Our blog

August 6 Announcements

Bethany office — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

BETHANY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday 8/9

Mon 8/10

Tuesday 8/11

Fri 8/14

Sat 8/15

10am Worship & Fellowship Hour

Rachel Circle Quilting 10am

Council Meeting 7pm

Bloodwork’s Northwest Blood Drive
Tomorrow, Friday August 7. There are still quite a few spots open!! https://donate.bloodworksnw.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/109333

Let’s Get Together!
This Saturday, August 8, at 5:30pm is the annual, not-to-be missed Bethany BBQ. Thanks to Vicki Browning we have a new, beautiful BBQ found at huge cost savings at the Rotary Auction. Please bring salads and sides (such as cheese slices, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, etc.) and your appetite. Hot dogs, burgers for both vegetarians and meat eaters, buns, and desserts will be provided. See you there!

Memorial for Carol Rohrscheib Gregory
Celebration of life for Carol Lee Hershberger (aka Rohrscheib aka Gregory) at St. Luke’s Episcopal in Tacoma at 1pm on Saturday August 15th. Reception to follow.
Location: St. Luke’s Episcopal 3601 N Gove St. Tacoma, WA. 98407
Carol passed away on 4/12/26 from complications during a medical procedure. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Seattlechildrens.org in memory of her son Bruce Rohrscheib.

BI Memory Café
This is a monthly gathering for people living with memory loss and their care partners, offering a welcoming place to socialize, enjoy engaging activities, and connect with others who understand their journey.
Our next session is August 21, and the Memory Café is open to anyone in the community experiencing memory loss and their care partner. This community program is a collaboration between Island Volunteer Caregivers, Housing Resources Bainbridge, Bainbridge Island Senior/Community Center, Aubin Aphasia, and Bloedel Reserve. Please note, this is not a drop-off program.

C'mon Aboard!
Join the bus(van) tour of Housing Resources Bainbridge properties on Sunday, August 23 You may see homes you never knew were part of HRB's mission. You will certainly see how homey and well-maintained they are. Soon there will be HRB homes on Bethany property - a long-held dream becomes reality! This is a great opportunity to see what built dreams look like. Sign up on the bulletin board. There are two time slots - one right after the church service and one a half hour later. See you on board!

Update on Women's Retreat
Join Bethany and Vinland women for a retreat focused on our role in preserving the environment. From stewardship at a Biblical level to nature walks, to crafts, to spotlights on women in the field, this will be both an informative and fun weekend. Oct 9-11. Come for Friday evening through Sunday morning or Saturday only. Sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board. Check out the beautiful poster in the Fellowship Hall!

LWR School Kit Supplies Needed
The supply collection box is in the narthex, along with lists of needed supplies. Please take and use the LWR list when shopping and donating, as LWR needs to guarantee uniformity and fairness to all recipients. We will collect supplies until October, when kits will be assembled and sent. Last year generous folks helped provide enough supplies for 109 school kits from Bethany; can we make 125 kits this year with your help?

Help Furnish the Newest Church Building in the Synod!
Columbia City Church of Hope was founded in 2017 is part of our South-Central Conference, and we want to donate a gift to them from Bethany to help them purchase chairs, lights, cabinets, kitchen supplies, and other things they need. If you would like to help with this, please give using one of the envelopes in the narthex or online at bethanyofbainbridge.org. Please indicate, “Columbia City Church of Hope” in your gift. If you want to know a little more about CCCH, visit their website at: columbiacityhope.org. Thank you.

Donations for Helpline Red Wagon!
Please bring your non-perishable food as well as cleaning and personal care products. These last two categories are not part of SNAP benefits but are important to us all in daily life.

Bethany Facebook and Instagram
Bethany Lutheran Church - ELCA Facebook
BethanyLutheranELCA Instagram

Want to Join the Bethany Community?
If you would like information about Bethany Lutheran, please talk to Pastor Martin or contact the office during the week. Kelsey, our office administrator’s contact information is below.

Sunday's Altar flowers are sponsored by Martin & Shelley Eldred in honor of their anniversary!

This Sunday’s Worship Assistants: Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling
Greeter: Jim Rohrscheib; Ushers: Joe Sommerseth & ?; Lay Reader: Linnea Chu; Communion Assistants: Ron & Carol Fenner; Hospitality Hosts: Kristi Sutton & Linnea Chu

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants: Altar Duty: Alice McCain
Greeter: Megan Kennedy & Jonathan Tiller; Ushers: Tim Carlsen & --- ; Lay Reader: Doug Olson; Communion Assistants: Barbara & David Swartling; Hospitality Hosts: Benay & Lynn Nordby

Additions to Announcements, Prayer Chain requests, and questions can be directed to Kelsey, Bethany’s Office Administrator: Email info@bethanyofbainbridge.org Please have additions in by Wednesday morning to allow time for printing.

July 30 Announcements

Bethany office — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sunday 8/2	Mon 8/3	Tuesday 8/4	Weds 8/5	Fri 8/7	Sat 8/8
10am Worship & Fellowship Hour		Rachel Circle Quilting 10am	Garage Cleanout 10am	Blood Drive 9-3	Annual Bethany BBQ at 5pm

LWR School Kit Supplies Needed
The supply collection box is in the narthex, along with lists of needed supplies. Please take and use the provided list when shopping and donating, as LWR needs to guarantee uniformity and fairness to all recipients. We will collect supplies until October, when kits will be assembled and sent. Last year generous folks helped provide enough supplies for 109 school kits from Bethany; we can make it to 125 kits or more with your help!

Garage Clean Out August 5th
We are requesting help to clean out the church storage garage & anyone is welcome to come and keep items that you need at your home. The work party is Wednesday August 5th at 10am. Garage will be torn down at the end of August. There are coolers, lots of wood, garden supplies, and more. Please reach out to rachelpritchett@msn.com or
Doug Olson, 206-920-3584 dolson121@mac.com if you can help.

Let’s Get Together!
Saturday, August 8, at 5:30pm is the annual, not-to-be missed Bethany BBQ. Thanks to Vicki Browning we have a new, beautiful BBQ found at huge cost savings at the Rotary Auction. Please bring salads and sides (such as cheese slices, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, etc.) and your appetite. Hot dogs, burgers for both vegetarians and meat eaters, buns, and desserts will be provided. See you there!

C'mon Aboard!

Join the bus(van) tour of Housing Resources Bainbridge properties on Sunday, August 23 You may see homes you never knew were part of HRB's mission. You will certainly see how homey and well-maintained they are. Soon there will be HRB homes on Bethany property - a long-held dream becomes reality! This is a great opportunity to see what built dreams look like. Sign up on the bulletin board. There are two time slots - one right after the church service and one a half hour later. See you on board!

Bloodwork’s Northwest Blood Drive
Bloodworks NW will be at Bethany for a blood drive Friday August 7.
There are still spots open to schedule blood donation so please consider giving. https://donate.bloodworksnw.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/109333

Donations for Helpline Red Wagon!
Red Wagon Sunday. Please bring your non-perishable food as well as cleaning and personal care products.
These last two categories are not part of SNAP benefits but are important to us all in daily life.

Help Furnish the Newest Church Building in the Synod!
Columbia City Church of Hope was founded in 2017 and just completed their church building alongside the 87 affordable housing units that were built first. Theirs is the first new church building in decades in our synod, however they still need help furnishing the inside. CCCH is part of our South-Central Conference, if you would like to help with this, please give using one of the envelopes in the narthex or online at bethanyofbainbridge.org. Please indicate, “Columbia City Church of Hope” in your gift. If you want to know a little more about CCCH, visit their website at: columbiacityhope.org. Thank you.

Joe Sommerseth Aug 3

Ruth Bartunek Aug 5

Benay Nordby Aug 5

Burton Shields Aug 5

Bruce Anderson Aug 8

Vickie Bech Aug 8

Melanie Olson Aug 9

Paul Robbins Aug 10

Whitney Lane Aug 13

Steve Christensen Aug 15

Stephen Deines Aug 17

Brooke Russell Aug 20

Gladys Schulz Aug 30

Colleen Chupik Aug 31

Bethany Facebook and Instagram
Bethany Lutheran Church - ELCA Facebook
BethanyLutheranELCA Instagram

Want to Join Bethany Community?
If you would like information about Bethany Lutheran, please talk to Pastor Martin or contact the office during the week. Kelsey, our office administrator’s contact information is below.

This Sunday's Altar flowers were sponsored by Al & Marlene Orwiler in thanksgiving for our blessings!

This Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Kathy Dudgeon; Greeter: Kathy Dudgeon; Ushers: Mike & Eve Curtis; Lay Reader: Kathy Dudgeon;
Communion Assistants: Jonathon Tiller & Megan Kennedy; Hospitality Hosts: Becci Kerstetter & Miriam Barrenger

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling; Greeter: Jim Rohrscheib; Ushers: Joe Sommerseth & ?; Lay Reader: Linnea Chu;
Communion Assistants: Ron & Carol Fenner; Hospitality Hosts: Kristi Sutton & Linnea Chu

Additions to Announcements, Prayer Chain requests, and questions can be directed to Kelsey, Bethany’s Office Administrator: Email info@bethanyofbainbridge.org
Please have additions in by Wednesday morning to allow time for printing.

July 23 Announcements

Bethany office — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sunday 7/26	Mon 7/27	Tuesday 7/28	Fri 7/31	Sat 8/1
10am Worship & Fellowship Hour		Rachel Circle Quilting 10am

LWR School Kit Supplies Needed
The supply collection box is in the narthex, along with lists of needed supplies. Please take and use the LWR list when shopping and donating, as LWR needs to guarantee uniformity and fairness to all recipients. We will collect supplies until October, when kits will be assembled and sent.
Last year generous folks helped provide enough supplies for 109 school kits from Bethany; can we make 125 kits this year with your help?

Items for Giveaway from Bethany!
Bethany has items for donation Items are: Cabinet from preschool L 88”x D 25”x H 32”; File Cabinet 41.5”x50.5”; and 3 boxes of Sheet Music. Please reach out to Kelsey at info@bethanyofbainbridge.org for more information.

Bloodwork’s Northwest Blood Drive
Bethany will be holding a blood drive Friday August 7. There are still spots open to schedule blood donation so please consider giving. https://donate.bloodworksnw.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/109333

Let’s Get Together!
Saturday, August 8, at 5:30pm is the annual, not-to-be missed Bethany BBQ. Thanks to Vicki Browning we have a new, beautiful BBQ found at huge cost savings at the Rotary Auction. Please bring salads and sides (such as cheese slices, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, etc.) and your appetite. Hot dogs, burgers for both vegetarians and meat eaters, buns, and desserts will be provided. See you there!

Help Furnish the Newest Church Building in the Synod!
Columbia City Church of Hope was founded in 2017 and just completed their church building alongside the 87 affordable housing units that were built first. Theirs is the first new church building in decades in our synod, however they still need help furnishing the inside. CCCH is part of our South-Central Conference, and we want to donate a gift to them from Bethany to help them purchase, chairs, lights, cabinets, kitchen supplies, and other things they need. If you would like to help with this, please give using one of the envelops in the narthex or online at bethanyofbainbridge.org.
Please indicate, “Columbia City Church of Hope” in your gift. If you want to know a little more about CCCH, visit their website at: columbiacityhope.org. Thank you.

Bethany Facebook and Instagram
Bethany Lutheran Church - ELCA Facebook
BethanyLutheranELCA Instagram

This Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen; Greeter: Linnea Chu; Ushers: Tim Carlsen & Lloyd Pritchett; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen; Communion Assistants: Carol & Ron Fenner; Hospitality Hosts: Lynn & Benay Nordby

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Kathy Dudgeon; Greeter: Kathy Dudgeon; Ushers: Mike & Eve Curtis ; Lay Reader: Kathy Dudgeon; Communion Assistants: Jonathon Tiller & Megan Kennedy; Hospitality Hosts: Becci Kerstetter & Miriam Barrenger

Additions to Announcements, Prayer Chain requests, and questions can be directed to Kelsey, Bethany’s Office Administrator: Email info@bethanyofbainbridge.org
Please have additions in by Wednesday morning to allow time for printing.

July 16 Announcements

Bethany office — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sunday 7/19	Mon 7/20	Tuesday 7/21	Fri 7/24	Sat 7/25
10am Worship & Fellowship Hour		Rachel Circle Quilting 10am		BI Quilters Retreat

Vespers at St. Barnabas
St. Barnabas' Schola Nova will chant vespers on Sunday, July 19, at 6 PM. Please join us for this contemplative service on the theme of divine wisdom.

Help Furnish the Newest Church Building in the Synod!
Columbia City Church of Hope was founded in 2017 and just completed their church building alongside the 87 affordable housing units that were built first. Theirs is the first new church building in decades in our synod, however they still need help furnishing the inside. CCCH is part of our South-Central Conference, and we want to donate a gift to them from Bethany to help them purchase, chairs, lights, cabinets, kitchen supplies, and other things they need. If you would like to help with this, please give using one of the envelops in the narthex or online at bethanyofbainbridge.org. Please indicate, “Columbia City Church of Hope” in your gift. If you want to know a little more about CCCH, visit their website at: columbiacityhope.org. Thank you.

Bethany Facebook and Instagram
Bethany Lutheran Church - ELCA Facebook
BethanyLutheranELCA Instagram

This Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Vickie Bech; Greeter: Lynn & Benay Nordby; Ushers: Stephen Deines & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistants: Linnea Chu & Vicki Browning; Hospitality Hosts: Alice & Bruce McCain

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen; Greeter: Linnea Chu; Ushers: Tim Carlsen; Lay Reader: Gail Christensen; Communion Assistants: Carol & Ron Fenner; Hospitality Hosts: Lynn & Benay Nordby

Additions to Announcements, Prayer Chain requests, and questions can be directed to Kelsey, Bethany’s Office Administrator: Email info@bethanyofbainbridge.org
Please have additions in by Wednesday morning to allow time for printing.

July 9 Announcements

Bethany office — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sunday 7/12

Mon 7/13

Tuesday 7/14

Fri 7/10

Sat 7/11

10am Worship & Fellowship Hour

Rachel Circle Quilting 10am

Council Meeting 7pm

Fire Safety Talk with BI Fire Marshall
Bainbridge Island Fire Marshal Jackie Purviance will take a look around the perimeter of Bethany to spot any vegetation that might add to fire risk. She has some good advice about what we can do around our homes, too. Come join us at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 16, at the front door. Bring a friend. ---Rachel Pritchett, Buildings and Grounds

B&G Help Needed!
All hands-on deck needed to move a roomful of items from the education building to the former choir room. The move will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, but not before donuts and coffee. No stairs or heavy lifting is required. Please come pitch in, and thanks. Rachel Pritchett, rachelpritchett@msn.com.

Let’s Get Together!
Saturday, August 1, at 5:30pm is the annual, not-to-be missed Bethany BBQ. Thanks to Vicki Browning we have a new, beautiful BBQ found at huge cost savings at the Rotary Auction. Please bring salads and sides (such as cheese slices, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, etc.) and your appetite. Hot dogs, burgers for both vegetarians and meat eaters, buns, and desserts will be provided. See you there!

Bethany Preschool is Hiring!
There are two openings at the preschool. Bumblebee Class Assistant – Tues & Thurs, 8:30am-11:30am and Firefly Class Assistant – Mon, Weds, & Fri. 8:30am-12:30pm

Bethany Facebook and Instagram
Bethany Lutheran Church - ELCA Facebook
BethanyLutheranELCA Instagram

This Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling; Greeter: Ron Fenner; Ushers: Jim Rohrscheib & Joe Sommerseth; Lay Reader: Carol Fenner; Communion Assistants: Barbara & David Swartling; Hospitality Hosts: Noreen & Jeff Sievertson

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Vickie Bech; Greeter: Lynn & Benay Nordby; Ushers: Stephen Deines & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistants: Linnea Chu & Vicki Browning; Hospitality Hosts: Alice & Bruce McCain

Additions to Announcements, Prayer Chain requests, and questions can be directed to Kelsey, Bethany’s Office Administrator: Email info@bethanyofbainbridge.org or Call 206.842.4241.

July 2nd Announcements

Bethany office — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sunday 7/5

Mon 7/6

Tuesday 7/7

Fri 7/10

Sat 7/11

10am Worship & Fellowship Hour

BETHANY’S ANNUAL PIE SUNDAY!

Rachel Circle Quilting 10am

The Bethany library is getting an upgrade!
Please consider supporting our efforts to update our checkout system by donating using one of the envelopes on the table in the narthex. Our goal is to purchase a custom Bethany Lutheran Church library stamp and custom cards to track all of our books. Please reach out to Hazel Hamilton with questions (and book recommendations). Her email is hazelhamilton12345@gmail.com Thank you!

Annual Bethany Pie Sunday!
This Sunday, July 5^th is this year's date to taste everyone's favorite, during coffee hour after worship. Please bring a pie, cobbler, crisp or any variation—homemade or purchased. We will provide ice cream if you want to go "a la mode". Leftovers will be sent home for you to share with others. Let's celebrate 250 years of the most American of desserts!

Time & Talent Surveys!
If you did not already send in your Time and Talent Survey or did not get one, they can be found outside of the sanctuary.

Red Wagon Sunday!
This Sunday is Red Wagon Sunday! Please remember to bring your non-perishable food as well as cleaning and personal care products. These last two categories are not part of SNAP benefits but are important to us all in daily life. In addition, Helpline has the following request: “Many families facing food insecurity, pets are beloved members of the family and keeping them fed can be a real challenge. And for many of us, a warm cup of coffee is a simple comfort that helps start the day. If you're able, please consider donating: Dog food, Cat food, Ground coffee." Thank you for your part in sharing God's care and love with our neighbors!

Bethany Preschool is Hiring!
There are two openings at the preschool. Bumblebee Class Assistant – Tues & Thurs, 8:30am-11:30am and Firefly Class Assistant – Mon, Weds, & Fri. 8:30am-12:30pm

Bethany Facebook and Instagram
Bethany Lutheran Church - ELCA Facebook
BethanyLutheranELCA Instagram

This Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Nancy Wetzler; Greeter: Kathy Dudgeon; Ushers: Nancy & Harry Wetzler; Lay Reader: Claire Dasler; Communion Assistants: Rachel Pritchett & Doug Dudgeon; Hospitality Hosts: Fellowship Team Pie Sunday!

Tom Croker                                   July 4
Harrison Howlett                         July 6
Vicki Browning                             July 12
Mary Coar                                      July 13
Lloyd Pritchett                              July 17
Linda Sommerseth                      July 18
Doug Dudgeon                              July 22
Sam Drovdahl                               July 22
Howard Howlett                           July 25
Wade Watson                                July 26
Tia Stauffer                                    July 27
Julianne Haggart                         July 27
Maimu Truitt                                July 30
Happy Birthday to all of our July Birthdays!!

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants: Pie Sunday!
Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling; Greeter: Ron Fenner; Ushers: Jim Rohrscheib & Joe Sommerseth; Lay Reader: Carol Fenner; Communion Assistants: Barbara & David Swartling; Hospitality Hosts: Noreen & Jeff Sievertson

Additions to Announcements, Prayer Chain requests, and questions can be directed to Kelsey, Bethany’s Office Administrator: Email info@bethanyofbainbridge.org or Call 206.842.4241.

June 25 Bethany Blog

Bethany office — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sunday 6/28	Mon 6/29	Tuesday 6/30	Friday 7/3	Saturday 7/4
10am Worship & Fellowship Hour		Rachel Circle Quilting 10am

The Bethany library is getting an upgrade!
Please consider supporting our efforts to update our checkout system by donating using one of the envelopes on the table in the narthex. Our goal is to purchase a custom Bethany Lutheran Church library stamp and custom cards to track all our books. Please reach out to Hazel Hamilton with questions (and book recommendations). Her email is hazelhamilton12345@gmail.com Thank you!

Louise Urness Funeral Service this Saturday June 27 at 4pm
In place of a traditional reception, Louise's family has requested a potluck gathering following the service. As we prepare to come together to celebrate her life and support her family during this time we need your help.
Setup will start at 2:00 PM
Volunteers are needed for the following:
- Setting up tables and preparing the space (Please arrive by 2)
- Serving and helping during the day
- Clean up after
If you can help with any of these tasks, please call or text Carol Fenner at (206) 724-8534 or email Carol at rcfenner@gmail.com
Thank you all!!

Seattle PRIDE Parade
Members of the NWW Synod will be marching in the Seattle PRIDE parade on Sunday, June 28. We are limited to 200 people. Let Bethany office know if interested.

Get Ready for the Annual Bethany Pie Sunday!
July 5 is this year's date to taste everyone's favorite, during coffee hour after worship. Please bring a pie, cobbler, crisp or any variation—homemade or purchased. We will provide the ice cream if you want to go "a la mode". Leftovers will be sent home for you to share with others. Let's celebrate 250 years of the most American of desserts!

Helpline House Food Donations
The Little Red Wagon near the entrance is there to highlight our ministry to our neighbors living with food scarcity. Suggested items: Crackers, Applesauce cups/pouches, Individual cereal cups, Trail mix, Granola bars, Fruit cups, Pretzels, etc.

Bethany Preschool is Hiring!
There are two openings at the preschool. Bumblebee Class Assistant – Tues & Thurs, 8:30am-11:30am and Firefly Class Assistant – Mon, Weds, & Fri. 8:30am-12:30pm

Bethany Facebook and Instagram
Bethany Lutheran Church - ELCA Facebook
BethanyLutheranELCA Instagram

This Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen
Greeter: Megan Kennedy & Jonathan Tiller; Ushers: Alice & Bruce McCain Lay Reader: Gail Christensen; Communion Assistants: Megan Kennedy & Jonathan Tiller; Hospitality Hosts: Kathy & Doug Dudgeon

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants: Pie Sunday!
Altar Duty:
Greeter: Kathy Dudgeon; Ushers: Nancy & Harry Wetzler; Lay Reader: Claire Dasler; Communion Assistants: Rachel Pritchett & Doug Dudgeon; Hospitality Hosts: Fellowship Team Pie Sunday!

Additions to Announcements, Prayer Chain requests, and questions can be directed to Kelsey, Bethany’s Office Administrator: Email info@bethanyofbainbridge.org or Call 206.842.4241.

June 18 Bethany Blog

Bethany office — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sunday 6/21	Mon 6/22	Tuesday 6/23	Friday 6/26	Saturday 27th
10am Worship & Fellowship Hour		Rachel Circle Quilting 10am	BI Quilters Retreat	Louis Urness Funeral 4pm

Passing of Peter Bang-Knudsen Sr,
Long-time Bethany member Peter Bang-Knudsen Sr. passed away recently. The family held a small, private ceremony in his memory.

Bainbridge Pride Festival
Bethany has signed up for a booth at Bainbridge Pride on Saturday, June 20 Noon-8pm at Waterfront Park, 301 Shannon Dr. SE.
We are still awaiting final details from the organizers, but a few things are needed:
Volunteers - If you would like to join Pastor Martin and others to represent Bethany, please sign up on the bulletin board.
Awning- If you have a pop-up awning that we could borrow for the day, please let Pastor Martin know.
This is an important way to witness to our community our intentional inclusive welcome to all of God's children in Jesus' name.

Vespers with Schola Nova
St. Barnabas' Schola Nova will chant vespers this Sunday, June 21, at 6 PM. Please join us for this contemplative, half-hour service.

Louise Urness Funeral Service
A funeral for Louise Urness will be held at Bethany Saturday, June 27 at 4pm. All who knew and loved her are welcome.

Seattle PRIDE Parade
Members of the NWW Synod will be marching in the Seattle PRIDE parade Sunday, June 28. We are limited to 200 people. If you are interested in taking part in this, please let Bethany’s office know.

Tim & Talent Surveys!
If you did not already send in your Time and Talent Survey or did not get one, they can be found outside of the sanctuary.

ENDOWMENT FUND COMMITTEE UPDATE
The 2026 Bethany Mission Endowment Fund season is winding up! A total of 17 grant requests were submitted amounting to $25,044. On recommendation from the Endowment Fund Committee, the Congregation Council approved all the requests. Thank you notes have been sent to all recipients, and – sound the trumpets – the checks were mailed this week!!
Here’s a list of the Endowment Fund grant recipients and the amount of their grants:

Lutheran World Relief (Girls in School): $1044
Immanuel Community Services: $1000
North Kitsap Fishline $1000
Church of Steadfast Love: $1000
Helpline House; $2000
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia: $600
Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (Bishop Kheibeb): $200
United Lutheran Theological Seminary – Paulinum (Namibia): $200
YWCA A.L.I.V.E. emergency shelter program: $1000
Operation Bootstrap Africa (MaaSAE Girls School): $5000
Nyer Urness Home (Compass Housing Alliance): $2000
Young Life (Bainbridge Island/North Kitsap): $1500
Holden Village: $2000
Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County: $1000
Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center: $500
Kitsap Homes of Compassion: $1500
Camp Beausite Northwest: $3500

If you are interested in providing additional support to any of these organizations, let someone on the Endowment Committee know! Stay tuned for follow-up reports about how these funds are used! And remember what we’re all about: “Passion for God, Compassion for Others!”

Note from Bethany Office
Don’t forget to let the Bethany Office know when fall programs resume for updates on the Bethany calendar, announcements, etc. Thank you!

Helpline House Food Donations
The Little Red Wagon near the entrance is there to highlight our ministry to our neighbors living with food scarcity.

Bethany Preschool is Hiring!
There are two openings at the preschool. Bumblebee Class Assistant – Tues & Thurs, 8:30am-11:30am and Firefly Class Assistant – Mon, Weds, & Fri. 8:30am-12:30pm

Lay Eucharist Ministry
We are looking for volunteers who would like to serve communion to at-home members as well as suggestions for at-home members who would like to be served. If interested, please contact the church office.

Bethany Facebook and Instagram
Bethany Lutheran Church - ELCA Facebook
BethanyLutheranELCA Instagram

This Sunday’s Altar Flowers are provided by Nancy & Harry Wetzler! Thank you!

This Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Kathy Dudgeon; Greeter: Kathy Dudgeon; Ushers: Jim Rohrscheib & Steve Christensen; Lay Reader: Mike Curtis; Communion Assistants: Vicki Browning & Jeff Sievertson; Hospitality Hosts: Benay & Lynn Nordby

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Gail Christensen; Greeter: Megan Kennedy & Jonathan Tiller; Ushers: Alice & Bruce McCain Lay Reader: Gail Christensen; Communion Assistants: Megan Kennedy & Jonathan Tiller; Hospitality Hosts: Kathy & Doug Dudgeon

Additions to Announcements, Prayer Chain requests, and questions can be directed to Kelsey, Bethany’s Office Administrator: Email info@bethanyofbainbridge.org or Call 206.842.4241.

June 11 Bethany Announcements

Bethany office — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sunday 14th

Monday 15th

Tuesday 16th

Saturday 20th

10am Worship & Fellowship Hour

Assisting Ministers Intro with Pastor Martin

Womens Book & Bible Study 11am End of Year Potluck @ Helen’s

Rachel Circle Quilting 10am

Bainbridge Pride Festival 12-8

Bethany Council Approves 17 Endowment Fund Grants!
At its meeting on June 9, Bethany’s Council approved all 17 Endowment Fund Grant applications received by the Endowment Committee. The total amount awarded will be $25,044 to be paid from the Mission Endowment Fund. The awards include local agencies such as Helpline House, North Kitsap Fishline House, Young Life, as well as organizations that have an historical connection to Bethany such as the Church of Steadfast Love, Nyer Urness Home (part of Compass Housing Alliance), and Holden Village. The awards also include organizations providing support around the world, such as Lutheran World Relief, Operation Bootstrap Africa, and the United Lutheran Theological Seminary in Namibia. (A complete list of the Endowment Fund grant recipients is available on the Bethany website and on the counter outside the sanctuary!)
Because Endowment Fund grants were not made in the past two years, the Council concluded that it was reasonable and appropriate (and consistent with the Endowment Committee’s rules of the road) to authorize awards at this level. (The Mission Endowment Fund has approximately $225,000, most of which is invested in the ELCA Foundation.) The Council also endorsed the Endowment Committee’s recommendation that recipients provide follow-up reports on how the funds were used, which information will be shared with the congregation to inform everyone how we live into our commitment to demonstrate “”Passion for God, Compassion for Others”. Stay tuned!!

Louise Urness Funeral Service
The Urness family has scheduled services for their Mother, Louise for June 27^th at 4pm here at Bethany Lutheran Church. All who knew and loved her are welcome.

Seattle PRIDE Parade
Members of the NWW Synod will be marching in the Seattle PRIDE parade on Sunday, June 28. We are limited to 200 people. If you are interested in taking part in this, please let Bethany’s office know.

Tim & Talent Surveys!
If you did not already send in your Time and Talent Survey or did not get one, they can be found outside of the sanctuary.

Note from Bethany Office
As seasons for many activities and groups are coming to an end with Summer. Please remember we have had many staff changes in the last year. Don’t forget to let the Bethany Office know when the new season will begin for updates on the Bethany calendar, announcements, etc. Thank you!

Vespers with Schola Nova
St. Barnabas' Schola Nova will chant vespers on Sunday, June 21, at 6 PM. Please join us for this contemplative, half-hour service.

Helpline House Food Donations
The Little Red Wagon near the entrance is there to highlight our ministry to our neighbors living with food scarcity. Each first Sunday, our Sunday School will bring up our offerings of food as we bring the financial mission support offerings.

Bethany Preschool is Hiring!
There are two openings at the preschool. Bumblebee Class Assistant – Tues & Thurs, 8:30am-11:30am and Firefly Class Assistant – Mon, Weds, & Fri. 8:30am-12:30pm

Bethany Facebook and Instagram
Bethany Lutheran Church - ELCA Facebook
BethanyLutheranELCA Instagram

This Sunday’s Altar Flowers are provided by
Gail & Dave Christensen for his 86^th Birthday! Thank you!

This Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling
Greeter: Joe Sommerseth; Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Rachel Pritchett; Communion Assistants: Carol & Ron Fenner; Hospitality Hosts: Becci Kerstetter & Karen Kushner

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Kathy Dudgeon
Greeter: Kathy Dudgeon; Ushers: Jim Rohrscheib & Steve Christensen; Lay Reader: Mike Curtis; Communion Assistants: Vicki Browning & Jeff Sievertson; Hospitality Hosts: Benay & Lynn Nordby

Additions to Announcements, Prayer Chain requests, and questions can be directed to Kelsey, Bethany’s Office Administrator: Email info@bethanyofbainbridge.org or Call 206.842.4241.

June 4 Bethany Announcements

Bethany office — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

10am Worship & Fellowship Hour

HUB Open House Event 2-4

Womens Book & Bible Study 9am

Rachel Circle Quilting 10am

Council Meeting 7pm

Altar Guild Lunch & Meeting 12 @ Linnea’s

Preschool End of Year Celebration

Thank you from Luanne & Tom Croker
Sincere thanks to Bethany for all the prayers, cards, support and notes sent our way. I could feel them while in hospital. They were appreciated by both of us.
With Thanksgiving for the Bethany family.
Luanne and Tom Croker

Tim & Talent Surveys!
If you did not already send in your Time and Talent Surveys, please do so asap.

Bethany Preschool is Hiring!
There are two openings at the preschool. Bumblebee Class Assistant – Tues & Thurs, 8:30am-11:30am and Firefly Class Assistant – Mon, Weds, & Fri. 8:30am-12:30pm

Bethany Endowment Update!
17 requests for grants from the Bethany Endowment Fund were submitted, and they have been forwarded for approval to the Congregation Council, which will meet on June 9. Stay tuned!!

Emergency HUB Open House Presentation This Sunday June 7^th @ 2pm
Bethany Lutheran Church is one of 13 designated island wide emergency Hubs.
Bainbridge Prepares is hosting a community wide open house in our Fellowship Hall on Sunday June 7th from 2-4 pm. (Setup from 1-2) Come see emergency presentations and available emergency kits for food, water purification systems, medical first aid kits and much more.

Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate is Sunday, June 7th, at 3:00 PM.
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Assisting Ministers in Worship
If you are interested in helping lead worship as an Assisting Minister, Pastor Martin will hold a brief introduction/training gathering after on Sunday, June 14th, right after worship. If you want to know more about what being an AM entails, chat with Pastor Martin.

Vinland Lutheran Preschool is seeking a lead preschool teacher for next year
Vinland Lutheran Preschool has a lead preschool teacher position opening up for the 2026-27 school year. If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact the director, Janean Moriarty, at preschool@vinlandlc.org for more information. Thank you and play all day!

Bethany Facebook and Instagram
Bethany Lutheran Church - ELCA Facebook
BethanyLutheranELCA Instagram

This Sunday’s Altar Flowers are provided by Alice McCain in honor of Bruce’s 87^th Birthday! Thank you!

This Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Linnea Chu
Greeters: Barbara & David Swartling; Ushers: Stephen Deines & Tim Carlsen; Lay Reader: Barbara Deines; Communion Assistants: Barbara & David Swartling; Hospitality Hosts: Kristi Sutton & Vicki Browning

Next Sunday’s Worship Assistants:
Altar Duty: Barbara Swartling
Greeters: Joe Sommerseth; Ushers: Eve & Mike Curtis; Lay Reader: Rachel Pritchett; Communion Assistants: Carol & Ron Fenner; Hospitality Hosts: Becci Kerstetter & Karen Kushner

Additions to Announcements, Prayer Chain requests, and questions can be directed to Kelsey, Bethany’s Office Administrator: Email info@bethanyofbainbridge.org or Call 206.842.4241.