Bethesda United Church of Christ

09/04/2026

09/02/2026

A Musical Tribute

Here’s a reel of Sunday’s postlude, “If We Never Meet Again” by Albert E. Brumley, offered in memory of Dolly Parton.

A beautiful song of faith, remembrance, and the hope that even when we part in this life, we may meet again.

We invite you to listen and enjoy this special musical moment from Sunday’s worship at BUCC.

08/31/2026

During Sunday’s service, Walt shared a beautiful reading of Luke 15:11–32, the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

This familiar story reminds us of the power of grace, forgiveness, and a love that always welcomes us home.

Take a moment to listen to Walt’s reading from Sunday’s worship service.

08/30/2026

Sunday Recap | Our Journey: The Parable of the Two Sons

This Sunday at BUCC, Carson Perez reflected on Luke 15:11–32, the Parable of the Two Sons, and reminded us of the unconditional nature of God’s love.

No matter where our journey takes us, God’s love is always there, and we are always welcome home.

Our worship was enriched by beautiful music:
• “Amazing Grace with Amazing Grace” — Mark Miller
• “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
• “Song of the Prodigal” — Jo Boyce

Thank you to Carson Perez for sharing this meaningful message with us and to everyone who joined us for worship.

You are loved. You are welcomed. You are always welcome home.

08/28/2026

oin Us for Worship on August 30!

We are pleased to welcome Carson Perez as our guest preacher on Sunday, August 30, from 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Carson is a disciple of Jesus Christ and a Member-in-Discernment at Bethesda United Church of Christ. He holds a B.A. in English from Northwest University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School.

Throughout his career, Carson has advocated for children and underserved families, with experience at the Children’s Defense Fund, GLIDE Church in San Francisco, and several Bay Area and Washington-area schools.

His faith journey has taken him through Pentecostal, Episcopal, Latter-day Saint, and Congregationalist traditions, deepening his empathy, appreciation for religious diversity, and sense of the sacred imagination.

Originally from Metro Manila, Philippines, and raised in Southern California and Salt Lake, Carson now lives in Bethesda with his husband and infant son. Their family enjoys gardening, movies, and time with their dogs, Teddy and Molly. Carson also loves Christmas, Mary Oliver, and anything peanut butter!

Come worship with us and welcome Carson to the BUCC pulpit! ❤️

📅 Sunday, August 30
⏰ 10:30–11:30 a.m.
📍 Bethesda United Church of Christ

08/23/2026

✨ BUCC Sunday Recap: Christmas in August 🎄

It was Christmas in August at BUCC this Sunday!

Sometimes, in the busyness of the traditional Christmas season, it can be difficult to slow down and truly experience the beauty and meaning of the Christmas story. So today, we celebrated it in August—with a little more space to listen, reflect, and simply be present.

📖 Scripture:
Isaiah 9:2, 6–7
Luke 2:1–14

🎶 Music:
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Break Forth, O Beauteous Light
Wexford Carol

Our sermon, “Swaddling the Light: Christmas in August,” invited us to think about what it means to live fully in the moment.

We can spend so much time looking back at the past or anticipating what might happen in the future that we miss what is happening right here, right now.

The Christmas story reminds us that light enters the world in the present moment. May we make room to notice it—to be present to God, to one another, and to the beauty and love that surround us today. ❤️

Merry Christmas—in August! 🎄✨

08/20/2026

Tango Comes to BUCC! 💃🕺

Get ready for an afternoon of music, movement, and tango!

BUCC is excited to collaborate with the DC Tango Orchestra for a special event featuring tango lessons followed by a live concert on Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 PM at Bethesda United Church of Christ.

Whether you're an experienced dancer or have never danced tango before, come learn some steps, enjoy incredible live music, and experience the energy and beauty of tango in community.

📅 Sunday, September 27
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 Bethesda United Church of Christ

Bring a friend and join us for an unforgettable afternoon!

08/17/2026

Sunday Recap: Year-Round Easter 🌿

This Sunday at Bethesda United Church of Christ, we were reminded that Easter isn’t just a season—it’s a way of living.

We were blessed to welcome guest musician Elizabeth G. Hill, whose music beautifully enriched our worship.

🎵 Prelude: “When Morning Gilds the Skies”
🎶 Hymns: “Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain,” “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “O Perfect Love,” and “Now the Green Blade Rises”

📖 Scripture: Psalm 23 and Luke 24:13–35
💬 Sermon: Rev. Bill Federici — “Year-Round Easter”

Drawing on the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Rev. Federici encouraged us to practice Easter every day—to recognize love when we encounter it, to carry hope into our daily lives, and to remember that love will have the last word.

May we carry that message with us throughout the year:

✨ Practice Easter.
❤️ Recognize love.
🌱 Live with hope.
Love will have the last word.