Our History

We are a congregation rooted in a tradition of progressive Christian thinking.  Our history of worship, sacraments, rituals, social action and community support is the foundation on which we build our future.  Our members are seekers and believers reflecting a broad range of theological positions and Christian beliefs.  We recognize the centrality of the Bible and offer people the opportunity to explore how it might guide their daily lives.  This is our invitation to people of this community to come and celebrate the spirit of Christ with us.

We embrace diversity and our members’ backgrounds vary greatly.  We appreciate our differences of race, ethnicity, ability, age, gender orientation, religious upbringing, and family structure. Our openness stems from our Christian values. We believe Jesus was non-judgmental, nurtured people to discover God in their lives, and was a profound example of serving and standing up for people in need. We try to follow Christ’s extravagant example of love, service, and acceptance of all.  Read more…

Our Pastors

Rev. Kristen Casmey Curlee was called to Bethel United Church of Christ in November 2010 at a time when Bethel was excited and ready to grow.  She is Bethel’s seventh Senior Pastor since its founding in 1941.  Her passion is to create a worship service for all ages to experience the divine and find space for spiritual renewal.  Ritual, prayer, meditation and music are all important to create the opportunity for divine encounters.  Mission and social justice have always been an important part of Kristen’s expression of faith, just as it is at Bethel.  “Everyone gives so much of themselves to those who have less,” says Kristen.  “It’s a powerful witness to the Gospel.”  Read more…

Rev. Carolyn Richar, our Associate Pastor, has served Bethel UCC part-time since graduating from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, with a BSN in 1982 and Master of Divinity from Candler Theological Seminary in 1985.  Carolyn’s full-time ministry is as General Manager for Capital Hospice in Northern Virginia.  Read more…

Rev. Dr. Don Smith, Pastor Emeritus, served as Bethel Church’s Interim Senior Pastor from January 2008 to June 2010. In view of his extraordinary service to Bethel, the congregation awarded him emeritus status upon his retirement. Prior to coming to Bethel, Don served as the Senior Minister for nine years at The United Church (UCC – UMC) in Foggy Bottom in Washington, DC. He also served UCC churches for over thirty-five years in PA, VA, RI, and CT. A native of Lancaster County, PA, Dr. Smith attended Lancaster Theological Seminary and Eastern Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and holds a professional degree (Doctor of Ministry) in Ministry to Marriage and Family. His academic interests are history and philosophy. Dr. Smith and his wife Mary J. Schantz now reside in TN.