The people of Bethel love to get together and celebrate what God has done in their lives and they are glad you are here to share your own experience of God's goodness with them.  So don't freak out if a stranger comes to you and offers to shake your hand.  We want you to know that we are happy you chose to celebrate with us.  Don't be bashful; just throw your hand out there and give a firm squeeze and a shake.

Scripture tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people.  We are admonished in Scripture to clap, sing, dance and give praise to God for all He has done.  That is why we set a time in each service for us to sing songs of thanksgiving and adoration to God.  Listen quietly or actively participate as our band leads the congregation in a contemporary style of worship.  If there is a song you don't know, that's okay.  The words are provided and besides we didn't know the song at first either!  So just jump in and give it your best shot.

 

You might see people standing or sitting, kneeling or bowing, clapping or lifting their hands in the air, even jumping or dancing.  You might hear people singing, some well and others.....not so well.  The point is, we don't really care how well you sing, just enjoy singing to the Lord Jesus Christ.  You also might hear people shouting or crying.  Every service is a little different, but these are some things you might expect.

Pastor Keith will give you a practical teaching from the Bible that will challenge you, as well as equip you to lead a successful Christian life.  You can just sit and listen or follow along with the sermon notes provided in the bulletin.

 

This is a time to worship God by investing in changed lives through giving of the Lord's tithe and our offerings.  If you are a first time guest, don't feel obligated to give; just let the plate pass on by.  We do ask that if you are visiting for the first time that you would fill out a "Communication Card."  It is a white card that is provided in the back of the pew in front of you.  Simply fill it out and place it in the offering plate as it passes by.

At the end of the service we sometimes close with a song; other times we close by spending time at the altar praying.  Either way this is a time of introspection where we allow everything that we have experienced to sink in and allow it to change us.  If we are challenged to respond in a certain way, an opportunity is also given.  No matter how we close, if you would like special prayer, simply approach the pastor, an usher or even the person sitting next to you.  They will be more than happy to pray with you.