FAQ's

Q. What time is your Worship Service?

A. We worship every Sunday at 10:45 am.

Q. How old is your church?

A. Our church was founded in 1814. We have a more extensive history posted on our history link.

Q. What denomination are you affiliated with?

A. We are members of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and are part of the Presbytery of Cincinnati.

Q. What do Presbyterians believe?

A. Presbyterians are first and foremost Christians. We believe in our Savior Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. Presbyterians are Protestants who trace their roots back to John Calvin and John Knox. The word Presbyterian refers more to our form of church government.

Q. Do Presbyterians believe in Sacraments?

A. Yes, we believe in two sacraments, Baptism and Communion.

Q. Do Presbyterians Baptize infants?

A. Yes, we believe that God chooses us before we can choose Him. Infants are a part of the community of faith just as much as adults. When a child reaches a more mature age, they can confirm their beliefs through confirmation.

Q. How often do you have Communion?

A. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month, as well as on Maundy Thursday and Easter. All those that believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior are welcome to take part.

Q. Where can I learn more about what Presbyterians believe?

A. You can refer to our denominations website: www.pcusa.org. You can also read through our Constitution: Book of Order and Book of Confessions.

Q. How do I become a member?

A. First off, please come and worship with us for a few times to make sure this is the church for you. If you decide you want to make a commitment and become a regular member of our church, then let the Pastor know. Our Pastor will then meet with you to answer any questions you have about our church. Our governing board, the Session, will then meet with you before church one Sunday to also get to know you. Finally, you will be welcomed into our church during a service as a full member. You will be able to reaffirm your beliefs in Jesus Christ if you have already been Baptized, or you will be Baptized for the first time.

Q. What does your church believe about different social issues?

A. We believe that our focus should be on worshipping God and His Son Jesus Christ. We use that as a guide and allow our members to decide for themselves how that impacts how they view the world. Many of the issues that present themselves before us are very complex. Our goal is to seek out the common ground and focus on that.

Q. I want to get married there, what do I have to do?

A. Please refer to our Weddings link.

Q. My family member was Presbyterian and they recently passed away, will the pastor be able to perform a funeral service even though we’re not members?

A. Our pastor does not turn people away, even if they don’t have a strong faith background or if they come from a different denomination. We believe that by coming to the church to ask a pastor to help you honor your loved one is proof enough of your faith. That being said, our pastor is not always available, but will try to assist you in your time of need.

Q. How can I help out/get involved at BMPC?

A. We are always in need of people and there’s plenty to do. Opportunities will invariably come up in the newsletter or in our bulletins. You can serve on one of our committees: Christian Education, Leadership, Mission, Fellowship/Ice Cream Socials, Outreach, and Worship. You can also help out in worship as a Liturgist, Usher, or give the children’s sermon.

Q. Is your church Handicapped Accessible?

A. Yes.

Q. Does your church have air conditioning?

A. While our sanctuary is Historic, it has been updated with all of the modern amenities.

Q. How long has the current pastor been at BMPC?

A. Rev. Frank Rupnik has been with us since June 2005.

Q. Who else is on staff?

A. We have an office manager, organist/choir director, nursery attendant, and custodian. All other positions are served by volunteers.

Q. Does the church have a motto?

A. BMPC stands for Bethel Murdoch Presbyterian Church, but it also represents our goal as a church, that is to Bring More People to Christ.

Q. What is your worship service like?

A. The best way to understand it is to experience it. While we realize that some people want a very modern service with powerpoint and a band; we worship with a choir and an organ. Our service is more traditional in that sense, but it is also very laid back and comfortable. Our goal is to experience God in holiness, but do so in a warm environment. We feel that’s the best way to experience God.

Q. How long is your service?

A. Generally the service lasts one hour.

Q. Do you provide nursery care?

A. Yes.

Q. Do you have Sunday School for children/adults?

A. Our children’s Sunday School is during the second half of our worship service. When their parents are listening to an adult sermon, the young disciples learn a lesson as well. Our adult Bible Study groups meet at various times depending on interest, but are generally held in the evening either at church or in someone’s home.

Q. What does the future look like for BMPC?

A. We have found a unique group of people that like to worship God in a warm traditional environment and plenty more are interested. We are currently one of the fastest growing churches in the Presbytery of Cincinnati and we hope to keep it up, while maintaining the close-knit atmosphere that we have.

Q. Where can I get more information?

A. Feel free to call the church at (513) 583-9676 or stop by some time. Our office manager and pastor are generally in the church office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00am to 1:00pm, but can be available later by appointment.

Q.  Can I use your Fellowship Hall for an upcoming event?

A.  Please contact our church secretary for availability and be sure to read over our BMPC usage fees page and our Ten Commandments for using the church.