About us
Bethany Community Church, Harpenden
A vibrant, charismatic and diverse church in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, finding purpose and fulfilment in following Jesus together. Whoever you are, you’re welcome here.
Bethany at a glance
Prayer meeting at 9.30am. St George’s School Assembly Hall, Sun Lane, Harpenden AL5 4TD
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Their own groups, every week
A family of churches, in Harpenden since 1981
Visiting?
What a Sunday is like.
We meet at St George’s School Assembly Hall in Harpenden. There’s a prayer meeting at 9.30am, and we worship together at 10.30am. Come as you are, and you’re welcome to just watch and listen.
- 9.30am
We pray
We gather to pray for the service and for one another.
- 10.30am
We worship
We worship together and build one another up. Contributions from the congregation are encouraged.
We hear from the Bible
A talk from the Bible about what it means for everyday life.
Kids and youth
Children and young people have their own groups: Acorns, Powerpack and Affinity.
Our story
Rooted in Harpenden since 1981.
Bethany started in 1981. At the very beginning it was a charismatic family: people who loved God’s word and the Holy Spirit, who loved God and each other, and who wanted to serve their local community.
They cared about the next generation, and they wanted to love Harpenden and reach beyond it. More than forty years later, that’s still who we are.
Charismatic? It means we believe the Holy Spirit is at work today, and we make room for that when we pray and worship.
Our vision
A community that radically loves God and others.
Our passion is to see transformation in Harpenden,across the countryand around the world.
Our values
Five values shape how we live this out.
Honour
We treat every person as someone God loves, and we celebrate each other.
Authenticity
We’d rather be real than polished. Come as you are, with your questions.
Acceptance
There’s a place for you, whatever your background and wherever you are with God.
Courage
We step out in faith and trust God to be at work.
Generosity
We give our time, money and friendship freely.
What we believe
The heart of it, in plain words.
- One God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Jesus died and rose again. He conquered sin and death, and gives us eternal life.
- Through Jesus we’re welcomed into God’s family as sons and daughters.
- The Holy Spirit empowers us to live this out today and to share the good news.
- We love God’s word, the Bible.
Where we belong
Part of a wider family of churches.
Bethany is part of Catalyst, a network of churches within the Newfrontiers family. Catalyst is an apostolic movement: teams of experienced leaders who help start and strengthen churches. It’s a family of more than 800 churches in dozens of nations.
Being part of Catalyst means we’re connected to, and supported by, churches and leaders who share our vision.
Closer to home, we’re part of Churches Together in Harpenden, and we’re members of the Evangelical Alliance.
Bethany Community Church Harpenden is a registered charity in England and Wales, number 1176089. See our entry on the Charity Commission register.
In our community
Here for Harpenden and the villages around.
We’ve been part of Harpenden life since 1981, and we want to keep serving the town we love. Here’s some of what that looks like.
Foodbank
We support the running of a local foodbank.
Debt counselling
Practical help for people struggling with debt.
Prayer ministry
Someone to pray with you, if you’d like.
Community events
We help out at local events like the Harpenden Carnival and the Batford Festival.
Youth work
Youth work for young people across the area.
Community coffeeComing soon
A new place to meet, chat and feel at home.
Where our people come from
Our people come from all over Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire: Harpenden, Wheathampstead, Markyate, Caddington, St Albans, Luton, Hemel Hempstead and London Colney.
Wherever you’re coming from, you’re welcome here.
Our people
Meet the team.
Meet the leaders and staff who serve Bethany, and come and say hello when you visit.
Questions
Good questions, straight answers.
What happens at Bethany on a Sunday?
We meet at St George’s School Assembly Hall in Harpenden. There’s a prayer meeting at 9.30am, where we pray for the service and for one another. At 10.30am we worship together, hear from the Bible, and build one another up, and contributions from the congregation are encouraged. Children and young people have their own groups. Come as you are, and you’re welcome to just watch and listen. Plan your visit.
Where is Bethany Community Church?
St George’s School Assembly Hall, Sun Lane, Harpenden AL5 4TD. People join us from Harpenden, Wheathampstead, Markyate, Caddington, St Albans, Luton, Hemel Hempstead and London Colney.
What should I wear?
Whatever you’re comfortable in. There’s no dress code.
What about my children?
Children and young people have their own groups: Acorns, Powerpack and Affinity. You can read more on our children and young people page.
What does charismatic mean?
It means we believe the Holy Spirit is at work today, and we make room for that when we pray and worship. You don’t need to know anything about it before you come.
Do I need to believe anything before I come?
No. Everyone is welcome, whatever you believe, and questions are welcome too. If you’d like to explore the Christian faith, take a look at what’s on for our next Alpha course.
Is Bethany part of a bigger church?
Yes. We’re part of Catalyst, a network within the Newfrontiers family of churches. We’re also part of Churches Together in Harpenden and the Evangelical Alliance.
How do I get in touch?
Use our contact form and we’ll get back to you.
Events
Stay up-to-date on our events and see what’s next for our church community.
Tue 3 Nov 19:30Alpha Course
Explore your questions and the basics of the Christian faith in an open, friendly environment.
- Sat 7 Nov 19:30
Charity Quiz Night
St Georges School, Assembly Hall
Grab your team and join us for a fantastic evening of fun, friendly competition, and a brilliant cause!
Sat 14 Nov 10:30Connect Coffee Morning
A relaxed, informal morning of coffee, tea, pastries and good conversation for both newer faces and established members of the Bethany family. Come and get to know us better!
