Bellmore United Methodist Church has a new Pastor

Pastor Lillian M. Hertel has been appointed by Bishop Thomas Bickerton as Pastor of the Bellmore United Methodist Church. Pastor Lillian's appointment began on July 1, 2021.

Pastor Lillian and her husband Howard have 5 daughters and 9 grandchildren.

Born and raised in Brooklyn NY, Pastor became a child of God through baptism in the Roman Catholic faith. Circumstances in her life caused her to move away from Roman Catholicism to the Lutheran Church Missouri, and finally to the United Methodist Church.

Starting her journey in United Methodism, Pastor Lillian became a Certified Speaker, participated in Leadership training and Pastoral Care Specialist Training.

In 2009, in answer to God's call she began a voyage of discovery culminating in ordination in November 2020. She received her Master's in Divinity from Drew Theological School – Drew University. A life-long spiritual journey brought her to us here at Bellmore United Methodist Church.

Pastor Lillian and her favorite puppet MAX love talking to the children during the children's sermon. Pastor Lillian and MAX previously served in North Georgia (Livingston UMC and Floyd Springs UMC), and in New York (Hampton Bays UMC, West Hills UMC, St. Paul's UMC on Staten Island, The First UMC of Central Islip and Hauppauge UMC).

When asked about her calling, Pastor Lillian has this to say -

“God called me late in life and I often wondered about God's plan for me. I have come to realize that as a baby boomer, I am in a unique position to serve the increasing senior population who lived through the changing world of the late 20th century and into the 21st century. God
has blessed me with the gifts needed to lead, nurture, protect, guide and teach others in their walk with God. It is God's love, and all God has done that inspires me; it is my love of God and God's people that motivates me; and it is my desire to share the gift of God's love with others that drives me”.

Pastor Lillian believes in varied, vibrant, spirit filled worship that makes use of the gifts and
talents of the congregation, which results in fruitful ministry as members of all ages comfortably take on active roles in worship services. Through her gifts of administration and leadership, she
endeavors to motivate, train, guide and support laity to use their gifts for God's purposes and step out of their comfort zone to serve the Lord in the community.

Let us welcome Pastor Lillian Hertel to our Bellmore/North Bellmore community.

Services are held every Sunday at 10:30am in the Sanctuary at 2655 Clarendon Avenue in Bellmore.