Welcome!
We're glad you found your way here. We know you may have questions as you think about visiting us. There are answers to some common questions below. If you've got something else you want to know, please feel free to call us (253-752-1123) or email (pastor.wiles@gmail.com or bethany@thewiredcity.net).
Where are you?
We're at 4420 North 41st Street, between Stevens and Verde, in the north end of Tacoma. There's lots of parking available in the neighborhood. If you come in the main doors on 41st Street, the sanctuary is right in front of you.
What time is worship?
Sundays at 10:30am. It's okay to come in late. Worship usually lasts about an hour.
What is worship like at Bethany?
Worship at Bethany is fun, reverent, joyful, and friendly. We laugh a lot. We love music: bluegrass, old hymns, world music, praise songs, and everything in between. We pray for each other and for our world. We spend some time in silence each week. We leave refreshed and ready to love and serve our neighbors.
Will there be other people there like me?
Yes! Or, at least, probably. We're a pretty eclectic bunch. There are young people and folks with more experience; there are people who are single, married, divorced, and widowed; there are all sorts of different families; there are republicans and democrats; there are gay people and straight people; there are folks who've been in the church all of their lives and folks who've rarely darkened a church door. Whoever you are, wherever you are in your life, you're welcome at Bethany.
What do my kids do during worship?
We love kids here at Bethany. Our worship seeks to be inter-generational, meaning kids are completely welcome and considered part of worship--even if they can't sit quietly! For our youngest children, we provide child care throughout the service. Older kids join us in worship.
And other questions you might be embarrassed to ask...
Do I need to dress up? Some folks at Bethany do like to dress up. The ritual of putting on nicer clothes can be a part of spiritual preparation for worship. Lots of people at Bethany don't dress up, reflecting God's love that accepts us just as we are. Whether you wear jeans or a suit, you are welcome, and chances are someone else will have dressed like you.
What if I don't know what to do? We use a bulletin in worship that outlines all of the parts of the service. It's just like following a concert program. It has notes about what we're doing and why.
Will I be asked to give money? We do take an offering every week, reflecting our belief that all we have is a gift and part of a healthy spiritual life is to practice gratitude. As a visitor, though, there is no expectation that you give. We're just glad you're here.