April 17 Announcements
Gratitude from Pastor Erin
Dear Bethanians,
The farewell potluck on Palm Sunday was such a blessing, thank you! I was truly touched by your kind words and the very generous gift card to Chevy Chase Lodge. Thanks to you, I also will have two beautiful stoles, gifted to me by Linda Knudsen, altered to fit my frame. Linda's late husband was a Lutheran pastor, so I will wear the stoles as a reminder of my time at Bethany Lutheran Church, and also in honor of a colleague in ministry. It has been a real privilege to serve you as pastor over the last years. I've learned much about what it takes to lead an organization in transition and honestly, I've discovered that it comes down to one simple truth that we can apply in all life situations: nurturing good relationships makes a healthy community. I believe Jesus knew this to be true and he summed it up in his greatest commandment. You are an example of what it means to faithfully live into that commandment and I'll always be grateful for having walked with you during this part of your journey. Thank you.
In Christ, Pr. Erin
Easter at Bethany
Please join us on Easter Sunday, April 20, we come together at the 10:00am service to celebrate the risen Christ.
Worship and Life at Bethany after Easter
During Bethany’s transition to a settled pastor, the Worship and Music team are meeting regularly to provide leadership in coordinating pulpit supply, pastoral care, and general worship activities, as well as communicating with the Church Council regarding any congregational concerns. As previously indicated, Pastor Kristy Daniels, of the Church of Steadfast Love at Compass Housing Alliance will lead Sunday morning worship at Bethany beginning next Sunday, April 27. For pastoral care needs, please call the church office. If Debbie is not there to take your call, leave a message or call the number provided for emergencies. Please contact any team member if you have questions or input: Sylvia Cauter, Chris Christensen, Linnea Chu, Kathy Dudgeon, or Lynn Nordby.
Quilts and Kits on Their Way
Thank you to all who donated towards the cost of shipping the beautiful quilts and baby kits made by the Rachel Circle. The group boxed up 45 quilts and 57 baby kits which will be sent to people in need all over the world by Lutheran World Relief. A special thank you to Joe Sommerseth and Stan Wiegman who will be loading all the boxes and transporting them to Seattle
Youth Group
Bethany youth in grades 7-12 are invited to join the Senior Youth Fellowship (SYF) at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm on Sunday evenings. SYF is open and welcoming to all area youth, regardless of their church affiliation. The meetings foster connection through fellowship and fun and students deepen their faith through bible study and service projects. In addition to regular weekly meetings, there are special events scheduled like an overnight lock-in and a week-long mission trip to Spokane this summer (information is on the table in the Narthex). Cory Dunn, a BHS science teacher, leads SYF at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church and has graciously offered to answer any questions. He can be reached at
. Several students from Bethany joined Pastor Erin at SYF last week and everyone had a blast!
Youth Group Mission Trip
The Rolling Bay Spokane Mission Trip is shaping up to be something truly special—and Bethany youth are invited to join! This trip is more than just an opportunity to serve others (which is already amazing!)—it’s also about building friendships, growing in faith, and making unforgettable memories together. Cory has a key meeting with the leadership team on April 22nd, and must have final numbers by then—so he needs to know NOW if your student is going! Bethany Youth who are interested in going should apply by clicking here. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Cory at
Let’s go make some memories!
Amabile Spring Concert
Everyone is invited to Amabile Choir's Spring Concert, LIGHT DAWNS. There will be three performances: two evening performances on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 pm at Bethany Lutheran Church on Bainbridge, and one matinee performance on Saturday, April 26 at 3:00 pm at Rolling Bay Presbyterian.
The Sakai Choir Club, under the direction of Katie Gibbs, will perform with Amabile at the Saturday 3PM concert at Rolling Bay Presbyterian. The two evening concerts will feature performers from Kids In Concert, directed by Laura Milleson. The Amabile Choir is under the direction of our own Sylvia Cauter.
Get your tickets today at amabilechoir.org/events
Save the Dates!!
Join Martha and Mary‘s annual Generations of Care online auction, May 30-June 6, 2025. Caring for kids and seniors since 1891, Martha and Mary is a valued Lutheran Services partner. Bethany has pledged to provide two themed baskets for bidding and we need everyone’s help. Envelopes for donations in support of Martha and Mary are available on the table in the narthex. Please make checks out to ‘Bethany Lutheran Church’ with ‘Martha and Mary’ in the memo line. If you have questions or items you would like to donate to the auction catalog, please contact Benay Nordby, Linnea Chu, Noreen Sievertson or Kristi Sutton.
Prayers are requested: for Sonja Selboe who is out of the hospital and now regaining strength at Martha and Mary in Poulsbo.
Altar Flowers: The Easter lilies which adorn our altar are provided by the Altar Guild. You are welcome to take a lily home with you after our Easter morning worship service.
Thank You to this weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling & Linnea Chu
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Barbara & David Swartling; Lay Reader: Linnea Chu; Communion Assistant: Linnea Chu; Hospitality Hosts: Debbie & Andy Rimkus
Next Weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Vickie Bech
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Jim Rohrscheib & Bruce McCain; Lay Reader: Noreen Sievertson; Communion Assistant: Jeff Sievertson; Hospitality Hosts: Miriam Barrenger & Alice McCain