Worship
Please join us in worship Sunday, January 4th at 9:30 a.m. This will be a service of holy communion.
HOLY NAME OF JESUS JAN 01, 2026
First reading
Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm
Psalm 8
Second reading
Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11
Gospel
Luke 2:15-21
Lively music, reading, and preaching with special guests and a warm welcome. Communion on First Sundays.
Unpaving Paradise
Restoration Orchard at the Wesley Foundation in Kalamazoo is transforming a former parking lot into a sustainable garden featuring fruit trees, raised vegetable beds, and companion plants.
Volunteer interns Robert Maddox and Elijah Williams, along with director Colin Batten, (left to right), tend to the new Restoration Orchard at the Wesley Foundation in Kalamazoo. ~ photo courtesy Lisa Batten
by JAMES DEATON
As a Millennial, Colin Batten has grown up among a generation of people who are very anxious about climate change and the destruction of nature. The problem is now so prevalent, with alarms sounding at every turn, that we cannot escape it.
He’s also a person of practical faith who takes the stewardship of God’s creation and the call to address food scarcity in our communities seriously. Colin’s beliefs align with the 2020/2024 Social Principles, which discuss how our care for God’s creation impacts the flourishing of all.
Instead of allowing the doom and gloom to paralyze him, Colin has put his faith into action by designing and starting a new sustainable garden
Ministries
Missions
We raise money to support local food banks, shelters, and charities, including our Good Samaritan Fund for needy neighbors. We cook for Emmanuel Dining Room and host a perpetual
food drive all year to feed the hungry.
To volunteer please call Nancy.
Contact Nancy Storer
storernancy@aol.com / 302-475-3549
In the old stone church, we are full of affordable treasures & staffed by
volunteers. The proceeds go to charities such as Claymont Food Closet, Sojourner's House, Sunday Breakfast, Friendship House, and others.
Open Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10-3
Volunteers needed Mon morning 9-11 to stock & price; Wed, Thurs. & Fri half day at checkout counter. Call Dora to help!
Presently we enroll 85 children, in three classes for ages 2-5. We are a Christian preschool and daycare. Hours are full or part-time with lunch options as well as a summer camp.
Contact Vicki Antignani
chester.bethel.Preschool@gmail.com
Tel: 302-475-0377
Music Ministry
Carmella Selvaggio-Lynch is our Director of Music and organist. There is a bell choir headed by
Pam Manocchio and many opportunities to sing God's praise.
Contact Carmella Selvaggio-Lynch
carm12340@comcast.net | Tel: 302-475-3549
Weddings and Funerals
Weddings in the sanctuary are available to church members, their families, and folks in our surrounding community.
If you are interested in holding a funeral here, Pastor Kelly is ready to minister to you and your family, schedule permitting, regardless of your membership. Please contact the office at 302-475-3549.
