Minister of Education:
Rev. Bet McDaniel

As Minister of Education, Bet nurtures a culture of lifelong spiritual growth, theological curiosity, and compassionate action. Working collaboratively with the pastor, church leadership, and volunteers, she develops educational opportunities that deepen biblical understanding, encourage progressive Christian theology, and cultivate the beloved community.

The goal of her ministry is not simply to help people know more about Christianity but to help people become more deeply formed by the way of Jesus—cultivating communities where gathering inspires learning, learning inspires justice, and justice becomes an expression of God’s love for the world.

Bet comes to this position following a full career as an electrical engineer in Austin, and has been a long time active member of Church of the Savior. When she’s not at church, she enjoys spending time with her six grandchildren, her wife Mary, reading, traveling, and even making films.

EDUCATION
Chicago Theological Seminary
– Masters of Divinity | 2023
The University of Texas at Austin
– Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | 1995
The University of Texas at Austin
– Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Set & Lighting Design | 1985

Email: pastor@COTSAustin.org

InstrumentaliSt:
Darlene Hello

Darlene has been the instrumentalist for our worship services at COTS since 1986. Her predecessor, Mary Pryal, was the founding instrumentalist at COTS.  Darlene has accompanied worship services the majority of her life–beginning at Hutto United Methodist as a young teen, and later at Hutto Baptist Church. She last served at First United Methodist Church of Taylor before moving to COTS. Additionally, Darlene served behind a desk with our COTS founding pastor, Joe Phelps, when they were both on staff at our mother church, Highland Park Baptist Church in Austin. Darlene says, “Music is a very important facet of worship for me. I love being able to use my gift of music for my church family at weddings, funerals, and worship services!” Darlene lives in Cedar Park. She and her husband, Jack, are active members of COTS.

Email: dhello@att.net