Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Acton, ON

Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Acton, Ontario, is a dynamic and mission-focused nonprofit organisation part of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Established formally in 1953, the church has a long-standing presence in the community of Acton.

History

Bethel Christian Reformed Church was formed by a group of Dutch immigrants who began gathering for services in the Anglican Parish Hall in Acton on May 17, 1953. Initially, services were conducted only in the Dutch language. In April 1954, the congregation moved to hold services at the YMCA. On May 29, 1955, Rev. R. Groenenboer became the church's first minister, leading services on the day of his arrival from Holland. The church later became part of the Acton ministerial association, collaborating with other local churches to spread God's love.

Ministry and Community Engagement

The church operates with three core themes: Loving God, Loving Each Other, and Loving our Community. It offers various ministry opportunities for children, youth, and adults, and actively engages with the community both locally and globally. Bethel Church is known for its motto, "Shining Light…Showing Love," emphasizing its commitment to serving others and growing in personal Christian faith.

Denomination and Affiliation

Bethel Christian Reformed Church is one of approximately 1,000 churches affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America. This denomination has roots tracing back to the Protestant Reformation in Europe during the sixteenth century.

Facilities and Accessibility

The church operates from a modern facility that is barrier-free, including sound and projection systems, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. It hosts Sunday gatherings at 10:00 am.

Membership and Attendance

As of recent updates, Bethel Christian Reformed Church has a membership of approximately 533 individuals, with an average Sunday attendance of around 250 people.

Past Leadership

Bethel CRC has been led by several ministers throughout its history, including notable past ministers such as Ralph Groeneboer and Ray Vander Kooij.