Bethel AME Church, Omaha Nebraska

09/06/2026

Bethel AME Service - Sept. 16

08/19/2026

Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

The Bethel Family is saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend and former member, Hattie Polk (Whitcomb). Please keep Tim and Jessica in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their beloved mother, along with the rest of the family and all who loved her.

A Clean Heart

There are so many words I could use to describe Hattie: caring, gentle, kind, warm, and compassionate. But the one word that stands out most to me is loving. Hattie never had a disparaging word to say about anyone. She had a way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved simply by being in her presence.

The relationships we form with our church family often grow into lifelong friendships, and that was certainly true of Hattie and me. Hattie was the oldest child in her family, while I was the youngest in mine. We would often laugh and joke about our experiences, Hattie teasing about being the “disrespected” older sibling, while I would complain about being bullied by my older siblings. Those conversations are memories I will always cherish.

When I think about my childhood at Bethel, I remember singing in the Junior Choir and attending YPD meetings. One of the best things about singing in the Junior Choir was knowing that, regardless of what we sang or how well we sounded, our church family always encouraged and supported us.

We didn’t have choir robes specifically for our age group. Instead, we wore the discarded robes from the Mass Choir whenever they received new ones. Some of those robes were so large that the children looked as though we might be swallowed up by them! And, being children, some of us deliberately chose the biggest robes because we thought it was funny.

There was one song we sang that always stayed with me: “Give Me a Clean Heart.” When I heard that Hattie had passed, that song immediately came to mind. Its message reminded me of the kind of person Hattie was and the kind of life she lived.

No matter what we were doing: helping clean the church in preparation for a visit from the Presiding Elder, holding bake sales, or washing cars so the YPD could have a skating party, Hattie had a way of making everything fun. She was happy, lighthearted, and had the best laugh. If you were having a bad day, Hattie could say something silly that would bring a smile to your face and lift your spirit.

Every time I saw Hattie, she greeted me with a beautiful smile and a warm hug. We would talk about our families, reminisce about the old days, and laugh about the memories we shared. Those moments were gifts, and I will treasure them always.

Hattie, I will miss you, my friend. I am grateful that God allowed our paths to cross and that our childhood friendship grew into a lifelong bond.

When I pray, I often ask the Father to create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me, so that I may draw closer to Him. Hattie’s life reminds me that a clean heart is reflected in how we love, encourage, and care for others.

May God grant her eternal rest and comfort all who mourn her passing.

Rest well, my friend, until I see you on the other side.

Love & Blessings,
Stephanie Smith-Barnes

08/16/2026

August 16, 2026

08/09/2026

06/08/2026

Bethel is proud to announce that the 2026 Jackie A. Dorsey Scholarship $1000.00 recipient is Miss Alaeya Randle. She is a May graduate of Omaha North High School. She carries 3.8 GPA. Alaeya will be attending the University of Nebraska in Omaha, in the fall. Her plans are to pursue a degree in nursing while also getting her certification in radiology. CONGRATULATIONS

05/10/2026

Mother’s Day Tribute

Our relationships with our mothers begin in the womb, our connection so important, so monumental that it begins the circle of life. Our mother is our first love, most ardent supporter, the strictest disciplinarian, our backbone in times of trouble, our safe haven when the world is against us.

Some of my fondest memories at Bethel occurred on Mother’s Day. When I was a child, the men of the church would serve breakfast on Mother’s Day before Sunday school started until it ended. This way they could serve the early birds and the late arrivals. I remember the Mother/Daughter luncheons that took place the Saturday before Mother’s Day.

I also remember the children lining up for their chance to tell the congregation what their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and women who played important roles in their lives and what they meant to them.

Mothers at Bethel taught us how to usher, how to conquer public speaking, how to officiate Sunday Morning Service, how to read, how to respect our classmates, how to sing, how to serve, how to pray, how to worship.

A lot of people who used to attend Bethel, whether they moved out of state or joined another church would often surprise their mothers by showing up at church on Mother’s Day. I know my mother was filled with joy when some of my siblings would show up to sit by her in church on Mother’s Day. It was a great day for reminiscing.

One thing that stood out for me at Bethel on Mother's Day was the white and red flowers. It was a significant tradition. I can never recall a Mother's Day when white and red flowers were not worn by members. The white flowers represented the mothers who were deceased and the red flowers represented the mothers who were still living. I was so thankful to able to wear the red flower, thankful that my mother was there by my side to celebrate another Mother's Day.

The tide has changed, now I wear the white flower. I wear the white flower not to dwell on what I have lost, but in remembrance and great appreciation of my mother's life. Bethel family and friends let's be thankful for the mothers that are still with us and for the memories that sustain us.

Thankful

She bathed me when I couldn't bathe myself
She's been my legs when I couldn't walk
She's been my eyes when I couldn't see
She fed me when I couldn't feed myself
She's seen me through every bump, bruise, accident, hospital stay, and surgery
She's attended every graduation, play, or production no matter how small my part
She styled my hair every morning just the way I wanted
She indulged me, allowing me to change my name everyday
She's been my strong tower, inspiration, and truly a loving mother
The tide has changed
Now...
I bathe her
I'm her legs
I'm her eyes
I feed her when she can't feed herself
I see her through every, bump, bruise, hospital stay, and surgery
I listen to her talk, even though she has told me every story a million times
I style her hair just the way she wants every morning
I indulge her and let her call me by whatever name she wants
I'm blessed to be her strength
I hope I make her proud
I'm so thankful for my mother
I pray that I've been a worthy child
Thus is the circle of life

Stephanie Smith-Barnes

05/10/2026

To all the mothers and mother figures of the Bethel church family! Enjoy your special day.

05/04/2026

Subject: AME and Red Cross Disaster Preparedness & Volunteer Training

One of the most impactful ways we can deepen our readiness is by partnering more intentionally with the American Red Cross. I am encouraging every clergy member and disaster team participant across the 5th Episcopal District to register today as a Red Cross volunteer using the link below:
https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=intake_content&lagent=1&organization_id=8940
Becoming a registered volunteer equips you with access to critical training, coordinated response opportunities, and a national network of support. This partnership ensures that when emergencies arise—whether natural disasters, local crises, or community disruptions—we are not only present, but prepared, organized, and effective. Our mission to be a “Disaster Prepared” District depends on each of us taking this important step.

Pastor Hemphill

The American Red Cross helps prepare communities for emergencies and keep people safe every day thanks to caring people who support our work. Please support your local Red Cross.