Meet the Staff
Jessica Fairbanks
Financial Assistant |
Al is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In 1975, he became a youth pastor at Skokie Valley Baptist Church in Wilmette, Illinois. In 1978, he became Senior Pastor of Grace Church in Erie, PA, where he spent 32 years in that post followed by three years on staff there as an associate.
In 2013, Al went into interim pastoral ministry serving Old North Church in Canfield, OH, First Baptist Church in New Castle, PA, and Christ Community Church in Fredonia, NY. It is his pleasure to currently be serving Bethel Baptist Church, where he experiences his three greatest pastoral joys – preaching the Word, leading the church, and helping people grow in their faith in Christ. Marie and Al were married 52 years last August, and they reside in Erie, PA. They have four children and eight grand-children. He and Marie host annual trips to the Holy Land. One of Al's hobbies is collecting and reading old books. The earliest book in his collection is a Bible printed in 1599. He also enjoys taking his 1969 Camaro to car shows. Debbie and her husband joined Bethel Baptist Church in 1983. Their four children graduated from the Christian academy and currently 2 of their grandchildren attend the academy. Debbie retired from a teaching career in 2019 and became a biblical counselor through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (biblicalcounseling.com). Debbie believes that God’s Word holds all the answers to life’s problems and issues. Her desire is to share God’s Word and help counselees have victory over depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and a host of problems facing people today. She offers this service free of charge for the Lord’s glory. Debbie is also ready to share her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to explain salvation through faith in Christ to anyone who asks the reason for her hope. You may contact Debbie through this website or by texting: 716-397-4880. Ask me about... my latest vacation! Three must-haves on a desert island... a daily piece of chocolate, comfortable hiking shoes, and fresh water with lemon. Favorite Bible Character... Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, because God makes note of her in His Word. The Bible says she was buried below Bethel (House of God) under the terebinth tree (oak of weeping). Deborah must have served well, and she must have been well-loved by those she served. I admire that! Genesis 35:38, also Gen. 24:59. Arlene serves in a variety of ways at Bethel--as office manager, administrative assistant, graphic designer, publicist, media tech, and all-around "go-fer!" No matter which hat she is wearing at any given moment, though, she loves working at Bethel. Arlene and John met at Clarks Summit University and have been married 38 years. Besides serving at Bethel, they enjoy riding John's motorcycle, visiting tower sites (John is a broadcast radio engineer), and spending time with family. They have four children and five grandchildren. Ask me about... My latest writing project. Three must-haves on a desert island... Tools (especially a knife and matches), unlimited internet access on a solar-charged laptop, and an unending supply of dark chocolate. Favorite Bible Character... The Shunamite woman, because she was a caring yet strong woman who experienced life-changing miracles from God. Read about her in 2 Kings 4:8-37. Jessica's ministry at Bethel flows as much from her sweet and empathetic nature as it does from her love of numbers -- she assists part-time with the office workload by taking care of insurance and payroll, and she brightens our lives with her laughter. We don't know what we'd do without her! A graduate of Jamestown Community College, Jessica also serves as the financial secretary of Chautauqua Christian Academy. During her off hours, she enjoys spending time with friends -- especially her golden, Ladybug -- and hiking, camping, and trying new recipes. Three must-haves on a desert island... Ladybug (my dog) an endless supply of coffee, and tools. Something on my bucket list... Someday I'd love to hike the Appalachian Trail! Favorite Bible Character... Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, because I'm a fixer. I'm always busy "doing," and I need to learn how to chill! References to Martha can be found in Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-44; and John 12:1-8. |
James Francisco
Custodian |
James keeps everything at Bethel running from behind the scenes by keeping our facility germ-free and shiny. Since the building is also the location of Chautauqua Christian Academy, this is a huge job! Other staff members of both the church and school praise his helpfulness when they need assistance with hanging something high or moving furniture, and James often lends a hand with small repairs. Although the younger elementary kids tease him about being a pirate, we all know the truth: he's Superman! We appreciate him more than we can say. In his off hours, James enjoys visiting with friends and participating in activities like video games, movies, and concerts. Three must-haves on a desert island... A working bathroom, Wi-Fi, and a helicopter! Something on my bucket list... Going to Japan someday. Favorite Bible Character... James. He's very practical and he has a great name! |