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October 19 Announcements

Faith Formation: Join us for Sunday school this week! We meet in the Education Building after the children's message in worship. This week our theme is Jesus' compassion for those he met along his travels. We'll talk about how we can show a similar compassion for the people we meet in life--especially those who need extra care. We'll have discussions, snacks, and activities. 

Have you ever wondered what makes a good life? What makes life meaningful and gives you a sense of purpose? These are questions addressed in a newly published book, Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most," by Miroslav Volf and two of his colleagues (who happen to be former professors of Pastor Erin). Our Adult Education Forum will meet on Sunday to discuss these important questions--and since it's such a compelling conversation, we'll continue the discussion on Sunday, Oct. 29! There's no need to read the book, although if you're interested, Eagle Harbor Books has ordered copies for us, and if you mention you're a member of Bethany, you'll get a 15% discount. Come for what promises to be a great conversation! We'll meet in the sanctuary right after worship. 

Confirmation Class: The next confirmation class will be on Monday, October 23, 2:00pm at Woodward Middle School.

Bible Study: The Men’s Bible Study group will meet on Tuesday, October 24 at 8:00am.

Performance of Doubt: All October 21 Jewel Box Theater goers:  If you would like to carpool, please meet at the Bethany parking lot at 6:30 for the 7:30 show.  Seating is by "first come, first to get the best seats" so we don't want to arrive at the last minute.  There are no paper tickets.  The theater has everyone's name and you will check in on arrival.  Looking forward to seeing you there! 

Bethany Variety Show: Mark your calendars for "The Better Than Average (?) Variety Show”, Nov 4 at Bethany.  Beverages--wine and non-alcoholic options--and light hors d'oeuvres at 6:00. Show starts at 7:00. The recipient for the funds collected is World Central Kitchen. (https://wck.org for more information) Come see your Bethany friends and people from the community at large entertain with music, skits, dance, and poetry!

Reformation Sunday & Blessing the Quilts: Plan now to wear red the weekend of October 28/29 as we celebrate Reformation Sunday. We will also be blessing the quilts, baby kits and school supply kits made by the Rachel Circle. You can support the wonderful work of the Rachel Circle by making a donation towards the shipping of the quilts. Look for a donation envelope in your bulletin. And speaking of quilts, check out the amazing Quilt of Valor below given to our own Wayne Daley.

3^rd Quarter Giving Statements: The 3^rd Quarter Giving Statements were mailed earlier this week. Kristi Sutton, our financial secretary, is away for the next few weeks. If you have questions about your statement, or need a duplicate copy, email Debbie at .

Debbie Out of the Office: Debbie is out of the office until Tuesday, October 24 as she helps granddaughter Marin celebrate her first birthday.

Suquamish Tribe Raffle: The Suquamish Tribe is holding a raffle to raise funds for Tribal Elders to travel to Hawaii. The item being raffled is none other than the woven cedar hat like Barbara Lawrence wore when she came to Bethany to share the Suquamish history in early October. The photo below has more information about the raffle. If you're interested in buying a ticket, Barbara prefers Venmo or PayPal. If that's difficult for you, please let Pastor Erin know and she can help facilitate. 

Walking St. Cuthbert’s Way: You are invited for an evening of beautiful landscapes, art and architecture, and the spirituality of pilgrimage on Tuesday, October 24, 7:00pm at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. With stunning photographs and pilgrim tales, the Rev. Jim Friedrich will take you into the medieval world of the most beloved of Britain’s northern saints, following a 100-kilometer pilgrimage trail from Scotland’s Melrose Abbey to Northumbira’s Holy Island. A visit to Cuthbert’s tomb at Durham Cathedral, one of the world’s most awesome sacred spaces, concluded his unforgettable journey. All are welcome to join this event.

Compline Services: Compline services will be offered once again this year on the first Sunday of the month at St Cecilia’s Church at 7:00pm The next compline service will be Sunday, November 5.

Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are given by Vicki Browning in memory of Jess and Susan.

Congratulations: to Steven Selvar & Stephanie Taylor who were married on October 14 at Suyumatsu Farm.  

Thank You to this weekend's Worship Assistants:           
          Altar Duty: Linnea Chu/Alice McCain
          Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Charlene Selvar; Lay Reader: Rachel Pritchett: Hospitality Host: Veronika & Jim Rohrscheib
          Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Barbara & David Swartling; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistant: Barbara Deines; Hospitality Host: Becci Kerstetter & Karen Kushner

Next weekend's Worship Assistants:
          Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
          Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Luanne & Tom Croker; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen: Hospitality Host: Carolyn & Randy Weiss
          Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Debbie & Andy Rimkus; Lay Reader: Andy Rimkus; Communion Assistant: Vicki Browning; Hospitality Host: Debbie & Andy Rimkus

October 12 Announcements

Prayer Vigil: A solidarity and prayer vigil will be held tonight Thursday, Oct. 12 at 5:30pm at the Waterfront Park on Bainbridge Island. The vigil at Waterfront Park will be presided over by Rabbi Dario Feiguin and Rabbi Mendy Goldschmid (Chabad)), as well as Zan Jacobrown of Pardess Community , and Shir HaYom. 

Holden Evening Prayer: The October Holden Evening Prayer service is this Saturday, October 14 at 5:00pm.

Faith Formation: This week after worship, we invite you to join us in the sanctuary for a time of reflection, prayers for peace, and communal support as we hold the Israel-Palestine situation in our minds and hearts. This is not a typical Adult Education Forum, nor is it a time to offer solutions, but a time to hold space together during a very difficult time in the history of the Middle east. 

Join us for Sunday School this week when we'll talk about what God hopes for in our way of life and interactions with others. Lessons are geared toward kids in grades K-6, but the lessons are accessible and meaningful for all ages, so everyone is welcome. We meet in the education building for our lesson, snacks, and activities just after the Children's Message in worship. A teacher accompanies the children to the education building. This week's memory verse is "God has told us what counts: that we would do justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly, together with God." (Micah 6:8, adapted)

Nursery care is available in the upper level of the education building. Please feel welcome to drop off kiddos before worship. Pick up is directly after worship. Be sure to fill out a registration form for each child who attends nursery care. 

Impact Gatherings: Thank you to all who came and brought their sweet animals to be blessed last Sunday! Our next Impact Gathering will be on November 12 when we will celebrate the season of Thanksgiving with a food drive for Helpline House.

A Note of Thanks: Words do not seem adequate to express my family's and my thankfulness for the outpouring of support from the Bethany Community in prayers, notes, and cards. You have accompanied us through months of challenges to Evan's health. Your prayers were answered in God's strength and peace not only for myself but for Evan as well. Following his death, we continue to be comforted by God's mercies expressed so well through all of you. Isaiah 40.28-31. With a thankful heart, Helen Stoll

Performance of Doubt: Join the group going to see "Doubt" at the Jewel Box Theater in Poulsbo on Saturday, October 21, at 7:30.  20 tickets have been reserved for us. Tickets are $20 but if 20 people make payment by Sunday, October 15, we will get at discount from $20 to $17. (We are nearly there!)  For those who have already paid, they can receive $3 back or we will contribute the extra to World Central Kitchen—the recipient of funds collected for the November 4 Variety Show. "Doubt" explores guilt and jumping to conclusions—a serious play that has won numerous awards. If you would like to join the group, contact Mary Jensen at  to make your payment.

October Bible Study: The Women’s Bible Study and Book Group will meet on Monday, October 16, at 9:30am. The Men’s Bible Study group will on October 24, at 8:00am. All Bible study groups meet in fellowship hall.

Bethany Endowment Fund Grants: The Bethany Endowment Committee is still accepting grant applications for the 2023 distribution cycle until October 15. Application forms are available on the table in the narthex. They can also be downloaded from our website. Completed applications can be dropped off in the office or sent by email as an attachment.

Debbie Out of the Office: Debbie will be out of the office Wednesday, October 18 – Monday, October 23 as she travels to Michigan to help granddaughter Marin celebrate her first birthday.

Benefit Concert: A concert to help victims of the West Maui wildfire featuring virtuoso pianist Henry Adam Curtis will take place at St Barnabas Episcopal Church on Saturday, October 14, 7:00pm. Pianist “Hank” Curtis is a Kauai resident, virtuoso pianist, and composer, who has played in many acclaimed US music venues. A $25 donation is suggested. All the net proceeds received from the concert will go towards the Diocese of Hawaii “A Cup of Cold Water” program that is providing direct relief efforts to the Maui victims. Attend in person or via Facebook Livestream at  https://www.facebook.com/stbbi 

HRB Speaker Series: The third installment of the HRB speaker series takes place Monday, October 16, 7:00pm at the Bainbridge Public Library. The theme of this installment is “Housing Decommodified, A Global Exploration with New York Times Writer Francesca Mari”. Ms. Mari promises to be an engaging presenter, sharing scenes from Vienna where limited-profit and social housing allow people of all incomes to live with comfort and security, great photos, and a skilled journalist’s facility with articulating trends and history. To register for free tickets, visit https://www.housingresourcesbi.org/events/ 

Compline Services: Compline services will be offered once again this year on the first Sunday of the month at St Cecilia’s Church at 7:00pm The next compline service will be Sunday, November 5.

Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are given by Rachel & Lloyd Pritchett in humble gratitude for 36 years of marriage. 

Prayers are Requested: For all who have been affected by the violence in the Middle East and for peace in the region; for Steven Selvar & Stephanie Taylor who will be married on October 14.  

Thank You to this weekend's Worship Assistants:           
          Altar Duty: Vickie Bech
          Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Jennie Harris; Lay Reader: Jennie Harris: Hospitality Host: Marlene & Al Orwiler
          Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Mike Curtis; Communion Assistant: Doug Dudgeon; Hospitality Host: Kathy & Doug Dudgeon

Next weekend's Worship Assistants:
          Altar Duty: Linnea Chu/Alice McCain
          Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Charlene Selvar; Lay Reader: Rachel Pritchett: Hospitality Host: Veronika & Jim Rohrscheib
          Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Barbara & David Swartling; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistant: Barbara Deines; Hospitality Host: Becci Kerstetter & Karen Kushner