January 12 Announcements
Affordable Housing Update: Please plan to stay after worship this Sunday, January 15th, for an important update on Bethany’s Affordable Housing initiative in fellowship hall. Jonathan Davis and Marja Williams, of the Affordable Housing Task Force, will be here to bring everyone up to date on recent developments, and to answer questions in anticipation of a congregational vote at our annual meeting. Those who attend the Saturday evening service are encouraged to come Sunday morning for coffee fellowship and the affordable housing update.
Faith Formation: Join us for Sunday school this week when we'll talk about all the ways people identified Jesus in the bible: Messiah, Chosen One, Savior, Prince of Peace, etc. We'll ask ourselves the question, "What's in a name?" and we'll think together about the ways we name and identify Jesus in our own lives of faith. We'll enjoy good conversation, a yummy snack, and a craft project. All are welcome!
The nursery in the lower level of the church is "under construction" (actually it's just being cleaned and reorganized), so littles are welcome in the sanctuary or in Sunday school where there will be age-appropriate activities for them to participate in. Thanks for your patience as we work to freshen up the space downstairs for our Sunday school and nursery on Sunday mornings!
Confirmation Sunday: In 2022, Bethany’s Confirmation Class continued to meet at Woodward Middle School during their early release time on Monday afternoons. Because of Covid concerns, and mostly because we are tough, outdoorsy people, we met outside. Our classes are culminating in our (Confirmation) “Affirmation of Baptism” Sunday at the 10:00am service on January 22, 2023. Those who are slated to be confirmed on that joyous occasion will be: JR Tonga, Will Hansen, Georgia Hansen, Isaiah Drovdahl, Howard Howlett and Zachary Shields.
Annual Meeting: The Bethany 2023 Annual Meeting will be on Sunday, January 29th at 11:00am in fellowship hall. The agenda for the Annual Meeting will include passing a 2023 budget, approving the 2022 Annual Meeting minutes and election of 2023 council members and 2023 nominating committee members.
2023 Giving Envelopes: To reduce the large amount of giving envelopes that are discarded each year, the Bethany office will be providing giving envelopes only for those who request them. If you circled ‘yes’ for giving envelopes on your pledge card, you can pick up your envelopes on the table in the narthex. If you did not request envelopes on a pledge card but would like to have them, please fill out the sign-up sheet on the table and Debbie will prepare them for you.
Office Closed: The Bethany office will be closed on Monday, January 16 in observance of the Martin Luther King holiday.
2023 Faith Action Network Advocacy Days: Faith Action Network is an interfaith statewide partnership striving for a just, compassionate, and sustainable world through community building, education, and courageous public action. Join advocates in our legislative district to bring those voices of compassion, justice and sustainability to our elected officials. The date for 2023 is Thursday, February 9 in Olympia. For more information, or to register to attend visit www.fanwa.org
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are provided by the Altar Guild. Please consider signing up to provide altar flowers in honor or memory of a special person or occasion. There are lots of openings in the next few weeks. You can bring your own arrangement or give a donation and the altar guild will provide the arrangement. A sign up and more information is available on the hallway bulletin board.
Prayer Requests: Please pray for Mary Toepel Coar as she recovers from a broken hip; Wayne Richmond as he recovers from respiratory concerns; for Pat and DeMar Sather’s son Mark as he enters hospice care.
Thank You to this weekend's Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Linnea Chu
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Carol Fenner; Lay Reader: Rachel Pritchett: Hospitality Host: Marlene & Al Orwiler
Sunday 10:00am – Greeter: Andy Rimkus; Ushers: Nancy & Harry Wetzler; Lay Reader: Andy Rimkus; Communion Assistant: Vicki Browning; Hospitality Hosts: Kristi Sutton & Vicki Browning
Next weekend's Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Vickie Bech
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Joe Sommerseth; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen: Hospitality Host: Jennie Harris
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters: Jan Thrun; Ushers: Stephen Deines & Bruce McCain; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistant: Barbara Deines; Hospitality Hosts: Noreen & Jeff Sievertson