November 9 Announcements
Faith Formation: This week in Sunday School we'll hear the story of the widow of Nain and how Jesus showed compassion and mercy for her when she was grieving for her son. We'll learn that by practicing the same kind of empathy Jesus showed, we become more aware of how we can be helpful to those around us. Together, we'll imagine ways we can practice empathy with others in our lives. Join us for discussion, good company, crafts, and a yummy snack! Children are invited to join the Sunday School teacher at the back of the sanctuary after the children's message in worship. The teacher will accompany kids to the education building. In addition to the Children's Corner in the sanctuary, nursery care is also available on the upper level of the education building. Please be sure to register your children at drop-off.
Please join us for Adult Education after worship in the sanctuary when we'll welcome Barbara Deines, author of Sleepy Eye Dreams. Sleepy Eye was the name of a Dakota chief and is the name of the Minnesota town her father grew up in. The book is available anywhere books are sold - including Eagle Harbor Books. If there are no more on the shelf, they can be ordered. Barbara will share with us about her inspiration for the book, the process of writing it, and what it means to her to be able to tell her family's story. Come for what promises to be a great discussion--and who knows, maybe you'll leave inspired to write your own story!
Holden Evening Prayer: Our next Holden Evening Prayer service will be this Saturday, November 11 at 5:00pm
November Impact Gathering: Come for our next Impact Gathering this Sunday, Nov. 12 from 4:00-5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Being the "official" season of Thanksgiving, we'll be doing a "Bring-Your-Favorite-Thanksgiving-Side-Dish" potluck (no turkey, just sides and desserts). We also invite you to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item to contribute to the food bank. Join us for a festive gathering when we will give thanks, break bread, pray, and offer ourselves as the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Please let Pastor Erin know if you think you might attend.
November Bible Study: The Women’s Bible Study and Book Group will meet on Monday, November 13 at 9:30am. The Men’s Bible Study Group will meet on Tuesday, November 14 at 8:00am. All Bible Study groups meet in fellowship hall.
Confirmation Class: The next confirmation class will be held Monday, November 13 at 2:00pm. Students should meet Pastor Paul at the Woodward Middle School office.
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!
An Affordable Housing Vision Coming Into Focus: Last Sunday a second gathering at Bethany took an initial look at three preliminary drawings prepared by architect consultant Jonathan Davis showing what an affordable housing community could look like on Bethany’s property. His work was inspired by the conversation (and work with Legos!) at a prior gathering in early October. After an initial presentation on Sunday, participants took time to more closely examine each potential layout and provide written feedback. The same three drawings are available for review at Bethany along with comment cards on which you can indicate what you like and dislike about each possibility.
In addition, the pre-application process for a Finch Green LLC project has been officially initiated with the City of Bainbridge Island! Stay tuned as the long-time vision for affordable housing on Bethany property moves closer to reality!
A Community Conversation on Homelessness: Gregg Colburn, author of Homelessness Is a Housing Problem, is back with another book talk on the island, this time with an introduction by HRB Executive Director Phedra Elliott. If you missed his talk last May as part of our series, perhaps you’ll catch him now. At HRB, we were feeling the energy from that event for months after — so much good information and so many surprises, leaving attendees with a new perspective on the problem of homelessness and new hope for what we can achieve when we identify its root causes. The free talk takes place on Thursday, November 16, 7:30pm at Stan Pocock Rowing Center.
Faith Action Network (FAN) Annual Dinner: FAN is an advocacy organization with which Bethany has been long associated, and Bethany members have a tradition of attending their annual advocacy day and their annual dinner. The annual dinner this year takes place in Renton, on Sunday, November 19, with a 4:30 social hour and a 5:30 dinner. Those interested in attending in person or via Zoom may register online at FANWA.org/Annual-Dinner. If you are attending in person and would like to perhaps share a table, contact Alice McCain.
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!
Finding Joy: The First Church of Christ, Scientist are hosting a talk on “Finding Joy, Health, Hope for All”. Joy can seem fleeting – or even nonexistent. But it’s actually fundamental to our nature – unshakable, because it rests on a dependable good. The talk takes place at the Bainbridge Public Library on Saturday, November 11 at 11:00am. All are welcome.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are given by Wayne Daley in celebration of his 87th birthday.
Thank You to this weekend's Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Jim Rohrscheib; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen: Hospitality Host: Jennie Harris
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Nancy & Harry Wetzler; Lay Reader: Harry Wetzler; Communion Assistant: Vicki Browning; Hospitality Host: Miriam Barrenger & Alice McCain
Next 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