1593 Warpath Drive - Kingsport, TN 37664
Office Phone: (423) 246-2216
e-mail address: bethelpc@embarqmail.com
www.bethel-kingsport.org
WELCOME!
On behalf of Bethel Presbyterian Church, I would like to welcome you to our web page. We're glad you found us!
Your presence at this site means that you are searching. Perhaps you have just moved to the Tri-Cities area and are searching for a church home. Or you are a Bethel member in search of the time for next week's potluck dinner. Or maybe you are simply searching for something deeper, lasting, and more substantial in your life. We believe you will find that in a relationship with Jesus Christ at Bethel Presbyterian Church.
What an exciting time to be a part of Bethel as we move forwards with our Revitalization and Renewal efforts to become a Purpose Driven Church. The great strength in the purpose-driven ministry is its simplicity. We believe that Bethel exists in order that: folks in the community find spiritual fellowship as members of the church, members discover power by being committed to the habits of discipleship, committed disciples explore their own calling and become ministers, ministers find that God sends them out in mission to the community. At the center of it all is the worship of God.
This is our simple yet profound strategy by which Bethel serves as God's catalyst for spiritual growth into maturity.
With our Leadership organization divided into 5 Ministry Teams representing the 5 Great Ends of the Church--Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry(service), and Missions(evangelism), there is certainly a place for everyone to participate. We are excited that Bethel is making this renewal transition and we invite you to be a part of it.
I hope you will take a few minutes to browse this site and check out all the exciting undertakings of this congregation as we gather to do the Lord's work. We invite you to join us on Sundays for Sunday School and worship as well as on Wednesdays for Bible Study and experience the excitement for yourself. We'll look forward to seeing you.
In His Name,
Gary Bement Pastor
OUR PURPOSE:
As believers under Christ's authority, our purpose is to worship and glorify the Holy, Almighty God. We desire to bring people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and enable them to grow in spiritual faith. In the power of the Holy Spirit, we will serve the family, the church, and the community for the building of God's Kingdom.
We are called: to bring people to Christ, to build people up in Christ, and to send people out for Christ.
***For your convenience we have parking beside the church (on the sanctuary side) and over-flow parking across the street from the front of the church.***
Location of Bethel Presbyterian Church in eastern Kingsport
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HISTORY
Bethel Church was started as a chapel under the sponsorship of First Presbyterian Church and the leadership of Dr. William McCorkle, Pastor; and the Rev. Russell Buffaloe, Chapel Pastor. The first service was held in the church building on September 3, 1939. On March 22, 1942, Bethel was organized as a church with 102 charter members, and Mr. Buffaloe was officially called as its first Pastor. Rev. Marvin K. Comphor was called to be the Pastor and began his work on October 4, 1943. The first building consisted of a sanctuary and four classrooms.
The church made steady, rapid growth from its beginning. On September 10, 1952, a ground breaking ceremony was held to begin the construction of a new sanctuary. On June 7, 1953, the first service was held in the new building; and on July 19, the sanctuary was dedicated. Our Educational Unit was built in 1958, including a fellowship hall, kitchen, church offices, and 15 classrooms.
The following pastors also served Bethel: Rev. Richard Keeton, 1961-1968; Rev. Myron Moore, 1969-71; Rev. Charles Sydnor, Jr., 1974-84; Rev. Martin Stokes, JR., 1986-1996; Rev. Gary Bement, 1999 - present. Ms. Julia Wiley served as Director of Christian Education from July 1990 ? July 1995. Bethel has been blessed with outstanding pastors, educators, musicians, and leaders.
Thankful for our rich heritage and grateful to those who have served before us, we strive now to be faithful and obedient servants of Jesus Christ in our own time and welcome all who wish to become a part of this servant community.
WHO ARE PRESBYTERIANS?
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The Presbyterian denomination is a form of Christianity democratically organized to embrace the faith common to all Christians.
Presbyterians recognize two sacraments:
Baptism unites us with Jesus Christ and makes us members of God's family, the Church. Baptism is an initiation into the church community, as ordered by Christ; is a public confession; does not guarantee access to heaven - unbaptized people are not denied salvation; can be performed in another church.
Communion is a time to renew faith and strengthen participants for the duties and privileges of Christian service. In Communion, the bread and wine represent the sacrificial body and blood of Christ and recall the last meal shared with the Apostles. Together they symbolize the New Covenant between God and all people.
The basic beliefs of Presbyterians are expressed in the Apostles' Creed and elaborated in our confessional documents throughout history:
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
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