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A Word From Rich |
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 Summers End Family Camping, September 4 -7
Save these dates!
Our annual Summer's End Family Camping trip to Crook Group Campground on the Mogollon Rim is Friday September 4 through Monday (Labor Day), September 7.
We have reserved both halves of the Crook Group Campground. Each individual campsite is only $50 for the entire weekend (Friday evening through Monday morning), and you can share it with another family and split the cost if you like.
There are a total of 26 individual campsites. Many are suitable for sharing (maximum two families per any campsite). We will plan children's and family activities, campfires, a potluck and worship on Sunday morning.
The Crook Group Campground has two beautiful ramadas for cooking and eating (or games), as well as a fire ring and picnic table at each campsite. Forest pit toilets are clean and well maintained daily. We are less than a mile from Woods Canyon Lake. Great fishing, hiking, biking and exploring in the tall pines is right at your doorstep (or tent flap).
mbcochran@bethanycc.com or 480.831.5005.
Rich
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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
Matthew 25 Sunday-May 17
Children First Academy
(Formerly Pappas School)
 At 2:30 one recent afternoon, Diane Fernicchio, administrator of Children First Academy of Tempe, was interrupted by a knock on her office door. Lugging a duffle bag, a mother shuffled in on slipper-shod feet. "I need to pull my children out of school," she said. "Why?" Diane's stomach clenched at the fear shimmering in the other woman's eyes. "My boyfriend got out of prison. I gotta meet him at the park by 5:30." Diane paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She knew well the story of this gang-banging, abusive man and knew with certainty that he posed a grave threat to the children. "Do you want to go with him?" Tears pooled in the other woman's eyes. "No," she said through trembling lips, "but I got no choice. He'll hunt me down." Galvanized into action, Diane called every shelter she knew, but they were all full with other mothers who had run to safety with their children. Finally, with assistance from several community agencies, she secured a spot at a shelter in another city and provided bus tickets for the woman and her children. This is just one of many such stories about the families Children First Academy (CFA) serves--lives filled with trauma and tragedy because their experience has shown them no other way. Perhaps we must look past the wrong choices or a foundation of generational poverty. But look we must if, as emissaries of Jesus, we are ever to see them, love them and serve them with His heart. Through donations of time, talent and treasure, CFA offers counseling, parenting classes, basic medical care and subsistence help to this hurting segment of our community's population. In addition, CFA provides children and parents with occasional jobs in exchange for gift-cards. On Sunday, May 17, the people of Bethany will have the opportunity to partner with this valuable resource for homeless kids (current student population of 179) and their families to hold out hope. Beulah Montgomery will be at a table in the courtyard to receive our offerings of $5 through $20 gift cards to WalMart, Target or any convenient grocery or shoe store. She'll also talk to you about some ways you can get involved "hands-on." We understand that things are tough right now for many at Bethany, and we ask for no more than you can give. If God has continued to bless you financially, this is a great way to invest in our community--with a heart like His. For more information, contact Beulah Montgomery at montgomery49@cox.net.
Celebrate Outreach
Thanks, Bethany!
 With characteristic generosity the people of Bethany responded on April 5 to the call to help our homeless neighbors. Measured in 12" X 18" boxes, we received five mouth care, three toothbrushes, two women's items, three soap and body wash, three hair care, two deodorant, one and one half shaving products, one lotion, one sunscreen and lip care, three-fourths hand sanitizers, one adhesive bandages, and three-quarters of a box of pain relief. In addition, you brought three large storage bins of new underwear and socks, enough clothing to supply our needs, as well as share with Potter's House, and many miscellaneous items. While the team will have ongoing needs to support Bethany's plan to host 30-35 homeless guests two nights per month through the Tempe I-HELP program, we have enough of most items to last for months to come. The $15K of our Easter Sunday offering dedicated to this program will provide for a 2009 maintenance fund and other essential supplies, as well as a small cash donation to cover some I-HELP program expenses. The I-HELP program places priority on men and women actively working toward freedom from the issues that keep them homeless. Would you like to personally reach out with the heart of Jesus? For information on how you can get involved contact Cheryl Chamberlain at cheryllynn2u@yahoo.com. A Heart Like His  On Sunday, April 19, Bethany hosted 21 community ministries and agencies in the courtyard at our annual Community Outreach Sunday. The representatives shared ways we can reflect Jesus' heart for our community by connecting with what they are already doing. With palpable energy, countless people browsed the tables. Many signed up to help meet very real needs in ways that might be new and different for them. Jesus said, 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). We urge you to follow through on your commitment and receive the blessing that is sure to follow. Haven't made that commitment yet? Resolve to do it now. Right this minute. Then go out and shine with his heart!  Habitat for Humanity
After months of work by Bethany folks teaming up with others in our community, the Ha family house dedication ceremony is planned for 9am Saturday, May 9, and you are invited! Stop by 425 S. Delaware Street in Chandler (one block South of Frye Road on Delaware; three blocks East of Arizona Ave.) to show your support for this delightful family. Contact Dale Huizingh at dhuizingh@cox.net or Ruth Pate at mamaruth6@verizon.net for more information.
Not sure where you might fit into Community Outreach? Contact Peggy Levesque, Community Outreach Ministries Director, at 480.831.5005 or plevesque@bethanycc.com. |
| "Lost Boys" of the Sudan Teach the Importance of Community |
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On April 19, members of Crossover and other guests learned a great deal about the importance of community. Those who attended a special screening of God Grew Tired of Us were honored and privileged to meet Chol Deng, one of 25,000 "Lost Boys" whose story was dramatized in the movie. We watched powerful stories of survival as Chol journeyed for over three months, walking over 1,000 miles, to flee the war in Sudan. He was six years old. He and thousands of other "Lost Boys" survived years in refugee camps. Then, nearly 4,000 of them were brought to America--six hundred ending up right here in Phoenix.  While watching the film I was confronted, as was everyone there, of the lack of community in the American culture. Community was all these boys had known. Now displaced, they were forced to fracture the one thing that the war had not been able to destroy--community. At one point the movie described the boys' desire to return to the refugee camp rather than work and live in isolation from one another in the "American way" of life. The most emotional moment of the movie was a reunion of a "Lost Boy" and his mother arriving at a New York airport after 16 years separated by war. There was not a dry eye in the room. After the screening, Chol, now a resident of Phoenix, answered questions about his journey, education and employment. That evening we were all confronted with the need to be a part of the solution in supporting one another in community--whether we live in the Sudan or in Phoenix. Preview the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32IxyvoSZKo
- Jay Henderson, Young Adult Pastor
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| Bethany Job Network Nets Results |
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In January, the Bethany Job Network started meeting weekly to help support those who have lost their jobs, are between jobs or are reentering the job market. During this time, over 50 people have attended one or more meetings.
 The meetings offer a chance to network with one another, as well as to hear professionals speak on topics such as resume writing, improving interview skills, what to do and not to do in regard to the hiring process, views from staffing agencies, what employers are looking for and what the cities of Tempe and Chandler see as business growth for the Valley. Also we receive weekly emails of job opportunities from employers and helpful articles found by those within our networking group. Some have found jobs and commented on how much the networking group helped. Harry writes:
I am so grateful to you, Pam, and to the others at Bethany that support this ministry. I was out of work for nearly five months and there was always a lot of month at the end of the money. The Network group encouraged me to trust in God for His provision.
I was eventually rehired by my former employer. But the coincidences that led up to that rehire were so numerous that it became clear that this was not only an answer to prayer and an example of God's provision, but a miracle that only God could have orchestrated. To name a few: my prayer and Bible reading increased, I began praying more for others, I had to humble myself and apply for entry level jobs and eventually accepted one of those jobs with gratitude. I had to lay everything at the cross, all the while calling my former employer, and was then called back to my old job even though I had to compete with a multitude. I had to humble myself before my former peers and managers (which resulted in me changing my ways), and was granted the position.
It was as if the Lord wanted to show beyond a shadow of doubt that it was him and not a coincidence. Thanks for your obedience to Christ, as he calls us to be good to all, especially to the family of faith. I will continue to support this ministry because it has been a blessing to me.
Carrie writes:
I got the job! I start Monday in an entry-level position. The pay is about half of what I'd anticipated, but it's a chance to get my foot in the door and show them what I can do. Thanks for all your help and prayers!
Yvonne writes:
I have been blessed with a new job. I so very much value the mission that you have. Know that your weekly Thursday evening meetings were something that I looked forward to. I pray that they continue and the people who seek out your program have answered prayers and heaps of blessing. Blessings to you, to Bethany, and to those who are unemployed!
If you or someone you know is looking for a job, come check us out. The group meets weekly on Thursday evenings, 6-8pm in E6.
- Linda Whipple, Care Ministries Director
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MSM Grows Leaders |
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I have been attending Bethany for about eight years and being the youngest middle school leader has brought back many memories. I began attending Bethany when I was in sixth grade, and most of my fondest middle school memories relate to Bethany's Middle School Ministry--specifically the spring break mission trip.
My eighth grade year the Spring Break mission trip was to inner-city Phoenix. Some of the activities we did during the week included working with children, working at a food bank and doing other small projects. During that week I also became close friends with two people who are still very close to me to this day.
Although I was unable to commit to the whole week with the middle schoolers during their mission this year, I was able to be a part of their nightly recaps. One of the coolest things is to hear about how much joy these kids had while serving. I know from experience that these memories will stay with them for years. I still sit down with my best friend and talk about the good times we had while we were in middle school.
Being able to come full circle and watch the students serve and love God and others is so amazing. Thank you to all who helped the mission trip be successful. I know the students are just as thankful as I am for the support of everyone in the church.
- Jessica (Jessie) Prellberg, Middle School Ministry Leader
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| Register Now for Bethany Learning Center |
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Bethany Learning Center (BLC), a ministry of Bethany Community Church, has registration underway for summer 2009 (ages 15 months through Grade 6) and school year 2009-2010 (ages 15 months through Kindergarten). During the school year, 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. |
| Family Reunion |
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Ed Huizingh, one of Bethany's founding fathers, passed away on Thursday, April 23. Ed had a real passion for missions and served on Bethany's missions committee for many years. He also served several terms on the Elder Board and was a member of the Senior Adult Council and the Fellowship of Light  Faith Community. Ed went home to join Eleanor, his wife of 64 years. He is survived by his children, David, Gloria Gabler, and Dale, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 2, at 10am in the Bethany worship center.
Russ Bishop went home to be with his Lord early in the morning of April 7. Please pray for comfort for Robyn, Cody and Ashley and for all their family members as they mourn their loss.
Bethany member Fran Dickson passed away after a lengthy illness April 19. She was the wife of Jerry and mother of Dan Dickson. Join with the family in prayer as they grieve the loss of their loved one. Jerry said this June they would have been married 55 years.
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Upcoming Program and Event Highlights |
Programs
Men's Work Morning, 5/16/09
Girlfriend Connection, 5/8/09
4 Moore Study, Starting 6/3/09
Child Dedication Class, 5/3/09
Care Ministry
Job Networking Ministry, 5/7/09
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Pentecost
