Rev. Chris Fantuzzo (Pastor and Head of Staff)
Chris, a native of Webster, NY, began to follow Christ as a university senior. He says, “I had been searching for coherence, a greater aim in life, for something ultimate. Through the teaching of Scripture, I heard the good news of Jesus the Messiah, who had died and rose again (even) for me (!) and was calling me to follow him as Truth itself and the Way of life. It was like I had never seen properly before; as if the world had changed for me from black-and-white to vivid color.” This news of God’s gift changed Chris’s orientation to trust Christ for everlasting life and to join a church family. Following him has meant a life rich with meaning and purpose, and a new vocation too!
Chris is married to Emily (née Hixson). They have two children, Catherine and Thomas. From 2002-2014 Chris taught Greek, Hebrew, and primarily Old Testament courses at Westminster Theological Seminary (PA). He has also taught at Missio Seminary, Eastern University, Redeemer Seminary (TX), and the Evangelical Reformed Seminary (Kiev, Ukraine). Before coming to Bellevue, Chris was Director of Lifetime Discipleship at Oreland EPC (PA), and Pastor and Teacher at the Living Word Reformed Church (EPC, NJ).
Chris holds a B.A. in Biology from the University of Rochester (NY), an M.Div. and Ph.D. (ABD) from Westminster, and a Ph.D. from the University of Gloucestershire (Cheltenham, U.K.). His dissertation, Torah in Servant-Form: Torah, Servant, and Disciples in the Book of Isaiah, was supervised by Prof. J. Gordon McConville and Dr. Mark J. Boda (McMaster) and examined by Prof. H. G. M. Williamson (Oxford) and Dr. Richard S. Briggs (Durham).
Chris loves all sports (esp. soccer and hockey), reading, pencil drawing, being outdoors, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. Chris is ordained in the EPC, Presbytery of the East. When asked why he is committed to pastoral ministry, Chris replies, “My heart’s desire is to shepherd a missional discipling community where God is glorified, where every member is loved and growing in the expression of love for God and neighbor. As pastor, I am called to enact and embody ‘the mind of Christ’, or Jesus’s own model of self-giving love for the congregation to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:5, 6-11).”
Chris can be contacted at Chris Fantuzzo
Emily Fantuzzo (Director of Music)
Bio Coming soon
Emily can be reached at Emily Fantuzzo
Kevin Wenrich (Director of Children's and Youth Ministries)
Kevin Wenrich joined the Bellevue staff in September of 2015 as the Director of Children’s Ministries and began serving full-time in 2021, adding the Youth Ministry to his responsibilities. Kevin grew up at Bellevue and felt the call to serve here. He is passionate about God's love and care for children and youth. Kevin graduated from Cairn University in May 2015 with a B.S. in Bible with a major in Youth Ministry, and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. He currently lives in Ronks and enjoys soccer, comic books and spending time with his friends and family. You may contact him here: Kevin Wenrich.
Faith Cooke (Office Manager)
Faith joined the Bellevue Staff in November of 2023. She grew up in Western New York and graduated from SUNY Cortland with a B.A. in Education/Psychology. She has worked at Pequea Valley and Ken's Gardens before joining Bellevue. Faith and her family moved to Lancaster County in 2002, then to Paradise in 2005. Faith feels blessed to have three amazing sons and enjoys doing anything outdoors, whether hiking, gardening or just watching the sunset. Faith loves animals and has been adopted by a chatty cat, Ernest and a stubborn Bulldog, Corabelle. You may contact her here: Faith Cooke.
Susan Houck (Part-Time Secretary
Susan joined the staff of Bellevue in January of 2018. She grew up in Lancaster County and graduated from Pequea Valley High School. After High School she worked in her parent's insurance agency as a property and casualty insurance agent, and once children entered the picture, she switched occupations to become a "stay at home" mom. More recently, Susan has worked as a clerk in an antique shop as well as the costume designer for the Pequea Valley High School's many musicals over the years. Susan has been happily married to Dwayne Houck for thirty years and the Lord has blessed them with three wonderful children, William, Ethan, and Sarah, and now a grandchild. Susan's hobbies include reading, gardening, and DIY projects. You will find Susan in the church office on Wednesdays. You may contact her here: Susan Houck.
Roland Berthoud (Groundskeeper)
Roland Berthoud first joined the Bellevue staff in 1986. He is responsible for maintaining the church grounds and cemetery. Roland and his wife, Mary Ann, live in Kinzers. They have two grown children: their daughter Heidy lives in Poughkeepsie, NY and their son Eric and his wife Sarah live in Oxford, PA. Roland attended primary and secondary school in his native Switzerland before entering a three-year apprenticeship as a cheese maker in 1959. After coming to the United States he attended Franklin and Marshall College where he took courses in sales, marketing and advertising. Roland enjoys stamp collecting, photography, travelling, reading and flower gardening.
Bud Davies (Pastor Emeritus)
Pastor Bud Davies retired on Sunday, July 31, 2016 after having served as Bellevue’s twenty-first Senior Pastor for almost 40 years. On August 20, 2017, Pastor Davies was bestowed the honor of Pastor Emeritus for his years of service at Bellevue. Bud enjoys traveling and witnessing to what God is doing in different parts of His world. He and Sharon enjoy working together on home projects and spending time with their Welsh Corgies.