Bethlehem United Methodist Church

Visitors

Quick answers to your biggest questions!

  • Where and when are the church's services?

    Bethlehem’s services are in our sanctuary in Thornton, PA, just south of West Chester.
    We have 3 services every Sunday morning: A traditional service at 8:00am, and two identical contemporary services at 9:30 and 11:00 am.

  • What should I wear?

    Feel free to wear whatever clothes make you feel most comfortable.
    We care more that you’re here, than what you wear.

  • How long are your services?

    About one hour and fifteen minutes

  • What are your services like?

    Bethlehem’s services focus mostly on worship and preaching. We’ll share some announcements during the morning, express our hearts to God through music, and hear a teaching about God’s word.

    The 8:00 am service is a traditional Methodist service for those who connect to God through hymns and liturgy. The music at the 9:30 and 11:00 services is contemporary. The sermon in all 3 services is identical.

    If you need personal prayer, our altar is always available after any service. Prayer counselors are there if you’d like to pray with someone, or you can pray on your own.

    Both before and after the service, our fellowship hall is open to talk more with people you’ve met and grab a cup of coffee.

  • Will I have to say anything, sign anything, or be singled out?

    Rest assured that you won't be put on the spot, singled-out, or embarrassed. Though we do receive an offering, we don't want anyone to feel obligated to give. We do like to collect some basic information from people in our guest registry, but if you'd prefer not to, that's all right with us.

  • What about my kids?

    A staffed nursery is available during the 9:30 and 11:00 services.

    Superchurch, an exciting service for kids, is offered during the 11:00 service. Children, from Pre-K to 5th grade, attend the 11:00 service and are dismissed after enjoying worship time through song with their parents.

    Parents are always welcome to attend and observe any of our children’s ministries.

  • What about Religious Education?

    Sunday School classes are offered for all ages (Pre-K through adult), during the 9:30 service. More information is available on the Children's Ministry page.

    Adult Sunday school classes (sometimes offered duing the 11:00 service) offer in-depth exploration of Biblical truths and contemporary issues that affect your life. Check the News Section for current offerings.

    Awana is offered Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 PM for K-5th graders during the school year. The program is an international, Bible-centered children’s and youth ministry for children. More information is available on the Children's Ministry page.

  • What kind of church are you?

    Bethlehem is a United Methodist Church. We have roots going back over 150 years in the Methodist heritage, and hold it as an important element of our history.
    Bethlehem is a community church.

    While people from all over the suburban Philadelphia area join us, our primary ministry is to our neighbors in Thornton and the West Chester area.

    Bethlehem is a Purpose Driven church.
    In 2004, we took part in the “40 Days of Purpose” campaign based on Rick Warren’s best-selling book “The Purpose Driven Life.” We believe that God has called us to live on purpose, with purpose, and we have organized our ministries around this model.

    Most importantly, Bethlehem is a safe place for people who are looking for answers to their spiritual questions. It's also a place where those who have decided to follow Jesus Christ can learn and be encouraged in their spiritual growth.

  • Why Purpose-Driven? Isn’t that just a fad?

    Rick Warren’s book has certainly received major popularity since it was published. When something like that sweeps through the church (let-alone the country!) so quickly, it’s often met with criticism and skepticism. And this is worth exploring, to make sure we’re not just being swept up in the hype.

    At Bethlehem Church, it’s not about the hype of “Purpose Driven,” but the basic premise of trying to be a healthy church. Healthy churches, like healthy people, are balanced. They take care of themselves in a few core areas. And when those core areas are doing well, they grow.

    The Purpose-Driven model has identified five core areas, named them, and set them up as benchmarks against which a church (or ministry, or person) can check themselves to see if they’re healthy.

    The five purposes aren’t new. They’re based on Christ’s Great Commandment and Great Commission. (Matthew 22:37-40 and Matthew 28:19-20)
    Worship – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart”
    Ministry – “Love your neighbor as yourself”
    Evangelism – “Go and make disciples of all nations”
    Discipleship – “Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”
    Fellowship – “Be baptized”
    By evaluating what we do based on these purposes, we strive to create a safe, healthy environment where God’s spirit is active, alive and makes a difference in the lives of people.