Who are we? I'm a Bethelite!

The King's Kidz premiered their new BETHEL CHANT, written by Bethel's own Kim Willingham.

The purpose?
Each year we evaluate what the children have learned. Do they know who Jesus is? Do they know how to model Christian behavior? Are they good stewards of the church? What is Christmas and Easter? This year, we also wanted to be sure that the kids in the Children's Ministry new basic things about our church, like:

• The name of their church -- Bethel AME Church, founded in 1988
• Their pastors' names -- Ray Hammond and Gloria White-Hammond
• The name of their denomination -- African Methodist Episcopal
• Church history -- Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, PA, founded in 1794
• The founder -- Richard Allen, who was born enslaved, taught himself to read and write, started a church and changed our world.

That's a lot for three to seven year olds!

The result:

The children practice each Sunday during children's worship under the tutelage of Jessica Huber, our Children's Music Director, and also at home with their parents (see little James giving an example).

THE LYRICS:

Adult:
Who are we?

Children/All:
I’m a Bethel-Light of Bethel of AME
I go to church and learn about the Christ (God) in ME!
I learn about God and Jesus His son,
How he gave his life for everyone.

I learn the Bible and church history.
African Methodist Episcopal – that’s A-M-E.

It started waaaaaay back in 1794.
Richard Allen, born a slave, becaaaame much more.
He learned to write. He learned to read.
He studied the Bible. God’s children he’d lead.

He started a church in Philly, P-A.
Mother Bethel AME still stands today.

In 1988 Bethel Boston was birthed
by Pastors Ray and Glo(ria) to spread love on earth!

I’m a Bethel-Light and as you can see
A joint heir to the greatest legacy!*

*Romans 8:16-17