Welcome to Bethel Encino!
Bethel is a community of individuals seeking to discover who God is and what God's purpose is for our lives. We invite you to join us on that journey!
We are a church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person--questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God's work in Christ's name for the life of the world.
By God’s grace we can and do live confidently and generously in this community of faith and in service of others, amid the mysteries and paradoxes of this life in Christ – including our human limitations and failings, and the ambiguities, uncertainties and suffering that we experience.
Evening Worship at 5:00 - Really?!
Yes, you read that correctly! Our service is held at 5:00 pm Sunday evening in person, and VIA ZOOM for those who are unable to attend in person.
While a 5 o'clock service doesn't work for everyone, neither does Sunday morning, especially those with kids in sports, those who work Sunday mornings, or those who had a very late Saturday night out. We find a Sunday evening service is a great way to end one week and begin another. It's also convenient for getting together to share a meal from time to time!
Our worship service includes a variety of music lead by our talented band, sharing the joys and concerns of life through prayer, and a powerful message that inspires and challenges. Most services include holy communion. Services typically last just a little over one hour.
Younger folks (pre-school through elementary) can attend our Grow Kids program which utilizes a wide variety of storytelling, media, and activities to engage, inspire, and connect.
Holy Communion
We believe communion is Jesus' meal and that he invites everyone. If you hunger and thirst for Jesus in your life, you are welcome to participate.
We commune all ages and trust parents to determine when their children begin to receive. From time to time we offer a first communion class (what many call "confirmation"), but that is not required before taking communion.
We believe through mystery Jesus shows up through ordinary things like bread and cup. This is a physical expression of God's grace for us; a love letter from God to us in the person of Jesus Christ.
During communion, bread, gluten-free bread, and grape juice are offered. Communion is received by intinction, which means you receive the bread, dip it into the grape juice, and then partake of it.
