Our Pastor is Reverand Sara Faulhafer

In many ways Sara is like your typical pastor...

Sara is an 8^th generation Lutheran. Her family has deep roots in nearby Perth County.

Sara attended Sault College where she completed a diploma in Parks & Outdoor Recreation. She received a Masters of Divinity degree from Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, and was ordained a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) in 2009.

But, there are many things that make Sara different...

Living and working in Northern Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia, Sara has worked in provincial parks, on organic farms and with environmental organizations.

On the margins of society, Sara has worked with numerous social justice organizations, helping to feed the hungry and provide support to seniors with dementia, young adults with developmental disabilities and street-involved folks.

Through Waterloo Lutheran Seminary and under the direction of Debbie Lou Ludolph, Sara has been involved in worship design for the continuing education program, Luther Hostel.

Fabrics and flowers often enhance the sacred space at Bethany; and, Sara delights in crafting worship that challenges and inspires.

Sara represents the ELCIC on the World Council of Churches (WCC) Faith & Order Plenary and Echos: Youth in the Ecumenical Movement Commission. WCC work has taken Sara to Brazil, Switzerland, Greece, India and Ethiopia for meetings with young people from numerous denominations and cultures.

Locally, Sara is working on building connections with other denominations.

In October, Bethany celebrates Reformation Sunday with Presbyterian and Reformed congregations.
During the Lenten Season, the Lutherans join with local Anglican parishes (full communion partners, the Anglican Church of Canada) in Holy Week worship services.
St. David’s United has joined Bethany for a Palm Sunday procession with donkeys and a joint outdoor worship service.

As the Spirit leads and inspires change, Pastor Sara believes we are at a pivotal time in the church, and she is open to listening and following where God is calling the community at Bethany. Drawing from our Lutheran heritage, Sara looks to Martin Luther’s questions for direction—“What are we doing?” “Why are we doing it?” The church is always called to be reforming itself, seeking to live out God’s grace in the world.

Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey of faith, come and join the community at Bethany and find your place in the embrace of God’s unconditional love and freedom!