January 2 Announcements
Bible Study in January
The Rachel Circle Bible Study group will meet on Tuesday, January 7 at 10:00am.
The Women’s Book and Bible Study group will meet on Monday, January 13 at 9:30am.
A Co-Ed Bible study will take place on Tuesday, January 14 at 8:30am. Pr. Erin and Fred Truitt will offer the first of a three-part program on The Word of God: Three Manifestations, and the pleasure of your company is requested! The first session will explore the Word of God as it appears in liturgy. A new and welcome twist: the Women’s Book and Bible Study group will be joining the Men’s Bible Study group for this program and all are invited. Please plan to join them.
All Bible study groups meet in Fellowship Hall.
Youth Group
The monthly youth group schedule will resume in January, so mark your calendars! We meet on the second and fourth Sundays of the month from 3:00-5:00pm in Fellowship Hall unless otherwise specified. Our first monthly gathering is a time for fun and fellowship and our second monthly gathering is a time for bible study and confirmation instruction. All young people in grades 7-12 are warmly welcome and encouraged to attend both sessions, even if they've already been confirmed. There's always lots to talk about and fun to be had, so please join us! Our next meeting is Sunday, January 12 when we'll regroup and catch up after a long holiday break. Hope to see you there! Questions can be directed to Pr. Erin 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.
Thank you, Bethany Choir
Thank you to the Bethany Choir for enriching our worship experience on Sunday mornings throughout the fall and Advent season and especially at our 10:00pm Christmas Eve service. The choir will take a short break in January while our music director, Sylvia Cauter enjoys a well-earned vacation. Choir rehearsal will resume on Thursday, January 23 at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. Beginning January 29, the choir will rehearse at their regular Wednesday 7:00pm time in the Fellowship Hall. The choir welcomes new members. No audition needed, just come to a rehearsal!
Year End Statements
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.
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.
Order of Compline
The ecumenical Order of Compline is offered by the Men's Compline Choir this Sunday, January 5, at St. Cecelia's Church at 7:00pm. This service of contemplative night prayer, chant and song is a lovely way to close your weekend. It is typically offered on the first Sunday of the month.
Schola Nova Vespers
St. Barnabas’ Schola Nova invites you to Vespers on Sunday, January 12 at 6 p.m. Please join us for this contemplative service as we welcome the New Year. If you are a soprano or alto interested in singing, please contact Music Director Sheila Bristow at
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Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are provided by the Altar Guild. The 2025 Altar Flower signup sheet is available now on the hallway bulletin board. Please consider signing up for a weekend to provide altar flowers in honor or memory of a special person or event. You can check column A on the signup sheet and bring an arrangement. Or check column B to make a donation and have the Altar Guild provide the flowers.
Prayers are Requested: for Dave Christensen as he continues to recover from a fall; for Sylvia Cauter’s brother-in-law Steve who is failing rapidly and under hospice care.
Thank You to this weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Nancy Wetzler
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Joe Sommerseth; Lay Reader: Carol Fenner; Hospitality Host: Carol Fenner
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Debbie & Andy Rimkus; Lay Reader: Linnea Chu; Communion Assistant: Linnea Chu; Hospitality Hosts: Debbie & Andy Rimkus
Next Weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Dick Coar; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen; Hospitality Host: Jim Rohrscheib
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: David Swartling; Communion Assistant: Barbara Swartling; Hospitality Hosts: TBD