October 23 Announcements
A Thank You to the Bethany Community
Pr. Martin, Shelly and Shelly’s mom Bonnie are grateful for the very warm welcome they received last Sunday. They are looking forward to many more joy-filled Sundays and getting to know the Bethany community. Pr. Martin will be away this Sunday celebrating the 50th anniversary of his former congregation in Alaska. Pr. Kristy will be leading worship this Sunday, Reformation Sunday.
Commitment Sunday
This Sunday, October 26, is Commitment Sunday. You should have received your commitment card in the mail. Prayerfully consider what your giving for 2026 will be, giving that goes well beyond the walls of Bethany and out into a world in need. Enter that amount on your commitment card, which also will offer an opportunity to give to Bethany's flush fund. Please bring your cards to church on Commitment Sunday to place in the offering plate. Cards after that can be brought to church or mailed to Bethany, 7968 Finch Road NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. A giant and heartfelt thank you again this year for your generosity. See you on Commitment Sunday! - The Stewardship Committee - Jim Rohrscheib, Barbara Swartling, Rachel Pritchett
It Takes a Village!
To create 106 LWR school kits! On Sunday October 19, Bethany members did just that. It was a joy to see folks of all ages line up in the Parish Hall, before a pizza lunch, to fill book bags with supplies that were laid out by category. The filled book bags will soon be shipped to Lutheran World Relief in Baltimore and then given to children in need so that they can attend school and succeed.
This could not have happened without the help of so many. Book bags were sewn by volunteers with donated fabric, most of the school supplies were given by caring individuals, lunch was prepared and served by Bethany’s Fellowship Committee, and volunteers stepped up to lay out supplies and supervise Sunday’s activities. In addition, Thrivent Financial (Thrivent.com) gave a $250 Action Team grant which helped to purchase needed supplies and lunch treats.
That’s quite a village! Our appreciation goes out to everyone involved. And if you missed out, remember there’s always next year.
Donations towards Quilt/Kit Shipping Costs
Joe Sommerseth and Stan Wigman will once again be taking the boxes of quilts and kits over to Seattle for delivery to Lutheran World Relief. You can still support Rachel Circle by making a donation to help with the shipping costs. Look for a donation envelope on the table in the narthex. Please note Rachel Circle or LWR Shipping in the memo field on a check. Any amount is welcome and all donations go to LWR to cover the shipping costs.
Bible Study in November
The Rachel Circle Bible Study group will meet on Tuesday, November 4 at 10:00am followed by quilting. The Women’s Book & Bible Study group will meet on Monday, November 10 at 9:30am. Both Bible study groups meet in fellowship hall.
Pastor Martin would like to begin offering additional Bible study opportunities. He invites anyone interested to come on Tuesday, November 11 at 9:00am. Bring your thoughts on Bible study topics, meeting times, frequency, etc. All are welcome to attend this first Bible study with Pr. Martin and information gathering session.
Open Position at Bethany
As Debbie noted last week, she and Andy will be starting life as retirees in January, 2026. The Executive Committee has met and begun the search for Bethany’s next church administrator. You can view the position description by clicking here. If you, or someone you know, would like to apply for the position, send a resume and cover letter to
LiVE Project Retreat
Come join in an exciting and informative retreat titled "Practicing Faith in a Woven Way," with speaker Bishop Leila Ortiz, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 1, at Grace Lutheran Church of Des Moines or on Zoom. The day of learning, fellowship and fun is sponsored by the LIVE Project of the Northwest Washington Synod. The cost is $50 per person; lunch is included. Register at lutheransnw.org. A carpool from Bethany is planned. If you would like to carpool to the retreat, email Debbie at
Operation Boot Strap 60th Anniversary Party
Barbara Deines was lucky enough to attend Operation Bootstrap Africa's 60th Anniversary Party in Minneapolis on September 27. It was a wonderful event. (Stephen missed it because he was at his 60th high school reunion!). Glory Godwin was a featured speaker; she gave a stirring speech about the importance of girls' education. She will start her graduate program in public health at George Washington in January - thanks in part to the support of the Bethany congregation - through prayers and donations. The Bethany community has long supported Operation Boot Strap through our endowment fund.
Stephens House Open House and Fundraiser
Stephens House invites the Bethany community to stop by their Open House on Saturday, November 1, 3:00-6:00pm. Come meet their staff and learn more about their mission and how you might support it. The Open House serves as a fundraiser for the program. A suggested donation of $20 will be much appreciated.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers for this Sunday are provided by the Altar Guild in celebration of Reformation Sunday.
Thank You to this Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Barbara & David Swartling; Lay Reader: Rachel Pritchett; Communion Assistants: Rachel Pritchett & Doug Dudgeon; Hospitality Hosts: Debbie & Andy Rimkus
Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Kathy Dudgeon
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistants: Linnea Chu & Carol Fenner; Hospitality Hosts: Kristi Sutton & Barbara Deines
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.