| Welcome to 2010! |
Whether you agree with Time Magazine that 2000-2009 was The Decade from Hell, or have a different view of the past ten years, this much is sure: the first 10% of the 21st Century is already history. I know, I know, where did it go? I like history and know there is lots we can learn from what's already happened, but I'd rather focus on what's happening now and what's ahead of us.
In 2009 our elders, staff and about 100 leaders from our church family worked on clarifying our vision for the years ahead at Bethany. It was a wonderful process of prayer, study, conversations and often intense discussions about what God is doing in our church and what he has uniquely gifted and called us to be and do in our community.
The fruit of our year-long work is a new vision for Bethany Community Church. Building on the blessings of God in our history and taking stock of our current strengths, passions and God's unique purpose for us as a church family, we have articulated the new vision this way.
A New Vision
for Bethany Community Church
Our Mission: Why do we exist? What are we supposed to be doing?
Join Jesus. Show Others.
Our Values: What are the shared convictions that guide our actions?
- Love that is sincere
- Grace that is generous to all
Our Strategy: How will we accomplish our mission?
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Get In-to a relationship with God
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Get Together-with other Christ-followers
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Get Out-cultivate friendships with people far from God
- Get Serving-use our time, talent and treasure to meet real needs
Our Measures: How can we measure individual and corporate accomplishment of our mission?
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Walking daily with Jesus
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Growing together
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Cultivating friendships
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Serving others
On Sundays, January 3 and 10, I will be sharing this vision in the worship services, hoping to inspire all of us with a clear, compelling vision for our church that flows from the heart of God, through our hearts and into the community and world around us. I hope you will be here those two Sundays and join me, our elders, staff and leaders at Bethany in launching the next decade of faithful, effective, exciting life and service for Christ.
I love this promise from Revelation 21:5 where the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ says (about the new heaven and earth), I am making everything new. I know this is a promise for the future, but you can't be around Jesus today without realizing that he is all about making things new-right now. New life, new songs, new wine, new hearts and minds, new ways, new covenant, new commandment, new attitude, new birth--everything new!
Welcome to the new year, new decade and a new vision for being the people of God at Bethany!
 Richard Hendrix |
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Mark's Gospel: Running with Jesus |
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Mark's Gospel, his eyewitness account of the life of Jesus, is unique among the four Gospels in a number of ways. It is probably the first of the four written Gospels. It is the shortest of the four. It may have provided much of the outline that the other Gospel writers (Matthew, Luke and John) followed in compiling their histories of Jesus' life. And Mark's Gospel is the fastest, most active of the four different reports on Jesus' life. This Gospel reads more like a collection of short stories - quick, to the point, often with a powerful punch - than dry history or a book on religion. Mark tells us about how Jesus lived his life, what he did, where he went, the people he met and things he said.
But he tells Jesus' story at a pace that almost feels like running with Jesus. Over and over in Mark's version of Jesus' story he says things like, "And then Jesus...," followed immediately by, "and then he went...," followed by, "and then Jesus said..."
We are going to spend all year 2010 in Mark's Gospel: Running with Jesus. On Sunday mornings we will look at Jesus' life as Mark tells it. (Other than holiday Sundays and a few other special Sundays during the year, we will spend every Sunday in 2010 - 40 out of the 52 - in Mark's Gospel.)
But I am hoping we will do more than just listen to Mark on Sunday mornings. I am encouraging everyone at Bethany to consider making "Running with Jesus" an integral part of your life this year. Here are some specific ways:
1. Join a small group during the week to dig deeper into practical life application of what we hear from the Word and the life of Jesus on Sundays. We will provide discussion/study guides for use in a group or family setting. We'll have study/discussion guides on Bethany's web page each week.
2. Read the Gospel of Mark all year. Many of us have read through the Bible in years past (a great thing to do!). But this year I am encouraging us to read less, but deeper, slower and let the Word really soak into our lives. We'll provide a daily/weekly reading plan for Mark's Gospel that will carry you through the whole calendar year. Find it on Bethany's web page www.bethanycommunity.com.
3. Commit 12 powerful verses from Mark's Gospel to memory this year. Find the memory verses on Bethany's web page www.bethanycommmunity.com.
4. Oh, and be here on Sundays to worship and hear from God's Word--Mark's Gospel: Running with Jesus.
Richard Hendrix
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| 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
 Do You See What I See?Reflections on Christmas 2009
Do you see what I see? Do you hear what I hear?
A star, a star shining in the night . . .
That star is shining over Bethany now, just as it did over Bethlehem many years ago.
Did you see Jesus this Christmas? How many miracles have you witnessed? If you said "no" and "none," then you must not have been around Bethany much over the last several months. I see many changes at Bethany. Changes I consider miracles. Changes in attitudes - I feel Bethany is growing spiritually, and I'm excited.
But that's not the only way I've seen Jesus this year. I have seen Jesus in the faces of so many Bethany members sharing a smile and a meal with the homeless. Working with I-Help, I have seen Jesus dropping off food and beverages for the homeless. I have seen Jesus offering a listening ear to them too. I have seen Jesus orchestrate the ability to set up and host a meal working with many other members and other churches. I see Jesus healing relationships within the church. I really see Jesus in the faces of the people who take care of our buildings, who make sure everything is set up for services. Who have the ability to see that everything is there when needed and that everything falls into place. Many people work behind the scenes to get the service started. I see that Jesus has gifted many with the ability to multi-task in ways that are miraculous. I see Jesus in the faces of those cleaning up after everyone is done using the rooms at Bethany.
I see Jesus working in people who are doing way more than their share of work on staff. But most of all, I see Jesus in the joy of the season. I see the joy that sharing and caring for the homeless has brought to our church. God has blessed us with the ability to help others. Do you see what I see? Do you hear what I hear? Joy, inspiration, new direction, that's what I see for Bethany. Praise God that He is in the midst of our congregation. Let's continue connecting, serving and loving others!
- Kathy Estrada
Thank you for coming out and serving during the Advent season!
Children First Academy Christmas Party
Over two dozen volunteers from Bethany helped facilitate a Christmas party for the children and families of Children First Academy (formerly Pappas School) of Tempe.
 200 plus students and family members enjoyed the day's activities: crafts, reading corner (with our own middle school students), drawings for prizes, music performed by the students, and the presence of Santa Claus (good job Jack!). Josh Harper shared the Christmas story and the message that Jesus came so that we might live in relationship with God forever.
This was a collaborative effort between Bethany, the Tempe South Rotary Club and Concerned Christians. Every family in attendance left with a food box from Bethany's Thanksgiving Food Offering and a warm blanket.
Peggy Levesque, who coordinated the event, expresses her thankfulness in this way: I know you didn't do it for me, but I want to personally thank each one of you (and each one of your team members) for sacrificing your time, and perhaps treasure, to pull off our first event--Christmas Cookout--and shine Jesus into the lives of folks that are often forgotten.
Diane Fernichio, Principal of CFA offered this: I just want to thank all the volunteers from Bethany, The Rotary Club of South Tempe, and Concerned Christians for hosting a wonderful holiday cookout for all of our families. The blankets and food boxes are a huge, huge help. Our teachers thought it was one of the nicest events we've had in a very long time. I heard many comments from families that they really enjoyed the crafts and the opportunity to socialize with one another. Everyone had a great time.Several of the CFA families also made it a point to thank us.
 Peggy also added, What an incredible experience to see so many Bethany volunteers working alongside The Rotary Club of South Tempe and Concerned Christians to put smiles on the faces of CFA families. Jesus was absolutely present and accounted for. He even answered the planning team's prayer and sent us a glorious day in spite of dire predictions of rain. Here are a few points of interest:
- Almost 50 Bethany adult volunteers helped, plus many donated goods.
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Middle School Ministry had 21 students volunteer, plus 4 adult leaders
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At least 15 Concerned Christians participated
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10 Rotarians worked alongside the rest to give of their time and efforts
Angel Tree. Thanks to everyone for your contribution in blessing many children through Angel Tree. The people of Bethany gave 160 gifts that went to 80 different children. Many people delivered the gifts to families the weekend of December 20, including the Transformers (Grades 4 and 5), Bethany Bikers and others. Team leader Debbie Wallace asks us to thank everyone who participated, whether it be giving out angels, buying the gifts, wrapping them for delivery or presenting them to the kids at their homes. The contribution of everyone resulted in Christ's love being shared with these families in need.
 Los Ninos de Guadalupe.
On December 12 another group of volunteers helped Los Ninos families put on the annual Los Ninos Christmas Fiesta in a neighborhood park in Guadalupe. Music, crafts, games, food and a giant mosaic made for a wonderful morning. Matt Barto says that the greatest outcome of this year's event was developing relationships, not only with the kids, but also with their parents. Thanks to all Bethany volunteers who helped make this event a great success.
I-HELP. Many Bethany people volunteered to serve with I-HELP during the month of December. It was a busy month which gave us lots of opportunities to share the love of Christ through word and deed. We hosted I-HELP four different times: December 6, 23, 27 and 30. On the morning of December 24, we served our homeless guests a special Christmas Eve breakfast before they left for the day. A special thanks to all who participated.
- John Wood, Missional Life Pastor
 I-HELPYou, as Bethany volunteers, have done a great job meeting the basic needs of homeless guests through the I-Help hostings during 2009. Our best reward, I am sure, will be God's telling us, Well done, good and faithful servant.Praise God for giving everyone the ability needed to serve him in this way.
If you like statistics, please check out these for I-HELP. The number of volunteers is truly impressive and reflects Bethany's (and each volunteer's personal) commitment to reflecting Christ's image to the community around us. Everyone should be encouraged by these statistics.
2010 will present its challenges to meet the needs of those less fortunate and the homeless in our community. Bethany Community Church will continue to have I-Help guests on our campus, but at least for the next several months, it will only be the fourth Sunday of the month. Hopefully later in the year, Bethany will pick up additional hostings. You will be the second to know when that happens!
In the mean time, be aware of the following additional ways in which Bethany volunteers can help meet these ongoing needs through Urban Outreach.
If you are signed up for the Bethany I-Help newsletters, you will continue to be advised of the dates/needs for hosting opportunities on Bethany's campus. If you are not receiving the newsletters and wish to, please contact Cheryl Chamberlain: cheryllynn2u@yahoo.com, 480.838.5188 or Gen Garan: bggaran@earthink.net, 480.839.4674.
Everyone is encouraged to pray for the homeless guests served and for all the volunteers involved in this ministry.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
- Gen Garan |
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International Outreach Update |
ISLAM and the US
Starting January 17 | 9am or 10:45am |D5
Islam scares many Christians. What do Muslims really believe? Why do they seem so full of hate? Are they really totally closed to the gospel? How do we face the challenge they present? What about the growing number of Muslim families in our neighborhood - how can we relate to them? We need answers.
Bethany, in partnership with Indopartners Agency, will offer a 7-week course starting on Sunday morning, January 17, to answer these questions and any others you have. Join us in D5 at either 9 or 10:45am. It will be well worth your investment in time - and we guarantee that you will be surprised and blessed by what you learn!
The course will be taught by Stewart Moulds, one of our new Bethany members. Stewart and his wife Jean were missionaries in Indonesia for 14 years, followed by 12 years serving as his mission's CEO in England. Stewart and Jean now work with Indopartners Agency, a mission committed to reaching the 100 million Muslims of Indonesia who comprise the 127 Muslim Unreached People Groups of that country.
For more information, contact John Wood, jwood@bethanycc.com
Mike and Sheri Bedient
Mike Bedient was just recently cleared by his doctor to go back to work full-time. For Mike, full-time work means leading the campus ministry of the Navigators at ASU. It also means that he and Sheri can move forward on putting together a team for next summer's ministry outreach in Russia.
 We all recall the ordeal that Mike and Sheri faced last summer. While leading the team in Pushkin, Mike suffered a major heart attack. After a few days to stabilize him, he was air evacuated to Berlin where he underwent double bypass surgery.
After extended recovery in Berlin, Mike and Sheri returned home to Tempe for rehabilitation. That phase is now complete, and the doctor gave him a clear bill of health.
- John Wood, Missional Life Pastor
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| Prayer Partners Update |
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 What If . . . ?
Oh what a peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.
This is a timely message for today's world. What if we (the congregation at Bethany) took everything to God in prayer? What if we became known as a House of Prayer? What if we each prayed for at least one missionary every day that the word of God would be fruitful in their sphere of influence? What if we prayed for at least one of our Bethany pastors every day that his or her ministry would touch the lives of those to whom they are ministering in new and effective ways? What if we prayed daily that the messages prepared and presented by our pastors would sink deep into the hearts of those listening each Sunday? What if we each prayed for at least one unsaved person each day that God would do a miraculous work of salvation in their lives? What could we expect God to do in and through the ministries of Bethany? Consider and pray about your role in a prayer ministry at BCC. Opportunities to follow. What if . . . ?
- John Wood, Missional Life Pastor
January 2010 has been set aside by Bethany and other churches in the East Valley to specifically ask God to do what only He can do in our area, state, nation and world. Lamb Chapel on the campus of Grace Community Church (1200 E. Southern Ave. in Tempe) has been set aside as our 24/7 prayer chapel throughout the month of January. Kickoff worship and prayer begins at noon on January 1. Let's join together to pray and see what God wants to do in and through us! See www.evhouseofprayer.com.
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| Men's Ministry 2010 |
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Men, Happy New Year! If you are like me, you haven't really given much thought to New Year resolutions. Sure, every one talks about them so that we can pull some out of the hat from years past if we have to, and make the same halfhearted attempts that we did last year. But, let me share a thought that may take the pressure off of you when someone asks you what your resolutions are.
Jesus gave us some great advice in one of the greatest sermons ever preached: the Sermon on the Mount. It seems as though men from Jesus' day had many of the same concerns we have today, like "how can I get ahead financially and be a better provider?" or "how can I make it appear that things are going well?" Jesus told them that they were focusing on the wrong things. He told them to first seek after God's kingdom, and then the priority of other things would fall into place. It's not that being a good provider and looking good is not important, but compared to God's priorities, these are insignificant.
This year Men's Ministry will focus on seeking first God's Kingdom and righteousness. We will be looking weekly at the principles that He wants us to know and live by. Best of all, we will help each other be successful. Instead of a halfhearted attempt at exercising more consistently and watching fewer sporting events on TV, join us every Wednesday evening from 6:30-8pm in room J1. If you can't join us on Wednesday evenings, join us Tuesday mornings from 6:30-7:30am as we enjoy a great breakfast and spend time in God's word.
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| MSM Serves Children First Academy |
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Last month, over 20 middle school students and several leaders went to Children First Academy in Tempe to serve at the school's Christmas Cookout! The school serves homeless and needy children in the Tempe area. I was so impressed with the great work our middle school students did that day!
 Bethany kids read to children, helped them decorate cookies, make crafts, and guess how many M&Ms were in a jar. Later, our students served lunch, cleaned up, stacked food boxes for the families, and more. Other Bethany ministries were involved as well. I had the honor of telling the Christmas story to a gym filled with children and their families. One of our students commented afterwards, The kids were just so happy. I can't believe how happy they were.
Please keep the needy children and families at Children First Academy in your prayers. They touched our lives and I'm so proud of our students for giving back to the community in the name of Jesus.
- Josh Harper, Middle School Pastor
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Faithful Early Childhood Volunteers |
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Last month we made special mention of just a few of the Sunday school teachers who serve in the A Building with our church's babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Specifically, last month we recognized those teachers who serve every single week and those who have just started serving (or repeat-serving) in the last few months. But I don't want to be remiss by failing to bring to all of our attention the many other wonderful people who have been serving in the Early Childhood ministry on a consistent, faithful basis, over a longer period of time.
Those who have been serving faithfully with the Sunny Skies babies include Vicki and Jenna Chittenden, Kathy Huizingh, and Brad and Rebecca Johnston.
Those who have been serving faithfully with the Peaceful Pond toddlers include Jon and Jessica Murphy, Lynne Sirotzki and Ashley Wallace.
Those who have been serving faithfully with the Friendly Flowers preschoolers include Sarah Dodds, Doris Ginsberg, Chris and Kristel Guenther, David and Crystal Knight, Renee Merritt, Bethany Ringwald and Val Utter.
Those who have been serving faithfully with the Blessed Bugs preschoolers include Erin Couillard, Janice Negley and Jai Choi.
Those who have been serving faithfully with the Righteous Rabbits preschoolers include Denise Howard, Tiffany Hurd, Diane Miller, Pam Obermeyer and Lou Ann Smith.
And let's not forget Dave Tornquist, who has also been serving faithfully as a point person in the A Building.
Can you believe how many people are regularly serving in the Early Childhood Ministry?? And bear in mind that this list does not even include the many gracious people who substitute from time to time! Surely this children's ministry could not flourish without their flexibility and willingness to serve as well!
Finally, I would like to acknowledge some of the people who have recently stepped down from volunteering after extended times of service. They deserve our gratitude for the love they showered on the children at Bethany during their time as teachers! (And many of them are still serving as subs from time to time.) Let's give thanks for David and Marcia Charles, April Cound, Rob and Margaret Crusoe, Ron and Susie Kennedy, Tyler Rhoades, Amy Stidham and Gidget Wright.
As I emphasized last month, each and every volunteer in the A Building is a special person who adds a unique dynamic to the Early Childhood Ministry! We are grateful for each one of them! And, as I also said last month, if you have a heart to love little children and play a role in their spiritual and personal development, there is still room on our Early Childhood Team for you! Contact me if you'd like to talk more about the options available.
- Suzanne Choi, Early Childhood Director, schoi@bethanycc.com, 480.831.5005 or 480.491.1347
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| Give Blood - Be a Hero! |
United Blood Services will bring their bus to Bethany Community Church on Sunday, February 14, from 7:30am to noon for a blood drive. Give blood. Be a hero!
Did you know . . . one out of every five hospital patients requires blood? Make sure Arizona patients have the transfusions they need. Find the hero in you. Give blood three times a year.
Your single donation can save several lives because blood can be separated into components. In just one hour, you could be a hero for an accident victim, a person undergoing surgery and a child receiving treatment for cancer.
Here are ways to sign up:
1. Go to www.bloodhero.com and enter the sponsor code BethanyCommunity (all one word) to set your own appointment.
2. Sign up at the Blood Drive table in the courtyard each Sunday starting January 17.
3. Call the Schedule Coordinator, Bonnie O'Neal, at 480.838.2916.
- Adriane Grimaldi, Bethany Learning Center
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| Family Reunion |
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Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
~ Romans 12:15 Mary Richardson, who is currently serving as extended Bethany staff with Greater Europe Mission in Kosovo, married Kyle Kettering (also with Greater Europe Mission), in Ohio in late December. They will be here in Arizona the first week of January. Help us celebrate with them at an Open House on January 3 in C1 after the 10:45 service.
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Upcoming Program and Event Highlights |
Standard programming resumes starting the week of January 17! Please check the Calendar or with your ministry leader for exact days and times.
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