Emily Bedwell

Born in Durant, Oklahoma, Emily grew up in the small northern Indiana town of Albion. While in high school, Emily was active in both band (she plays the flute and piccolo) and drama. The summer before her senior year of High School, Emily went on a mission trip to Oklahoma and became a Christian. While the story of her finding her faith is a long one, she is willing to share it with anyone who is interested. So, if you want to know, please ask!

Emily found her way to Bloomington as part of the 1997 IU Freshman class. It was in October of 1997 that Emily joined Indiana University Christian Student Fellowship. IU CSF changed her life. As a new Christian, Emily knew that she needed to find people in Bloomington who would both nurture her faith and accept her shortcomings. With CSF, she found all of that--and more. Throughout her college career, Emily lived in the CSF women's house, joined and helped lead the drama team, went on Service projects, participated on the Leadership Team, designed weekly PowerPoint presentations, led Bible Studies, and even went to Venezuela on a mission trip.

A 2001 graduate of Indiana University, Emily holds a degree in English with a minor in Spanish. After graduating, Emily began working at 1stBooks Library, a Bloomington-based publishing company. She remained at 1stBooks until joining the SOCC staff in 2002 as the children and youth secretary. Since then her job duties have changed and she is now serving SOCC as the Publications (Oak Leaf and Bulletin) and Contributions Manager.

SOCC is truly her spiritual home. She is actively involved in the children's ministry and the drama ministry. In March of 2004, Emily was part of the Mission Team to Honduras, an experience that left her refreshed and in awe.  SOCC is a place where she has learned to embrace God, listen to Him, and allow herself to be challenged and changed by His plan and voice.

Emily married Tim Bedwell in 2006.