Bethany BELLievers formed in 2002 when Bethany Lutheran of Minot purchased three octaves of Mallmark handbells. Thanks to the generosity of their congregational members, BELLlievers has added two more octaves of handbells and three octaves of chimes.
Director Kari Files said that "people are often surprised by the sounds and styles that can be produced by a handbell choir. The handbells, chimes, and mallets create a wide variety sound effects."
The group has several founding members among the accomplished handbell musicians. Kari noted that some members hadn’t read or played music for years when the group was first formed. New members, including three high school students, were recruited to cover the recently added bells—a total of twelve ringers.
 BELLievers play at Bethany services once a month and sometimes accompany the Bethany Sanctuary Choir. The group says it delights in its work and wants to encourage other people and congregations to join or form handbell choirs, saying, "BELLievers is a group where team work and cooperation is essential in praising God!"
Pastors of Bethany Lutheran Church in Minot are Janet Hernes-Mathistad and Gerald Roise. Stanley and Ross folks will recognize the name of Pastor Roise (photo, left). He grew up and farmed in the area for 30 years before beginning his second career as a full-time pastor.
Area music fans may also recognize the name of Kari Files, the only female member of the popular Celtic music group, GreenMan. GreenMan has performed several times at the Sibyl Center.
For more information on the event, call 701-628-3339 (Janinne) or 701-852-1655 (Kari). More information about Bethany Lutheran is at www.bethanylutheranminot.org.
Suggested donation of $5 at the door.
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