About New Bethel
A family of faith in Glen Carbon.
Worshiping God, growing together, serving our neighbors.
Whether you have followed Jesus for decades or are just beginning to wonder about faith, there is a place for you at New Bethel United Methodist Church.
Welcome
Belonging comes first
We are a family of believers in Glen Carbon, Illinois, who gather to worship God, grow together, and serve our neighbors near and far. You’ll find people of every age and background here, sharing life, faith and the occasional potluck.
Our tagline says it simply: A Place to Belong. A Faith to Grow. A Community to Serve.
Why we’re here
Our mission and vision
Our Mission
To make disciples of Jesus Christ who go into the world in peace: loving courageously, serving compassionately, and honoring all people as God’s people.
Our Vision
To be a Spirit-empowered community where everyone finds belonging, faith becomes action, the hurting find hope, and God’s love transforms Glen Carbon and beyond.
The words that send us out
Our benediction
Our mission is shaped by the benediction we share at the close of worship. These words, rooted in Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:13–22), send us out each Sunday to live our faith through the week.
Go out into the world in peace;
Have courage;
Hold on to what is good;
Return no one evil for evil;
Strengthen the fainthearted;
Support the weak;
Help the suffering;
Honor all people because all people are God’s people;
Love and serve the Lord,
Rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
What we believe
Rooted in grace
As United Methodists, we believe God’s love is for everyone, and that grace meets us, changes us, and sends us out to love others.
God’s grace
God’s love reaches us before we ever reach for God. By grace we are forgiven, made new, and helped to grow in holiness every day.
Scripture
The Bible is our primary guide for faith and life, understood through tradition, experience and reason, with the Holy Spirit as our teacher.
An open table
All who love Christ and seek to follow Him are welcome to receive Holy Communion with us. Baptism marks every age as a beloved child of God.
Faith in action
Following Jesus is never only personal. Holiness of heart shows up as love for our neighbors, justice and mercy in the world.
Our team
Meet our pastor and staff
Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jemiriye Fakunle
Pastor Jemiriye loves helping people discover the life we find in God’s presence. He holds a doctoral degree, teaches preaching, and is the founder of YETI, a ministry that equips the next generation of leaders. He is the author of the forthcoming book FORMED.
Each week he writes In His Presence, a short pastoral reflection to carry Sunday’s hope into every day. He would love to meet you.
Kathy Bryant
Administrative Assistant
Kathy keeps the church office running and is often the first friendly voice you’ll hear when you call.
Rebecca Koebbe
Worship Accompanist
Rebecca leads us in song from the keys, helping our worship rise each Sunday.
Jim Sullivan
Custodian
Jim cares for our building so that everyone who walks through our doors finds a clean, welcoming home.
Our connection
Part of the United Methodist Church
New Bethel is a congregation of the United Methodist Church and the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. Our mission grows out of the one we share with United Methodists around the world: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
There’s a place for you
Join us this Sunday
Worship at 9:00 AM · Kingdom Kids Church and Youth Church during worship
131 N. Main Street, Glen Carbon, Illinois