Bethany UMC is involved in a variety of ministries within the church and the larger community.

Enfold Bethany United Methodist Church in San Francisco has published Enfold, a collection of essays written by the congregation about their experiences in becoming a Reconciling Congregation within the United Methodist Church. Reconciling Congregations welcome all regardless of their sexual identity. Written from the heart, Enfold has touched many and has helped to open doors long closed. Enfold is available for a suggested donation of $10 (to offset publication costs) and is available from the Church office.

Families and Children In addition to offering weekly Children's Time during Sunday worship services, Bethany is home to many family and children oriented events. We have winter and labor day weekend retreats, family game nights, halloween parties, Easter egg hunts, Christmas activities and day trips around the Bay Area. Childcare is also provided during worship and other congregational activities and meetings.

Music Bethany offers a great diversity of music during each worship service with a dynamic group of vocalists and instrumentalists. The sanctuary choir participates in worship each Sunday, except for a short break during the summer. We always have an extra folder of music and an empty chair at our rehearsals. Whether you have been a member of the congregation for some time or you are considering your first visit, if you enjoy worshipping through music and the arts, we encourage you to let us know of your interest and we will get you involved. In our choir, playing handbells, or as an instrumentalist, there is a place for you in the music ministry! Please don't be shy; consider sharing the gifts God has given you in the near future. Contact our Music Director for more information.

Sanctuary Choir The Sanctuary Choir meets for rehearsal on Sunday, 9:30 A.M. at Bethany Center.

Bell Appeal The Handbell Choir began in 1996 and performs monthly in worship throughout the church year. It is also gaining recognition in the larger San Francisco community, performing several times a year with the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. The handbell choir rehearses in the Music Room on Thursday evenings at 7:15. New Members are always welcome.

Concerts Bethany is often the site of concerts and recitals. It is the concert home of the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band which offers free community concerts every other month. We also host the weekly rehearsal of Na Leo Nahe Nahe, San Francisco's premier Hawaiian language chorus and have guest instrumentalists in worship including Brass Quintets, The Dixieland Dykes and our own Worship Band. We have also hosted concerts by the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance Men's Chorus and many other community groups.

Social Justice and Outreach Bethany UMC is proud to be a Reconciling Congregation. As a reconciling congregation (RC), we are part of a movement of United Methodist churches, campus ministries, boards and agencies that are openly welcoming of all persons, regardless of sexual orientation. The Reconciling Congregation Program (which can be reached at 773-736-5526) began in 1984, and Bethany is one of the first churches to declare itself an RC. Our Prophetic Witness committee focuses on keeping Bethany in a leadership role for reconciling ministries. Activities include advocacy at the Annual and General Conferences, continuing leadership on supporting gay marriage, teaching others about how to create a reconciling ministry, and reclaiming our vision of what it means to be a United Methodist.

Homeless Bethany's Social Action committee focuses on people in our community who are economically disadvantaged. Activities include providing warm clothing and socks, meals for homeless people, re-launching the Share food distribution program, Thanksgiving meals, and Christmas gift sharing. Bethany is also involved with the city of San Francisco's Religious Witness for the Homeless Program.

Liturgical Art Several times throughout the year our Sanctuary is transformed by the use of liturgical art. Flowers, banners, installation art commissioned by local artists and congregation members combine to enhance the corporate worship of the community.   Back to top