Originally from the Midwest, Bethany fell in love with Maine while working as a camp counselor at Samantha Smith World Peace Camp three decades ago. Bethany and her husband Rick live in North Yarmouth and are parents to two daughters, Ksenia and Annika. Bethany has a BA in Russian Language and Literature from the University of Kansas, but has been mostly self-employed as a birth doula, photographer and musician, after a 9 year stint in corporate America. She has played piano since the age of 5 and an enduring past-time is finding new "favorite" songs to add to her Spotify playlist. She also enjoys photography, watching the sunrise, long walks and a variety of podcasts. Rick and Bethany love traveling and learning about cultures around the world. Bethany is trained in spiritual listening and has enjoyed volunteering as a mentor with residents of Hope House and training and supporting other mentors. She feels blessed to be working alongside the talented HopeGateWay team. Contact her at hello@hopegateway.com.

Christie recently moved to Maine from the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband Samuel lived in Seattle for many years, where Christie attended Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry and graduated with her Masters of Divinity in 2020. Christie then had the joy of pastoring a Mennonite church in Boise, Idaho for two years and was recently ordained in the Mennonite Church. Their family then moved to the East Coast to be closer to extended family and start exploring what life is like here in Maine. Samuel and Christie have a three year old son, Jedidiah, and are looking forward to welcoming another little one into their family later this year. In her free time Christie enjoys reading a good novel, connecting with friends, and going on outdoor adventures with her family like cross-country skiing, hiking, biking or just meandering through the woods. Christie looks forward to getting to know the HopeGateWay community through helping out with the details of church life as the administrative coordinator to create programming for children and families. Contact her at christie@hopegateway.com.

Ophelia Hu Kinney is a second-generation Asian American and a Midwestern transplant. She and her wife Hayli have belonged to HopeGateWay since 2016. She enjoys trying to translate God and learning others' translations, though she's perpetually at a loss for words. Ophelia works as the Communications Specialist at Reconciling Ministries Network - to which HopeGateWay has belonged since 2009 - an international movement of LGBTQ-celebrating Methodists fighting for justice and inclusion in the Church. She enjoys short poems and long days, a picnic at the beach or a good talk with a friend. At HopeGateWay, Ophelia seeks to empower members to lift their own and each other’s voices to co-create an authentic worshipful experience. Let her know if you want to be a part of HopeGateWay's Sunday worship!  Email

Patsy Frey-Davis has been a member of HopeGateWay for about ten years and is grateful to be part of a community that does justice, loves kindness, and walks humbly with God.  She lives, writes, reads, cooks, and snarks from Bath, Maine with her husband and two ridiculously adorable children.  She'd love to hear any of your questions, comments, ideas, or inspiration. Email

Portland musician Kelly Muse has nearly two decades of experience as a performer, bandleader, and educator and recently earned his MBA at the University of Southern Maine. Kelly enjoys bringing a hint of variety and spontaneity to the worship music at HopeGateWay. He encourages all to sing, harmonize, even bring instruments to join in!