Social distancing protocols will be observed at all services. For more information, please read the instructions.

Sunday Videos and Podcasts

We recognise that in-person attendance is not appropriate or possible for everyone. Each week, we offer a selection of links to other churches around the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion.

• Eucharist from the National Cathedral, Washington, DC
• Eucharist from the Diocese of Albany
• Morning Prayer from St Martin-in-the-Fields
• Evensong from Canterbury Cathedral
• Music and Reflections on the theme of ‘the Church’ from St Martin-in-the-Fields, London.
• Organ Recital, King’s College Chapel, Cambridge

See our Online Resources for links to resources for worship at home.
From Psalm 37.30: The mouth of the righteous is exercised in wisdom, and his tongue will be talking of judgement.
Os Justi, WAB 30
Music: Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)

We will offer prayers, meditations and chants on behalf of those who have died in the past year, with special intention victims of COVID-19, in a candlelight service at 5 p.m. Sunday November 8.   The service, about 30 minutes in length, will follow the monastic Prayers for the Dead, a form with ancient roots.  Please Note:  in order to ensure that we maintain safe distancing during this service, reservations are required.  Please use the on-line form to make your reservation.  Call the office if you have any questions or issues; we appreciate your patience during these challenging times.

As Father Wallace observed: “This year 2020 has been an especially difficult year. Many people have turned to their Creator for spiritual and emotional comfort.  Bethesda offers this service for people of all faiths so that we can gather as a community to commemorate all who have died, both known and unknown to us, and thereby renew our collective commitment to caring for one another”.

During the service, members of the parish and community who have died since the beginning of the year will be read. If you wish to add a name to this list, please email it to office@bethesdachurch.org or call the church office at (518) 584-5980.

The service will be conducted in keeping with all New York State protocols for religious gatherings. Masks will be required to be worn at all times, seating will be at distance and limited in number, and hand sanitizer will be available as people enter the church.  A free will offering opportunity will be available.

Parish Work Day Helpers Needed: The vestry is hoping that you can make it for a socially distanced work day on Saturday October 24th. The church will be open from 10:00 to 2:00. You may come for any part of that time, and do not need to remain for the whole time. No special skills are needed, only your willing presence. Please register with the church office.

Mother Miriam, Superior of the Community of St Mary, Greenwich, New York, will offer a series of short talks at Bethesda on Saturday 21 November beginning at 9.30am. Plan to set aside some time for prayer and reflection before the busy holiday season is upon us. Please register with the church office if you wish to attend.

At this time they cannot collect clothing items. We will be delivering the donations to the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) for distribution to those who need them in our community, and we will continue this collection drive during the pandemic. Thanks again for your generosity.

On Saturday, 24 October, weather permitting, Bethesda’s Walking Group will take a two mile walk in Wilton Wildlife Preserve. We will meet at the main (paved) parking lot on Scout Road at 10 am. The sign indicates it is parking lot number one.

Please bring a water bottle, wear sturdy shoes, and a mask. This group is open to anyone interested in a walk in the woods and lively fellowship with fellow parishioners, friends and family. Please register with the church office if you want to go on this walk via email office@bethesdachurch.org or phone (518) 584-5980.

By Lynda Edwards:  “Dazzling windows contain mysteries” in the Times Union [Albany, NY],  August 14, 2020

We are preparing to construct a new Parish House next to our church.  This building will provide church meeting space and offices on the first floor, and the second through fourth floors will house Mercy House of Saratoga.

Drawing of Washington St exterior, JG Waite Assoc, architects

Rendering of approximate finished appearance

Mercy House of Saratoga is a major mission for Bethesda.  It will provide 26 units of housing for people with various disabilities or housing needs.  More information on Mercy House of Saratoga can be found on their website.

Bethesda Episcopal Church is now a participant of PayPal! You can now make your gift to Bethesda by clicking on the “Donate” button on the right or going to www.paypal.com and choosing bethesdaepiscopalchurch@gmail.com as the payee.