| A Word from Rich |
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Earlier this year Marissa Covert went to South Africa to serve with Helping Hands in Africa as a music specialist ministering to children--many of them orphans--whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS.
Marissa is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, a certified music teacher and a person who loves children and has had her heart captured by the love of Jesus. As a church family, we are so proud of Marissa and thankful for her ministry in South Africa on our behalf. We will welcome her back home to Bethany on Sunday, December 28. I want you to hear her story in her own words. 
Rich
As I have been sharing the gospel with the children in the therapy groups, I have been reminded once again just how simple the gospel message really is. As adults, we tend to make things more complicated, but in reality the Gospel message is so simple that even a child can understand and respond. I have seen the children understand the message of the Gospel, but they also understand that when we have a relationship with God, He promises to never leave us. He makes us His children and becomes our Father, and He promises that we will someday be in heaven with Him. As I was preparing for the last groups with the kids, I was reminded of how Jesus took time for children. I went to the New Testament and read each account of Jesus interacting with children. Each of the writers' accounts are similar, but I particularly liked Matthew's account: At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." (Matthew 18:3-6)
So I asked myself what it really means to become like a child. What is it about a child's faith that we are to imitate? Well, as I saw the children respond to the Gospel I started to understand a little of what Jesus was telling us. Here is what I have observed:  Simplicity: As I already mentioned, we adults like to make things complicated. I think our intellectual capacity, our ability to analyze and our tendency to over-analyze, sometimes get in the way of our faith. Children understand things more simply, in a concrete, "this-is-the-way-it-is" manner. They may not have yet fully developed their critical thinking skills, but I think this can be to their advantage. They are much more likely to accept truth by faith. Humility: Jesus mentions this in Matthew's account, saying we must humble ourselves like a child. I have observed that children generally have less pride than adults. I know they face the reality of peer pressure in their lives, but they are often still more ready to admit their need than most adults (myself included!). We've seen this in our therapy groups. By creating a place where the kids felt safe and loved, they humbly started sharing their hurts and needs with us. And then, when presented with the Gospel, they unashamedly responded, admitting their need for a Savior and accepting Him into their lives. Dependence: By nature, kids are dependent on others. Even the kids we know here, who may not have parents and seem to fend for themselves, still depend on their community and peers to cope. Children have not yet developed the sense of independence that comes with adulthood. They are not embarrassed or ashamed to be dependent on someone else and therefore more readily accept being dependent on God for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Less Entangled: As adults, we can be very "entangled" in our responsibilities, our possessions, relationships, etc. Because a child has not yet experienced the world in  the way an adult has, a child may feel there is "less to lose" in surrendering to Christ. As adults, we often want to hold on to our things, our relationships. We like our life the way it is. But, as Jesus told the rich young ruler in Matthew 19, we must give up everything we have to follow Him. For a child whose life is less "entangled" in the world, they can be much more ready to give up what they have to follow Jesus. I am thankful that God has begun to show me what it means to have faith like a child, and it has affirmed for me how important it is to reach out to children. But Jesus also reminds us that because children are so impressionable, they can be led astray very easily. So He gives a very serious warning to anyone who leads a child into sin. Please be in prayer for these children who are beginning a new relationship with God. They are your new brothers and sisters. We are all part of the same family. Please pray for spiritual protection and growth. Pray that they will cling to the promises of their Maker, remembering that they are loved and valued by their Heavenly Father. - Marissa Covert |
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A Crazy Idea . . . ? |
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tra·di·tion [ trə dísh'n ](plural tra·di·tions), noun
Definition: a custom or belief: a long-established action or pattern of behavior in a community or group of people, often one that has been handed down from generation to generation
 For the last three years, women at Bethany Community Church, along with their friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members, have kicked off the Christmas season with our trolley light tour. It has quickly become a tradition. As you can see from the photos, it was a great time had by all! What makes it so memorable is not the transportation (though it is pretty fun), or the food (though it is very tasty) or even the lights (though some are quite spectacular). It is sharing the journey with the people who fill the trolleys, bring the food, and see the lights. 
Often many of us are more concerned with our destination than with the journey itself. Even when Christ walked the earth, people were so busy getting to where they thought they needed to go that they missed Him, the greatest destination of all.
May I propose an idea? What if we enter 2009 by making a pact to enjoy the journey together? To slow down and cease from striving; to taste and see that the Lord is good; to be still and know that He is God. I know it is a crazy thought, but who knows--if we are willing to try it a time or two, it might even be come a new tradition!
Happy New Year! May your journey be joyous.
Robyn Dahl
Women's Ministry Director |
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Family Matters Invites You to Sharpen Your Parenting Skills |
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Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a good parent? A lot of times parents need help, but nobody likes to ask for it. Family Matters, a Bethany Faith Community geared toward young families, endeavors to conduct at least one parenting series each year. This year, we chose a series called, "Parenting - The Early Years," that was created specifically to address this issue.
Since parenting is such a crucial skill, and especially difficult in these times and this culture, we are opening this class to any interested parents. We invite those single, married, divorced or blended family parents to join us in this six-week video series by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott.
We first learned of the Parrotts while watching a two-week series called, "Love Talk," that Bethany received through the Church Communication Network (CCN). We felt that the teachers were able to present the material in a clear, concise way, while keeping it interesting and biblically based.
The "Early Years" parenting series goes deeper than any technique of just  getting kids to eat their broccoli and clean their room. It takes a biblical approach into the traits parents want their children to have and what traits they want their children to see modeled in them. In the videos, we'll look right into the homes of 20 families and see real-life parenting moments captured on video. Some of these are funny moments and some are just completely honest moments that every parent can relate to. From the study, you should be able to come up with ten biblical traits your kids will remember you for.
Classes will be held each Sunday, January 25 through March 1, at 9:15 in E6. Each class will start with a short introduction, followed by a 20-30 minute video, table discussions based on the workbook, then a group discussion about how to apply the learned principles at home. The cost for the entire series is just $8 to cover the cost of the workbook.
Family Matters hopes to see all of you parents (or planned parents to be) in E6 for those Sundays in January through March. And don't worry if you miss a week-- you won't fall behind. You can still attend regardless if you miss a week or two. We hope to see you there!
For additional information, contact Matt Rokusek matt.rokusek@cox.net or 480-783-9189.
- Matt Rokusek, Family Matters
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New Ministry Assists Those Seeking Employment |
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With the changes in the economy, many people are faced with job hunting. At Bethany, we want you to know that you do not have to go it alone.
The new Bethany Job Networking Ministry is a group of people helping people navigate a course through the challenges of a job search. We offer networking, training, resources and spiritual encouragement to support you during this transition.
Each Thursday night we'll gather for an optional time of prayer at 5:45pm, then kick off the meeting at 6pm with our individual 30-second "elevator speeches" (don't worry--you'll learn how to create your own, powerful introduction as a part of this group!). We'll have a guest speaker from a local industry or organization discuss potential opportunities or provide skills, training or tips to use in your journey, then spend some time networking with others to discover additional resources, contacts and opportunities.
Also available to participants is a resource binder of organizations and agencies that provide additional sources of information, as well as articles of interest.
 The Job Networking Ministry is not limited to the people of Bethany. If you know of someone who is seeking employment, invite them to join us. This could be a wonderful way to introduce someone to the warmth and love of the people of Bethany and, especially, to Jesus Christ as our Lord and provider of all things.
For those who may have expertise in these areas and would like to help with this ministry, or if are aware of current job opportunities, please let us know.
So, whether you are either a job "seeker" or "guide," please join us beginning, Thursday, January 8, 6pm in E6.
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Community Outreach Update |
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 Habitat for Humanity
On Saturday, January 3, work will begin on the Ha family's Habitat house at 425 S. Delaware Street, Chandler; Lot # 10018. A short "wall-raising" ceremony will begin at about 10am, with prayer by Pastor Hendrix and special music presented by Matt Vlahovich and friends. You are invited to write a scripture verse or message on the wall studs as a permanent blessing on the house. If you can't make that event, don't worry. On Sunday, January 4 you can meet the family and show your support between services. You'll find them at the Habitat table in the courtyard. Refreshmens will be served. Bethany's elementary students have decorated "prayer rocks" for you to pick up to remind you to pray for Ngan, her 12-year-old daughter, Thran, and 4-year-old son, Brandon throughout the build and beyond. Let's surround them with the heart of Jesus as we begin this 18-week journey with them toward a new life. Questions? Contact Dale Huizingh at dhuizingh@cox.net.  ThriftSmartPhoenix's thrift store with a mission Cleaning out your closets? Cupboards? Garage? Hold those "gently used" items of furniture, clothing and household goods for collection by ThriftSmart on Sunday, February 8. ThriftSmart will have a truck in Bethany's west parking lot from 8am until the parking lot empties after second service. Originating in Nashville, Tennessee, ThriftSmart 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. Tithes on their proceeds go to: - Food for the Hungry: www.fh.org
- Phoenix Rescue Mission: www.phoenixrescuemission.org
- HopeKids: www.hopekids.org
- Young Life: www.younglife.org
The first Valley store was opened at 13621 N. 32nd St, Phoenix, 85032 in September of 2007 with plans to seek out more locations. Contact Julie Lilly at480.518.1554 or jlilly@ThriftSmart.com.
 Celebrate Community Outreach!Thanks Bethany! With a typically generous spirit, the people of Bethany brought in 677 Salvation Army food boxes and 156 turkeys for the November 23 food offering. The elementary students contributed 20 additional food items and Bethany Learning Center provided boxes of peanut butter and jelly for the pantry shelves. Middle schoolers "ferried" food to all the right places and the high schoolers loaded the truck, all with the help of countless spur-of-the moment volunteers. Way to go church! Go to the Bethany Community Outreach web page to see the Salvation Army's letter of thanks to our congregation.
Thanksgiving Volunteer StoryOne Bethany gentleman reported that he wasn't able to connect with a formal volunteer opportunity for Thanksgiving Day, so he decided that if someone approached him at a gas station (as often happened), he would take that person to dinner. No one showed up. Determined in the face of that defeat he went to a restaurant for dinner and anonymously paid the bill for a family of six, as well his own. Thankful that God has blessed him, he is now looking for some way to serve on Christmas Day. Do you have a story to tell about your volunteering experience? We would love to hear how God spoke to you through ministry. Contact Peggy Levesque at plevesque@bethanycc.com. Angel Tree This year the people of Bethany provided gifts for 96 Prison Fellowship and seven Bethany children (215 gifts). Bethany's Girl Scouts went to Build-a-Bear and donated all 12 of their creations to these children. "Talk about training up a child in the way they should go," Allene Maples said.
Deliveries were made in time for Christmas by many individuals, as well as the Bethany Bikers. Thanks to all who contributed and worked so hard to brighten Christmas for these "Angels."
- Peggy Levesque, Community Outreach Ministries Director
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Young Adults |
Starting in January, Crossover moves to Thursday nights!
Are you a young adult seeking to connect and build friendships with others? Then Crossover is the place for you! Every first and third Thursday of the month (starting January 15), young adults from 20 to 30 will get together at 7:30 pm in the H Building (the Chapel) to seek God in worship, truth and community. For monthly events check out the young adults page on the Bethany website at bethanycommunity.com.
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Student Ministries Reach Out |
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MSM Kids Invite Friends to Church!
Last month, Middle School Ministry (MSM) held a super fun Christmas Party! While the games were exciting and the white elephant gift exchange was hilarious, what was encouraging to me was all the new middle school students that came! We had at least 54 students at the event and, of those, five to seven were new to MSM! I am so proud of our students for being bold and inviting their friends to church! Today, most students that don't know Jesus consider church to be a boring place and think God is all about following rules. Some kids have had negative experiences at other churches, sometimes feeling ignored or rejected.
Students in MSM at Bethany, however, know that they can invite their friends and they will be warmly welcomed into the body of Christ! MSM students know that there will be friendly students at our events and services, that leaders will unconditionally love all students in the name of Jesus, that we will have fun together, and that the good news of Jesus will be shared at each meeting! Praise God! I'm so proud of our middle school students for boldly inviting their friends to get to know their Savior through MSM!
- Josh Harper, Middle School Director |
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Transformers Clean Up! |
News and Insight by "Transformer" Carlos Parra
 A couple of weeks ago the Transformers made a difference. We went over to someone's house and we cleaned up their front and back yard. And the best thing is we made it a community service and helped the neighborhood look nice. We raked leaves & weeds. After we finished we all came back to the church and had some pizza with some cookies. Man, do I wish we could do that again!
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Blessed Through Volunteering in Children's Ministry |
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Hi! My name is Valerie Utter. I have attended Bethany Community Church since 1987. I've been married to my husband Rick for 28 years. We have three wonderful young adult children, all of whom attended both Bethany Community Church and Bethany Learning Center. I have had the pleasure of serving in a few different areas in our church, but I will have to admit that serving in the Children's Ministry is by far my favorite. Currently I am the team leader for the Friendly Flowers class of two to three-year old children. I love seeing them grow throughout the year that they spend in our class. We all know that at this age they grow physically fast, but WOW--do they ever grow in their knowledge of and relationship with Jesus Christ through our Bible lessons and music! We all have a lot of fun! We are looking for more volunteers, so to join the fun in this or any of our other children's classes, please contact Sheri Baltzer at sbaltzer@bethanycc.com today. Blessings, Valerie Utter |
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Opportunities to Serve |
Do you like to write? Are you good at editing?
The Bethany Communication Team needs experienced writers and editors to help write articles and various promotional pieces for the many ministries at Bethany. Our goal is to better communicate within Bethany and with the outside world, but we need your help.
If you have writing experience with either a journalistic or promotional flair and can write for a variety of audiences, please contact Jayne Schaefer at jschaefer@bethanycc.com |
| Electronic Giving Statements for 2008 |
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We now have the ability to send your personalized, annual giving statement to you via email in a secure, password-encrypted PDF file. Sending your statement by email will help us cut down on our mailing costs. However, in order for us to do do, we need to have your current e-mail address. If you want to have your 2008 statement sent to you via email, please respond to Penny by January 7. All other statements will be mailed via U.S. Postal Service by January 31.
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Bethany Reunion |
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Kathy (Phil) Feruglio's daughter, Kristi, and son-in-law, Eddy, had their first baby December 14. Jaylah Elise Jackson was born at 9:45 pm, weighing 9 pounds 5 ounces and measuring 20 3/4 inches long. Congratulations to the proud new parents and grandparents!
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." -Romans 12:15 |
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Upcoming Program and Event Highlights |
Winter 2009 Ministry Start Ups
Baptism Class for Children, 1/4/2009
MSM Lock-In, 1/02/09 - 1/03/09
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Happy New Year!
