Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church ~ Schenectady, NY

Pastor

Natalie Bowerman

Natalie Bowerman began her next adventure in ministry at Eastern Parkway UMC on July 1, 2020. A Chicago native and a lifelong United Methodist, Natalie relocated to upstate New York to attend college at the University of Rochester. Natalie majored in psychology and religion and minored in German. She never thought she’d become a minister, but she couldn’t say no to God! She earned a Master of Divinity degree from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and then began serving Methodist congregations in the Upper New York Annual Conference. Natalie married her life partner, Sean, in 2011, and they have three children. When Natalie is not busy doing ministry and tending to her family, she enjoys playing her violin and her guitar, singing, and reading.

Music Director

Betsy Lehmann

Elizabeth A. (Betsy) Lehmann, music director at Eastern Parkway UMC, also teaches voice and keyboard at the College of St. Rose and conducts the Schenectady Choral Society.

She received a doctorate in choral ucting from Indiana University School of Music, Bloomington, Indiana, where she was an associate instructor and conductor. Earlier, Betsy earned a master of arts degree in music history from San Francisco State University, California, and a bachelor of arts degree in music theory and history from SUNY Geneseo.

Betsy appeared as Tolomeo in Upstate Chamber Opera's production of "Giulio Cesare" and has sung with Opera Saratoga.

Betsy is a resident of Ballston Spa, N.Y.