Bethany’s Mission Statement
To help people grow in their relationship with God and others by knowing Christ, worshiping Christ, following Christ, and sharing Christ.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA)
Bethany is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), the largest denomination of Lutherans in America today. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.
Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the PROTESTANT Reformation
Lutherans and Christians around the world are celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. In 1517 the German monk, Martin Luther, nailed his “Ninety Five Theses” to the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral. Luther’s Theses resulted in debate about Christian teaching which led to changes that have shaped the course of Christianity. The Reformation offers to Christian communities everywhere a liberating way of listening to and speaking the Scriptures. The Reformation’s teaching that Christ’s life flows through faith into a life of service to others is especially liberating in our culture today.
Northeastern Ohio Synod of the ELCA (NEO Synod)
The Northeastern Ohio Synod strives to connect our members and congregations to tools and resources they can use in their own ministries. They seek to help our congregations sustain and grow their communities of faith and provide support wherever possible.