New here?
You’re welcome here.
Whether you’ve never been to church or haven’t been for years, here’s exactly what a Sunday at Bethany looks like, so there are no surprises.
Your first Sunday
Here’s what to expect, step by step.
Arrive and park
Main parking is off Carlton Road, and there’s a drop-off point by the Assembly Hall doors. The hall can be entered without steps. If you’re a Blue Badge holder, just beyond the green gates is disabled parking close to the doors, and we’ll have a space ready for you.
Say hello to the Welcome Team
Look for the people in lanyards. They’re there for you, and they’re glad you came. Ask them anything, and they’ll help you find a seat.
Check in your children
If you’ve brought children, check them in at the desk when you arrive. We’ll take a few details so we can look after them well. Later on, a sign appears on the screens at the front, and that’s your cue to take them over to Acorns or Powerpack.
Join the service
We start at 10.30am, and it usually runs for 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 45. We sing, we pray, and we hear a talk from the Bible.
We encourage everyone to contribute, people raise their hands, and we love to pray for one another. You’re free to join in at whatever level you’re comfortable with, or simply take it all in.
Stay for a cuppa
When the service finishes there’s tea, coffee and biscuits, and time to talk. If it’s your first visit, pop over to the Connect Desk and say hello. We’d love to give you a small gift, a small sign of our glad welcome.
Families and teenagers
Something for every age.
Baby to Reception
Acorns
A warm, nurturing space for babies and toddlers, with activities and crafts. When a sign appears on the screens at the front, it’s time to bring them over. They begin with a shared time of worship alongside Powerpack, then move into their own activities. The team often takes Acorns to a different classroom, so they have a space of their own.
Year 1 to Year 6
Powerpack
Worship, games, arts and crafts, and Bible teaching. When a sign appears on the screens at the front, it’s time to bring them over. They begin with a shared time of worship, then split into their own groups for activities and teaching.
Year 7 to Year 13
Teenagers
Teenagers aren’t signed in, and they’re warmly invited to join us. At the end of worship a sign appears on the screens, and they can walk over to their own classroom with the youth leaders for games, teaching and discussion. Affinity meets on Friday evenings in term time.
Everyone who leads our children’s and youth groups is DBS checked. Baby changing is available next to the toilets at the back of the hall.
Who we are
A family of people who love Jesus and each other.
We’re a friendly, informal church in Harpenden, part of Newfrontiers, a family of churches. We love Jesus, we love the Bible, and we love helping people find a place to belong.
Read what we believeJesus
God became human, died in our place, and rose again.
The Bible
God’s inspired word, and the foundation for how we live.
The Holy Spirit
God with us, helping us follow Jesus and love other people.
The practical bits
Little things that help.
What to wear
Casual. Come as you are.
Toilets and baby changing
Toilets are at the back of the hall as you face the front, and there’s an accessible toilet. Baby changing is available too.
Access
Step-free entry to the Assembly Hall, a hearing loop, ear defenders by the entrance, and lyrics shown as words only.
See what’s in placeGiving
There’s a basket at the front, and most of us give by standing order. If you’re visiting, please don’t feel any pressure.
Refreshments
Tea, coffee and biscuits after the service, and time to talk.
Accessibility
There’s room for you here.
Whatever helps you feel at ease on a Sunday, and whoever comes with you, we want to make it easier. Here’s some of what’s already in place.
- Disabled parking just beyond the green gates, close to the doors
- Step-free into the hall, with an accessible toilet
- A hearing loop, ear defenders and clear words on screen
- A quiet room if you need a break
Questions we often hear
Anything on your mind?
How long does it last?
Usually between 1 hour 30 and 1 hour 45. It varies a little from week to week.
What if I’m not sure what I believe?
That’s fine. You don’t need to have it all figured out to come. Sit, listen, ask questions, and take your time.
Will I have to join in?
No. People raise their hands, contribute and pray for one another, and you’re free to join in at whatever level you’re comfortable with.
What about money?
There’s a basket at the front, and most of us give by standing order. If you’re visiting, there’s no expectation at all.
Can I bring my children?
Please do. Acorns (baby to Reception) and Powerpack (Year 1 to Year 6) will look after them. You check them in when you arrive, and a sign appears on the screens at the front when it’s time to take them over.
Can my teenager come?
Yes, they’re very welcome. At the end of worship a sign appears on the screens, and they can walk over to their own classroom with the youth leaders for games, teaching and discussion.
Is it accessible?
The hall is step-free, with an accessible toilet, a hearing loop, ear defenders and a quiet room. If you have other needs, tell us when you let us know you’re coming. You can also see everything on our accessibility page.
I’d rather ask a person.
Of course. Ask our elders, and one of them will come back to you.
Tell us you’re coming
We’ll look out for you.
Let us know when you’re thinking of coming and who’s coming with you. Natalie from our admin team will email you back, and on the day we’ll be glad to see you.
- Natalie emails youShe’ll say hello and answer anything you’ve asked.
- We look out for youOn Sunday the Welcome Team will be ready, lanyards and all.
- Come as you areTea, coffee and a warm welcome after the service.
Not ready for Sunday?
There are other ways in.
Questions about God
Curious about faith but not sure where to start? Bring your questions. No strings attached.
Ask your question →Alpha
A relaxed, friendly place to explore the big questions of life and faith with other people.
Find out about Alpha →Got a question you’d rather ask a person?
Our elders are glad to hear it, and one of them will come back to you.
See you Sunday.
There’s a place for you at our Sunday services, and we can’t wait to meet you.
- Sundays, 10.30am
- St George’s School Assembly HallSun Lane, Harpenden, AL5 4TD
- Car parkOff Carlton Road, first left
- Church office01582 318 171
From the car park to the door
Park off Carlton Road (first left) and follow the dotted path to the entrance door. If you’re unsure, any of the Welcome Team will point you the right way.
Blue Badge parking
Tell us when you’re coming and we’ll have a space ready for you, just beyond the green gates and close to the door.
Prefer to call? 01582 318171
We’ll only use your details to arrange your parking.
Events
We create events that foster community, from conferences to social gatherings. Stay up-to-date on our calendar or social media.
Glow Party
Join us for a glowing evening of crafts, games, food and glow sticks for kids aged 5-11!
Alpha Course
Explore your questions and the basics of the Christian faith in an open, friendly environment.
Charity Quiz Night
Grab your team and join us for a fantastic evening of fun, friendly competition, and a brilliant cause!