For More Information Email Pastor Martin Woodier

This Month

Friends First

APPRENTICE VACANCY

Weekend Away 2008

Bethel means 'House of God' and is a great name for a Christian fellowship. It reminds us that, for all the fun and support we enjoy together, the main purpose of Bethel Church is to put God first. The church has always been itinerant since its founding in 1916. Currently meeting at The Whartons School , Otley at 10.30 am on Sunday mornings and at various times during the week at the Church Hall on Myers Croft (off Station Road), Otley and in houses throughout the town, Bethel is proof that a church is a group of people, not a building.

 Central to what we do is applying the Bible to the complexities and challenges of modern life. On Thursday evenings we have our 'Church Night' series meeting in member's homes. In this way we hope, as individuals, to improve the impact we have on people around us, including the community of Otley.

 We also look for ways to act in the community as a group. Last year, for example, we provided a children's activity and baby change tent at the Carnival and sang carols outside Waitrose supermarket. We also have a continuing role visiting the residents of Spring Gardens home, singing hymns with them every month. We consist of people of all ages and backgrounds, some firmly Otley born and bred, others newcomers who appreciate being a part of all that Otley has to offer.

 Children are central to the Church and as well as four Sunday groups, we also run Rainbow Bible Club for 5-7 year olds on Monday evenings,Tots and Toys (a toddlers' group) on Tuesday afternoons and Adventurers for 7-11 year olds on Wednesday evenings, when the Church Hall is alive to the sounds of fun, games and bible study. Our Pastor, Martin Woodier, takes fortnightly assemblies in three of our Primary Schools.

Members also find time to be involved in many other aspects of Otley life. Above all, however, we are people who celebrate the wonderful message of hope that is in Jesus Christ and this shared hope, despite our variety, keeps us together, as it has the church at Bethel for nearly a century.