Woodstock’s Bethany Lutheran celebrates 90 years of service

The congregation of Bethany Lutheran Church joyfully celebrated their church’s 90th anniversary with a series of recent special events.

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Church officials held an open house at the 175 Springbank Ave. N. church on the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 5, where the faith community, along with family, friends, neighbors and past members, could reminisce and socialize over snacks while enjoying photos and stories of the congregation’s history. In the evening, there was a delicious catered dinner, with musical entertainment provided by the Ole Country Mishaps, led by Pastor Dick Holm.

Sunday morning’s celebratory worship service was led by Holm and Jan Hansen, with music provided by Peg Hendry and Hansen. At the reception following the worship service, greetings and congratulations were read by church council chair David Bald from Oxford MP Arpan Khanna. Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman, and several former Bethany pastors.

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Isaac Olowolafe Jr., founder of the Dream Legacy Foundation, spoke about the work the organization does to help those in need across Canada. The foundation is building 38 apartments for seniors and seven for single-parent families on the Bethany church property. The apartment building will be connected to the church sanctuary, office space and fellowship hall. Some apartments will be designated for supplemental rent, for which Bethany is providing $700,000 in the coming years. As well, Ryan Knight, co-founder of the Afro Caribbean Business Network, attended the reception.

Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione brought greetings and congratulations on behalf of the City of Woodstock. He presented the congregation with a certificate recognizing Bethany’s continuing contribution to supporting the most vulnerable people in the community.

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In celebration of the 90th anniversary, the church council executive presented Amanda Cook with a donation of $25,000 for Oxford County’s Mobile Health Outreach Bus program, which supports homeless and struggling people in the region.

Bethany Lutheran remains a vibrant and welcoming faith community, who are continuing to serve and love the people of Oxford County, church officials said. The church has its worship service and Sunday school at 10 am on Sundays. On PA Days, children are invited to participate in Bible lessons, singing, crafts, and field trips in the community. For adults, there are a number of interesting adult Christian education opportunities to enjoy.

Bethany is now home to a Ukrainian congregation, where a monthly service is held in the Ukrainian language, followed by a potluck supper. A Ukrainian newcomer who taught English in Ukraine also provides English classes for Ukrainians twice a week.

Sunday services are live-streamed each week. For more information about Bethany, please visit the church’s website at www.bethanywoodstock.ca.

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