In a world full of bad news, we’re telling something good.
This Lent, we’re returning to the heart of Christianity — and it’s better than you might remember.

The good news is not about fear.

It’s not about exclusion.

It’s not about who’s in and who’s out.

The good news is this:

God wants the table full.

Not just the polished.
Not just the certain.
Not just the lifelong churchgoers.

Full. And yes — that includes you.

Lent At Bethel International UMC

Lent is a 40-day season leading up to Easter. It’s a time to examine what shapes us and to ask what the gospel really means in our lives today.

If you’ve ever wondered whether church is still relevant — this is for you.

If you’ve been hurt by Christianity — this is for you.

If you love Jesus but struggle with church culture — this is for you.

If you care about LGBTQ+ inclusion, immigrant solidarity, anti-racism, and protecting the vulnerable — this is for you.

If you’re unsure what you believe but want meaningful community — this is for you too.

There is a seat for you here.

Lent began as a season when new believers prepared for baptism by learning what mattered most in the Christian faith.

This year, we’re returning to those essentials. What is the heart of Christianity? What is the good news?

We’ll focus on five core truths:
All are invited.
Love of God and neighbor.
Miracles are possible.
Care for the vulnerable.
Mercy is greater than judgment.

Sometimes the most transformative truths are the simplest ones.

We are a multicultural, justice-rooted United Methodist church in northwest Columbus.

We affirm LGBTQ+ people fully.

We stand with immigrants and refugees.

We believe racism is sin.

We believe faith should look like love in action.

On any given Sunday, you’ll find longtime members, young adults asking hard questions, families from around the world, and people rediscovering faith.

God’s table is bigger than we’ve often been told.

Thoughtful, justice-centered preaching.

Music shaped by global and traditional influences.

Honest prayer.

Space for questions.

No dress code.

No purity tests.

No pressure to pretend.

Just a community trying to follow Jesus in a complicated world.

Lent & Holy Week Schedule

Come and See. Lent begins 2/22/26. God wants the table full. Pull up a chair!

Ash Wednesday
February 18
Tell Me Something Good
February 22
Great Love for God and Neighbor
March 1
Together, the Impossible Is Possible
March 8
Protection and Care for the Vulnerable
March 15
Rooted in Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness
March 29
Palm Sunday
March 29
Maundy Thursday
April 2
Good Friday
April 3
When are services?

Ash Wednesday – February 18 / 7PM

Sundays in Lent – Traditional Worship 9:00AM / Contemporary Worship 10:30AM

Palm Sunday (combined with our Korean congregation) – March 29 / 10:30AM

Maundy Thursday – April 2 / 7PM

Good Friday – April 6 / Worship Service 12PM

Easter Sunday – April 8 / Traditional Worship 9:00AM / Contemporary Worship 10:30AM

What if I’m not sure I belong?
Belonging often comes before believing.

You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You don’t have to agree with everything.
You don’t have to perform.

God wants the table full.

There is room for you.