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Applications for endowment awards now being accepted

Good Wednesday to you,

We have a special post-Valentine's Day bash with FFF at noon with record-spinner Dick Goff playing romantic favorites. All are invited to the potluck and presentation.

Applications now being accepted: Bethany has a long tradition of giving financial awards to groups that help Bethany further its mission. The awards come from Bethany's Endowment Fund. Applications now are being accepted. If you'd like to apply, complete the application and send it to the Bethany office by Sunday, March 19. You can find application forms on this site under the Resources" tab, or in the office. You also can request one be sent to you by emailing

Applications now being accepted for endowment fund awards: Bethany has a long tradition of giving financial awards to groups that help Bethany further its mission. The awards come from Bethany's Endowment Fund. Applications now are being accepted. If you'd like to apply, complete the application and send it to the Bethany office by Sunday, March 19. You can find application forms at bethanyofbainbridge.org under the Resources" tab, or in the office. You also can request one be sent to you by emailing Some $10,500 will be distributed. Awards typically range from $300 to $1,500.

- Rachel Pritchett

Giant pillow event to support refugee assistance

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND -- The community and media are invited to an event supporting refugee assistance from 11:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Titled "500 Pillows for 500 Refugee Dreams," the event will feature 500 pillows to be sent to refugees through Lutheran Community Services Northwest. Participants will sing and have a group photo taken with the pillows featuring messages welcoming refugees.

John Forseth, Lutheran Community Services' program director for refugee resettlement and placement, will offer brief remarks.

The event follows a large-scale collection effort last year and early this year at Bethany that resulted in furnishing a dozen apartments for refugees and 53 “welcoming kits” containing items for apartment rooms. This was done in conjunction with partner churches including Eagle Harbor Congregational Church and others. It, too, was done under the auspices of Lutheran Community Services.

For further information, contact the Rev. Paul Stumme-Diers at or at 206-842-4241.

Pictured: Pastor Paul Stumme-Diers and Ed Kushner pose for photos with some of the pillows on Tuesday.