FRED DUNCAN, SENIOR PASTOR: Pastor Duncan was appointed to Bethel UMC in January 2008. His previous appointments were Christ UMC in Laurel, (2001-2008) and the Roxana/Sound UMC Charge near Selbyville, (1995-2001).
Pastor Duncan is a 1973 graduate of Indian River High School in Dagsboro, as well as the (then) Sussex Vocational Technical Center in Georgetown (now Sussex Tech High School). He received his Associates Degree in Human Services from Delaware Technical and Community College in 1997 and his Bachelor's of Science from Wilmington University in 1999, where he graduated with honors. He then attended and completed Wesley Theological Seminary to fulfill his Masters of Divinity Degree in 2003, Cum Laude. Pastor Duncan was Ordained as an "Elder in Full Connection" in 2006 by Bishop Marcus Matthews. He serves on various committees and boards within the Peninsula-Delaware Conference, such as the Dover District Hispanic Task Force, the Conference Board of Pensions, the Annual Conference Sessions Planning Team (head usher), and is a mentor to those seeking ordination.
Pastor Duncan and his wife, Patricia, live outside Milton, Delaware. He enjoys fishing, golf, reading, and simply relaxing with his cat, Cody.
Phone: 302-645-9426 ext. 2
JOYCE MENTZER, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC/ORGANIST: Joyce Mentzer was called to be Director of Music and Organist at Bethel United Methodist Church in February 1999. Her music ministry is firmly based in her belief that music is a powerful vehicle for worship through which we can minister to the hearts and lives of all of God's children, young and old. Her tenure at BUMC follows five years of musical leadership as Director of Music/Organist at Summerside United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.
At Bethel Church, Joyce serves as organist and director of a comprehensive and multi-age choral and handbell program. This program includes a traditional adult choir, two children’s choirs, youth choir, handbell choir and a contemporary praise team. She is also responsible for the technical arts used in worship at Bethel.
A native of Milford, Delaware, Joyce began studying piano and organ at the age of ten with John Dressler of Avenue Church in Milford. Under his tutelage, Joyce developed a taste for music ministry and accepted her first organist position at the age of thirteen at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Milton, Delaware. After graduating from Milford High School in 1987, Joyce earned her Bachelor of Music Degree in Sacred Music from Lebanon Valley College where she studied organ under Dr. Pierce Getz. She later completed her Master of Music Degree in Organ Performance from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, where she was awarded first place in the 1991 Strader Organ Competition.
Aside from her work at Bethel United Methodist Church, Joyce enjoys sewing, reading and slowly renovating every room in her family's Milford home. She also plays a mean game of Boggle. Joyce maintains that much of her ministry here at Bethel would not be accomplished without the help and support of her wonderful husband of 17 years, Todd, and their two beautiful children, Lauren and Nick.
Phone: 302-645-9426 ext. 5
RAY DAVIS, YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRIES DIRECTOR: Ray is the newest member of the Bethel UMC staff, having accepted the position of Youth and Family Ministries Director in the summer of 2009. He brings with him over twelve years of experience in youth ministry and is excited to have the opportunity to share his faith and deep love of Jesus Christ with the young people of Bethel Church.
Ray's primary focus with the youth group, FUEL Student Ministries, is to provide a wide variety of opportunities for teens to connect to God. These include weekly meetings, Bible Study, spiritual growth opportunities such as the Youth Rally in Ocean City, work camps, Secret Service mission projects, and just plain having fun! Ray has also developed CLUB 45, a new ministry for 4th and 5th grade students.
Ray and his wife, Tara, welcomed their first child, Parker, into the world just a few months ago and are thrilled to begin a new chapter in their lives: parenthood! In his spare time, Ray enjoys hunting, fishing and working in his large yard. He is also a big NASCAR and baseball fan...go Red Sox!
Phone: 302-645-9426 ext. 3
DONNA DICKEY, Administrative Assistant
Phone: 302-645-9426 ext. 1
KATHY PEPPER, Bethel Christian School Director
Phone: 302-645-9426 ext. 6
MIKE DUCKWORTH, Treasurer
Phone: 302-645-9426 ext. 4