October 27 Announcements
Faith Formation: In Sunday school we'll explore how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of Jesus' followers through the well known story of Zacchaeus, the man who climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus more clearly and then hosted Jesus in his home. We'll ask ourselves how we can "host" Jesus in the homes of our hearts, and how we can learn to make fewer assumptions about people, seeing them as Jesus sees us--through the eyes of the heart. Join us for a fun lesson, sharing time, prayer, crafts, snacks and more!
The following Sunday, Nov. 6, is All Saint's Day. There will be no Sunday school on that day; instead children are invited to stay in worship as we remember and honor the saints in our lives who have died over the following year.
Blessing of the Rachel Circle Quilts & Kits: This weekend (October 29th and 30th), we will be blessing the quilts, baby kits, and school kits that we will be sending to Lutheran World Relief the following week. Join us in celebrating the beautiful work of these very talented women and rejoice in the blessings that we are able to share. Envelopes will be provided for donations to help with our shipping costs. We also are in desperate need of MEDIUM size boxes for shipping the quilts and kits. If you are able to help with this need, please bring the boxes to the church by October 31st.
Reformation Sunday: Be sure to wear red this weekend (October 29th and 30th) as we celebrate Reformation Sunday. Red is the liturgical color that represents the Holy Spirit and the martyrs of the Christian church.
All Saints Day: Next weekend, November 5th & 6th, we will celebrate All Saints Day, with candles and prayers. Please feel free to bring a photo of a loved one who has died to place on a table as you light a candle in remembrance.
New Member Sunday: We will receive and celebrate new members on Sunday, November 13. Bethany has a number of people who have expressed interest in being received as new members, and we are looking forward to celebrating this in gathering! In advance of this, we will have an ‘orientation’ to share with potential new members ‘all things Bethany.’ Pastors Paul and Erin will meet with this group on Thursday, November 10, from 6:00-7:30pm, including pizza and salad, for introductions and conversation. Please contact Pastor Paul if you would like to join this group, AND if another time to meet individually would be preferable. or 206-842-4241
Sanctuary Project Update: We are getting close to returning to our sanctuary! Painting is done, the lights are installed, and carpeting is happening this week. Watch for details about celebrating the completion of this project. The photo below is a reminder of how the sanctuary looked before the update.
Supporting Martha & Mary: Our non-profit, senior care partners, Martha & Mary in Poulsbo, are planning an extra special holiday for the 100+ seniors in their care. Bethany hopes to help meet that goal by providing the following Christmas wish list items:
10 large gift bags (approximately 14” x 20”)
10 2023 calendars (12” x 12”)
10 large print word search and/or crossword puzzle books/magazines
5 men’s razor kits (such as the Gillette ProGlide),
5 packs (3 count) big, fluffy socks with non-skid feet. (Good quality socks survive their commercial wash cycles best)
Donations can be dropped off at the Bethany office. Martha & Mary hopes to have all donations in by November 11.
Altar Flowers: The altar flowers this weekend are provided by the Altar Guild in celebration of Reformation Sunday.
Prayers are Requested: For Sonja Selboe, who is in the hospital for observation and possible treatment for a blood clot in the brain; for Pastor Erin’s friend, Pastor Dale Chesley, who was diagnosed with oral cancer on Thursday.
Thank You to this weekend's Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Carol Fenner
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Jim Rohrscheib; Lay Reader: Carol Fenner; Hospitality Hosts: Ron & Carol Fenner
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Harry & Nancy Wetzler; Lay Reader: Harry Wetzler; Communion Assistant: Vicki Browning; Hospitality Hosts: Kristi Sutton & Karen Kushner
Next weekend's Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
Saturday 5:00pm – Greeter/Usher: Joe Sommerseth; Lay Reader: Barbara Michael; Hospitality Hosts: Veronika & Jim Rohrscheib
Sunday 10:00am – Greeters/Ushers: Alice & Bruce McCain; Lay Reader: Marcy Daley; Communion Assistant: Wayne Daley; Hospitality Hosts: Kristi Sutton & Vicki Browning