THE BETHANY LETTER

September 4, 2007 Volume 2007, Issue No. 27

John McCain was a co-sponsor of the bipartisan Climate Stewardship Act of 2003, which addressed the problem of global warming, and which failed to pass by a margin of 43-55. After the vote, he responded by saying,

We've lost a battle today, but we'll win over time because climate change is real. And we will overcome the influence of special interests over time. You can only win by marshalling public opinion.

According to a United Nations study, every ton of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere costs each American up to $160 – and the U.S. is currently emitting billions of tons each year. Property lost to rising sea levels, cropland lost to draught, and revenues lost to dwindling fishing stocks caused by global warming also represent real costs – not to mention the immeasurable damage to American's health and quality of living.

We must take action and act appropriately. Many have hidden for too long behind what we do not know or the uncertainties around climate change. Their shield is shrinking. The time has come for us to accept what is known and start to solve this complex problem. As many of the top scientists throughout the world have stated, the sooner we start to reduce these emissions, the better off we will be in the future.

As the evidence for global warming mounted, McCain became more concerned. He's said,

Recent scientific reports from the National Academy of Science and the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) contend that climate change is real and has potentially disastrous consequences for future generations. The IPCC states that there is new and stronger evidence that most of the observed warming over the past 50 years is attributable to human activity. We continue to see the melting of glaciers, the dying of coral reefs, and rising ocean temperatures. Unless steps are taken to halt this warming, scientists estimate that the earth's temperature can be expected to rise between 2.5 and 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit in the next century, causing sea levels to swell up to 35 feet, and diseases such as malaria and dengue fever to spread at an accelerated pace.

Given the fact that the United States produces approximately 25% of the total greenhouse gases emissions, the current situation demands leadership from the United States. We should reward improvements in energy efficiency, encourage advances in energy technologies, and improve land-use practices.

Americans solve problems. We don't run from them. We all know that greenhouse gases are accumulating in the atmosphere and the effects of this change are already being observed today. The consequences of inaction pose a serious and unacceptable threat to our environment, our economy, and U.S. national security.

The status quo is a strong and stubborn force. People and institutions are averse to change, even if the change is critical for their own well being. If scientists are right and temperatures continue to rise, we could face environmental, economic, and national-security consequences far beyond our imagining. If they're wrong and the earth finds a way to compensate for the unprecedented levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, what will we have accomplished? Cleaner air, greater energy efficiency, a more diverse and secure energy mix, and U.S. leadership in the technologies of the future. There's no doubt; failure to act is the far greater risk.

"The status quo is a strong and stubborn force." Let's not be part of it! We're called to be stewards of all creation. I hope you'll be one of those who are willing to listen, to reflect, to change, and grow, in whatever ways needed in response to this crisis. That's why we'll be sharing the critically acclaimed film, An Inconvenient Truth, Sunday, September 16, 5:30 pizza buffet, 6:30 film. Yes, a prominent Democrat produced it, but the words above indicate that an equally prominent Republican agrees that there is a crisis - a crisis that calls us to rise above party and be the stewards of creation God calls us to be. That's why I hope you'll be there to see the film.

- Steve

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Luke 14:25-33

Sunday Morning Opportunities

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 Hosts: H. Keenan, K. Keenan, S. Myers, N. Zeller

Here's the schedule for the first month

The first gathering of the Bethany Buckeyes will take place THIS Friday, September 7^th, in the Social Hall. We will continue to meet on a monthly basis on the first Friday of the month. Because of the nature of the content of these gatherings, you must be over the age of 50! The content includes a wonderful meal and afterwards, cards, board games, and of course, the lively banter that takes place among the guests. So bring your appetites, wit, charm, desire to have a good time, friends, neighbors and others, to Bethany, Friday night, Sept. 7^th. If you plan on attending, please call the office before Friday to make reservations, which are needed so our cooks may prepare enough food. See you there!

Starting September 9^th 9:15 am – 11:30 am Nursery available

Christian Education for Children & Adults

Children start Sunday School Class and then leave at 10:30 a.m. to attend worship service, returning to their class after the children's message to finish their lessons ending 11:30 a.m. (adult classes end at 10:15am.) We would appreciate the children attending the full two-hour Sunday School Program offered at Bethany.

Rally Sunday is September 9^th. This year it will be a unique opportunity to look 100 years into the future and see what our church and the world may be like in 2107. Rally Day will make worship both fun and thought provoking. Social Hour will be unique as well. Plan to come to worship and stay for the social time. It will be a very special opportunity to get a glimpse of the future and to help shape it.

• Lots of things that typically happen on Rally Sunday will be happening as well:
• We resume our regular worship schedule with services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
• Our choirs begin their regular sharing in worship. (7^th Day at 8:30 and the Chancel Choir at 10:30 a.m.)
• We resume our regular church school schedule with classes for children and adults at 9:15 a.m.
• We celebrate "Catch Up Sunday," an opportunity for everyone to "catch up" on their giving after the summer months.
• All of Bethany's ministries and missions return to their full programs.
• We come together to recommit ourselves to share in those ministries and missions so that God's work may be done through us in our church and in the world.

Hope to see you there!

Our Bethany Nurses 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 - lay persons included.

Here is the schedule for the first month

We Need You!
Program – Sylvia Hines, Executive Director of ACCESS

Access is a safe shelter for more than 700 homeless women and children yearly in the Summit County Area. Donations would greatly be appreciated. Needed supplies (bring to the meeting): deodorant, conditioner, washcloths women's socks, diapers, baby wipes, and umbrellas.

The 2008 Akron Edition

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 2^nd service, or contact Martha Peyak. Thanks for your support.

The scientific evidence is overwhelming, government and people around the world are beginning to take action, and leaders of both major American political parties have recognized the crisis – Global Climate Change is real and it is being accelerated by human activity, the creation of greenhouse gases. That's why we're offering a chance for our congregation to see the Academy Award winning film an Inconvenient Truth, Sunday evening, September 16^th. We want to make attending as easy as possible, so we'll offer a simple supper of pizza and other goodies at 5:30 p.m. and show the film at 6:30 p.m. Please put this on your calendar and plan to attend!

Steve Gehlert pastor@bethany.ald.net

Carol Wood cwood@bethany.ald.net General office, Consistory Reports

Barb McCrady bethany@bethany.ald.net Newsletter articles

We have even more 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, Keith McDevitt, Ariel Myers, Alex Wachovec, Anna & Caitlin Zeller. Give them a call!

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!

Rev. Sam Johnson, New Trinity, Windsong Nursing Home

Dorothy Draper, Rockynol

Albert Jensen, Manor Care

Geraldine Hunter, Briarwood

Ellen Limbach, Briarwood

Margaret Martin, Western Res. Asst'd. Living

We extend our Christian sympathy and prayers to the family of our Visitation Minister, Mark Steiner, on the death of his mother, Dorotha, September 1^st.

Thanks to everyone who came to Bethany Night at Donato's on August 29^th. We raised $198 for our youth Ministry. The next Donato's Night (with more staff in promised in the kitchen) will be October 31. Hope to see you there!

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9/06 6:15p 1^st yr. Confirmands only

Toward Affirmation (supper/session)

7:00P Girl Scout District Meeting (SH)

7:30p Choir Practice

9/07 6:00p BUCKEYES (SH)

Nursery Available ~ 9:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Church School Begins!

8:30a Worship (Fellowship) in the Sanctuary

9:15a Church School for Children and Adults

10:30a Worship in the Sanctuary

11:30a Social Hour

5:30p Youth Committee

6:30p Youth Fellowship Meets

9/10 9:00a Quilters

9:30a Shawl Ministry (Lounge)

10:30a Newsletter Deadline

7:00p Boy Scout (Gym)

7:30p Retreat Committee Meeting

9/11 PRIMARY ELECTION

8:15a Staff Meeting (Lounge)

7:15p Finance Committee (B. Disc.)

7:45p At Ease Meeting (Lounge)

9/12 7:30p Consistory (Lounge)

9/13 7:30p Choir Practice (Choir Room)

9/15 11:30a Bethany Kitchen (Social Hall)

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

11:45a 7^th Day Rehearsal

11:45a 1^st yr. Conf. only /Mentor Meal

6:30p MOVIE: An Inconvenient Truth (Social Hall)

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.

Esperanza Cup Washing: K. McDevitt, Ariel Myers

Greeters: The Whitehouse Family, David and Charlene Stadelman

Music: 7^th Day, Chancel Choir

Nursery: H. Bedillion, H. Bowman, H. Cool. A. Myers

Social Hour Hosts: H. Keenan, L. Read, S. Milsaps

Ushers: T. Hermann, M. Jensen, M. Seguin, M. Seymour, J. & J. Ingram, M. Spring, R. Berie

Van Driver: C. Frederick

Visitor Outlook: N. Buck

Esperanza Cup Washing: A. Wachovec, A. Zeller

Greeters: Bruce and Shelley Alexander, Bruce and Kim Wurgler

Lay Reader: J. Roach

Music: Special Music, Chancel Choir

Nursery: P. Cochran, J. Dugan, K. Dugan, M. Tasker

Social Hour Host: Consistory

Ushers: R. & S. Holle, H. Walker, S. Truby, S. Ward, K. Mellott, S. Mellott, N. Buck

Van Driver: E. Frederick

Visitor Outlook: O. Devine

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