Meet Our Pastor & Staff
Rev. Dr. Sandra “Sandi” Benton Plasters
Pastor
Rev. Dr. Sandra "Sandi" Benton Plasters has served as pastor of Bethany United Methodist Church since July 2024 and is beginning her 31st year of pastoral ministry. An ordained elder in The United Methodist Church for 30 years, Sandi is passionate about helping people discover God's grace, grow in faith, and find meaningful ways to serve others. She believes the church is at its best when people build authentic relationships, ask honest questions, and use their unique gifts to make a difference in the world.
A graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary, Sandi holds both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree. Throughout her ministry, she has served churches across Virginia, as well as in hospital chaplaincy, jail ministry, Emmaus and Chrysalis ministries, Habitat for Humanity, and conference and district leadership.
Originally from Virginia Beach, Sandi is married to Rev. Mike Plasters, who also lives in the Bethany parsonage. Their daughter, Hannah, is a recent college graduate who lives in New Orleans and is discerning her next steps. At home, Sandi enjoys reading, spending time with her two dogs, Percy and Gracie, and discovering local coffee shops and bookstores.
Sandi would love the opportunity to welcome you to Bethany, hear your story, and help you find a place to belong.
Young Hye Min
Music Director
Young Hye Min serves as Bethany's Music Director, bringing a passion for worship and a love of collaborative music-making. She enjoys helping people of all ages use their musical gifts to glorify God and enrich the worship life of the congregation.
Originally from Ulsan, South Korea, Young Hye earned her Bachelor of Music from Delta State University and her Master of Music from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at Shenandoah Conservatory while continuing to perform and accompany throughout the region.
Young Hye directs Bethany's Adult Choir and Bell Choir and welcomes anyone who has a desire to share their musical gifts in worship.
Kathy Summers
Administrative Assistant
Kathy Summers serves as Bethany's Administrative Assistant and is often one of the first friendly faces you'll meet. She enjoys helping people feel welcome while keeping the many details of church life running smoothly.
Before joining Bethany, Kathy worked as an administrative assistant before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She and her husband, Dow, have four amazing children. She also helps care for her mother, Sherry, who lives with their family in Purcellville. Their family also includes a beloved dog, Lily.
When she's not in the church office, Kathy enjoys baking, reading, country music, volunteering, and cheering on her children in all of their activities.
Stephanie Engle
Preschool Director
Stephanie Engle has served as Director of Bethany Preschool since 2020, after several years as a teacher in the preschool. She is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where young children can learn, grow, and experience God's love.
Stephanie holds degrees in Sociology and Psychology from Catawba College and has spent her career working with children through education, child advocacy, youth ministry, and preschool education. Her experience also includes leadership in sales and marketing before returning to her lifelong passion for working with children.
Stephanie and her husband, Prescott, enjoy spending time with their large family, especially their grandchildren. She also enjoys cooking, organizing events, exercising, and hiking.
Beverly Costello
Custodian
For nearly two decades, Beverly Costello has faithfully cared for Bethany's church and preschool buildings, helping create a welcoming space for worship, ministry, and community life.
Before joining Bethany, Beverly owned and operated her own cosmetology business for 25 years. She considers it a blessing to serve in a church environment and takes great pride in caring for the facilities that so many people call their church home.
Beverly and her husband, Dickie, live in Round Hill and enjoy spending time with their children, grandchildren, and their dog, Noel. Many of their favorite family memories have been made together at Smith Mountain Lake.