How about stepping into a place where community and faith intertwine? That’s Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village. This isn’t just a church. It’s a vibrant community. It welcomes everyone to share in God’s grace and love. Bethany Lutheran Church stands as a Christian community. It is rooted in the Gospel. It focuses on sharing God’s love.
Bethany strives to be pre-eminent. It wants to equip its members to live as the body of Christ. It aims to be a Christian leader in the Denver area and beyond. The church enables, gathers, prepares, energizes, and connects its members. These actions are supported with staff and resources. Bethany gathers people to worship and share. It prepares them for caring and service. It energizes them to witness and reach out. Bethany connects them with opportunities and needs.
Bethany Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is the largest Lutheran Church body in the United States. The Bethany community is vibrant. People come from far and wide to worship together. All are welcome at Bethany Lutheran Church. God’s grace extends to all people here. The community is not here to condemn or judge. It wants to grow together as followers of Jesus. Anyone is invited to join this journey.
The Bethany community life is anchored in worship. It is strengthened by educational and fellowship activities. It is expressed through ministries of love. These ministries extend within and beyond the congregation. The Good News about Jesus is at the center. It defines who they are and what they do. It inspires them to care for others. It inspires them to care for the world God has made.
Bethany Lutheran Church was founded in 1908. Denver was only 50 years old then. It was the second Augustana Synod congregation established in Denver. Rev. Dr. Robert P. Acsell was the first pastor. The church was then known as “The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bethany Church.” The first building was at 32nd and Gilpin St. Membership started moving out of downtown Denver. A new location was purchased on Hampden Ave. Before building began, the old church was purchased. Bethany worshipped in a school near Wellshire Golf Course. The new building was ready in 1958.
The Augustana Synod morphed into the Lutheran Church in America. It later morphed into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In 1984, the Sanctuary was destroyed in a suspected electrical fire. Bethany worshipped at the Denver South Seventh Day Adventist Church. This was near Porter Hospital. The current building was completed and opened in 1987.
Bethany Lutheran Church’s influence extends beyond its walls. The Bethany Early Childhood Center is a premier early learning center. It has provided care and education for young children since 1995. The center’s diverse environment reflects Bethany’s mission. It aims to be a Christian leader in caring for others. The Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation enhances the church’s ministry. It establishes stewardship opportunities. Grants and scholarships are awarded every year.
Bethany Lutheran Church also serves as a concert venue. Many extraordinary organizations perform here. The Denver Brass and Cherry Creek Chorale are among them. Bethany Arts and Events is available to host art shows and weddings. It also hosts receptions and cultural events. The MomCo at Bethany Lutheran supports mothers with young children. Boy Scout Troop 712 is also active here.
Worship at Bethany is engaging and creative. It is also meaningful. It blends ancient patterns and modern-day creativity. Talented musicians lead hymns and anthems. Sermons are thought-provoking and based in scripture. They are applicable to today. All are welcome to share in Holy Communion. This invitation comes from Jesus Christ himself. Bethany also hosts weddings and funerals.
So, as you stand here, remember Bethany Lutheran Church. It is more than just a building. It is a beacon of faith. It is a center for community. It is a place where everyone is welcome. Its rich history and commitment to service make it a vital part of Denver.