THE BETHANY LETTERNovember 6, 2007 Volume 2007, Issue No. 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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What Do We Have That God Needs? What do we have that God needs? Why does God ask us to give anything? We have real, practical reasons to give to our local congregation, Bethany: utility bills, salaries, building maintenance, program expenses and so on. But in a deeper sense, why do we give to God? In Psalm 50:12 God tells Israel, "If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world and all that is in it is mine." We don't own anything that God needs. Everything we do have comes from God in the first place (I Cor. 4:7). Anything we give to God we really are just giving back. We don't give because God needs some of our stuff. There are other reasons.
The following, which I found years ago and which became one of my favorite pieces of writing, explores one of those reasons. I had gone a-begging from door to door in the village path, when thy golden chariot appeared in the distance like a gorgeous dream and I wondered who was this King of all kings! My hopes rose high and me thought my evil days were at an end, and I stood waiting for alms to be given unasked and for wealth scattered on all sides in the dust. The chariot stopped where I stood. Thy glance fell on me and thou camest down with a smile. I felt that the luck of my life had come at last. Then of a sudden thou didst hold out thy right hand and say "What hast thou to give to me?" Ah, what a kingly jest was it to open thy palm to a beggar to beg! I was confused and stood undecided, and then from my wallet I slowly took out the least little grain of corn and gave it to thee. But how great my surprise when at the day's end I emptied my bag on the floor to find a least little grain of gold among the poor heap. I bitterly wept and wished that I had had the heart to give thee my all. * God wants us to give not because God needs any of our stuff, but because our giving allows God to give more back to us - and God loves to give! If we give just our money, "the least little grain of corn," God blesses us at a certain level. When we give ourselves, not just our money but our all, we are blessed with God's presence, God's self in a different way. This is the highest and greatest good of all! When we live in God's presence any amount of material goods that sustains us is enough. Then we want to be more and more in God's presence. As we conclude our stewardship campaign this year and we give what we can to support the life of our congregation, let's be in prayer also to know how to give ourselves. Because God wants to give us his greatest blessing - Himself. Scott Myers * R. Tagore, Gitanjali 50 ******************** Dedication Sunday ~ November 4, 2007 Sunday Morning Opportunities
8:30 a.m. Worship (Fellowship)/ 7th Day 9:15 a.m. Church School for Children and Adults 9:30 a.m. Dedication Brunch 10:30 a.m. Worship/ Chancel Choir 11:30 a.m. Dedication Brunch
Adult Classes at 9:15a.m: Lounge Class; Bible Discoveries; Seasons of the Spirit; Seekers; Senior High; Upper Room; Perspective
Youth Fellowship Schedule
Note: Youth Committee will meet Nov. 11th at Rake & Run supper.
Confirmation Schedule
Bible Discoveries Class We will be writing a letter to our "compassion" child Sunday, November 11th. We will continue our discussion over pages 61-84. Please come and enjoy our lively conversation!
Inquiry Meeting If you would like to learn more about Bethany Church come to the Lounge (1st floor, 13th Street entrance) at 7:00 p.m., November 8th 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.
Wanted: Chili or Soup for 15 The planning committee for the Eastern Ohio Association Spring Meeting will be gathering for a lunch meeting at the EOA office on November 27th. If you'd be willing to provide a crock-pot or electric roaster of chili or soup for the group, the planners would be very grateful. Contact Steve or the office at 330-923-5277 or e-mail pastor@bethany.ald.net. Thanks, Steve
Esperanza Meeting The next meeting for those interested in going on the Esperanza Mission Trip in February is Monday, November 12th at 7:00 pm. in the Adult Library. All of those planning on participating need to attend. Any questions contact Bill Leas.
Rake & Run If you would like help getting your leaves raked please call the church office (330-923-5277). We will be sure to get there one of the two Sundays. ATTENTION EVERYONE! Although this is a Youth Fellowship sponsored event, there are LOTS of leaves to rake! Just come to the 10:30 worship and then join us for an afternoon of work and fun. Please bring your own rake(s), tarps, and leaf blower (if you have one).
All Bethany Women Come and join us for Women's Fellowship Monday, November 19th 7:00 p.m. in the lounge Program by: Jan Charton Fun - Faith and Fellowship, Smile God Loves You! p.s. We have great desserts and refreshments.
Bethany Buckeyes is an informal group of men and women who are at least 50 years old. Buckeyes meet the first Friday of every month and celebrate with food, games and laughter. Our next meeting will be December 7th at 6 o'clock. This year there will be no gift exchange. However, the food, friendship, memories and fun at the games will be our gifts to each other. Remember to call in your reservations to the church office, 330-923-5277. As the year end draws near, we want to thank secretaries Barb McCrady and Carol Wood for taking reservations and making sure our articles are always in the newsletter.
Here a Fa, there a La, everywhere a Falala! If you enjoy singing Christmas music and want an opportunity to try out the Chancel Choir this invitation is just what you've been waiting for. The first hour of choir rehearsal is spent rehearsing for the Christmas Concert, which is December 16th. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome. Falalalala La La LaLa!
Home Run for the Homeless For a number of years my son, Nathan, and I have enjoyed running a four-mile race on Thanksgiving morning. Neither of us do it to compete; the winner always crosses the finish line when we're about half way. We do it because of the kind of run it is - a "Home Run for the Homeless," to help those without housing in our community. We'd love to have others join us. The race starts at 9:00 a.m. covers a lovely (but hilly) course. Registration is $9 for one person, or $14 for two people, $20 for three people, and $25 for four people (from one family) if postmarked by November 15th; after that it's $15 per person. If you register early you get a free pair of socks. I got some last year; they were cool - brown with orange turkeys. If you'd like to join us, you can pick up registration forms in the workroom next to the office. We'd be glad to give you a ride, too. Also, as an incentive to confirmands and youth, I'll pay the registration, if received by November 14th, if you'll do the running. Hope to have some of you will join us. Thanks, Steve
A "Request for Check Disbursement" form must accompany all receipts for reimbursement of expenses from Bethany BEFORE reimbursement is made by the office. The form can be found in the workroom next to the office. The office needs certain information to reimburse expenses and then to charge it to the correct fund. Reimbursement will NOT be made without this form attached to your receipt(s). Thank You! Thank You! Our Halloween Donato's Night was blessed by lots of people and a great spirit. The results were not only great in terms of the income - $228.82 (10% to be tithed to Bethany; 10% to be tithed to our Youth Ministry, and 80% to support cost reductions for our Ponca Creek Youth Mission Trippers), but also in terms of the spirit. The place was buzzing; it felt like a party. Thanks to all who came and helped make it such a success. We look forward to sharing our next Donato's Night with our Bethany family on January 30th. Thanks for my breadbasket delivered by Carolyn Shroyer. Also, thanks to Rev. Steiner for his nice visit. Margaret Saltsman Dear Bethany Friends, All the cards, phone calls, thoughts, prayers and love were overwhelming. It makes one feel so good to be remembered. Rev. Mark Steiner stopped by this week. We had a nice visit. Thanks for everything. - Peg and Glenn Leiter
Happy Birthday to Geraldine Hunter who will celebrate her birthday on November 13th.
Congratulations to Debra Fratz in earning her PhD in English Literature at the University of Illinois!
Remember in your Prayers Dorothy Draper, Rockynol Albert Jensen, Altercare Geraldine Hunter, Briarwood
Calendar for October 31st to November 11th 11/07 9:30a Bible Study (CE) 11/08 7:00p Inquiry Meeting 7:30p Choir Practice 8:45p Choir Meeting Dedication Sunday ~ Give Yourself November 11, 2007 Nursery Available ~ 9:15 - 11:30 a.m. 8:30a Worship (Fellowship) 9:15a Church School for Children and Adults 9:30a Dedication Brunch 10:30a Worship/ Children's Sunday School 11:30a Dedication Sunday Brunch 11:30a Confirmand/ Mentor Meal 12:30p YF - Rake'n Run/ Meal 5:30p Youth Committee Meeting 11/12 9:00a Quilters 9:30a Shawl Ministry (Lounge) 10:00a Newsletter Deadline 7:00p Esperanza Meeting - (Adult Libr.) 7:30p Kerygma 11/13 8:15a Staff Meeting (Lounge) 7:15p Finance 7:45p At Ease 11/14 9:30a Bible Study (CE) 7:30p Consistory 11/15 6:15p Confirmation Meal, Music, Class 7:30p Chancel Choir 11/17 11:30a Bethany Kitchen
Sunday ~ November 18, 2007 Nursery Available ~ 9:15 - 11:30 a.m. 8:30a Worship (Healing & Reconciliation) 9:15a Church School for Children and Adults 10:30a Worship/ Children's Sunday School 11:30a Social Hour 11:30a Rake'n Run 11:45a 7th Day Choir Practice
Sunday 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 on our schedules.
Volunteers for November 11th Esperanza Cup Washing: C. Zeller, T. Giffen Greeters: B. and C. Pletzer/ H. Davis and M. Rowe Lay Reader: M. Peyak Music: 7th Day/ Chancel Choir Nursery: T. Jensen, J. and K. Dugan, A. Renner Social Hour: Dedication Sunday Brunch Ushers: T. Hermann, F. Read, J. Grazulis, J. Seymour, K. Mellott, S. Mellott, S.F. O'Malley, S.P. O'Malley Van Driver: B. Read Visitor Outlook: J. Charton Volunteers for November 18th Esperanza Cup Washing: E. Jensen, K. McDevitt Greeters: D. and B. Pickard/ L. Atleson and F. Eckenrode Lay Reader: B. McDevitt Music: Special Music/ Chancel Choir Nursery: T. Jensen, M. and S. Ferda, B. Boling Social Hour Host: Bible Discoveries Ushers: L. Luginbill, B. Charton, M. & R. Bowmaster, J. & J. Ingram, A. Renner, R. Berie Van Driver: F. Read Visitor Outlook: C. Pletzer ******************************* United Church of Christ - What Matters We are One at Baptism and at the Table Just some water, just a simple meal of bread and juice, but for us in the United Church Christ, what is simple means much more. We celebrate two sacraments. One is Baptism. The other is Holy Communion which is also often called the Lord's Supper or Eucharist. Sacraments are our ritual acts in worship life when the Holy Spirit uses water, bread, and wine to make visible the grace, forgiveness, and presence of God in Christ. The preamble of our constitution simply states the UCC "recognizes" these two sacraments. Recognition, however, is more than a mere casual acknowledgement. Recognition is a deep way of seeing and experiencing God and God's action in these rites. Recognition recalls Jesus Christ and his own baptism (Mark 1:9-11), his call to baptize others (Matthew 28:16-20), and the invitation to become one with Christ and one another in baptism (Romans 6:1-4). Recognition remembers Jesus' meals with his followers and the Last Supper (Luke 22:7-13), discovers his continuing presence in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:30-31a), and anticipates a great banquet for all God's people (Luke 14:15-24). Recognition is not only an individual act, but one we share with other Christians throughout the world. What happens at Baptism and Holy Communion. What do they mean? Our Book of Worship and the words we use to celebrate the sacraments reflect a variety of meanings. These understandings we share in common with many other Christians, and are also reflected in the World Council of Churches' ecumenical agreement called Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. Through water at baptism, God embraces you — no matter who you are — and brings you into Christ's Church. You become vital not only to a local church, but the wider Church. You share in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. The church also promises to love, support, and care for you throughout your whole life. Baptized, you now participate fully in life of the Church and God's realm. At Holy Communion, we share a simple meal of bread and wine. Here, we experience the presence of Christ again. Together, around God's welcome table, we recall God's loving acts especially in Jesus, we experience our oneness in Christ, hope for a time when all will be fed, and anticipate the fullness of God's love and justice throughout creation. Practices of the sacraments vary among our congregations. A 2004-2006 UCC worship survey details our range of practices. Some congregations baptize infants through adults, while others seem to begin baptism with older children. All use water, but the amount varies from a small amount to full immersion in a body of water. Most often, a pastor baptizes "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," others use additional expressions of the Triune God. Baptism occurs within a worshiping congregation and, as the entry rite into Christ's Church, occurs only once. The frequency of Holy Communion ranges from seldom to weekly, but is most often celebrated monthly. Some use a common loaf of bread and a cup; others use wafers and small communion cups. Some receive communion in the pews, others join together at the front of the worship space. Some congregations reserve Communion for those who are both baptized and confirmed, while others invite all regardless of baptism or confirmation. Increasingly children are welcome to the Table at their parent's discretion. All our emphases seem to come together in the sacraments. Christ claims us, and we belong to Christ. God offers an extravagant welcome, and we share in it. God keeps covenant with us, and we unite as one with Christians throughout the world. God offers a vision of justice and love, and we are inspired to live it. Together, through water, bread, and wine, we know the still-speaking God.
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