May 6 - Art Before Your Eyes

On Sunday, May 6, during Worship, artist Dave von Behren will create a work of art right before your very eyes.  While listening to a variety of moving musical selections, you will see Dave paint the Ascension of Jesus as recorded in Luke 24:50-53 & Acts 1:1-9.  Invite your friends to this amazing, creative experience. 10:30 AM.

May 13 - The Wisdom of Women / Mother’s Day

Sunday May 13, is Mother’s Day / Women’s Sunday. Our theme for the day is “The Wisdom of Women.”  Sandy Lewis and Rob Turner are going to share wisdom they have gained from women in their lives.  The congregation will also be invited to share pearls of wisdom from mothers or other important women who have influenced them.  For example, my mother taught me to open doors for women because it shows respect.  There have been women in your life who have shared wisdom with you.  Come prepared to share something about “The Wisdom of Women.” 10:30 AM.  There will NOT be a fellowship dinner following Worship.

Camp Lael Clean Up - May 19

Camp Lael has invited churches to gather at the camp for the annual spring cleanup at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 19.  The event includes breakfast and lots of indoor and outdoor projects.  For more information, contact Josh Nelson or Bob Hunt

May 27th is Pentecost and Memorial Sunday

On Sunday, May 27, we will observe Pentecost by celebrating the birthday of the Christian Church. You are invited to wear something red! We will also be remembering our loved ones who have gone home to be with God. During the service, worshipers will have the opportunity to write the name of loved ones they especially miss on a prayer wall. The congregation will lift up prayers of comfort for the grieving and prayers of thanksgiving for the missing loved ones. The prayer wall will be on display in the sanctuary during the month of June.

One Great Hour of Sharing

During the month of May, you will be invited to give a special offering for the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. Many denominations all join together in raising money for disaster relief and other sustenance and/or education programs that teach people to be self-sufficient.  When an earthquake or a tsunami or a hurricane, or a tornado causes suffering, water shortages, rescue efforts, food needs, and family re-uniting and re-location issues, One Great Hour of Sharing funds are ready and available to help.

Don’t wait for a disaster to strike.  Your gifts will take weeks to have an effect. By giving to OGHS, you make it possible to respond with needed help . . . immediately.  Your gift will be ready to make a difference and save lives. You will receive a special letter and envelope via snail mail.  Envelopes will also be available at Grand Central and in the pews.  Pray about what God would have you to give.

Breakfast With The Bible

Every Sunday, we are having Breakfast with the Bible in the big Sunday School room.  Children 5th grade and younger are invited to gather at 9:30 AM for a Bible Story, Crafts, Singing, and Breakfast.  During March, the children will be memorizing and integrating “The Lord’s Prayer.”  The group is led by Cathy Haynes, Rodger Zeller, & Joann Shulte.

Adult Sunday School

     Have you seen the movie “The Way”?  On the Sundays of May, our Adult Sunday School will take a look at episodes in the movie “The Way” and discuss the spiritual issues raised by the movie.  Join Pastor James & Nelson Haynes for the weekly DVD presentations and discussions. The Adult Sunday School will meet in the Parlor at 9:30 AM each Sunday during May.

Bethany Recycles!

Bethany re-cycles paper to collection bins benefiting Waterford Schools.  We also collect spent batteries which are re-cycled by Ron Joyner.  Soon we will also have a plastic bins.

Please donate your USED PRINTER CARTRIDGES to Bethany.  Josh Nelson is able to turn these items into useful equipment and supplies for the church office, thus saving the church money.  It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference!

Men’s Breakfast - May 12

The Men’s Breakfast group will meet Saturday, May 12th at the Green Apple Restaurant on Cooley Lake Road, 8:30 AM. Bill Maxfield will lead in a devotional.  Come join in the fellowship.

Dessert With Jesus

For those who can’t (or won’t) come to the Sunday School for “BREAKFAST WITH THE BIBLE”, we are offering a one hour program for children on Wednesday nights at 6:30 - 8 PM called “DESSERT WITH JESUS”.  Children can come and enjoy a dessert snack and hear/act out/or sing a story about Jesus from the Gospels.  The format will resemble the Sunday format, but different material will be covered.

Can your children or grandchildren come to BOTH?  Yes!  Take advantage of these opportunities to anchor the young ones in the Bible and our Christian Faith.

Bethany Book Club - May 18

Our book for May is The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis and recommended by Pastor James.  The working title was “Who Goes Home?”  but the final name was changed at the publisher's insistence. The title refers to William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell. 

This book is available at local libraries or book outlets.  There are even several copies available from Pastor James.  Please join us for a great discussion on May 18 – place to be announced.

Deacons Offering Healing Prayers
DEACONS MAKE A CHANGE!

Our Deacons are offering spiritual counseling and prayer each Sunday, upon the conclusion of Worship.  The Deacon of the Day will meet with anyone desiring personal prayer IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY (which is located at the west end of the building across from the Women’s Restroom.)  Our Deacons are: Nona Bos, Bob Hunt, & Rodger Zeller.

 Food for Open Door

Thank you for your generous contributions during the year! The need is still great!  Please bring canned goods or dry goods for Open Door every Sunday.  A display and containers are in the vestibule.

GET YOUR SCRIP EVERY SUNDAY!

Bethany now has a SCRIP program as a fundraiser to earn money to support our budget. You purchase the items you normally would – and Bethany gets a percentage.  This is an ongoing fundraiser with the potential of raising several thousand dollars this year.

The Kroger scrip program has changed.  Visit www.krogercommunityrewards.com to register your Kroger Plus Card online and start earning money for our church.    Registering on-line or at the store takes only about 5 minutes.  See Amy Nelson for assistance.