THE BETHANY LETTER

Every Sunday you can read it in the bulletin: "Ministers – Every Member." That's what Christ calls all of us to be, his disciples, servants, and witnesses in the world. The next line says, "Minister to the Ministers" and it gives the names of those ordained to help the ministers do their work together for Christ.

Sometimes people feel called to be a "minister to the ministers" but their life situation does not allow them to attend three years of seminary. That's why the United Church of Christ has developed ways for lay people to receive education in scripture, theology, church administration, and pastoral care in their local area. In the Eastern Ohio Association this program is called Partners in Ministry. Local church pastors teach a series of courses to help prepare people for pastoral leadership. At the end of the program each participant is required to do a four-month internship, in which he or she volunteers ten hours a week to serve in a local church.

Bethany has been given an opportunity to provide an internship experience for one of our Partners in Ministry. His name is Don Evans, who is already serving as an unpaid licensed minister at Edinburg United Church of Christ. His duties there have included occasional pulpit supply, assisting with hospital/home visitation, some Sunday School teaching, and working with the choir and committees.

Don has worked in both law enforcement and education. He has been a deputy sheriff and a probation officer. He has also been an assistant principal and a teacher. So he brings a rich variety of experience and learning to the pastoral role.

Next Sunday, we'll be welcoming Don to Bethany for the beginning of his four month internship. He'll be doing visitation and attending committee meetings on Wednesdays and sharing worship leadership and attending and facilitating church school classes on Sundays.

Don has many gifts to help we of the Bethany family to learn and grow as Christians. We have many gifts to share to help him learn and grow as a pastor. I hope you'll be there to welcome him, help him feel at home, and help begin a relationship that could mean great blessings for us all.

See You Sunday, Steve

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Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Sermon: Blessings and Curses

8:30 a.m. Worship (Fellowship)/ 7th Day

9:15 a.m. Church School for Children and Adults

10:30 a.m. Worship/ Chancel Choir/ Children's Sunday School/ Baptism

11:30 a.m. Social Hour Host: Grades 3 and 4

Adult Classes at 9:15 - Bible Discoveries; Lounge Class - Video, Carpe Diem; Seasons of the Spirit; Seekers - Relationships; Senior High; Upper Room; Perspectives

If you would like to learn more about Bethany Church come to the Lounge (1^st floor, 13^th Street entrance) at 7:00 p.m., for the Inquiry Meeting. Pastor Steve will be sharing about our congregation and the United Church of Christ of which we are a part. He'll also be glad to answer any questions and respond to any concerns.

1^st and 2^nd Graders will be having a Valentine exchange on Sunday, February 11^th during Sunday School. Please bring 6-7 Valentines to pass out.

"It's so early!"

Those words acknowledge what we're up against at 8:30 worship. But our youth are making a special effort to have the 2^nd Sunday Fellowship Service be especially alive and relevant. They and the other youth who share in the service, through singing in 7^th Day, would like to invite you to come and share with them on the next Fellowship Sunday, February 11^th at 8:30 a.m.

Bethany's Chili Cook-Off will be Sunday, February 18^th, following the 10:30 service. Everyone is invited to come buy beans – just 50¢ a bean – which can be exchanged for a bowl (or bowls) of the chili of your choice as well as an assortment of beverages, desserts, etc. This will be our 4^th Chili Cook-Off in which entrants compete for top prize – well … just being known as the "Chili Winner" is prize enough!

Join the fun and vote for your favorite chili! Proceeds from this meal will go toward the Esperanza Mission Trip.

Walk a Mile in My Shoes will be held on Sunday, February 18^th. The focus of this event is to bring together the families from our twenty-eight congregations to celebrate the success of our IHN mission. This is also a fundraiser for IHN and we are encouraging all Bethany members to ask for the support of their family, friends, neighbors and collect pledges for the walk. There is no registration fee for the walk. If you are not able to collect pledges, you are still welcome to participate and join in the fun. Registration forms are available in the church office. Having the event at Akron Children's Hospital allows us to be outside in a safe environment with free parking and will also allows us inside facilities for activities before and after the walk. OUR BETHANY YOUTH WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THES EVENT AND WOULD APPRECIATE SPONSORSHIP OF OUR MEMBERS! - The Mission Committee

Monday, February 19^th 7:00 p.m.

Program: The Lost Mansion

by Jan Charton

It is a great time for men of the church to get together to share faith, food, and fellowship together; as well as a few chores with which the custodians could use some help. The men gather the 3^rd Wednesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. (Next breakfast February 21^st.) You can help make this time possible by providing breakfast for 8-10 men once during the year. If you'd like to help in this way call Nancy Read.

Our next IHN Host week is February 25-March 3. There will be a brief meeting this Sunday after the 10:30 service for all of the team leaders in the social hall. If anyone is interested in volunteering during the week by driving the van, preparing a meal or staying overnight, please call Carolyn B. Hofmann.

The Flower Chart Book - located in the gathering area - includes the 2007 sign up sheet. When you sign up for a Sunday please 1) fill in the date you want on the chart; 2) fill out a pink sheet with all the information requested; 3) PLEASE put the pink sheet in the mail box next to the office door.

Helen Davis, home

We express our Christian sympathy to Carolyn Kuhn and her family on the death of her father, Charles, January 30^th.

February 4^th was Women's Sunday at Bethany. Thanks to Mary Seymour for preparing the liturgy for both the 8:30 and 10:30 services. Thanks also to all the women who shared in leading the various parts of each service. Bethany has long been and continues to be richly blessed by the gifts of women in our life and ministry. Thanks to all whose sharing witnessed to that blessing last Sunday.

Who would have thought that lovely Megan Ferda could be a killer? Well it's true - at least it was Saturday night at the play of The Case of the Fund Raiser Mystery. Everyone had a wonderful time as the social hall was transformed into the wealthy manor house of Jim and Cleo Singleton. It was cold outside but the atmosphere was warm and inviting as our guests enjoyed each other's company as well as the delicious dinner and terrific performance. Erica Hess's play was a perfect fit for this Mission fundraiser. All the cast did a superb job and the audience enjoyed trying to solve the murder mystery.

Thanks to Janice Williams for heading up this event, to Erica for her play and direction, to all of the cast for their hours of rehearsal, to Donna McDonald and Denise O'Malley for the beautifully decorated dining area and the wonderful dinner, and to our many volunteers who helped prepare, serve and clean up the dinner. We made $1,700 for our many Bethany Mission projects. Thanks to all of our guests for attending and for their support.

Names of Sunday Volunteers will be 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 1) find someone to take your place and then 2) call the church office so we may make necessary revisions. Thank you!

Greeters: Wurgler/Tasker Family, Mancinelli Family

Lay Reader: Laura Rorrer

Music: 7^th Day, Chancel Choir

Nursery: Bob Read, Jack Dugan, Kristi Dugan, Jessica Shroyer

Ushers: Richard Holle, Mark Jensen, Marilyn Seguin, Mary Seymour, Jan Williams, Lindsay Short, Sharon Holle, Rosalie Read

Van Driver: Carol Frederick

Visitor Outlook: Carole Pletzer

Greeters: Janice Williams, Lindsay Short, Gary and Nancy Jenson

Lay Reader: Judy Welfley

Music: Motet Choir/ Chancel Choir

Nursery: Amanda Keenan, Stephen Ferda, Jennifer France, Eddie Frederick

Ushers: Tim Hermann, Frank Read, Mary and Ralph Bowmaster, Karen Mellott, Sally Mellott, Henry Nagel, Austin Renner

Van Driver: Ed Frederick

2/07 7:30p Spiritual Council

2/08 7:00p Inquiry Meeting (L)

7:30p Choir Practice

2/09 6:00p CE FAMILY NIGHT!

2/10 Esperanza Mission Trip Begins

Nursery Available - 9:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Esperanza Mission Trip Begins

8:30a Worship (Fellowship)

9:15a Church School for All Ages

10:30a Worship/ Baptism

11:30a Social Hour: Grades 3 and 4

11:30a Conf./Mentor Meal/Meeting (L)

11:30a YF Lunch & Deliver Valentine Cookies

11:30a IHN Team Lead Mtg. (SH)

11:45a MOTET Practice (Choir Rm.)

2/12 9:00a Quilters

9:30a Shawl Ministry (L)

10:00a Newsletter Deadline

2/13 8:00a Staff Meeting (L)

2/14 7:30p Consistory

2/15 6:15p Confirmation Meal, Music, Class

7:30p Choir Practice

11:30a Bethany Kitchen (SH)

Nursery Available - 9:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Transfiguration Sunday

8:30a Worship (Healing & Reconciliation)

9:15a Church School for All Ages

10:30a Worship/ Baptism

11:30a CHILI COOK-OFF

11:30a 7th Day Rehearsal

11:30a IHN Walk a Mile in My Shoes, YF Event