February 6 Announcements
Game Night this Saturday!
February 8 is Family Game Night at Bethany. Starting after the 5:00pm service, there will be pizza and other treats and a variety of games to choose from (or bring your favorite). There will be games for kids and adults. You may attend the service and stay for the fun or just come in time to play. Feel free to bring guests to join us!
February Bible Study
The Women’s Book and Bible Study group will meet on Monday, February 10 at 9:30. For the next few months they will be reading and discussing “Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most” by Marcus Borg. The combined Men’s and Women’s Bible Study will meet on Tuesday, February 11 at 8:30 for the second of their three-month series on exploring the Word of God as it appears in liturgy. Everyone is welcome to attend even if you couldn’t make the January session. All Bible study groups meet in fellowship hall.
Annual Meeting Summary
For those who weren’t able to attend, or had to leave early, here is a quick review of the actions taken at the 2025 Annual Meeting. The proposed 2025 budget was passed with a minor adjustment. Outgoing council members Lynn Nordby and Allen Lang were thanked, and Jim Rohrscheib was elected to a three-year term with Kristi Sutton elected to a second three-year term. The proposed amendments to the Bethany governing documents were also approved. The Transition Team was thanked and the Call Committee informed the community that our Ministry Site Profile was submitted to the Synod who will post the position and begin accepting applications. The community was also informed that Pr. Erin’s one year contract to serve as our ¾ time Care Pastor ended on January 31. Pr. Erin and the Congregation Council have agreed to a new contract and she will continue as our Care Pastor until April 20 (unless a new pastor is called earlier than that). For her remaining weeks with us, Pr. Erin will be at ½ time and in the office only two days a week. This will allow Pr. Erin to start moving towards what is next for her, and for Bethany to continue to develop the strong lay leadership that will support our next called pastor.
Mystery Dinner at Bethany!
It’s another “Save the Date” opportunity at Bethany. Join us on Saturday, March 1 at 6:00pm for “Mystery on the High Seas”. You can take on a role and/or be part of a team to find the culprit who committed a dastardly deed. A pasta dinner will be served. Appetizers, salads, and desserts will be welcome to add to the menu. You can sign up to be part of the cast if you like—up to 12 roles are available. Descriptions and a sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board by Saturday, February 15. Will your team be the one to score that traveling trophy from Pastor Erin, chili champ?
Rachel Pritchett Visit to Namibia
Please pray for safe travels for Rachel Pritchett as she again walks in loving accompaniment with her sisters and brothers in Namibia and Angola, as part of an ELCA visitation. Look for her report in an upcoming Living Lutheran. You can receive your free Living Lutheran subscription by contacting the office.
Synod News
Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Elizabeth Eaton published a video in response to a social media post over the weekend which falsely accused Lutheran social ministry organizations supported by the ELCA of “money laundering” and misuse of federal grants. In the video, she urged “political leaders at levels of government to use their offices and platforms responsibly and to consider the impact of misleading statements and speculations.” She emphasized the important ministry of Lutheran Services in America (LSA) and Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service – LIRS) which have been doing the same good work for the last 85 years. You can access her video by clicking here. For more information on the ELCA's response to immigration issues, visit Bethany's website (www.bethanyofbainbridge.org) and click the “Our ELCA Faith Communities and Immigration” tab at the top of our home page.
Day of Remembrance Community Clean-Up Day
Everyone is invited to participate in a Day of Remembrance Community Clean-Up at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. The Day of Remembrance commemorates February 19, 1942, the day President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 authorizing the internment of Japanese Americans. Organizations around the country observe the Day of Remembrance with solemn reflection and service. The observance at the Bainbridge Island memorial will take place on Wednesday, February 19, 10:00am-12 noon and include clippers, rakes, garden gloves and camaraderie.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are given by Alice & Bruce McCain.
Thank You to this weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Joe Sommerseth; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen; Hospitality Host: Jennie Harris
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Noreen Sievertson; Communion Assistant: Jeff Sievertson; Hospitality Hosts: Noreen & Jeff Sievertson
Next Weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Nancy Wetzler
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Carol Fenner; Lay Reader: Carol Fenner; Hospitality Host: Jim Rohrscheib
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Barbara & David Swartling; Lay Reader: Linnea Chu; Communion Assistant: Linnea Chu; Hospitality Hosts: Kristi Sutton & Vicki Browning
