SHAWN WHYNOT, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Shawn was appointed Director of Music at Bethany United Church in 1996. He is originally from Halifax and holds degrees from St. Mary’s University (BA Sociology) Dalhousie University (BMusEd) and Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ (MM Church Music). Shawn’s responsibilities at Bethany United include playing piano and organ for all services as well as conducting the various choirs including; Bethany’s Children’s Choir, Adult Choir, Adult Handbell Choir, and Men’s Choir. He is also the director of the Bethany Jazz Quartet which participates in monthly Jazz Vespers Worship Services held at Bethany. Two of Shawn’s favourite things to do are interacting with people and making music and he enjoys bringing these two entities together in a worship setting. Shawn is also on faculty at the Halifax Grammar School as a classroom music teacher and is active as a recitalist, conductor, and private instructor in organ studies. Shawn is married to Ann Bradley and they have three teenage children.

(902) 455-0521 ext. 223 or press 4 when prompted
music@bethanyunitedchurch.ca

Ann Bradley, Community Engagement Facilitator

Originally from Bridgewater NS, Ann has called Halifax her home for over twenty years, where she resides with her husband Shawn Whynot and their three children. Bethany has been her church home during that time where she has been actively involved in many aspects of the church including music, outreach and as a full - time staff member in 2005-2010. Ann has Degrees in Music and Diplomas in Theology and Holistic Nutrition. She teaches music and enjoys sharing her love of music and the arts with others.  Ann is passionate about building relationships and connecting with people of all ages, creating community within the church, as well as reaching out and actively supporting the greater community.  Ann sees a great need and desire for healthier living in our society. This too, is an important aspect of Ann’s ministry as she believes good nutrition, physical activity and connecting with God through nature are essential to a healthy body, mind and spirit. Ann invites you to attend a Bethany program that may be of interest to you such as our two Youth Groups, JOY Lunch Club, Walk and Talk, Meditation, Essentrics Exercise, volunteering with the ISANS Conversation Circle at Bethany or become a part of our Congregational Care Team. Ann, along with the youth, coordinates our annual Old Fashioned Christmas in support of Phoenix Youth, and the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Ann chairs the Local Outreach Committee and is the staff liason for the Community Connections Working Group, a visioning team which aspires to connect and serve the greater community of Halifax.

(902) 455-0521 ext. 227 or press 6 when prompted

abradley@bethanyunitedchurch.ca

Louisa Duck, Children and Family Care Ministry

Since 2010, Louisa has led Bethany’s Sunday School and other children’s and family programs, including Nursery, Vacation Bible School and Tot Time. She has been integral in guiding children as they grow in their faith and their relationship with God. She coordinates and instructs Sunday School programs, leads children’s time during the worship service and helps them to actively participate in outreach and charity. She also organizes Living Nativity and Old Fashioned Christmas (click here to read more about these events). Louisa and her family moved to Nova Scotia in 2002 after living in Boston for a couple of years where prior to that, she taught at a junior high school in Toronto. She has a supportive husband, Tom, and two children, Thomas and Maggie, and can often be found taking them to hockey, baseball and choir. On an ongoing basis she has been completing courses part time at the Atlantic School of Theology.

(902) 455-0521 ext. 224 or press 5 when prompted
lduck@bethanyunitedchurch.ca

Jim Sweet, Caretaker

Jim has served as Bethany’s Caretaker since 1997. He helps to keep things neat and clean and is there to assist at those important occasions like funerals and weddings. "Jimmy" offers unique and valued insight into the world around him, in every conversation there is a gem of wisdom that remains. In his spare time Jim enjoys reading, walking, riding his bike, and building model cars, boats and planes. Did you know Jim and Kevin Little, Lead Minister, played (street and ice) hockey together for many, many years? Jim was the speedy one!

(902) 455-0521 ext. 221 or press 2 when prompted
caretaker@bethanyunitedchurch.ca