Leadership & Staff

Beth French

There are a few current members of the church who can call themselves “Dyed-in-the-wool Presbyterians.”  I’m one of them!!  My parents were married in the Delta Pres. on Christmas Eve 1955 and I was baptized in the church about a year later. Of course, I don’t remember the baptism but I certainly remember my communicants’ class and the special event of receiving my Bible in 1965 – the one I still use.

While Don & I weren’t married in this church, God’s beautiful Island Lake Overlook on Grand Mesa suited us perfectly, as did the Delta Pres. Minister, Jim Thompson. After leaving Western Colorado for our first jobs in Wyoming and the second ones in Aurora, we returned to Delta in 1986.  Naturally, we returned to active participation in the church, with Don serving on Session and me playing piano – sometimes organ – about once a month. 

Our only child, Phaelen, was baptized in this church in the fall of 1990.  I do remember that blessed occasion:  at our request, Pastor Rymes used Colorado River water.  My part-time worship music contributions continued and I remember bringing Phaelen as a preschooler with me while I practiced the organ.  When we began homeschooling (and both still working), I couldn’t spare the organ practice time at the church but I continued contributing to worship music on the piano. 

One of my favorite contribution memories was co-directing Christmas programs with Melanie Hall a few years.  While of course they clearly told the MESSAGE of Christmas, they had a host of avant-garde characters presenting it, which made it so much fun for all.

I did serve a term as Elder and appreciate all those who have served and those who are continuing to serve. With the passing of David Mangum, the weekly worship music quickly became my responsibility.  I’m so grateful for Demeris York for finding Tami Egbert to share this contribution. 

You’ll note that almost all my preludes and postludes are based on familiar hymn tunes.  The older I get, the more I treasure not only the tunes but words.  When Pastor Mike sends me the bulletin details, I try to find hymns which support the theme/message.

I’m grateful to be part of this small but stalwart congregation and humbly appreciate being able to share a gift that God gave me and that my Grama Gilbert nurtured in my youth.

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