Worship at the Bethlehem Church, Woongoolba

Holy communion is celebrated at the 9.30 a.m. services and a contemporary service from Modern Liturgy is used on the first Sunday of each month. In addition the All Together books are used on the third Sunday of the month. The church choir sings for various festivals of the church, and often leads the congregation in unfamiliar hymns and songs. Our church band is mainly made up of young people whom we encourage to use their talents to serve the Lord.
Attendance at services can be between 60 and 120 worshipers, the average being 84. Baptised membership is 241, confirmed membership 129, active communicant 105, and those under direct spiritual care 150.
We reach out to families who are involved through various entry points in our different ministries. These so called entry points are explained in detail in our Mission Statement.
At each 9.30 am. service the children from the Sunday School come into church and join in the service for approximately fifteen minutes, and Pastor gives a children’s talk. Informal family services are held every two months, which are directed particularly to people who are at the entry points of our ministry. On special Sundays, a suitable service order is prepared, for example, the Harvest Thanksgiving, Easter Sunday, and Family services.Our church members always make others feel welcome by talking to them at these church services. We have a social committee who organise teas, picnics, and other outings for the enjoyment of all. Congregational members have a close working relationship with their Pastor. Members are happy to take the initiative when a task is placed before them and are prepared to ensure the work is completed.
Following on from changes to our constitution in 1997, our church now has six Pastoral Assistants. These pastoral assistants are elected by the AGM and the position is open to both male and female. They meet with Pastor every four weeks at a breakfast meeting. God’s Word is studied and each Pastoral Assistant has a number of families under his or her care. Particular needs of the congregation are discussed. Even this group has only recently begun, it is growing strongly.Our vision for the future is to reach out to more of our community. This is already happening and we are seeing results by the number of people attending our family services, small groups, children’s ministry and youth groups. We see that the future will give us many more opportunities as more families move in the new housing estates at the popular bayside area of Jacobs Well. We have the structure of our auxiliaries into which we can lead people, and we trust the Spirit will lead us to grasp all new opportunities.