"A Faith Community Under God's Constant Construction"

God is still speaking,

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Ministries

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EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY

Purpose: Bethany church affirms that all persons be provided the opportunity to be nurtured and to grow in their search for faithfulness in Christian ministry. Toward that purpose, the Church provides:

• Children's Church School class for all ages every Sunday morning
• A nursery program for infants (during worship hour and at adult events)
• A ministry for and with high school students
• Adult Sunday classes and Bible Study
• Adult "special " study sessions" - Lenten Soup and Sandwich Study Suppers.
• Vacation Church School - A one week learning experience for grades k-4 during the summer months
• Pilgrim School - An accredited preschool program for infants through after school care. Enrollment of 110 students and teaching staff of 20. Refer to www.pilgrimschoolanddaycare.org
• Cub Scout Pack 508
• Camp Fire Club - a leadership development program for elementary students
• Friends -In -Faith - A mentoring program for all children of the church community
• Support of Children and Youth Camping at Conference Camp - Slumber Falls Camp - Provides scholarship aide for all attending
• The Tessmann Scholarship - A full tuition scholarship program for graduate students in theology and education.

WORSHIP AND PRAISE MINISTRY

Bethany Church seeks to provide an significant experience in worship by which members, friends, and guests can experience the presence of God in their midst and grow in their faithfulness to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Toward that purpose, the church provides

• A "balanced" service of worship every Sunday through the incorporation of both traditional and contemporary forms of worship.
• Prayer, Praise, Scripture, Song and Celebration as part of the life of the congregation
• Contemporary and traditional music that seeks to inspire
• Excellence in preaching and the spoken word to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
• Open invitation to participate in Holy Communion.
• Celebration of Holy Days - Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Maundy Thursday services
• Communion to the sick and shut -ins
• <Kid's Connection" - a children's sermon series
• Child Welcoming - Children's worship bulletins and Kid's activity bags
• Nursery Services during Sanctuary Worship times for those who choose

COMMUNITY BUILDING MINISTRY

Bethany church seeks to connect people with God and with each other through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Towards that purpose, the church provides faith community building events and experiences:

• Bethany United Duels and Singles (BUDS) - An adult fellowship group that meets monthly for fellowship, learning experiences, mission and outreach programs, food and fun
• Prayer Circle and healing ministry
• Home visitation
• Welcoming Committee to include guests and visitors
• Community Luncheons
• Orientation for prospective new members.
• Womens Fellowship and Sewing groups.

GERMAN CHRISTMAS CANDLE LIGHT SERVICE

For over one hundred consecutive years, Bethany Church has helped support the Annual German Christmas CandleLight Service. This service, spoken entirely in the German Language, has been a tradition in the San Antonio Community and includes students and faculty from area high schools abnd universities its it's planning and presentation. Held the second week of December, the presentation commands a large and appreciative audience

MUSIC MINISTRY

Music plays an important role in the worship and community life here at Bethany Church. We encourage various forms of music as expressions of our gifts from God and as a way to expresses our thankfulness to God. Worship utilizes various expressions, both traditional as well as contemporary.

• Senior Choir - Under the direction of professional trained volunteer, Mr. Xavier Leath, the choir is included as a regular part of each Sunday service as well as part of the special services during holy days. Choir Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 7:00 and Sunday Mornings at 9:00A.M.
• Bell Choir - Under the direction of reverend Arthur Von Gruenigen . The bell choir contributes periodically to the Sunday worship. Bell choir rehearses on Saturday mornings at 10:00 A.M.
• Bethany Church Youth Ensemble - a collection of young people on horns, Piano, Flute and keyboard. The ensemble plays for worship and special events
• Community Music Events. - Bethany Church regularly hosts community music events as a means to bring the community together as well as for fundraising. Events include dances, solo singing artists, and group singing
• Hymn Sings - The congregation is encouraged once every other month to choose their favorite hymns as part of a Sunday Morning worship hymn Sing.

RUMMAGE SALE MINISTRY

The annual Church-wide spring rummage sale is Bethany UCC's ministry to the surrounding Dellview neighborhood as church members sell  furniture, clothing, housewares, books, electronic equipment, sporting goods, toys, jewelry, plants and raffle tickets.  All proceeds support other ministries in the Church. The Rummage Sale is generally held on the first Saturday in April.