Bethesda Lutheran Services

Bethesda Lutheran Services For over a century, Bethesda has provided Promising Futures for children, youth, and their families!

We’re officially ONE WEEK OUT from our 18th Annual Charity Golf Outing! As we get ready for a great day on the course, w...
05/27/2026

We’re officially ONE WEEK OUT from our 18th Annual Charity Golf Outing!

As we get ready for a great day on the course, we want to give a big thank you to our Putt for Booze Sponsor and Snack & Beverage Sponsor:

⛳ Construction Services of Pennsylvania, LLC.
🏌️ Highstreet Insurance & Financial Services - Meadville

From one of our favorite contests on the course to keeping our golfers fueled throughout the day, your support helps make this outing such a fun experience while supporting Promising Futures for the 9,000+ children, youth, and families we serve annually. This opportunity sold out quickly this year, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community. If you missed your chance to participate, you can still make an impact by supporting our mission at bethesda1919.org/donate!

THANK YOU!

For a lot of young people, having someone reliable in their life isn't a given. One of our North Star mentees shared tha...
05/25/2026

For a lot of young people, having someone reliable in their life isn't a given. One of our North Star mentees shared that their mentor is always there when it matters, flexible, and ready to help with whatever comes up.

That's the kind of person we're looking for. Could that be you? Contact bmartin@bethesda1919.org or call 814-969-3297 for details!

North Star Mentoring of Erie County

⛳ We’re grateful to recognize our Dinner Sponsors for Bethesda’s 18th Annual Charity Golf Outing on June 3rd! THANK YOU ...
05/22/2026

⛳ We’re grateful to recognize our Dinner Sponsors for Bethesda’s 18th Annual Charity Golf Outing on June 3rd! THANK YOU TO:

The Gildea Group
RE Johnson Electric
McGill, Power, Bell & Associates, LLP
Marquette Savings Bank
First National Bank Wealth Management
Beratung Advisors

Partnership like this is what helps the day come together and keeps our mission moving forward for the 9,000+ children, youth, and families we serve annually.

We’re also still accepting baskets for our basket raffle, so there’s still time to get involved if you’d like to contribute. Reach out to our Development Department at development@bethesda1919.org!

We’ve recently added a new page to our website highlighting “Lost and Found Voices” 🤍This project was created after Beth...
05/20/2026

We’ve recently added a new page to our website highlighting “Lost and Found Voices” 🤍

This project was created after Bethesda was recognized as a Pennsylvania Department of Education Distinguished Institution and awarded a grant in 2024. Some of the girls in our care chose to use that opportunity in a powerful way, sharing their stories anonymously and in their own words.

What emerged are nine deeply personal narratives reflecting experiences of foster care, family loss, trauma, mental health struggles, and hope.

We’re excited to now have a dedicated space to share this important part of Bethesda’s story with our community!

Read more here: https://www.bethesda1919.org/lostandfoundvoices

Happy  !Great matches, fun activities, new skills, and young people working toward independence. That's what North Star ...
05/18/2026

Happy !

Great matches, fun activities, new skills, and young people working toward independence. That's what North Star Mentoring of Erie County is all about, and we're looking for caring adults in Erie County who want to be part of it!

Could that be you? Contact bmartin@bethesda1919.org or call 814-969-3297 to learn more.

We're incredibly grateful to Summit Fire & Security and Joyce & Michael Hughes, the Presenting Sponsors for our 18th Ann...
05/15/2026

We're incredibly grateful to Summit Fire & Security and Joyce & Michael Hughes, the Presenting Sponsors for our 18th Annual Charity Golf Outing on June 3rd!

Your support helps make this event possible while making a lasting impact on the children, youth, and families we serve at Bethesda.

THANK YOU!

Who's ready to have some fun for a great cause? 🍸 Join us next Wednesday, May 20th for Pour With Purpose: Guest Bartendi...
05/13/2026

Who's ready to have some fun for a great cause? 🍸

Join us next Wednesday, May 20th for Pour With Purpose: Guest Bartending Competition supporting the Meadville Area Free Clinic at Triple Deuce Saloon!

Team Bethesda will be behind the bar from 7-7:30 PM, going head-to-head with Meadville Medical Center to see who can raise the most for the clinic. We could use your help & support!

Scan the QR code and select "Bethesda" at checkout to make your donation count for our team. 👇

Team Bethesda: George Trauner, Jerrad Rimel, Matthew Rachocki, and John Ritchey

Or visit the link to donate: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-11500?fbclid=IwY2xjawRxhoJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1MkRYOEpRejBuY1M0TjRhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnitwveTqsuv5YEGDsSEFF5qzFzDWb5CJglIzw2zbkCUmpquRllUwJm5pQ0K_aem_8mCprFXwxt_XtW6aiVJNQQ

It's   💙"My mentor goes the extra mile whenever he can and I really appreciate him for it." We love hearing this from th...
05/11/2026

It's 💙

"My mentor goes the extra mile whenever he can and I really appreciate him for it." We love hearing this from the youth in our North Star Mentoring of Erie County program. This is exactly why we do what we do.

Want to be someone's extra mile? Contact bmartin@bethesda1919.org or call 814-969-3297 to learn more!

Introducing the therapy dogs: Meet our 3rd and final therapy dog, Millie! 🌼🐾 🐕‍🦺 Millie Anne Mears has always had a pers...
05/08/2026

Introducing the therapy dogs: Meet our 3rd and final therapy dog, Millie! 🌼🐾 🐕‍🦺

Millie Anne Mears has always had a personality all her own, and that unique charm is part of what makes her such a wonderful therapy dog.

Born on August 4, 2020, Millie combines a playful spirit with a natural ability to connect with people and brighten their day. She began her training journey at Down Home Dog Resort, now known as Meraki Canine Training, where she built the foundation for the skills and confidence that would later support her therapy work. After completing a year of training, she became a certified therapy dog through Therapy Dogs United in March 2025 and began her service work at Bethesda Lutheran Services in April 2025.

Alongside her handler, Dr. Brittany Mears, Clinical Director, Millie has brought comfort, laughter, and companionship to those she serves. While she may have a goofy side and a talent for making people smile, Millie also has a calming presence that helps others feel welcomed and at ease. Her expressive personality, affectionate nature, and ability to brighten even difficult days make her a beloved companion and an incredible therapy dog to everyone she meets.

We had a great time hosting our Lunch & Learn event on campus last Thursday! Guests were welcomed by our Director of Ste...
05/05/2026

We had a great time hosting our Lunch & Learn event on campus last Thursday!

Guests were welcomed by our Director of Stewardship, Matthew Rachocki, followed by an update from our CEO, George Trauner, on the past 10 years at Bethesda. From there, everyone enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch prepared by our cafeteria team and Chef Sean before heading out for a tour of our Meadville campus.

It was a great opportunity to connect with new friends of Bethesda and share more about the work we do to support over 9,000 children, youth, and families every year.

A special thank you to Loeffler's Flowers for the beautiful centerpieces!

Interested in joining us for a future Lunch & Learn? Reach out to our Development Department at development@bethesda1919.org!

Happy  ! Every young person deserves someone in their corner. One of our North Star mentors believes the greatest thing ...
05/04/2026

Happy !

Every young person deserves someone in their corner. One of our North Star mentors believes the greatest thing their mentee gained from their relationship is simply knowing there is another person out there supporting them and wanting the best for them.

For youth who have experienced foster care, that kind of connection can make all the difference! Could you be that person for someone?

💙➡️ Reach out to bmartin@bethesda1919.org; 814-969-3297 with any questions.

Address

15487 Highway 86
Meadville, PA
16335

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+18147247510

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