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New Bethany Logo Tells a Story | |
February 27 was a great day at Bethany! Not only did we celebrate our start of Worshipping Together, but we also launched our new look to go with it!
The new logo, banners and graphics are the visual representation of the vision that we have been refining over the past two years. The logo gives a very quick and simple picture of who we are and what we stand for, as well as opening the door to tell others more about us. It symbolizes our mission, strategies, values and measure--all in one. It is not just for our Bethany family but, more importantly, for those who are not here yet. The updated look also reflects a style that better represents our church today, rather than in the 1980s.
The logo stands as the cornerstone of our visual identity and a reminder of why we are here and what we are to do. At its center is the cross. One can think of the lines of the cross representing the two parts of our mission: Join Jesus. Show Others. The lines are open to signify that the church exists not only for those who are in it, but for those who are not yet.
The four quadrants surrounding the cross represent each of our four strategies: Get IN, Get TOGETHER, Get OUT and Get SERVING.
The word community is in gold to show that it is a key concept of our Bethany family.
The new logo is the culmination of work by a cross-team of Bethany members, staff and elders who dedicated many hours to capture the essence of who we are in visual form. I would like to thank Kevin Kramar, Josh Harper, Robyn Dahl, Mark Hickey, Jim Crocco, Sarah Sandhaus and Erin Concors for their dedication and hard work in this effort.
Over the coming months you will see this new look and logo applied to all of our materials here at Bethany. The next time you hand an event flier with the new logo on it to someone who is not here yet, use the opportunity to talk a bit about our Bethany family--who we are and what we are about. It might just make the difference to them to learn what makes Bethany unique.
- Jayne Schaefer, Communication Director
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Elder Meetings Move to Tuesdays | |
Next Elder Meeting
Tuesday, March 1 | 6-8pm | D3
Effective March 1, Elder meetings are being changed to the first Tuesday of every month. Elder meetings are open, and everyone at Bethany is welcome to attend. From time to time there may be confidential agenda items that will require dismissing guests from the meeting, but for the most part every elder meeting is open to the people of Bethany.
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| Get Together -- More than Just Words |
Let's Get Together is a phrase we often hear among co-workers, business associates and friends. At Bethany we highly value men, women, students and children getting together face-to-face; living life-on-life. Lola Hostetler and a tight-knit group of women have been doing just that. I asked Lola to share with you the difference that being part of a small group community has made in her life.
Our small group consists of women who are focused on loving God and loving each other. During the time we meet each week we look at God's word together, share our joys and burdens, pray and offer thanksgiving to God. We have forged close friendships--the kind that allow you to pick up the phone knowing that when something troublesome occurs you will receive comfort, encouragement and a listening ear.
Another gift of growing together is accountability. I can trust that my friends will speak into my life and hold me accountable in a way that demonstrates love and respect for me. As time has gone by, our small community has helped me to risk--to step outside of my comfort zone and discover that with the support of these friends I can do far more through Christ than I thought I could.
A verse that expresses how we live together is found in Proverbs 17:17 NLT: a friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Lola is just one of many who express what a difference being part of a small group can make. There are currently opportunities in both women's and men's ministry to engage in a small group experience, and there are more to come. If you are interested in starting or hosting a small group, please contact Robyn Dahl at rdahl@bethanycc.com.
- Robyn Dahl, Executive Pastor
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| Missional Life: 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
 Coming To Bethany's Campus March 17: Project Connect
Project Connect is a one-day outreach event sponsored by the City of Tempe, administered and coordinated by the Valley of the Sun United Way, and for March, hosted at Bethany Community Church.
Project Connect brings together more than 30 human service providers to one central location, increasing access to services for many individuals. Attendees receive a wealth of information, tools and resources to tackle the issues they face each day. Individuals can obtain food, clothing, identification documents and vital records, shelter, wellness checks, haircuts and employment services, among many other things.
 Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring Project Connect guests receive the adequate resources to meet their needs. Volunteers work one-on-one with guests and escort them to the array of service providers available on site. In addition, volunteers are responsible for registering guests, serving food, distributing clothes and providing other event support.
Visit the Valley of the Sun United Way website to volunteer or for more information.
Bethany contact person: Gen Garan, bggaran@cox.net or 480.839.4674
Arizona Cityfest with Luis Palau
Bethany Community Church will be partnering with many other valley churches to reach people for Christ through the Season of Service and the Arizona Cityfest event on March 19 and 20 at Tempe Town Lake.
Arizona Cityfest and the Season of Service is a commitment to serving the community through service projects like IHELP, Habitat for Humanity and Children First Academy. The Season of Service culminates on March 19 and 20 with a world renowned Luis Palau festival.
What is a Luis Palau festival? Imagine one of the biggest celebrations ever and include two full days of concerts from artists like TobyMac, Skillet and The Band Perry. The festival will also include a children's area (featuring Bob and Larry from VeggieTales), community care area, skate park, BMX & FMX demos, a food court, and most importantly an opportunity to see your friends and family come to Jesus Christ.
For more information on the Season of Service and Arizona Cityfest, go online at www.arizonacityfest.com.
If you would like to help spread the word and invite your friends, family and neighbors, visit us in the courtyard on March 6 and 13 for the materials to help you do so. You will be able to pick up your invitations, yard signs and even a super-cool window cling.
- John Wood, Missional Life Pastor
 Blood Drive Update
The United Blood Services Blood Drive was a great success! We have such an outstanding congregation. We had 52 donations! We had quite a few walk-ins (13 actually), which really helped off-set the no-shows that normally happen.
United Blood Services shared with me that each donation of blood can help up to three people who might need plasma, red blood cells or whole blood. Our team of volunteers (Bonnie O'Neal and Jim and Kristina Mahoney) were wonderful in helping to man the table, act as UBIE (the United Blood Services mascot) and provide refreshments for those who had donated.
Thank you for this opportunity to serve and fulfill a life-saving need in the community.
- Adriane Grimaldi
 IHELP
Remember that an IHELP representative is in the courtyard the first Sunday of every month to receive donations of any type. Donation receipts are available upon request.
Never been to a hosting? Come check one out and see where God leads you. Want more information, or want to receive the monthly IHELP newsletters? Please contact one of those listed below.
Bethany volunteer contacts:
Cheryl Chamberlain (meals): cheryllynn2u@yahoo.com 480.838.5188
Gen Garan (operations): bggaran@cox.net 480.839.4674
Kathy Estrada (lunch bags) kajeane@cox.net 480.940.8539
- Gen Garan
Urban Outreach
First United Methodist Church operates the Urban Outreach program (Potters House). Its programs for the homeless provide services to just under 400 guests each week (averaging about 70 guests each time the facility is open).
You can get involved with this program through Bethany in one of two ways: Bethany's Egg Brigade and/or Bethany's Culinary Angels. Go to bethanycommunity.com for details or contact Gen Garan, bggaran@cox.net, 480.839.4674.
The guests at the Potters House very much appreciate those who have taken the time to get involved in these programs. - Gen Garan
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The Feasts of the Lord Bible Study Starts March 9 | |
When I first came to know Jesus as my Savior, I knew that God loved me. But I didn't immediately think of God as someone who had real feelings like joy or sorrow. It was by Getting IN to the Word of God that I began to know the heart of God--a heart that rejoiced in my excitement, a heart that hurt when I hurt and understood my pain, a heart with emotions that ran deep with genuine love and concern for me, a heart that was revealed to me little by little as I spent more and more time with God in the Word.
 God wants to reveal His heart to each of us and will as we Get IN the Bible to spend time with Him. As we read and study, we can ask God questions about His Word, and He is delighted to answer and reveal Himself in ways one could hardly imagine. If we prayerfully focus on what God says in the Bible, instead of just reading what others have to say about it, God will transform our study time into a time of relationship building. It's time spent learning at the feet of Jesus, like Mary in that familiar Bible story.
There is also value in Getting TOGETHER as a group of believers to study. Being together is encouraging and fun, and when our time together is spent focusing on Jesus, there's even more blessing because whenever two or more Get TOGETHER in His name, Jesus is right there with us. This Lenten season, we have the opportunity to look at the beautiful pictures of Jesus as revealed in the special feasts given by God in the Old Testament. These feasts are appointed times for God's family to Get TOGETHER to celebrate Jesus and all that He does as our Savior. Please join us and be awed as we Get IN to the Bible to examine these portraits of the Beloved Son painted by the Father.
The Feasts of the Lord
Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:00pm | D5
Seven weeks starting March 9
Special Feast day celebrations are planned as well, and you are invited. I hope you will come.
Register today on the Bethany website or contact me for more information: Fran Carey, biblestudyteacher@gmail.com
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| A Call to Prayer | |
Nearness to Him
Psalm 145:18 says, The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
Pastor Rich talked about our need as believers to Get IN to a growing relationship with Jesus. The Lord promises in this verse that those who seek Him, those who press in to Him--call upon His name, will be drawn near to Christ.
What could be more exciting than coming close to God every day in prayer? What could be more important than sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to His instructions for life? Remember Mary and Martha? Jesus said, Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her. Mary chose to be near Jesus. Let us make a commitment to call upon God in truth so that He may draw near to us. There is no better place to be.
Praying that you will be nearer to Him in 2011. God Bless, Partners-in-Prayer
God Bless, Partners-in-Prayer Team
First Sunday Prayer
Join us for a time of prayer and worship every first Sunday evening at 7pm in the Prayer room. This will be an excellent time to gather and pray for personal things, as well as church-wide and world-wide things. ALL are invited!
- Dan Mains, dmains@bethanycc.com, 480.831.5005
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| MSM Smashes Lock-In Record with 120 Students! | |
Last month I challenged our middle school students to get a total of 80 students for our Winter Lock-in. Our previous record for any event or service was 71 students, so I thought that 80 was a pretty lofty goal. I even threw in an incentive: if we could get 80 students in the MSM room, I would grow a goatee. (Just to be clear, I have never, ever grown a goatee or sported any kind of facial hair. I don't like the idea of unnecessary hair on my face, nor did I think it would look good.) Having a total of 80 students at our Lock-in would mean inviting lots of friends and getting the word out there! Well, the kids did not disappoint...
Well, we had 120 middle schoolers at the Lock-in! Incredible! The night started out with lots of fun games and activities in the MSM room. I even had the opportunity to spread deodorant on a student's face! (This is why I love what I do.) Anyhow, I got to share a passionate message about Jesus and what He did for all of us. Students responded to hearing God's Word and I am confident lives were changed. Let's give Jesus Christ the glory.
After our time at Bethany, we all headed to Amazing Jake's for six hours of unlimited arcades, mini golf, laser tag, bowling, bumper cars, rides, go carts, soda and more! We had so much fun--though we were all getting pretty tired. In the morning, we had breakfast before embarking on a hilarious photo scavenger hunt.
I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to all the MSM leaders who made this event possible. Our middle school leaders do a phenomenal job loving our students and showing them the love of Jesus. Also, I want to thank all the parents who helped with providing rides. We still had to make multiple trips and deal with the transportation problem, but it would have been far worse without all the parents who were involved. Thank you soooooo much for helping out and staying out late or waking up early--or both!
Thanks again! I can't wait for our upcoming Mission Trip, Creation Weekend and Summer Camp!
- Josh Harper, Middle School Pastor
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| Sam Rotman to Perform at Bethany! |
PrimeLife is excited to invite you to a very special piano concert by world-famous pianist, Sam Rotman. Sam received his Bachelor's and Master of Music degrees from the Juilliard School in NYC. He has performed in 58 countries, received numerous awards and has served on the jury of international piano competitions in the United States and Europe. A Christian of Jewish descent, he will be sharing not only his music but his testimony of faith in Jesus.
Sam will perform in the H building on March 9 at 10am. All are welcome to hear this exceptional artist. An optional catered lunch will follow in C1. For more information, visit bethanycommunity.com.
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| Summer Registration Open for BLC |
Bethany Learning Center (BLC), a ministry of Bethany Community Church, has its registration underway for Summer 2011 (ages 12 months through Grade 6) and School Year 2011-2012 (ages 12 months through Kindergarten).
BLC offers a Toddler and Preschool program from 9am to Noon with a 2-day, 3-day, 4-day or 5-day schedule. A 5-day Kindergarten program from 8:30am to 2:30pm is also available. Both the preschool and Kindergarten programs offer before and after-school care from 7am to 6pm.
For the 2011-2012 School Year, Kindergarten classes begin August 15 and Preschool classes begin August 29.
For more information, call 480.838.2440 or visit www.blcforjesus.org.
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| Upcoming Program and Event Highlights | |
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