December 19 Announcements
Christmas Caroling
Caroling to our homebound members is scheduled after worship this Sunday, December 22. Bethany choir members and guitar accompaniment will make this warmly appreciated seasonal tradition comfortable for those who are less confident singers. Plan now to join in bringing Christmas joy to others.
Christmas Poinsettias
The Altar Guild has decorated our sanctuary with beautiful poinsettias again this year and welcomes your donations to help cover the cost. Please consider making a donation in honor or memory of someone special in your life. Envelopes for the special donations are available on the table as you enter the sanctuary.
Christmas Eve Services
Bethany will have two candlelight Christmas Eve services, one at 5:00pm and one at 10:00pm. The 5:00pm service will be a bit shorter and more family oriented. It will include a special message and gift for children. The 10:00pm service will feature the Bethany choir and include the order of holy communion.
Lessons & Carols Service
A thank you to David Swartling who will be the lay worship leader for our Lessons & Carols service on Sunday, December 29. Please note there will be no Saturday night worship service on December 28.
Notes of Gratitude
We have so much to be thankful for here at Bethany – including the faithful service of volunteers who make our worship meaningful; our fellowship engaging; our building and grounds functional and beautiful; our church administration smooth; our Sunday school and family programs enriching; our pastoral care significant and sincere; and our mission and community outreach authentic. In the spirit of the season, please consider writing a word of thanks to someone whose contributions to our community life makes a difference to you. Consider thanking church council members; committees like Building and Grounds, Fellowship, Hospitality (who made our awesome name tags and took pictures for our new directory), Preschool and Bethany Cares; choir members, ushers, communion assistants, readers, Sunday school teachers/volunteers, and Finch Green leaders and board members. The possibilities are endless! Cards and pens will be available in the basket on the table in the Narthex. After you've written your note, pin it on the bulletin board in the hallway – and then stand back and marvel at the outpouring of gratitude!
Year End Giving
2024 Year End Giving Statements will be mailed by the end of January 2025. Any donations that you would like included in your 2024 Giving Statement must be received in the office by December 30.
Office Closed
The office will be closed December 25 through January 1 so the staff can get much-needed rest and time with their families. Pr. Erin and Debbie will both be checking email and that will be the best way to reach them for any non-urgent matters. If you have a pastoral emergency, call Pr. Erin at 860-705-8212.
Annual Meeting and Proposed Amendments to Bethany Governing Documents
Earlier this week, an email was sent to the Bethany community regarding proposed amendments to the Bethany Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions. Click here to view the proposed changes to the governing documents, and here for a memorandum regarding the proposed changes. If you are unable to open the documents, copies are available on the counter outside the office. Please plan now to attend the annual meeting which will take place after the 10:00am service on Sunday, February 2. In addition to the proposed amendments to the governing documents, the congregation will vote on a proposed budget for 2025 and a slate of new congregation council members.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are given by Debbie and Andy Rimkus in celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary. The 2025 Altar Flower sign up sheet is available now on the hallway bulletin board. Please consider signing up for a weekend to provide altar flowers in honor or memory of a special person or event. You can check column A on the signup sheet and bring an arrangement. Or check column B to make a donation and have the Altar Guild provide the flowers.
Thank You to this weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Kathy Dudgeon
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Jim Rohrscheib; Lay Reader: Jennie Harris; Hospitality Host: Jennie Harris
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Stephen Deines & Lynn Nordby; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistant: Barbara Deines; Hospitality Hosts: Benay & Lynn Nordby
Next Weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
Saturday 5:00pm – No 5:00pm service
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Barbara Swartling; Communion Assistant: N/A; Hospitality Hosts: No Host Christmas Cookies
