Clergy & Staff

Beth L. Nelson
Pastor

Rev. Beth L. Nelson Rev. Beth L. Nelson grew up in the Mon Valley in the little town of Fayette City. She graduated from Belle Vernon Area High School and then Otterbein College in Westerville Ohio. Her educational journey took her to Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and it was there that she fell in love with the city and all its ministry possibilities. Her first appointment was to Erie and during her ministry there, she was one of the founding pastors of The Refuge, The Rainbow Connection and San Juan United Methodist Church.

Beth’s next appointments were Mars, Carnegie, and Coraopolis. Beth was appointed as The Director of Training and Resources for the Annual Conference and spent many years as part of the Conference Program staff. In 2011, Beth was appointed to Salem United Methodist Church in Wexford until she retired in June of 2020, after 43 years of service. Since retirement, Beth has been working “part time” at the United Methodist Church Union. She is the president of the Common Roots Federal Credit Union Board of Directors and a Board member of The United Methodist House at Chautauqua. She also serves on the Mission Strategy Team of the Pittsburgh District and the District Committee on Ministry.

Weekly, Beth volunteers at the Olive Branch, a fair-trade gift store and mission center in Wexford. This is an outreach of Salem United Methodist Church and makes a positive difference throughout the world. Through sewing projects, knitting, and crocheting, women are changing history for those in need. In addition, the items sold in our store are helping women and children break the bonds of poverty and lead meaningful, healthy lives.

In her spare time, Beth is a dedicated Pittsburgh sports fan! She has been a Pirate season ticket holder for over 25 years. Beth enjoys live theater, at the Benedum, in small theater venues and on Broadway. She shares season tickets for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops. Beth has a passion for traveling the world and an even greater passion and love for the city of Pittsburgh!

To relax, Beth loves to build jigsaw puzzles. If she posts many puzzles in a row on Facebook, chances are she is stressed about something. But she is always happy to welcome others to her puzzle building therapy. Beth is known for having many “happy places” and Calvary United Methodist Church is her newest happy place!

Brian Burns
Music Director

Brian Burns is a long-time Pittsburgh resident and a native of Armstrong county. There, he began playing the Hammond organ in church at the age of 12. While attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania as a piano major, he was introduced to the pipe organ and changed his major to organ performance under the direction of the late Dr. Carol Teti. He was one of the first recipients of the Carol Teti Memorial Scholarship. His undergraduate work was completed with Dr. Christine Clewell in 2001. He served at several churches including St. Bernard's (Indiana, PA) and Ford Memorial United Methodist Church (Ford City, PA). Brian worked for three years with local organ builder Harry Ebert before discovering Calvary United Methodist Church where he used his skills to guide the restoration of Calvary's historic 1894 Farrand & Votey organ. Brian currently directs Calvary's Renewal Choir, the Festival Choir, and plays for all of Calvary's services.

Rev. Nettie Jorinda Bullitt
Pastor Emerita

What is a "Pastor Emerita"

Emerita is an honorary title bestowed upon one who has retired from a position (pastor, professor, or other professional position) as a way of honoring the individual's service. Emeritus comes from the Latin word emereri, which means to earn one's discharge by service. Bestowing the title "Pastor Emeritus" upon a retiring pastor is a way for the church leadership to honor his service to the church.

Rev. Larry Homitsky
Pastor Emeritus

What is a "Pastor Emeritus"

Emeritus is an honorary title bestowed upon one who has retired from a position (pastor, professor, or other professional position) as a way of honoring the individual's service. Emeritus comes from the Latin word emereri, which means to earn one's discharge by service. Bestowing the title "Pastor Emeritus" upon a retiring pastor is a way for the church leadership to honor his service to the church.

Rev. Tom Funk
Pastor Emeritus

What is a "Pastor Emeritus"

Emeritus is an honorary title bestowed upon one who has retired from a position (pastor, professor, or other professional position) as a way of honoring the individual's service. Emeritus comes from the Latin word emereri, which means to earn one's discharge by service. Bestowing the title "Pastor Emeritus" upon a retiring pastor is a way for the church leadership to honor his service to the church.

Rev. Bob Richards
Pastor Emeritus (Deceased)

After a lifetime of service and pastoral ministry, Bob entered the church eternal in 2019. Calvary is forever grateful for his life and his presence among us and his legacy will live on in and through us.

Ken Elliott
Lay Leader

What is the job of the lay leader?

An effective Lay Leader functions as the primary representative of and role model for Christian discipleship and faith lived out in the church and in daily life for the people of a congregation. The Lay Leader works with the pastor to fulfill the mission and vision of the congregation.