This month we want to introduce the Foundation’s newly elected Treasurer, Bethany Watkins Lowery, who brings with her a wealth of knowledge and lifelong service to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Bethany’s work with a wide variety of General Ministry offices from across the denomination brings a strong understanding of the context in which the Foundation does its work and best practices across our denomination.
Bethany Watkins Lowery is a writer, student, and storyteller. She is currently an MFA candidate in creative writing at Butler University and serves as the Fiction Editor for Booth Literary Magazine. She is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and has served in a variety of staff and volunteer roles across the life of the church, including with Global Ministries, Disciples Church Extension Fund, New Church Ministries, Disciples Peace Fellowship, and Global Christian Connextion (formerly World Convention). She received an MDiv from the University of Chicago, where she was also a Disciples Divinity House scholar. Bethany lives in Indianapolis with her husband, son, and their pittie rescue.
As we have done with each of our Board Member Spotlights, we asked Bethany to reflect on three questions:
What are you reading or listening to right now?
I’m almost always reading a nonfiction and a fiction book at the same time. Right now, it’s Strata: Stories of Deep Time by Laura Poppick (nonfiction) and The Ferryman and His Wife Frode Grytten (translated, fiction).
What has brought you hope in the last year?
The 18 undergrads I get to teach in a First Year Honors Seminar titled Living Lives that Matter. These young adults are so curious and thoughtful. They get excited by deep questions. They like to be challenged by each other to think differently than they have before. They are generous and vulnerable and kind with one another. They all come from different majors and backgrounds, but they have formed a wonderful little community that will eventually disperse and will undoubtedly have a big impact on the world.
Why is the work of the Foundation important?
I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of presence—about how important the act being present can be, particularly in seasons of unease and uncertainty. I find great comfort in knowing that Disciples have been present in my country’s capital for generations because of National City Christian Church. The Foundation has supported witness and worship and community, and will continue to do so in the future. I’m grateful to be a small part of this ministry of Disciples presence, especially in times such as these.
We hope that you will take time to welcome Bethany to her new role on the Foundation board, as she continues to support the work of the Foundation with her gifts.