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A Word From Rich |
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The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
40-Hour Fast
Good Friday Evening through Resurrection Sunday Morning
One of the most powerful, yet least understood and least practiced spiritual discipline is the experience of fasting-intentionally going without food in order to concentrate more fully on experiencing God and fellowshipping with him.
I invite all of the people of Bethany to a time of purposeful fasting from Good Friday evening through Resurrection Sunday morning. These 40 hours can be a powerful experience of worship and communion with the Lord, remembering his death on the cross for our sins.
But some cautions are needed:
First, fasting is not a way to get extra credit with God. There is nothing we can give up (including food) that will get God to love us more, forgive us more fully or give us more of himself. We already have all that! Fasting is a simple way for us to give more of ourselves-our time, our thoughts, our devotion-to him!
Second, fasting isn't something to announce, flaunt or brag about. It isn't necessarily a big secret, but it isn't something we need to tell people we are doing.
Third, fasting is voluntary. Don't try to manipulate others around you into fasting just because you are. This is especially important in families. You may fast while the rest of your family continues with their normal eating patterns.
Fourth, don't begin a fast (even for 40 hours like this) without first consulting your physician if you have any health issues. This spiritual discipline isn't supposed to be dangerous. Fasting is only meaningful and purposeful if you are physically healthy. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids during the fast-about twice as much water as you think you need to drink. Hunger for 40 hours can be very beneficial spiritually, dehydration isn't!
So, will you consider the spiritual discipline of fasting during the 40 hours from our Good Friday Service through our celebration on Resurrection morning? I hope this will be a time of deep and intense fellowship with the Savior.
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death..." Philippians 3:10
Rich
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XP Report |
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As we have mentioned over the last several months, we have updated the "look and feel," as well as several new features.
The latest feature is "Invite a Friend," which sends an email with information on upcoming Sunday services to anyone you choose. You can also write a short note for a personal touch. Check it out at www.bethanycommunity.com/inviteafriend!
So, why are we making such a big deal about our web site? There are three primary reasons:
- Information can be posted there instantly and accessed anytime! We don't have to wait to tell you via an announcement or handout (that you may misplace.) You can get the information whenever it's convenient for you!
- It's cost efficient! The cost in paper and printing of every handout that we produce adds up fast. We spent nearly $18,000 in printing costs at Bethany last year. Our web site costs us less that $800 to maintain annually. We also save all that paper!
- Today, the number one way that people look for a church is via an Internet search. And that's not just young people! We want to reach people with the love of Jesus, and a good web site helps us do just that.
And, the more you visit bethanycommunity.com, the more likely other people will find it when they do a search! Search engines keep track of how many times a web site is visited. The more visits, the higher our rating! Which means that more people are able to find Bethany!
So, help your church and help others find it: Visit bethanycommunity.com!
If you have any questions or suggestions for topics that interest you, let me know. My email address is jcrocco@bethanycc.com, or call me at 480.831.5005.
Thanks for the opportunity to serve as your Executive Pastor. It's an honor and a privilege!
Blessings,
Jim Crocco
Executive Pastor
480-831-5005
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Community Outreach Update |
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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
Easter Project 
Many of you are already familiar with I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program), coordinated by the Tempe Community Action Agency. Since its inception three years ago the program has recruited enough faith communities to provide a safe place to spend the night and eat a hearty meal six nights a week. While open to all homeless individuals, it places a priority on those who are working to conquer the challenges that keep them on the streets. We'll be acting as a substitute hosting facility on Sunday, April 5, and plans are in place for Bethany to fill in some of the gaps beginning the end of May. To materially support this effort, on April 5 we will collect gifts-in-kind. Look for the table on the courtyard. We will also dedicate $15,000 of our Resurrection Sunday offering for a 2009 maintenance fund to purchase sheets, blankets, and other essential supplies, as well as make a small cash donation to cover some I-HELP program expenses. This is a tangible expression of Matthew 25:35-36: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me..." What a great opportunity for the people of Bethany to extend hospitality as well as the grace that Jesus freely lavished on an undeserving world. For information on how you can get involved, contact Cheryl Chamberlain at cheryllynn2u@yahoo.com. A Heart Like His
 On Sunday, April 19, Bethany will host our annual Community Outreach Sunday in the courtyard. We have invited twenty eight community ministries and agencies to tell us how we can reflect Jesus' heart for our community by connecting with what they are already doing. Our goal at Bethany is to "equip all generations to live like Jesus in the real world." Like us, Jesus was born into a world filled with sin, troubles and injustice. The New Testament reveals the heart of Jesus-the perfect image of the Father-as he forgave sin and met the needs of fallen humanity. In perfect obedience, Jesus came "...to preach the good news to the poor...to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners..." (Isaiah 61:1). Tall order. And we're not Jesus. So how do we, with all our imperfections, fit into the picture? God called David, the son of Jesse, a "man after my own heart." David the adulterer, the murderer, the man who neglected to seek justice when his daughter was raped by her half brother. David, the man who sometimes forgot to trust God in all situations, who cried out repeatedly, asking when God would answer his prayers. In other words, a sinful human being much like you or me. How did David qualify for such high praise? First, we know from reading 2 Samuel that when confronted with his sin, David made no excuses, but repented and accepted the consequences. His heart and longing for knowledge of God is laid bare in the Psalms. Acts 13:22 reminds us what God knew about David. " I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do."
What does Jesus want us to do? Matthew 5:16 might sum it up. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (NASB)." Visit the various tables on April 19, asking Jesus to plant His heart in you. Then go out and shine! Celebrate Outreach!
Los Niņos de Guadalupe
Communication; cooperation; collaboration. That's what it takes to bring bodies together to accomplish what a single person can not. That's what it takes to meld Bethany Community, Living Faith Anglican, Cornerstone and Mountain Park Community Churches into a single entity that serves 50 children, ages 2-15, from the town of Guadalupe. Every second Saturday morning of the month a crew of trained drivers cruise the streets of Guadalupe in a donated yellow school bus, picking up the children from their homes. Bubbling with excitement and non-stop chatter, kids arrive at Bethany where they receive a simple breakfast, while interacting with volunteers. Next, the children separate into groups by age and gender for a Bible lesson. This year we focus on managing feelings with confidence, knowing that God is always with us. Then we transition into fun with art or other activities. The boys are currently making derby cars, which they will soon race. The girls are learning to crochet. Los Niņos de Guadalupe, many years old, has met for more than two years right here on the Bethany campus. For some of the children, Los Niņos provides more concentrated time devoted to them than they might receive in a week or month at home. Over the years, I've watched very special relationships develop among the volunteers and the children-including over ten individual mentoring relationships facilitated through Mentor Kids USA. Please feel free to come and try us out. No upfront commitment. If you would like to support this ministry, donations can be made through Bethany, with "Los Niņos" written on the memo line. Art supplies (such as paper, markers and paint), as well as breakfast cereal, are always appreciated. For more information contact Cindy Paul at copaul1@cox.net.  Habitat for Humanity
The new home under construction for the Ha family continues on schedule with a dedication ceremony  planned for Saturday, May 9. Bethany volunteers were on site three different Saturdays in March, installing drywall, painting theoutside of the home and doing other tasks to move the home toward completion. Both the work crews and the Bethany volunteers who bring lunch for us each week are serving wonderfully.
 Ngyn Ha, the future homeowner, and her friends are there each week working alongside the volunteers. Please feel free to stop by 425 S. Delaware Street in Chandler (one block south of Frye Road on Delaware; three blocks east of Arizona Avenue) at any time to see the progress for yourself. It's not too late to get involved. Additional volunteers are needed to help wash the windows and do other final clean up on Saturday, May 2. If you'd like to help, please contact Dale Huizingh at dhuizingh@cox.net or Ruth Pate at mamaruth6@verizon.net. |
| Dan Nisly Shares Christ's Love Both Near and Far |
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Three of our core values here at Bethany Community Church are love, grace and service. Dan Nisly, a long time member of Bethany, exemplifies those values in his daily life.  Since 2006, Dan has made four trips to Africa to show Christ's love by serving and giving to those less fortunate, building children's homes and planting sustainable gardens. On his most recent trip in July 2008 to Nairobi, Kenya, he helped move approximately 80 children from a slum into a brand-new home equipped with food, clean beds and a well for fresh water. Dan recalled, "When those kids saw their new home and bags of fresh vegetables, beans and rice, they sang and danced for five minutes straight." But, you don't need to travel overseas to extend love, grace and service. Dan does that here just as well. Dan, whose trade is pool service and maintenance, has been a member of the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA) for the past ten years. He has served as a chapter president, as well as a Regional Director, placing him on the board of directors for the 4,000 member association. The East Valley chapter of the IPSSA was so moved by Dan's generous and giving heart that a little over a year ago they created the "Dan Nisly Award" and presented it to him for his meritorious service. This past December, Dan was thrilled to see the award, created in his honor, presented to a second recipient. "It is really hard for me to grasp the fact that all this really happened. In fact, I feel it as shock and awe!" Dan says, humbly. In January, Dan's work in Africa was featured in Pool & Spa News, the largest national magazine in the industry. And in February, the national IPSSA awarded Dan the Terry Cowels Memorial Award, created to acknowledge members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the industry, as well as in philanthropic efforts. What is Dan's reaction to all of the awards and publicity? "While I do acknowledge that I enjoy the thrill of the high honors received, I also find it a very humbling experience. It has been an opportunity to witness to my faith. In my acceptance speech in Newport Beach, I was even brazen enough to quote some scripture." Dan Nisly--a man with the heart of a servant, sharing Christ's love with those both near and far. |
| HSM Experiences the Miracle of Multiplication |
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 What started out as two, one-week High School Ministry mission trips to build two houses in Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point), Mexico, with 40 people (ages 3 to 63), ended by building two homes, extending the living space of two more, and greatly impacting the lives of the four families who lived there, as well as the hearts of the 40 who participated.
Dave Robinson, Bethany's High School Pastor, writes:
"We intended to watch God work a miracle through His saints, His people, to redirect the future of a family and to set them on a path out of poverty. We were going to build houses for two families. God did that (in fact, we built houses for four families), but the miracle we were expecting to be a part of, was done in us. He built His house in us (Ephesians 2:19-22)."
 "What ensued was a modern day miracle . . . God allowed us to go beyond what we had planned. He proved once again what it means to have more than enough: more than enough time, labor, energy, enthusiasm and love to go around. We serve a God who is not as interested in addition as He is in multiplication."
"Once again, we saw God work a miracle through the hands and feet of the young people and willing adults that placed themselves as available vessels through which He was, and is, glorified. We went down to Mexico to offer ourselves as a gift. We came home humbled. Our lives have been changed."
 "You, the church, have been part of these miracles. How can I say that so confidently? God multiplied your gifts and offerings, your prayers and sacrifices, and your donations... You sent us with your prayers and blessings. Know that your investment has grown exponentially because of God's multiplication." |
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MSM Loves Our Neighbors |
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 Over 20 students served locally, right here in the Phoenix area, for the Middle School Ministry's Spring Break Mission "Trips" this year. Both trips were full as middle school students loved our neighbors (literally) in the name of Jesus. Students spent three mornings  each at Longfellow Elementary School in Mesa and M.C. Cash Elementary School in South Phoenix. At each school our students worked with early elementary-age children and helped with reading, writing and math. The local teachers (and students alike) were very grateful for the additional help. Since the trip, our MSM kids have begged to return to the schools and reconnect with the students. Additional projects included cleaning two Bethany members' yards, connecting with the homeless of Tempe at I-HELP and serving in Guadalupe at the library  and Boys and Girls Club. Additionally, at night we had some fun...including a wild photo scavenger hunt and glow-in-the-dark miniature golf. Thank you to all the families that helped provide meals and for the amazing middle school students and leaders who selflessly served during their spring break. Our awesome God did amazing things through the lives of all involved. - Josh Harper, Middle School Ministry Director |
| Register Now for Bethany Learning Center |
Bethany Learning Center (BLC), a ministry of Bethany Community Church, has its registration underway for Summer 2009 (ages 15 months through Grade 6) and School Year 2009-2010 (ages 15 months through Kindergarten). BLC also offers a Toddler and Preschool program from 9am to Noon with a two-day, three-day or five-day schedule and a five-day Kindergarten program from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Before and after-school care is also available. For more information, contact Pat Sullivan at 480.838.2440 or blcforjesus.org.
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| Family Reunion |
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Bill Lamoureaux, a long-time member of the Friendship Class, went home to be with our Lord on March 17, 2009. You might remember Bill as the gentle soul  who carried an oxygen tank, loved to come to church and was always seeking doughnuts from the different Faith Communities. Bill would have turned 44 years old on March 28. Please join Bill's family in prayer during their period of grief, and know that Bill is now in celebration of his new life, free from the burdens that challenged him during his time here with us. Sue Jone's mother went home to heaven March 17 about 7 am. Her family had kept to her side for many long days during the three weeks prior to her passing. Please pray for comfort for Sue and Greg Jones and the rest of their family as they mourn her passing. |
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Upcoming Program and Event Highlights |
Programs
Men's Breakfast, 4/7/09
Men's Work Day, 4/11/09
GROW PM, 4/1/09
GROW AM, 4/2/09
Mom2Mom, 4/13/09
Girlfriend Connection, 4/17/09
Transformer Lock-in, 4/17/09
Dedication Class 5/3/09
Care Ministry
Job Networking Ministry, 3/05/09
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