Why worship at Bethesda United Church of Christ?
At Bethesda United Church of Christ (BUCC), worship is a time to reconnect—with God, with community, and with the deeper meaning in our lives. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, BUCC is a place to pause, breathe, and find peace, hope, and renewal.
We are a progressive and welcoming church with people from all backgrounds. Through scripture, music, prayer, and thoughtful preaching, we explore faith in ways that are meaningful for today’s world.
Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
Sunday Worship Time: 10:30 am - 11:50 am
in person at 10010 Fernwood Road, Bethesda, MD or
Join virtually here. Fellowship follows worship services.
🌿 Palm Sunday Service 🌿
Sunday, March 29 | 10:30 am
Sanctuary at Bethesda United Church of Christ
Join us for the final part of our Lenten Wilderness Journey: The Arrival in Jerusalem. Through prayer, parades, and palms, we celebrate alongside Jesus and the disciples in a moment of joy—while also turning toward the pain and suffering of Holy Week.
Reflecting on our final wilderness themes, Triumph and Failure, we’ll explore how closely these experiences are intertwined—both in Jesus’ life and in our own.
All are welcome as we journey together into this sacred week.
✂️ Palm Folding Workshop ✂️
Saturday, March 28 | 10:00–11:00 am
Parlor at Bethesda United Church of Christ
Join us for a morning of crafts, community, and contemplation! We’ll fold freshly delivered palm leaves into palm crosses, a reminder of how close triumph and defeat—Palm Sunday and Good Friday—truly are.
The crosses we make will be handed out at the Palm Sunday service the next day. No experience is needed—we’ll teach you how to fold the palms into crosses!
Bring your creativity and curiosity, and leave with a meaningful keepsake. 🌿
Lent Bible Study - Wilderness Journeys
This Lent at BUCC, we invite you to journey with us through the theme “Wilderness Journeys.” Together, we’ll explore how times of wilderness in scripture speak to our own seasons of growth, challenge, and transformation.
Our Lenten experience includes: a personal devotional, an accompanying weekly Bible Study, and liturgy tailored to each Sunday’s theme
our church
Bethesda United
Church of Christ
BUCC is a vibrant, progressive United Church of Christ community rooted in love, justice, and joyful worship. We celebrate diversity, welcome LGBTQ+ neighbors, and work together to make a difference — in our church and beyond. Come as you are.
Visiting the Church
From the moment you walk through our doors, we hope that you feel God’s welcome from the people of Bethesda United Church of Christ. We are glad you found us and we warmly welcome you to worship with us. Whether you visit us on occasion, attend regularly, or formally make BUCC your church home by joining as a member, we hope that you will take advantage of the many opportunities to share in fellowship, serve our community, and grow in your spiritual journey.
Membership
If you are new to our church and would like to explore membership, the Welcome Team hosts Inquirers’ Gatherings several times a year as needed. This is an informal gathering for anyone who has questions about our congregation, the United Church of Christ, or even what it means to be a member of a church. It is an opportunity for us to get to know you better as well as for you to meet other newcomers to BUCC.
For those who choose to become members of BUCC, we have a brief welcoming ceremony during Sunday worship. After that, we like to introduce you to one other person in the congregation who will act as a “mentor” so that you may better get to know your new church.
Worship
Our community gathers for worship in the sanctuary each Sunday morning. Our time together is filled with music, prayers, regular communion, and a message or sermon.
Communion
On the first Sunday of the month, we celebrate communion as part of the worship service and remember Jesus’ last supper with the disciples. We welcome everyone who would like to receive communion.
Community
Community doesn’t end when the service does. Stay for snacks and conversation after worship, then find your people through book clubs, LGBTQ+ gatherings, and hands-on outreach — from Thanksgiving meals to mitten, school supply, and toy drives. We grow in faith by showing up for one another.
VERSE OF THE WEEK
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
PHILIPPIANS 4:13
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