Visitors Are Welcome!

What to expect when you visit Bethlehem

Since visiting any church for the first time can be a little intimidating, we've put together the following information that we hope will answer your questions and reduce any anxiety that you may have about what to expect when you visit Bethlehem. To learn more, just browse around the rest of the site, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments.
Getting Situated
You can check out our map for directions before you head out, and once you get here you'll find plenty of parking, including handicapped spaces in front of the church. The main building is fully wheelchair-accessible. The restrooms are in the Narthex (the Lobby). Greeters and ushers in the Narthex will give you a bulletin, gladly answer any questions you have, find you a seat, and help you if you need assistance getting in.
  
We will not make you stand up or embarrass you!
Relax, we will greet you with smiles and handshakes, and welcome you to worship with us.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What should I wear?
God accepts us as we are - no matter who we are, what we do, or how we dress. We do not have a dress code. Worshipers at Bethlehem wear anything from jeans and tee shirts, to slacks and golf shirts, to suits and ties. Please wear whatever you feel is most comfortable for you in this setting.
 
 
 
What about the kids?
Nursery service is available on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Our nursery is located just past the Narthex (lobby). Children age 0 - 3 are welcome to stay for the entire service or "drop in" when needed. Pagers are available for easy contact if parents are needed.
 
 
Children of all ages are always welcome to attend worship at any time!
 
The children are invited forward during Sunday Services to hear a special message.
 
 
 
 
 

 
What about the offering?
 At our Saturday and Sunday morning services, offering plates will be passed around.  The offering is an opportunity for our regular members to actively respond to all God has given them by freely giving to support his church through the ministries at Bethlehem. We certainly do not expect or require visitors to put anything in the offering plate, though you are welcome to if you like.
 
Please fill out the form in a tan worship  notebook if you would like us to contact you with more information.
 
Will I be able to follow along with the service?
 
Basically, everything you need in order to follow the services on Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 am is in the bulletin. Hymns are found in the hymnals located in every pew. Everything you need for the Sunday at 11:00 am service is found on our screen.
 
 
 


 
 

Can I take Communion, and how does it work?

One of the hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry was table fellowship.  Jesus welcomed all people into the reign of God.  Jesus is host at the Communion table and still, all are welcome.  Also known as the “Eucharist,” (a word that means “Thanksgiving”) we give thanks to God over bread and wine, recalling God’s faithfulness , rejoicing in God’s promise, and asking the Spirit to enliven us for mission.  Christ reaches out to heal and touch us in sharing the bread and cup.  All are welcome.  If you prefer not to commune, you are welcome to come forward for a blessing. (Please fold your hands over your chest to indicate your desire for a blessing.)

If you choose to participate, your experience will be slightly different at each service.
 
On Saturday, you will walk up the aisle, toward the cross and make a semi-circle around the altar. The pastor will hand you a piece of bread and say "The body of Christ, given for you." The communion assistant will offer a chalice of  wine and say, "the blood of Christ, shed for you." Take the bread and dip it in the wine. After everyone has received, you will join hands as the pastor gives a blessing, then return to your seats.
At the Sunday at 8:30 am service, an usher will indicate when it is time to approach the altar. Join one of the two lines, and when you reach the front, the pastor will hand you a piece of bread and say "The body of Christ, given for you." Take the bread and dip it into a chalice. The communion assistant will  say, "the blood of Christ, shed for you." The first chalice contains wine, the second contains grape juice.
If you wish to drink from a common chalice, choose the left hand line and after the pastor gives you the bread, walk to the communion assistant by the wall on the left and receive the wine.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 At the Sunday 11:00 am service, approach the altar when you are ready, joining one of the two lines. The pastor will hand you a piece of bread and say "The body of Christ, given for you." The communion assistant will offer a chalice of non-alcoholic wine and say, "the blood of Christ, shed for you." Take the bread and dip it in the wine. If you wish to drink for a common chalice, choose the left hand line and after the pastor gives you the bread, walk to the communion assistant by the wall on the left and receive the wine.

If you wish to take communion but are unable to walk to the front of the church, just notify the usher, and the pastor will bring the bread and wine to you in the pew.