Pastor Alice Ann Bonham
My husband Bob and I both grew up in Honesdale in northeast Pennsylvania. We still have family there. After graduating from high school I attended Mansfield University and received a BA in technical theatre in 1985. Following graduation I traveled around a bit and worked several clerical jobs. Eventually Bob and I reconnected and we married in September of 1991.
About the time of our second anniversary I recognized my call into ministry. By our third anniversary I was attending Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer). I graduated with my M.Div in May of 1998. Since then I have served Holmesburg UMC in northeast Philadelphia, Ridley Park UMC in Ridley Park, Trinity UMC in Lebanon and Ackermanville UMC in Bangor. I arrived at Bensalem UMC July 1, 2018.
Bob and I have a daughter, Jessica. She currently works at Weis Markets as an evening cashier. Bob is a retired software engineer. He most recently worked for Siemens Medical. He spends much of his time these days in his woodworking studio. The last member of the family is Pixie our 17-pound terrier mix. Pixie is always ready for someone to stop and pet her.
The focus of my ministry has always come out of Ephesians chapter 4: “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry….” I’m one of those pastor/teachers to equip the saints. Because of this, I have a great love for Disciple Bible Study. I find this to be an invaluable tool in helping people explore their faith in the context of scripture. Also, out of these verses of Ephesians come the strong belief that my task is to help congregations look for opportunities to reach out into the communities in which they are located. We are blessed to be a blessing. I try to live my life from the perspective and hope to help other find ways to do the same.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, walking in the sunshine, reading and watching old movies on Turner Classic Movies.
Bensalem United Methodist Music Director:
MaryAnn Schauder
Hello, my name is MaryAnn Schauder, I grew up in the Rhawnhust section of Philadelphia. I attended Saint Basil’s Academy, where I was given the title, “Archdiocese Talent Champion”. Temple University found my heart and I received a BA in vocal education. Upon graduation, I went on to record opening songs for a Christian radio station.
Theater played a big part of my life, so when I was offered the job as vocal director at Father Judge High School, I accepted it with open arms. My favorite show I directed was “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”. I later went on to be the musical director for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Teaching has been a big part of my life. Nazareth Academy Grade School was my first school teaching experience. After 7 years at Nazareth Academy, I married the love of my life, Michael. We have 2 sons, of whom we are very proud. My oldest, Michael, works for Security Locks in the communication department. My youngest, Timothy, is an Environmental Engineer and works for Manafort Brothers as a project engineer. Presently, I teach at Saint Ephrem’s, which has been my home for 29 years. During my free time, I enjoy going to Broadway productions and reading biographies.
In November of last year, I made the move to Bensalem Methodist Church. This was a big leap for me after serving 30 years at Holmesburg Methodist. The congregation of Bensalem UMC has opened their arms to me in such a loving way. The church is trying to draw in the youth in our area. I would love to form a children’s choir and expand our adult choir.
Together, with the good people of Bensalem Methodist Church, we will continue to grow musically. “For when we sing, we pray Twice”.
MaryAnn Schauder