February 16 Announcements
Sunday school: Join us for Sunday school this week when we'll learn about Jesus' transfiguration when the disciples saw Jesus in a new, dazzling light--not only was he teacher and leader, but he was the very Son of God, the Beloved! Come and learn more about this amazing event that scripture tells us about and imagine how you might shift your perspective to see something new about Jesus, and through him, God's love for you. We'll enjoy a snack and fellowship as we learn. All are welcome!
Adult Education: Mark your calendars for a special Adult Ed four-week Lenten series exploring the events and characters of Holy Week through the lens of various Gospel accounts. Beginning on Sunday March 5 through March 26, Fred Truitt and Pastor Erin will offer historical context and facilitate a group discussion. Together as a group, we'll compare and contrast the scripture accounts to expand our understanding, and deepen our faith. No special materials needed or prior knowledge required or homework to prepare! Just come as you are and join us for what is sure to be an engaging study during our Lenten journey. Everyone is welcome!
Support Earthquake Relief through ELCA Disaster Response: Since the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria the ELCA’s Disaster Response team has been mobilizing resources and is proactively engaged in providing assistance to victims of the crisis. Working with the ACT Alliance, emergency supplies and relief items are already being provided, and analysis of a comprehensive assistance program is underway. Gifts to this important work can be provided through ELCA Disaster Response at this link: Middle East Crisis - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Please consider making a gift to support this important outreach ministry of our church!
Ash Wednesday: The Season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 22nd. There will be one Ash Wednesday service at 7pm which will include the imposition of ashes.
Lent – “Companions for the Journey”: For the five Wednesdays in Lent (March 1 – March 29) we will once again observe Lent with soup and bread suppers. The suppers will begin at 6pm and include a time of devotion centering around our Lenten theme of “Companions for the Journey”. The meals will be simple – just soup and bread – in recognition of this time of preparation, prayer and reflection.
Calling all Soup Makers and Bread Bakers: Can you make a soup or bake some bread for our Wednesday Lenten suppers? We are looking for volunteers to bring a soup or bake some bread for the five Wednesday Lenten soup suppers. The bread can be a sour dough from your own starter, or as simple as a quick corn bread or biscuits. Please see the sign-up sheets on the hallway bulletin board.
New to Bethany Orientation: Bethany is blessed by a number of visitors, including many who have expressed interest in joining the Bethany congregation. A dinner and conversation for all who want to learn more about Bethany will be held on Thursday, February 23 from 6:00-7:30pm. Please contact Pastor Erin or Pastor Paul for more information.
IMPACT: Join us for our second ever youth and family IMPACT gathering on Sunday, March 5 from 4:00pm-5:30pm in Fellowship Hall. "What's IMPACT?" you wonder? IMPACT is a new monthly gathering of young people and their families and friends of all ages. We share a meal and have loads of fun in the form of games and activities and just being together. Not only do we gather to enjoy fellowship, but also to serve each other and our neighbors. We learn about organizations that meet needs in our community and world, and how we can support their work in a respectful and loving way reflective of our faith. In March, we'll have chili and cornbread followed by a game (or two) of...Corn Hole! We'll discuss ways we can help our neighbors in Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake. Future IMPACT gatherings will be held on the 1st Sunday of the month, with minor exceptions including April when we'll meet on the third Sunday instead (due to Holy Week and spring break). Feel free to bring friends, and share the invitation with others. All are welcome! Contact Pastor Erin with questions and to RSVP; or sign up on the sheet on the Youth and Family bulletin board in the Narthex. pastorerin@bethanyofbainbridge.org/860-705-8212 (texts are fine too).
An Open Invitation: Rachel Circle would like to offer an open invitation to anyone who is looking for a way to support the outreach of the church and for fellowship. We meet every Tuesday from 10 until 2. The first Tuesday of the month is dedicated to bible study, followed by lunch together in the fellowship hall. The rest of the month Tuesdays are dedicated to putting quilts together. This means simply pinning the tops, batting and backing together in preparation for sewing by machine, then tying knots to hold all 3 pieces together. Both are very simple tasks. We stop for lunch, and then continue with how ever many people decide to stay. There is no expectation that you be there the entire time. Come for whatever time you may have and enjoy the company. Friends and neighbors are always welcome.
Holy Communion Instruction: Here at Bethany, children are encouraged to come up for a blessing or participate in the Service of Holy Communion from a young age. As they get older, they may have questions or wonder about our practice of Holy Communion. Holy Communion instruction, primarily geared for those in mid-elementary grades and above, will be held on Sunday, March 12 from 11:00am-12:30pm. A pizza lunch will be served. Contact Pastor Erin or Pastor Paul if you are interested in having your child included, or for more information. A second session focusing on bread baking will be held at 4:00pm on Sunday, March 26.
Thrivent Choice: Your community. Your support. Your Choice. Thrivent Choice, the chartable grant program from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans continues to be a welcome funding source for Bethany. If you are a member of Thrivent Financial, you likely are aware of this easy, convenient way to help support Bethany. If you currently own an insurance product or annuity you are probably earning Thrivent Choice Dollars each month. If you feel you are eligible to participate in Choice Dollars, or are uncertain about your eligibility, visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or contact Bethany treasurer emeritus, Jim Rohrscheib, 206 842 1328 or
Remember, Choice Dollars earned by eligible benefit members in 2022 must be distributed no later than March 31, 2023.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are given by Vicki Browning in honor of her three new great grandchildren. The three roses on the altar are in celebration of Cindy Beam’s grandchildren Shaun Lee Wang, Erik Lee Beam, and Astra Viaana Bhagat.
Prayer Requests: Please pray for Mary Toepel Coar as she continues to recover from a broken hip at Martha & Mary; Wayne Richmond as he recovers from respiratory issues at Northwoods; for Evan Stoll who is now home and undergoing dialysis.
Thank You to this weekend's Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Alice McCain & Linnea Chu
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Joe Sommerseth; Lay Reader: Carol Fenner: Hospitality Host: Carol Fenner
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Alice & Bruce McCain; Lay Reader: Kathy Dudgeon; Communion Assistant: Alice McCain; Hospitality Hosts: Kathy & Doug Dudgeon
Next weekend's Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Jim Rohrscheib; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen: Hospitality Host: Jennie Harris
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve Curtis & Lynn Nordby; Lay Reader: Linnea Chu; Communion Assistant: Linnea Chu; Hospitality Hosts: Benay & Lynn Nordby