June 20 Announcements
Faith Formation
Sunday school is pausing for the summer and will resume in September. Over the summer months, we'll have several "Playground and Popsicle Sundays" when children are invited down to the playground to enjoy fellowship and a cool summer treat! Our first Playground and Popsicle Sunday will be Sunday, June 30. Kids will be escorted to the playground after the Children's Message in worship and supervised by an adult and teen volunteer at the playground. You may pick up your child directly after worship. Please note that a Sunday school registration form is required.
We are pleased to welcome Eve Palay and Anne Lovejoy on Sunday, June 30 for a special Adult Forum in honor of Pride month. Anne and Eve will share important information about services in our community for LGBTQ+ people and their families, and how people of faith can support them. We'll talk about a number of issues in an "interview" format, leaving plenty of time for your questions. Please join us after worship in Fellowship Hall for what promises to be an informative and enjoyable learning experience.
Bethany's new Youth Group will meet for a "School's Out!" BBQ on Sunday, June 23, from 3-5 pm at the church (outdoors, weather permitting). We'll celebrate the end of the school year, and our recently baptized and confirmed students - and welcome new students to our group. Rising 7-12th graders are welcome to join us and to bring a friend. We'll have hot dogs, chips and dip, watermelon, and a group favorite, brownies! There will be plenty of time to hang-out and socialize, but we'll also reserve some time to plan for the rest of summer and into the fall - including activities and confirmation preparation. Come for fun and to meet new friends! Questions? Be in touch with Pastor Erin at .
Transition Surveys
Last weekend the Transition Team provided a survey on the State of the Bethany Congregation. They encourage everyone to complete the survey and return it to the box marked “Transition Survey” on the nametag table in the narthex. Our transition facilitator, Pr. Hahn will be with us again on Saturday, July 13 and members of your Transition Team will be available that Saturday and Sunday to offer you the opportunity to ask questions and respond to the survey. The opinions, comments, ideas and suggestions that you offer will be part of the report that the Call Committee will use to call a pastor to Bethany. Copies of the survey are available on the nametag table in the narthex or from the manila pocket attached to the Transition Bulletin Board in the fellowship hall. You can also view one to print at home by clicking here. If you would like the survey to be mailed to you, contact Debbie at info@bethanyofbainbridge or 206-842-4241. The Transition Team hopes everyone will complete and return the survey by mid-July. There will be an opportunity to discuss and amend the snapshot of Bethany later this summer after the results of the survey have been tabulated and summarized.
Bethany Cares
Thanks to everyone who filled out a Bethany Cares survey over the past weeks. Linda Knudson has used your responses to form a new "Bethany Cares" team (similar to the Caring Hearts group in years past). The team will provide care and outreach to members of the congregation who may enjoy a visit or a meal, need a ride, or various other tasks done. Pastor Erin works closely with this team and is available for all pastoral needs, including emergencies. If you have a need, or know of someone who may, please contact the church office or Pastor Erin who will assess the situation and, when appropriate, pass along the request to the team. Bethany Cares! What a great name for a congregation who takes good care of each other.
Pie Weekend
Due to popular demand—it's back. Pie Weekend at Bethany on July 6 & 7 after the services. Treat your friends and family to your favorite pie (or pie-related) dessert. Fruits, nuts, meringues, chiffons, crisps, crusts, crumbs, we will love it all. No problem if there are left-overs as people can take some home for even more enjoyment. Nothing says Happy Independence Day more than home-made pie!
Stephen's House
We are pleased to welcome Stephen's House, also known as Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation, to the Bethany basement space in August! (To learn more, please click here to read the letter sent to the congregation which explains the rental agreement between the church and Stephen's house in detail.) The move-in will involve a serious clean-up of the basement. We're fortunate to have a generous Building and Grounds committee who have helped develop a plan for the clean-up and volunteered to organize work parties to get the job done! Some of the items that are no longer needed by the church and cannot be used by Stephen's House will be offered to members of the congregation on a first-come, first-serve basis. Whatever isn't claimed will be donated to Rotary Auction and other charitable organizations. Stay tuned for more details!
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are given by Kathy and Doug Dudgeon in celebration of Kathy’s and Doug’s 29th wedding anniversary and Grace’s and Brett’s birthdays.
Thank You to this weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Joe Sommerseth; Lay Reader: Jennie Harris; Hospitality Host: Jennie Harris
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: TBD; Lay Reader: Claire Dasler; Communion Assistant: Vicki Browning; Hospitality Hosts: Claire & Marty Dasler
Next Weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Charlene Selvar; Lay Reader: Carol Fenner; Hospitality Hosts: Veronika & Jim Rohrscheib
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Debbie & Andy Rimkus; Lay Reader: Andy Rimkus; Communion Assistant: Lynn Nordby; Hospitality Hosts: Benay & Lynn Nordby