Thinking of visiting???Here are answers to some questions you might have. |
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What is a Lutheran? First and foremost, Lutherans are Christians. We profess that Jesus is God's son, made human to live among us. For the sake of a sinful world, Jesus was condemned to death on the cross, but death could not contain him and on Easter he rose as our living Lord. In his life and being, he broke through the prison of sinfulness and thus restored the relationship of love and trust that God intended to exist between Godself and God’s children. Lutherans hold to the basic principles of theology and practice espoused by Martin Luther way back in the 16th century:
Bethany is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or ELCA, connected with nearly five million other Lutherans across the United States and 66 million Lutherans around the world. The ELCA web site has more on what Lutherans believe. Where is Bethany? We're easy to find, near the center of Bainbridge Island at the corner of High School Road and Sportsman Club Road. Click here for directions from wherever you are, courtesy of Mapquest. When are your worship services? We worship Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. The 8:30 worship service follows the liturgy of the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship, which is both a guide to worship and a hymn book. The 10:00 worship service blends a wide variety of traditions while remaining true to Lutheran theology and practice. When you come, our ushers will provide you with a bulletin, which contains the order of service. If things get a little confusing, just ask the person next to you for help. Both worship services typically run for about an hour. Should I bring my children to worship? Do you have a nursery? We encourage you to bring your children to worship so they, too, can praise the Lord, offer their prayers, and learn Christian traditions. To help them and you make it through worship, "busy bags" are available near the entrance to the sanctuary with books, paper, and crayons. Just return the bags on your way out. We also understand that sometimes it just doesn't work to have your children in worship with you, and so we have nursery care available during each worship service for small children. The nursery is located downstairs in the main building. During the school year, Sunday School is also available during the 10 a.m. worship service. What about education? You'll find a variety of Christian education opportunities at different times of the week throughout the year. On Sunday mornings during the school year, Sunday School is available for youth from preschool through sixth grade. Visiting children are always welcome. Sunday School kicks off each week in the sanctuary with the 10:00 worship service. Children are dismissed to classrooms about 10 minutes into the service. Preschool and kindergarten children meet in the basement of the main building, and older children meet in the separate education building. Note there is no Sunday School on the first Sunday of each month, so that children can worship with their families. Also on Sunday mornings during the school year, adults are invited to Adult Forum at 10:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Topics vary from week to week. During the school year, our seventh and eighth graders meet for "Confirmation Plus"on Wednesday evenings, and our high school youth gather on Sunday evenings. Details on our youth programs are on our youth page. How should I dress? Some like to put on their Sunday best, while others go casual. You should come however you are most comfortable or your piety leads you. We'll just be glad to see you. Who can I talk to if I have other questions? Give us a call at (206) 842-4241 or drop an e-mail to the church office, Pastor Marty, or Pastor Andy. |
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© 2007 Bethany Lutheran Church :: All Rights Reserved. |
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