| Nicaragua Hurricane Relief Project |
 On September 4, 2007, a furious hurricane came ashore in northeastern Nicaragua. The center of the storm hit just north of Puerta Cabezas and created havoc in the surrounding area. The people of Bethany Community Church responded with an offering to reach out and give assistance to the people in need. A partnership was established between Partners in Christ International and Bethany to send teams to help. Patrick Tinkam, a BCC International Partner in Nicaragua, has connected us with the lead relief efforts person in the area, Pastor Earl of the Verbo Church in Puerta Cabezas.
In November, Bethany sent a team to build houses and they did a tremendous job completing 2-1/2 homes and giving food to the families.  Pastor Earl and the local church ministry have a vision to help families displaced by the storm. They are building homes in several poor areas and villages around Puerta Cabezas. We want to return and help in building homes for those needy families.
If you are interested in being on a team, we can use your help. There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, January 6, 12:15pm in D4. We are planning trips for February 9-17 and March 8-16. Come ready to sign up for one of these trips because they are filling up fast. For more information, contact Greg Thayer at heythay@cox.net or 480.239.3503. |
| Family Reunion |
| "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15
 Please remember David & Bev Klingaman in prayer following the passing of David's mother, Mildred Klingaman, in Oklahoma. David was working with the Nicaragua Hurricane Relief Team when he received word of his mother's death on November 30. Mildred was a believer and the Klingamans are comforted knowing that she is now with her beloved Jesus.
Kay Hanson, mother of Becky Cole, passed away on Monday, December 3. Please pray for Becky and her family.
Pray for Bethany operations staff member Sam Johnson, and his family, after the loss of Sam's sister, Mary Ellen Johnson, on Monday, December 10. Mary Ellen, 54, resided in Casa Grande and died of complications from diabetes. She is survived by 11 siblings.
 Congratulations to Brad Cady II and Emily Wyant who were married in Gilbert on Saturday, December 15. Brad is an employee of Bethany working in the technical services department.
 Congratulations to Nicole Hammond on the arrival of Daniel Robert Hammond who was born Wednesday, December 19. Daniel is the third grandchild for Bob & Dawn Corelli. |
| Celebrate Community Service |
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"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
ThriftSmart-Phoenix's thrift store with a mission Cleaning out your closets? Cupboards? Garage? Hold those "gently used" items for collection on Sunday, January 13, by ThriftSmart, a brand-new thrift store that uses its proceeds to support community ministries. ThriftSmart will have a truck in Bethany's west parking lot from 8am until the parking lot empties after second service.
Originating in Nashville, TN, ThriftSmart thrift stores exist to provide value to customers, opportunity for employees, benefits to charities, and light for the community by operating the best-run thrift stores in the world, and promoting smart and thrifty living-all for God's glory.
Dave Chapman opened his first Valley store at 13621 N. 32nd Street in Phoenix in September 2007 with plans to seek out more locations. Dave can be contacted at 480.429.3593 or chapmans18@cox.net. Proceeds go to:
Angel Tree
 This year your Angel Tree donations provided gifts for 51 Los Ninos children and 10 Guadalupe adults as well as 106 Prison Fellowship children. Deliveries were made in time for Christmas by many individuals including the Bethany Bikers. In addition, 29 hats and 19 pairs of gloves will be given to children of Guadalupe families not yet involved in the Los Ninos program.
Los Ninos On December 15 the Los Ninos kids hosted a Christmas party for their community at a Town of Guadalupe park. MOPS and the Family Matters Faith Community collected household and hygiene items for the raffle. An estimated 36 people from Bethany joined others from a variety of local churches to help serve 300 hot dogs, decorate Christmas cookies, make tree ornaments and gifts to give, learn about Advent, run a "cupcake walk", and a multitude of other activities. The Los Ninos team will visit the homes of newcomers to explain details of the program and offer to have the bus pick up their children on Los Ninos Saturdays.
Neighborhood Ministries
Women's Ministries collected items to donate to the Neighborhood Ministries Christmas store. People from the neighborhood earned "scrips" by providing services to Neighborhood Ministries. The scrips were used to purchase Christmas gifts for their children.
T-Shirt Collection for Tanner Chapel
Bethany's middle schoolers collected t-shirts for the Tanner Chapel homeless ministry in December. This church provide food bags and clean clothing to the homeless in Central Phoenix.
CareStone Assisted Living
Bethany's elementary children made bookmarks for CareStone residents and workers. Deeper Water young adult group entertained them with music of the Christmas season.
A great big THANKS to everyone listed above, and to those of whom we are unaware, for your generous gifts of time and treasure to Community Outreach Ministries.
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| Children's & Student Ministries |
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Upcoming:
January 14-Transformer Team Meeting, 6:30-8:00pm in F1
January 27-Annual Members Meeting. Childcare will be available and lunch will be provided with RSVP.
February 2-Children's Ministry workday, 9am-12noon, Bldg B and room F1.
February 3-Early Childhood Parent meeting, 10:15-10:45am, B202.
February 10-Children's Ministry Volunteer Valentine's Brunch, 8:45am-12:15pm, B204
Top Three Praises
1. Praise for hearing wonderful reports of our early childhood children singing their praise songs everywhere.
2. Praise for elementary teachers, leaders and volunteers for their heart of service teaching our children of God's love and His Word.
3. Praise God for the growth in MSM and that students feel welcomed and are excited about the direction of the program.
Top Three Needs
1. 10:45 teachers and assistants for grades 1-3
2. Set designers and builders for Transformers' Winter Camp
3. MSM hands-on leaders
Child Dedication Class & Service
On Sunday, January 6, parents of children ages birth through kindergarten are invited to attend a Child Dedication Class to prepare to dedicate themselves before the church to raise their child in accordance with God's Word and in relationship with Him. The class will be held in D3 at 10:45am. The Child Dedication Service will be Sunday, January 20. Registration is required. Contact Kathy Feruglio at 480.305.5801 or kferuglio@bethanycc.com.
Kids-In-Service
Bethany's elementary children have been busy doing crafts for Carestone Assisted Living Facility. They made Christmas bookmarks for the residents and the workers at the center in December. Be on the lookout for information on a field trip to Carestone scheduled for February. The children have enjoyed this ministry opportunity.
Transformers Parent Meeting
Please join us Sunday, January 13 at 10:15 in F1. We'll talk about calendar events for 2008 and details on the Winter Camp taking place February 22-24. We look forward to seeing you there!
Transformers Service Project
Come make and bake the goodies for the CM volunteer brunch with Kevin, Matt and Pastor Sheri on Saturday, January 26 from 1-4pm. Bring an apron, small paintbrush and your favorite snack. Along with baking, we'll write thank you notes and Valentine wishes to our volunteers. A map will be provided to Kathy Feruglio's home at 2400 S. Walnut Drive in Chandler. We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP to Kathy at 480.305.5801 or kferuglio@bethanycc.com.
MSM Lock-In
MSM is at it again! This time we're having a lock-in January 4-5! Come to the MSM room at 7pm on Friday. We won't let you go until 9am on Saturday! We'll be heading to Laser Quest in Mesa for two rockin' games of Laser Tag plus many other activities in the MSM room. Cost is $25 or bring a friend new to MSM and it's two for $30. This includes laser tag, snacks and breakfast. Contact Kathy Feruglio at 480.305.5801 or kferuglio@bethanycc.com.
HSM Meeting for parents and Volunteers
The High School Ministry is hosting a parent and volunteer meeting Sunday, January 6, at 9am in the HSM room. Come enjoy some fresh Cafe Por Favor coffee, have a bagel and hear abut the vision and philosophy of ministry for the next six months. Information will be shared about Sunday mornings, Wednesday night small groups, Hume SD, Mexico house building (Spring Break) and more! Our high school students are awesome; come meet the team that is working with them. Contact Dave Robinson at 480.831.5005 or drobinson@bethanycc.com.
Support HSM
Buy HSM coffee to support medical missions and HSM at the same time. Cost is $8 per bag or two for $15. Excellent gift! Stop by the Student Center or contact Kathy Ferugio at 480.305.5801 or kferuglio@bethanycc.com. |
| Young Adults |
| January Young Adults Home Group
Do you have a Myspace, download music, or find yourself spending random hours at coffee shops? This group is for you. We are spending the month of January in small groups at our home to provide intentional time to build community-to know and be known. Meet young adults from all over the valley as we seek God in worship, truth and community.
Sunday nights - 7pm - January 13, 20 & 27
Come early for dinner at 6:30pm.
January 7 - BCS Championship: LSU vs. Ohio State at 6pm.
Jay & Lindsay Henderson
1093 W. Juniper Ave
Gilbert, Az 85233
Family Matters Faith Community - Sunday, 9am, E6
Married with kids or planning on it? Then this group is for you. Lindsay and I will be sharing Sunday mornings the month of January about our spiritual/relational journey. Come join us to share on this journey!
Jay-918.808.4666
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| Upcoming Events |
| PrimeLife Tempe Arts Center Tour - January 8
Start the new year with a tour of the Tempe Arts Center on Tuesday, January 8. We will meet in the BCC parking lot at noon, stop for lunch (your treat), then enjoy a free tour of the new Tempe Arts Center from 1:30-2:30pm . Please sign up at the PrimeLife table on Sundays in the courtyard.
PrimeLife Luncheon - January 9
Join PrimeLife on January 9 from 10am - 1pm to hear from guest speakers Bill and Rachel Chesley, Bethany's International Partners in Chad. This will be a special opportunity to learn how God is working through them in this African country. Please RSVP with Wanda Lee Smith at 480.838.1617 or sign up in the courtyard on Sunday mornings. Cost is $6 for the lunch.
DivorceCare starts January 23Are you divorced or recently separated? DivorceCare is a 13-week support group to help you learn how to cope with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. Open to men and women. Workbook is $12. Contact Linda Whipple at 480.305.5810 or lwhipple@bethanycc.com. A children's program is available.
Free Financial Seminars
No matter what our stage of life, most of us have questions about managing finances. If you would like to gain more knowledge and control of your financial situation, join the Bethany Financial Guidance Team for a series of FREE financial seminars. The seminars will be on the third Thursday of each month in room D5, 6:30-8:30pm. The schedule of topics include:
Expense Planning - January 17
Student Loan Basics - February 21
Mutual Funds Basics - March 20
Mortgages - April 17
New Members Seminar - January 13, 9am-noon in D3
The Discover Membership Seminar is designed to offer an introduction to the Bible's teaching about the purpose of the church. This seminar is required for adults desiring to become a member of Bethany. Attendance does not obligate you if you simply want to learn more and explore the opportunity. Register for this seminar in the Information Center or contact Mary Beth at 480.305.5800 for more details.
10-Week Evening Fitness Program starts January 23, 6:30-7:30pm
This program focuses on providing classes that de-stress the mind and restore, build, and maintain strength to the body while listening to music that encourages the soul. Cost of the course is $40 for new attendees (includes mat), or $30 for returning members. Children's program available. To register, contact Linda Whipple at 480.305.5810 or lwhipple@bethanycc.com.
Women's Retreat-Lost Canyon, Williams, AZ
Save the date-March 14-16
Girlfriend Connection - January 11, 7pm
Do you love to play tabletop games? Share and enjoy delicious appetizers? Chat with the gals? Then Girlfriend Connection is the place for you! Join us every second Friday in C2. All ages are welcome to join in on the fun and great times. There is no cost and new friends are always encouraged to come! For more information, contact Noreen Hurd at 480.820.3788 or for an electronic reminder the week of Girlfriend Connection, send your email address to Mary Beth at mbcochran@bethanycc.com.
See the Bible for Yourself - Psalms - January 8-June 17
Inductive Bible Study for Men and Women
Do you crave a deeper relationship with God? Are you ready to devote some time and energy to studying God's Word and discovering God's truth for yourself? Do you want to be part of a highly interactive discussion of Bible truth each week? If so, join like-minded men and women each Tuesday night 7-8:30pm in D4 for the See the Bible for Yourself study series. Our worktext is The New Inductive Study Bible, available the first night of the study for $30. Come early for fellowship at 6:30. Contact Fran Carey at 480.839.4749 for more information. | |
