About First Christian Church in Bethany, IL
The Church of Christ was first organized in 1875 and met at West Hudson School. This church disbanded and the congregation moved to Bethany in 1881 where a new church was built. The name of the church was changed to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and was dedicated on November 22, 1881. There were 23 charter members.
By 1905, the membership had grown so much that the church had to be enlarged and remodeled with the addition of electric lights. By 1949, more room was needed so the basement was enlarged and a restroom was added. In 1967 the Christian Education building was added. At that time every room had a class in session, plus a class met in the furnace room. In 1971 and 1975, the sanctuary was renovated with new furnishings. In 1985, the Fellowship Hall was renovated. Air conditioning was added in 1988 and a new baptistry was added in 1991.
In 2017 the church moved from a full time minister to a part time minister.
The Bethany Food Pantry was located in the church basement. In 2019 it was relocated to the house next door to the church (what was once the church parsonage).
The church has a Christian Education program for all ages and both a weekly in-person and online Sunday morning worship.
Our Ministries
We encourage church members to participate in the life of the church. These ministries reach out in love to members, to the community and even extend to people in need around the world. Check out the wide variety of ministries at First Christian Church Bethany.
Ministerial Alliance Partnership
The Ministerial Alliance is a clergy group consisting of ministers from each church in Bethany.
The clergy meet monthly and participate in many community services and activities. These include but are not limited to a community Vacation Bible School in the summer, a community Thanksgiving Service, an Angel Tree around Christmas time, Christmas vouchers for those in need, a Baccalaureate Service for graduates, and often have cantata’s and a community choir perform at different times throughout the year. Our minister participates in the meetings and members join in participating in the special events.
Our Pastor
Rev. Rachel Moore joined the FCC family in June of 2017 as the part time pastor.
Ministry is a second career for Rachel. She was sole proprietor of a screen printing business for 13 years when she felt called to the ministry. After graduating from Lexington Theological Seminary, she was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in January 2007.
Rev. Rachel has a love of preaching. Along with special services like “Holy Humor Sunday,” Rev. Rachel will occasionally preach through the voice and life of a southern character that she has created.
She and her husband Alan were married in 2014 and they live in Strasburg, IL.
Alan is the sole owner of an Insurance business.
They both love photography and enjoy getting out and sharing that activity together.
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Please let us know if you have any prayer concerns

  A place where all are loved. 

To be and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving and serving from our doorsteps
“to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

    Contact Us
Phone
1-217-665-3045

Address
312 W South Water St.
Bethany, IL 61914

We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!