Important Notice:
BUMC's worship schedule has been temporarily modified due to concerns around COVID-19. Our building is closed and all worship is currently online only. Sunday services take place at 10:00 am and can be accessed on our YouTube channel (BethesdaUMCMD).
Sunday Worship Schedule (September - May)
During the months of September (the Sunday after Labor Day) through May (the Sunday before Memorial Day) we offer two different styles of worship to better serve our community. During the seasons of Advent and Lent, we also have a third service on Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m. called Evensong. These services include similar components and liturgy, but the level of formality and music are what distinguish them from each other. We invite you to attend whichever service makes you feel most at home and allows you and your family to worship God in a style that you are comfortable with.
9:00 a.m. - Worship with Praise Band
This service has a relaxed atmosphere with engaging music led by the Praise Band and occasionally Common Ground (our Youth Praise Band). This service allows worshipers the chance to explore an Ancient/Future faith through music that is more contemporary in nature and a focus upon prayer and praise. Each Sunday includes a scripture lesson, a message shared by the pastor, and a special time for children. While we are more informal in style, we still celebrate baptisms regularly and communion on the first Sunday of each month.
9:45 a.m. - Fellowship & Refreshments
All are welcome to join us in the Narthex (the gathering space at the rear of the Sanctuary) for coffee and light refreshments. It's a great opportunity to meet the pastors and enjoy fellowship with other congregants. If you're headed to Sunday School, feel free to grab a cup of coffee and take it with you!
10:00 - 10:45 a.m. - Sunday School for All Ages
BUMC offers Sunday School classes for children in Pre-K through 12th grade. For more info about our children's classes and other Sunday morning programs for children (Pre-K through 5th grade), click here. If you'd like to learn more about Sunday morning options for youth (grades 6-12), click here. Classes are taught by volunteers with the support and guidance of our Director of Christian Education, Beth Reilly, and our pastors. All volunteers who work with children and youth are required to participate in Safe Sanctuaries training. We also have three Sunday School options for adults which provide an opportunity for continued learning. For more info about adult Sunday School at BUMC, click here.
10:40 a.m. - Fellowship and Refreshments
All are welcome to join us in the Narthex (the gathering space at the rear of the Sanctuary) for coffee and light refreshments. It's a great opportunity to meet the pastors and enjoy fellowship with other congregants.
11:00 a.m. - Worship with Organ & Choir
At this more traditional service, most of the music comes from the hymnal, and the organ and piano are the primary instruments for accompaniment. The 30+ voices of our Sanctuary Choir are on hand each week to help lead the congregation and we seek to blend familiar elements of worship with contemporary touches. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month and follow the liturgical calendar throughout the year, observing the church seasons such as Lent, Advent and Epiphany. Our children's and handbell choirs participate regularly, as well. This service also includes a message from the pastor and a time for our children.
12 noon - Fellowship and Refreshments
All are welcome to join us in the Narthex (the gathering space at the rear of the Sanctuary) for coffee and light refreshments. It's a great opportunity to meet the pastors and enjoy fellowship with other congregants.
6:00 p.m. - Evensong (during Advent and Lent only)
Evensong offers a quieter, more reflective option for worship during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Music is typically acoustic and service is designed as a way to help center ourselves during these two liturgical seasons.
Summer Sunday Worship Schedule (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
During the summer, we join together in one blended worship service at 10:00 a.m. On Memorial Day and Labor Day, we sometimes move the service outside for a unique opportunity to worship under the shade of the trees. Worship is followed by our Summer Sips time, a chance to gather for light refreshments and fellowship.