250 years isn't old; it's 'experienced'!

There aren't a lot of things that have been around for 250 years and that have withstood the test of time.  The United States hasn't even been in existence for that long, but here in Bethany, a little white church on a hill has been serving the community since 1762.

The church has gone through its ups and downs, as membership and the town population rose and then fell in the early 1900s.  In recent years, reports claim that churches throughout the country have struggled as overall church membership is down.  But despite those challenges, First Church of Christ Congregational on Amity Road in Bethany has been continuing to focus on how it can remain relevent and invested in the community needs. 

The church and its members collect weekly food donations for FISH and other local foodbanks, gather fuel assistance support for Bethany Human services to distribute, and provide storm support during the recent hurricane.  There are weekly youth groups and Sunday school programming to support the spiritual growth and development of our young people.  We started a community garden and are focusing on 'greening' our worship. We provide ministry and compassionate outreach to those in need, whether it be to a family member in hospice, or to the whole community, when we gathered together to heal at the town vigil for victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

In all that we do, this year is a time to celebrate our milestone birthday, with our community.  We have a series of events scheduled over the next year to commemorate our 250th anniversary as well as continue to provide the church with the support and enthusiasm to carry on the good works for the next 250 years.

We invite the entire community to share in our joy.  Our first event will be a blend of new and old.  On May 3rd and 4th, we will have the Heritage and Hope Quilt Show at the church, on 511 Amity Rd. in Bethany.  It is an event to display some beautiful historical quilts, as well as some gorgeous newly made ones. - Here is the link to the Patch event listing.  

Please stay tuned to hear more about our upcoming events and how everyone can help us make the next 250 years even more wonderful.