Welcome to Bethany

Welcome to Bethany Lutheran Church on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and thanks for visiting us on the web. At Bethany, we seek to do God's will through joyful outreach near and far, hospitality toward all, and spritual growth that amazes. You'll find details about us and our ministries on this site.

Visitors are always welcome to join us in worship and in service to our Lord. If you're thinking of joining us at worship for the first time, you'll find some useful information under the Visiting tab.

Thanks for visiting us on the web, and we hope to see you soon face to face. ELCA Daily Bible Verse

Today's Bible Verse from the ELCA

For Friday, December 6:

"Whoever is not against us is for us." -- Jesus (Mark 9:40)

Christmas Worship Services

Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and welcome him into our lives.

Christmas Eve, December 24: Worship at 5, 8, and 10 p.m., with choirs at 5 and 10
Christmas Day, December 25: Worship at 9 a.m.

Boy Scout Tree Lot Is Open

The Boy Scout tree lot is now open, on High School Road across from Ace Hardware, so stop by and support the scouts from Bethany's Troop 1565. This is the troop's only fundraiser of the year, providing funds for outings and advancement. Bethany has been the troop's chartering partner and home since 1969.

Fair Trade Fair Is Here

Bethany's Fair Trade Fair returns on Sundays through December 15. In the fellowship hall following each service, you can shop for handmade gifts, coffee and other items that support entrepreneurs in the developing world.

Welcome to Advent

Advent is a season of preparation, as we await Jesus' coming at Christmas and his coming again at a time only God knows. Amidst the hubbub of your Christmas preparations, set aside time to prepare yourself also for the Lord.

To help with your preparations, we are rerunning Bethany's 2004 Advent devotional by e-mail each day, featuring devotions written by members of the Bethany family. If you are not already receiving devotional mailings, subscribe online today. Or invite a friend to subscribe.

Nordby Book Launch, December 11

Bethany will host a launch party for Benay Nordby's book The Full Ripened Grain on Wednesday, December 11, at 7 p.m. at the church. Benay will read from her book, which tells how her family navigated its own personal storm of difficult social issues in the last half of the 20th century.

Come Caroling, December 15

Come caroling on Sunday, December 15, and share the Christmas spirit with those who are homebound. We'll meet at 11:30 a.m. after worship for soup, then head to our song-filled destinations at 12:30 p.m. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board.

Hometown Band Returns, December 17

The Hometown Band and our own Bethany Brass perform a fun Christmas concert from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, at Bethany. Food will be collected for Helpline House, and refreshments will be served. The community is welcome.