Bethany Lutheran Church

Janeen Smith, Pastor ~ 26418 Mountain Highway E, Spanaway, WA ~ 253-847-8801

As most of you know, each Fall, I work at the fair as a ride ticket seller.  It is kind of fun.  I get to meet new people and chat with them as we work together.  Over the years I have made a few “fair friends”.  It is fun to catch up with them each year.  The other day I was working with a new seller.  She had a great personality and showed a lot of joy.  As things slowed down, we got to talking.  She shared that she is enjoying the job but has been working next to a difficult person.  After working with this difficult person so many days, she was feeling very guilty that she had asked to be moved away from the difficult person.  This was prefaced with, “I’m a Christian and I am really trying to…”  I listened as she shared how she felt like she was trying to share God’s love, but it was being received and uncomfortable actions were being given in return.  A misunderstanding of intentions?  But she felt like she had been placed in that seat to help the difficult person for a reason.

 

Does God really want us to go beyond our abilities?  Does he really want us to keep heading into a dark place when we ourselves are fragile?  How far are we to go?  I ended up telling her that maybe God placed her in that seat, not because of the difficult person, but because of her own journey.

 

We will never truly know why things happen, but hopefully in the end, we have made the right choices.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

Peace – Wendy

 

Happy Birthday this week to:

Jerry K – 19th

Cheyanne F – 20th

David C – 21st

 

Volunteers:  Please let me know your October availability before I do the schedule next week.  Thank you

 

Serving on Sunday 10/24

Altar Guild – Ardell S

Ushers – Gary C & Gary p

Lector – Gail E

Intercess. Prayer – Karen A

Video –  Kristi F

Sound – Wendy Sm

 

Readings and Psalm

Jonah 3:10--4:11

God’s concern for the city of Nineveh

Psalm 145:1-8

The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. (Ps. 145:8)

Philippians 1:21-30

Standing firm in the gospel

Matthew 20:1-16

The parable of the vineyard workers

 

 

September Senior Social

Noon - Thursday, September 21st,

“Back to School Special”

Join the Lunch Ladies for a back to school special…

Lunch

Coffee

Dessert

and a little education….

See you soon,

The Lunch Ladies,

Joni, Nancy, Ardell, Elaine, Janis, Louise

 

For Doris T’s Memorial Service:

Candice has spoken with the family and they have requested that we wear blue.  All shades are acceptable.  They have also asked for any pictures anyone would be willing to share of either Doris or Doris and Ken together.  You can bring them to the office.

From Candice:

Would someone be in charge of flowers for centerpieces? I know we have several garden club members, and there are still beautiful flowers in the gardens. Since time will be a little tight on Sunday, we could meet at church on Saturday to get them prepped. Do let me know please. (There are plenty of vases at the church)

 

We are going to serve a light luncheon consisting of:

 

Sandwiches (there will be some children, so let's have 1 tray of typical kid peanut butter & jam sandwiches)

 

Fruit and veggie trays

 

A few salads

 

Cookies

 

Please let Candice know what you are able to provide.

 

The family will provide a cake.

 

The service is at 1 p.m., and they are expecting just immediate family and a few neighbors, plus the Bethany Family.

 

Feel free to call or email,

~ Candice

253-229-2818  

jandccrosetto@aol.com

 

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

 REMINDER: It is the time of year when we work on our Operation Christmas Child mission. OCC is intended to spark hope in the life of a needy child as they hear of Jesus' love for them. We demonstrate God's love in a tangible way by filling shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene or personal supplies. We focus on the most needy children in the world in over 100 countries. Children affected by war, natural disaster, famine, disease, refugee camps, orphanages, or native reservations are the focus. For most children, it is the first gift they have ever received. They also receive a 12 week lesson on the life of Jesus. On October 1st, there will be an information table set up providing more information. There will be samples of the books the children receive and much more. You can use any cardboard or plastic shoebox you have or one of the free, decorated cardboard boxes. They will be due mid-November, final date TBD. Hopefully, we can make a great impact on this great need! You might still be able to catch a back-to-school sale!  For questions call Cathy Keyes:253-847-5469.

 

 

Did you know our 125th Anniversary is coming soon?

We will celebrate on Sunday October 29th.

Take a moment to write a brief memory of your time at Bethany.  Special note paper provided in the Narthex.

If you have ideas or items (photos) for the time capsule or great ideas for our celebration, contact: Carol S, Inez H, Rick W, Walt S, or Janis S.

 

 

Upcoming at Bethany

Sunday Services each Sunday at 10:00 am

Choir Practice – 9:00am – On the 2nd & 4th Sundays (See Claudia for questions)

9/19  Matthew Bible Study Resumes – Litzer Hall 10:00 am

9/21   Senior Social - Noon – Litzer Hall

9/24   Doris Thompson Celebration of Life at 1 pm

Candice C is leading the reception

9/26 Matthew Bible Study – Litzer Hall 10:00am

10/29   125th Anniversary Celebration