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VOLUME 70 DECEMBER 2018 NUMBER 12
HOLY COMMUNION IS CELEBRATED EVERY SUNDAY
ADVENT / CHRISTMAS
December 2 is the First Sunday in Advent. Advent being the four Sunday's before Christmas the time spent in preparation for the coming of the Christ Child.
Just as the coming of Christmas is a time of excitement for a small child, so the coming of Advent is an exciting time for Christians! It isn't a matter of the repetition of the holiday that is important; it is the knowledge that the promised Second Coming if Jesus is just that much nearer.
The birth of Jesus was first celebrated as God's Messiah coming to His people to faith and repentance. When Jesus comes again (the second time), He will come to judge all the people of the earth. What we celebrate at Advent is not the first coming, but our eager expectation of Jesus coming to establish His kingdom in completeness upon the earth. Take advantage of this Advent to ready yourself for the Great Day when Jesus' Kingdom finally arrives on earth. Will we be ready?
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.
HEALING SERVICE - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Pastor David will conduct a service of the word for Healing, following the 10:45 am. service Sunday, December 2. Please join us.
PRAYER IN THE CHAPEL - WEDNESDAYS AT NOON
offering envelopes for 2019 will be available
2019 offering envelopes will be available outside the Church Office the first Sunday in December. Please stop by to pick up your set and those of anyone you know who is not able to get here for them.
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!
POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS - DEADLINE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6
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.
EXTRA COOKIES NEEDED IN DECEMBER
We have several activities on Sunday, December 16, that we would appreciate cookies for:
SCS Christmas Program at 9:15 am.
Blue Christmas Service at 7:00 pm.
Please deliver to the church by Wednesday, December 12. Thank you for helping.
BACKPACK BREAKFAST EVENT
Items for the Back Pack Breakfast are due December 13. If possible we would like to have more of the Assorted Cereal Boxes. Thanks for the great response for this project.
BIBLE STUDY WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
The Tuesday Night Bible Study will meet Tuesday, December 11, at the home of Beverly Brown, 923 Mulberry Street. They will be studying lesson #8 - Amos. Bible study members, if you cannot attend, please call Bev (368-1866).
CHRISTMAS 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, December 13.
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.
NO TUREEN LUNCH AND GAME DAY IN DECEMBER
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Our Sunday School Christmas Program will be held Sunday, December 16, at 9:15 am. in the Sanctuary. Following the program, cookies will be served in the Fellowship Hall and the children will trim the Chrismon tree.
Please bring new hats, scarves, gloves/mittens, and socks (unwrapped) for children as a Birthday Gift for Jesus, which will be given to the Shepherd of the Streets.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Join us for an afternoon of visiting and singing carols to our shut-ins - Sunday, December 16. Your participation will help to brighten the season for them...and you! they will leave the Church parking lot at 2:30 pm. Please plan to join them for fun and fellowship.
BLUE CHRISTMAS AT BETHANY CHURCH - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Blue? Yes, blue as in the blues. As in "I am feeling blue." Christmas can be a painful time for those spending Christmas without a loved one or experiencing other types of loss, illness, or transition.
The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone.
Join with others in seeking God's presence for those who mourn, for those who struggle - and that God's word comes to shine light in our darkness. All are welcome to attend and to allow God's light to shine into the darkness.
Blue Christmas Service
December 16, 2018 at 7:00 pm.
Bethany Lutheran Church
The service will be followed by a brief time for light refreshments and fellowship in the Fellowship Hall.
Volunteers are needed to usher that evening.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES - MONDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve Services will be held at 7:00 pm. and 10:00 pm. Please plan to attend one of the Services, remembering that "Wise Men still seek Him." The sacredness of that Holy Night long ago has not diminished over the years and OUR need for a Savior is still very real.
Volunteers are needed for: Communion Assistants, Lay Reader (10:00 pm.), Ushers
CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED DECEMBER 25 AND 26
BETHANY'S NURSES WILL BE CHECKING BLOOD PRESSURES - DECEMBER 30
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.
DEADLINE FOR 2018 OFFERING
All donations for the year 2018 must be received in the Church Office by noon, Monday, December 31. Any monies received after that time will be credited to 2019.
RECENT CHURCH COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
Church Council actions at the November meeting -
Accepted Committee reports: Mission, Finance, Staff Support, Christian Education, Social Ministry
Had third 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 October 31, 2018 (43 Sundays) $ 162,910.76
Expenses through October 31, 2018 178,065.72
Balance $ - 15,154.96
Income received through October 31, 2017 (44 Sundays) $ 183,661.20
Expenses through October 31, 2017 163,273.41
Balance $ 20,387.79
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
THANK YOU FROM OUR CONGREGATION
Thank You to Ruth Kissell and Kathy Sausser for bringing the Altar Flowers and to all those who sent cards and expressed congratulations on our Wedding Anniversary. -- Gene and Marian Harris
Thank You - Pastor David and Betty would like to thank all those who remembered them with cards and gifts for Pastor Appreciation Month.
Thank You to all who participated in the Hoss's Event. We received a check in the amount of $153.30 for Pastor's Discretionary Fund.
Thank You to Sharon for sending the Altar Flowers up for my Birthday on Sunday and to Andrea for delivering them. They made a beautiful spot in
my home -- Faye Benedict
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's
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.
No Mission Committee
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
JANUARY HAPPENINGS
Office Closed - Tuesday, January 1 - Blessed New Year!!
Healing Service - Sunday, January 6 - noon
Tuesday Night Bible Study - Tuesday, January 8 - Griffiths'
Church Council - Monday, January 14 - 7:15 pm.
Organization reports are due from Committee Chairs
Finance Committee - Tuesday, January 15 - 7:00 pm.
Property Committee - Tuesday, January 15 - 7:00 pm.
Staff Support Committee - Tuesday, January 15 - 8:00 pm.
Tureen Lunch - Sunday, January 20 - noon
Mission Committee - Monday, January 21 - 7:00 pm.
Tuesday Night Bible Study - Tuesday, January 22 - Williamsport Home/Kissell
Stuff Newsletters - Monday, January 28 - 9:00 am.
Worship and Music Committee - Monday, January 28 - 7:00 pm.
Tuesday Night Bible Study - Tuesday, January 29 - 7:00 pm. - Letschers'
BETHANY'S WEB-SITE
www.BethanyNALC.org
HELP IS NEEDED
Donations to replenish Pastor's Discretionary would be greatly appreciated. Mark your check "Pastor's Fund." Thank you!
PLEASE REMEMBER OUR SENIORS AT HOME
William Bair - Valley View Nursing Center, 2140 Warrensville Rd, Montoursville 17754
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 - 2123 Robinson Rd, Apt 141, Jackson MI 49203
Marjorie Gower - Valley View Nursing Center, 2140 Warrensville Rd, Montoursville 17754
Carmen Kremser - 1102 Cherry 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
Thomas Long - 163 Charles Dr, Montoursville
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 - Aristia Care, 1445 Sycamore Rd, Montoursville 17754
DISASTER RELIEF
Donations for Disaster Relief will be accepted in the Church Office anytime. Funds received will be sent to NALC Disaster Response.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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