THE BETHANY LETTER

July 24, 2007 Volume 2007, Issue No. 24

Imagine throwing a birthday party and having more than 9,000 members of the family show up! That's exactly what happened at the General Synod of the UCC, held in Hartford, Connecticut in late June as the United Church of Christ celebrated 50 years since the coming together of the Congregational Christian Church and the Evangelical and Reformed Church. We are a 50-year old denomination with some congregations that have been in existence since the mid-1600's!

And what a celebration it was! With a theme of "Let it Shine," there were inspiring speakers, dynamic worship services, many opportunities to re-connect with old and new friends and the chance to see the work of the Wider Church in action. Saturday, June 23^rd was set aside for "Synod in the City", with a multitude of activities stretching from Busnell Park to the Civic Center that included music, art, educational opportunities and work projects. And there were cookies, a tradition of General Synod. Volunteers from churches across Connecticut had baked more than 168,000 cookies - and I graciously consumed my share!

As a member of staff, much of my time was spent at the UCC Cornerstone Fund booth, greeting visitors and providing information. But I did get to hear some wonderful presentations. Bill Moyer's dynamic keynote address included words of passion, anger and the possibility of hope. His 57-minute speech was interrupted by applause more than three dozen times and was followed by a two-minute standing ovation as he lamented the growing gap between the rich and poor in America and called on the UCC to act. "I have come to say that America's revolutionary heritage—and America's revolutionary spirit—‘life, liberty and the pursuit of justice, through government of, by, and for the people' - is under siege. And if churches of conscience don't take the lead in their rescue and revival, we can lose our democracy!" Much of Moyer's speech was devoted to the conflict between power and justice, which he states are "religious issues." He noted that "it is a small, committed, determined People of Conscience who can turn this country around!"

U. S. Senator Barack Obama, a member of Trinity UCC in Chicago, spoke on his journey of faith, which led him to join that congregation 20 years ago. He shared, "I slowly came to realize that something was missing; that without an anchor for my beliefs, without a commitment to a particular community of faith, at some level I would always remain apart and alone. In time, I came to see faith as more than just a comfort to the weary or a hedge against death, but rather as an active, palpable agent in the world and in my own life."

Both Moyer's and Obama's speeches, plus presentations by Marian Wright Edelman, Peter Gomes, Lynn Redgrave and others may be viewed on the UCC website http://www.ucc.org and are part of a DVD of General Synod highlights. As part of the Fall programming, there will be some opportunities for groups to view these presentations and to celebrate the history of the wider church - a way to better appreciate what it means to be a part of a committed and diverse denomination; a church that is guided by a social justice ethic that is rooted in moral clarity.

See you in church,

Scripture Luke 10:38-42

8:30 a.m. Worship in the SOCIAL HALL/ Beth McDevitt/Carolyn Curtis, special music

9:30 a.m. Worship in the SANCTUARY/ Quartet, special music/ Children remain in worship

10:30 a.m. Social Hour Host: OPEN

You may say, "of course it does!" but with so many people taking vacations and being away on Sundays during the summer, giving usually drops off considerably during this time. That is why it is extra important for everyone to keep current on giving toward his or her pledge through the vacation season. If you are not going to be here for several Sundays, feel free to send your offering in the mail or drop it off at the office. This will help us keep our ministry strong all through the year.

300 E. Tallmadge Ave.

5^th Annual Ethnic Festival

Saturday, July 28^th 12:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Cuisine, Music, Dance & Culture

Children's Activities

Our Camp staff has covenanted to uphold the attitudes, behaviors, and responsibilities needed to faithfully serve our campers and have finished the planning process.

WE ARE ALMOST READY FOR CAMP!

Here are some important dates and deadlines:

Aug 5 Staff commissioned in 9:30 worship, 3:00 pm - CAMP BEGINS

Aug 11 CAMP ENDS - Pick up 9:30 a.m.

Aug 12 Campers and staff sing in 9:30 worship

Make breakfast Wednesday or Friday; or make supper on Thursday.

Breakfast items –bring August 5 or by August 7.

Bake a muffin mix - pick up a box at church.

Youth Fellowship

When: August 19^th (after church)

Where: O'Malleys'

How: Church van to leave at 11:00 a.m.

Parents need to pick up, so we will call when it's over!

Bethany's newsletter will resume on a weekly basis with the next newsletter to be mailed on August 21^st. We would appreciate articles to be sent into the office as soon as possible. Thank you.

Teachers' Meeting / Supper

Mark this date on your calendar - August 26^th, on this date in the afternoon, we're all invited to join New Trinity for their annual picnic at Firestone Metro Park. More information will follow.

The Youth Fellowship will be hosting Bethany Night at Donato's on Wednesday, August 29^th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mark your calendar NOW for great food and fellowship!

FYI: The Bethany Prayer Shawl Ministry would like scraps of yarn! Since they have a supply of shawls, they are knitting hats for the homeless and newborn. They can use all colors and kinds of yarn. You may drop them off in the workroom next to the office.

• Please remember to notify the church office of any additions/changes to your family, your address, e-mail address, or your telephone/cell number so that we may keep our church records up-to-date.
• Check the "Mail Table" in the social hall EVERY SUNDAY after the worship services. Please help your church save on postage!

Bethany is going to have a band! Dust off your instruments because if you have ever played ~ WE WANT YOU! All ages are welcome. If you are interested, contact Carolyn Curtis by phone or leave a note in her mailbox. All we need now is your name and instrument and we will get back to you. Ready . . . set . . . play!

We express our Christian sympathy and extend our prayers to the following individuals and families:

To Charlotte Bentley and family following the death of her brother, Paul Bartlett, in May.

To Dale and Betty Pickard, following the death of Betty's brother, Howard Bennig, and her sister, Ty Mackoviac.

To Janice Williams on the death of her stepfather, Roy Cassidy.

To Rollie Seguin following the death of his sister, Cynthia Fontaine, on June 16^th.

To Gregg Dukarich and Brittany Brendle on the death of their newborn daughters, Audrey and Brynn, June 25^th.

To the family of Ann Schneckenberger following her death on June 28^th.

To the family of David Bury on the death of his wife, Jean Bury, in Arizona.

The Bethany Partnership Committee is looking for interested Bethany members to serve on this committee. We meet approximately four times each year. We also need someone to Chair this committee as we enter into a new year of celebrating God's love through exciting and meaningful events together. If you have any questions or would like to participate, please contact Pastor Steve or Oz Hibbard.

We're just back from the Ponca Creek Mission Trip and we've made a list of things that would be really helpful next year. If you can help with any of these items - either a donation from home or by purchasing them, we'd be very thankful. Here's the list:

• 1 large frying pan
• 2 dozen Fiskars scissors
• 2 kick balls
• 7 dozen watercolor markers
• 2 cup measuring cup
• 1-2 dozen dishtowels
• 1-2 dozen dishcloths
• 1-2 dozen sponges
• 1 large folding table
• 1 large wooden spoon
• 1 set of metal spoons, spatula, flipper
• 30 drinking cups
• 1 griddle
• 1 can opener
• 2 rolls packing tape

We've had our Abitibi recycling bin for almost four weeks and thanks to your contributions, it was overflowing before it was picked up two weeks ago. We should be on a regular pick up schedule now and hopefully it will be moved to its new location soon. Thanks to all for supporting our endeavors to be environmental stewards. (We earned $19.98 but more importantly, we saved 5.8 cubic yards in landfill space.)

Abitibi paper Recyclers accepts catalogs, magazines, newspapers, junk mail, office paper, fax paper, school paper, notebooks and folders. By participating in The Abitibi Paper Retriever® Recycling Program, Bethany can: earn money for special projects and activities of our choice, promote environmental responsibility in the community, teach the importance of environmental stewardship, divert paper from local landfills, save on the cost of solid waste disposal and provide the church and the community with a convenient drop off for recycling paper. PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE plastic, glass, metal, trash, cardboard or books. Thank you.

E. Nagel, home from hospital

Kenneth Smith, home from hospital

Charles Stadelman, home from hospital

Albert Jensen, Manor Care

Geraldine Hunter, Briarwood

Margaret Martin, Western Reserve Assisted Living

Amelia Eldredge July 29^th

Mary Coffield August 12^th

Ed Hazle August 16^th

7/28

Nursery Available ~ 9:15 - 10:30 a.m.

Don Evans, guest preacher

Miller Ave. Sunday

8:30a Worship (Traditional) IN THE SOCIAL HALL

9:30a Worship IN THE SANCTUARY, Children remain in worship

10:30a Social Hour - Open

7/30 9:00a Quilters

Nursery Available ~ 9:15 - 10:30 a.m.

Camp Bethany Begins

Communion both services

8:30a Worship IN THE SOCIAL HALL

9:30a Worship IN THE SANCTUARY/ Children's Sunday School/ Commissioning Camp Staff

10:30a Social Hour - Lemonade on the Lawn

10:30a Nurse BP Check

3:00p Campers to arrive at Camp Bethany/NT

8/06 9:00a Quilters

8/07 7:15p Finance

8/08 7:30p Consistory

8/11 9:30a Camp Bethany Ends (pick up campers)

Nursery Available ~ 9:15 - 10:30 a.m.

8:30a Worship (Fellowship) IN THE SOCIAL HALL

9:30a Worship IN THE SANCTUARY/ Camp Bethany Singers/ Children's Sunday School

10:30a Social Hour - Open

8/13 9:00a Quilters

8/14 8:15a Staff Meeting (L)

8/15 8:00a Men's Breakfast (L)

6:30p Spiritual Council (BD)

8/17 10:00a Newsletter Deadline for Tuesday 8/21

8/18 11:30a Bethany Kitchen (SH)

Nursery Available ~ 9:15 - 10:30 a.m.

8:30a Worship (Healing & Reconciliation) IN THE SOCIAL HALL/ Fred Heyburn, special music

9:30a Worship IN THE SANCTUARY/ Fred Heyburn, special music / Children's Sunday School

10:30a Social Hour - Endowment Board

11:00a YF - swim at O'Malleys

8/20 9:00a Quilters

8/21 Newsletter Begins Weekly

12:00p EOA Meeting (L)

7:00p 1^st yr. Mentor Meeting

7:30p 2^nd yr. Mentors to join meeting

8/22 5:30p C.E. Teachers' Meeting & Supper

7:00p Committee Night

7:30p Music Committee

8/23 7:30p Choir Practice

8/25 10:00a Lunch on Us - Miller Ave. (Mission)

Nursery Available ~ 9:15 - 10:30 a.m.

8:30a Worship (Story & Song) IN THE SOCIAL HALL, Jan and Martha, special music

9:30a Worship IN THE SANCTUARY/ Children remain in worship/ Jan & Martha, special music

10:30a Social Hour - Open

10:30a Confirmation Orientation

TBA New Trinity Picnic (afternoon)

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.

Esperanza Cup Washing: T. Giffen, E. Jensen

Greeters: H. & D. Koudela, N. Zucco, B. Oyler

Music: B. McDevitt, C. Curtis/ Quartet

Nursery: C. Pletzer, D. Shroyer

Social Hour Host: OPEN

Ushers: R. & S. Holle, B. Charton, M. & R. Bowmaster, J. Williams, L. Short, N. Buck

Van Driver: C. Frederick

Visitor Outlook: C. Pletzer

Esperanza Cup Washing: Staff

Greeters: S. & D. Holle/ Bob Read Family

Lay Reader: G. Jensen

Music: D. McDonald, D. O'Malley

Nursery: T. Jensen, E. Spencer

Social Hour: Stewardship

Ushers: T. Hermann, H. Walker, S. Truby, S. Ward, K. Mellott, S. Mellott, L. Sheppard, Karen Fratz

Van Driver: E. Frederick

Visitor Outlook: N. Read

Esperanza Cup Washing: K. McDevitt, A. Myers

Greeters: B. Caiola/ Dave Keenan Family

Lay Reader: H. Keenan

Music: Camp Bethany/NT Singers

Nursery: R. Read, A. Wachovec

Social Hour: OPEN

Ushers: L. Luginbill, M. Jensen, J. & M. Seymour, J. & J. Ingram, J. Williams, L. Short

Van Driver: L. Goodwin

Visitor Outlook: R. Schrieber

Esperanza Cup Washing: A. Wachovec, A. Zeller

Greeters: J. & J. Ingram/ L. Rodgers, L. Luginbill

Lay Reader: K. McDevitt

Music: Fred Heyburn

Nursery: A. Zeller

Social Hour: Endowment Board

Ushers: C. Hofmann, F. Read, M. & R. Bowmaster, C. & B. Pletzer, N. Buck, H. Nagel

Van Driver: B. Read

Visitor Outlook: S. Ward

6/03 Dale and Maurine Renner in honor of family and in memory of loved ones.

6/10 Becky and Tim Hermann

6/17 Edna Truby

6/24 Ruth Schreiber; and the Cochran Family in memory of Earl and Ann Cochran

7/15 Jenny and Tony Bisesi in appreciation of our Bethany family for their love, care and support and in loving memory of daughter, Linda Kopina

7/22 Margaret Deacon in memory of loved ones; Marilyn Funk in memory of Ralph

Dear Bethany,

Thank you so much for allowing us to stay at your beautiful church as we journeyed to New York for our mission trip. It was so comfortable and we loved the gym. It was great to get to stay at the Finans' home church. We are so grateful for your generosity. Love in Christ, Rocky Mount United Methodist Youth Fellowship

VBS was a great success! Thanks to ALL who volunteered! Thank you so very much for your time & talent!

Take the Plunge . . .

Make a Splash with Jesus!

Co-Directors Linda Read - Tammy Jensen

Registration Tammy Jensen - Ruth Hibbard

Bibleland Bay Stephanie Gallagher - Carole Pletzer

Craft-Away Cove Carol Lee Aherns - Ariel Myers - Ahren Myers

Snack Shack Pat Cochran - Ruth Hibbard

Oceans of Motion Nancy Jensen - Keith McDevitt - Dillon Shroyer

Raise the Reef Beth McDevitt - Linda Goodwin

Life Guards Emma Jensen - Jessica Shroyer 4-5 yr. olds

Rosalie Read - Heather Alberson Kindergarten

Eddie Frederick - Andrew Slota 1^st - 2^nd Grade

Taylor Giffen - Brandon Giffen 3^rd Grade

Kayla Goodwin - Alex Wachovec 4^th - 5^th Grade

Decorating &

Water Carnival Denise O'Malley

Life Spring Lagoon Kim Fratz

JP Penguin Bob Peyak

Arts & Crafts

Organizer Suzanne Roach

Media Cart George Jensen - Emma Jensen

Floaters Amanda Keenan - Beth Lees - Debbie Fratz - Anna Zeller

Consultants Sue Jensen - Carol Wood - Barb McCrady

Custodian Carol Clemente

C.E. Coordinator Carolyn Shroyer

Thanks to everyone who donated beach toys and towels!

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