Welcome

The Bethel community is located in the rural outskirts of Claremont, North Carolina, where it has proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ in words and with its deeds since 1870. We are a congregation of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod that is founded on the Bible as God's holy, inspired and inerrant Word. At Bethel, you will find: +  Bible centered, Jesus-focused preaching and teaching  +  a community in love with Jesus with a love for one another  +  a welcoming community all about serving God by serving others  +  a historic church passionate about being relevant in the 21st Century. 

What to Expect

Bethel is a community of imperfect people loving imperfect people. We welcome all people, just as God welcomes each of us. We celebrate all the unique gifts that God has given each of us!

COVID-19 precautions. As of June 1, 2021, Bethel will align our guidelines to those of the Centers for Disease Control and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services:

• Masks and face coverings will be optional for those who are fully vaccinated, and strongly encouraged for those who have not been vaccinated. 
• Social distancing markers will be removed. 
• Since the risk of surface transmission of COVID-19 is low, the usher teams will be restarted, and the Offertory will be added back to the worship service. Also, enhanced surface cleaning between services will be discontinued.
• Hymnals and Bibles will return to the pews.
• Communion will continue to be offered in a continuous sytle for the next few months. If you desire, you may spend time at the altar rail after reciving communion from the pastors.

Worship services are each Sunday at 8am and 10:30am. We celebrate the Lord's Supper on 1st and 3rd Sundays. On 1st Sundays there is an additional worship opportunity at 12pm that is an "all mask all the time" service. If you are a first-time visitor, please speak with the pastor or vicar before receiving communion.

Style of our worship services vary. On first Sundays you can expect a traditional Divine Service from our Lutheran Service Book. On third Sundays we have a contemporary Divine Service led by our Praise Team. On the other Sundays, our worship is blended, but predominatly contemporary at 8am and traditional at 10:30am. You won't find any hymnals or Bibles in the pews right now, due to COVID-19. You are highly encouraged to bring your own Bible each week. We have screens in our sanctuary that we use to project our hymns, songs, and responsive readings.

Offering plates are available in the narthex. As COVID-19 continues to be a reality in our area, we have removed passing the plate as part of the worship service. You are welcome to use these as you desire.