Our blog

June 25 Announcements

Septic System Update
Some additional water damage mitigation work is needed in the Women’s and Men’s restrooms and this will begin on Tuesday, July 1. It may take a few days and the hallway to fellowship hall and the restrooms may be closed for a few days. The restrooms will be available for use this Sunday, but there is a possibility that they won’t be available the following Sunday, July 6. We will know more once this next phase is complete and keep you updated.

Pie Sunday
Plan now to bring your favorite pie (homemade or store bought!) to share at our fellowship hour after the service this Sunday, June 29. Bethany will provide the ice cream to make it ‘a la mode’ for anyone who wishes!

Rachel Circle Bible Study in July
The Rachel Circle Bible Study group will meet on Tuesday, July 1 at 10:00am. Because of the work happening in the restrooms, they will meet in the Education Building and there won’t be any quilting.

Debbie Out of the Office
Debbie is headed out of town for a few days to visit her granddaughter. The office will be closed Thursday, June 26 to Monday, June 30. She will be back in the office on Tuesday, July 1 and respond to any emails received once she is back.

Call Committee Update
The Zoom interview process is going smoothly and the Call Committee expects to conclude this initial interview phase next week. Please remember that the process is a sensitive one which requires confidentiality. They will be updating the congregation regularly over the summer as the interview process progresses and ask that we refrain from asking them questions about the candidates and interview process while they do this important work.   

Women’s Retreat
Ladies, mark your calendars for September 21-23 for a women's retreat at Pilgrim Firs.  About 45 minutes from Bainbridge on Lake Flora we will have our own fully accessible lodge, 5 meals (which can be vegan, gluten free, vegetarian—whatever your dietary needs), 120 acres of hiking trails, kayaking, paddleboarding and a lot of fun.  There will be a thoughtful program as well as free time, crafts and maybe even a dance party!  See Mary Jensen or Colleen Chupik for details.  The cost for the retreat is $190. A scholarship fund is available if the price is a bit too steep for your budget right now.   

Pastoral Care at Bethany
Pastor Kristy Daniels and Pastor Erin continue to be available for Pastoral Care for congregants during this transition period. If you have a pastoral care need, please email or call the church office and Debbie will assist you. If Debbie is not there to take your call, leave a message or call the number provided for emergencies. 

Blood Drive at Bethany
Bloodworks Northwest is holding a blood drive at Bethany and there are still slots available for tomorrow, Friday, June 27, 9:00am – 3:00pm. Every drop you give has the power to save someone’s life. A mom, a dad, a friend, a neighbor—real people are counting on you. Summer blood shortages are real, and you can help save lives in our local hospitals by rolling up your sleeve. To celebrate your blood donation this June, you can enter for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. Schedule your life-saving appointment here and enter to win at www.bloodworksnw.org/win. Thank you!

Seattle Pride Parade
The Seattle Pride Parade is this Sunday, June 29, 11:00am-3:30pm. As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, Bethanians are encouraged to participate in the Seattle parade or other Pride events that are happening this weekend as June Pride month comes to a close. And if you do plan to attend the Seattle Pride Parade, Bethany member Whitney Lane would love you to reach out to her via text at 360-821-9459.  

Altar Flowers: The altar flowers for this Sunday are given by Helen Stoll in memory of Evan’s  birthday and in honor of Linnea Chu’s birthday.

Thank You to this Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
          Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
          Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Kathy Dudgeon; Communion Assistant: Doug Dudgeon; Hospitality Hosts: Pie Sunday!               

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
          Altar Duty: Alice McCain
          Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Tim Carlsen & Bruce McCain; Lay Reader: Rachel Pritchett; Communion Assistant: Rachel Pritchett & Doug Dudgeon; Hospitality: Kathy & Doug Dudgeon

Bethany is a Reconciling in Christ congregation, which is an affirmation of welcome that specifically names people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, and also expresses a commitment to racial equity.

June 19 Announcements

Pr. Kristy Available for Office Hours
Pr. Kristy plans to be at Bethany this Saturday, June 21 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. She is available for anyone who would like some time to talk with a pastor. She welcomes drop ins or you can reach out to her to schedule a specific time at

Septic System Update
The areas in the Women’s and Men’s restrooms on the upper level and the choir room on the lower level are finally dry! It took a bit longer than expected so the repair work won’t get started this week. Unfortunately, the plumber who came to assess what caused the clog determined that there was a break in a portion of the septic pipe that is under one of the offices. This allowed tree roots to grow into the piping. Repairs to the system are in progress.  We will be able to safely gather for worship and fellowship on Sunday and the Women’s and Men’s hallway restrooms should be usable.

Visit from Lutheran World Relief
Rev. Lisa Kipp, from Lutheran World Relief (LWR), will be visiting Bethany on Tuesday, June 24 at 10:00am. She will be presenting information on the work of LWR, and the ways communities like Bethany can help, particularly in light of recent developments in the world.

Call Committee Update
The Zoom interview process is going smoothly and the Call Committee expects to conclude this initial interview phase next week. Please remember that the process is a sensitive one which requires confidentiality. They will be updating the congregation regularly over the summer as the interview process progresses and ask that we refrain from asking them questions about the candidates and interview process while they do this important work.   

Pie Sunday
Plan now to bring your favorite pie (homemade or store bought!) to share at our fellowship hour after the service next Sunday, June 29. Bethany will provide the ice cream to make it ‘a la mode’ for anyone who wishes!

Women’s Retreat
Ladies, mark your calendars for September 21-23 for a women's retreat at Pilgrim Firs.  About 45 minutes from Bainbridge on Lake Flora we will have our own fully accessible lodge, 5 meals (which can be vegan, gluten free, vegetarian—whatever your dietary needs), 120 acres of hiking trails, kayaking, paddleboarding and a lot of fun.  There will be a thoughtful program as well as free time, crafts and maybe even a dance party!  See Mary Jensen or Colleen Chupik for details.  The cost for the retreat is $190. A scholarship fund is available if the price is a bit too steep for your budget right now.   

Pastoral Care at Bethany
Pastor Kristy Daniels and Pastor Erin continue to be available for Pastoral Care for congregants during this transition period. If you have a pastoral care need, please email or call the church office and Debbie will assist you. If Debbie is not there to take your call, leave a message or call the number provided for emergencies. 

Blood Drive at Bethany
Bloodworks Northwest will be holding a blood drive at Bethany on Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27, 9:00am – 3:00pm. Every drop you give has the power to save someone’s life. A mom, a dad, a friend, a neighbor—real people are counting on you. Summer blood shortages are real, and you can help save lives in our local hospitals by rolling up your sleeve. To celebrate your blood donation this June, you can enter for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. Schedule your life-saving appointment here and enter to win at www.bloodworksnw.org/win. Thank you!

Altar Flowers: The altar flowers for this Sunday are given by Kathy, Doug & Grace Dudgeon in honor of Kathy’s & Doug’s 30th anniversary and Grace’s 25th birthday.

Thank You to this Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
          Altar Duty: Linnea Chu
          Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Tim Carlsen & Stephen Deines; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistant: Barbara Deines; Hospitality Hosts: No Host Lemonade and Cookies               

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
          Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
          Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Kathy Dudgeon; Communion Assistant: Doug Dudgeon; Hospitality: Pie Sunday!

Bethany is a Reconciling in Christ congregation, which is an affirmation of welcome that specifically names people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, and also expresses a commitment to racial equity.