June 5 Announcements
Change in Communion Practice at Bethany
Beginning Sunday, June 8, Bethany will offer a choice in how you receive Communion. We are resuming the previous practice of offering Communion by Intinction – in which we receive the Communion wafer, then dip it gently into wine in the chalice, or grape juice in the rose-colored glass, before eating. If you prefer, the option of receiving the wafer, and taking wine or grape juice separately from individual cups, is also available. A tray containing these cups will be placed on a table near the Communion Assistant.
Congregational Meeting Update
Thanks to all who attended the special Congregational Meeting last Sunday. At least 50 members were present to receive information and participate in an animated discussion of our opportunity to install a solar system with battery backup at Bethany. Your enthusiastic vote to go forward affirmed our desire to bring green energy to our church buildings. Stay tuned for updates as the process moves forward in the coming weeks. The installation will tentatively take place in late August/early September.
Call Committee Update
In case you missed their announcement last Sunday, the Call Committee has received five applications for the role of Bethany’s next pastor. The applications were forwarded by Rev. Andrew Yee, assistant to the bishop for the Northwest Synod. Rev. Yee has spoken extensively with each candidate. The Call Committee has reviewed and discussed all the applications and plans to start the interviewing process on June 10th. They will be interviewing all five candidates this month. They are looking forward to getting to know each of them beyond their written applications. All of the candidates have great backgrounds! The Call Committee will be updating the congregation regularly over the summer as the interview process progresses.
Interfaith Council – Bainbridge North Kitsap (IFC-BINK) Scholarship Award
Our own Bainbridge High School graduating senior, Shawna Smith is a winner of a 2025 IFC-BINK Bob Satterwhite Memorial Scholarship. Shawna was nominated for the scholarship by Pr. Erin Grayson based on her academic dedication, her commitment to community service and her natural gift for working with children. Shawna plans to study elementary education at the University of Washington after graduation. Congratulations, Shawna!
June Bible Study
The Women’s Book and Bible Study group will have a Potluck lunch on Monday, June 9 at 11:00am. The potluck will take place at the home of Helen Stoll. Please bring a dish to share and any books or suggestions you think the group would enjoy reading over the summer or studying next fall. For more information on the potluck contact Alice McCain at
. The Men’s Bible Study group will meet on Tuesday, June 10 at 8:30am in the fellowship hall.
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.
Martha & Mary Auction
There is still one more day to join in the Auction fun! Log on to marthaandmary.org to view items and register to bid. The auction began on May 30 and ends tomorrow, June 6 at 8:00 pm. Proceeds from the 2025 Generations of Care fundraiser, Supporting Life’s Simple Pleasures for Children and Seniors, will help update kitchen equipment that serves 2-3 meals a day to over 300 residents and children. Martha and Mary: Caring for Children and Seniors Since 1891!
Eagle Scout Project
Allie Paulson-Houser is a candidate for Eagle Scout and she needs your help! Allie's Eagle Scout Project is building a Little Free Library for children at Helpline House and she is looking for children's books. If you'd like to donate it would be greatly appreciated and donating used books is not only okay but encouraged. The age range of books could be anything from board books through middle grade reader books. Let’s all help Allie make this a successful Eagle Scout Project and a wonderful resource for children.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers for this Sunday are provided by the Altar Guild in celebration of Pentecost.
Thank You to this weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Kathy Dudgeon
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Barbara & David Swartling; Lay Reader: Claire Dasler; Communion Assistant: Rachel Pritchett; Hospitality Hosts: Cake and Coffee to celebrate Pentecost and the Birth of the Church, hosted by the Worship and Music Team
Next Weekend’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Kathy Dudgeon
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Luanne & Tom Croker; Lay Reader: Benay Nordby; Communion Assistant: Linnea Chu; Hospitality: Linnea Chu & Nancy Wetzler
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.