November 10 Announcements
The November newsletter is now available for your reading pleasure. Click here or pick up a copy on the hallway table.
Faith Formation: This week's Sunday School lesson is centered on Isaiah 65:17-25 when God promises to "do a new thing" in the lives of people who had endured much hardship and suffering. We'll talk about how God's promise to "do a new thing" means transforming hardship to hope. We'll ask ourselves when our lives have been transformed for the better. And taking it a step further, we'll think together about ways we can be partners with God in "doing a new thing," by walking with our neighbors and friends, recognizing hardship and transforming it into hope. Come join us for learning, conversation, good company, and of course, yummy snacks!
In Adult Education, we'll begin a two-session study on the subject of gratitude, based on Diana Butler Bass' book, Gratitude: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks. Each session will begin with a short video followed by discussion. Please join us right after worship in the back of the fellowship hall. All are welcome. Please join us!
Nursery is open for our youngest faith family members. We are temporarily located in the education building. Children up to age four are welcome!
Transgender Day of Remembrance: Did you know that November is Transgender Awareness Month? Throughout the month, people are invited to learn more about transgender issues, and to set aside some time to honor the lives of transgender people who have been killed in the last year in hate crimes, or who have taken their own lives because of the oppression they faced just by living into their true identities.
Bainbridge Island neighbor, Eve Palay, is inviting faith communities to participate in Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) by reading ten names of trans people lost over the past year, so to "make visible the most invisible; people whose lives and deaths were too often brushed aside." Here at Bethany, we will read ten names in worship this weekend, and light candles to honor the lives of trans people lost over the past year.
On Nov 20 at 4:00pm, Eve will hosting a public reading of names at BIMA followed by a panel discussion of interfaith leaders who will reflect on how to hold both gratitude for life, and sorrow for loss. All are welcome to join the observance and discussion, it's free of charge.
2023 Stewardship Campaign: 2023 Stewardship materials have been mailed, including a Pledge Card and Time and Talent Survey. In this season of thanksgiving, please return your thanks for the Bethany community by mailing or dropping off your Pledge Card and Time and Talent Survey by Sunday, November 27.
2023 Flower Chart: The flower sign-up sheet for 2023 is now posted on the hall bulletin board. Now is the time to choose your special weekends to provide flowers for the altar. Instructions are on the sheets. Questions? Contact Rachel Pritchett at (206) 498-0920 or . Thank you.
A Huge Thank You: Debbie Rimkus thanks all of you for your prayers and best wishes for her beautiful, new granddaughter, Marin Rose LaVoy. She was very grateful to be able take time off to welcome Marin to the world and help new parents Sarah Rimkus and Thomas LaVoy get started.
Returning to the Sanctuary: We are getting close to returning to our sanctuary! Carpet installation has begun and, after a slight delay, should be completed next week. Plan now to attend church Sunday, November 20, hopefully in our newly updated sanctuary. Then stay for a celebration lunch following worship. In order to have an idea of numbers for the lunch, please sign up by calling Debbie or adding your name(s) to the sign-up sheet on the hallway bulletin board. Please note – there will be no Saturday service on November 19 so that we can celebrate the return to the sanctuary together.
Thanksgiving Eve Service: Bethany will offer a service of Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 23 at 7pm. This service will include a lovely Thanksgiving litany and special music by the Bethany Choir.
Women’s Schola of Bainbridge Island: Women’s Schola will sing the Office of Evensong at 6 pm on Sunday, November 13, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Come hear traditional plainsong, anthems, psalms, and chants, and let the grace of sung prayer refresh you for the week to come.
Amabile Holiday Concert: The Amabile Choir of Bainbridge will be presenting "Songs of Hope, Joy, and Peace" on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, Dec. 3 at 3 PM and 7:30 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church. Tickets can be purchased from Sylvia Cauter or an Amabile member or at Dana's or online at amabilechoir.org. Please invite your family and friends to join us for an evening of beautiful holiday music.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are given by Barbara and David Swartling in honor of their 52nd wedding anniversary.
Thank You to this weekend's Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling & Vickie Bech
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Carol Fenner; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen; Hospitality Hosts: Gail & Dave Christensen
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Barbara & David Swartling; Lay Reader: David Swartling; Communion Assistant: Barbara Swartling; Hospitality Hosts: Nancy Wetzler & Maria Marsala
Next weekend's Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Nancy Wetzler
Saturday 5:00pm – No Saturday Service
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Debbie & Andy Rimkus; Lay Reader: Tom Newlon; Communion Assistant: Vicki Browning; Hospitality Hosts: Celebration Luncheon