| You're Invited to Passover Seder! |
We are entering a time of the year when Christians everywhere focus on the death, burial, and resurrection of our wonderful Jesus. But did you know that God had long ago instituted special events to give us pictures of the work of the Savior? Some 1500 years before Christ, God delivered His people, Israel, from cruel slavery in Egypt and gave them a group of appointed times--days for Israel to remember their own physical deliverance and to look ahead to a Savior who would achieve spiritual deliverance for all who would accept it. The main appointment for the spring is Passover, and it is a day of special importance to all who want to know Jesus.
On the evening of April 20, 2011, the Bethany family will gather for a Passover celebration that will probably be unlike any you have ever attended. This will not be a fancy catered event for you to come to be entertained, but rather an opportunity for you to be involved in both the preparation and celebration of this blessed holy day. Passover is a family event, so we want to encourage family participation (children aged kindegarten and up). There is no charge, but you must register online to reserve your seat at this special Passover dinner. You will then be contacted by your table coordinator to discuss how you can participate to make this feast truly your own.
Bethany Passover Seder 2011
Wednesday, April 20
6:00 - 8:00pm
Register online by April 15 at bethanycommunity.com! For additional information contact Fran Carey, 480.839.4749, or francc@cox.net.
- Fran Carey
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| Easter Outreach Offering 2011 | |
This year, the first $20,000 of our Easter offering will go toward the salary needs of Carolyn, one of three facilitators serving in the first of the safehouses for teens rescued from the sex trade. This will assure Carolyn's complete salary for one year. All gifts beyond this goal will go to the Bethany general fund to support the church's ongoing ministries on campus, in our community and around the world.
Last Easter, Bethany gave $25,000 of our Easter offering toward the refurbishing of one of the homes on the safe house property. Many of us added sweat equity as we sent several teams to actually do the remodeling project. Others from Bethany donated furnishings and items for the homes. We did it! We finished the work on that home!
Over the past year, the Streetlight staff has continued working hard to get the safe house ready to open in order to receive the first group of teenage girls. A professional staff has been assembled. In January 2011, the rigorous licensing process was completed and Streetlght was given the green light to begin operating.
The final piece needed to open the first residential house is engaging a group of three facilitators. That's where Bethany's 2011 Easter Offering comes into play. Our gift of $20,000 will complete the salary needs of Carolyn for one year so that she can serve as one of the facilitators. Carolyn is featured in the video Branded, and shared with our congregation one Sunday morning before Easter last year. She is a passionate advocate for teenage victims of sexual trafficking.
Streetlight defines their mission to Eradicate Child Sex Slavery through a 3-tier strategy of Awareness, Prevention and Aftercare. We will accomplish this through multi-sector collaborations focused on preventing further exploitation of our children, and by providing long-term safe housing to promote healing for those rescued from Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking.
What an honor it is for the people of Bethany to not only help prepare needed residential space for the safe house to begin operating, but now also to help support one of the facilitator/mentors to begin working with the first group of girls. The words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8 challenge us: Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started (NLT).
- John Wood, Missional Life Pastor
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Richard Hendrix Stepping Down as Bethany's Senior Pastor |
On Sunday, March 20, Rich shared with our Bethany family his decision to step down as our Senior Pastor at the end of May. He shared the two reasons for his decision: 1) coming to the conclusion that it is time for Bethany to have a new leader to lead us forward; and 2) his own personal sense that he has done everything God called him here to do.
Rich shared that he believes Bethany's best days are not in the past, but in the future and that God still has great things for him to do, though he doesn't know yet what they are. Read the full text of Rich's announcement and the Elder's response or watch the streaming video from March 20.
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Elder Board Information | |
Next Elder Meeting
Tuesday, April 5 | 6-8pm | D3
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.
How can you contact the elders?
Our elders have made it clear that they are very open to listening and talking with you, and there are a multitude of ways to reach them.
- Biographies of each of our elders, along with their email addresses, can be found on the web at bethanycommunity.com/elders.
- A flier with elder phone numbers and staff contact information is available in the Connecting Point.
- Contact information for our elders (along with the rest of our Bethany family) is available in the Bethany online church directory at http://bethanycommunity.com/directory.
- You can send an email to the Elder Board at elders@bethanycc.com.
Additional individual elder contact information follows.
Elder Chairman
David P. Chittenden
Cell: 602.909.7903
Home: 480.491.7991
Office: 602.955.4773
dave@thechittendens.com
Elder Vice Chairman
Tom Adams
Cell: 602.741.7551
Home: 480.831.7336
Tadams307@yahoo.com
Elders
Ben Eubank
Cell: 480.776.7716
Home: 480.786.6990
Office: 480.413.1171
John Hoffman
480.755.0525
Don Kelley
480.345.7658
Jack Siebert
Home: 480.325.3305
Dave Weller
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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
It's Party Time! IHELP is now Five Years Old.
You are invited to join IHELP and Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) at IHELP's 5th Anniversary Concert Celebration. 
When: April 8, 2011
Time: 6-9pm
Where: Grace Community Church
Cost: $10 per person
So what's going to happen at the party? There will be Hors d'oeuvres and drinks, followed by a musical concert by The Rebecca De La Torre Band, a presentation by Dave Talley and some informational material on the IHELP program. All followed by a raffle and birthday cake!
An IHELP representative will be in Bethany's courtyard on April 3 to receive donations and provide information on this event.
Tickets can be purchased at: www.tempeaction.org. Click on the Donate Now button in the left upper corner. When you reach the drop-down menu for the program to which you wish to contribute, please indicate the IHELP 5 Year Anniversary Celebration. Your receipt is your ticket.
Thank you to all at Bethany who have supported this program in whatever way. Feel free to contact Gen Garan with any questions, bggaran@cox.net, or 480.839.4674.
- Gen Garan
How Project Connect Helped Hundreds of Needy People
 March 17 was an exciting and busy day at Bethany Community Church as we hosted Project Connect. This City of Tempe and United Way Valley of the Sun event is designed to help those in need connect with much needed services, such as identification documents, employment, food, clothing, legal matters--even haircuts which help not only with self esteem, but are very important for job interviews.
The day started with John Wood welcoming all volunteers and saying a word of prayer from Isaiah 58:6-7. As a result, he had the blessed opportunity to
counsel a young, newly homeless woman and to pray with her.
One success story that came as a result of the day was reported by Andrew Grove, Community Impact Coordinator - Homelessness.
This was the first Project Connect for Jeff Thayer, 53, who heard about the event through a church in Phoenix where he often goes for help. Thayer, a military veteran, moved to Arizona in October of last year for health reasons and has been living on the streets ever since. Unable to find work due to a slumped economy, he came to Project Connect with the clear-cut goal of advancing his ongoing job search.
At Project Connect, he was able to get basic medical care, a birth certificate, a state ID, SNAP food, AHCCCS health benefits and employment services which, "would have taken me four days to do on my own--walking around because I don't have a car," Thayer said. "It's great that I can get this all done at once," he added.
Thayer was extremely thankful for the friendly assistance he received at Project Connect and was particularly excited to get his state ID, without which, "you can't hardly get anything done," he said. "I wouldn't miss this day for anything."
A short snapshot of the day included over 650 connections to services: 131 volunteers; 188 adults were served; 87 people received Department of Economic Security (DES) benefits; 38 received medical care from Health Care for the Homeless; 47 individuals were served by Social Security; and 66 connections to spiritual support services were made. Read more ...
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| What's Happening in Worship & Arts Ministry? | |
Worshipping together has been wonderful over the past month! From every corner of the Worship Center, the praises can be heard!
But, we are always looking for more gifted vocalists and instrumentalists to join our Worship & Arts family.
Choir has begun its spring ministry season--preparing spirituals and time-honored choral pieces for our worship services. All that's needed is a pleasant singing voice and a desire to praise God through music!
Instrumental Ensembles are in the making! If you play a wind or string instrument, let us know! We have ensemble pieces, solo and descant opportunities to enhance the worship music on Sundays. Reading music is a must, and if you can improvise as well-- even better!
The Band is a foundational element in our contemporary worship music. We are always looking for proficient instrumentalists who can read lead sheets and carry an individual part with excellent rhythm and improvisational ability.
Vocals are needed for leading of Sunday morning hymns and songs. Male voices are in great need. Let us know if you have solo experience!
If you are interested in any of the above, please contact the following:
Vocals & Band: Leah Henley, lhenley@bethanycc.com
Choir & Instrumental: Dwight Brewer, talat@cox.net
Choir: David Watson, dwatson@bethanycc.com
Are you gifted with woodwork, carving and sculpture?
We are looking for someone to help us with a special project.
Please contact Leah for more information on how your gifts can benefit our congregation! lhenley@bethanycc.com
- Leah Henley, Worship Leader
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| Answered Prayer | |
We thought it would be nice to share some answered prayers that we (the Prayer team) have seen or experienced in our prayer lives. Here are just a few:
1. Several years ago God saved my marriage. It didn't happen overnight, but took years of prayer and fasting, and I wasn't alone in it. Only God knows how many people prayed and fasted for us. Not only did we reconcile years ago, but my husband's a believer now as well!
 2. My mother, a long time believer, has had extremely high blood pressure for over 40 years (she's 70). It typically reads in the 250's. In the past she had sought treatment, but the meds made her sick and would not lower her blood pressure. After several years of this she gave up and developed even more health issues, which include several skin cancer lesions which had to be removed. In 2010 she was scheduled to have a large one surgically removed, but the doctor would not perform the surgery due to her high blood pressure. He wanted to check her into emergency, but mother was concerned she would not walk out of the hospital if that happened. We supported her wishes and we gave it up to God. God is truly amazing... that very day we contacted my brother who had become acquainted with a Cardiologist at his church. The rest is history. My mom's blood pressure is now reading 120/80 (normal for a young person), and still dropping. They may take her off one of the two meds she is currently taking. Mom has been on two week-long vacations since September, and she is healing nicely from the skin cancer surgery that took place two weeks ago today.
3. This morning as I set about getting ready to sit down for my quiet time, I felt even more distracted than normal. So, not intending to be disrespectful, but feeling a bit impish, I asked God to surprise me. I sat down thinking what I could do in my prayer time to help focus. Within a few minutes, I just found myself (nudged?) pulling out a very old couple of pages from my bible that I probably haven't looked at in maybe a decade or so. The pages are a list of some of the names of God: Yahweh Shammah, Yahweh Nissi, Yahweh Shalom, etc. I read and worshipped and God brought tears as I did. It was a really special ten minutes or so. A little later, I was doing one of the morning's chores, when I realized that God had really surprised me. I had expected a bit of a struggle to stay focused, and instead, God took over--and did it by leading me in worshipping Himself. Praise to our God who hears even such an unworthy one as I am! Who am I that the great Creator of the universe should hear and respond to me in such a way?
4. I was scheduled to have an MRI (of my head) due to a history of migraines. When the time came to place me in the MRI machine (and I was rolled in) I was a bit apprehensive (I noted my breathing and pulse increasing), and the noise was almost unbearable. I decided to give it to the Lord in prayer. I asked the Holy Spirit to be with me and give me His peace and strength to endure the test. God showed up in an amazing way! He not only gave me the strength to endure, He completely relaxed me to the point where the next thing I remember was a voice saying "OK, that's the end of the test". I found out later that I had been "asleep" (completely unaware of the noise) for almost 20 minutes! All I could do is smile and thank Jesus for His wonderful grace.
Ordinary lives changed by an extraordinary God. God loves to answer prayer because He loves His children. Ask and you shall receive. It's His promise to us. Try it out and see what God can do.
Along with you on this wonderful journey,
Partners in Prayer
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| Lifescapes for Young Couples Starts April 10! | |
Lifescapes Offers Young Couples the Word, Community and More!
All young married couples (whether just starting out together or raising a family), are invited to join this brand-new faith community designed just for them!
Beginning Sunday, April 10, Lifescapes will gather in the Worship Center at 10:45am, immediately following the worship service. Experience great Bible teaching, small group connections, food and fun as part of this exciting new community.
For additional information, contact Jeff Schneck, 480.897-7675 or jschneck@azbarristers.com.
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| MSM Students Serve Selflessly During Spring Break Mission | |
Last month an amazing group of middle school students spent their Spring Break giving back to our community. MSM had a sold-out mission with 17 students! During the week, we spent the nights in the Student Center and many families provided meals to our hungry team.
 Throughout the week we served in a variety of ways: highlights include feeding the homeless; participating in IHELP; working with the elderly at Carestone Assisted Living; working with preschool-age children through the City of Tempe; sorting 700 pounds of rice and beans into bags for the needy through Tempe Community Action Agency; setting up and tearing down for Project Connect at Bethany; and working on a variety of projects at the Arizona Science Center.
Besides all the meaningful work we did for our community, we had a ton of fun together, too!!! During the week we played lots of games, joked around constantly, enjoyed a movie at the Dollar Theater, attended a Robbie Seay Band Concert (front row!!), went on the water slides at SunSplash, and had our last meal together at a pizza buffet restaurant!
 I want to express how deeply proud I am of our middle schoolers! During the week, I heard barely a single word of complaining, grumbling, or whining. (I'm sure they act this way at home too, eh?) Anyway, the students had an incredibly positive attitude all week. Also, I'm so proud of the kids for working together, making new friends and spending the week together as one group. We did not have little groups of kids that were too cool to interact with other kids. Instead, we all played and worked together as one team.
There is no doubt that these middle school students made a huge impact for Jesus all week long. We would regularly finish work projects well before the organization expected. As a result, groups found more work for us to get done and we would finish that up, too! I think the kids were especially moved by working with the homeless and elderly. It was beautiful to see our kids' hearts softened by working with the oppressed and marginalized within our society. After attending this mission, I heard many students comment about how their perceptions of the homeless and elderly had changed dramatically. I'm just so proud.
Middle school students should plan on joining us again next year for our 2012 Spring Break Mission!
- Josh Harper, Middle School Pastor
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| UthBuild Builds Homes in Mexico | |
Just like anyone else, our students value their time. And in the middle of March, during Spring Break, UthBuild went down with 35 students, parents, leaders, and staff to Rocky Point, Mexico, giving up six days! Within six days we completed two simple houses (along with our partner church, Shannon Oaks from Sulpher Springs, TX)--two families now call them home!
During this week we've learned to love well and figured out that God works in really unique ways. Some went down for service hours for school, others because they needed something to do to stay out of trouble, and some because they wanted be a part of something bigger than themselves. So as we all came together, blurring the lines between Shannon Oaks and Bethany, we learned what it is to live within community.
What made this trip so unique is that we completed two houses in one week as one team! As we came ready to completely bless these families, we watched God at work and we walked away with more than we could have given. As we were focused on completing the house, they were focused on making us dinner. As we were mixing our last wheelbarrow full of stucco, the whole family (extended family, too) was focused on the fresh sea trout they caught and were making us for lunch. We came to build houses for two families that didn't have one. And as we got to know them--their families, their hobbies, their likes and dislikes--we realized it is about more than building a house. This week is about the families and our relationships with these families!
 A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams. God used us to build the walls and beams. God also used us to show His love and help these families to accomplish one of their dreams, as we were able to discover some of our own. Completing the houses was our main goal at the beginning of the trip. We completed the goal and had a first time UthBuilder hand over the keys to this beautiful home. That was a moment that we will never forget. There were tears, hugs, prayers, unforgettable relationships and home that's open to any of us to visit!
This is an opportunity and experience that HSM, God willing, will continue to offer at least twice a year (Spring Break and Fall Break). With the next trip in October, steps have already been taken to make this happen. With God's grace and mercy, love and blessing, we will prepare to go serve the poor in Rocky Point. And because of this experience we now understand and have talked about what it looks like to be able to serve one another outside of Mexico and within our own surroundings.
Thank you for sending us to these gorgeous souls. Thank you for sending us to a place to hear the voice of God. And thank you for your part in this! We are grateful! With all your prayers and support we were put in a spot where we now understand just a little bit better what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ! Thanks for being part of this miracle!
- Alicia Thompson, HSM Leader
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| BLC's Annual Carnival Just Around the Corner |
 Join the fun on April 8 at Bethany Learning Center's annual Family Fun Night Carnival!
There will be fun for the entire family with a Petting Zoo, Moon Bounce, Spinner, Face Painting, Toddler Town, Food and much more. Food and some games require tickets, but you can bring in a can of food for one free ticket, with no limit. The fun starts at 5pm and lasts until 7:30pm.
For more information, call 480.838.2440 or visit www.blcforjesus.org.
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| Family Reunion | |
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ~ Romans 12:15
Pastor Dave (HSM) and Tavya Robinson welcomed their first baby, Paige Loree, on March 11. Paige (meaning little servant) weighed in at 7 pounds, 3 ounces. All are doing well.
Lester Clark, father to Debbie Weller (Dave), passed away late last month at the age of 93. Debbie and Dave are long-time members of Bethany and Dave has recently started serving as an elder. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 10:30am.
Al Stack, beloved husband of Mary Jo, passed into heaven in late February. They were long-time Bethany attenders. He is also survived by son, Ned (Vicki), daughter, Mary Margaret (David), and three grandchildren. Memorial services will be held April 6 at 11am.
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| Upcoming Program & Event Highlights | |
Easter Week, April 18-22
Check with your Ministry Leader regarding programs this week
Good Friday, April 22 - Campus Closed
Monday, April 25 - Sabbatical, Campus Closed
Helping Hands Zoo Walk - April 2
BLC Carnival - April 8
Passover Seder - April 20
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