November 16 Announcements
Faith Formation: Join us for Sunday school this week when we'll learn about all the ways Jesus heals people just by showing compassion. Sometimes, he even has to break rules to show people the love of God! We'll imagine together ways we might be compassionate to those around us even if others say it's the "wrong" thing to do. We'll also enjoy snacks and other fun activities. Children are invited to join the Sunday school teacher after the children's message in worship to walk together to the education building. There will be no Sunday school on November 26 due to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Join us for a special Adult Education offering after worship on Sunday, November 19, in the Sanctuary. In the spirit of Thanksgiving and keeping the peace at family gatherings around the table, we'll learn together how to talk across the divide. Have you ever begun to have a conversation with your favorite Uncle only to be flabbergasted by his opinion on something you adamantly disagree with? How do you continue the conversation in a peaceful, meaningful way without sacrificing your own opinion or the relationship? There is a way! Come learn about some conversational tools to use when you have hard conversations--and have a little fun trying them out in a role-playing activity.
Transgender Day of Remembrance: Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is observed yearly on November 20. The Rainbow Crew Northwest, a nonprofit resource for the LGBTQ community, invites area churches and temples to read aloud a short list of names of Transgender people who died by violence or suicide in the last year. To honor those who have died, we will read the names of five individuals and light a candle on the altar during our prayers at worship services this weekend. People of faith are also welcome to attend a TDoR ceremony at BIMA at 5:00 to convey a message of hope for local trans youth and their families.
Thanksgiving Eve Service: Bethany will offer a service of Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 22 at 7:00pm. The service includes a Thanksgiving litany and special music by the choir. It is also an opportunity to enjoy our beautiful Thanksgiving altar, decorated by altar guild members Whitney Lane, Linnea Chu, Barbara Swartling, Vickie Bech, and Ruth Bartunek. Thank you!
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service: Gratitude is a universal virtue of faith, and every year on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, we gather together to worship in our unique ways. Every Interfaith Council member organization is asked to contribute in some way: Song, Prayer, Scripture, Silent Meditation, and more. The 2023 Interfaith Thanksgiving service takes place on Tuesday, November 21, 7:00pm at the Church of Jesus Christ, Latter-Day Saints. This family-friendly event is a simple way to learn more about the faith of your neighbors. All are welcome.
Advent at Bethany: Advent begins on Sunday, December 3 and children and families are invited to participate in worship throughout the Advent season. If your child/young person and/or whole family are interested in lighting the Advent candles during worship, please let Pastor Erin know. Please note there will be no Sunday school during the Advent season so that we can all worship together during this special season.
Advent Fair: Plan now to stay after worship on Sunday, December 3 for Bethany’s annual Advent Fair! We'll enjoy seasonal crafts and festive snacks as we prepare ourselves for Advent, the season of waiting and preparation. All are invited to participate--there's something for everyone, including interactive Advent calendars, take-home devotionals, and a light catcher craft. Folks who attend the Saturday evening service are welcome to come Sunday morning for the Advent Fair. Please join us!
Impact Gathering: November's Impact, "Bring-Your-Favorite-Thanksgiving-Side-Dish Potluck," was a great success! We enjoyed hearing stories about family Thanksgiving traditions, and tasted some new and familiar dishes. We also added to the Helpline House food donations basket for our neighbors. For December's Impact gathering, we invite you to join us on Sunday, December 3 after worship for the Advent Fair for fun crafts, snacks and other activities to prepare for Advent. (Please note we will not meet in the late afternoon as usual).
Amabile Concerts: The Amabile Choir presents "Songs For a Winter's Night" at Bethany Lutheran Church on Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, Dec. 2 at 3 PM & 7:30 PM. Tickets are on sale at amabilechoir.org and at Dana's on Bainbridge. The Choir looks forward to sharing their holiday music with you!
Compline Services: Compline services are being offered again on the first Sunday of the month at St Cecelia’s Church at 7:00pm. The next Compline service is on December 3.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are given by Barbara and David Swartling in celebration of their 53rd wedding anniversary.
Thank You to this weekend's Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Linnea Chu (Saturday); Alice McCain (Sunday)
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Dick Coar; Lay Reader: Rachel Pritchett: Hospitality Host: Marlene & Al Orwiler
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Linda Knudsen; Communion Assistant: Vicki Browning; Hospitality Host: Benay & Lynn Nordby
Next weekend's Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Kathy Dudgeon
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Joe Sommerseth; Lay Reader: Jennie Harris: Hospitality Host: Carol Fenner
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Debbie & Andy Rimkus; Lay Reader: Linnea Chu; Communion Assistant: Linnea Chu; Hospitality Host: Debbie & Andy Rimkus