Executive Staff
Jeffrey K. Welsch, Pastor
Jeff grew up in Hollidaysburg with 2 brothers and 1 sister. he graduated from Lycoming College and then United Seminary in Dayton Ohio in 1983. Having served churches in Chambersburg, Williamsport, the Harrisburg area, and most recently Altoona, Jeff and his wife Jan were appointed to the Bedford Church in the summer of 2001. They have six children, all of them grown. They love being empty-nesters and the proud grandparents to four grandchildren and hopes the Lord will bless them with many more. Jeff's hobbies include: golf, tennis, NASCAR, auto repair and music.
Jeff’s ordination was for the purpose of “Word, Sacrament, and order”, and he also places the foundational Biblical teaching from Ephesians 4:11-12 which states that it is the pastor’s responsibility to prepare God’s people for service. It is from this foundation that Jeff strives to welcome and receive all who will believe in the Lord Jesus and obey Him.
phone: (814) 623-8711 ext. 302
email: pastorjw@bedfordumc.org
Jeff’s ordination was for the purpose of “Word, Sacrament, and order”, and he also places the foundational Biblical teaching from Ephesians 4:11-12 which states that it is the pastor’s responsibility to prepare God’s people for service. It is from this foundation that Jeff strives to welcome and receive all who will believe in the Lord Jesus and obey Him.
phone: (814) 623-8711 ext. 302
email: pastorjw@bedfordumc.org
Rod Horner, Sr. Director of Ministries and Programs
Pastor Rod Horner comes with leadership skills which includes church management and Creative Arts Ministries.
One of Rod’s best known attributes is the ability to unite the fine arts of a local church into a fully functioning, diverse, Spirit-led ministry, reaching all age groups beyond the four walls of the building.
Some of his musical credits include:
- Organist/Pianist - The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C.
- Vocalist - The Kennedy Center’s Premier Ensemble, the Paul Hill Chorale
- Pianist – The White House, Washington, D.C.
- Pianist - Patty Duke, Herschel Walker, and “The Plastic Surgeons of Hollywood” for Convey of Hope International, Hollywood, CA
- Former concert artist for Allen, Rodgers and Hammond Organ Companies, as well as for Steinway pianos
- Accompanist/Worship Leader for:The Brooklyn Tabernacle and Pastor Jim Cymbala; Doug Oldham & Kendra Penn (Old Time Gospel Hour – Dr. Jerry Falwell); Bill Gaither Homecoming Series Artists;and “Old Timer’s Event at the National Quartet Convention; Big Band singer Dave Boyer, and Washington, D.C.’s Big Band
- Clinician/Vocalist/Pianist with Karen Knight – soloist, lead actress, vocal and drama coach – Sight-and-Sound Christian Theatres, Lancaster, PA and Branson, MO
For over thirty years, he has been a successful Minister of Music and Pastoral Director in several denominations, having served in churches throughout the United States – churches respected for their fine arts departments inclusive of orchestra, graded choirs, worship teams, drama ministries, music academies and television programs.
In addition to music, his other professional field is in accounting, auditing, and trouble-shooting systems. He has been a Senior Accountant and Corporate Manager/Controller for several large corporations in the greater Washington, D.C. area for over seventeen years. He operates as a private contractor to non-profits and churches, through analysis, restructuring, financial management and facilities rehab.
Rod’s list of references comes with strong accolades. His licensure is carried through a nationwide independent ministry organization.
phone (814) 623-8711 ext. 307
email: pastorrod@bedfordumc.org
Erin Weyant, Minister of Children's Education
Erin Weyant grew up in Bedford and graduated in 2003 from Gettysburg College with a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Exercise Science.
Erin and her husband Joe live in Bedford with their two sons, their two dogs. She enjoys travelling, kayaking, craft projects and spending time with her family.
Erin is excited to take over the reigns of the Children's Ministy and to watch the faith, knowledge and enthusiasm for God grow in the children that participate in Bedford United Methodist Church's Sunday school and Vacation Bible School .
Phone: (814) 623-8711 ext. 304
email: childrensministry@bedfordumc.org
Rick and Kathy Brazelle, Ministers of Youth
Rick and Kathy have 20 years experience working with youth as Youth Directors in the United Methodist Church. Their primary role is to lead the meetings and activities of the Bedford UMC Youth Group.
The Brazelles' have four children and three grandchildren. Rick and Kathy love working with kids of all ages. Their goal is to help in the spiritual development of youth so they will be equipped to share the love of Jesus Christ in the world and be a blessing to all they meet!
Phone: (814) 623-8711email: bumyouth@bedfordumc.org
Jim Miller, Lay Minister of Visitation
As Lay Minister of Visitation, Jim's main responsibility is to maintain contact between members of the congregation and the church body. This contact and encouragement between the main body of the church and the individual member is the goal of the Visitation Ministry. Jim does hospital and home visitation and communion with those who cannot physically attend church. Jim is also responsible for the ministry of Congregational Care at BUMC.
Jim is the father of three sons and he, along with his son Doug form the Southern Gospel duet, Crossroads.
Phone: (814) 623-8711 ext. 315
email: visitation@bedfordumc.org
Lorrie Beth Logsdon, Minister of Preschool/Daycare
Lorrie Beth is the Minister of the Preschool and Daycare. Her primary role at the center is enrolling children and supervising the daily operations at B.U.M.P. Lorrie Beth recently completed her Master's degree in Education at Edinboro University with certification in Special Education (PreK-8th). She has her teaching certification in elementary education from Wilson College as well as a Bachelors degree in psychology from Shippensburg University. She loves spending time with the children at B.U.M.P. and enjoys watching them learn and grow each day. Lorrie also enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is an avid football and baseball fan! She and her husband Adam currently reside in Bedford and have a son, Garrison.
Phone: (814) 623-8711 ext. 303
email: bumdc@bedfordumc.org
Jan S. Oldham, Office Administrator
Jan is a stable part of the BUMC landscape. She has been the point woman in the office for more than thirty years. A true multi-tasker, Jan handles walk-ins and phone calls as she processes requests dropped off by committee members, prepares newsletters and keeps the Pastor up on who needs help. Seldom do you see anything but a smile on her face. Jan is a Bedford High School graduate. She is married to Doug and they have two grown children and a 7 year old granddaughter, Emily. Jan's interests include Pittsburgh Penguins hockey and NASCAR.
Phone: (814) 623-8711 ext. 301
email: jansho@bedfordumc.org
Donald H. Sylvester, Business Administrator
Don enjoys the role as Business Administrator. This task involves the overseeing of the facility as well as the management of the business aspect of the church and its' many programs. Don's background in business, his membership in several national business administration organizations gives him access to many resources which are helpful in the day to day business operations. Don is a graduate of VMI, a Vietnam Veteran and a local business owner. He and his wife Ruth are life-long members of BUMC and they have four grown children.
Phone: ( 814) 623-8711 ext. 314
email: office@bedfordumc.org
Jared Black, Facilitator of Online Giving
The Support Staff
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Carol Snyder - Chancel Choir Director
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Julie Davidson - Chapel Choir Director
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Linda Foor - Pianist
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Nancy Mort - Custodian
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Adult Day Services: (814) 623-8711 ext.305
Click here to see the BUMC Organization Chart
Click here to see the BUMC Board
Bedford United Methodist Church
132 East John Street
Bedford, Pennsylvania 15522
Phone: (814) 623-8711 - Fax: (814) 623-3027