Meet The Pastor
Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann
Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann is Bethel's Pastor and Minister of Music, also serves on the faculty of California State University Dominguez Hills, and is widely known as musician, artist and inspirational speaker. Here is a little bit about her - in her own words: "I welcome you to Bethel - and look forward to getting to know you! Everyone is welcome here. I currently serve as the Pastor of Bethel Congregational Church, UCC, in Ontario, California, and Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. This is a wonderful, yet challenging time for me, and for my congregation. I have been a member of Bethel, and the Minister of Music and Worship there, since September, 2011. My position as pastor became official in September, 2013. We, as a congregation have been traveling through a journey of growing, healing, and one of exploring our vision for our church and our community. It is an exciting time. I also serve on the faculty at California State University, Dominguez Hills, in two departments, in the College of Arts and Humanities, teaching courses in the Music & Humanities departments. My most extensive academic training has been in music, (2 Doctoral Degrees) with special emphases in church and liturgical music, composition, conducting, and string performance. Having always been a “seeker” of sorts, I have pursued additional undergraduate and graduate level courses of study in the Theological and Spiritual disciplines. I am a licensed Minister in the United Church of Christ, and have previously served in the MCC. I have been a Minister of Music in a number of churches, including many denominations (Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregational, Unitarian, and more). Over the course of my life, I have “worked” in many churches, and for many denominations. This has given me a wonderfully broad and diverse background: a very ecumenical outlook, so to speak. As a result, I find the UCC to be a most appropriate place to be in ministry. My most recent work at Bethel finds me energized and excited for the future of this congregation, and for the future of the UCC. I find that the “Extravagant Welcome” of the UCC fits me and my approach to ministry. As another part of my work, I do most the website work (design and maintain the site) for Bethel (http://betheluccontario.org). I have also developed an android/iphone app for Bethel “Bethel Ontario” (you can find it in the Apple App store or Google Play and Amazon). We feel that it is vital to reach people through as many avenues as possible!