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March 23 Announcements

Emergency Melodies a Huge Success: Thank you to all who planned, performed, attended and gave to our Emergency Melodies Benefit Concert to raise funds for earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria. The benefit raised well over $15,000, exceeding our goal! The funds raised will be divided between the White Helmets and ACT Alliance relief organizations. Again, thank you to all who gave so generously of their time and money.

 

Sunday School: Please join us for Sunday School on Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Lent, when we hear all about Mary and Martha and their brother, Lazarus. In this story we see how Jesus wept for his friend Lazarus, and also showed Martha and Mary hope even in the saddest of times. We'll enjoy fellowship and a yummy snack over good conversation. While the content is prepared for kids in K-6, it's accessible to kids of all ages, so please join us no matter your age. Everyone is welcome!

Adult Education: The Adult Education Series, "Journey To Jerusalem," will meet in the sanctuary following worship on Sunday morning. Fred Truitt has led us on the journey where we've encountered various characters and events of Holy week. Through a comparison and contrast of the Gospel accounts, we've deepened our understanding by broadening our perspectives by looking through the lenses of the Gospel writers. This week we'll meet the nuanced and oft misunderstood character of Pontius Pilate. Even if you haven't been able to join us for the first two sessions, you're welcome to join us on Sunday, March 26, and/or April 2, when the session will conclude. If you have ideas for future studies, please be in touch with Fred or Pastor Erin at  .

Congregational Meeting on April 23: At the request of the Affordable Housing Task Force, the Bethany Council has called a Special Meeting of the congregation following worship on Sunday, April 23.  The principal purpose of the meeting will be to authorize the formation of a limited liability company (LLC) to oversee the pre-development phase of an affordable housing project on Bethany’s property. As previously authorized, the LLC will work in collaboration with Housing Resources Bainbridge (HRB).  (Several small amendments to Bethany’s constitution also are proposed to expressly authorize electronic meetings and notices.)  An informational Q&A session will take place following worship on April 16. Stay tuned for additional details!

 

Holy Communion Instruction: This Sunday at 4pm, Pastor Paul will be leading young people at Bethany, as a part of Holy Communion Instruction, in making and baking unleavened bread for Holy Communion. All are welcome (especially those with good recipes and/or expertise). This bread is intended to be used for Holy Communion during Holy Week at Bethany.

Easter Lilies: Soon the Altar Guild will be decorating the altar for Easter with beautiful Easter Lilies. Please consider making a donation towards the cost of the lilies in honor or memory of someone special. Envelopes are in the bulletin or available on the table in the narthex. Drop your donation in the collection plate during the offering or with Debbie in the office during business hours.

Lent – “Companions for the Journey”: Our final Lent soup supper takes place next Wednesday, March 29 at 6pm. The time of devotion happens after the meal in the sanctuary around our Lenten prayer wall. The prayer wall is available for quiet meditation or prayers whenever the church building is open.

 

Holy Week: Holy Week will begin with Palm Sunday on April 2. Palm Sunday services will be at 5pm on Saturday, April 1 and 10am on Sunday, April 2. We will not have a Wednesday soup supper during Holy Week. There will be a Maundy Thursday service (with Holy Communion) at 7pm on April 6 and a Good Friday service (Bethany Choir) at 7pm on April 7. There will be no service on Saturday, April 8 so that we can rejoice in the risen Christ together at the 10am Easter Sunday service (Bethany Choir and Brass).

Giving through Thrivent: Thrivent Choice, the chartable grant program from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans continues to be a welcome funding source for Bethany.  If you are a member of Thrivent Financial, you likely are aware of this easy, convenient way to help support Bethany.  If you currently own an insurance product or annuity you are probably earning Thrivent Choice Dollars each month.  If you feel you are eligible to participate in Choice Dollars, or are uncertain about your eligibility, visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or contact Bethany treasurer emeritus, Jim Rohrscheib, 206 842 1328 or

Remember, Choice Dollars earned by eligible benefit members in 2022 must be distributed no later than March 31, 2023.

 

Cream of the 2022 CROP Walk: Bainbridge Island/North Kitsap was one of the top 25 communities for funds raised in support of the global mission of ending hunger one step at a time. Our community has participated in CROP Walk for over 25 years and raised nearly $1 million toward hunger relief with 20% of funds raised going to Helpline House and 5% going to NK Fishline Food Bank. Are you able to help with the 2023 CROP Walk? A very dedicated group of people are ready for some new energy. If you would like to become involved in supporting the 2023 CROP Walk, contact Pastor Paul.

AFS Exchange Student Host Program: The AFS Intercultural Program is looking for families who can host an exchange student. With 75 years of experience and 100 years of history, AFS is a leader in international high school exchange. If you are interested in hosting or learning more about the program contact Linda Sohlberg at 206-240-8299, or visit afsusa.org/host

Altar Flowers: There are no altar flowers for the season of Lent.

Prayers are Requested: For Pat and DeMar Sather as they experience grief and general medical concerns; for Mary Coar as she continues to rehab from her hip surgery; for Wayne Richmond who is in St. Michaels hospital with breathing problems, for Marcy Daley as she recovers from outpatient surgery; for Evan Stoll as he continues dialysis; for Chris Christensen’s cousin Tamy as she battles pancreatic cancer; for those who are unemployed; for those who suffer from mental health concerns.  

Thank You to this weekend's Worship Assistants:           
          Altar Duty: Nancy Wetzler
          Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Jim Rohrscheib; Lay Reader: Carol Fenner: Hospitality Hosts: Carol & Ron Fenner
          Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Nancy & Harry Wetzler; Lay Reader: Linnea Chu; Communion Assistant: Linnea Chu; Hospitality Hosts: Kathy & Doug Dudgeon

Next weekend's Worship Assistants:
          Altar Duty: Kathy Dudgeon
          Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Carol Fenner; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen: Hospitality Hosts: Jennie Harris
          Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Barbara & David Swartling; Lay Reader: Andy Rimkus; Communion Assistant: Vicki Browning; Hospitality Hosts: Kristi Sutton & Vicki Browning

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March 9 Announcements

Sunday school: Join us for Sunday school this week when we'll tell the story of the woman at the well. What's so remarkable about this story is that after meeting Jesus, the woman shared with others her story of Jesus welcoming her despite their differences and boundaries. We'll talk about some ways we can welcome people across differences and boundaries--just as Jesus shows us in this story. While the lesson is designed for kids in K-6, it's accessible to kids of all ages. So, don't be shy! Come for a time of learning, fellowship, creativity, and snacks. :) 

Adult Education: Please join us for adult education after worship in the sanctuary where Fred Truitt will lead us in conversation about the characters and events of Holy week from the unique perspectives of the Gospel writers. Last week we discussed the character of Judas and his portrayal in scripture--and in popular culture throughout history. We wondered together about our own thoughts and ideas about Judas and how they are influenced both by scripture and by popular culture. On Sunday, the topic is the anointing at Bethany and promises to be another captivating discussion! This is the second of four sessions in this series. Note that we will NOT have class on March 19. We'll resume on March 26 when the topic is open to your suggestions--a Fielder's Choice. Please bring your ideas and questions, or email/call Pastor Erin at   or 860-705-8212. Our last session will be on April 2, Palm Sunday. Everyone is welcome--no prior knowledge or special materials necessary. Come for one discussion or for all!

An Urgent Need: Interested in a way to be the Church in our local community? A young family new to the Bainbridge community experienced a tragic loss when husband/father Bryce died suddenly in a drowning accident on March 1. He leaves his wife and two daughters, ages 2.5yrs and 11mos. The family is friends with Pastor Erin, and she has organized a Meal Train for folks in the community to sign up to prepare a meal for the family as they grapple with this unthinkable tragedy. Since this young family moved to the island during Covid and were busy starting their family, they don't know many people in the community yet. This is an opportunity for people like us to show the Holland family some love. What a good way to be Jesus' hands and feet in the world. You can sign up on the Meal Train website to provide a meal (https://mealtrain.com/r22dd7), or be in contact with Pastor Erin with questions at pastorerin@bethanyofbainbridge or 860-705-8212. 

Easter Lilies: Soon the Altar Guild will be decorating the altar for Easter with beautiful Easter Lilies. Please consider making a donation towards the cost of the lilies in honor or memory of someone special. Envelopes are available on the table in the narthex. Drop your donation in the collection plate during the offering or with Debbie in the office during business hours.

Healing Service and Holden Evening Prayer: Bethany is resuming the practice of offering a monthly Healing Service. This service of prayer, eucharist and healing will take place on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. The first Healing Service will be this Saturday, March 11. The Saturday 5:00pm service this weekend will be Holden Evening Prayer.

Emergency Melodies, A Community Benefit Concert: This special fundraiser in response to the earthquakes in Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria is scheduled this Sunday, March 12 at 2:00pm. Monies raised will go to support the work of White Helmets and the ACT Alliance (Lutheran Disaster Response) in those two nations. Musical acts from the area will participate (Bethany Choir, members of Schola and Amabile, AND MANY MORE…), as well as assembly singing. This promises to be a big event! Already the Bethany Endowment Fund committee has elected to distribute $1,500 to this effort. Please let Pastor Paul know if you would like to be a donor who might want to seed this event with an advanced gift, so as to have a sense of momentum going into this event. Unable to attend but still would like to donate? You can make a one-time online donation by visiting http://bethanyofbainbridge.org/donate/

 

Holy Communion Instruction: Here at Bethany, children are encouraged to come up for a blessing or participate in the Service of Holy Communion from a young age. As they get older, they may have questions or wonder about our practice of Holy Communion. Holy Communion instruction, primarily geared for those in mid-elementary grades and above, will be held on Sunday, March 12 from 11:00am-12:30pm. A pizza lunch will be served. Contact Pastor Erin or Pastor Paul if you are interested in having your child included, or for more information. A second session focusing on bread baking will be held at 4:00pm on Sunday, March 26.

March Bible Study: The Women’s Bible Study & Book Group will meet on Monday, March 13 at 9:30am. The Men’s Bible Study group will meet on Tuesday, March 14 at 8:00am

 

Debbie on Vacation: Debbie will be out of the office March 10-March 17. Pastor Paul and Pastor Erin will be watching the phone for messages and Debbie will respond to any emails received next week when she returns.

IMPACT: Thanks for making our last IMPACT gathering a fun time! We ate chili, talked about how we can support the upcoming Turkey-Syria Earthquake Relief fundraiser, and played corn hole! Ally and Zack were clearly the winners, even if we didn't keep score. ;) The next IMPACT gathering will be April 16 (a diversion from our "first Sunday of the month" because of Holy Week, Easter, and Spring Break). Stay tuned for more details! 

Lent – “Companions for the Journey”: Our Lent soup suppers continue throughout the month of March. The suppers take place on Wednesdays at 6pm and include a time of devotion centering around our Lenten theme of “Companions for the Journey”. The meals are simple – just soup and bread – in recognition of this time of preparation, prayer, and reflection. The time of devotion happens after the meal in the sanctuary around our Lenten prayer wall. The prayer wall is available for quiet meditation or prayers whenever the church building is open.

 

BIMA Film Festival: The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is offering a two-day film festival March 17 and 18, featuring four documentaries of Oscar winner Lee Grant. The documentaries focused on the ills facing our society in the 1980s, ills that are still present today.  Ms. Grant was a rising star in her early 20s but was blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities Committee for not naming names. She became a pioneering documentarian, providing an unflinching view of many of society’s persistent woes. The film festival will feature two screenings each day, a matinee starting at 2 pm and an evening screening beginning at 7 pm. The documentaries are curated by Tova Ganana, a BIMA guest programmer. Tova will be in conversation with Ms. Grant’s daughter, Dinah Manoff before the evening screenings. More information, including the schedule for the screenings and tickets, can be found at  https://www.biartmuseum.org/event/lee-grant-film-festival-day-one/ 

Office of Evensong: Women’s Schola of Bainbridge Island will sing the Office of Evensong at 6 pm on Sunday, March 19, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.  Come hear traditional plainsong, anthems, psalms, and chants, and let the grace of sung prayer refresh you for the week to come.

Altar Flowers: There are no altar flowers for the season of Lent.  

Thank You to this weekend's Worship Assistants:           
         Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
         Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Jennie Harris; Lay Reader: Rachel Pritchett: Hospitality Hosts: Veronika & Jim Rohrscheib
          Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Colleen & Steve Chupik ; Lay Reader: Tom Newlon; Communion Assistant: Vicki Browning; Hospitality Hosts: Linda & Tom Newlon

Next weekend's Worship Assistants:
          Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling
          Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Charlene Selvar; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen: Hospitality Hosts: Marlene & Al Orwiler              Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Stephen Deines & Andy Rimkus; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistant: Barbara Deines; Hospitality Hosts: Becci Kerstetter & Andy Rimkus

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