New? What to Expect
What to Expect at Worship
So you want to visit us for worship? Great! It is our hope that you will find at Bethany UMC a great experience of worship and welcomed into our community of faith.
When people visit a new church, many may be nervous because they do not know what to expect when they attend. We at Bethany want to make sure you are not anxious before worship and so we hope to share with you a little bit about what to expect.
Getting Here
We are located in the heart of downtown Purcellville, at 100 West Main St.
From Route 7 East or West toward Purcellville
- Take the exit for VA-287 / Purcellville.
- Turn south onto N 21st St (VA-287 South).
- Continue about 1 mile into downtown.
- Turn right onto Main Street.
- Destination will be on the right.
Parking
Parking at Bethany on a busy Sunday can sometimes be difficult. We do have handicap accessible parking on the roadside on Nursery Street and behind the church building as well. In addition, the parking lot to the rear of the church is open for anyone to use. If that parking lot is full and the streets are full, there is parking across the 20th Street. If that too is full, we invite you to use the street side parking or the parking lot just a block down 20th Street or Nursery Ave, at the Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink.
To enter the building, we have a handicap access in the front (facing Main Street) through the glass door, or you can enter through the main doors off Nursery Avenue.
Upon Entering
You will be welcomed by a member of our congregation. The seating in the sanctuary is wooden pews. Our worship is traditional in the sense that we follow the basic pattern of worship for a United Methodist Church. That four-fold pattern is Gathering, Proclamation and Response, Thanksgiving and Communion, and Sending Forth. If you have your smart phone handy, you can scan the QR code on your way in, or on the pew hanging before you to receive a link to our bulletin. If you do not have a smart phone, no worries, as all of our liturgy and music is provided on the screen in the front.
Music
The congregation songs are accompanied by piano or pipe-organ. The Chancel Choir sings at most services and the bell choir plays at times throughout the month.
Communion
We do participate weekly in Holy Communion. All are welcome who are in person to receive of Holy Communion as we understand that Christ is the host of the table and it is a means of grace for which God has invited everyone to partake. If you are not baptized and are receiving Holy Communion, we encourage you to reach out to the Pastor about how to become a member of Bethany and be baptized.
Clothing
There is no dress code for Bethany and we invite you to come as you are. Some people some come in their suits and ties, while others come in their jeans and t-shirts. It is not about what we wear, but about the heart that we come with to worship the Lord. And so, we invite you to come however you feel comfortable to worship.
About the Sermon
You will hear scripture read and a sermon based upon that scripture. The sermon is normally about 15-20 minutes long. Worship normally lasts about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes.
Joining Us Online
We livestream our service on Facebook and record it and post to YouTube.
If you are worshipping online and wish to have Communion, please contact our office throughout the week and we will extend the table to you after worship.
The Feel of Worship
- Time & Length. 10am in person and online, until 11/11:15am.
- Casual & Traditional. A relaxed, welcoming service rooted in meaningful Christian tradition.
- Relevant Sermon. Most services include a sermon that connects God’s Word with everyday life.
- Communion Every Sunday. Open to all who wish to participate, never required. We offer gluten-free bread, individual cups, and communal bread and cup.
- All Ages Welcome. Children are always welcome in the sanctuary, with Sunday School available during worship.
- Music That Brings Us Together. Congregational singing, with music often shared by our choir and bell choir.
- Occasional Special Services. Intergenerational services that invite all ages to reflect on faith and life centered on Jesus.
Kids & Babies
Children are always welcome in worship at Bethany. Families may choose what works best for them, whether that means staying together in the sanctuary or participating in Sunday School.
- Sunday School Option. Children K-5 may go downstairs for Sunday School with at least two trained adults. They are brought back to the sanctuary in time to participate in Holy Communion with the congregation.
- Stay Together in Worship. If you prefer to keep your children with you during worship, you are more than welcome to do so.
- Family-Friendly Space. At the back of the sanctuary (on the pulpit side), you’ll find an area with rocking chairs and quiet toys. As we do not have a nursery, this is ideal for parents of babies and young children. You will be able to hear the service from this space, while also occupying the little ones.
- Activity Bags. Children’s activity bags are available for older children.
- Children Belong Here. We love the sounds of children in worship. Their voices remind us that faith is living, growing, and shared across generations.
