Our Name

The name BETHEL means 'House of God'. Genesis 28 tells the story of how the Lord appeared to Jacob to renew His covenant promises with him. Jacob was in such awe that he named the place Bethel saying, "Surely God is in this place." Our name reminds us that no matter where we are, God is among us as His people. The name Bethel also reminds us that God is 'building us' into a spiritual household. 1 Peter 2:5 says "You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house." As the gospel is preached all over the the world sinners are being saved, and Jesus is building his church--stone by stone, person by person.   

The name UNITED refers to the unity we have as believers in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:4-6 says, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Our unity also comes to expression in a broader sense, among other like-minded churches. Bethel is a member church of the United Reformed Churches in North America (https://www.urcna.org/), a Federation of more than 98 congregations spread across Canada and the United States. 

The name REFORMED identifies our historical roots which date back to the 16th century church in Europe. That is when a spiritual movement within the church took place that came to be known as the Protestant Reformation. This Reformation was essentially a "Back to the Bible" movement designed to bring doctrinal and moral renewal to the church that had lost its way. Among many other things, this Reformation sought to re-assert the emphasis of God's sovereignty in the salvation of sinners. Other features of a Reformed perspective are: biblical authority; the glory of God (and our enjoyment of Him); salvation by grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ alone; and a renewed awareness of the Christian's earthly misson.

The name CHURCH means that we are those whom Christ has called out of the world and unto Himself. We recognize Jesus Christ as the sovereign Lord and Head of His church. Therefore, we strive to follow what His Word, the Bible, says about every aspect of our belief and practice. As Christ's church, we exist not only to worship God, but to fulfil God's Mission for the world, namely, to gather-in His lost sheep. God uses us at Bethel to reach out to our neighbours and to our surrounding community with the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.