Bethany Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church began as the Friend of Sinners Reformed Bible Study in Maple Falls during November of 2020 (covidtime) with the recognition that Rural Whatcom County’s deepest need is to hear and receive the free offer of the gospel of Jesus Christ and His gracious salvation. In the gospels, we read that the opponents of Christ tried to disqualify Him for being a friend of tax collectors and sinners (Luke 7:34), yet He who is our Maker, has said; I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:15). As Christ has offered Himself as a propitiation for sin, calling sinners to repent and believe in Him, He has indeed become our greatest Helper and Friend. He is our Prophet as He teaches the full counsel of God by His Word and Spirit. He is our Priest as He offers the final sacrifice for sin, which was Himself, and He always lives to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25). Lastly, He is our King as He reigns over us and defends us, conquering all of His and our enemies. (Westminster Shorter Catechism Q.23).
In the Summer of 2024, Friend of Sinners Reformed Church (ARP) was gifted the historic Bethany Chapel and cemetery by Pastor Gilbert Gunderson and the small congregation which remained there. The marvel of this kindness from the LORD absolutely amazes us. Because the church facility has been known as “Bethany” since a group of Norwegian Lutherans erected the chapel building in 1907, we chose to change our name to Bethany ARP in keeping with the heritage of the place God has provided and maintained for His own worship and the discipleship of His people for all these years.
We are what is called an “ordinary means of grace” church. The ordinary means by which Christ communicates His redemption to us are through His Word, the sacraments, and prayer. When we gather, whether it is on Wednesday evening, or twice on the Lord’s Day, the Word of God regulates all of our public ministry. We enter into a dialogue with God Most High through His Word. The Word of Christ is faithfully preached, we sing the Word of Christ a cappella in all 150 of the Psalms, we pray the Word, and we even taste and see the Word. (Westminster Shorter Catechism Q.88).
We are a member congregation of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP).
The ARP is a Conservative, Evangelical, and Reformed Christian denomination whose beginnings are traced back to the “Marrow Men” in 18th-century Scotland. It was formed here in the United States from the merger of two conservative Scottish Presbyterian denominations in 1782, making it one of the oldest Presbyterian Churches in this country. Along with Denominations like the OPC, RPCNA, and URCNA, the ARP is an active member of the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC).
For our belief statement, please see the Westminster Confession as adopted by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.