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
Celebrate Outreach!
Children First Academy (CFA)
 With characteristic generosity, the people of Bethany donated $1430 in cash, checks, and gift cards for Children First Academy. This will go a long way toward supporting special programs CFA offers to the homeless children and families it serves. In addition, seven people signed up to serve with the heart of Jesus by mentoring or tutoring students. Community Outreach Ministries joins Beulah Montgomery in her message below, thanking you all for caring about the futures of this often forgotten segment of our population:  I am amazed, thankful, overwhelmed and thrilled all in one and so grateful for the response we received. No words can convey the gratitude to all who donated. Praise God for the response of the people of Bethany. They [you] truly share their blessings with those less fortunate. The response to the pleas for tutors and mentors is definitely improving and is encouraging.
May God continue to bless all who helped to make this a success.
Beulah
I-HELP
 I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6 Paul's words were to the Philippians, but oh, so very applicable to the people of Bethany. Since we laid out our plan to host I-HELP guests two nights a month, you have generously offered of your treasure to help support this ministry. In addition, many of you have volunteered to help with meals, coordination, setup or by offering the hand of friendship to someone who has lost their way. Contact Cheryl Chamberlain, cheryllynn2u@yahoo.com, or Gen Garan, bggaran@earthlink.net, to find out how you, too, can serve our homeless neighbors while seeking a "Heart like His."
Potter's House
 Serving in our community can take almost any form that benefits others. Recently, one of Bethany's number paid a visit to Potters House. He noticed that the clothing room was in shambles. Existing shelves looked in danger of toppling over on top of anyone who dared enter. Boxes and bags of clothing filled up the floor space to the point of tripping those desperate enough to search through the contents. Over a period of weeks, and with their own funds, this man and his wife built shelves, put up hanging rods, and restored order. He wants no thanks from man, but is surely storing up treasure in Heaven.
Habitat for Humanity
 After months of work by Bethany folks teaming up with others in our community, the Ha family house dedication ceremony took place on Saturday,
May 9. Once the City of Chandler completes their required inspections, the family can move in-anywhere from one to four weeks from now.
 Special thanks to Dale Huizingh and Ruth Pate for managing this effort for Bethany, to the outstanding Bethany volunteers [Daniel Roberts, Tom Roberts, Jacob, Bethany and Dianna Ringwald, and Lola Hostetler]recognized for above-and-beyond participation, and to all others who worked so hard to make the Ha family's dream of a home of their own come true.
A Heart Like His
 Has God been speaking to you about serving in our community? Please follow through on the urging of that still, small voice, and receive the blessing that is sure to follow. Resolve to act now. Right this minute. Find your place to serve, then go out and shine with His heart!
Do you have a servant story to share? Not sure where you might fit into community outreach? Contact Peggy Levesque, Community Outreach Ministries Director, at 480.831.5005 or plevesque@bethanycc.com.
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| Young Adults Serve Special Athletes |
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Special Olympics are the most rewarding hours of any service project we do as a young adult ministry.  A few weeks ago we served at the Summer Special Olympics at Mesa Community College by officiating the tennis competition. The athletes competed so well! I was astounded at the athlete's ability and toughness, plus the incredible sportsmanship! Win or lose, they had huge smiles. I cannot help but cry during each and every award ceremony. The athletes are awarded medals as they take their places on respective stands. What matters the most to me is that they are standing and have a place to stand; a forum that exalts them to be the heros that they truly are. There are never any losers in Special Olympics...only winners. They are the genuine teachers of love, and we have so much to learn. Each athlete was placed on this earth to teach us all to expand our capacity to love, but it is those who serve and give toward this program that are the ones who really win. We are the ones who are changed forever and will carry the hugs and High Fives with us always. - Jay Henderson, Young Adults Pastor |
| Women's Ministry |
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Chicks on Tracks: A Light Rail Adventure
Join us June 25, 6-9pm, as we embark on an exciting adventure aboard the Valley's new Light Rail. We'll depart the South parking lot of Bethany at 6pm and head over to the Apache Boulevard/101 Freeway Park and Ride lot.
Come and try out the light rail, eat some good food and have fun getting to know one another. The cost is $5.25 per person. This is a great opportunity to invite a neighbor, coworker, family member or friend. There are guaranteed to be some great surprises along the way, too.
We don't want to miss you at the station, so put on your comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water and some money for your meal, coffee, snack or whatever you prefer.
Register online at www.bethanycc.com. For more information, contact Lori Bastian at 602.882.3800. For detailed information about the light rail, including an interactive map, see www.RailLife.com. - Robyn Dahl, Women's Ministry Pastor |
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MSM Celebrates 8th Grade Graduation |
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On Wednesday, May 13, MSM had what I call our "one fancy event of the year," the 8th Grade Celebration. Students, leaders, and families of 8th grade students dressed up and we remembered great times with them. Each student heard encouraging words from the leaders in front of everyone, received a promotion certificate and had an opportunity to address the leaders and audience.
 Our awesome sixth and seventh graders enthusiastically served cake, fruit cream pie, coffee cake and drinks. The evening was a memorable night of fellowship. At the end, a 10-minute slide show was shown featuring the 8th grade students over their past three years in MSM.
We will all miss the graduates, but are confident they'll be incredibly successful and continue to follow Christ in high school and HSM. Thank you to all the students for the amazing memories. We love you!
- Josh Harper, Middle School Pastor
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| Life in Christ |
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Baptized The following showed their testimony of faith by being baptized:
 - Brionna Allen
- Jordan Allen
- Scott Arehart
- Norene Goldstone
- Gene Heppard
- Crystal Knight
- David Knight
- Craig Kokron
- Daphne Muridan
- Esmeralda Nevarez
If you are interested in being baptized or would like information on baptism, please contact Mary Beth at 480.831.5005 or mbcochran@bethanycc.com.
Child Dedication
As a church body, we are honored to support parents in their desire to nurture their children in faith and to teach them about Christ. The following dedicated their children on May 17.
- David and Elizabeth Cazel: Nash Christopher and Jacob Browning Cazel
- Lee & Rebecca Freedle: Kash David Freedle
- Mark & Sally Gnirk: William Robert Raymond Gnirk
- David & Crystal Knight: Chad David, Starli Marie and Summer Rayne Knight
- Jesse & Mary Ann Schilling: Mei Lin Schilling
- Randy & Marci Schuster: Nathan Eugene and Alexis Noelle Schuster.
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| Family Reunion |
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Carol Surls passed away on May 25 from a massive heart attack. She had recently expressed how she longed to be with her husband, Clyde, who had passed away only four months ago and who she said had visited her every night in her dreams since then.
 We rejoice that Carol is now in the presence of our Lord and with her husband. Please pray for the family as they grieve the sudden loss of their mother and so soon after the death of their father.
Sarah Sandhaus' step grandfather, John C. Long of Mesa, AZ passed away Monday, May 11. He was 90 years old and is survived by Mary, his devoted and loving wife of 66 years. Join us as we pray for peace and comfort for the family.
Dick Ulmer's mother, Vera Elizabeth Ulmer, 92 years old, passed away on May 23. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Michael Campa and Alexa Esquivel were united in marriage on Saturday, May 23. Michael, son of Rick and Penny Campa, is also a leader in Bethany's High School Ministry. Let us celebrate this union and ask for God's blessing.
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Upcoming Program and Event Highlights |
Programs
Men's Work Morning, 6/20/09
Job Networking Ministry, 6/4/09
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Beginning in August and going through October, I will be teaching on Sunday mornings from Galatians 5:22-23 about the Fruit of the Spirit. These are the character qualities God develops in our lives over time. They show up as evidence of our life in Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit in us.
