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This Christian life is a great mystery, far exceeding our understanding, but some things are clear enough: He appeared in a human body, was proved right by the invisible Spirit, was seen by angels. He was proclaimed among all kinds of peoples, believed in all over the world, taken up into heavenly glory.
-1 Timothy 3:16 (The Message)
Bethany UCC, and the United Church of Christ in general, is a mainline denomination comparable in its understanding of God and the Bible to other denominations such as Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Episcopal. Here, you can learn more about what we believe and who we are.
What We Believe
Bethany Church was founded in 1917 with this mission:
We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and we support and encourage the unique spiritual journey of each individual. The United Church of Christ is an inclusive church, believing fully in the message of the Gospel as lived and taught by our savior, Jesus Christ. You can visit the website of the United Church of Christ, where you will find a comprehensive view of this denomination.
6 PRINCIPLES WE LIVE BY
AUTHENTICITY: We believe we can’t be what God has called us to be if we are not genuinely ourselves. We must be our true selves so that we make a connection with one another on a higher level.
BIBLICAL TRUTH: We believe the Bible is God’s inherent truth and it’s the foundation to everything we do.
COMMUNICATION: He used the current language and daily life experiences of those around him to communicate truth.
LIFE TOGETHER: We aren’t interested in being a place where a lot of people get together for an inspiring service but never move beyond the casual, arm’s distance relationships of an auditorium.
EXCELLENCE: We don’t believe in striving for unrealistic perfection. Real excellence is about bringing your best to God’s work and to life in general.
GROWTH: This is a safe place for everyone. But safe doesn’t mean comfortable. The answers aren’t always comfortable.
"That they may all be one."
John 17:21
Ministry
Teams
Church Growth
Chair: Marcia Spring
The Church Growth committee endeavors to grow the membership, welcome guests to services and present information to new members. We also devise ways of getting our church out to the community. Some ways we have accomplished this are helping with the new sign, family nights, distributing mugs to guests and nametags.
Faith Formation
Chair:
Faith Formation provides Christian education opportunities for all ages, from infants to adults. By engaging church members of all ages in meaningful bible study and creative enrichment activities, we provide a caring, supportive, and loving environment that helps to develop the whole person - mind, body, and spirit.
Finance
Chair: Tim Truby
The Finance Committee meets on at least a monthly basis to monitor income and expenses and report to Council. An annual budget is prepared based upon pledges and other income, various committee requests for funds and Bethany's financial community responsibility. All are welcome to attend.
Ministry
Chair: Jan Charton
The Ministry Committee are the greeters each and every Sunday worship service. They provide loving service to members, shut-ins, and inactive members by keeping them in contact with the church. They accomplish this by delivering Christmas and Easter flowers, sending birthday, get well, thinking of you and special occasion cards all year round.
Mission
Chair: Carolyn B. Hofmann
The Mission Committee helps to serve the needs of our congregation, our community, and our world through a variety of pathways.
Music
Chair: Bob Peyak
The Music Committee supervises the music ministry of Bethany United Church of Christ. They meet quarterly, or more, as needed, or when there are tasks beyond the regular duties that need to be discussed and acted upon.
Property
Chair: John Mancinelli
The Property Committee is tasked with supervising the expenditures of the property budget in order to keep the property in good repair at all times and to coordinate with the custodial staff.
Stewardship
Chair: Kathy Booth
The Stewardship Committee's purpose is to recognize and promote stewardship (sharing of time, talent and treasure) throughout the year and to plan the annual pledge drive. (Stewardship Campaign)
Worship
Whoever you are and wherever you are on our journey of life, you are welcome here.
Worship at Bethany is both liturgical and contemporary. Our services are filled with music provided by a variety of choirs, vocal and instrumental, adult, youth, and children singers. We celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month, which is also a Family Sunday, where all children over the age of 5 are encouraged to remain in worship with their families (Nursery & Formation classes are provided for younger children). Every worship service includes a Time For Younger Christians, led by either the pastor or another adult. All ages are encouraged to participate in some way that makes sense to them. Our worship space is enhanced throughout the year with embellishments to the glory of God, created by members of the congregation.
Youth
Chair: Andy McVan
The goal of the Youth Committee is to provide the youth loving and caring support towards Christian leadership and service, develop active, committed participation in the work of the church, and provide a welcoming church home now and long after graduation. We seek to provide this support by: