Bethany’s 150 years worship and service in the local community was marked by a number of displays in the Church. There was everything from the special International Aid Shoebox Appeal Christmas tree that is adorned with items that go into shoeboxes to be distributed throughout the year to photographs from years gone by of Sunday School anniversaries and Church outings and days gone by to the building of the Activity Suite and photographs of the old Sunday School itself.
The Baptistry was dressed and opened and was of great interest especially to the 100 plus local schoolchildren who visited on Friday morning. All exceptionally well behaved, inquisitive and with lots of questions for the Church members who were there to meet everyone who attended and offer them light refreshments.
There were displays on how the congregation celebrated Christmas, Easter and Harvestime.
Doing God’s work and helping those less fortunate in times of need has always been central to the fellowship at Bethany. This could be seen by the information displayed by the many charities that are supported locally, nationally and internationally. Included were Leprosy Mission, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Spurgeons, Open Doors, BMS, International Aid Trust and the Local Foodbank to name just a few. Over 20 charities supported annually with prayer and financial help.
Sunday Service was very special, the Church was full and worship was lead by Reverend David Sutcliffe who completed his ministry training and was ordained at Bethany in 2009. Regional Heart of England Baptist Minister David Ellis and Bethany Moderator welcomed the congregation and looked forward to Bethany growing and continuing to do God’s work by supporting the local community and world at large.