“Family you need”. That’s what the Bethany Church of God calls itself. Bethany Church of God extends a warm invitation. It welcomes everyone to become part of their family.
Bethany Church of God started in Southall in 1995. Its main goal was to serve Tamil and Sinhala speaking Christians. These Christians lived in Southall. Over time, Bethany Church expanded. It created a network across the UK. This network includes places like Kenton, Norwich, Ipswich and Radlett.
Regular Sunday services are held in Tamil, Sinhala and English. Bethany Church is known as the family you need. Come share and celebrate with the Bethany family.
Twenty-one years ago, Rev T.M.I. Sathiyaraj came from Sri Lanka. He was a missionary. He worked with the growing Tamil community. They were fleeing the civil war in Sri Lanka. The war was between Tamil and Sinhalese people. They were making their home in Southall, West London.
The first person to convert was Sinhalese. Other believers converted from Buddhism and Hinduism. Eventually, Bethany Church was established. It serves people from both Tamil and Sinhalese communities. Bethany Church was the first in Europe to serve both groups. It shows how God’s love and church unity overcome division. It also shows how God’s people worship together. They worship in harmony.
Bethany Church of God continues its work in Southall. Southall is a religiously diverse area in the UK. The church works with many people. They do different things. This includes seniors, youth and children’s work. Bethany Church of God supports women who experienced domestic violence. It offers opportunities for trips and holidays. This is for people who might not get a chance otherwise. They work in detention centers and prisons. They also have street pastors. Bethany Church of God values working with other organizations. These organizations serve their community.
Bethany Church of God serves three generations of the Sri Lankan community. The first generation migrated. They are steeped in Sri Lankan culture. The second generation experiences life as half Sri Lankan and half British. The third generation was born here. They are immersed in British culture. The older generation fears losing their culture. The younger generations want church to be more British. One thing all generations share is rice and curry.
They would love to have their own building. Having their own building means multiple services. It also provides freedom. They could have an open church. This would allow them to expand their ministries. They love to serve food after every service. They have done this since they started twenty-one years ago. Not having their own building makes it harder. It’s harder to find space to support their community. Southall has the second biggest gurdwara in the world. It serves food twenty-four hours a day. People coming from that culture miss that service. Bethany Church of God wants a building. They can be rooted. They can establish and serve their Lord.
Bethany Church meets at Bethany House for Sunday service. The service starts at 11:30 AM. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This ensures you find parking and a seat. A Welcome Team member greets you. They wear a Welcome lanyard. The church meets every Sunday at 10:30 AM. They have tea, coffee and biscuits. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Get parking and a seat before the service starts. It helps to meet people. Or take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.
There is wheelchair access. A sound loop is available. Let the Welcome Team know. They will help you get set up. Disabled toilets are in the main foyer. The main service begins at 11:30 AM. A team member gives a warm welcome. Then comes sung worship. The band leads it. They typically have two or three songs. These last about twenty minutes. Sometimes a person prays or reads the bible. People share what God is saying. It might seem strange at first. It is part of connecting with God. They share news and notices. This is about church life. A leader gives a sermon. It is based on the bible. People can apply it to their lives. They finish with a worship song. Sometimes there is prayer at the end.
There is parking on site. Expect a warm welcome. Expect great worship. Expect relevant preaching. It is based in the Word of God. Expect a friendly group. They are ready to learn about Jesus.
Bethany Church of God has a program for kids. Busy Bees are ages 3 to 7. Titus are ages 6 to 8. Timothieans are 9 and above. Young Alpha is 17 plus. They stay in service. Children stay with parents at the start. This is for the welcome, songs and notices. They value worshipping together. At the end of the notices, someone announces kid’s group time.
Kid’s group activities vary by age. There is a welcome, bible stories and testimonies. There is praying and music. They do craft, drama, fun games and free play. Pick up children after the service.