Community Outreach Update |
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A Heart Like His
...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 Potter's House: A Companion Ministry to I-HELP
Note: John Darnell, a regular volunteer at Bethany's I-HELP hosting nights, heard about Potter's House and wanted to see their program for himself. He and others like him exemplify Matthew 25, cultivating a Heart Like His.
Walking into the Potter's House, I noticed a lady I first met early this summer on one of Bethany's I-HELP nights. My thoughts immediately flashed back to the story she told about the rough times she'd been through, including longstanding homelessness and an incarcerated boyfriend. The set of her face and body language spoke of deep discouragement. Still, I could see a glimmer of hope in her eyes and she expressed gratitude for a hot meal and safe place to sleep, even for one night.
Every time I volunteered for Bethany's I-HELP evening after that I looked for this young woman, but never saw her. So imagine my surprise when I walked into Potter's House and there she sat--at a table eating dinner. When she finished her meal she approached me. She told me she hadn't been around for the Bethany I-HELP nights as her 90 days in the program had expired and she wasn't eligible to participate for another 90 days. However, because of the support she received from I-HELP and Potter's House staff, she had been doing well. With advice and assistance from the social workers at Potter's House, she enrolled at Mesa Community College, facilitated by financial aid including grants and student loans. As a result, she will soon be able to rent an apartment and get off the streets.
Her boyfriend is out of jail now and was with her at Potter's House. Like his girlfriend, he looked clean, sober and full of hope. She was extremely thankful for Bethany's role in offering her a hand up.
The speed with which a group of caring individuals working for God's purposes had been able to assist her in working on a fresh start touched me. Her story is truly a testament to the awesome power of God to change hearts and circumstances through those willing to do His work.
- John Darnell Potter's House is a community ministry housed at United Methodist Church of Tempe. Many serving opportunities exist, including teaching basic computer software skills. To find out how you can join them in touching the lives of homeless individuals with the love of Jesus, contact Kim VanNimwegen at 480.967.3376.
Matthew 25 Sunday: September 13 - Los Ninos de Guadalupe
 Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God. - Mark 10:14
Step by Step. For the last three years, Bethany has hosted Los Ninos de Guadalupe one Saturday each month. Thirty-five to 50 children are fed breakfast and spend time in a Bible lesson. Many of the same children have attended month after month, year after year and have formed strong relationships with Bethany volunteers. That's Step One. Several of the children have grown to consider Bethany their church family and recently started to attend Sunday school. (Nine also attended Transformer camp in Prescott in June.) Bethany vans pick them up from Guadalupe, just a short drive away, and bring them to our campus. They are fed a nutritious breakfast and attend age-appropriate classes ranging from pre-Kindergarten to Middle School. This is Step Two. Now we get to Step Three, and this is where the rest of us come in. We have an opportunity to embrace these children as any family would their own--and like Jesus did. If you want to be graced by heartwarming smiles, get your family involved by joining the team that helps drive these children to church on Sunday mornings or volunteering to help with this ministry in one of many other ways.
Speaking of steps, with school starting many of these children need new shoes to help them take their own steps. You can help by picking up a $5 - $20 gift card to Payless ShoeSource and dropping it off at the table in the courtyard on September 13. Volunteers will be there to collect your donated gift cards, as well as answer any questions or talk to you about how you can get involved in this ministry. For additional information, you may also contact Cindy Paul at 480.231.3996.
Save the Date: Saturday, October 24
Are you serious about getting involved in our community for the cause of Christ? Get your walking shoes ready! It's time to join Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Arizona (CPC) by participating in their annual walk to help save lives of unborn children-the most vulnerable in our society.
This year's walk will be on October 24. Registration starts at 8am on the Gammage Lawn at Arizona State University. This is the first time this family event has been held on the ASU campus, so come join in for this historical day!
For more information go to www.azlifewalk.com or call 602.508.3340. All donations are 100% tax deductible and all proceeds go toward the free/low cost services provided by CPC. A table with information will be set up in the Bethany courtyard on Sundays beginning in late September. If you need more information please email Harry Stanford at pryrwar@yahoo.com. ___________________________________________________________________
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
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| Need Help With Your Finances? |
Is it your money or God's money? Did you know that there are over 2,350 verses in the Bible that address money issues? Bethany Community Church has a financial guidance team that provides the following small group programs, in addition to one-on-one counseling and group workshops, to help you with these matters.  Freed-Up Financial Living helps you discover tools and develop skills that will enable you to manage and control your finances. It offers practical financial training. Crown Financial encourages people to experience a more intimate fellowship with Christ while putting their financial house in order. This program offers practical financial training, as well as encouragement in discipleship. Information on upcoming dates and times, as well as registration, can be found at www.bethanycc.com. If you need help deciding which group is right for you, please pick up a flier at the Information Table in the Worship Center lobby on Sunday mornings, at the church office during the week, or contact Linda Whipple at lwhipple@bethanycc.com, 481.831.5005.
- Linda Whipple, Care Ministries Director
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| Women of Faith Conference |
Join me this October at the Women of Faith conference--it is incredible! This year will be my fourth year to attend, and I can say that it is new and refreshing every year. I look forward to being with the women of Bethany as we join over 5,000 other women praising God with songs, stories, tears and laughter. Riding together to the conference in the Bethany van has helped me get to know my Bethany sisters better as we eagerly anticipate praising God with others from all over Arizona, as well as neighboring states. The women that share their faith stories on stage are just like me--they have life challenges and they long to grow closer to God. As the ladies share how God has carried them through difficult times, they give us all hope. At the end of each conference, I found my faith was strengthened and I felt closer to my sisters in Christ--both on and off the stage. Treat yourself to this wonderful conference. You deserve it. You will be blessed with this special time just for you as God reveals his love through these wonderful Christian singers, authors, actors and comedians, as well as the ladies you worship with every Sunday at Bethany, too! I look forward to being uplifted with you at the conference. Register today at www.bethanycc.com/women. - Becky Cole
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| HSM Rocks Rocky Point! |
 HSM is going back to Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco), Mexico, to build a home for a family in need! Please join us October 11-16, from 8am to 8pm. No experience with tools or construction is necessary, but a willing heart to serve is very helpful. We will teach you to hammer and saw and much more.
So far, many more ladies have come than fellas--should we have a battle of the sexes? Will the girls continue to win the construction challenge?  We really need adults to come and help out as volunteer support staff--most important is a cook and/or cook team! Last March this critical task was undertaken by my own mother, Sue Robinson, who was great (though I confess I may be a bit partial). Will you consider coming and cooking this October for our amazing high school students? A doctor, nurse or EMT would be very beneficial, as well. Most volunteers agree that giving their time and service provides them with a gift of growth and humility that they otherwise would never have experienced.  Cost for the trip is $300, unless you went with us to Mexico in March or to Hume SD in July, then the cost is only $99. Adults volunteers go for $99. If you would like to go but finances are holding you back from helping to bless a family with a new home, please talk with me--we don't want money to get in the way of doing God's work. Maybe you're unable to attend, but would like to pray for us and/or provide financially for the group--we need you on our team also! For additional information, contact Dave Robinson, drobinson@bethanycc.com. To see photos and video of our last trip, check out www.uthbuild.com. - Dave Robinson, High School Pastor |
| MSM Starts Fall Small Groups |
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Middle school students are excited for small groups to kick-off on Wednesday, September 9, 6:30-8pm. Students are also welcome to come at 6pm for pizza and a soda for only $3.
This semester, MSM will continue its study from the spring semester on making Godly choices in middle school and in everyday life. On Wednesday nights, students play games, laugh, worship, learn from a short lesson, and break into same-gender, similar-age small groups.
 In these Get Together Groups, students discuss the lesson, share issues going on in their lives, and pray for one another. Regularly attending small groups is a powerful part of Middle School Ministry. Wednesday nights really help students to connect deeply with each other and with at least one adult leader, which is difficult to do on a Sunday morning.
Get Together! I highly encourage all middle school students and families to make small groups a priority this year on Wednesday nights. Also, families-- there's something for everyone at Bethany! Check out www.bethanycommunity.com for opportunities for kids of other ages and for men and women!
- Josh Harper, Middle School Pastor
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Bethany Learning Center Dishes Up Fun for Kids! |
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 Oh, the Fun We Had This Summer at BLC!
Our summer program at Bethany Learning Center is coming to a close. What a fun summer we had! Our theme was Science Wonderland. Students discovered the life that exists in the incredible waters that God fashioned, explored machines and the way they move, and investigated the tiniest creatures that live around us.
Our students enjoyed chapel, cooking, art and sign language classes. Some of our preschool students made muffins and shared them with others. Other students explored the inside of a watermelon and learned how to spit seeds, while still others learned how to live without electricity for a day--even without air conditioning!
 Our Summer Day Campers, Grades 1 through 6, enjoyed camp time and learned how amazing our God is in all he created. In addition, they also participated in art and cooking classes, chapel, reading time, recreation and had fun on various field trips.
 Students enjoyed the Jungle Book play at The Broadway Palms Theater in Mesa, went swimming, visited a candy factory, learned about the stars in Arizona Science Center's Star Lab and got an up-close look at some cool desert animals. One of our classes even created their own restaurant, made their own menus, served delicious Thai food and waited on customers!
It was a great summer at Bethany Learning Center!
Register Now for 2009-2010 School Year
Registration continues for the 2009-2010 School Year at Bethany Learning Center, a ministry of Bethany Community Church. We still have openings for ages 15 months through Kindergarten for our Preschool and Kindergarten program. Visit www.blcforjesus.org for more information, or call 480.838.2440.
Fall Events Sponsored by Bethany Learning Center
Bethany Learning Center is planning lots of exciting events, starting in early September. Find out more about them on the BLC Events page at www.blcforjesus.org.
- Adriane Grimaldi
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Opportunities to Serve |
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 Lights, Camera, PowerPoint!
Bethany's technical production team is looking to grow. We are seeking motivated, energetic individuals to join our team. Experience is a plus, but not necessary. If you have an interest or questions about becoming a media or lighting technician please contact Brad Cady at wcady@bethanycc.com or 480-831-5005 ext 461. |
| Family Reunion |
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 Father of long time member Ben van der Knoop passed away August 3 in Amsterdam. Ben was with him this summer to care for him and grant his wish of dying at home. Please join us in prayer for peace and comfort for the family as they mourn their loss. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. - Romans 12:15
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Upcoming Program and Event Highlights |
Programs
Fruit of the Spirit - groups start week of 9/13
New Beginnings - group starts 9/13
The Truth Project - group starts 9/13
Crown Ministry - groups start week of 9/13
Freed-Up Financial Living - groups start week of 9/13
Valient Man Small Group Study - starts 9/9
Tuesday Morning Breakfast Meetings - start 9/15
Men's Work Morning - 9/19/09
Fall Programs - start week of 9/6
Girlfriend Connection - 9/11/09
Care Ministry
Crown Ministry - groups start week of 9/13
Freed-Up Financial Living - groups start week of 9/13
Job Networking Ministry - 9/3 & 9/17
HSM
Fall Programs - start week of 9/9
Fall Programs - start week of 9/9 Children
Fall Programs - start week of 9/9
Events
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Rich had a great message back in January about our need to "Get Together" with one another as Christ followers. He pointed to Jesus' example in the Bible of doing life with a small group of followers and the impact that they had on the world. Rich also emphasized how transforming it is in our lives, and the life of our church, when people connect with others for life, spiritual growth and service. 
