities for 16 years and has experience building ecumenical and interfaith relationships, as well as working with young adults. Martha is happy to be back in Halifax, NS with spouse Pat of 46 years marriage. Pat is a retired CBC Recording Engineer and they have 3 adult children - Chris, Duncan, & Alana and two granddogs - Murphy & Willow.
Martha is appointed for one year contract. She will be with us for 30 hours/week offering leadership in worship, pastoral care, and governance ministries.
(902 455-0521 ext. 221 or press 1 when prompted
Jim Sweet, Caretaker
Jim has served as Bethany’s Caretaker since 1997. He helps to keep things neat and clean and is there to assist at those important occasions like funerals and weddings. "Jimmy" offers unique and valued insight into the world around him, in every conversation there is a gem of wisdom that remains. In his spare time Jim enjoys reading, walking, riding his bike, and building model cars, boats and planes.
caretaker@bethanyunitedchurch.ca
Dana Mills, Ministry Resource Support
Bethany United Church holds special connections for Dana who has been an active member of this community of faith. She brings to Bethany over 20 years of experience in health, social service, and educational settings. Dana finds this role filled with meaningful work. As Bethany moves forward, Dana will be taking on a more supportive role within our church with regards to ministry resources and communication. She takes pleasure in providing a warm and welcoming approach to ensure a smooth running of our church. She is genuinely interested in working with people across the lifespan, and loves the diversity life experiences have to offer. Jeff, Kyla, Nathan, and fur-baby, Cleo are a part of her circle of care. When not busy with these folks, she is busy in her community circles as a dedicated volunteer, serving in various capacities. Dana is a life long learner and hopes to contribute purposefully as Bethany evolves.
To reach either Dana or Jimmy call: (902) 455-0521 ext. 221 or press 2 when prompted
Tina Gascon, Finance Officer
From a little girl, accounting has been something Tina reports to always wanting to do. Tina brings 36 years experience in the field and she shares her heart, soul, talents, enthusiasm, commitment, and vision with our church. Tina is eager to assist with stewardship and congregational finances. Tina works contractually with us on Mondays, 10am – 3pm. If you wish to discuss concerns or ask questions, she would very much appreciate a telephone call or email to arrange a time with you. This will ensure she is prepared to support your inquiry in a timely manner.
Tina is very proud of her husband Pierre, who has found a new purpose in life as a Metro Transit bus driver. Connection is a strong value for them both, and through her work here at Bethany and his on the busy streets of Halifax , they are finding that these new roles perfectly blend their commitment to action in community. Old churches and renovations are an interest and more recently her crafty side has us discovering that she is our very own “Martha Stewart”, which she insists taking as a compliment.
(902) 455-0521 ext. 225 or press 3 when prompted.
SHAWN WHYNOT, MUSIC DIRECTOR
Shawn was appointed Director of Music at Bethany United Church in 1996. He is originally from Halifax and holds degrees from St. Mary’s University (BA Sociology) Dalhousie University (BMusEd) and Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ (MM Church Music). Shawn’s responsibilities at Bethany United include playing piano and organ for all services as well as conducting the various choirs including; Bethany’s Children’s Choir, Adult Choir, Adult Handbell Choir, and Men’s Choir. He is also the director of the Bethany Jazz Quartet which participates in monthly Jazz Vespers Worship Services held at Bethany. Two of Shawn’s favourite things to do are interacting with people and making music and he enjoys bringing these two entities together in a worship setting. Shawn is also on faculty at the Halifax Grammar School as a classroom music teacher and is active as a recitalist, conductor, and private instructor in organ studies. Shawn is married to Ann Bradley and they have three teenage children.
(902) 455-0521 ext. 223 or press 4 when prompted
music@bethanyunitedchurch.ca
Louisa Duck, Children and Family Care Ministry
Since 2010, Louisa has led Bethany’s Sunday School and other children’s and family programs, including Nursery, Vacation Bible School and Tot Time. She has been integral in guiding children as they grow in their faith and their relationship with God. She coordinates and instructs Sunday School programs, leads children’s time during the worship service and helps them to actively participate in outreach and charity. She also organizes Living Nativity and Old Fashioned Christmas (click here to read more about these events). Louisa and her family moved to Nova Scotia in 2002 after living in Boston for a couple of years where prior to that, she taught at a junior high school in Toronto. She has a supportive husband, Tom, and two children, Thomas and Maggie, and can often be found taking them to hockey, baseball and choir. On an ongoing basis she has been completing courses part time at the Atlantic School of Theology.
(902) 455-0521 ext. 224 or press 5 when prompted
lduck@bethanyunitedchurch.ca
Ann Bradley, Community Engagement Facilitator
Originally from Bridgewater NS, Ann has called Halifax her home for over twenty years, where she resides with her husband Shawn Whynot and their three children. Bethany has been her church home during that time where she has been actively involved in many aspects of the church including music, outreach and as a full - time staff member in 2005-2010. Ann has Degrees in Music and Diplomas in Theology and Holistic Nutrition. She teaches music and enjoys sharing her love of music and the arts with others. Ann is passionate about building relationships and connecting with people of all ages, creating community within the church, as well as reaching out and actively supporting the greater community. Ann sees a great need and desire for healthier living in our society. This too, is an important aspect of Ann’s ministry as she believes good nutrition, physical activity and connecting with God through nature are essential to a healthy body, mind and spirit. Ann invites you to attend a Bethany program that may be of interest to you such as our two Youth Groups, JOY Lunch Club, Walk and Talk, Meditation, Essentrics Exercise, volunteering with the ISANS Conversation Circle at Bethany or become a part of our Congregational Care Team. Ann, along with the youth, coordinates our annual Old Fashioned Christmas in support of Phoenix Youth, and the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Ann chairs the Local Outreach Committee and is the staff liason for the Community Connections Working Group, a visioning team which aspires to connect and serve the greater community of Halifax.
(902) 455-0521 ext. 227 or press 6 when prompted