Greater Bethel AMEC Athens

10/18/2026

Celebrate with us

10/13/2026

What does it mean to live a life that loves well?

In Galatians 6, Paul teaches that faith is revealed in how we gently restore people, carry burdens, and continue to do good. “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NRSVue).

Sister Bettye Henderson Holston showed us what that love looks like. For ninety years, her faith produced fruit through education, courage, mentoring, service, and care for generations of children. As one of the first Black teachers to integrate Clarke County’s teaching staff, she opened doors while helping people discover possibilities. At Greater Bethel, she served through Christian education, missions, and ministry.

Her witness reminds us that loving well is more than kind words. It means using our gifts, bearing burdens, restoring others, and refusing to grow weary in doing good. A faithful life keeps planting seeds whose harvest may bless people we never meet.

Join us tonight, Tuesday, October 13, at 7:00 PM ET for our special final session of the Galatians Bible Study, “Your Restoration Restores Others.” Find the Zoom link and study guide at gbaathens.org. Come discover how people restored by Christ can help restore others.

10/13/2026

Bettye Henderson Holston: A Faithful Life That Produced Great Fruit

Faithfulness has no expiration date.

In Luke 2:36–38, Anna is an elderly prophet whose years of prayer prepare her to recognize Jesus and share the hope of redemption.

Sister Bettye Henderson Holston lived with that same enduring purpose. Across ninety years, she taught children, encouraged teachers, and served her church and community.

In 1966, she helped integrate Clarke County’s teaching staff. Today, the school bearing her name reminds children that courage and learning can open doors.
At Greater Bethel, her gifts blessed generations through Christian education, missionary service, and faithful leadership.

Her passing leaves us grieving, yet her example gives us work to do.

Encourage a child. Honor an elder. Share your wisdom. Keep serving.
Like Anna, you can recognize God’s hope and help another generation see it.

Pray with me: Father, comfort Sister Holston’s family and all who mourn. Thank you for her faithful life. Help us carry her legacy forward through courage, love, and service. Amen.

Listen to Pastor Bland’s tribute: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1779779/episodes/19954112

10/11/2026

What would you trade for an easier moment? In “Don’t Trade Your Future for a Moment,” Pastor Marben Bland explores Luke 4:1–13, where Jesus faces temptation without surrendering His purpose. Drawing on Coach Kara Lawson’s wisdom, this youth message challenges us to handle hard better, carry our confidence, and stay connected to Jesus.

Hunger, pressure, popularity, and shortcuts can make temporary relief look more valuable than lasting faithfulness. Yet our identity comes from God, and His Word gives us strength to choose wisely. Every decision shapes tomorrow. Whatever your age, resist the temptation to exchange your calling for convenience. Trust Jesus, stand firm, and remember: a difficult moment does not have to determine your future. God has more for you.

10/09/2026

10/04/2026

Join Greater Bethel AME Church this Sunday, October 4, at 11:00 AM ET for worship and Holy Communion. Pastor Marben Bland opens our October series, “How to Make Godly Decisions,” with “Pulled in Every Direction, but Led by the Lord,” based on Mark 1:35–39. Through the stories of Orangeburg, the Emanuel Nine, and the voting booth, discover how prayer, courage, and compassion guide faithful choices. Worship with us in Athens or watch online on Facebook and YouTube at Greater Bethel Athens, or visit www.gbaathens.org. Bring your questions, invite a friend, and come ready to follow where the Lord leads you.

09/27/2026

Rev. Dr Gloria Wicker guest preacher

09/24/2026

Freed from Checkbox Christianity
It is easy to turn our faith into a checklist: attend church, read Scripture, pray, volunteer, give, and behave as we should. Jada Edwards, who is leading our online Bible study, warns that this checklist of things we should do — even things like tithing — is not the gospel
But when we use them to prove our worth, we practice “checkbox Christianity,” trying to earn what Jesus has already given.
Galatians 3:13 declares, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Jesus did not merely carry our curse; he became the curse we deserved. He knew our mistakes, weakness, and future failure, yet chose the cross—and chose us.
That truth changes how we live. We no longer obey God to purchase acceptance. We obey because we are accepted. We do not serve to impress God or people. We serve because grace has freed us to love. Our disciplines become responses of gratitude rather than measurements of righteousness.
Stop checking boxes to convince yourself that you belong. Place your faith in Christ, receive his grace, and let the Holy Spirit finish the work he began.
I hope you will join our Galatians Bible Study on Zoom tonight, Thursday, September 24, at 7:00 PM. Find the login information and study guide at gbaathens.org. Come discover why Christ’s approval outweighs every human opinion. Until then, blessings, peace, and love.

09/22/2026

America's Vineyard is being stolen