How it all started...
Bethany's roots trace back to 1807 when Mennonite settlers, led by Joseph Schneider and Benjamin Eby, arrived in Waterloo County. Over the next 63 years, the area—comprising Ebytown, Sand Hills, Berlin, and Kitchener—grew rapidly. Berlin became the county seat in 1852, was designated a town by 1870, and became a city in 1912. The name changed to Kitchener on September 1, 1916.
During this time, 12 churches were built, including Bethany, constructed in 1877 for $200 on half an acre of land. Bethany joined the United Mennonite denomination in 1877, became United Missionary in 1947, and later The Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada in 1993. From its inception, Bethany has been active in local and overseas missions, supporting congregational members on missions, offering its building to local churches, and partnering to reach the community.
During this time, 12 churches were built, including Bethany, constructed in 1877 for $200 on half an acre of land. Bethany joined the United Mennonite denomination in 1877, became United Missionary in 1947, and later The Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada in 1993. From its inception, Bethany has been active in local and overseas missions, supporting congregational members on missions, offering its building to local churches, and partnering to reach the community.
Everyone is welcome at Bethany!
Bethany Church has something for everyone. Church isn’t for perfect people. It’s for hurting people, for hungry people, for ordinary people, for growing people. It doesn’t matter your background: your ethnicity, your religious or nonreligious upbringing, or what you’ve been through. You are welcome here.
A Church in Renewal
Pastor Ray Doerksen (Founder of Church Renewal) described church renewal as a return to ancient paths (Jeremiah 6:16), aiming for Bethany’s people to intimately walk with and abide with God. We believe God has a purpose for every aspect of our Christian life and desires our growth in Him. Our goal is to learn to hear His voice in daily life.
Twice a year, we host a “Hearing God Seminar” for people to explore church renewal. Participants can then join an Abide Small Group, which offers fifteen lessons on real-life issues for deepening their relationship with God and each other.
Twice a year, we host a “Hearing God Seminar” for people to explore church renewal. Participants can then join an Abide Small Group, which offers fifteen lessons on real-life issues for deepening their relationship with God and each other.
