July 10 Announcements
Septic System Update
The additional water damage mitigation work is done and dry standard in the Women’s and Men’s restrooms has been met. The next step is restoration of the upstairs restrooms, and the flooring and ceiling in the choir room. Due to the cost of the water damage mitigation and restoration work, we will be submitting an insurance claim. The restoration work cannot start until our insurance claims representative receives a report from the insurance adjuster. The report will detail the scope of work and estimated cost. It may take a few weeks to receive the go ahead from the insurance company and have the restoration work done. During this time, the upstairs restrooms will not be available. On Sundays, the lower level restroom and the restroom in the Education Building will be available for use. We will continue to have Sunday morning worship and fellowship after the service although the fellowship hour may be a little more limited in scope and take place in the breezeway between the buildings (and between the two available restrooms!) weather permitting.
A Note from Sonja Selboe
My dear Bethanians, A belated thank you for the loving support during my hospitalization and time at Martha and Mary. It was my first extended experience being in the hands of the medical world. You brought sunshine, lovely flowers, and cards to lift my spirits. Gratefully yours, Sonja Selboe
Congregational Meeting on July 20
The Bethany Council has scheduled a special congregational meeting to be held following worship on Sunday, July 20. The purpose of the meeting is to authorize Finch Green’s architect, Jonathan Davis, to submit the preliminary plat for the Finch Green affordable housing project to the City of Bainbridge Island for approval, and to ratify unbudgeted expenses associated with the septic system repair and water damage work. Barbara Swartling will be available after worship this Sunday to answer questions about the septic repair expenses, and David Swartling will be available to answer questions about the preliminary plat application. Materials for the meeting are available on the table in narthex.
Call Committee Update
The Zoom interview process has been completed and the Call Committee is now identifying the candidate(s) they would like to interview in person. They hope to complete the interview process in the next few weeks. If you have airline miles that you would be willing to donate towards the in-person interview process, please contact Tim Carlsen at
. The Call Committee is grateful for the trust and faith the Bethany community has shown during the search process and looks forward to sharing exciting updates soon.
CROP Walk
The CROP Hunger Walk is a nationwide movement sponsored by Church World Service (CWS) to raise funds to end hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world. Hundreds of religious groups, businesses, schools and others organize local Walk events in their communities each year, while others join the National Walk and choose their own location and experience. With leadership from a committed group of Bainbridge Island-North Kitsap Interfaith Council (BINK IFC) folks over time, BINK IFC has participated for many years and raised a significant amount for hunger relief. CWS has received 75% of those funds, with the remaining 25% going locally to Helpline House and Fishline. This year the need is even greater, and BINK IFC is looking for new and better ways to address growing food insecurity. We need to get started planning and the first step is to identify team leaders who could help with planning and spreading the word in our congregations. Our local CROP Walk event will take place the last week in September culminating with the CROP/DANCE on Sunday, Sept. 28th. Are you ready to sign up, share the fun, and be a TEAM LEADER for our Week to Feed Our Neighbors? If so, contact Debbie in the office for more information:
Pastoral Care at Bethany
Pastor Kristy Daniels and Pastor Erin continue to be available for Pastoral Care for congregants during this transition period. If you have a pastoral care need, please email or call the church office and Debbie will assist you. If Debbie is not there to take your call, leave a message or call the number provided for emergencies.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers for this Sunday are given by Rev. Marty and Claire Dasler in celebration of their wedding anniversary.
Thank You to this Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Barbara & David Swartling; Lay Reader: Claire Dasler; Communion Assistants: Lynn Nordby & Tim Carlsen; Hospitality Hosts: Benay & Lynn Nordby
Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen; Communion Assistants: Carol Fenner & Linnea Chu; Hospitality: Becci Kerstetter & Andy Rimkus
Bethany is a Reconciling in Christ congregation, which is an affirmation of welcome that specifically names people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, and also expresses a commitment to racial equity.