About Us A Christian retreat and renewal centre

Founded in 1978 by members of All Saints Lutheran Church as a ministry. In the fall of 1999, Bethesda was incorporated and received designation as a registered non-profit organization. The incorporated name of this organization is Bethesda Renewal Centre (Ottawa-Carleton) Inc.

The Pool of Bethesda is mentioned only in the Gospel of John, chapter 5. Later sources sometimes refer to it as the Pool of Bethzatha, naming it after the district in which it lay, a suburb north of the Temple. BETHES'DA Heb. "beth Chesda" (house of mercy) Gk. from Aram. Beth hesda, "house of grace"). A spring-fed pool with five porches where invalids waited their turn to step into the mysteriously troubled waters that were supposed to possess healing virtue (Jn 5:2-4). The disturbance of the water by an angel, are placed in brackets in the NASB because there is not sufficient attestation by early texts. Here Jesus healed the man who was lame for thirty-eight years. The historicity of this site was once in question. Scholars like Dr. Alfred Loisy, claimed the detail of the five porticoes was invented. They said John made it up to represent the five books of Moses, which Jesus came to fulfill. But recent archaeological discoveries have once again confirmed the Biblical account. In 1956, digging at the ancient Biblical site of Bethesda, archaeologists unearthed a rectangular pool with a portico on each side and a fifth one dividing the pool into 2 separate compartments.

Bethesda Renewal Centre is located in the country, 3 kms from the junction of Highway 7 and Dwyer Hill Road. Click here to see the MAP.

Bethesda Renewal Centre provides a Christian place of renewal where one is restored in body, soul and spirit through the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through our commitment, experience, and warm welcome, Bethesda Renewal Centre has established a relationship with people that has, and will, last a lifetime!

If you would like Catering, subject to availability of the cook, the minimum charge is $30.00 per day per participant is payable to Bethesda one week prior to your stay. Confirmation of the number of people is verified by the amount of the cheque. No refunds are possible after the food has been purchased.

Bethesda's mission is 'to be a place to help people be renewed by knowing Jesus Christ through the experience of the Holy Spirit.' (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

A bylaw relating general objectives to the conduct of the affairs of Bethesda Renewal Centre to achieve its mission was created and is available on its own webpage. Our statement of Faith and Authority are also captured in the Articles of Incorporation.

Bethesda is governed by a Board of Directors that is elected from and by the members of the Bethesda Fellowship.

Bethesda is managed by a host family that lives in residence at the retreat centre.

ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY

We desire that Bethesda Renewal Centre be a clear symbol of the healing love of Jesus Christ, the gift of Christian community, and a safe and holy place for all whom our ministry touches. A folder containing our policy is available at all times in the Living Room. Visiting Ministries to Bethesda should be covered by their own Church policy. (Please ensure that you are.)

The membership and friends are kept up to date with e-mailed newsletters, while the directors receive additional information which includes budget and more detail than the general reports. If you would like news and other reports contact us.

Bethesda Finances. Believing the promise of Philippians 4:19 that “my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus”, Bethesda will function as a faith mission sustained by the freewill offerings of interested individuals. As well, use will be made of individual, corporate and foundational grants and bequests. If, after you have honoured your commitment to your church, you are able and desiring to support Bethesda ministry, please consider making a donation now. Our current annual budget is a bare bones budget of $43,400 for 2007.

We encourage you to call Bethesda Renewal Centre at (613) 257-4587 today, and plan a visit and have a real tour. Nothing beats walking around on this Holy Ground.


	Founded in 1978 by members of All Saints Lutheran Church as a ministry. In the fall of 1999, Bethesda was incorporated and received designation as a registered non-profit organization. The incorporated name of this organization is Bethesda Renewal Centre (Ottawa-Carleton) Inc. The Pool of Bethesda is mentioned only in the Gospel of John, chapter 5. Later sources sometimes refer to it as the Pool of Bethzatha, naming it after the district in which it lay, a suburb north of the Temple. BETHES'DA Heb. "beth Chesda" (house of mercy) Gk. from Aram. Beth hesda, "house of grace"). A spring-fed pool with five porches where invalids waited their turn to step into the mysteriously troubled waters that were supposed to possess healing virtue (Jn 5:2-4). The disturbance of the water by an angel, are placed in brackets in the NASB because there is not sufficient attestation by early texts. Here Jesus healed the man who was lame for thirty-eight years. The historicity of this site was once in question. Scholars like Dr. Alfred Loisy, claimed the detail of the five porticoes was invented. They said John made it up to represent the five books of Moses, which Jesus came to fulfill. But recent archaeological discoveries have once again confirmed the Biblical account. In 1956, digging at the ancient Biblical site of Bethesda, archaeologists unearthed a rectangular pool with a portico on each side and a fifth one dividing the pool into 2 separate compartments. Bethesda Renewal Centre is located in the country, 3 kms from the junction of Highway 7 and Dwyer Hill Road. Click here to see the MAP. Bethesda Renewal Centre provides a Christian place of renewal where one is restored in body, soul and spirit through the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through our commitment, experience, and warm welcome, Bethesda Renewal Centre has established a relationship with people that has, and will, last a lifetime! Bethesda offers warm hospitality to groups interested in taking time apart to nurture their relationship with God and with each other. Some of our features include: o Large cozy living-room/meeting room with fireplace o Fully equipped kitchen o Sleeping accommodations for 16 (one double bed – if couple sharing accommodation 17) o Three bathrooms o Piano, TV & VCR, Flip Chart, Overhead projector For more highlights and how to book, click here. It is our desire to share the experience of God’s healing through creation. Outside you can enjoy 87 beautiful acres complete with quiet nature trails, outbuildings and a prayer chalet for solitude and meditation. We have mapped the trails to model a Virtual Holy Land pilgrimage to enhance your prayer and walk time. To see some of the Bethesda buildings and grounds from your computer, go to our Virtual Tour. Bethesda is open during the week for private – individual retreats. You have full use of both the main house or prayer chalet. Please let us know how we can help you enjoy your stay with us. We welcome your group to plan your own retreat, or we will work with you to prepare a retreat that meets your needs. Many groups bring their own food for the weekend. You have your own fridge and the kitchen is fully equipped. No need to bring dishes, pots or pans. The host family also lives at Bethesda – the other fridge is ours. There are two stoves – and lots of counter space! If you would like Catering, subject to availability of the cook, the minimum charge is $30.00 per day per participant is payable to Bethesda one week prior to your stay. Confirmation of the number of people is verified by the amount of the cheque. No refunds are possible after the food has been purchased. The history of Bethesda has many wonderful stories and demonstrates God's presence in amazing ways. Click here to read some testimonies. Bethesda's mission is 'to be a place to help people be renewed by knowing Jesus Christ through the experience of the Holy Spirit.' (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). A bylaw relating general objectives to the conduct of the affairs of Bethesda Renewal Centre to achieve its mission was created and is available on its own webpage. Our statement of Faith and Authority are also captured in the Articles of Incorporation. Bethesda is governed by a Board of Directors that is elected from and by the members of the Bethesda Fellowship. Bethesda is managed by a host family that lives in residence at the retreat centre. ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY We desire that Bethesda Renewal Centre be a clear symbol of the healing love of Jesus Christ, the gift of Christian community, and a safe and holy place for all whom our ministry touches. A folder containing our policy is available at all times in the Living Room. Visiting Ministries to Bethesda should be covered by their own Church policy. (Please ensure that you are.) The membership and friends are kept up to date with e-mailed newsletters, while the directors receive additional information which includes budget and more detail than the general reports. If you would like news and other reports contact us. Bethesda Finances. Believing the promise of Philippians 4:19 that “my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus”, Bethesda will function as a faith mission sustained by the freewill offerings of interested individuals. As well, use will be made of individual, corporate and foundational grants and bequests. If, after you have honoured your commitment to your church, you are able and desiring to support Bethesda ministry, please consider making a donation now. Our current annual budget is a bare bones budget of $43,400 for 2007. We encourage you to call Bethesda Renewal Centre at (613) 257-4587 today, and plan a visit and have a real tour. Nothing beats walking around on this Holy Ground.
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