Welcome to Bethesda United Church of Christ

We welcome all without exception as we worship God together, journey in the spirit, and share our gifts with each other, our neighbors, and the world.

Making Your Lenten Journey with Bethesda United Church of Christ

“But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.”  — 2 Corinthians 4:7

Each of us is created a precious vessel of God’s love. Each of us has experienced hurt in some way, bringing a sense of brokenness. To move toward healing is to offer the gift of life and wholeness (or wholi-ness), not only for ourselves but also for others as we come to see each person as a Holy Vessel and as we come to desire that wholeness for all of creation.

Please join us for the following activities and worship during the weeks of Lent and Easter:

Ash Wednesday, February 26, 10-12 noon; “Ashes to Go,” Join Rev. Dee and others as we distribute ashes at Grosvenor Metro Station.  We will be distributing ashes and greeting people as they walk to and from the Metro Station.  All are welcome to stand and greet with Rev. Dee.

Ash Wednesday, February 26, 7:00 pm;  Service of Ashes and Communion in the Sanctuary. Begin your journey with this reflective and prayerful service. Our theme is “Shattered.” Both communion and the imposition of ashes will be available. Invite a friend!

March 1  First Sunday of Lent/ Communion; Worship 10:30 a.m Theme: “Treasure”; Our Lenten Study will begin this day after church from 12 to 1 pm. Surrendering to Pain – “Infinitely Trustworthy” film with James Finely.  Parlor; Rev. Dee leading.

March 8   International Women’s Day (Daylight Savings) 2^nd Sunday in Lent; Worship 10:30 a.m. Theme: “Safekeeping”; Lenten Study continues after church from 12-1 pm: Giving Voice to Pain – “Pain and Marching” film with Peter Block and Walter Brueggemann.

March 12 (Thursday)  Labyrinth walk in BUCC Sanctuary, 6-9 pm.  Unplug and join us for quiet music and reflection as you walk our indoor labyrinth.  Labyrinth walking is a meditative and restorative experience.  All are welcome.

March 14 BUCC Women’s  Spirituality Group – Pastoral Counseling Office – 10 -12 noon.  Led by Jean Thompson.  Our purpose is to grow, to integrate our spiritual being with the rest of our lives, to explore and learn, and to become more fully the persons God longs for us to be.

March 15  Third Sunday in Lent; Worship 10:30 a.m. Theme: “Stories” Our Lenten Study continues after church from 12-1 pm: Unmasking the Scapegoat – “Subversion from Within” film with James Alison

March 22  Fourth Sunday of Lent, World Water Day, Worship 10:30 a.m. One Great Hour of Sharing offering, Theme: “Different Pictures,” Our Lenten Study continues after church from 12-1 pm: Forming a Community out of Woundedness – “What is Darkness?” film with David Ford

March 29  Fifth Sunday of Lent, Worship 10:30 a.m.; Theme: “Restoration”; Lenten Study continues after church from 12-1 pm: The Possibility of Wounds – “Pain to Possibility” film with Marlon Hall

April 4  (Saturday) Folding Palms into Crosses, Inter-generational Activity, 10-12 noon; We meet in the Fellowship Hall to fold palms into crosses for Palm Sunday service.  Join us for this fun activity!  No experience necessary; easy to learn!  All hands and ages welcome.  J

April 5  Palm/Passion Sunday/ Sixth Sunday of Lent/ Communion; Worship 10:30 a.m. Theme: “Holy, Holy, Holy”; Palms will be distributed this day. Celebrate the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. Lenten Study concludes after church from 12-1 pm: Sitting with the Wounded – “Healing Justice” film Faith Matters Network’s Jennifer Bailey, Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, and Micky ScottBey Jones
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April 9 Maundy Thursday Evening Service in Sanctuary, 7 PM. Please join us for this special service as we “move” thru the last days of Jesus’ life. Our worship includes beautiful music, foot washing (or handwashing), communion, candlelight, readings, and service of Tenebrae.

April 10 Good Friday—Labyrinth and Prayer Stations; 1-8 pm, The BUCC Indoor Labyrinth will be set up this day beginning at 1 pm for any and all who wish to walk it in the sanctuary. Several “stations” will also be created for your devotional reflection. We also seek volunteers to keep “vigil” at the labyrinth from 1-8 pm.

April 11 Holy Saturday; We invite you to share a meditative experience by yourself or with family members by visiting a local park or sharing reflective time together.

April 12 Easter Sunday; Worship 10:30 a.m. Come celebrate Christ’s Resurrection with a festive and joyful celebration featuring special music and seasonal songs, readings, and a message of hope for these times.

April 19 First Sunday after Easter and Earth Day Observance; Worship 10:30 a.m. Guest Preacher TBA; Stay tuned!

April 26 Holy Humor/Bright Sunday; 10:30 a.m.  We will explore a joyful theme in worship, scripture, and music.

We Are Open and Affirming!  

As disciples of Jesus, we seek to embody Christ’s extravagant love, and share this love with everyone regardless of race, gender identity, income, age, orientation, or disability. Our building is wheelchair accessible, we provide assisted listening devices, and produce large-print bulletins for our members and guests with diminished vision. We fly a rainbow flag near our doors to boldly attract the attention of passers-by who see that a Christian church is declaring its welcome to LGBT persons.

We are proud of our history on the forefront of progressive change whether it be marching on the Mall with Martin Luther King, Jr., making a commitment to reduce homelessness and hunger around us, or becoming an Open and Affirming church.