About Bethel Congregational Church UCC
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No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. Jesus didn't turn away people, neither do we.
In 2012, we celebrated 127 years in downtown Ontario, and rededicated our 100-year-old building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an all-Beethoven Concert by the Southland Symphony Orchestra. Now, in 2021 - we celebrate 136 years of ministry!
We are a progressive church open to new ideas. If you have been looking for a church and have not found the perfect one, come help us turn Bethel into that church you have been looking for.
We are united by our radical welcome, not any tests of faith.
We are an "Open and Affirming" congregation of the United Church of Christ. Our Open and Affirming Statement is :
"We declare ourselves to be open and affirming. With God's grace, we seek to be a congregation that includes all persons, embracing differences of sexual orientation, gender, marital status, age, mental and physical ability, as well as racial, ethnic, or social-economic background. We welcome all to share in the life and leadership, ministry, and fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of participation in our congregation."
We have a long history in Ontario California. Bethel Congregational was incorporated back in 1885. Our current building, the gothic revival stone castle-looking building was dedicated in 1913. It remains a landmark at the corner of Euclid and F Street. We may look imposing and traditional from the outside, but inside you will find a welcoming congregation who is quite liberal in our theology.
At Bethel, we believe that religion doesn't have to be opposed to intellect. We are a church that encourages you to engage your mind as well as your faith.
We recently were able to recover our 1985 Commemorative Booklet. There are many interesting facts and photos, so we have made it available in digital form.
Bethel History Booklet 1985 link to pdf: https://betheluccontario.org/files/515665/bethel-history-1985-booklet-reduced-file.pdf
Bethel United Church of Christ is a small and growing church in downtown Ontario, California. We are more than 125 years young. Every member is a minister and any dream you have for the church can be a reality at Bethel. We say "yes"!
Want to make a difference? This is the place!
Where do you want to go today?
