|
|
|
|
The XP Report |
|
 The Future
Since August, 2008, the pastors, elders and many of you have been meeting to pray over, study and discuss the future of Bethany Community Church. It's a good future, filled with promise, based upon the foundation of over 30 years of Bethany's history. "Vision" is a term that many leaders in churches and other organizations use to express the future. "Vision" is a picture of what the future holds and how people may get there. I've called these meetings about our future "vision pathway" since we are following a path (or process) to recognize our past, evaluate our present and plan for the future that God has in store for Bethany Community Church. Do we have all the answers yet? No, but God does, and we will continue to rely on his leading and ask him for wisdom as we move down our "vision pathway." Rich and I will have more to share with you soon! The PresentLet me share some encouraging news with you! If you have been following our weekly financial report in the program throughout the year, you know that giving to the general fund has been down from the budget that we put together in June, 2008. However, we have also told you that we are committed to living within the means that God provides us through your generous gifts. Thus, throughout the year we have spent less than planned; and, in February, we reduced staff salaries by 10% and hourly rates by 5%. While not pleasant, we knew that it was the right thing to do. Now, the good news is that when the books closed on June 30, our total expenses were less than our total giving! We finished the year in the "black," while doing great things for God and his people! Let me say, "Thank you," to everyone who has financially supported Bethany this past year! And, thanks to all of our staff and volunteers! Just as a natural family pulls together to manage their resources in difficult economic times, our Bethany church family has worked together to manage our resources in doing his work. I am so very proud and grateful for each one of you. Thanks for the opportunity to serve as your Executive Pastor. It's an honor and a privilege! If you have any questions or suggestions for topics that interest you, please let me know.
Blessings, Jim Crocco Executive Pastor 480.831.5005 jcrocco@bethanycc.com | |
| Bethany Welcomes New Early Childhood Director |
|
 Suzanne Choi joined Bethany's team as Early Childhood Director in early June. Suzanne is a California native, but has lived in Arizona for almost six years. She became a Christian in high school through the witness and love of Christian neighbors. While in college, Suzanne was discipled through the ministry of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where she served as a student leader while earning her B.A. in history, and as staff after graduation. She studied for a masters in social work in the Philippines where she met and married her Korean-American husband, Jai. Suzanne and Jai have twin sons, Jonathan and David, age seven. The family lived in Indonesia for several years as church planters with Frontiers (a ministry to Muslim peoples), and are still serving with Frontiers at their U.S. Sending Base here in Tempe. Regarding her new role here at Bethany, Suzanne has always loved small children, and especially likes to help them learn and see their progress through the various developmental stages. In her free time, Suzanne loves camping, being in nature, traveling, exploring new places and spending time with family. Let's all welcome Suzanne to her new position as Early Childhood Director, as well as welcoming Jai, Jonathan and David to Bethany. |
Community Outreach Update |
|
"...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
A Heart Like His
A heart like his. Heady words, but what does it really mean to seek a heart like Jesus'? Mark 10:45 tells us that ...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Throughout his earthly ministry Jesus showed himself to be, at his core, a servant. He told his disciples that in order to become first in the Kingdom of God, they must be everyone's slave. Setting an example, he took on one of the lowliest tasks of all and washed the feet of his followers. He followed that up by going to the cross, laying down his life for a world separated from God. Agape love: selfless, sacrificial love. So, does that destine those who follow Jesus to death on the cross? Perhaps not literally, but laying down one's life doesn't necessarily include death. In Philippians 2:5-7, Paul tells us that our attitude should be the same as that of Jesus, who set aside the privileges of his divinity to become the ultimate model of human servant-hood. In other words, we are the means for displaying God's character to the world. Phew! That's an awesome responsibility. Do you find yourself often missing the mark as I do? I encourage you to spend time seeking his heart. Make room for God to fill you with him. Listen to that still small voice. Then take action. Bob Corelli did. Read on. My Road to Mentoring
Having grown up in Chicago I became "street smart" to drugs, crime and people who look out for themselves. I managed to avoid getting caught for many bad decisions I made during my youth, and by God's mercy I avoided jail or prison. Becoming a Christian changed my life and lifestyle. However, it wasn't until my 40's that I started feeling discontent about what I had achieved. I asked myself that age-old question, "Is this all there is?" I now know that this was the beginning of my "Half-Time" experience and my search for significance over success. I sought God for a place to serve Him. With time in the Word and in prayer, I heard God calling me into prison ministries.  I met Oscar, a Mexican national, in the pilot program for Alongside Ministries Friendship Connection. He was un-trusting and very suspicious of "Anglos," both from his past and present prison experience. He had recently accepted Jesus as his Savior and this became the basis of our relationship. We met twice monthly for a year at Florence prison and layer after layer of his prejudices melted away. His smile, joyful disposition, and humility shouted that God had changed this man and "Oscar, the man after God's own heart," began to shine out of the darkness. Today, he is the Lord's free man. Following Jesus: To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. Isaiah 42:7 KJV
- Bob Corelli
Celebrate Outreach!
I-HELP
Bethany's ongoing effort to offer the hand of friendship to our homeless neighbors is in full swing. Many of you have volunteered to help with meals, coordination, setup or talking with someone who has lost the way. This is a monitored, safe outreach. If you have young children, consider this as a wonderful opportunity to model servant-hood. Contact Cheryl Chamberlain or Gen Garan to find out how you, too, can serve while seeking a "Heart like His."
Project Homeless Connect - Friday, July 24
Every quarter this event connects the homeless community in Tempe with vital services such as temporary shelters, medical attention, government benefits and veteran benefits, as well as providing showers, haircuts, clothing, bus tickets and lunch. Volunteers fill many roles. One such responsibility is to spend a few hours guiding a single individual through the process. This allows the volunteer a unique opportunity to be a meaningful presence in the life of someone who needs a friend. I hope you will consider being part of this extraordinary experience. To volunteer, register online with the Valley of the Sun United Way at http://www.vsuw.org/volunteer/project-homeless-connect.
- Cheryl Chamberlain
Has God been speaking to you about serving in our community? Please follow through on the urging 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 (photos always welcome)? Or not sure where you might fit into community outreach? Contact Peggy Levesque, Community Outreach Ministries Director, at 480.831.5005 or plevesque@bethanycc.com. Don't forget to check out the Community Outreach page on Bethany's Web site for serving ideas.
- Peggy Levesque, Community Outreach Ministries Director
|
| MSM Rocks Big Bear! |
|
Middle School Ministry took 29 students and six amazing leaders to Pine Summit Christian Camp in Big Bear, California, June 8-13. We joined 15 other  Arizona churches and enjoyed some great fellowship with many believers from our state. There were tons of fun things to do, including paintball, ropes courses, crazy games, shooting BB guns, swimming, flying through the air on the zip line, chasing squirrels and more. Our favorite activity had to be the Alpine Slide. If you want to see how much fun it was, just ask Josh to show you his scars! During morning and night chapel sessions, Dr. Bruce and Dr. Wayne, our handsome and nerdy emcees, made the MythBusters theme come to life. The band led us in engaging, high-energy worship that glorified God.  While the fun was a big part of camp, we were especially moved by Adrian Despres' powerful messages. God worked through Adrian to speak to our hearts and minds as we were all challenged to live more powerfully for Christ. Students were challenged to really consider what the word "believe" means. Countless students accepted Jesus Christ for the first time or made decisions to follow Him anew. Praise God!  If you couldn't join MSM at camp this year, please keep it in mind for next June! Stay tuned for next year's dates... - Josh Harper, Middle School Pastor |
|
Don't Wait to Register Your Child for Bethany Learning Center! |
|
Registration is underway for the 2009-2010 school year (ages 15 months through Kindergarten) at Bethany Learning Center (BLC), a ministry of Bethany Community Church. BLC offers Toddler and Preschool programs from 9am to noon, with a 2-day, 3-day or 5-day schedule. They also have a 5-day Kindergarten from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Both the preschool and Kindergarten programs provide optional before and after-school care from 7am to 6pm. For more information, call 480.838.2440 or visit www.blcforjesus.org. |
| Opportunities to Serve |
 Do you like to meet new people? The First Impressions Team has immediate needs for Greeters for the next few months. Help welcome people to campus, provide directions and offer cold water to thirsty visitors. Make our visitors' first impression of Bethany a warm and welcoming one. Are you a behind-the-scenes person? We need your help with Communion preparation. Supplies are prepared before and/or between services and need to be cleaned and put away after service. Most Sundays would require less than an hour of your time, but with enough volunteers we could potentially rotate or share schedules.
If you are interested in helping in either of these areas, please contact Kathy Feruglio, 480.831.5005 or kferuglio@bethanycc.com. |
| Family Reunion |
|
Jonathan Askew, loving father of Dr. Jonathan Askew (Harriet), passed away peacefully June 7 at the age of 96. He is also survived by his daughter, Carol Hough (Lee); his step-daughter, Brenda Crowley; six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Bethany member Shawn Felter's father passed away on June 16. The family had learned of his battle with cancer just one day prior to his passing.
Dan Nisly, a long-time and active member of Bethany, passed away early in the morning on June 19 with his son and his sister at his bedside.
David Lambert, 55 years old and a member of Bethany for the past few years, passed away in mid June.
Long time Bethany attendee Edwin (Ed) Mast passed away June 22. Ed is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters Sandy McMahon (Tim) and Susan Copp (Vernon); son, Randy (Kim); grandchildren and great grandchildren. Please join us in prayer for these families and the friends of these who have passed, as they mourn their loss.  New Arrivals!  Ron & Karen Behee welcomed a new grandson on May 27. Joshua Ryan Hanson surprised proud parents Kristin and Derek Hanson by arriving two weeks and two days before he was expected to make his grand entrance. All are doing well.
Just three days after the passing of his father, Shawn and Marcey Felter were graced with the birth of their daughter, Haley Lane Felter, on June 19. Mom and baby are healthy, eating and sleeping well, with lots of love from Dad and "big sister."
|
|
Upcoming Program and Event Highlights |
Programs
Men's Work Morning, 7/18/09
Job Networking Ministry, 7/16/09
| |
