A couple of books that will challenge your thinking!

You probably already know that I am a book junkie. I just can't seem to help myself. I have this insatiable appetite for what's written. Jennifer says if we ever go bankrupt it will be because of Amazon.com. Just point, click and few days later the latest book appears in the mailbox. I love it!

Well, a couple of the latest books I've recently devoured are Unchristian: What a new generation really thinks about Christianity by David Kinnaman (President of Barna Research Group and son of my friend Gary Kinnaman, recently retired pastor of Word of Grace Church in Mesa) and  Who Stole My Church? What to do when the church you love tries to enter the 21^st Century by Gordon MacDonald, veteran pastor and best-selling author. Let me give you a quick peek at Kinnaman's book this month from the view of outsiders and MacDonald's next month, all about long-time insider church members and their struggle with the changing culture and the changing face of the church.

Unchristian is a frank and, at times, painful glimpse of what a generation of younger Americans thinks of the church and Christians. A growing number of younger adults in our country are expressing more and more disinterest, distrust and ultimately distance from organized churches like ours. Kinnaman's three-years of research showed a significant percentage of young adults see the church and Christians primarily by our faults and flaws. Six broad themes showed up revealing attitudes about the church and Christians from young adults on the outside of the church:

1.      Hypocritical-many outsiders see us as saying (and preaching) one thing, but doing another. They are skeptical of our morally superior attitudes that they see as a polished image that isn't real.

2.      Too focused on getting converts-but not really, genuinely concerned about people. They feel like targets to us, not real relationships.

3.      Anti-homosexual-fixated on this issue and more hateful than loving toward gays and lesbians.

4.      Sheltered-we seem old-fashioned and out of touch with reality, isolated from the culture we live in.

5.      Too political-they believe we have been co-opted by a conservative political agenda and are enjoying the power and clout of political influence.

6.      Judgmental-quick to judge and condemn others that we disagree with or whose lifestyle we don't approve. They question whether we love people at all unless they first become like us.

Ouch! This is not an easy book to read. Many times I felt like shouting back, "Don't lump all of us together. We aren't all like this." But there were also plenty of things that made me think deeply about how we live out our faith and how we are perceived by outsiders.

So, let me take a stab at suggesting ways we might influence more positively how outsiders, especially younger outsiders see us. (We probably can't do much to stop others in our camp from continuing to misrepresent Christ and us, but there is a lot we can do individually, one at a time, to influence co-workers, neighbors and friends around us who are still far from God.)

First, live like forgiven people, not self-righteous, better-than-others people. We can take our cue from Jesus. Even though he (alone) had no sin of his own, he never came across as self-righteous or hostile toward sinners far from God. In fact, the only hostility we ever see in Jesus is toward self-righteous, religious people. Second, really love people, not for who they might become or how they might change if they accept Jesus, but love them as they are for who they are. Third, stay focused on living in and inviting others into the Kingdom of God. This is so much bigger and long-lasting than the temporary swings of political clout and influence. Fourth, remember that we represent Jesus Christ every minute of every day with every word we speak and every thing we do. Outsiders are watching and drawing conclusions about him and his Kingdom from our individual lives. We may not be able to undo all the negative impressions people have about the church and Christians, but we certainly can go a long way toward representing the life of Jesus and the changed lives of his followers by living like Jesus in the real world.

Easter Offering

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. -2 Corinthians 9:13

The people of Bethany continue to amaze us with incredible generosity. We set a goal of $50K and we more than met it with an offering of $54,322.43. This year the entire Easter offering will be applied to community outreach.

• $43K to Habitat for Humanity. This will fund one half of a house which gives us first opportunity for almost 190 volunteer build slots. In addition, it will offer an opportunity for the people of Bethany to reach out in friendship to the owner-family by providing meals on Bethany build days and any other creative ways we can think of to serve as we share the Good News.
• $7K to Hope Community Health Center. This new ministry provides basic healthcare to the uninsured in conjunction with spiritual counseling and a full assessment of job and living conditions and needs. With our support HCHC can purchase equipment that will allow them to expand services.
•  The remaining $4,322.43 will be dedicated to future community outreach efforts.

Pray with us that as we use these funds we will shine Jesus into our community that He might be praised by all.

Community Outreach Sunday

On March 9, the people of Bethany had an opportunity to look beyond our own very real problems to those who are hungry, thirsty, sick, in prison, or in need of clothing or a warm bed. Jesus told us that whenever we address the need of "one of the least of these brothers" of His, we do it for Him. Twenty-three ministries were available in the Bethany courtyard to discuss how we might apply talents, abilities and desires to service. 

Special thanks to those who devoted so much time and effort to the success of this event:

The Family Matters Faith Community for organizing and serving the food

The First Impressions Team for establishing the courtyard mood and providing for the beverages

The Operations Crew for faithfully setting up and tearing down

Along Side Ministries will be the featured Matthew 25 Sunday ministry. The people of Bethany will have an opportunity to provide for a specific material need as well as sign up for a one-time service event. Look for more information in the May E-News.

Celebrate Community Service

We are aware of at least 35 Easter baskets prepared by the people of Bethany for Phoenix Rescue Mission.

Spread the Word

We want to know how you are serving our community. Please send a paragraph about the service event to plevesque@bethanycc.com. Photos are a huge plus.

Pick up a ministry list in the Information Center or check out the Community Outreach Web page for information on community ministries in which the people of Bethany are already engaged. If you are looking for suggestions on matching your passion with a service opportunity, please contact Bethany's Community Outreach Ministries Director, Peggy Levesque at plevesque@bethanycc.com.

The

Read more about it on the International Outreach Blog

Do you know where those strengths can best be used in the body of Christ?

Then the new online Assess Me tool is for you!

 

Saturday Night Date Night - Saturday, April 5, 5-9pm
Have a night out and we'll babysit! Drop off your children, up to age 6, in the A Building, Saturday, April 5 at 5pm and enjoy an evening with your spouse. Pick-up is at 9pm. Date night is sponsored by the Pathways Faith Community. Register by Wednesday, April 2. Contact Mary Beth at 480.831.5005 for more information.

 

 

 

 

• PrimeLife Luncheon - Wednesday, April 9, 10am-12:30pm, C1
  All are welcome to come hear Young Adult Pastor Jay Henderson. Cost for a delicious lunch is only $6. Please make reservations at the PrimeLife table on Sunday morning or call Laura Tipton at 480.893.1702 or delandlaura@cox.net.
• Visit to Boyce Arboretum - Friday, April 25
  Vans will leave from Bethany's south parking lot at 9am. Entry fee is $7 per person. Bring a sack lunch. Sign up at the PrimeLife table or contact Del & Laura Tipton at 480.893.1702 or delandlaura@cox.net.
• Canyonlands Trip - June 9-12
  Visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, plus Bryce and Zion National Parks. Participants will leave Monday, June 9 and return on Thursday, June 12. Cost is $595 double occupancy, $799 single. Registration and payment are due by April 9. Sign up at the PrimeLife table on Sunday mornings. For more information contact Shirley Janzen at 480.895.7768

Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right

April 13 - June 15, Sundays at 9:00am in E6

Every parent hopes their kids will turn out right. They pray that when their children leave the nest, they will be ready to face the world. Please join the Family Matters Faith Community as we learn strategies for Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right. Each study begins with a 20-minute video followed by group discussion, facilitated by Bob Hirst. Books are available for $5 per couple. This series is perfect for those with children and those who are planning to have children. Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right is open to anyone, so please invite a friend!

Who do you know? Who Have You Seen God Use?

Bethany's Elder Nominating Committee is seeking godly leaders for the position of Elder and we need your help.

We are looking for individuals who are already functioning as leaders in our church. These leaders should have the kinds of qualities listed in, 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

Nomination forms will be available in the information center on Sundays and in the church office during the week. After completing the form you may drop it off in the information center, place in the offering bags or boxes on Sunday mornings, or mail it to the church office at 6240 S. Price Road, Tempe, AZ 85283 c/o Fran Carey. Nominations must be received by June 1.

We appreciate your help!

The Elder Nominating Committee