January 16 Announcements
Third Thursday Youth Cafe
Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to a Youth Cafe Night held the third Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00pm! The next Youth Cafe Night will be tonight, January 16 at Coquette in Winslow Green. Come for games, sweet treats and community connection! The Youth Cafe Nights are sponsored by open and affirming churches and youth organizations on Bainbridge Island. All are welcome! Pr. Erin won't be able to attend in January but hopes to join in the fun in February. Please reach out to Pr. Erin with questions.
Living Lutheran
Are you interested in receiving the Living Lutheran magazine at home? The magazine, which had switched to an online format only, is returning to a quarterly print edition. Bethany is able to purchase a subscription for the community. If you would like to receive the Living Lutheran magazine at home, please indicate this on the signup sheet on the hallway bulletin board or let Debbie know by calling the office or emailing her at
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New Member Class
Are you interested in learning more about being a member of the Bethany community? Please join us for an informal new members' gathering on Sunday, January 26 after worship. You'll learn about the history of Bethany Lutheran Church, meet others who are new to the community, and participate in discussion about what church membership looks like today. All are welcome! Please be in touch with Pastor Erin with any questions and/or to signal your interest.
A note of thanks from Pr. Erin
Thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes! I was so touched by your heartfelt greetings, door decorations, and a sweet little cupcake on my desk. You are special to me, and thanks to you, I felt special, too. The new decade is off to the very best start!
Year End Statements and 2025 Giving Commitments
Thank you to all who gave so generously in 2024. The 2024 Year End Giving Statements will be mailed by the end of January 2025. We give thanks also to everyone who made a 2025 giving commitment. Offering envelopes for those who requested envelopes on the commitment card are now available in the narthex. If you did not previously request offering envelopes and now would like them, or didn’t complete a commitment card but would like envelopes, please contact Debbie at
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2025 Bethany Annual Meeting
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 which were provided last month, the congregation will vote on a proposed budget for 2025 and a slate of new congregation council members.
Office Closed
The office will be closed this Monday, January 20, in recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
Peace Vigil
This Martin Luther King Day weekend, please join us for an Interfaith Candlelight Peace Vigil at Pia the Peacekeeper (aka the Bainbridge Troll) on Sunday, January 19 from 5:00-5:30 pm. Representatives from various faith traditions will share a brief reading or prayer, and we'll join our voices in communal song. All attendees will be invited to light a candle for peace and are welcome to bring a brief reading or prayer to share as they light their candle (optional). Parking is limited, please consider parking across the street in the School District Lot. Note the trail leading to Pia is unpaved and the area around her can be muddy, so plan accordingly.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are given by Birgit & Norm Davis.
Prayers are Requested: for Linda Sommerseth who is undergoing radiation treatment for metastatic cancer; for Sylvia Cauter’s brother-in-law Steve who is under hospice care.
Thank You to this weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Jennie Harris; Lay Reader: Jennie Harris; Hospitality Host: Birgit & Norm Davis
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Tim Carlsen & Andy Rimkus; Lay Reader: Claire Dasler; Communion Assistant: Doug Dudgeon; Hospitality Hosts: Kristi Sutton & Vicki Browning
Next Weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Vickie Bech
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Carol Fenner; Lay Reader: Carol Fenner; Hospitality Host: Jennie Harris
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Luanne & Tom Croker; Lay Reader: Linnea Chu; Communion Assistant: Linnea Chu; Hospitality Hosts: Miriam Barrenger & Linnea Chu