The name Redeemer means “One who buys back, or, rescues from captivity by payment of a ransom.” The name Redeemer reminds us that our salvation does not lie in our own selves but only by the grace of God. Why do we need a redeemer? We read in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, and in Romans 3:10, “there is none righteous, no, not one”. But we were not left to die in our sins, rather, God, who is rich in grace, sent his son Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. Ephesians 1:7 says, “in Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins”.
The name UNITED refers to the unity we have as believers in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:4-6 says, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Our unity also comes to expression in a broader sense, among other like-minded churches. Redeemer is a member church of the United Reformed Churches in North America (https://www.urcna.org), a Federation of more than 98 congregations spread across Canada and the United States.
The name REFORMED identifies our historical roots which date back to the 16th century church in Europe. That is when a spiritual movement within the church took place that came to be known as the Protestant Reformation. This Reformation was essentially a "Back to the Bible" movement designed to bring doctrinal and moral renewal to the church that had lost its way. Among many other things, this Reformation sought to re-assert the emphasis of God's sovereignty in the salvation of sinners. Other features of a Reformed perspective are: biblical authority; the glory of God (and our enjoyment of Him); salvation by grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ alone; and a renewed awareness of the Christian's earthly misison.
The name CHURCH means that we are those whom Christ has called out of the world and unto Himself. We recognize Jesus Christ as the sovereign Lord and Head of His church. Therefore, we strive to follow what His Word, the Bible, says about every aspect of our belief and practice. As Christ's church, we exist not only to worship God, but to fulfil God's Mission for the world, namely, to gather-in His lost sheep. God uses us at Bethel to reach out to our neighbours and to our surrounding community with the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.
**Redeemer URC is Part of the United Reformed Churches of North America. For more information visit URCNA**
