August 8 Announcements
Men's Bible Study
The Men's Bible Study will meet on Tuesday August, 13 at 8:30 am in Fellowship Hall. This month's study will be co-led by Pastor Erin and David Swartling who had this to say about a rather unique topic for our consideration: “Surely, it was serendipity! After worship when Pastor Erin preached on ‘Dining with Jesus,’ I (David) was perusing books on the shelf of the Bethany office at the end of the hall. And, then I saw it – The Theology of Wine written by an ELCA Pastor from Oregon! Surely, this was a sign that we should explore the elements of the sacrament, including wine!” So, in light of David's discovery, and in response to suggestions made in the Transition Team's survey that there be more offerings for men at the church, we'll be proposing some new and creative takes on topics like this one! Join us for what promises to be an enlightening discussion centered on scripture passages from John's Gospel. And bonus points if you bring the correct answer to this question: "How many times is wine referenced in the bible?"
CROP HUNGER DANCE!
Yep, you read that right! Our community's annual effort to end hunger in our community and world isn't a walk as in years past, but a DANCE! We'll gather at Eagle Harbor Church on September 22, 2024, to participate in fun, easy-to-learn dances and songs led by the Universal Dances of Peace group. No special talent or ability is necessary--just a willingness to have some fun with your neighbors while raising money for a good cause.
Not everything is changing, though. We're still working with Church World Services (CWS) to raise funds to provide meals, clean water, and safe homes for those who need them. A portion of the funds we raise will go to CWS and another to our local social service agencies. This year's community goal is to raise $15,000, which a generous community member has offered to match!
Registration begins at 1:30 pm and the dance begins at 2:00 pm--but you can register for team "Bethany Lutheran of Bainbridge" in advance on the CWS website by clicking here and then selecting "Join or Start a Team." Under Find an Existing Team, type "Bethany Lutheran of Bainbridge" and click on it. When you get to our team page, you'll see a familiar face--Pastor Erin who's already signed up for this year's team. Fill out your information when prompted and you'll be added to the team. You can begin your own fundraising campaign to raise money for our team, too! Take an envelope to collect the funds from neighbors and friends (on the table in the Narthex) or start a social media campaign like Pastor Erin did. The resources on the CWS website are helpful and easy-to-use. Feel free to reach out to Pastor Erin for assistance. Let's set a goal to raise $5000. Can we do it? Yes we can! GO TEAM BETHANY LUTHERAN OF BAINBRIDGE!
NW Washington Synod Offerings
Did you know that in addition to the formation programs offered here at Bethany our synod provides loads of opportunities for learning together and growing our faith? If not, then please take a moment to check out the LiVE (Living into Vocational Engagement) Project's offerings by visiting their website: The LiVE Project | Ministries | Northwest Washington Synod (lutheransnw.org) There you will find a full course catalog including upcoming Fall events such as:
- Faith in Public Life Course - Wednesdays via Zoom, Sept 18 - Oct 30
- Abide: Going Deeper Synod-Wide Bible Study – Tuesdays at 7pm starting Oct 1
- Faith & Freedom: Biblical Interpretation in an Age of Christian Nationalism Retreat - Sat, Oct 19
- Synod-Wide Election Prayer Vigil - 12noon & 7pm, Oct1 - Nov 9
- Faithfully into God's Future Retreat – Sat, Nov 23
Consider getting a group together, or participating on your own from home. It's sure to be an enriching experience for all. Contact Pastor Erin for more details.
It’s Time to Buy School Supplies
School supply sales are on now – yes, in July! Again this year we are collecting school supplies for our school kit project for Lutheran World Relief (lwr.org). We will have a collection box in the narthex, along with lists of needed items. Please take and use the list when shopping and donating, as we can’t send school supplies that don’t follow the LWR guidelines. The drive will continue into October, but the sales are starting now.
With generous donations like we have received in the last three years, we have shipped about 200 complete school kits to LWR for children around the world. We know that many of these children wouldn’t attend school if they didn’t have the supplies we send. Please be a part of making this drive a success. Thanks in advance!
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are provided by the Altar Guild.
Thank You to this weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Alice McCain & Linnea Chu
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Joe Sommerseth; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen; Hospitality Hosts: Veronika & Jim Rohrscheib
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Tim Carlsen & Stephen Deines; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistant: Barbara Deines; Hospitality Hosts: No Host
Next Weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Nancy Wetzler
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Charlene Selvar; Lay Reader: Jennie Harris; Hospitality Hosts: Marlene & Al Orwiler
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: David Swartling; Communion Assistant: Barbara Swartling; Hospitality Hosts: Miriam Barrenger & Becci Kerstetter