Derek Almarode
Bethel Elder and Supply Pastor
Derek is a lifelong member of Bethel, as a child he and his family attended Pines Chapel, which was Bethel’s chapel at that time. Today, Derek and his wife Cindy serve as Elders. Derek and Cindy have two children, Nathaniel Lane Almarode and Ashlyn Layne Almarode. Nathaniel, awaits his family in heaven, resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ashlyn, is a Junior at Riverheads High School and is the apple of her parents eye. In addition to his service in Christ’s church, Derek has also served our community for over 32 years as a criminal justice professional. Currently, Derek serves as the Superintendent at Rockbridge Regional Jail where he supervises 45 employees and the day to day operations of the facility. Derek is a native son of Augusta County and is also a graduate of Riverheads High School. Derek has enjoyed many accomplishments throughout his life, however, if asked, he would tell you that his greatest accomplishment in his lifetime is his personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and his marriage to his wife Cindy and being the proud father of his children.
Derek is currently serving as our Temporary Stated Supply Pastor which keeps him busy along with the other Elders and Deacons as they lead and manage the growth and health of Bethel’s ministry. In addition to Derek’s spiritual duties and his professional duties, he spends a fair amount of time farming with his family on their small beef cattle operation. Derek loves serving others. In the pulpit, Derek strives to prepare and deliver a scripturally based message that speaks from the word of God. One of his favorite scriptures is 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Derek describes Bethel as being filled with the Spirit.
JoAnn Pendley
Handbell Choir Director
& Pianist
JoAnn first attended Bethel Presbyterian Church on June 29, 2003. She began substituting for the handbell ringers in 2004 and shortly after that became the handbell director. In 2004 she also began playing the organ for Bethel’s early church services and the piano along with the church organist at the 11 o’clock services. JoAnn also serves as organist at St. John’s German Reformed Church. JoAnn enjoys seeing the skill level of the handbell ringers grow and hearing them come together so beautifully on Sunday morning. She loves sharing the language of music with others and hopes that the music of the bells, piano and organ touches someone and adds meaning to the worship service. JoAnn and her husband have a son and a granddaughter. When she isn’t making music, she enjoys helping others with their family research, working in her flower beds and reading.
Custodians
Carol Sprouse
& Donna Bush
Carol Sprouse and Donna Bush are sisters and they began attending Bethel as Carol Liptrap and Donna Liptrap in 1957 and became members of Bethel in 1961. Carole married Wallace Sprouse in 1968, when he became a member of Bethel. They have a son and daughter-in-law, Sean and Allison and a dog named Tippy. Donna married Jon Bush in 1972, when he became a member of Bethel. They have a daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter Holly, Steven and Alexis who live in Charleston, SC and a dog named Forrest Gump. Their parents, John and Margaret Liptrap worked at Bethel as the custodians when Carol and Donna were young, and they helped their parents. They took over cleaning the church from them in 1989. Their father is deceased, but their mother Margaret resides with Donna in Stuarts Draft. They both enjoy working at Bethel and both feel it is part of their family and life. In her free time Carol likes to hike and walk her dog. Donna enjoys sewing, home décor, and working in the yard.