January 30 Announcements
2025 Bethany Annual Meeting
The annual meeting takes place after the 10:00am service this Sunday, February 2. Materials for this meeting were emailed earlier this week and paper copies will be available in the fellowship hall. Please note – There will be no 5:00pm service on Saturday, February 1 so that we may worship together in advance of the annual meeting.
Opportunity to Serve at Bethany
As we prepare to call a new pastor, lay leadership will be especially important in the upcoming year. Our church council will provide support and collaborate with our new pastor, and also provide continuity for the congregation. The current church council and nominating committee invite anyone who is interested in serving on council or in other leadership positions to contact Kristi Sutton, a member of the congregation council and nominating committee at
. Let’s start demonstrating now our commitment to a strong and vibrant Bethany community!
February Bible Study
The Rachel Circle Bible Study group will meet on Tuesday, February 4 at 10:00am. Study materials are available on the small table in the Library. The Women’s Book and Bible Study group will meet on Monday, February 10 at 9:30. For the next few months they will be reading and discussing “Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most” by Marcus Borg. The combined Men’s and Women’s Bible Study will meet on Tuesday, February 11 at 8:30 for the second of their three-month series on exploring the Word of God as it appears in liturgy. Everyone is welcome to attend even if you couldn’t make the January session. All Bible study groups meet in fellowship hall.
Save The Date!
February 8 is Family Game Night at Bethany. Starting after the 5:00 service, there will be pizza and other treats and a variety of games to choose from (or bring your favorite). There will be games for kids and adults. You may attend the service and stay for the fun or just come in time to play. Feel free to bring guests to join us!
A Note of Gratitude from Linda Sommerseth
Thank you! Words cannot express how grateful I am for your support. Your prayers, cards and friendship are a precious gift, and I cherish it deeply.
2024 Year End Statements
The 2024 Year End Giving Statements are in the mail! If you do not receive yours in the next few days, contact Debbie in the office and she will send a duplicate. For any questions on your giving statement, contact Kristi Sutton at
.
Office Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Debbie is heading out of town today for a quick warm weather getaway. She will be back in the office on Wednesday, February 5.
Synod News
In collaboration with other ELCA bishops in our region, Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee, Bishop of the Northwest Washington Synod, has composed a letter in response to the new administration's executive orders on immigration. Bishop Wee is committed to sharing information, opportunities for learning, and advocacy efforts with congregations as we move forward. You can access her letter on Bethany's website (www.bethanyofbainbridge.org) or by clicking https://conta.cc/3WvtSrh
LiVE Project Retreat
“Embracing Differences” will be the focus of a retreat led by Fred Oduyoye, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Everett. This is part of the Northwest Washington Synod’s LiVE Project that Bethany subscribes to, so there is no charge. Oduyoye, from Ohio, is a leading nationwide voice on racism and reconciliation; this retreat is not to be missed. Lunch is included. Lay-minister candidate Rachel Pritchett is forming a carpool. Contact her at (206) 498-0920.
News from Martha and Mary
A huge bouquet of thanks to Bethany for providing such wonderful Christmas gifts for the Martha and Mary residents. Everyone was touched by the thoughtful care put into each item making them very personal. With such a spirit of generosity, so much joy was shared! Thank you! Thank you!
And volunteers are needed! If you have a song to sing, an instrument to play, the residents always appreciate special entertainment to brighten their days. If you have a few hours a week to spare, we are hoping to reopen the Gift Shop (closed since Covid) where residents can purchase small gifts or snacks. While there will be some staff hours provided, volunteers are needed to help out. Please contact Benay Nordby or Linnea Chu if you are interested in any of these ways to serve our neighbors.
Please mark your calendars now for our 2025 Generations of Care fundraising Gala for June 5, 2025. More information to come.
2025 Interfaith Advocacy Day
The 2025 Interfaith Advocacy Day, sponsored by Faith Action Network (FAN), will be on Thursday, February 20, 9:00am – 3:00pm at The United Churches of Olympia, 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia WA. The Interfaith Advocacy Day brings the voices of compassion and justice to our elected leaders. Meeting with your legislators and their staff on this day is putting your faith into action!
On Interfaith Advocacy Day, you will be able to:
- Join plenaries and workshops that will explore the issues on FAN's 2024 Legislative Agenda.
- Meet with advocates from your legislative district to prepare for your legislative visits.
- Meet with your legislator or their legislative assistant! If you register by February 3, FAN will set up an appointment for you and others from your district.
- Lunch will be provided.
Don’t miss this important day in Olympia! Registration deadline is February 3. Attendance is limited to 200 participants due to regulations at The United Churches of Olympia. Attendees are encouraged sign up to guarantee a spot. For more information and to register to attend, visit https://fanwa.org/event/interfaith-advocacy-day-2025/.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are provided by the Altar Guild.
Prayers are Requested: for the Rev. Ezron Kapolo who died on January 22 in Namibia and for his family who mourn his death. Rev. Kapolo and his family were longtime friends of Rachel and Lloyd Pritchett.
Thank You to this weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Linnea Chu & Alice McCain
Saturday 5:00pm – No 5:00pm Service
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Alice & Bruce McCain; Lay Reader: Rachel Pritchett; Communion Assistant: Rachel Pritchett; Hospitality Hosts: Bethany Council hosts for the Annual Meeting!
Next Weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Joe Sommerseth; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen; Hospitality Host: Jennie Harris
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Noreen Sievertson; Communion Assistant: Jeff Sievertson; Hospitality Hosts: Noreen & Jeff Sievertson