Jon Carlson

Lead Pastor

A reluctant Millennial, Jon is fascinated by the intersections of faith, culture, technology, and tradition. He and his wife, Lyn, are raising three young children in Lancaster County, PA. When he’s not chauffeuring kids around, Jon enjoys a good cup of espresso, a dense book, or a long-distance run.

In addition to his role at Forest Hills, Jon has served in a variety of capacities on behalf of the broader church and non-profit organizations, including on the boards of Atlantic Coast Conference and Lancaster Mennonite School. 

Jon holds a Master of Divinity degree from Eastern Mennonite Seminary (Harrisonburg, VA) and currently serves as moderator of Mennonite Church USA, the largest Mennonite denomination in the United States.

 Becky Bathurst

 Youth and Young Adults Director

Becky has been a part of Forest Hills for most of her life, returning as an adult in 2017 after living away from the area for about 10 years. She earned her B.A. in History from Alice Lloyd College in Kentucky and her teaching certification from Delaware Valley College. Between college and now, she has spent her time as an educator in a variety of ways including working as a tour guide in an historic prison and as a substitute teacher for several school districts. Her passion is working with young people as they learn to navigate life and figure out what it means to be an adult and a Christian in an ever-changing world. Becky lives in Ephrata with her husband Rob and their two children. She enjoys working in their garden, traveling, and playing board games.

Becky Degan

Pastor of Worship 

Becky is a graduate of Elizabethtown College (Pa.) with a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy and a Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Millersville University. Before coming to Forest Hills in 2006, she worked for eight years as a music therapist for children with special needs. Becky is married with one son. She and her husband perform original music for children at local venues and have released two CD’s of original children’s music. They have also worked on several projects with Herald Press, including the children’s CD Sing, Little Children, Sing and the book The Family Song.

Nina Harnish

Minister of Care and Visitation

Nina has been involved in activities at Forest Hills for over 15 years. Her involvements have included children’s ministry, Morning Out for Mothers, junior high ministry, and Sunday School class shepherd. Nina graduated from Goshen College (Indiana) with a degree in Dietetics and then completed her training to become a Registered Dietitian at University of Virginia. Throughout her career she has counseled individuals as inpatients and outpatients and also in private practice. She is married and the mother of four children who are now teenagers and young adults. In her free time she likes reading, being outside throughout all four seasons, and spending time with friends and family.

Dora McCown

Children’s Ministry Director

Dora and her husband Josh live in Lancaster County with their 3 kids, one dog and one tortoise. Originally from Texas, she earned her B.A. at the University of Houston. The Pennsylvania winters have been a welcome reprieve from the Gulf Coast summers. When she’s not chauffeuring the kids around town, Dora likes to cheer on the San Antonio Spurs, max out her library card and discover new hiking trails. 

Lauren Krady

Church Administrator

Lauren lives in Lancaster with her husband, two daughters, and one very energetic dog. Lauren enjoys working in administrative roles and using her organizational skills in the office. In her free time she likes to read, decorate, and travel with her family.