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My name is Rev. Afam Afamefuna. I am currently the Vacancy Pastor at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, Milwaukee. Additionally, I am the Chaplain at the Milwaukee County
House of Correction in Franklin, Wisconsin. Bethany, which was established in 1893, started its ministry in the homes of members, then a storefront, a church on 33rd and Brown, and finally to its current building and location in
1922. At that time, most of the neighborhood residents were of German and Jewish descent. In the early days, Bethany held three worship services—one in German and two in English.
Over the past years, the community has changed but we have seen the impact of the Law & Gospel in our central-city community both spiritually and physically. Bethany’s Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen ministries continue to grow and touch so many of God’s people.
Bethany is still standing and spreading the Gospel to the central city. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Even though we face many challenges, God is able! Please include Bethany is your prayers.
Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church was organized on October 4, 1893. A combined church and school was built at 33rd & West Brown and dedicated in May 1894. Bethany began as a German-speaking congregation, changing to English for religious instruction in 1918. The building served both purposes until a new church (on 38th and West Lloyd) was built and dedicated on February 26, 1922. The original church on 33rd & Brown was then completely renovated and used exclusively for school purposes. The school closed in 1986. Over the years, Bethany has become a multi-cultural, diverse congregation, serving the needs of the immediate community.
Commune with Serenity at Dawn
Sacred Act of Communion
Spiritual Harmony Song
Witness the Power of Faith
The Vision of Bethany is to be a thriving Christian community that reflects and shares the love of Christ with others. We acknowledge that God’s love compels us to reach out to others in the name of Christ. In doing so, we are obeying Christ’s command to believe in the name of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He loved us (1 John 3:23; John 15;12)
The Mission of Bethany is to carry the Word of God to the community of Bethany, the Milwaukee area, and to the entire world, sharing God’s gifts of forgiveness and life eternal in Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). To this end, we will use whatever talents and gifts God has given us to draw others to Christ by being a Christian Family that reflects and shares the love of Christ with others; faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10).
Reach out and connect with our church community. We're here to welcome, assist, and share in your journey of faith.
Have questions or need more information? We look forward to hearing from you.
Bible Study
Sunday 9:00am
Worship
Sunday 10:00am
Worship is held each Sunday at 10:00 am. The service is a mixture of traditional worship and hymns as well as contemporary music. Holy Communion is celebrated each Sunday.
Assisting Rev. Afam Afamefuna in worship, laymen participate in the conduct of the service.
Bible study is held each Sunday, beginning at 9:00 am. The class right now is studying the Ten Commandments, using as a basis of study, Luther’s Small Catechism.
There is a second Bible Study held each Thursday evening via a telephone conference line.
The prayer line number is 1-720-650-3030, PW: 316 9414# All are invited to call in.
In 2023, Bethany held three Neighborhood Block Parties in an effort to get to know
individuals and families in the immediate neighborhood. The gatherings were well
received. Bethany is grateful for the support shown by sister congregations in sending
volunteers to help set up, cook and serve, and provide music. In addition to food, music,
children’s activities, Pastor Afam provided “Free Haircuts for Jesus”! Neighborhood
Block Parties will again be held during 2024.
The Soup Kitchen Ministry began in 2008 and is held in conjunction with the Food Pantry program on the last two Wednesdays of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Volunteers from area sister congregations come and help prepare and serve a nutritious meal to those in attendance. The Pastor or lay leader shares a devotion and prayer during mealtime.
Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church 2031 North 38th Street Milwaukee WI 53208
info@church.com
414-444-3131
Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church was organized on October 4, 1893. A combined church and school was built at 33 rd & West Brown and dedicated in May 1894.