June 12 Announcements
Septic System Issue
Last Sunday after church, the septic system at Bethany experienced a clog which caused a back-up into the Women’s and Men’s rooms on the upper level. Unfortunately, there was some waste-water contamination to a small portion of the wall separating the restrooms, and to the ceiling and carpeting in the choir room that is under the restrooms on the lower level. We have a company who has already begun decontamination and water damage mitigation work and this should be completed tomorrow, June 13. Once this work is done, we will be able to repair the sections of wall, ceiling and carpeting that were affected. We will be able to safely gather for worship and fellowship on Sunday and the Women’s and Men’s hallway restrooms should be usable.
We are extremely grateful to the folks who were still here at a meeting on Sunday and noticed the back-up. They spent several hours at Bethany dealing with the back-up and getting a plumber on site to clear the clog. Their quick action kept the water damage to a minimum. Please give a huge thank you to Pr. Kristy, Linnea Chu, Doug & Kathy Dudgeon and Chris & Steve Christensen. Thank you also to the team that came on Wednesday to clear out the equipment stored in the choir room so that the technician could do the mitigation worked needed. Please express your gratitude to Rachel Pritchett, Jeff Jensen, Jim Rohrscheib and Steve Christensen.
Change in Communion Practice at Bethany
Bethany is now offering a choice in how you receive Communion. We have resumed the previous practice of offering Communion by Intinction – in which we receive the Communion wafer, then dip it gently into wine in the chalice, or grape juice in the rose-colored glass, before eating. If you prefer, the option of receiving the wafer, and taking wine or grape juice separately from individual cups, is also available. A tray containing these cups will be placed on a table near the Communion Assistant.
Thanks for a Terrific Work Party
A very big thank you for Friday’s work party with members of the Church of Steadfast Love, from the Compass Center on the waterfront in Seattle. You can see we had a little time for fun. We laid down gravel in the columbarium and removed a bench for refurbishing. We trimmed hedges and sprayed organic vinegar over the columbarium-floor weeds.
In front, we painted the curb after reflectors were added. We painted railings, posts and lights at the entrance, as well as another bench and the mailbox. We then had a lovely lunch and enjoyed our dessert at Fay Bainbridge Park. It was great to get to know our new friends, and we hope we see them soon.
Thanks to Von, Enrique and Marguerito and Pastor Kristy, as well as Dan Houser, Vicki Browning, Lynn Nordby, Jeff Sievertson, Nancy Wetzler, Steve Chupik, Linnea Chu, and Stan Weigman, for some beforehand work.
Call Committee Update
In case you missed their last announcement, the Call Committee has received five applications for the role of Bethany’s next pastor. The applications were forwarded by Rev. Andrew Yee, assistant to the bishop for the Northwest Synod. Rev. Yee has spoken extensively with each candidate. The Call Committee has reviewed and discussed all the applications and Zoom interviews with each of the candidates have been scheduled over the next few weeks. The Call Committee is looking forward to getting to know each of the candidates beyond their written applications. The Committee would like to remind everyone that the process is a sensitive one which requires confidentiality. They will be updating the congregation regularly over the summer as the interview process progresses and ask that we refrain from asking them questions about the candidates and interview process while they do this important work.
Pie Sunday
Plan now to bring your favorite pie (homemade or store bought!) to share at our fellowship hour after the service on Sunday, June 29. Bethany will provide the ice cream to make it ‘a la mode’ for anyone who wishes!
Women’s Retreat
Ladies, mark your calendars for September 21-23 for a women's retreat at Pilgrim Firs. About 45 minutes from Bainbridge on Lake Flora we will have our own fully accessible lodge, 5 meals (which can be vegan, gluten free, vegetarian—whatever your dietary needs), 120 acres of hiking trails, kayaking, paddleboarding and a lot of fun. There will be a thoughtful program as well as free time, crafts and maybe even a dance party! See Mary Jensen or Colleen Chupik for details. Cost: $190 but funds will be available if the price is a bit too steep for anyone.
Pastoral Care at Bethany
Pastor Kristy Daniels and Pastor Erin continue to be available for Pastoral Care for congregants during this transition period. If you have a pastoral care need, please email or call the church office and Debbie will assist you. If Debbie is not there to take your call, leave a message or call the number provided for emergencies.
Eagle Scout Project Complete
Allie Paulson-Houser has completed her Eagle Scout Project to build a Little Free Library for children at Helpline House. Congratulations, Allie! She is grateful for all the donated books Bethany members contributed. Allie says, “The Bethany Lutheran community has been one of the most generous donors and supporters of this project and I know it couldn't happen without you! Thank you for your tireless work in the community. It means a lot!”
For the Love of Water: Remembering the Importance of Every Little Drop
The Bainbridge Island North Kitsap Interfaith Climate Circle invites everyone to join them on June 17th to explore the significance of water in restoring Earth’s life-supporting climate. Water is key for releasing the Earth’s enormous regenerative power, contributing to a thriving climate. We will examine our relationship with water, while inspiring reverence, and explore what we can do right here at home to protect our water sources, both fresh and salty. A short, animated film: How Water Makes Climate will catalyze discussion. The event takes place on Tuesday, June 17, 6:30-8:30 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. For more information you can email
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Blood Drive at Bethany
Bloodworks Northwest will be holding a blood drive at Bethany on Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27, 9:00am – 3:00pm. Every drop you give has the power to save someone’s life. A mom, a dad, a friend, a neighbor—real people are counting on you. Summer blood shortages are real, and you can help save lives in our local hospitals by rolling up your sleeve. To celebrate your blood donation this June, you can enter for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. Schedule your life-saving appointment here and enter to win at www.bloodworksnw.org/win. Thank you!
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers for this Sunday are given by Gail Christensen in honor of Dave’s 85th birthday.
Thank You to this weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Kathy Dudgeon
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Luanne & Tom Croker; Lay Reader: Benay Nordby; Communion Assistant: Linnea Chu; Hospitality Hosts: Linnea Chu & Nancy Wetzler
Next Weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Linnea Chu
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Tim Carlsen & Stephen Deines; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistant: Barbara Deines; Hospitality: No Host Lemonade and Cookies
Bethany is a Reconciling in Christ congregation, which is an affirmation of welcome that specifically names people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, and also expresses a commitment to racial equity.
