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VOLUME 70 FEBRUARY 2018 NUMBER 2
HOLY COMMUNION IS CELEBRATED EVERY SUNDAY
Lent calls Christians to repentance a change of lifestyle.
Lent begins with our Ash Wednesday Holy Communion Service Wednesday, February 14, at 9:00 am. and 7:30 pm. Most Christians have an unclear idea of what Lent is really all about. We may know that it lasts 40 days, sometimes we "fast" or give up certain things. There will be extra church service mid-week. It is possible to miss the true significance of this important Season in the church.
Lent is, first of all, a time of remembrance of God's great love for His people, of God's grief for His children, and the extent to which God would go to bring us back to His love and care.
Second, Lent speaks to us about examining our own consciences and souls to see that they are in (or out of) harmony with the mind and Spirit of your Heavenly Father. Even if we do not readily admit it, most of us suspect that somethings are "not right with us." It may be with ourselves, our family, our mate, friend, fellow-workers.
Third, God offers us the opportunity to accept His help, guidance, and support to correct what is not "right." Through prayer, Bible Study, worship, and meditation, we open our souls to God's illuminating Holy Spirit that not only points out the problem area, but shows what needs to be done to correct that situation or problem. If we would but take the time to do it, how much better life would be.
Why not make use of the Lenten Season this year to turn you life around. A Change! A New Life Style!
"SOUPER BOWL" - FEBRUARY 4
The "Souper Bowl" is one way to help the Shepherd of the Streets to help more people in need. It is an effort to glorify God and care for "the least of these" by donating a dollar (or more) that day. Offering plates will be at each door.
HEALING SERVICE - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Pastor David will conduct a service of the word for Healing, following the 10:45 am. service on the first Sunday of the month. Please join us.
ADDRESSES NEEDED FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Please see that the Church Office gets college students addresses by the end of January, so goody boxes can be mailed in February. Thanks!
WOMEN OF BETHANY WILL MEET MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5
The Women of Bethany will meet Monday, February 5, at 1:00 pm. Sharon Barnard will have devotions and refreshments. The ladies will be packing candy for our college students and shut-ins. Please bring Canned Goods for the Food Pantry.
PLEASE NOTE: Women of Bethany at the December meeting voted to hold three (3) meetings per year: The first Monday of February, June, and December our project months. Meetings will begin at 1:00 pm. Please join us for a time of fellowship.
Also mark your calendars now for: Men's Banquet on Monday, March 19, 2018;
Women's Banquet on Tuesday, May 15; and Tureen Dinner on Monday, September 10.
HOMEMADE CANDY NEEDED
Homemade candy is needed for the Goody Boxes for our college students. Please bring it for the Bethany's Women meeting, February 5.
BIBLE STUDY WILL MEET TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13
The Tuesday Night Bible Study will meet Tuesday, February 13, at 7:00 pm. at the home of Julie Griffiths, 2320 Warrensville Road, Montoursville. They will be studying lesson #3 of II Timothy. Bible study members, if you cannot attend, please call Julie (433-3249).
They will also meet Tuesday, February 27, at the Williamsport Home.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS - ORGANIZATION REPORTS ARE DUE
ASH WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 14
Ash Wednesday Service will be held Wednesday, February 14, at 9:00 am. in the Chapel and 7:30 pm. in the Sanctuary. There will be imposition of ashes for those desiring to receive the ashes as an outward sign of inward sorrow for our sins. It is an optional rite for those wishing to receive the ashes. Holy Communion will be served.
LENTEN DESSERT AND SERVICES
MID-WEEK LENTEN SERVICES:
Mid-week Services will be held the Wednesdays in Lent at 9:00 am. in the Chapel and 7:30 pm. in the Sanctuary. The series of services will include journeys along six significant roads on which we confront Christ:
On The Road to Damascus life is given a new direction
On The Road to the Wilderness the Holy Spirit leads us from baptism (Jesus' and our own) to a confrontation with temptation
The prodigal son shows us the wisdom and necessity of seeking The Road Home
The disciple Peter becomes a roadblock on The Road to Jerusalem, prompting Jesus to say, "Get behind me, Satan!" and invites us to take up the cross and follow
As the Good Samaritan stopped on The Road to Jericho, so Jesus stops to care for us in our needs and teach us to "do likewise"
The Bethany Road leads to the home of Mary and Martha and the funeral of their brother Lazarus, and then on to Jerusalem for the Palm Sunday procession
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LENTEN DESSERT TIME will be held in the upstairs lounge at 7:00 pm. prior to the evening Mid-Week Service. Please join us. The Lenten Dessert time will be just beverages and a snack. If you would help with the snack a Wednesday in Lent, please contact Sharon Barnard (435-5408).
The Lent Dessert time will be just beverages and a snack. If you would help with the snack a Wednesday in Lent, please contact Sharon Barnard (435-5408).
TUREEN LUNCH - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Social Ministry will sponsor the monthly tureen lunch at noon, February 18, in Sunday Memorial Hall. Bring a tureen to share and your table service. No game day that day.
HELP FEED THE HUNGRY AFTER A SCRUMPTIOUS MEAL!
There will be a seed packing event in cooperation with GAIN (Global Aid Network), Sunday, February 18, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. in the fellowship hall. All ages 6-100 are welcome to help. There will be a monthly tureen lunch at 12:30 pm., so please join us for both (not required). Please register to help pack by contacting Kathy Sausser (570-337-5000). Snow date for seed packing is Saturday, February 24, from 9:00 - 11:00 am.
PRAYER IN THE CHAPEL - WEDNESDAYS AT NOON
BETHANY'S NURSES WILL BE CHECKING BLOOD PRESSURES - FEBRUARY 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.
PIZZA PARTY AND GAME DAY
A pizza party will be held Sunday, February 25, at noon in the Fellowship Hall, followed by Games!!! Come join them.
OPEN DATE FOR ALTAR FLOWERS
March 4 is an open date for Altar Flowers. If you will sponsor the flowers, please contact the church office (570-368-8933). Thanks!
MEN'S BANQUET WILL BE HELD MONDAY, MARCH 19
Come to the Men's Banquet, Monday, March 19, at 6:00 pm. in Sunday Memorial Hall. Enjoy a turkey dinner and fellowship. Reservations and payment must be made in the Church Office (368-8933) by March 12. Watch the bulletin for program details and cost.
Women - if you will help serve the Men's Banquet and/or help clean up afterwards, please call Gail Stover (368-2282).
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
"Souper" Bowl for Shepherd of the Streets
Healing Service - Sunday, February 4 - noon
Women of Bethany - Monday, February 5 - 1:00 pm.
Church Council - Monday, February 12 - 7:15 pm.
Tuesday Night Bible Study - Tuesday, February 13 - 7:00 pm. - Griffith's
Ash Wednesday Service - Wednesday, February 14 - 9:00 am. - Chapel
Ash Wednesday Service - Wednesday, February 14 - 7:30 pm. - Sanctuary
Tureen Lunch - Sunday, February 18 - noon
Seed Packing Event - Sunday, February 18 - 2:00 - 4:00 pm.
Stewardship Committee - Monday, February 19 - 7:00 pm.
Mission Committee - Monday, February 19 - 7:30 pm.
Deadline for Newsletter Items - Tuesday, February 20
Morning Prayer - Wednesday, February 21 - 9:00 am. - Chapel
Lenten Dessert time - Wednesday, February 21 - 7:00 pm. - upstairs Lounge
Lenten Service - Wednesday, February 21 - 7:30 pm. - Sanctuary
Pizza Party and Game Day - Sunday, February 25 - noon - Fellowship Hall
Stuff Newsletters - Wednesday, February 26 - 9:00 am.
Tuesday Night Bible Study - Tuesday, February 27 - 7:00 pm. - Williamsport Home/Kissell
Morning Prayer - Wednesday, February 28 - 9:00 am. - Chapel
Lenten Dessert time - Wednesday, February 28 - 7:00 pm. - upstairs Lounge
Lenten Service - Wednesday, February 28 - 7:30 pm. - Sanctuary
MARCH HAPPENINGS
Healing Service - Sunday, March 4 - noon
Morning Prayer - Wednesday, March 7 - 9:00 am. - Chapel
Lenten Dessert time - Wednesday, March 7 - 7:00 pm. - upstairs Lounge
Lenten Service - Wednesday, March 7 - 7:30 pm. - Sanctuary
Church Council - Monday, March 12 - 7:15 pm.
Tuesday Night Bible Study - Tuesday, March 13 - 7:00 pm. - Letschers'
Morning Prayer - Wednesday, March 14 - 9:00 am. - Chapel
Lenten Dessert time - Wednesday, March 14 - 7:00 pm. - upstairs Lounge
Lenten Service - Wednesday, March 14 - 7:30 pm. - Sanctuary
Tureen Lunch - Sunday, March 18 - noon
Evangelism Committee - Monday, March 19 - 10:00 am.
Men's Banquet - Monday, March 19 - 6:00 pm.
Mission Committee - Monday, March 19 - 7:30 pm.
Property Committee - Tuesday, March 20 - 7:00 pm.
Deadline for Newsletter Items - Tuesday, March 20
Morning Prayer - Wednesday, March 21 - 9:00 am. - Chapel
Lenten Dessert time - Wednesday, March 21 - 7:00 pm. - upstairs Lounge
Lenten Service - Wednesday, March 21 - 7:30 pm. - Sanctuary
Stuff Newsletters - Monday, March 26 - 9:00 am.
Worship and Music Committee - Monday, March 26 - 7:00 pm.
Tuesday Night Bible Study - Tuesday, March 27 - 7:00 pm. - Sausser's
Holy Wednesday Service - Wednesday, March 28 - 9:00 am. - Chapel
Maundy Thursday Service - Thursday, March 29 - 7:30 pm. - Sanctuary
Good Friday Tenebrae - Friday, March 30 - 7:30 pm. - Sanctuary
OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2018 ARE AVAILABLE
2018 offering envelopes are 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.
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
RECENT CHURCH COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
Church Council actions at the January meeting -
Approved Staff Christmas bonus
Approved donating to: Family Promise of Lycoming County; Trinity Lutheran Church, VA; SOLA Publishing; Institute of Lutheran Theology; NALS (NALC Seminary)
Received Pastor's Report
RECONCILIATION OF BETHANY CHURCH FINANCES
Income received through December 31, 2017 (52 Sundays) $ 223,579.96
Expenses through December 31, 2017 197,795.44
Balance $ 25,784.52
Income received through December 31, 2016 (52 Sundays) $ 216,719.55
Expenses through December 31, 2016 197,069.33
Balance $ 19,650.22
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 Joyce McQuillen by: Mr/Mrs Michael Callahan
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.
THANK YOU FROM OUR CONGREGATION
Thank You Church Family for stopping by and for the cookies.
- Cella Taylor
Thank You so much for the cookies, they were just wonderful.
- Tom and Ann Long
Thank You So Much - My Bethany family gives me much to smile about - prayers, visits, cookies, Pastor David with communion, all are really appreciated. - Roxie Lundy
Thanks to Tracy Rhian for the beautiful Altar Flowers and to the girls who delivered them. They made my day! - Jean Fox
Thank You - to the wonderful Bethany Christmas Carolers, you made the Christmas Season very special for us. - Fred and Peggy Shultz
Thank You to the Women of Bethany for the delicious cookies and to Ruthie Kissell for delivering them. A special Thank You to Pastor David for his visit and bringing Communion. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
- Joanne Bosch
Thank You for the pretty altar flowers and for Kathy and Gail for being out in the cold to deliver them. That was very sweet.
- Faye Benedict
Thank You - Pastor and Betty would like to thank those who remembered us with cards and gifts at Christmas and on our Anniversary. Your thoughts and gifts were very much appreciated. We wish you all a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Thank You for the lovely Altar Flowers and to the ladies who delivered them. - Marge Fantaskey
Thank You for the beautiful Christmas Plant and for Gail Stover for delivering it to me. - Beryl Welshans
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 - 1213 Cedar St, Montoursville 17754
Herbert and Sandy Bright - 628 Broad St, Montoursville 17754
Shirlee English - PO Box 322, Montoursville 17754
Marjorie Gower - 1409 Jordan Ave, Montoursville 17754
Virginia Laudig - 1119 Broad St, Montoursville 17754
Helen Leidhecker - Elmcroft of Loyalsock, 2985 Four Mile Dr, Montoursville
Sandra Long - Muncy Skilled Nursing, 215 E Water St, Muncy 17756
Catherene F Lowe - Aristia Care, 1445 Sycamore Rd, Montoursville 17754
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 - 68 Sechler Dr, Montoursville 17754
Cella Taylor - 1412 Broad St, Montoursville 17754
SHEPHERD OF THE STREETS
A MESSAGE FROM SHEPHERD OF THE STREETS - The ministry receives no State or Federal funds, but only contributions from people and churches. The last four months have been difficult. The cost of nearly everything (especially medicine) has gone up and the economy has gone down. At the SOS office they have ceased some help-programs, taken cuts in personal financial involvement, and have plans for cutting some other programs with medical and safety emphasis. For you who have faithfully given, they are most appreciative. For you who will give in this winter season, they are grateful and they thank you even now for your support to help us achieve their mission. Be assured that your donation will be used to help with medicine, glasses, safe practices, and work-entry needs. Please donate thru Bethany Church office. They will still be giving out hygiene kits: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream razors, shampoo, conditioner, women's hygiene products, towels, wash cloths, bedding, tissues, toilet paper, blankets, soap, deodorant, combs, baby diapers, baby shampoo, baby oil, baby Q-tips, baby wipes, baby powder.
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
They continue to see an increase each month in the number of clients they have assisted. The need is great. These are tough times for all of us. Items needed: cake mix, cereal, hot cocoa, coffee, powdered creamer, powdered drink mix, frosting, canned fruits, granola bars, hamburger helper, jello, ketchup, mac-n-cheese, instant mashed potatoes, mustard, egg/spaghetti noodles, oatmeal packets, oodles of noodles, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, microwave popcorn, poptarts, pork-n-beans, pudding mix, ramen noodles, saltines, chunky soups, soups (chicken noodle soup, tomato soup), spaghetti sauce, stuffing, sugar (1 lb.), regular tea bags, canned tuna, canned vegetables, clean plastic grocery bags (no holes), 30 gal trash bags, disinfectant wipes.
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.
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.
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