|
VOLUME 70 NOVEMBER 2018 NUMBER 11
HOLY COMMUNION IS CELEBRATED EVERY SUNDAY
THANKSGIVING
Picture a family gathered in reunion around a table in loving fellowship, blessing, and ministering to each other's needs. Picture yourself as a member of that family enjoying the warmth and love of that fellowship. How wonderful it is.
When participating in the Lord's Supper, the place may not be significant, but the condition of the heart is. Before we ever eat the bread or drink from the cup, each Christian asks within himself or herself, "Is there anything between my Father and me? Between my brother and me? Is my heart clean?
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is much more than a ritual of the church. It is a feast of compassion and love, sent from Jesus to His friends and followers. Angers, hatreds, sins, hurts, are all brought before the Lord for healing and forgiveness.
ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4
The Christian Church around the world celebrates ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY. On this day, we thank God for the lives and witness of all Christians, both living and dead. We pray God's continued blessing upon His saints militant (those living) as well as the saints triumphant (those who have died) since last All Saints' Day. We will commend their souls to the Lord's love at our Service November 4.
Three members of Bethany Church have entered eternal life during the past year. We thank God for their lives among us. May God bless their memory to us.
Robert Heckrote Joyce McQuillen Donald Raymond
HEALING SERVICE - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Pastor David will conduct a service of the word for Healing, following the 10:45 am. service Sunday, November 4. Please join us.
PRAYER IN THE CHAPEL - WEDNESDAYS AT NOON
BACKPACK BREAKFAST EVENT
Items for the Back Pack Breakfast is due on November 9. If possible we would like to have more of the Assorted Cereal Boxes. Thanks for the great response for October.
BIBLE STUDY WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
The Tuesday Night Bible Study will meet Tuesday, November 13, at The Williamsport Home. Ruth Kissell will be hostess. They will be studying lesson #6 - Amos. Bible study members, if you cannot attend, please call Ruth (974-3799).
They will also meet Tuesday, November 27, at the home of Larry and Sharon Barnard, 5981 E Rt 973 Hwy, Cogan Station.
BLOODMOBILE - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
There will be a Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, November 16, from 1:00 - 6:00 pm. Anyone willing to help, or just be present at the blood drive, please let Betty Letscher know (570-322-3685). The donors seem to enjoy meeting and talking with members of Bethany. This is a great opportunity to make our presence known in the community. Also, let Betty know if you would like to donate sandwich spreads or money to buy them.
HARVEST HOME - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18
It's Harvest Home time again. Time to give thanks for the many blessings God has provided. You may bring cash or nonperishable item (regular size cans only) to either service that day. Cash will be sent to Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village and canned goods will be given to the Food Pantry.
TUREEN LUNCH AND GAME DAY - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Social Ministry will sponsor the monthly tureen lunch at noon November 18, in Sunday Memorial Hall. Bring a tureen to share and your table service...and a game to play. There will not be a lunch in December.
THANKSGIVING MEALS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SHUT-INS
The LaRue Artley Foundation will provide Thanksgiving dinner for shut-ins in the Montoursville School District. If you know of anyone who would qualify, call the Church Office (368-8933) by noon, November 15.
Please check with the shut-in first, so that they are aware a meal is coming at noon and are home. Include the person's name, address, telephone number, and directions to the house. NOTE: the Artley Foundation is independent of Bethany Church. Bethany Church does not provide the dinners or the funds.
CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22
POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS
If you would like to sponsor a red or white poinsettia this year, please call the Church Office (368-8933). Please order and pay by Noon Thursday, December 6. We cannot accept late orders. Plants may be picked up following the 10:00 pm. service Christmas Eve. Cost: $ 10.25 for a 5-6 bloom plant. Please write down the information you want in the bulletin.
BETHANY'S NURSES WILL BE CHECKING BLOOD PRESSURES - NOVEMBER 25
On the last Sunday of each month, our parish nurses will again be checking blood pressures. Come to the Library after either Service on that day and have your blood pressure checked.
ANNUAL CONGREGATION MEETING - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Notice is hereby given of the annual Congregation Meeting of Bethany Lutheran Church, Sunday, December 2, at 9:30 am. Among the items of business will be the election of five Council persons, youth representatives, and approval of the 2019 budget. Every active (has communed and contributed directly to Bethany [not to another charity thru Bethany] in the last year), confirmed member of Bethany is encourage to attend to help direct the affairs of our congregation.
WOMEN OF BETHANY WILL MEET MONDAY, DECEMBER 3
The Women of Bethany will meet Monday, December 3, at 1:00 pm. Julie Griffiths and LaVon Hawley will have devotions and refreshments. The ladies will be packing Christmas Cookies for the Shut-ins. Please bring Canned Goods for the Food Pantry. Donations of cookies will be appreciated!
RECENT CHURCH COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
Church Council actions at the October meeting -
Accepted Committee reports: Mission, Property, Worship and Music
Had second reading of 2019 Budget
Nominating committee for next year for Congregation Meeting
Set date for 2018 Congregation Meeting - December 2 at 9:30 am.
Received Pastor's Report
RECONCILIATION OF BETHANY CHURCH FINANCES
Income received through September 30, 2018 (39 Sundays) $ 147,479.94
Expenses through September 30, 2018 160,807.41
Balance $ - 13,327.47
Income received through September 30, 2017 (39 Sundays) $ 165,248.25
Expenses through September 30, 2017 148,307.24
Balance $ 16,941.01
THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS ENVELOPE MONEY WILL AID NEEDY
Money from the special Thanksgiving and Christmas envelopes that are in your offering boxes will be given to charities to help the needy. Each holiday time, we use these envelopes to help those less fortunate than we are. Watch the bulletin for the list of charities that will be designated.
If you do not want to help these charities, mark your Thanksgiving and/or Christmas envelopes "Regular Fund."
CONTACTING PASTOR DAVID
Pastor's Office hours at the Church: Monday - Thursday 9:00 am. - 4:30 pm.
Church phone: 570-368-8933
Home phone: 570-322-3685
email: pastorbethanyNALC@gmail.com
NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS
Deadline for returning Samaritan's Purse Shoeboxes - Sunday, November 4
Healing Service - Sunday, November 4 - noon
Church Council - Monday, November 12 - 7:15 pm.
Tuesday Night Bible Study - Tuesday, November 13 - 7:00 pm. - Williamsport Home/Kissell
Bloodmobile at Bethany - Friday, November 16 - 1:00 - 6:00 pm.
Harvest Home - Sunday, November 18
Tureen Lunch - Sunday, November 18 - noon
Evangelism Committee - Monday, November 19 - 10:00 am.
Mission Committee - Monday, November 19 - 7:00 pm.
Property Committee - Tuesday, November 20 - 7:00 pm.
Office Closed - Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 22
Stuff Newsletters - Monday, November 26 - 9:00 am.
Tuesday Night Bible Study - Tuesday, November 27 - 7:00 pm. - Barnard
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
Congregation Meeting - Sunday, December 2 - 9:30 am.
Healing Service - Sunday, December 2 - noon
Women of Bethany - Monday, December 3 - 1:00 pm.
Church Council - Monday, December 10 - 7:15 pm.
Tuesday Night Bible Study - Tuesday, December 11 - 7:00 pm. - Brown
SCS Christmas Program - Sunday, December 16 - 9:15 am. - Sanctuary
Christmas Caroling - Sunday, December 16 - 2:30 pm.
Blue Christmas Service - Sunday, December 16 - 7:00 pm.
Mission Committee - Monday, December 17 - 7:00 pm.
Christmas Eve Service - Monday, December 24 - 7:00 pm.
Christmas Eve Service - Monday, December 24 - 10:00 pm.
Church Office Closed - Tuesday, December 25, Wednesday, December 26
Stuff Newsletters - Monday, December 31 - 9:00 am.
Deadline for 2018 Offering - Monday, December 31 - NOON
THANK YOU FROM OUR CONGREGATION
Thank You to the Congregation for the beautiful Altar Flowers. I appreciated it so much. -- Linda Bomboy
Thank You for the beautiful Altar Flowers. They made a boring, rainy day become great! Thank you also for the continued prayers, which are greatly appreciated! -- Linda Bomboy
Thank You Chris and I want to thank everyone for the flowers and to Ruth Kissell for delivering them and for the cookies too! God bless you all.
-- Chris and Marie Franquet
MEMORIALS
Contributions to our Memorial Fund is a way of remembering those who have passed away or in honor of those who are still living. Monies can be donated to the Memorial Fund or to Pastor's Discretionary Fund.
In Memory of Edna Fritz by: Mr/Mrs Eugene Harris
PLEASE REMEMBER OUR SENIORS AT HOME
William Bair - Valley View Nursing Center, 2140 Warrensville Rd, Montoursville
Herbert and Sandy Bright - 628 Broad St, Montoursville 17754
Joanne Bosch - Williamsport Home, 1900 Ravine Rd, Bldg A 316, Williamsport 17701
Shirlee English - PO Box 322, Montoursville 17754
Jean Fox - 5136 Foxfire St, Jackson MI 49201
Marjorie Gower - 1409 Jordan Ave, Montoursville 17754
Carmen Kremser - 1102 Cherry St., Montoursville, PA 17754
Barbara Johnson - 1201 Broad St., Montoursville, PA 17754
Virginia Laudig - 1119 Broad St, Montoursville 17754
Helen Leidhecker - Valley View Nursing Center, 2140 Warrensville Rd, Montoursville
Sandra Long - Muncy Skilled Nursing, 215 E Water St, Muncy 17756
Catherene F Lowe - 2410 North Hills Drive, Williamsport, PA 17701
Roxie Lundy - 410 Arch St, Montoursville
Eleanor Mellish - 1246 Deerfield Dr, Williamsport 17701
Tessie Moss - 12 Lutheran Home Dr, Personal Care 220, Telford PA 18969
Francis Poeth - 1900 Ravine Rd, Apt 1226, Williamsport 17701
Hilary Schmouder - The Meadows Room 111, 2160 Warrensville Rd, Montoursville 17754
Eleanor Shaheen, 515 Rt 405, Hughesville 17737
Richard (Fred) Shultz - 1275 Broad St, Montoursville 17754
Darla Starr - Valley View Nursing Center, 2140 Warrensville Rd, Montoursville
Joan Swartz - 1012 Arthur Rd, Montoursville 17754
Cella Taylor - 1412 Broad St, Montoursville 17754
BETHANY'S WEB-SITE
www.BethanyNALC.org
SEWING MACHINES AVAILABLE
The Quilting Room has several old sewing machines, some in cabinets, looking for good homes. They haven't been used in a long time, so will need servicing. If interested, contact Barb Winchester (570-244-6681).
HELP IS NEEDED
Donations to replenish Pastor's Discretionary would be greatly appreciated. Mark your check "Pastor's Fund." Thank you!
DISASTER RELIEF
Donations for Disaster Relief will be accepted in the Church Office anytime. Funds received will be sent to NALC Disaster Response.
28th ANNUAL ORGAN CONCERT
28th ANNUAL ORGAN CONCERT to support dialysis patients and their families of the North Central PA Dialysis Clinics will be held Sunday, November 4, at 4:00 pm. in the sanctuary of St. Luke Lutheran Church. This year's program features musical offerings from Williamsport High School "Strolling Strings"; the Lycoming College Instrumental Ensemble; and Scott Schell.
YOKEFELLOW PRISON MINISTRY
Yokefellow Prison Ministry is in need of volunteers. Would you consider being a part
of the ministry along with us? Please contact the Yokefellow Office (326-6868) if you would be interested in this most rewarding ministry.
SHEPHERD OF THE STREETS
Shepherd of the Streets is a Christian ministry with the emphasis on medical issues that abruptly invade people's lives. They not only help with payments for medicine, supplies, and transportation, but they help with a person's ability to cope with immediate and long-term inflictions. Your support for this very vital ministry helps keep matters from getting worse, and/or assists in the healing or dying process.
Thank you for your donation of hygiene items, baby needs, and/or bedding. Almost every person who comes through their doors is blessed by one or more of the hygiene items you send. Items needed: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, razors, shampoo, conditioner, women's hygiene products, towels/wash cloths, bedding, blankets, tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, deodorant, combs, baby diapers, baby shampoo, baby oil, baby Q-tips, baby wipes, baby powder.
HOSPITAL VISITATION
If you or anyone you know is to be hospitalized, please notify the Church Office (368-8933). It is our desire to minister to you and your family, however that cannot happen if we don't receive notification.
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
During this time of harvest and as we grow closer to the Holidays, one way to show love, caring, and comfort to those in need is to buy at least one item every time you are in a store to donate to the food pantry. Such a simple act will become a huge answer to someone's prayer that day!
Items needed: snacks (all healthy), canned vegetables, pasta (all types), tomato sauce, cake mixes, potato and rice boxes, canned meats, Ramen noodles, cookie mixes, peanut butter, hot chocolate, coffee, cereal, soup, oatmeal, jelly, juices, ketchup, mustard, flour. Thank you so much for all your contributions (food and financially) to the Food Pantry.
HOMEBOUND COMMUNION
Home Bound Communion is always available to our shut-ins. If you desire to have Communion, please call the Church Office (368-8933).
EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE
Equipment is available to borrow during recovering from surgery and for the elderly. We have walkers, canes, equipment for the bathtub and commode. If you have a need, talk to the staff.
LINUS BLANKETS
We are still sharing our knitting, crocheting, and quilting gifts with others by making blankets of all sizes (baby, children, adult) for those with cancer or going thru traumatic experiences at hospitals. Please bring to the Church Office.
BIBLES FOR PRISON
Bibles for Prison are needed. The Lycoming County Prison Chaplain reports that the number of inmates attending Bible study continues to grow, and requests for Bibles has increased. Donations to help buy Bibles would be appreciated. Please mark your check "Bibles." Thank you.
|