Our Core Values (ABIDE)
A - Authentic Community: We create spaces where people can be honest about their struggles.
B - Biblical Depth: We seek to be "rooted" in the Word of God, letting it shape our character.
I - Intentional Growth: Following Jesus is a journey; we are committed to helping everyone take their next step
D - Deep Christ-Centeredness: Jesus is the Vine; everything we do revolves around His person and finished work
E - Everyday Radical Love: Because we have experienced God’s love, we seek to overflow with that same love toward our neighbors.
Stop Wandering. Start Abiding. Grow Together.
Our Story
A Journey of Faith and Home
Our story is one of resilience, founded on a shared history and a common faith.
It began after living for 18 years in refugee camps in Eastern Nepal. In 2008, a small group of Bhutanese refugees began a new chapter by resettling in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. By 2009, a few families started gathering in living rooms of their apartments, finding comfort and joy in worshipping God in our native Nepali language.
As our community grew, so did our vision. In 2010, under the leadership of Pastor Shankar Rai, we officially launched the Bhutanese Nepali Church of Lancaster (BNCL) and joined LMC—A Fellowship of Anabaptist Churches. We chose that name with great intention, ensuring that every Nepali speaker, whether from Bhutan or Nepal, would feel truly welcomed at our table.
For many years, we called West End Mennonite Church our home. However, as our community flourished, families began moving toward the west side of Lancaster County, extending into York and Middletown. In 2025, after much prayer, we followed our community and transitioned our location to Marietta Community Chapel’s building. While our address has changed, our heart remains the same: sharing the Gospel and serving our region.
A New Chapter: From BNCL to Abide
For years, the name BNCL beautifully represented our roots. However, as our family has grown and our doors have opened wider, we realized we needed a name that reflects our evolving mission to reach all people while staying true to our core.
After much discernment, we are now Abide Community Church (ACC).
This is more than a new label on our front door; it is our heartbeat. Rooted in Jesus’ invitation in John 15, we believe that true life doesn’t come from striving—it comes from staying connected to the Source. We exist to help wandering hearts find their home in the grace of Jesus.
Who We are:
Three Pillars
Abide (Our Position) “Abide in me, and I in you.” (John 15:4) We stay connected to the Source. Abiding isn't a one-time event or a box we check on Sunday mornings; it is a daily walk. It is a persistent "remaining" in His presence. We know that apart from Him, we can do nothing, but by staying close to the Source of Life, our lives will overflow with fruit.
Community (Our People) “Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) God never intended for us to grow in isolation. At Abide, we trade "fine" for "real." We are a family where you are truly known, deeply loved, and consistently supported. We walk together—sharing joys, carrying trials, and reflecting God’s kindness to one another.
Church (Our Purpose) “Go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16) We are a gathering of believers being "built up" in faith to be a light in our neighborhood. We exist to allow God’s love to spill over the walls of our building and into the streets. Our hope is that every time we gather, we leave with an overflow of gratitude, ready to serve those around us.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Visiting a new church can be intimidating, but we want you to feel at home from the moment you pull into the parking lot. At Abide, you won’t find a performance or a pressure cooker—you’ll find a family. Here is what Sunday looks like:
Come As You Are
We are a "jeans and t-shirt" kind of family. There is no dress code here. Whether you prefer a suit or sneakers, you are welcome. We invite you to grab a cup of coffee, take a breath, and just be yourself. We trade "fine" for "real."
Biblical & Rooted
Our services are centered on Jesus. You can expect worship that comes from the heart and teaching that is rooted deeply in the Bible. We don't just skim the surface; we open the Scriptures to see how they shape our lives today.
A Global Family
Our roots are in the Nepali community, but our branches are open to everyone. You will see a beautiful mix of generations and backgrounds worshiping together. While our gathering is primarily in Nepali, we warmly welcome our English-speaking guests and provide interpretation so that everyone can participate and feel at home.
Kids & Families
We believe church should be a place where kids grow, too! We offer a safe, fun, and Bible-focused environment for your children. Your kids are not a distraction to us; they are a priority.