Welcome to the Bethel United Church of Christ website. We are very excited that you have joined us. We strive to recognize and nurture the Christ in ourselves and each person that we encounter along the way. The United Church of Christ is a thriving community of believers, and lovers of the word of God. At Bethel United Church of Christ we are seeking the guidance 
and power of the Holy Spirit, and Faithful response to the congregation to spread God’s Word and reach out to the community and world by imitating Christ’s service.
Join us on Sunday at 10:30am for our service and fellowship afterwards. All are welcome to bathe in the love of God.
Easter Sunday is March 27, 2016
Daily Meditation by Henri Nouwen from Dec. 25, 2015
What is our task in this world as children of God and brothers and sisters of Jesus? Our task is reconciliation. Wherever we go we see divisions among people – in families, communities, cities, countries, and continents. All these divisions are tragic reflections of our separation from God. The truth that all people belong together as members of one family under God is seldom visible. Our sacred task is to reveal that truth in the reality of everyday life.
Why is that our task? Because God sent Christ to reconcile us with God and to give us the task of reconciling people with one another. As people reconcile with God through Christ we have been given the ministry of reconciliation” (see: 2 Corinthians 5:18). So whatever we do the main question is, Does it lead to reconciliation among people?
Kid’s Night Ministry
What an amazing night and incredible success!
Visit the Photo Gallery to see more pics!
Every Tuesday 5-7pm.
Pastors Message
A New Year is upon us! Have you made any resolutions? I saw a story on the morning news recently about an event that occurred in New York on December 28th. It was called, “Good Riddance Day.” Large cards that read, “GOOD Riddance Day – I want to say Good Riddance to:..” were provided to people during the day. People would write on them bad memories from the past year, and what they wanted to say goodbye (or “Good Riddance”) to. The cards were tossed into a large trash bin signifying the hopes that people would not make the same mistakes next year. Other activities included getting rid of items like old photographs, letters, etc. Bins were provided for people to throw away these and other items of discontent. The annual event was a way for people to “blow off steam.” It also seemed to be a good way for individuals to put their past behind them and begin something new. If you had a chance to write something, what would you want to say “Good riddance” to?
Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” The Greek meaning of “throw off” in that verse means “to put away (literally or figuratively):—cast off, lay apart (aside, down), put away (off).” Perhaps we can imagine Paul thinking about “Good riddance” day, but on a spiritual level.
Getting rid what weighs us down is a very freeing process. Getting rid of hurts opens us up to healing. We are able to offload what has laid heavy on our hearts, thereby opening us up to God’s healing presence. This “throwing off” is what sets the stage of opening the door of reconciliation. Between us and God, and between us and our neighbors.
The Peace of Christ be with you – and in you,
Pastor Diane
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life…” Deut. 30: 19-20a