Pastor

Pastor Bob Goossen began serving Bethel Church in 1993, after graduating from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Together we have journeyed faithfully along the path God lays our for us, seeking each day to find and do God’s will in our lives.
       
Bob grew up in Nebraska and still has family on the farm there. He had a previous career in teaching junior high industrial arts in Kansas and Virginia. While living in Winchester, VA, Bob felt God calling him to full time vocation in the church through leadership, with his wife Chris, in the youth program of First Presbyterian and service on the session.
      
Chris hails from the North Hills of Pittsburgh. She is a graphic artist/illustrator. Bob and Chris have one son, Nick.

Jeremiah 29:11 & 12

“Yes, I know the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, Plans for peace, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  When you call to me and come and pray to me I will listen, when you search for me, you will find me.”

Hopes, dreams, plans and schemes are a part of our living.  We have hopes for our future as individuals, families and a church.  Jeremiah reminded the people of his day that God is faithful and steadfast, loving and in touch with all who call out.  In the journey of our lives some of our hopes are easily realized while others seem so far out there that we may never reach them.

As a family of faith we share each other’s hopes and dreams, joys and sorrows.  We give thanks for God’s faithfulness in all our days.  We know that as a vibrant congregation in this corner of God’s world, God hears our prayers, hopes with us and guides our dreams so that we might be His people in these days.  We strive to form our plans for the future around an always growing understanding of who God would have us to be.  It is my hope that each of us will live up to the hopes God has for us, will build up our neighbors and friends, and share the good news of the gospel with those around us.  May God bless us as we journey together.