Worship
Worship at Bethany
Whether you've been attending church for years or are visiting for the first time, you'll find a warm welcome at Bethany. We gather each Sunday to worship God, encourage one another, and grow in faith together.
Planning your first visit? We'd love to welcome you.
Worship at a Glance
- Sundays at 10:00am
- Worship lasts about one hour
- Traditional worship in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
- Scripture, prayer, music, and Gathering at Christ's Table on most Sundays
- Relevant, biblical preaching
- Children are always welcome
- Sunday School for children during the school year
- Livestream available each Sunday
We'd Love to Welcome You
Whether you're exploring faith, returning to church after many years, or looking for a church to call home, there's a place for you at Bethany. We hope you'll join us this Sunday.
What to Expect
A Warm Welcome
You'll be greeted with a smile, but you'll never be singled out or asked to stand or introduce yourself. Come as you are and participate at your own comfort level.
Worship
Our worship blends meaningful Christian tradition with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Through Scripture, prayer, music, and Holy Communion, we seek God's presence and discover encouragement for everyday life.
The Sermon
Each week, Pastor Sandi shares a message rooted in Scripture that connects God's Word with the joys, questions, and challenges of everyday life.
Gathering at Christ's Table
On most Sundays, we gather at Christ's Table to receive God's grace and remember Christ's love for us. In the United Methodist tradition, Christ's table is open to all who seek to respond to God's love. Whether you've shared in Holy Communion many times or are experiencing it for the first time, you are welcome to come forward. Participation is always an invitation, never an obligation. Gluten-free bread and both individual and common cups are available.
Music
Congregational singing is an important part of worship at Bethany. Our Adult Choir and Bell Choir regularly lead us in worship, offering music that enriches our praise and draws us closer to God.
Children at Bethany
Children are an important part of our church family, and they are always welcome in worship.
Sunday School
During the school year, children in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to participate in Sunday School.
Before worship begins, parents escort their children to the Sunday School classroom on the lower level of the church. Caring, trained adult volunteers lead age-appropriate Bible lessons, activities, prayer, and conversation. Children return to the sanctuary in time to gather at Christ's Table with the congregation before rejoining their families for the remainder of the service.
When Sunday School Is Not Offered
When Sunday School is not meeting, children remain in worship with their families and are invited to come forward for the Children's Moment before returning to their seats.
Families with Young Children
A family-friendly area with rocking chairs and quiet toys is available at the back of the sanctuary on the pulpit side. Since we do not have a nursery, this space offers parents a comfortable place to care for babies and toddlers while continuing to participate in worship.
Activity bags are also available for older children.
We love the sounds of children in worship. Their voices remind us that faith is alive, growing, and shared across generations.
Helpful Information for Guests
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.
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.