Rev. Dr. Penelope H. Barber - Pastor
Greetings! My name is Penny Barber, and I’m pretty much a normal gal who enjoys coffee (strong coffee), trail riding on my bicycle, and several other sports. I grew up in Memphis, TN, with my parents, an older brother, a younger sister, 3 grandparents and lots of cousins and aunts and uncles. Memphis, the river city, home of the blues and Elvis, is amazing – it was a great place to grow up in the 70’s and 80’s!
Some of my fondest memories of childhood revolve around my family’s involvement in our church – St. Paul United Methodist Church (which no longer exists, by the way). We had great pastors and loving Sunday School teachers, good music and a lively little youth group – led by a really sweet couple in their 70’s, who always made us chocolate shakes at the annual youth Christmas party at their home. I remember as a kid, loving to go to church…and it’s a feeling that’s never gone away. I still love going to church…but I’m getting ahead of myself.
After playing lots of soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball, I graduated from High School and went to St. Louis on a scholarship to Washington University. It was my first time to be away from home for any extended period and it was quite an adjustment. Although I had great roommates, I was really lonely and homesick for the first couple of months. But then I settled into some new routines of attending my classes, working at my food service job, going to church on Sundays, and playing with my friends…and college was
AWESOME! College fed my natural curiosity about the world, and my church helped me sort through all the confusing ambiguities (well, many of them, anyway). I grew in knowledge and faith.
Around my junior year at Wash. U., God began calling me to ministry. I pretended not to hear for a while…but that didn’t really help. I talked a lot with my pastor and finally committed to at least exploring the idea. I preached my first sermon at the age of 19 at the Aldersgate UMC in Memphis, on a United Methodist Student Sunday. It was a terrifying and exhilarating experience. My Sr. year at Wash. U. my pastor encouraged me to go spend a weekend at his old seminary. They were hosting an event called “Discover Saint Paul” (that was the name of the school). I went and really enjoyed the weekend and I fell in love with the school. I started thinking, “I could really see myself studying here.” Not only did I discover Saint Paul that weekend, I also discovered a charming young seminary student named Howard Bell, who would later become my husband!
Immediately after graduating from Washington University, I went to work as a secretary at a computer software company. It wasn’t anything I was particularly interested in, but a friend from church had gotten me an interview and the job had a nice salary with it and I really wanted to buy my first car.
So I bought my new Nissan Sentra XE – 5 speed, of course – and went to work. Made a lot of good friends, had fun, started dating Howard…but the Lord kept nudging me to go to seminary. After 7 months, I finally gave in. I told the Lord I would go to seminary, but I still wasn’t convinced that being a pastor was right for me. I told the Lord it was up to Him to convince me, but if He made His will clear to me, I would do my absolute best to follow it.
Howard graduated from Saint Paul and he and I got married in May of 1988. He started his first appointment and I started seminary in the Fall. About half-way through my seminary career, I was ordained a Deacon. That was one of the most amazing, grace-filled moments of my life as I felt the Lord’s anointing. It’s hard to describe, really, but suffice it to say, God had me. I was convinced. As hard as it was for me to believe, the Lord really wanted me to be a pastor. I was so honored, and overwhelmed, and excited! I graduated Saint Paul School of Theology and even received the Ray Kimbrell Award for Excellence in Biblical Studies.
After graduation, I was appointed to a 3-point charge and my husband was appointed to a 2-point charge in the West Frankfort, IL area. While there, the Lord blessed us with our two wonderful children – David, and three years later, Rachel. And our kids are amazing! They are academically gifted, athletic, energetic, creative, playful, witty, and kind-hearted and they love Jesus! We are so proud of them. David has now graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, gotten married to a lovely young woman named Kat, and they have blessed us with two grandchildren! Rachel has graduated from Auburn University in Alabama and is now in Law School. And even though our daily routines have altered a lot in recent years, we find that God’s grace is ever-present, helping us find new “normal” and adjusting to new stages in life. Even so, there is rarely a dull moment around here. I praise God for the joys of having a family and church family who lives and plays together, worships together, and love and helps each other. We feel God’s blessings, daily.
Anyway, after the West Frankfort chapter, Howard and I were appointed as co-pastors of the Clinton United Methodist Church, Clinton, IL, and we served there for 6 wonderful years. Next, I was appointed to the Casey UMC and Howard was appointed to the Oblong Evangelical UMC in Oblong, IL. I have also enjoyed the privilege of studying evangelism at Perkins School of Theology on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. I received a Doctor of Ministry degree from them in 2006.
A few years later, Howard was moved to a new charge in Louisville, IL, while I remained at Casey UMC. Then in 2016 I was appointed to New Bethel UMC, here in Glen Carbon, IL. And this is a wonderful, Christ-centered, loving church with a passion for mission! Howard is out of the ministry now and works full-time for the National Archives and Records Center in St. Louis. And while we have all faced challenges from the last several years of the pandemic, we have been resilient and courageous and are still filled with hope for a better tomorrow. And the one constant I see is the love God has for us all. That love has helped many of us find new ways to reconnect. We’ve discovered creative ways to worship, learn, work, and celebrate. And even as so much is swirling and changing around us, New Bethel Church is positioning itself to be an ever-present and vibrant help to our membership, our community, and all of our neighbors. Together, we are making a difference, and together, we can make the world different. In some way - big or small - I hope New Bethel UMC will be a place where you can grow in faith, find healthy community, and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. Won’t you come to check us out?
My friends, our God still sits on the throne, and God is working in our world and has good plans for us! I am constantly reminded that life is a gift and a wondrous, adventure-filled journey. Consider yourselves invited to join us on the next leg of the journey! Thanks for taking the time to read this. Send me a note at pastorpenny@newbethelumc.org or stop in for a visit at New Bethel Church, 131 N. Main St., Glen Carbon, IL 62034.
Kathy Bryant - Administrative Assistant
I grew up in Florissant, Missouri attending High school in that area. My family and I went to Charbonier Methodist Church until it’s closing, I was confirmed there. We later transferred to St. Mark’s Methodist Church in the Florissant area.
Growing up I was involved in, swimming lessons, Girl Scouts, day camps, vacation bible school, my passion was Job’s Daughters, a Masonic organization for young girls, there I flourished. I joined at the age of 12 and served until I received my majority in 1977. I was installed as Honored Queen of Bethel #46, of Berkeley Missouri on December 28, 1974. My theme was “It’s A Small World” and my mascot was Mickey Mouse. Yes, I have a love for Disney. Ever since then I have been an avid Mickey Mouse Collector. I have a bedroom in my house that displays over 400 Mickey Mouse items. And yes, I can decorate a whole Christmas tree in Mickey Mouse ornaments.
My second passion is Dollhouses. I love to build dollhouses and make furniture for them. I currently have 7 dollhouses in my home. I love to not only build them, but I make and sell miniatures and furniture to decorate and furnish a dollhouse.
I have 2 boys, Patrick and Jonathan Sanfilippo. They are the love of my life! Both were in the Boy Scout Program. Jon made Eagle Scout in July 2000.
I started attending New Bethel UMC in November of 2004. I married David Bryant in 2005 and became a member of New Bethel on September 18, 2005. As a member, I jumped in with both feet where I became involved with many activities of the church, from Soup and Bread dinners to being in skits at worship services. What drew me here was how friendly and welcoming this church is. I have been a member of the adult choir for 8 years.
As of March 2020, I became the Administrative Assistant at New Bethel UMC. I couldn’t have found a better place to work. I love my Job and the members I work for.
David Bryant - Choir Director
I serve as the Adult Choir Director and Bell Choir Director. I have also been caring for all things growing in the church yard. That seems to be an odd combination, but, I look for ways to combine that which is divided.
My many past employers have educated me in building construction, singing, yard control, property management, and the art of improving my surroundings.
With a two year college degree, I began a 35 year career as a Drafter of drawing construction drawings. I worked on designs for; schools, jails, breweries, manufacturing, wastewater treatment, Saudi Air Force, AT+T, Cardinal Baseball Stadium, casinos, movie theaters, and the Super Conducting Super Collider.
I took over my father’s rental properties and began fixing renter’s problems. This educated me in; social work, book keeping, IRS, plumbing, electrical, house construction, bugs, trash, vandalism, court procedures, and the true power of the police and local inspectors.
Music is a true calling in my life. Music is always there to bring emotion, effort, and satisfaction. Piano lessons, High School Band, and many Choir Directors have educated me. I sing Tenor with the Great Rivers Choral Society. I value their leadership, and the joy of searching for the perfect sound of many combining into “One Voice”. I strive to bring this power to our choirs. Attendance restriction has limited me to soloing from the piano bench, but I will always sing.
Jim Sullivan – Custodian
Hi, my name is Jim and I grew up in Belleville and now live here in Glen Carbon, going on 9 years, with my daughter, Daisy. I have another grown daughter, Lillian, who lives in Belleville with her husband and daughter. Daisy and I began attending New Bethel Church in fall of 2023 and found the church and the people and Pastor to be very welcoming. It really felt like we had found a new family and a new home. Daisy went through the Confirmation classes in early 2024 and was confirmed in the church in an amazing service here at New Bethel on May 12th. She and I were both so very excited and grateful. I joined the church myself, the next month. Since coming we have participated in so many special events like Trunk or Treat, Easter egg hunts, numerous youth activities, I’ve attended United Methodist Men’s meetings, wonderful fellowship activities, and of course, weekly worship. Just recently, I was hired as the Custodian for New Bethel and I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve in this way.
My life is dedicated to my relationship with Jesus and my family. When I’m not working, I love being involved in my younger daughter’s activities, including gymnastics at the YMCA, competitions, and generally just keeping up with her. My favorite Scripture passage is 1 Corinthians 13. I love the whole chapter and read it daily. But the beauty of this life is captured for me in the 13th verse: And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
