THE BETHANY LETTERJanuary 23, 2007 Volume 2007, Issue No. 3 |
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Stop Listening The Christmas holiday is over, the New Year begun, and many of us are burdened with a mountain of debt from our Christmas shopping. Why does that happen? Why do we have so much, buy still more, and still feel "poor?" I came across this article in a 2004 copy of a clergy Advent/Christmas resource called "Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?" I thought it was important to share. By world standards, most Americans live like Sultans. To listen to us talk, however, you would think we barely have enough to get by. This delusion is fed by advertisers, whose mission is to keep us all in a perpetual state of discontent. Luxurious homes in glossy magazines make your perfectly adequate house shrink by comparison into a dilapidated hovel in need of immediate renovation. Advertisements for new fall fashions make the clothes you bought just last year look shabby and old-fashioned. TV commercials for new cars make you shudder with embarrassment at your present vehicle. In 1998 a U.S. Senator made a speech about how his constituents were being taxed into the poor house. He cited a letter from a constituent who complained how he was being impoverished by one tax after another: income tax, sales tax, property tax on his two houses, his camper, his boat, the list went on and on. In the newspaper the next day a thoughtful editorial writer, reflecting on the Senator's speech, pointed out how strange it is that anyone who owned two homes, two cars, a boat and a camper, and whose income put him in the highest tax bracket, should ever think of himself as poor. But we do think of ourselves as poor. We always compare ourselves to the few who have more than us, rather than to the billions who have less. Americans need to snap out of the delusion that we are poor. I saw a t-shirt that shows a frumpy-looking woman with a sourpuss scowl, and her hands are clamped over her ears. The caption read: "I'm not listening!" Stop listening to those who would keep you in a dither of discontent. The more you refuse to listen to advertisers, the more likely you are to hear the voice of Jesus, who says, One's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. Our poor-talk is especially insidious at Christmas time. Poor-talk distorts reality and makes us oblivious to how fortunate we are. It perpetuates the delusion that we don't have enough for ourselves, and thus cannot share, thereby robbing us of the joy of giving. It blinds us to the ever-growing disparity between rich and poor in this world. Perhaps worst of all, it keeps us perpetually unhappy, always thinking we need more, more, more. We become like the Rich Fool in Jesus' parable, building bigger and bigger barns. Wealth should be savored and shared. But neither can happen if we keep listening to advertisers, and to our own poor-talk. Stop listening. Sounds like a good New Year's Resolution. I'm going to make it one of mine. How about you? With Great Hope for the New Year, Steve ********************************** Next Sunday - January 28, 2007 Family Sunday Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Luke 4:21-30 Sunday Morning Opportunities 8:30 a.m. Worship (Story and Song)/ Memory Bell Choir 9:15 a.m. Church School for Children and Adults 10:30 a.m. Worship/ Memory Bell Choir/ Young Shepherds Choir 11:30 a.m. Annual Meeting and Dinner
Adult Classes at 9:15 - Bible Discoveries; Lounge Class - Video, Carpe Diem; Seasons of the Spirit; Seekers - Relationships; Senior High; Upper Room; Perspectives
Welcome Our New Members Last Sunday Robert and Marietta Tromp were welcomed into the fellowship of our church. Please look for them and give them a warm Bethany welcome. Family Sunday - January 28th Bible Discoveries Class Please read (or re-read) middle of page 40 to the bottom of page 49. The Young Shepherds Choir will be singing at the second service. Please join us at 10:30 a.m. to hear their beautiful voices.The Youth Fellowship is selling their GREAT SUBS to enjoy on Super Bowl Sunday February 4th. Orders will be taken after worship. The cost is only $4.00 for each sub!The Annual Meeting is an important opportunity to celebrate the work of God's Spirit among us in the past year and to reflect on God's call to us in the year ahead. You may make your reservation for the dinner, which will follow the 10:30 worship service, by calling the church office at 330/923-5277.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study will begin their study on the book of Revelation January 31st, 10:00 a.m. in the C.E. office. Everyone is welcome to join us for one or more Wednesdays. Contact Carolyn Shroyer for information.Bethany Night at Donato's January 31st 5:00 – 8:00 PM Enjoy some food! Enjoy the fellowship! The next Youth Fellowship Donato's night is Wednesday, January 31st. Ten percent of the receipts and tips received by the youth are tithed to Bethany, 10% goes to the youth account and 80% goes to support the youth mission trip.
Confirmation: Feb. 1st 6:15p Meal, music, class Feb. 15th 6:15p Meal, music, class ************************** Enter his gates with thanksgiving And his courts with praise; Give thanks to him and praise his name. -Psalm 100:4 (NIV) ************************** Bethany's - Health MinistryWe are looking to expand our health ministry at Bethany. The United Church of Christ is offering a free training for Lay Ministers of Health. You will learn to educate, nurture and support one another. You will learn ways in which we can promote healthy and holistic ways of living and soundness and wholeness of health. Jesus sent out his disciples with a mandate to preach, teach and heal. If you are interested in learning more about ways in which the Lord can use you to help in the healing of the mind, body or spirit of another member of our Bethany family, this training is for you. Please call me if you are even a little bit interested! Training begins Feb. 2nd. - Holly Keenan, RN, Parish Nurse Buckeyes Our next meeting of the Bethany Buckeyes will be on Friday, February 2nd. For reservations, call the office during the week before or note so on this Sunday's attendance card. The meal is at 6:00 p.m. Fun and games follow the meal.
The Case of the Fund Raiser Mystery C ome join us for an evening of suspense, entertainment, great food and fellowship, and opportunity to support Bethany's many mission projects. Our own Erica Hess has written this play especially for the occasion. The "stars" include Harry Cool, Megan Ferda, Jennifer France, Kim Fratz, Eddy Frederick, Wayne Imars, and Bob Peyak. The event will be held in Bethany's Social Hall on Saturday, February 3rd, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. This is the last week tickets can be purchased with Sunday being the last day. Dinner choices include Beef Burgundy or Pasta Alfredo with Vegetables and we will also be serving appetizer, salad, dessert and beverage. Please call Carolyn B. Hofmann for information on ticket sales. ($10 of the ticket price will go toward Bethany's missions and is tax deductible.)An Invitation… "Williard United Church of Christ invites you to attend the installation of our new pastor, Rev. Darlene D. Garber on Sunday, February 4th at 10:30 a.m. On that morning Rev. Richard Plant, EOA Association Minister, will bring the sermon and he, with the Rev. Dr. David Cleaver-Bartholomew, EOA Minister, will officiate at the installation. A reception will follow." Remember the Lord of the Beans Family Night last year? It is almost time for this year's family night … Friday, February 9th 6:00 p.m. , Social Hall This year the Veggie Tales movie is "Gideon the Tuba Warrior, A lesson in trusting God" Larry the Cucumber is chosen by God to defend his people. Wait and see how the Tuba plays into all this. Hold the date for an evening of food, fun and crafts! More details to follow.
Walk a Mile in My Shoes will be held on Sunday, February 18th. 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 will be available next week. This event is being held in February so our participants can think about the homeless families that are on the streets in the winter months enduring the cold weather. Our original plan for this event was to hold it at the Family Center and walk in the Summit Lake Neighborhood. The police department is not issuing any new parade permits to block off streets, so we needed to find a different location. Having the event at Akron Children's Hospital will still allow us to be outside in a safe environment, provides free parking, and will also allow us inside facilities for activities before and after the walk. Please come out and support this important event as a walker, pledger or volunteer. Thank you for the support you have given to this mission. Hope to see you on February 18th. The Mission Committee
Marriage Encounter The next UCC/DOC Marriage Encounter weekend in Akron is scheduled for February 16-18th. If you'd like greater depth, growth and enrichment in your relationship you will like the difference this weekend can make. Early registration is encouraged to ensure that the weekend goes forward as planned. It will be at the Richfield Quality Inn (Rt. 21 & Turnpike). For more info or to register: Dave Ross.
Bethany's Youth are looking for work to help defray their ticket to Mexico.Amanda Keenan Emma Jensen Keith McDevitt Ariel Myers Anna Zeller Caitlin Zeller Any work you can offer will be a real gift to them, and through them, to a homeless family in Mexico! Give one or more a call!
Guess What? It's that time of the year again! The annual Treasures-Bake Sale will be held Saturday, April 28th. You can start cleaning out your closets, garages and basements, BUT…please do not bring any of your treasures to the church until the WEEK OF THE SALE! (I need to keep Bart happy; we have no more room available!) Any questions? Please call me, Kim Wurgler.
Remember in your prayers… Nancy Zucco, Cuy. Falls General Hospital #349B Mark Steiner, home (from hospital) Doris Brubaker, home (from hospital)
In Sympathy … We express our Christian sympathy and send our prayers to the family of Carolyn Jacobson who died Monday, January 22, 2007.
THANK YOU To My Great Bethany Family! Thank you to Pastor Steve and Rev. Mark for their visits and calls. To Sally and Karen Mellott for the altar flowers and all the goodies for my sweet tooth! I have always declared that Bethany prayers are the greatest! Love, Doris Brubaker From Good Neighbors, Cuyahoga Falls Unit Thanks to all who supported us during 2006 and for all contributions. We were able to accomplish:
We want you to know that since we are served totally by volunteers, 85% of your donations go directly to our clients. Jackie Wanclovic, Secretary
Thank you for all the cards and prayers through the time of my dad's accident and after his death. You all helped us through such a tragic time in our life with your hugs! It is such a blessing to be part of such a loving and caring church. - Linda Read and family Thanks to all for sending cards; also to the Mellotts for delivering the altar flowers; for the Christmas poinsettia; and to Rev. Steiner for visiting. We greatly appreciated all thoughts and prayers. - Bob and Marilyn Rowe Calendar January 24th to February 4th
1/24 7:00p COMMITTEE NIGHT 1/25 7:30p Choir Practice 1/27 10:00a Lunch on Us – Miller Ave. Youth Fellowship Family Sunday January 28, 2007 Nursery Available - 9:15 – 11:30 a.m. Children remain in worship 8:30a Worship (Story and Song)9:15a Church School for All Ages 10:30a Worship 11:30a ANNUAL DINNER AND MEETING 1/29 9:00a Quilters 9:30a Shawl Ministry (L) 10:00a Newsletter Deadline 7:30p Kerygma 1/30 8:00a Staff Meeting (L) 1/31 5:00p to 8:00p Bethany Night at Donato's! 2/01 6:15p Confirmation Meal, Music, Class 7:30p Chancel Choir 2/02 6:00p Buckeyes 2/03 6:00p Mystery Dinner Sunday - February 4, 2007 Nursery Available - 9:15 – 11:30 a.m. Scout Sunday Women's Sunday Sub Sale Pick-up 8:30a Worship (Communion) 9:15a Church School for All Ages 10:30a Worship 11:30a Social Hour Host: OPEN 11:30a 7th Day Rehearsal 11:30a Parish Nurse (L) 6:30p YF Names of Sunday Volunteers . . . will be published AHEAD of the scheduled Sunday; as a kindly reminder and 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! Volunteers for January 28th Greeters: Henry and Elizabeth Nagel, Marcia Spring Music: Bell Choir/ Bell Choir, Young Shepherds Nursery: Heather Bedillion, Ed Zeller, Nancy Zeller, Caitlyn Zeller Ushers: Carolyn Hofmann, Bob Charton, Sue Truby, Sharon Ward, Andy McVan, Megan Ferda, Lynette Sheppard, Caitlyn Malorni Van Driver: Frank Read Visitor Outlook: Beth Lees Volunteers for February 4th Lay Reader: Mary Seymour Music: Donna and Tim/ Chancel Choir Nursery: Harry Cool, Pat Cochran, Hilda Bowman, Matthew Tasker Ushers: John Mancinelli, Herb Walker, John Grazulis, John Seymour, Bob and Carol Pletzer, Sue Mancinelli, Shawn O'Malley Van Driver: Jennifer France Visitor Outlook: Amanda Lorentz
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