THE BETHANY LETTER

January 9, 2007 Volume 2007, Issue No. 1

Philip Sydney wrote in the 16^th century:

Three centuries later Emerson wrote, "Beware what you set your heart upon for it surely will be yours."

We have a tradition that says that three Magi arrived in Bethlehem. We don't really know how many came. Maybe the more important question is: How many of them started the journey in the first place? How many began but failed to persevere? How many saw a Star but got discouraged at the length of the journey, the cold of the night, and the dull and dreary conditions of the trek? How many set their hearts on lesser things and settled down to life short of their goal?

As we enter Epiphany we must ask: What stars are we following? What stars are we failing to see and follow?

Epiphany calls us to see the light that's come to us, to recognize what's been given to us. It says, "be everything you can be and you will become what you are called to be – a light for others." This truth often gets obscured for us in our celebration of Christmas. We've come to see Christmas more as what we get than what we are now obliged to give in response to God's gift – ourselves.

So much of Christmas is privatized now: my wish list, our family dinner, our decorations, and our presents. That's why things like the Christmas Concerts, Caroling, and the Christmas Eve celebrations of the church are such a gift – they remind us that we are called together in a community, to give to one another in a community, and to be a light to one another in and through a community. Who could miss the joy of our homebound members as we sang Christmas carols with them or as they saw the joy of the children in the Christmas pageant?

Epiphany is another opportunity to move outside of ourselves and remember what God has done and calls us to do. Isaiah said, "Lift your eyes round about, and see. They all gather together; they come to you." Epiphany calls us to look for those following the star today. See under-nourished, under-developed children of the world, struggling for a future with hope. See the homeless of Akron and Mexico, who work but are still poor. See the refugees, waiting in camps, fearing for their lives, waiting for an opportunity to rebuild their lives and find a home. See the soldiers and the families in war-torn Iraq, hoping and praying each day that peace might come.

Like Herod, our world, too, says that it worships the Christ child and is waiting to welcome him. Yet the systems by which we live fear what would actually happen if people did truly discover this Star, this Child.

There is an interesting ending to the story of the Magi. After having found the Christ child, they "departed to their own country by another way." This can remind us that once we really see the Christ, we must begin to follow other ways. We can't go back to profit and power any more. We can't continue on the ways of division and oppression. We can't think like we used to: that "salvation is mine and everyone else can take care of themselves." We can't want what we used to want. Or, if we are not careful, we will indeed get what we set our hearts on, and that would be a pity.

With Great Hope for Your Epiphany,

******************************

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

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

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

11:30 a.m. Social Hour/ Host: 1^st and 2^nd grade

Adult Classes at 9:15 - Bible Discoveries; Lounge Class - Video, Carpe Diem; Seasons of the Spirit;

Seekers - Relationships; Senior High; Upper Room; Perspectives

10:00 a.m. in the CE Office. All are invited to attend as we finish the New Testament. Join us for ONE or MORE Wednesday mornings. Questions? Contact Carolyn Shroyer

We will meet and rehearse in the social hall. Performance is February 3^rd! If you are unable to make practice or commit to the production – please call Erica Hess.

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.

Bethany United Church of Christ

Positive ID required.

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 can make your reservation for the dinner, which will follow the 10:30 worship service, on your attendance card or by calling the church office at 330-923-5277.

The next Youth Fellowship Donato's night is Wednesday, January 31^st. 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. Hope to see you there!

Bethany Buckeyes met this past Friday, January 5th. The Renners and the Leiters prepared the delicious meal. The games were great and much laughter was derived from them, especially the group that was not playing with a  "full deck". Thanks to all Bethany Buckeyes who helped with the Sunday Social Hour. Our next gathering will be held on Friday, February 2nd. All seniors are welcome!

Come join us for an evening of suspense, entertainment, great food, fellowship, and opportunity to support Bethany's many mission projects. Our own Erica Hess has written this play especially for the occasion. The event will be held in Bethany's Social Hall on Saturday, February 3^rd from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Tickets are $25 and will be on sale beginning this Sunday after both services through Sunday, January 28^th (last day for ticket sales so Denise and Donna can work their magic in the kitchen). Dinner choices include Beef Burgundy or Pasta Alfredo with Vegetables and we will also be serving appetizer, salad, dessert and beverage. Volunteers are needed for this evening to help in the kitchen and serve the dinner throughout the performance. Please call Carolyn B. Hofmann to volunteer or for information on ticket sales. $10 of the ticket price will go toward Bethany's missions.

… to Bob and Sue Charton on the birth of TWIN daughters, Danielle and Marissa, January 6, 2007.

Proud grandparents are Bob and Jan Charton!

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 will be available in two weeks. 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 Missions Committee

Bethany's Youth are looking for work to help defray their ticket to Mexico. They are willing to do just about anything, from babysitting to gutter cleaning and yard work. The youth going this time are:

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

Special thanks to all who purchased Cookbooks and Cat's Meows. With your help we were able to send $100 to Battered Women's Shelter and $100 to ACCESS. Happy New Year!

Thank you for Christmas Eve,

Thanks to all who shared their gifts to make our Christmas evening services such an inspiration. The Family Service with the Three Wee Kings pageant was wonderful – full of energy and enthusiasm. The Traditional Candlelight service blended reverence and joy in a wonderful way, too. So many people in our Christian Education and Music Ministries shared their gifts to bring this blessing to us all. We are grateful.

Dear Bethany Family,

Thank you for the beautiful poinsettia plant delivered by Sharon Otto. We had a delightful visit. Happy New Year to all. Evelyn Vance

Dear Bethany Friends,

There are no words adequate enough to thank you for your prayers, cards and good wishes for our son, Mark, and our grandson, Brandon Cisar, during their recent kidney transplant surgery. So, please accept our family's heart-felt "thank you." Mark and Brandon are doing well and on schedule with their healing. It is a blessing to have our Brandon beginning to feel well again. - Julia Welfley

Dear Bethany Friends,

Thank you for your prayers; for visits from Rev. Steiner; Margaret Deacon who brought a lovely poinsettia; and Sally and Karen Mellott who came bringing the altar flowers. All were and are still being enjoyed and much appreciated. - Olive Devine

Thank you carolers, the young and the very young for the beautiful Christmas music at our house. Thanks to our Bethany Family for the beautiful red poinsettia plant. Enjoyed a visit with Lynette Sheppard-the delivery person. Thanks also to the members who sent Christmas cards to me. I appreciate all of them. God bless all, Ellen Limbach

It was great how the church responded when I was ill. Visits from Pastor Steve and Rev. Steiner sure made me feel cared about. Your prayers and kindness sure make a difference. Thanks also for altar flowers. - Sincerely, Howard Edwards

IHN Host Week

Thanks to all of our volunteers for helping with our IHN Host week in December. We know this was a busy time of year for all involved and we appreciated the time our volunteers gave to our families by providing leadership each evening, fixing a meal, driving the van, doing the laundry, and staying over night. - Bob and Carolyn

Doris Brubaker, General Hospital, 400 Wabash Ave., Akron OH 44307

Charles Kuhn, City Hospital, 525 E. Market Street, Akron OH 44304

Open our hearts and our ears, all-seeing God. Help us to know where the need is greatest. Let our hearts respond to the pain and injustice you see all over the world. Let us respond by being your hands in the world. Amen.

12/03 Ernie and Marie Albert in memory of our parents

12/10 Marcia Spring in memory of Jim Bidwell and in honor of Donna Bidwell

12/17 Ed Hazle and Olive Devine in memory of loved ones

12/31 Robin Berie

Beginning: September 17^th 2006

Ending: April 7, 2007

It's the year of the Acme brands! Food Club, Dining-In, Domestix, Paws, Top Care, Top Crest and Valutime.

Acme Fresh Market will issue a rebate check equal to 5% of the Cash Back amount printed at the bottom of the receipt. The Cash Back amount includes all Acme brand merchandise purchases. Locate Acme brand items easily by watching for shelf tags in the store. Ask your families, friends, co-workers and neighbors to save them too! (R.S.V.P. stores not included in the program.) The YF is collecting ACME receipts. We truly appreciate your support as the proceeds help fund the youth mission trip.

Names of Sunday Volunteers will be published AHEAD of the scheduled Sunday;

as a kindly reminder & an early thank you!

Greeters: Richard and Charlotte Bentley, Eberhardt Family

Lay Reader: Jason Roach

Music: 7^th Day/ Chancel Choir

Nursery: Martha Peyak, Tracy Ocepek, Carole Pletzer, Keith McDevitt

Visitor Outlook: Linda Goodwin

Greeters: Carolee and Ariel Ahrens, Zeller Family

Lay Reader: Alan Cool

Music: Motet Choir/ Chancel Choir

Nursery: Bob Read, Heather Alberson, Arlene Thompson, Ariel Myers

Ushers: Lenora Luginbill, Frank Read, Mary and Ralph Bowmaster, Jack and Judy Ingram, Marcia Spring, Eddie Frederick

Van Driver: Bob Read

Visitor Outlook: Judy Ingram

 CALENDAR

January 10^th to January 21^st

1/10 10:00a Bible Study (CE)

6:30p Orientation/Dinner new deacons/elders (AL)

7:30p Consistory (L)

1/11 7:00p Inquiry Meeting (L)

7:30p Choir Practice

1/13 TBA Confirmand Prep for Just Peace Concert

Nursery Available - 9:15 – 11:30 a.m.

8:30a Worship (Fellowship)

9:15a Church School for All Ages

10:30a Worship/ Chancel Choir/ Children's S.S.

11:30a Social Hour Host: Grade 1 and 2

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

6:30p Just Peace Concert at New Trinity

1/15 OFFICE CLOSED, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

1/16 NO Staff Meeting

1/17 8:00a Men's Fellowship Breakfast/Service

10:00a Bible Study (CE)

7:00p C.E. Committee Meeting

1/18 6:15p Confirmation Meal, Music, Class

7:30p Choir Practice

1/19 8:00p Confirmand Lock-in (L) - 9:00a

1/20 11:30a Bethany Kitchen (SH)

Nursery Available - 9:15 – 11:30 a.m.

8:30a Worship (Healing and Reconciliation)

9:15a Church School for All Ages

10:30a Worship/ Chancel Choir/ Children's S.S.

11:30a Social Hour Host: Grade 5 and 6

11:30a 7^th Day Rehearsal

6:30p YF

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