INTRODUCTION
With approximately 6,000 congregations and 2.5 million members in 41 countries on 5 continents (North & South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia), the African Methodist Episcopal Church is a global denomination. The 5th Episcopal District encompasses 15 states in the U.S. west of the Mississippi (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming), and is one of 20 Episcopal Districts worldwide. With hundreds of churches and thousands of members, the 5th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church is a vibrant connection of Christians who share a rich and deep history and heritage. With its roots running back to 1787, the A.M.E. Church is the first independent black denomination founded in the Western hemisphere.
OUR BELIEFSTHE APOSTLE’S CREED I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, AND IN JESUS CHRISH HIS ONLY SON OUR LORD WHO WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY, SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE, WAS CRUCIFIED, DEAD, AND BURIED. THE THIRD DAY HE AROSE FROM THE DEAD, HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND SITTETH AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, THE FATHER ALMIGHTY; FROM THENCE HE SHALL COME TO JUDGE THE QUICK AND THE DEAD. I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL, THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY AND LIFE EVERLASTING. AMEN |
OUR NAME
BETHEL
The word “Bethel” in Hebrew means House of God.
AFRICAN
The word “African” means that the Church was organized by people of African descent and heritage. In 1816 the Church was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and although its members are predominantly of African descent, the doors of the A.M.E. Church are open to all people of all nations regardless of race or color.
METHODIST
The Church’s roots are of the family of “Methodist” churches. Methodism provides an orderly system of rules and regulations and places emphasis on a plain and simple gospel.
EPISCOPAL
“Episcopal” refers to the form of government under which the Church operates. The chief executive and administrative officers of the A.M.E. denomination are the bishops of the Church.
The word “Bethel” in Hebrew means House of God.
AFRICAN
The word “African” means that the Church was organized by people of African descent and heritage. In 1816 the Church was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and although its members are predominantly of African descent, the doors of the A.M.E. Church are open to all people of all nations regardless of race or color.
METHODIST
The Church’s roots are of the family of “Methodist” churches. Methodism provides an orderly system of rules and regulations and places emphasis on a plain and simple gospel.
EPISCOPAL
“Episcopal” refers to the form of government under which the Church operates. The chief executive and administrative officers of the A.M.E. denomination are the bishops of the Church.
OUR HISTORY
Omaha, Nebraska, Tuesday evening, March 7, 1922. The Northside A.M.E. Mission met at the home of Mr. & Mrs. E.G. Scott, 2513 N. 28th Avenue, for the purpose of being organized into a permanent A.M.E. Church. After recording all letters presented to Presiding Elder Fredrick Divers, he called the meeting to order with a prayer, hymn, and a scripture. That scripture was Philippians 2 with special attention given to the verse 5; "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus..." A recording secretary was appointed. There were 12 members eligible to vote in accordance with the laws of the AME Church. After discussions, the name Bethel was chosen, as it is the name of the Mother Church. Following three months of probation mandated by the AME church, thirteen more people were added to the roll. The church continued to meet in several locations until the purchase of the building at 2428 Franklin Street. Bethel continued to grow in membership, through the years, under various pastors.
In 1962, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. William A. Fowler, an educational wing was added to the church. In addition to our use, the wing housed "Project Chance", a federally funded program for children with disabilities.
Bethel has been blessed to be benefactors of gifts (property), from deceased members. The property includes the parking lot and the double lots on the west side of the church. The plan was to expand and renovate the church. However after a structural assessment and a review of city building codes, we didn't meet the criteria for expanding and renovating at the current location. As a result of the monetary gifts received, in June 2015, God blessed us with the ability to purchase a building at 3737 Lake Street. When renovations are completed, this will be our new edifice. It is approximately 3 miles from our current location. We will remain in the North Omaha Community.
In 1962, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. William A. Fowler, an educational wing was added to the church. In addition to our use, the wing housed "Project Chance", a federally funded program for children with disabilities.
Bethel has been blessed to be benefactors of gifts (property), from deceased members. The property includes the parking lot and the double lots on the west side of the church. The plan was to expand and renovate the church. However after a structural assessment and a review of city building codes, we didn't meet the criteria for expanding and renovating at the current location. As a result of the monetary gifts received, in June 2015, God blessed us with the ability to purchase a building at 3737 Lake Street. When renovations are completed, this will be our new edifice. It is approximately 3 miles from our current location. We will remain in the North Omaha Community.
The Mission of Bethel A.M.E. Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ's liberating gospel through word and deed.
OUR PASTOR
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The Bethel A.M.E. Church family is excited to welcome our new pastor, Rev. Juliet Hemphill.
Pastor Hemphill, we are looking forward to a great year! Welcome to Bethel! |