May 22 Announcements
Trivia Night Winners!
Thanks to everyone who participated in "Trivia Night". It was masterfully hosted by Lynn Nordby and "Off the Grid" provided musical accompaniment. The winning team, "Trivial Minds", barely captured their victory with a 1-point lead! Congratulations to Allan Lang, Jeff Jensen and Shauna and Dan Paulson-Hauser whose names (thanks to Kathy Dudgeon) will be affixed to the traveling trophy that has taken up residency at Bethany. And thank you to all who helped set up, serve and clean up after the event. It made light work for everyone.
Thank You Building & Grounds Team
A big thank you to the folks who helped the Buildings and Grounds Team spiff up the Bethany campus. Work included power-washing, window washing, improving the finish on the baptismal font, adding hinges to the cupboard in the fellowship hall and preparing the columbarium for gravel. Participants included Steve and Chris Christensen, Gail Christensen, Eve and Mike Curtis, Tom Croker, Allen Lang and Stan Weigman. And a great big thank you to Rachel Pritchett for leading this amazing team.
Congregational Meeting on June 1
The Bethany Council has scheduled a special congregational meeting to be held following worship next Sunday, June 1. The purpose of the meeting is to learn about and authorize moving forward with a Clean Energy Grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to install solar panels on the Bethany buildings, along with batteries to provide electrical backup in an emergency. The grant will fund a project proposed by Cascadia Solar in Port Townsend, which will both save Bethany thousands of dollars each year on utility costs and enhance the level of service that Bethany can provide as a Community Resilience Hub in the event of an emergency. Because the grant is awarded on a reimbursement basis, moving forward requires obtaining a line of credit for interim financing purposes. A congregational meeting is being held because the Bethany constitution requires the congregation’s approval whenever unbudgeted expenses of more than $5,000 will be incurred. Barbara Swartling will be presenting additional details during an announcement at worship this Sunday and available to answer questions during coffee hour after the service. Watch for congregational meeting materials regarding this grant to be provided in the next couple of weeks!
Recognizing PRIDE month
June is PRIDE month and Bethany will begin the month by celebrating PRIDE Sunday on June 1. As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, Bethany members are encouraged to participate in PRIDE events throughout the month in the Kitsap and Seattle area. There are a number of PRIDE events happening throughout the summer across the Northwest Synod. You can find a list of events on the PRIDE page of the synod website: https://www.lutheransnw.org/pages/pride
Save the Date
Members of Bethany will join Pastor Kristy and members of the Church of Steadfast Love for a work party and lunch on Friday, June 6, at Bethany. Work will include shoveling gravel in the columbarium. We'll start in the morning, have lunch and do a little work in the afternoon. The goal is to build relationship with our friends and celebrate the long history our two congregations have enjoyed. Sign up on the bulletin board if you can come or bring a lunch item. See Rachel Pritchett for more information,
and (206) 498-0920.
Women’s Retreat
Bethany women, mark your calendars for September 21-23 for a women's retreat at Pilgrim Firs near Port Orchard. We need 16 to reserve our spot. There are very few venues for overnight stays for groups that are nearby so we are hoping to capture this one. Meals will be provided and there is hiking, kayaking, and paddleboard. We will carpool and accommodations can be made for those with limited mobility. Cost for the retreat is $190 which includes five meals. Financial assistance is available if needed. Please sign up on the bulletin board or call the office to save a spot! Check it out at https://pilgrim-firs.org/. Questions? Call Mary Jensen (206 913 3236) or Colleen Chupik (206 300 4382)
Office Closed on Monday
The office will be closed on Monday, May 26 in recognition of Memorial Day.
Martha & Mary Auction Begins!
A huge thank you and bouquet of gratitude to Bethany for such generous donations to the Martha and Mary auction. Now the fun begins! Preview auction items beginning May 23rd. Log on to marthaandmary.org to view items and register to bid; auction begins at 12:01 am May 30 and ends June 6th at 8:00 pm. Proceeds from the 2025 Generations of Care fundraiser, Supporting Life’s Simple Pleasures for Children and Seniors, will help update kitchen equipment that serves 2-3 meals a day to over 300 residents and children. Martha and Mary: Caring for Children and Seniors Since 1891!
Eagle Scout Project
Allie Paulson-Houser is a candidate for Eagle Scout and she needs your help! Allie's Eagle Scout Project is building a Little Free Library for children at Helpline House and she is looking for children's books. If you'd like to donate it would be greatly appreciated and donating used books is not only okay but encouraged. The age range of books could be anything from board books through middle grade reader books. Let’s all help Allie make this a successful Eagle Scout Project and a wonderful resource for children.
A Pea Patch Garden Party
Stephen’s House plans to add gardening to the list of activities their members enjoy here at Bethany during the week. They have received a lovely donation of 170 seed packets from Bay, Hay and Feed and will be planting them in the Bethany Pea Patch Garden area at the end of the parking lot. If you have looked at it recently, you know it needs a little work before planting can take place. Stephen’s House invites anyone who loves the smell of soil, the thrill of sprouting seeds, or just wants to enjoy good company in the garden to help. Whether you're a seasoned grower or a curious beginner, they would love your help on May 31st when they will have a garden work party between 9 am 12:00 pm! Please let Debbie in the office know if you can come help them with reinforcing the garden structure and some bed-cleaning.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers for this Sunday are given by Sue Morris in honor of the wedding anniversary of her parents, Sam and Mary Hatlestad.
Thank You to this weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Nancy Wetzler
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Noreen Sievertson; Communion Assistant: Jeff Sievertson; Hospitality Hosts: Karen Kushner & Becci Kerstetter
Next Weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Alice McCain
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Alice & Bruce McCain; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen; Communion Assistant: Carol Fenner; Hospitality Hosts: Vicki Browning & Kristi Sutton
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.
