THE BETHANY LETTERSeptember 25, 2007 Volume 2007, Issue No. 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Give Yourself We are attempting a juggling act for this year's Stewardship Campaign. For each of the seven weeks leading up to Consecration Sunday we will try to relate our theme (Give Yourself) not only to Sunday's scripture but also to one of seven themes of Sabbath Economics identified by author Ched Myers - who is not related to me as far as I know! Ched's vision of Sabbath Economics comes mostly from the account of God feeding Israel in the wilderness with manna. Here God quite literally provided daily bread for everyone. Exodus 16:18 says "those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed." And, what they gathered each day lasted only for that day. They needed to trust that God would provide for them again each and every day. "Negative Capital" is one theme of Sabbath Economics Ched identifies, relating to our trust that God will provide for us as he did for Israel vs. spending ourselves into debt to get what we feel we need. We can go beyond what God provides for us and get into debt so that a significant part of our work serves our debt, taking away from our ability to serve God. In Sunday's scripture passage (Luke 16: 1-13) the shrewd steward had so mismanaged finances that he jeopardized his chosen purpose in life - which was to have a life of ease. But he was clever, shrewd, and hard working. He did what it took to get what he wanted, a life of ease. Jesus, perhaps wistfully, states that the children of this world often work harder to serve their purposes than the children of light do. If our debts keep us from giving ourselves to God's work in the world, would we try as hard as the shrewd manager did to get out of debt so that we can better serve God? Israel found themselves in the wilderness on their way to life in the Promised Land. Along the way God provided what they needed each day. We can trust God to provide for us, too, either to stay out or to get out of debt, so that we can give ourselves wholly to serving God.
Scott Myers *************** Family Sunday ~ September 30, 2007 Sermon: The Rev. Mark Steiner, preacher Sunday Morning Opportunities 8:30 a.m. Worship (Traditional) 9:15 a.m. Church School for Children & Adults 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Social Hour Host: Open Adult Classes at 9:15a.m: Lounge Class; Seasons of the Spirit; Seekers; Senior High; Upper Room; Perspectives
Youth Fellowship Schedule No one will be able to ride to any YF event away from Bethany unless they've turned in a Transportation/Liability form.
Attention Current and Future Nursery Volunteers Currently we are working on the nursery schedule that will run from mid-October 2007 through October 2008. There are two opportunities to help in the nursery: 9:15-10:15 and 10:15-11:30 am. If you would like to become a volunteer or are a current volunteer and are unable to continue, please contact Tammy Jensen by September 30th. This is your chance to help care for the youngest members of our church. Thanks to all of our nursery volunteers for providing this valuable service to Bethany.
SOUTH STREET MINISTRIES Our after school program begins Monday, October 1st. Our program will operate two weekdays: Monday and Thursday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Upper Room at South St. Ministries, 130 W. South St., Akron, OH 44311. We are in need of volunteers who can make a commitment of either day (or both) for approximately 8 weeks from October 1st thru December 6th. This is also a good way for teens to fulfill community service requirements. If you cannot volunteer, please consider donating snacks. Please call the office at 330-761-1992 for more information.
Confirmation Schedule
Bethany Buckeyes Be sure your calendar is clear for Friday, October 5th ~ the monthly senior Buckeye meeting. This may mean that you have to cancel your trip to Bavaria, or your scheduled testimony before Congress concerning "should Martians be considered 'illegal aliens'" or your invitation to a special showing of Brittany Spears' latest flop movie, "I Love Me". Great sacrifices, but well worth it!
World Communion Sunday - October 7, 2007 World Communion Sunday - celebrated the first Sunday in October - is one of the most venerable of "special Sundays." The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice - and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God's earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve - a world ever more in need of peacemaking.
Bible Discoveries Class News Bible Discoveries will not meet Sunday, September 30th due to the annual church retreat. Next class - October 7th. Please read pages 13-39 in the book Desire of the Everlasting Hills. If you don't have one there are copies of the 1st Chapter in the Bible Discoveries room; top shelf next to the attendance book.
Bethany Nurses On the first Sunday of each month, Bethany's volunteer nurses, Linda Goodwin and Holly Keenan, offer blood pressure tests during social hour (10:30). If you are interested in having your BP checked, look for them in the library October 7th. Also, they are looking for topics of interest to present in the coming year and will have a suggestion box we hope to see filled with ideas: health, social or family issues; relaxation techniques, CPR with or without certification, etc. We would also welcome new members - laypersons included.
Katrina Disaster Response The Mission Committee has arranged a very special opportunity for us to learn about the response of the United Church of Christ to the Katrina disaster. Jim Ditzler of the Eastern Ohio Association UCC, Disaster Response Team, will be our guest preacher at both services on October 14th. He'll also share a video presentation during a brunch between the services. Jim has been a member of the UCC Disaster Response Team for 15 years. In addition to working to develop a stronger disaster response ministry in Ohio, he's personally spent 8 months in hurricane relief work in Florida and 6 months in New Orleans following Katrina. He's also been involved in tornado relief work in Ohio and flood relief work in West Virginia and Ohio. The team is currently involved in flood relief work in Bucyrus, Findlay, Mansfield, Ottawa, Painesville, and Upper Sandusky. To provide better resources for the response team he's also worked to develop a variety of special trailers, one for tools, one for "response kits," and one pumping mud out of flooded basements. Don't miss this opportunity to become informed about an important part of our church's wider mission.
Red Cross Disaster Training Bethany has been a Red Cross shelter in the community in the event of a disaster for a number of years. The American Red Cross has asked us if we would like to recruit volunteers to be trained to open and run our church as a shelter if needed. The Missions Committee decided to have our members trained. The three-hour training will take place on Wednesday, October 17th from 6-9 pm at Bethany. This is a one time training not yearly. If you are interested in being a part of this training, please contact Carolyn B. Hofmann. This training and volunteer opportunity is open to all Bethany adults not just the mission committee members.
All Are Welcome at the Bible Discoveries Class Want to read a book that has to do with Jesus but not a study book? Try the Bible Discoveries Class every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. We are just starting to read the book Desire of the Everlasting Hills by Tomas Cahill. Books are provided. Even if you have already read this book, please come and add your insight to our lively discussions! Hope to see you there!
The 2008 Akron Edition ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS The 2008 books are here and ready to sell for $30.00. When you purchase a book (with the money saving coupons and meals at local establishments) you help the annual Chancel Choir Fundraiser as well. The 2007 edition is still good through November of this year. The 2008 edition coupons are valid immediately through November of 2008. Books are available after the 2nd service, or contact Martha Peyak . Thanks for your support.
Help Us Be a Family . . . There is no more important time for us to be there for each other than when one of our members or families must deal with the death of a loved one. One of the most important ways for us to express love and care is by providing a meal for friends and family after the funeral. This lifts an important burden from the bereaved family and offers them a comfortable space where they can come together and share food and fellowship. Bethany has a long tradition of ministering to its members in this way. Unfortunately, though we have a large number of people who are willing to help with these meals (by setting up, providing salads, side dishes, or desserts), the numbers who are willing to serve as coordinators for these meals (choosing the menu, ordering food, calling the volunteers) is now down to two. In order to have a funeral meal rotation that doesn't overly burden anyone, we need at least 2 more people to serve as coordinators. If you'd be willing to help in this way please call the office at 330-923-5277. Your help would be much appreciated and make a real difference to others in our Bethany family.
Esperanza Bethany members and friends can help the young people who hope to go on the Esperanza Mission Trip next year. They are looking for work to help reduce the cost of the trip. If you have a job that you need help with, just give one of them a call, then, instead of paying her or him directly, make out a check to Bethany, to their Esperanza account. The hopeful Esperanza Mission Trippers are Taylor Giffin, Emma Jensen, 3Keith McDevitt, Ariel Myers, Alex Wachovec, Anna & Caitlin Zeller.
Please remember in your prayers . . . Joan Porter, St. Thomas Hospital Jenny Bisesi, Manor Care Rm. 122 Maureen Craddock, Home Dorothy Draper, Rockynol Albert Jensen, Manor Care Geraldine Hunter, Briarwood Margaret Martin, Western Res. Asst'd. Living Peg Leiter, Rehab in Seattle WA (broken hip)
In Sympathy . . . We express our Christian sympathy to the Rev. Sam Johnson of New Trinity on the death of his wife, Joanna, September 22nd Thanks to Herb Walker, John Seymour, John Wachovec, Bob Read, and Zach and Bob Read for helping install the fence around the dumpsters. A special thanks to Ernie Albert for making sure everything was level. - The Property CommitteeLOST: Last Sunday I lost my favorite pen; a small diameter pen with LYMTTCT next to the clip. If you find it please call me. Frank Read
Calendar for September 26th to October 9th 9/26 9:30a Bible Study, Luke (CE Office) 7:00p COMMITTEE NIGHT 8:45p Bell Choir Practice 9/27 7:30p Choir Practice 9/28 ALL CHURCH RETREAT … to 9/30 at Templed Hills 9/29 10:00a Lunch on Us - Miller Ave. Sunday ~ September 30, 2007 Nursery Available ~ 9:15 - 11:30 a.m. Rev. Mark Steiner, guest preacher IHN Guest Week 8:30a Worship (Traditional) 9:15a Church School for Children and Adults 10:30a Worship/ Children's Sunday School 11:30a Social Hour 6:00p IHN Dinner (S. Hall) October… 10/01 9:00a Quilters 9:30a Shawl Ministry (Lounge) 10:00a Newsletter Deadline 6:00p IHN Dinner (Lounge) 10/02 8:15a Staff Meeting (Lounge) 6:00p IHN Dinner (Social Hall) 10/03 9:30a Bible Study 6:00p IHN Dinner (Social Hall) 7:00p Mission (Social Hall) 8:00p Bell Choir Practice 10/04 6:00p IHN Dinner 6:15p Confirmation Meal, Music, Class 7:00p Inquiry Meeting 7:30p Choir Practice 10/05 6:00p IHN Dinner (SH) 10/06 6:00p IHN Dinner (SH) Family Sunday ~ October 7, 2007 Nursery Available ~ 9:15 - 11:30 a.m. World Communion Sunday 8:30a Worship/ Communion 9:15a Church School for Children and Adults 10:30a Worship/ Communion/ Memory Bells/Chancel Choir 11:30a Social Hour 11:30a Bethany Nurse BP Check 11:45a 7th Day Rehearsal 5:30p Youth Committee Meeting 6:30p YF 10/08 9:00a Quilters 9:30a Shawl Ministry (Lounge) 10:00a Newsletter Deadline 7:30p Kerygma 10/09 8:15a Staff Meeting (L) 7:15p Finance 7:45p At Ease
10/10 9:30a Bible Study (CE) 6:30p Spiritual Council (BD 7:30p Consistory (L)
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. Volunteers for September 30th Esperanza Cup Washing: E. Jensen, K. McDevitt Greeters: The Millsaps Family/ C.B. Hofmann Lay Reader: R. Schreiber Music: Nursery: A. Keenan, B. Lees, A. Lorentz, J. Shroyer Social Hour Host: OPEN Ushers: J. & S. Mancinelli, H. Walker, S. Truby, S. Ward, J. Williams, L. Short, S. Mancinelli, H. Nagel Van Driver: B. Read Volunteers for October 7th Esperanza Cup Washing: A. Myers, A. Wachovec Greeters: J.&S. Mancinelli, S. & N. Keenan Lay Reader: H. Keenan Music: Memory Bells both/ Chancel Choir Nursery: T. Ocepek, A. McVan, V. McVan, E. Frederick Social Hour Host: Seasons of the Spirit Class Ushers: R. & S. Holle, M. Jensen, M.Seguin, M. Seymour, K. Mellott, S. Mellott, J.& J. Ingram, N. Buck, M. Spring, S.P. O'Malley Van Driver: F. Read Visitor Outlook: L. Goodwin
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