The New Face on Staff

We have added a new member to the staff team:  Sonny Rise.   (That final “e” is pronounced like the good old Canadian “eh”.)  Sonny will be serving as the Children’s Ministry Assistant while Christie Thomas is on maternity leave.  We believe Sonny is the perfect person for the role she will be taking on.  Let me tell you a little bit about her.

Sonny moved to Edmonton from British Columbia, and has been attending Bethel for almost a year now.  She is an experienced teacher who served in the public school system for over 20 years in BC, teaching at a variety of elementary age levels.  She has many skills ranging from music (piano and guitar) to drama, dance, and athletics (coaching and personal fitness) as well as sewing and knitting.  She is passionate about her faith in Jesus Christ, cares deeply about children, and is active in a number of community volunteer activities.  Sonny is the mother of two adult children—Dawn in Calgary and Curtis in Edmonton.  (Curtis and fiancé Anya Kisseleva both attend Bethel). 

Sonny already started work this past week, “learning the ropes” from Christie.  We are grateful to have her on board!

This is Christie’s last Sunday on staff.  While Christie is laying down her role as Director of Early Childhood Ministries for a while, we are really not saying “goodbye.”  She, Jonathon, and family will remain very much a part of the Bethel Community.  Her due date is March 27—the secret’s out, it’s a boy!  She hopes to return by March of next year.

Be sure to warmly greet Sonny and to keep Christie, new baby, and family, in your prayers.

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