Spiritual Center Groups

Bethesda 101

Occasional Sundays | Following Morning Worship | Guild Room
For all those who are new to the Bethesda community, Bethesda 101 offers a chance to learn more about the history of our church, explore the various ministries that we offer, and allows participants a chance to meet the clergy and parish leadership. We honor all those who find their way through our doors seeking to deepen their connection to God and this one-time lunch is a wonderful opportunity to meet others who are taking that journey as well.

Upcoming Bethesda 101 Dates are:
February 25
April 14

Bethesda Alpha Class

Monday, January 22 through March 18, 2024| 6:00 p.m. | Parish Hall
Alpha helps create a space for honest conversation around some of life’s biggest questions. It is designed to provide guests an opportunity to connect with one another while providing the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a safe and caring environment. Alpha helps bring people together while providing the chance to encounter Jesus.

Bethesda Explorers

Seasonal Meet-Ups | Dates and Locations TBD
Bethesda Explorers learn more about the history of the Christian tradition and other cultures by traveling for spiritual pilgrimage, missions, and other adventures. This is the perfect group for those who are curious about how God is at work in the world and are seeking to explore where the Spirit will lead them. We will discern, plan, and prepare for one large journey per year.

Faith in Action

First Monday of Each Month | 6:00 p.m. | Local Restaurants
Faith in Action is a group for adults who want to learn by doing. If you are interested in learning more about the love and service of Christ by working alongside like-minded adults on local community service projects then this group is for you. Each month we will meet to discern what God is calling our group to do, use our various spiritual gifts to execute our group’s vision for ministry, and take time to reflect on how God is at work in our action. We will meet on the first Monday of each month at local bars, cafes, and restaurants in the West Palm Beach community, emphasizing that the work of this group lives outside the walls of our church.

Bagels and Bible

Tuesday | 9:00 a.m. | Guild Room
Bagels and Bible is open to all adults and is a chance to dig deeper into one book of the bible at a time. Greg Knight will lead this group discussion of scripture. We’re not a group looking for bible experts, just people who are curious about how the stories from the bible echo in our lives today. And we occasionally have bacon. You can bring your own bible or use one of ours. This is a great way to study scripture, engage in fellowship with Bethesda parishioners, and foster a spirit of life-long learning in community.

Previewing the Lectionary

Friday | 10:00 a.m. | Zoom
Want to learn more about the Bible? Join Tom O’Brien’s “Previewing the Lectionary” Course that examines the meanings and background of the readings for each upcoming Sunday.
This one-hour Zoom class meets each Friday at 10:00 a.m.

Bethesda Yoga

Wednesday | 6:45 p.m. | Guild Room
The Bethesda Yoga Class is open to people of all ages and skill levels. We use breathing and physical postures to draw us into a more intentional and mindful engagement with the divine.

Contemplative Prayer

First Saturday of Each Month | 10:00 a.m. | Parish Hall
The Contemplative Prayer group is open to all those who are seeking to engage the Holy Spirit in a deeper way. Through walking the labyrinth, sitting in silent meditation, lectio divina, healing, and more, the Contemplative Prayer group will explore various forms of prayer to help develop a deeper connection to faith.

Theology in Film

Monday Matinees | 3:00 p.m. | Parish Hall
Tuesday Discussions | 7:00 p.m. | Zoom
Theology in Film is a class for adults that meets via Zoom on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Films are assigned each week for participants to watch on their own. The movies discussed are typically available on popular streaming platforms or digital rental and are also frequently available on DVD through the Palm Beach Library System.

Sunday Adult Forum

Sunday | 10:00 a.m. | Parish Hall
Come engage in heartfelt conversation about issues concerning faith and life at our weekly Sunday Adult Forum. In a conversation facilitated by Bethesda clergy and educators, participants learn more about diverse topics of faith through conversations and presentations.

Middle Way Spotlight Series

First Wednesday of each Month | 6:00 p.m. | Garth/Parish Hall
Beginning with a catered meal at 6:00 p.m., the Middle Way Spotlight Series is a chance to learn about a topic of faith through interviews with experts from around the country. We engage a variety of different topics and even record our conversations so that you can listen back later through your favorite podcast app.

Spiritual Retreats

Occasional Saturdays | 10:00 a.m. | Parish Hall
In addition to our regular Advent and Lenten Retreats, Bethesda will also occasionally host brief limited and/or seasonal morning retreat opportunities throughout the program year that engage the body, mind, and soul.