Sunday Worship at Bethany Congregational Church: 

At Bethany we believe that through Jesus Christ, God our Creator wills to enter into intimate relationship with his creation and worship is a very vital part of how we live that relationship. Through our worship we grow together as disciples and as children of God, connecting not just with those around us in the pews but with Christ's family across time as well as space. As part of the Reformed family of faith we seek to be true to the liturgical practices of our tradition and of the church catholic even as we interpret them in dialogue with the time and place in which we live and minister as Christian people. Bethany is reformed in tradition but also reforming, open to the voice of God that is still speaking through scripture, tradition and the experience of God's children.

Our worship is traditional but also open to innovation, reverent but joyful and even occasionally filled with laughter as we revel and rejoice in the grace of our loving God. Children of all ages are cherished members of our community who participate fully in our worship and in whose presence we rejoice. Our service is warm and "user-friendly," welcoming without being overwhelming. Come as you are, lay your burdens down and revel in God's grace with us.

Sacraments:

We recognize two sacraments in accordance with the ministry and teaching of Jesus Christ as revealed through the witness of scripture: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

We celebrate the Lord's Supper at least twice a month on the first and third Sundays and our table, like the arms of Christ, is open to all people regardless of denomination or affiliation. We follow the "Real Presence" doctrine of the Lord's Supper believing Christ to be truly present in the sacrament, though not actually present in the elements of bread and wine.We urge all of God's people to join us as we partake in the real presence of Christ at the Lord's Supper.

We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and understand it also as a rite of belonging to the Body of Christ. Infant baptism, which is the norm in our tradition also signals a commitment by the family of the one baptized to be raised in the Body, the church. Baptisms are therefore always accomplished during worship services and it is expected that the family desiring baptism will become members of the church if they are not already. We also affirm adult baptisms for new believers and while baptisms are generally accomplished through sprinkling at Bethany, we recognize as legitimate and appropriate any baptism accomplished in the name of the Triune God.

Fellowship:

In the 2nd chapter of  the Book of Acts, it says that the faithful "shared all things in common." The "Fellowship Hour" is not technically a part of worship, but it is about sharing and communion. Coffee is not a sacrament in our church, but we gather after worship to have some  anyway as we enjoy each other's company, share whatever joys or troubles we may be having and maybe munch on a cookie or two, share some jokes or strategize on how we're going to look after each other in the week ahead, or after someone else who needs us in our community. We hope that after you join us for worship, you'll join us for fellowship as well.