Bethel United Methodist Church, Charleston SC

06/11/2026

We're back from the South Carolina Annual Conference in Greenville!
A huge thank you to our lay delegates for taking time out of their busy week to represent Bethel and participate in the important work of the church. We are grateful for your service, leadership, and commitment.
This week was a beautiful reminder of what it means to be United Methodists. We are a connectional church, and there is something powerful about gathering with brothers and sisters from across South Carolina to worship, discern, learn, and make decisions together.
Over the course of the conference, we worshiped together, listened to one another, celebrated ministry happening across our state, and packed 125,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger together (hence the red hair nets! 😂). We left encouraged by the many ways the Holy Spirit is moving throughout the churches of the South Carolina Conference and inspired by the work still ahead.
And perhaps the news many of you have been waiting for—we get our pastor back for another year! 🎉
Thank you for your prayers during conference week. We are excited to bring that energy, hope, and vision back home to Bethel as we continue being the hands and feet of Christ in our community.

06/03/2026

🇪🇨 Final Update from Ecuador
As our mission team begins their journey home, we give thanks for all that God has accomplished this week. Together with local church leaders and volunteers, the construction team helped lay a foundation that will support ministry for years to come, while the medical team cared for nearly 250 patients in Gonzalez Suarez.
Beyond the work itself, lasting friendships were strengthened, new relationships were formed, and God's presence was experienced through worship, service, and community.
Read the final blog reflection and learn more about the team's last days in Ecuador by clicking here https://www.bethelcharleston.com/bethel-buzz
or by visiting www.bethelcharleston.com, selecting "News & Events," and then "Blog."
Please join us in praying for safe travels as our team returns home and for the continued ministry of our partners in Ecuador. 🇪🇨❤️🙏

06/02/2026

🇪🇨 Day 4 in Ecuador
One of the greatest gifts of mission work is discovering how much we have in common with our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. In today's blog, our team reflects on worshiping alongside the congregation of Centro de Restoration Familiar Ecuador and experiencing a beautiful exchange of faith, culture, music, and fellowship.
From hymns sung in different languages to sharing stories and worship together, it was a powerful reminder that God's love transcends every border and brings us together as one family.
🔗 Read today's blog and follow the journey here: https://www.bethelcharleston.com/content.cfm?id=151&blog_id=194
or visit www.bethelcharleston.com, click "News & Events" at the top of the page, and select "Blog."
Thank you for continuing to pray for our team and our partners in Ecuador. 🇪🇨❤️🙏

06/01/2026

🇪🇨 Day 3 in Ecuador
Mission trips are about more than projects—they're about relationships. This year, our team is returning to familiar faces, familiar places, and seeing firsthand how God continues to work long after a trip ends.
In today's blog, you'll read about the joy of reconnecting with the people of Gonzalez Suarez and witnessing the transformation of a church that began as an empty field and is now a thriving place of worship and community.
🔗 Read today's reflection here: https://www.bethelcharleston.com/content.cfm?id=151&blog_id=194
Thank you for following along and keeping our team in your prayers!

05/31/2026

🇪🇨 Day 2 Ecuador Mission Team

One of the most powerful lessons our mission team is experiencing is that mission work is never one-sided. While our team is helping construct buildings, provide medical care, and support local ministries, they are also being deeply impacted by the generosity, hospitality, faith, and joy of the Ecuadorian people.
In today's blog, Ella Kasten shares how the people of Ecuador continually demonstrate God's love through their selflessness and servant hearts, reminding us that sometimes we receive just as much as we give.
Read Ella's full reflection and follow the team's journey on the Bethel website:
🔗 https://www.bethelcharleston.com/content.cfm?id=151&blog_id=194

Please continue to keep our mission team and the communities they are serving in your prayers.

05/30/2026

🇪🇨 Day 1 in Ecuador!
Our mission team has arrived and is beginning their work and ministry in Ecuador. We invite you to follow their journey, learn about the projects they're working on, and gain a deeper appreciation for the culture, faith, hospitality, and heart of the people they are serving alongside.
Be sure to visit the blog on the Bethel website for daily updates, photos, stories, and reflections from the team.
🔗 Read today's update here: https://www.bethelcharleston.com/content.cfm?id=151&blog_id=194
Thank you for continuing to keep our team and the communities they are serving in your prayers!

05/27/2026

Our mission team to Ecuador is officially on their way! Please keep them in your prayers as they travel, serve, and share God’s love. May they be God’s hands and feet in all they do this week. Safe travels and blessings to the whole team!

05/23/2026

05/21/2026

This Sunday kicks off our Summer One Service Sundays at Bethel! From May 24 through August 9, we will gather together for worship at 10:15 am, with Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 am. Again this summer, all adults are invited to be part of a combined Sunday School class led by our pastors in the fellowship hall. Our topic this year will be Women and Men of the Old Testament.
We also have a very special Sunday ahead as we welcome the Apex Youth Choir and commission our Ecuador Mission Team before they head out to serve. It is going to be a meaningful morning of worship, music, and celebration together — we hope you will join us!