Bethesda Church Online - Sharing In Our Fellowship

Sharing In Our Fellowship

Some people speak of "going to church on Sunday"; others speak of being part of a church community. Some assume these two are the same thing. They are not. A local church is a group of people who together seek to grow as disciples of Jesus as they spiritually and practically impact the world. Going to church on Sunday is only one expression of community life.

The Bible uses images like a family, or a body, to describe our relatedness to each other. It is a place that is cooperative rather than competitive. Where people know and love each other, where people give thanks together, serve together, and each individual contributes to the health and growth of the rest of the individuals in it.

At Bethesda we believe that the type of community explicitly described in Acts chapter 2 and which under girds most of the New Testament is a standard experience for a mature Christian. To help facilitate this, Bethesda offers opportunities for people to get involved and get to know other at a deeper, more meaningful level.

Sunday Morning Worship Service

Worship is for God and about God. However, it is also something done in the context of a community. Before and after the service we strive to create an atmosphere of hospitality where people are able to meet and casually connect with one another. Many people use this time to arrange inviting others out for lunch following the service.

Potluck Lunches

To extend the opportunity for meeting others in our community, we schedule potluck lunches after the service at various times during the year. Upcoming ones will also be promoted on the Events Schedule page.

Missionary Gatherings

When one of our missionaries is in town for an extended period of time, we like to arrange small group home visits with them. Usually over coffee and dessert, a host family will invite 8 to 10 others over to spend time visiting with our missionary and hearing more of their stories.

The sign up for these gatherings are well publicised in our bulletin and in our service. The next ones will also be promoted on the Events Schedule page.

Small Groups

One of the essential elements of a mature Christian life is gathering with a small group of people who know each other, care for one another, and encourage and pray for one another. It is here that the "with one another" passages of the Bible are truly lived out. There is no set formula for why a group forms. It might be a Ministry team, Bible Study Group, Accountability group, or just a circle of friends who decide to gather together to deepen their friendship and their walk with God. Our hope is that everyone at Bethesda would have the opportunity to be part of such a community.
For more information, or to indicate that you would like to find such a group, please Contact Us.

We offer a weekly Bible study for all on Thursday afternoons, September—June, from 1:30—3:00pm. Our time together includes a verse-by-verse study of Scripture, lots of discussion, and timely application to life, family, maturity, and ministry. No need to phone ahead! Just show up in the Upper Lounge (west end of the main auditorium) with your Bible, a notepad, and open hearts and minds to God’s word and His Spirit’s teaching! Our Bible study goes for about an hour, followed by a time of fellowship with coffee and dainties! All are welcome!