Why worship at Bethesda United Church of Christ?
At Bethesda United Church of Christ (BUCC), worship is a time to belong, grow, and reconnect—with God, with one another, and with the deeper meaning in our lives. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, BUCC offers space for reflection, renewal, and a deeper sense of purpose.
We are an inclusive, progressive Christian community in Bethesda, rooted in faith, curiosity, and a shared commitment to justice and compassion. As an LGBTQ+ affirming church, we welcome people of all backgrounds and life experiences. Through scripture, music, prayer, and thoughtful preaching, we explore faith in ways that are honest, meaningful, and relevant for today’s world.
Our faith extends beyond Sunday worship. We are committed to caring for our neighbors through community service, including providing meals, supporting families through a Christmas toy drive, and organizing a school supply drive for local students.
Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here—and invited to grow, connect, and make a difference alongside us.
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.
HOPE IS HERE
Our Fall Worship and Program Series
From October 1 through November 15, you are invited to join our exploration of hope as a powerful force that enlivens us to love and justice for all. In times of political turmoil, war, climate change and social injustice, hope can feel like a rarity and despair might seep into our lives.
Inspired by
Rev. Dr. Luther E. Smith Jr.’s book “Hope is Here,” we will
seek ways to counter feelings of hopelessness together
by
🪶 Learning what hope is and what it is not
🪶 Practicing spiritual disciplines of hope
🪶 Gathering for special programming based on the hope theme
While you can read the book, it is not required. This series is not another book club but instead think of it as a
spiritual gym
– a place where you
practice in community and in concrete ways what it means to embody hope. 🏋🏽♂️
For more info on the series, including different themes and events, download our Hope is Here Guide here.
🍂
BUCC FALL FESTIVAL - OCT, 24, 3-6PM 🍂
Join us for a day of community, celebration, and fall fun! Bethesda UCC invites neighbors, families, and friends to our annual Fall Festival - with lots of planned activities, including:
🎃 Pumpkin decorating contest & prizes (all supplies provided)
👗 Costume contest & prizes (family-friendly costumes ONLY)
☕ Fall-themed Food and drinks
⚽ Yard Games (incl. Cornhole, soccer, and football)
🧟♀️ Halloween themed temporary tattoos, necklaces, and bracelets
🔥 Firepit and great company!
We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Please register here if you plan to attend our fall festival:
https://tinyurl.com/BUCCfall
Talk with Dana Hedgpeth:
Indian Boarding Schools and the Fight for Justice
Dana Hedgpeth, a journalist for
The Washington Post and enrolled member of North Carolina’s Haliwa-Saponi Tribe, will present
“Remembering Atrocities and Finding Hope: The History of Indian Boarding Schools and the Fight for Indigenous Justice”
at Bethesda United Church of Christ
on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 12:30 pm.
She will discuss her series on Indian Boarding Schools, which received six major awards as well as a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize. Her reporting found that the Department of Interior had ignored sexual abuse of the children as well as vastly underreported the number of deaths that occurred at these schools. Children were forced to cede their culture: their language, their tribal associations, families, native dress, and so much more. That was only the beginning of the atrocities.
How then can you find hope? Join us for her powerful presentation. Her talk will be followed by a moderated Q&A and a small reception.
A Zoom option is offered to all BUCC members and those who
register here:
https://tinyurl.com/BUCC-NOV8
You can check Dana Hedgpeth's Bio here
and a list of her articles here!
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.
VERSE OF THE WEEK
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
PHILIPPIANS 4:13
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