Bethel UMC to hold groundbreaking ceremonies April 26 in Lewes
Bethel United Methodist Church will hold groundbreaking ceremonies at 10:25 a.m., Sunday, April 26, along Chestnut Street.
Bethel is breaking ground for a $2.2 million project to improve accessibility and functionality of its church facilities. The planned improvements will modernize and improve hospitality of its century-old sanctuary and mid-20th century fellowship hall.
Improvements will include a new main entrance and full-sized elevator. An interior ramp will connect the existing levels, and the exterior ramp will be removed. The façade along West Fourth Street will be improved, the signature red doors will be restored, and all the 1910 stained glass windows will be restored and repaired.
Other improvements include four new handicap-accessible lavatories, an upper-level lobby, a lower-level lobby and a new lounge/meeting room. In Fellowship Hall, improvements will be made to the stage and stage lighting. A new projection system will be installed; the sound system will receive upgrades and the old heating and air conditioning systems will be replaced. Improvements will be made to the lighting and sound systems in the sanctuary.
“While the exterior of the church will not change dramatically,” Pastor Earle Baker says, “the usefulness of the building will be greatly improved. We have a wonderful church that was built and paid for by previous generations. Now this generation is stepping up to equip it for use in the 21st century.” The community is invited to attend.
The Bethel congregation was formed in 1779, and is in its third house of worship. Bethel provides a full array of ministries including Sunday School, children’s choirs, Stephen Ministry, Fuel youth ministry, missions outreach, Bible study, contemporary worship, GriefShare, adult musical ensembles, prayer and healing services, youth choir and many other ministries.
Bethel is also the home of Bethel Christian School, Cub Pack 1, and Boy Scout Troop 1. Bethel hosts Coastal Concerts, L.E.A.P. (Literacy Education Assistance Pups), and Attack Addiction.
Worship at Bethel is at 8 and 11 a.m., Sundays with contemporary worship at 9:15 a.m. Bethel is handicapped accessible, and hearing assistance is available. Professional child care is available for the 9:15 and 11 a.m. services.
