THE BETHANY LETTERAugust 21, 2007 Volume 2007, Issue No. 25 | ||||||||||||
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Environmental Stewardship One of the goals for Bethany that I shared at the Annual Meeting was for us as a church to become better stewards of the environment, to develop a more environmentally responsible, or "sustainable," way of doing things. These words from a resolution recently affirmed by the General Synod of the UCC, give some important reasons of faith. The Earth and its natural systems have experienced unprecedented negative changes. The most grievous symptoms include global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, water scarcity, air-and water pollution, eroding soils, collapsing fisheries, shrinking forests, extinction of species, resource depletion and urban sprawl. While the awareness of these and other issues as well as the possible solutions is growing we are still far from a broad-based understanding, public support and sense of urgency to stop and reverse this crisis.
Therefore we must encourage churches to develop environmental initiatives and to consider the spiritual and practical imperative of responsible stewardship of the natural systems that nurture us and God's other creatures. In Genesis, each day of Creation is followed by the affirmation, "God saw that it was good." God's blessing includes the earth itself, plants, sea creatures, reptiles, animals, the sun, moon and the stars. When humanity is created on the 6th day, all creation is pronounced "very good" and humans given the care of this creation. The concept of stewardship is also stressed in Genesis when God took the first human into the garden with the instruction to "till it and care for it". Many Psalms proclaim the glory of God's handiwork. Jesus looked to the lilies of the field and the sparrows for natural wisdom; St. Paul proclaimed that all creation yearns for deliverance. Creation is good, that goodness includes the interdependence of the natural world and humankind. As stewards/caretakers of the natural world, we are called to reassert the integrity of all creation and do our utmost to preserve and sustain its life giving force. Each of us has the responsibility to care for God's Earth, individually and collectively. It is our responsibility to protect, preserve and restore the world's natural systems for the benefit of current and future generations of all living species. Humankind's unsustainable practices and ongoing destruction of God's Creation are contrary to our deepest value and are spiritually, ethically and pragmatically unacceptable. It is essential that we become aware of and take action with respect to the many viable solutions that exist or are in the process of being developed to protect, preserve and restore the natural systems that nurture us and God's other creatures. THEREFORE the twenty-fifth General synod urges congregations to initiate programs to:
Bethany's made a start toward working more "sustain ably." For years, we've recycled paper and plastic and reused copy paper on its "clean" side. Last year's energy stewardship program brought new windows (which we're still working to pay off) and motion-sensing light switches. We're keeping cold out by closing doors, turning off unneeded refrigerators, and unplugging cooling elements in drinking fountains. Now it's time to look harder at what we can do. We hope to reduce waste by eliminating the use of disposables as much as possible, so we've moved toward using cups and glasses during social hour and other functions. Now the Abitibi program is encouraging us all to recycle paper by developing our own paper-recycling program (which will generate income as well). That's just a start. If you have other ideas, I'd love to hear them. With Hope for Us as Stewards of God's Creation, Steve ********************** Family Sunday - August 26, 2007 Scriptures - Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Luke 13:10-17Sermon ~ Called by God Sunday Morning Opportunities
8:30 a.m. Worship in the SOCIAL HALL/ Jan Edwards and Martha Peyak, special music 9:30 a.m. Worship in the SANCTUARY/ Jan Edwards and Martha Peyak, special music 10:30 a.m. Social Hour Host: Retreat Committee
S ummer Worship Schedule continues 8/26 and 9/28:30 a.m. A casual informal worship service - Social Hall 9:30 a.m. A traditional worship service - Sanctuary The fall schedule begins: September 9th 8:30 Worship Service 9:15 Church school ~ children and adults 10:30 Worship Service
"The Bethany Letter" Bethany's newsletter resumes on a weekly basis: Deadline for articles ~ 10:00 a.m. Monday mornings. EXCEPTION (of course!): When there is a Monday holiday and the office is closed the deadline is the Friday before. The newsletter is mailed on Tuesday afternoons.
Confirmation Orientation An Orientation for 1st and 2nd year confirmands will be held after 9:30 worship on Sunday, August 26th. 1st year students should come to the Lounge at 10:45; 2nd year students should join them at 11:15.
New Trinity Picnic Bethany is invited to worship and picnic with New Trinity at Firestone Park August 26th. Worship at 10:00 a.m. and after the service fun and games until the end! Please bring a covered dish to share. The church van will leave for the picnic at noon.
Bethany Night at Donato'sAugust 29th 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Share great pizza, salads, and subs with members of the Bethany family in a party atmosphere and help support the Youth Mission Trip when you do. 10% of the receipts (and any tips!) will go towards sending our youth volunteers to Ponca Creek. Hope to see you there!
Bethany Church Nurse Program On the first Sunday of each month, Bethany's volunteer nurses, Linda Goodwin and Holly Keenan, offer blood pressure tests during social hour (10:30). If you are interested in having your BP checked, look for them in the library September 2nd.
Here's that EXCEPTION regarding The Bethany Letter The office will be closed Monday, September 3rd, Labor Day. Therefore, the deadline for articles for the newsletter going out on September 4th will be the Friday before, August 31st! Got that?!* Please plan ahead.
Bethany Buckeyes The first gathering of the Bethany Buckeyes will take place on Friday, September 7th, in the Social Hall. We will continue to meet on a monthly basis on the first Friday of the month. Because of the nature of the content of these gatherings, you must be over the age of 50! The content includes a wonderful meal and afterwards, cards, board games, and of course, the lively banter that takes place among the guests. So bring your appetites, wit, charm, desire to have a good time, friends, neighbors and others, to Bethany, Friday night, Sept. 7th. If you plan on attending, please call the office during the week of Sept. 3rd to make reservations, which are needed so our cooks may prepare enough food. See you there!
Rally Sunday - September 9th Don't miss Rally Sunday! It's going to be very different this year, something which we hope will challenge and inspire us all to recommit ourselves to put our faith at the center of our lives, and share our gifts and talents to build up the family of faith which nurtures us and our children, and blesses us and our world in so many ways. Watch for more details next week.
Bethany Retreat September 28-30 Save the date now! You don't want to miss it. Watch for more information next week! Esperanza Mission Trip We have even more young people who hope to go on the Esperanza Mission Trip next year. They are looking for work to help reduce the cost of the trip. If you have a job that you need help with, just give one of them a call, then, instead of paying her or him directly, make out a check to Bethany, to their Esperanza account. The hopeful Esperanza Mission Trippers are: Taylor Giffin, Emma Jensen, Keith McDevitt, Ariel Myers, Alex Wachovec, Anna & Caitlin Zeller.
Altar Flowers given in August by . . . 8/05 Marjorie Gaskill and family in memory of Richard Gaskill 8/19 Ferda and McVan families in memory of Peggy McVan 8/26 Lou Atleson
THANK YOU To Bethany member, George Jensen, for the beautiful pictures taken of our 2007 Confirmation Class! Each confirmand received a photo album and large portrait. Thanks, George, for your time and talent! Dear Bethany Family, Linda and I would like to thank you for prayers and concerns. Also, we want to say thanks for the arrangement of flowers that Howard Edwards brought us. They were beautiful. Everything is going well for us as of now. Thanks again, Ken & Linda Smith Thanks to Bethany's Vacation Bible school for all the great school supplies to help send the needy children back to school. The food donation was much needed also. We truly appreciate your support and thoughtfulness. Good Neighbors Thanks to my Bethany family for the visits and flowers. I appreciate it very much. Harriett Weber Thanks to Don Evans for his visits during my recent hospitalization and recovery. Thanks also to Sarah Mellott for the flowers and her warm visit at my home. I truly appreciate the cards, calls and expressions of concern, thanks so much. Elizabeth Nagel Dear Bethany Family, Thank you for the beautiful altar flowers delivered by Sally and Karen Mellott and Lynette Sheppard. We had a nice visit. The visits from Rev. Steiner are always appreciated. Evelyn Vance Dear Friends, Thank you all for remembering my birthday. The flowers are so beautiful and I had a good chat with Sally Mellott who brought them. I hope someday to shed this wheelchair and can again get to church. I miss you all. Meantime I am trying to be patient. Love, Mary Coffield
Wow! The 2008 Akron edition ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS are here and ready to sell for $30.00. When you purchase a book (with the money saving coupons and meals at local establishments) you help the annual Chancel Choir Fundraiser as well. The 2007 edition is still good through November of this year. The 2008 edition coupons are valid immediately through November of 2008. Books are available after the 2nd service, or contact Martha Peyak. Thanks for your support.
Happy Birthday to Bethany member Vivian Lingo
Need a Ride to Worship? There is one waiting for you! Just call the office at 330-923-5277 and we will arrange for the Bethany van to come and pick you up next Sunday. Worried that something might happen to keep you from attending? Don't worry…you will be given the name and phone number of this week's driver so, if need be, you can cancel at the last minute. We do hope you will call. The volunteers of our Van Transportation Ministry, Jennifer France, Carol & Ed Frederick, Linda Goodwin, Bob Read and Frank Read are eager help make worship accessible to all.
Please remember in your prayers . . . Dorothy Draper, Akron General Hospital Albert Jensen, Manor Care Geraldine Hunter, Briarwood Ellen Limbach, Briarwood Margaret Martin, Western Reserve Asst'd. Living Home from the hospital . . . Ken Smith, Katie Kirstein, Ann Gerlinger In Sympathy . . .We extend our Christian sympathy and prayers to Debra Ocepek and her family on the death of her nephew, Zach.
W hen you are tired . . ."Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - - Matthew 11:28-30
Check the "Mail Table" in the social hall EVERY SUNDAY after the worship services. Please help your church save on postage!
FYI: During the week, the doors to the church building are locked for security reasons (for the most part!). There is a buzzer for the purpose of announcing the need to enter and we unlock the door from the office. We cannot see you and therefore request you state your name when you buzz. Thank you.
How we're doing
CALENDAR August 22nd to September 2nd 8/22 8:00a Men's Fellowship Breakfast 7:00p Committee Night 7:30p Music Committee 8/23 8/24 8/25 10:00a Lunch on Us - Miller Ave. (Mission)
Family Sunday ~ August 26th Nursery Available ~ 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. Children remain in worship 8:30a Worship (Story & Song), Social Hall 9:30a Worship, Sanctuary 10:30a Social Hour 10:30a Sunday School Teachers' Meeting (1st-2nd Rm.) 10:45a 1st year Confirmands ~ Orientation 11:15a 2nd year Confirmands ~ will join in the lounge 12:00p Van leaves for New Trinity Picnic
8/27 9:00a Quilters 9:30a Shawl Ministry (L) 8/28 8:15a Staff Meeting (L) 8/29 5:00p Bethany Night at Donato's - 8:00p 8/30 7:30p Chancel Choir Practice - 1st Rehearsal 8/31 September… 9/01 Sunday ~ September 2, 2007 Nursery Available ~ 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. 8:30a Worship (Communion), SOCIAL HALL 9:30a Worship, SANCTUARY Children's Sunday School 10:30a Social Hour - Open 10:30a Bethany Nurse BP check
Fall Schedule begins September 9th - Rally Sunday! 8:30a & 10:30 worship services in the Sanctuary 9:15a Church School for children & adults 5:30p Youth Committee 6:30p Youth Fellowship Meets Volunteers Names of Sunday Volunteers are published AHEAD of the scheduled Sunday as a kindly reminder & an early thank you! If you are unable to volunteer the day you are scheduled, please remember to find someone to take your place, and then call the church office so we may make necessary changes. Volunteers for August 26th Esperanza Cup Washing: Caitlin Z., Taylor G. Greeters: The O'Malley Family, Ruth and Oz Hibbard Music: Jan and Martha, both services Nursery: Arlene Thompson, Emma Jensen Social Hour: Retreat Committee Ushers: J. Mancinelli, B. Charton J. Grazulis, J. Seymour, A. McVan, H. Bowman, S. Mancinelli, M. Spring Van Driver: Frank Read Visitor Outlook: Kim Wurgler Volunteers for September 2nd (if blank, new schedules not available) Esperanza Cup Washing: Greeters: Lay Reader: John Mancinelli Music: Nursery: Ed Zeller, Keith McDevitt Social Hour: Open Ushers: R. & S. Holle, H. Walker, S. Truby, S. Ward, K. Mellott, S. Mellott, N. Buck Van Driver: Jennifer France Visitor Outlook: Heather Bedillion
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