Greater Bethel AMEC Athens

Greater Bethel AMEC Athens Founded in 1892 Greater Bethel is a community of Christians committed to serving the Lord.

06/16/2026

Women Belong

Recently, the Southern Baptist Convention voted to move closer to a permanent ban on women serving in pastoral leadership roles. While I respect each denomination's right to interpret Scripture as it understands it, I reach a different conclusion based on the witness of God's Word.

Deborah served as a prophet and judge, leading Israel with wisdom and authority (Judges 4:4–5). Priscilla helped Apollos, an eloquent preacher, to teach more accurately in the faith (Acts 18:24–26). Paul commended Phoebe as a minister and servant of the church (Romans 16:1–2).

These faithful women remind us that God calls and equips people for ministry according to His purpose and gifting. Therefore, let us support, encourage, and pray for women who serve as teachers, preachers, and pastors. Human institutions may debate their calling, but when God places His hand on a life, no vote can overturn His voice, and no barrier can stop His purpose.

Yes, Women Belong!

06/14/2026

Youth Day @ Greater Bethel with a sermon by Rev. Dr Gloria Wicker

06/12/2026

Greater Than Her Years
The 90th Birthday Celebration of Bettye Henderson Holston

When we gather for celebrations like this, it is natural to count the years. Ninety years is certainly a remarkable blessing, worthy of gratitude and praise. Yet today, as we celebrate Mrs. Bettye Henderson Holston, I believe God invites us to see something even greater than the years.

In Genesis, God promised Abraham and Sarah that they would become the parents of a great nation. Yet both were well advanced in age. When Sarah heard that she would bear a child, she laughed. But God asked a powerful question: “Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?”

God saw beyond Sarah’s age and recognized her purpose, promise, and potential. The same is true of Mrs. Holston. We celebrate not merely the number of years she has lived, but the faith she has demonstrated, the lives she has touched, and the legacy she continues to build.

Today, we thank God for a woman whose impact is greater than her years, whose witness is greater than her years, and whose blessing to family, church, and community is greater than her years.

Happy 90th Birthday, Mrs. Holston. May God continue to bless you more greatly than your years.

06/10/2026

Is Anything Too Wonderful for the Lord?

When Sarah heard God's promise that she would have a son in her old age, she laughed. The promise seemed impossible. After all, Abraham is ninety-nine years old, and Sarah is nearly ninety.
Yet God responded with a question that still challenges us today: “Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14).

God's promises are not limited by our circumstances, resources, or timelines. What He has spoken, He is able to do. When life presents obstacles, believers are called to trust His Word more than what they can see. God's promises invite us to believe boldly, pray confidently, and depend completely on Him. Don't let delay turn into doubt. Stand on His promises, seek His guidance, and trust His faithfulness. The God who promised is still able—and He never fails.

Unlocking Your Genetic Story: What Genetic Testing Can and Can't Tell YouOn this edition of It's a Matter of Your Health...
06/09/2026

Unlocking Your Genetic Story: What Genetic Testing Can and Can't Tell You

On this edition of It's a Matter of Your Health, host Dr. Veita Bland, MD, welcomes Zoe Lindsay Mills, Board-Certified Genetic Counselor with Cone Health's Hereditary Cancer Program, for a fascinating conversation about genetic testing and hereditary cancer risk. Together, they explore who should consider genetic testing, how family history can reveal hidden health risks, and the role genetic counselors play in helping patients make informed decisions.

Highlights include discussions about BRCA genes, cancer prevention strategies, genetic privacy protections, insurance concerns, and the differences between clinical and direct-to-consumer testing. This informative episode empowers listeners to better understand their family health history and the growing role of personalized medicine in improving health outcomes.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1779341/episodes/19315844

06/06/2026

The Legacy of Faithful Following:
Reading:2 Timothy 4:6-8; Hebrews 12:1-2

Matthew's decision at the tax booth echoed through history. The despised tax collector became a Gospel writer whose words have shaped billions of lives over two millennia. He never imagined that legacy when he simply stood up and followed. Neither did Rosa Parks when she followed her convictions onto that bus, nor did Fannie Lou Hamer when she followed justice despite the cost. Faithful following creates a lasting legacy. Paul could confidently say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" because he never stopped following Jesus, even through shipwrecks, imprisonments, and persecution. Your faithful obedience today is writing a story that will outlast you.

You're surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses"—ordinary people who became extraordinary through faithful following. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Follow Him faithfully. Your legacy isn't measured by applause but by obedience.

06/05/2026

Welcome to Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Athens, Georgia!

We’re excited to share our interactive Worship Guide for Sunday, June 7, 2026. At Greater Bethel, our mission is simple: to live out the Great Commission by making disciples and sharing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

Inside this week’s guide, you’ll find our order of worship, church announcements, inspiring Living the Word Moment devotions, and a preview of this week’s message, “Follow Me,” based on Matthew 9. In this powerful sermon, we’ll explore what it means to answer Jesus’ call, leave behind the things that hold us back, and become faithful followers who impact the world for Christ.
Join us this Sunday at 140 Rose Street in Athens. Church School and breakfast begin at 9:30 a.m., and worship starts at 11:00 a.m. Can’t attend in person? Worship with us live on Facebook, YouTube, or at GBAathens.org.

Be sure to share this guide with family and friends. Together, let’s help others hear Christ’s invitation: “Follow Me.”
Until next time, may God’s blessings, peace, and love be with you.

Use this link to view our virtual worship guide:
https://simplebooklet.com/followmegreaterbethelworshipguidejune72026 =1

Mailbag Edition: Your Health Questions Answered!What should you do before your first doctor's visit in 10 years? Can a c...
06/03/2026

Mailbag Edition: Your Health Questions Answered!

What should you do before your first doctor's visit in 10 years? Can a continuous glucose monitor help prevent diabetes? How do friendships affect longevity? Which fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide levels? In this engaging Mailbag Edition of It's A Matter of Your Health, host Dr. Veita Bland, MD, and producer Marben Bland answer listeners' questions with practical, easy-to-understand medical advice. Learn why preventive care matters, how lifestyle choices affect your health, ways to stay connected as you age, and which foods make the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" lists. Don't miss this informative episode packed with tips to help you live a healthier, longer life!

Use this link to listen to the 28-minute show. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1779341/episodes/19276468

06/01/2026

Your Greater Days Are Still Ahead

These are the five signs that you're aging with power, purpose, and promise.

So if you can still pray like Simon, you're aging with power. If you can still climb mountains like Jacob, you're aging
with purpose.

If you can still learn like Apollos, you're aging with promise. If you can still think like Daniel, you're aging with wisdom. And if you can still love like Jesus, you're aging with Christ.

Saints, our hair may turn gray. Or in some of our cases, we don't have any hair at all. Your pace may slow down a little bit.

Your body may change. As much as you want to think you have a six pack, you don't have one no more

But if your prayer life is strong, if your purpose is alive, if your faith is growing, if your mind is engaged, if your love is expanding, then age is not going to defeat you.

Because you're aging with power, you're aging with purpose, and you're aging with promise.

Amen.

05/31/2026

Aging with Power, Purpose, and Promise

Growing older is not about what we lose but about how God continues to shape and use us for His glory. Through the Holy Spirit, we can still pray faithfully, move with purpose, grow in God’s Word, and remain mentally sharp.

The Holy Trinity reminds us that the Father loves us, the Son redeems us, and the Holy Spirit empowers us. Aging with God is not a season of decline but a season of promise. As Isaiah 40:31 declares, “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.”

Join us tomorrow at Greater Bethel for Church School and breakfast at 9:30 a.m., followed by worship at 11:30 a.m. If you cannot attend in person, join our livestream on Facebook, YouTube, or at www.gbaathens.org.

Greater Bethel members, don’t forget to show your colors by wearing your black Greater Bethel polo shirt.

Address

140 Rose Street
Athens, GA
30606

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+17066142873

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