As the local and global community come together to address the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, Bethel Church is seeking to promote health across the community. In moments like these, we do not partner with fear, but choose to lean into faith and hope, as well as practicing wisdom and safety. We are actively encouraging health practices and precautions to our whole community. We believe that wisdom, modern medicine, and faith are meant to work together, and express the value for each in the pursuit of on-going health and healing. We continue to remain in close communication with Shasta County Public Health to be aware of their recommendations for Shasta County. For press inquiries, please see the Press Updates section below.
Stream our Sunday services with a free Bethel.TV account or on YouTube, at 10:30am PST.
We will be returning to fully open weekend church services at our College View and Twin View campuses beginning on Sunday, June 6, 2021. We invite you to join us online or in-person! Healing Rooms will be available online Saturday mornings, and resuming in-person on Saturday, June 12, 2021.
*Regarding Sunday services, our goal is that our local church body would participate in Bethel At Home! To learn more, host, or join a group, visit bethel.com/athome. At this time, we do not have a start date for when public in-person weekend church services on Bethel campuses will begin. (There will be a small, invite-only group of staff, elders, and deacons at the filming of the streamed services beginning Sunday, June 7.)
For updates from Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, click here.
Starting on Sunday, February 14, Bethel Church will begin hosting limited-capacity, in-person church services for pre-registered local members and attenders.
As we continue to allow our decision making to be informed by California’s Places of Worship Guidance, face coverings will be required where social distancing is not possible, and seating will be limited to 25% capacity and set up to provide maximum social distance. At this time, visitors and guests will continue to join online church services only. Along with many churches throughout the region and state, we are looking forward to safely resuming in-person church services and continuing to invest in the spiritual and emotional health of the congregation.
“As a church and school, we have a responsibility to create a safe space where people can encounter God’s transforming presence and grow in their spiritual, emotional, and mental health. This duty is essential,” says Dann Farrelly, Dean of Bethel’s Ministry School and Associate Pastor.
We realize it can be confusing to see individual voices that have very different perspectives from each other at all levels of leadership and staff at Bethel Church. We believe in a diversity of opinion and thought, and choose to come together as a leadership team, lay our personal perspectives aside, and make decisions that are best for our church, schools, and the local Redding community. At times this can be challenging, however our collective statements and actions reflect the final decisions of our full leadership team on how we navigate and lead our large organization.
Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) currently has 68 active positive cases of COVID-19 among BSSM students who have been instructed to isolate in their homes. All students and staff who have been in close contact with these individuals have been instructed to quarantine in their homes as well. As of October 6, 2020, the total number of positive cases among BSSM students and staff is 137 since school started in early September 2020, which are included in Shasta County’s confirmed case total.
In our contact tracing system within BSSM, we have seen that a primary source of transmission has occurred in off-campus living situations and social interactions outside of school hours that are common to student life. Unlike a university setting with dorms and campus rules being monitored after school hours, BSSM students find housing in the community which they often share with other students.
“Our school culture values community. In this unprecedented year, our strength in building community presents challenges and a temporary need for change. We deeply care about the health of our students, and have strongly communicated to them the importance of protecting our local community in Shasta County by wearing masks, social distancing, and staying home when sick. We’re increasing both our communication and education to students about the importance of practicing these same safety measures both inside and outside the classroom.” said Kris Vallotton, Director of BSSM.
For the past several months, BSSM has been in close communication with the Public Health department as we have made our plans to implement safety measures for the BSSM 2020-2021 school year. Those measures include:
Due to the recent rise in cases, BSSM began a time of shelter-in-place on Friday, October 2, and all BSSM meetings are being held online only. This temporary shift to distance learning is being implemented with the goal to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our student body and Redding community.
During this shelter-in-place, students have been asked to self-quarantine, regardless of whether or not they are experiencing symptoms. Students have been instructed to only leave home for essentials, not participate in any social gatherings, and not visit any local non-essential businesses or public spaces. Students with jobs have been advised to communicate with their supervisor at their workplace if at any point they or someone they live with begin showing symptoms.
We love our students and believe they are a valuable asset to our community, and they love being here. Gratefully, at this time, we are not aware of any cases that have required hospitalization. When school resumes on-campus, we will continue the safety measures as summarized above. We are also implementing an internal communications strategy that continues to emphasize actions students can take to mitigate the spread of the virus both at home and in school. Let’s continue to pray for the city as we all navigate this challenging season together and trust the Lord to intervene for good.
As the number of positive COVID-19 cases have increased in Shasta County, we recognize that the local community is at risk of additional restrictions. Bethel has been in near-daily communication with Shasta County Public Health, and together, we share a common goal of slowing the spread of positive COVID-19 cases in our county. “It’s our honor to do our part to serve and protect the city of Redding in this time, and always” says Kris Vallotton, Bethel Senior Associate Leader.
Like the Redding community, we have intentionally taken steps to ensure the safety and health of the local Redding community since March 2020 by implementing measures in accordance with Public Health guidelines. Since the start of Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) this year, all students and staff have been required to wear face coverings at all times, socially distance on campus, self-monitor for symptoms, and undergo daily temperature checks taken at the door.
A portion of the new cases in Shasta County have been amongst our students and staff, so we are taking swift action under the guidance of Public Health to minimize additional spread. We have asked anyone who has had close contact with a person with COVID-19, or shows signs of illness, to quarantine at home according to CDC guidelines. This has led to a large number of people staying home as a precaution. To support the objective of facilitating health and minimizing positive cases, we are also doing the following:
Bethel Church’s School of Ministry (BSSM) is preparing for students to return for the 2020-2021 academic school year over the next few weeks, and is intentionally taking extra steps to protect the health of the Redding community and the student body. This year’s class has a lesser number of accepted students (for example, BSSM First Year will operate at 60% capacity) and has been required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and take a COVID-19 test prior to beginning school. On September 2, 2020, the first round of COVID-19 tests were administered to BSSM staff and incoming students, 997 in total, which yielded no positive test results. The remainder of students will be tested prior to starting school.
Additionally, students will be required to wear face coverings and socially distance throughout their time on campus as they travel between classes and in rooms where six feet of distance isn’t possible. The school structure has been adjusted to accommodate smaller groups, which will minimize larger gatherings and allow for seating to be socially distanced.
Throughout the planning process, BSSM Leadership and Administrators have worked closely with Shasta County Health and Human Services to create and review the safety plan that is being implemented for BSSM. BSSM is looking forward to another great, safe school year!
“As are other churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations in Redding, we have been working hard on plans for safety in the midst of COVID-19, and are grateful for the patience of everyone involved in adjusting in this season,” says Aaron Tesauro, Bethel Communications Director.
With the approval of Cal OES (California Office of Emergency Services) and the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters) has been providing supplemental food to the medically vulnerable during COVID-19. This has been a collaborative effort between organizations in the community coming together to serve a significant need of people who are sheltered-in-place and needing assistance with food security. Individuals who are 65 and older, medically vulnerable, and those with disabilities can apply for the supplemental food by calling 211. Alternatively, a form can be completed here.
Bethel Church has been acting as the packaging center and providing volunteer management for the program. The food for this program has been provided by the Salvation Army, Dignity Health Connected Living, Bethel partner Convoy of Hope, and Franz bread delivered by Southern Baptist and Shasta Youth Alliance. The food is brought to Bethel Church to be inventoried, sorted, and packaged into supplemental food packs. This process is done within rigorous standards for cleanliness and sanitation as precautions are taken to protect the volunteers and the beneficiaries who will be receiving the packs. All volunteers are medically screened before using the building and all public health standards are upheld.
Every weekday, volunteer drivers gather at Bethel to receive the food packs to deliver and are assigned their delivery routes. All deliveries are brought to people’s homes and dropped off via a contactless method of delivery. Beneficiaries are able to reapply by calling 211 every week.
As of April 9, deliveries have been made to 985 homes.
Bethel Church is taking additional steps to support the community as it works to address the Coronavirus. Shasta County Health and Human Services made a request to Shasta Tehama Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) for another organization to help facilitate medical supply donations. As a part of VOAD, Bethel Church volunteered to become a medical supply donation center to manage donations on behalf of Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency. “Our disaster response team often deploys to places around the world to bring relief, supplies, and manpower, and it is an honor to get to serve our hometown during this time,” says Carl Ladd, Director of Bethel Global Response. Shasta County Public Health officials will direct donated supplies to local medical facilities as needed.
Starting March 26, 2020, donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) are being accepted at Bethel Church’s College View Campus (933 College View Drive). “We’re grateful to be part of this community, and are glad that our church facilities and teams can be of help to Shasta County,” said Candace Johnson, Senior Pastor of Bethel Church, Redding.
If you have any of these items and would like to donate them, the donation center will be open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM PDT Monday through Friday of each week beginning on March 26, 2020 until further notice. Donations will be dropped off via a contactless method.
Currently, only the following new items will be accepted:
One Redding woman has proactively taken steps to create a place for the local community to connect with one another, encourage each other, and share resources as we navigate the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Bethel Church Community Life Pastor Kristy Tillman created “Show Kindness” as a way for the community to work together to show kindness and support those being affected by current events.
“This group has been set up to build an informal network of volunteers who can support those who are vulnerable or self-isolating because of Coronavirus or are in an at-risk group in Redding, CA, and aims to share and organize community resources in response to COVID-19 to ensure that vulnerable community members have access to food, healthcare, and other necessities,” says Tillman.
“It is also for the redistribution of resources in the case that stockpiling prevents people from accessing basics. Members can share what support or supplies they need, allowing those who are unaffected to offer help and respond to these needs. This includes everything from dropping off food or hot meals, supplies, medications, childcare, spiritual and emotional care, and support.”
So far, people have shared supplies with one another, as well as given helpful informational updates and opportunities to support local businesses. The group presently has 1.1K members, and continues to grow daily, with regular posts of generosity, helpful information, and connections to those who can help. Though the group was started by a Bethel staff member, the group is for the entire Redding community.
Bethel Church is adjusting its schedule and ministry activities to encourage continued health in the North State. As of Monday, March 16, 2020, all ministry gatherings and weekend services at Bethel campuses are postponed until further notice. Instead, Bethel will offer several online opportunities for members, attenders, and students to be a part of, including church online at Bethel.TV streaming at 8:00am, 10:30am, 1:00pm, and 6:00pm on Sundays moving forward. We continue to remain in close communication with Shasta County Public Health to be aware of their recommendations for Shasta County.
Changes to Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry:
Bethel’s ministry school (BSSM) has decided to transition fully to online school sessions to continue to foster safety and health in the community. All in-person classes and gatherings at all campuses are postponed until further notice.
Changes to Bethel’s Preschool & Elementary School:
Bethel Christian School (Preschool-8th Grade) is transitioning all students to independent home study until further notice, with lesson plans being sent home and teachers available via email. The school office will remain open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PDT Mondays through Fridays to resource both teachers and parents during this time.
Bethel Church is proactively taking steps to ensure the continued safety and health of our region. As of March 10, 2020, Bethel’s ministry school has cancelled all student missions and ministry trips between now and graduation in May, both domestic and international. Dann Farrelly, the Dean of BSSM, said of the decision, “Public health officials in Shasta County suggested that we cancel all trips not deemed as essential travel. We appreciate and deeply value the efforts of our government leaders to do the best they can to lead with wisdom, as well as the positive impact that science and the medical community have on all of our lives. The leadership of these groups benefit all of us and we want to cooperate with their efforts.”
Bethel Church will postpone all weekend services at all campuses this weekend. We invite everyone to join us for church online at www.bethel.tv streaming at 8:00am, 10:30am, 1:00pm, and 6:00pm PST this Sunday, March 15. Bethel continues to remain in close communication with Shasta County Public Health to be aware of their recommendations for Shasta County, especially as it pertains to church gatherings. Aaron Tesauro, Bethel Communications Director, had this to say of the changes to church services: “We’re thankful for technology that allows us to host church online and stay connected as a community during this time.”
In addition to these measures, Shasta College has asked us to cancel the annual student basketball game that was scheduled for Saturday, March 14, in the Shasta College gymnasium, and Bethel’s Senior’s Ministry Community Group, has postponed gathering for the rest of the month of March.
For continued updates and more information, please check this page or follow Bethel on social media.
Founded in 1954 and previously a part of the Assemblies of God, Bethel Church is a non-denominational church in Redding, California with a congregation of almost 10,000 people (including members, regular attendees, students, and children) in a city of approximately 91,000. To learn more about Bethel, we invite you to read our statement of faith and core values, discover our weekend service times, and listen to recent messages.
July 14, 2022
Join us as we partner with heaven and pray, believe, and contend for Beni Johnson’s full healing.
October 31, 2021
On Sunday, October 31, 2021, Bethel Church announced some exciting updates to its leadership structure.
October 20, 2021
Bethel Church officially broke ground on its future campus on Collyer Drive in Redding, California.