Join us for HYBRID Worship every Sunday at 11AM
God calls us to be an inclusive, intercultural family of faith led by the Holy Spirit,
bound together in worship, study, service and prayer,
growing as disciples and partners with Christ
in our ever-changing church, neighborhood, and world.
In Person AND Online,
we are ONE Family of Faith.
PASTOR - The Rev. Marissa Galvan-Valle
Bringing Marissa on board in October 2015, was the culmination of work over the period of a year by the Pastor Nominating Committee comprised of Kevin Jett, Esther Janice Rodriguez, Deysi Aguilera, and Lionel Derenoncourt.
Marissa and her mother, Blanca Valle, have been committed participants in the life of BPC for over fifteen years. She was instrumental in providing interim leadership and support in all aspects of our congregational life and she has transitioned smoothly to her formal role with BPC.
She continues to serve us on a part-time basis, while fulfilling her full-time position at PCUSA!
PARISH ASSOCIATES - The Rev. Debbie Braaksma and The Rev. KT Ockels
We are grateful to have established Honorary Parish Associate Relationships between BPC, Rev. Debbie Braaksma and Rev. K. T. Ockels. Ordained teaching elders of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) have an official ecclesiastical relationship with a Presbytery, but they are not members of any particular congregation. Therefore, we are happy to enjoy these honorary “official” relationships with them. BPC is grateful to Debbie & K.T. for their faithfulness, partnership, hard work and the sharing of their many talents and gifts with us!
Braaksma
Ockels
SEMINARY INTERNS
Beechmont (BPC) partners with The Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary to supervise and work with one of their students during the academic year. Under this program, the student experiences congregational field education (FE) and deep academic reflection in a course entitled Practical Theology in Congregations (PTC). There are weekly meetings, as well as BPC participation in two PTC class sessions each semester. This is an 8 ½ month commitment where students work approximately 14 hours per week. BPC pays a stipend during this time of service from Mid-September through May.
Current Student Interns are Rolando Perez Velasquez and Abigail Lutz
We are grateful for the interns that have served with us through the years. Most recent interns include:
Kate Trigger-Duffert, MDiv 2019 * Rick Ary, MDiv 2020 * Viisha P. Souza, MDiv 2020 * Cristan Encarnacion, MDiv 2022
BPC Session Members
Moderator: Rev. Marissa Galvan-Valle
Parish Associates: Rev. Debbie Braaksma & Rev. K.T. Ockels
Class of 2022: Brian Cubbage and Mercy Kajo Evanson
Class of 2023: Lionel Derenoncourt and Jennie Proctor
Class of 2024: Wendell Brown and Sarah Hong (Clerk of Session)
Board of Deacons
Daniel Braaksma
Rush Braaksma
James Evanson
Helen Hastings
Edna Spurlin
Although we have designated leaders that are mentioned on this page, our church is a working body and ALL members have a part to play in carrying out our mission and ministry.
If you have talents to share, ideas to embody, interest in being part of a committee, and/or just want to help Beechmont be all it can be, please reach out to either our pastor, Rev. Marissa Galvan-Valle or any session member. All hands are welcome, all hands are needed!