| Meet Danny Dodson, Interim Pastor! |
 Danny was born and raised in rural North Carolina and began public speaking at the age of 13. He traveled throughout North Carolina and southern Virginia teaching, preaching and speaking to youth camps, church groups, school assemblies and clubs, with audiences ranging from 5 to 500. He attended Cincinnati Christian University, graduating in 1983.
Holding various service and ministry positions, Danny has lived and worked in Lexington, KY; Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati, OH; Louisville, KY; Bloomington/Normal, IL; and Phoenix, AZ. He has served on a variety of boards, as chaplain for university athletic teams, taught at colleges and universities, and has been published nationally in magazines, lesson books and other journals. He even played guitar on an album years ago. 
On a more personal note, Danny has been married to Shelley for 27 years. They have one daughter, Shea Noel, 21 years old and a Senior at Northern Arizona University, and a son, Ty Daniel, 19 years old and a Sophomore at Chandler/Gilbert Community College.
Danny loves and cares about people. He has learned that our darkest moments can become our greatest avenues to helping others. In 1998 Danny's father committed suicide. Within 45 minutes of the news he was on a plane to North Carolina to unite the family and perform his father's funeral and memorial. That experience has given him incredible insight into the lives of those who have experienced tragic and unexpected loss.
Terry Hines, Chief Operating Officer of Child Crisis Center and Board Member of Streetlight Phoenix, has this to say about Danny: [He] has walked through some difficult times with our family. His wisdom and caring spirit were instrumental in seeing us through the dark times. We have known Danny for many years and have been the beneficiary of his wisdom and counsel. The integrity with which he leads is a testament to his faith and insight as a leader and a teacher.
Let's all give Danny a warm welcome that shows our hearts here at Bethany Community Church!
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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
 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.
Thanks to everyone for your faithful giving to this ministry. Giving in the following ways: personal toiletry items; clothing; preparation/service of meals; laundering of sheets, towels and, periodically, blankets; praying for the program and its participants, as well as those from Bethany giving of their time and money.
The impact of God's love has not been lost on our IHELP guests. The guests are very much aware that Bethany does what it does in this program because of God's leading. This example of Christian love says more than any words could say.
Bethany continues to host IHELP on campus three times a month. Please feel to join in this ministry in whatever way and whenever God leads you. Feel free to contact Gen Garan with any questions or comments at bggaran@cox.net or 480.839.4674.
Coming soon: the IHELP portion of Bethany's website will include some success stories. These are certainly an encouragement to all involved.
- Gen Garan
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| Highlight on Senior Care Ministry | |
Editors Note: From time to time we will be highlighting various people, Ministries, Faith Communities, Small Groups and volunteer opportunities. This is the first Highlight article.
Are you familiar with the role of the Senior Care Pastor here at Bethany? I'd like to tell you a bit about how we serve the people of Bethany and beyond.
 I'm Les (Lester) Hirst. Together with my wife, Helen, we round out the position. I mean, we serve together as a couple. We've been married almost 62 years (May 20) and have shared in the Christian ministry since 1964 (47 years).
The title of this position summarizes the folks with whom we work and what we do for them. We care for each one as needed. For instance, we see people in local hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and, when needed, in hospices. If people are shut-ins, we call on them in their homes.
We love to work with people and have been actively involved in this over the years. In addition to our activities surrounding illness, we have preached, taught, counseled, held marriage seminars and served in leadership capacities in Christian education movements.
Now, here is a little information about our family. We were blessed with four children--three boys and one girl. One son is involved in missions work; another is a Hospital Chaplin; and another is part owner of a used car dealership. Our daughter was married to a pastor but is now a widow. We have sixteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.
If you need our assistance, we may be reached at 480.361.4025 (home),
480.244.3646 (cell) or through the Church office at 480.831.5005.
- Les Hirst, Senior Care Pastor
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|
Child Dedication | |
A Child Dedication is a very special occasion to offer your child to God and publicly share your commitment as a parent to raise your child for the glory of God. This commitment includes modeling, teaching and guiding your child toward a relationship with Jesus.
As a church body, we are honored to support parents in their desire to nurture their children in faith. If you have a child you wish to dedicate before the church, I invite you to contact me. Our Child Dedications are scheduled individually with parents.
- Kevin Kramar, Children's Ministry Director
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Partners In Prayer |
Pray for the Souls of Men
Have you ever thought about what your prayers might mean for those still without hope? I read the other day that the Benedictine spiritual path was paved by the prayers of the saints for the souls of men and women. Wow! I know that each person must one day stand before Jesus and give an account of their life, and stand upon their choice of how they accepted, or did not, the free gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Christ.
But what if we, through our storming the gates of heaven, day after day, (like the woman who would not leave the Judge alone until she received justice ~ Luke 18:1-7), could make a difference in the amount of opportunities someone has to experience the grace of God. Does He not promise to listen to our prayers and answer our requests? We can make a difference. Let's continue to ask, and let's continue to ask for that which is important. And what could be more important than the salvation of someone's soul?
Continuing to grow with you in prayer,
Your Partners-in-Prayer
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| MSM Soaks in God's Creation! | |
MSM took separate groups of students to southern California to bask in God's glorious creation during two weekends in early May! Both trips were sold out and had waiting lists.
The nights were spent at the home where I was raised. I loved showing the students places that are special to me. Also, the students got to meet my family, which was great. During the weekend, we took a couple light hikes and spent a lot of time on two beaches. Students were not allowed to bring their cell phones, which forced them to truly slow down and get away from the many screens in their lives.
The trip afforded the students an amazing opportunity to connect with God and enjoy what He has made. Three separate lessons from Genesis 1 highlighted the amazing features of God's creation. The most powerful lesson was the final one, in which students learned about how each one of them is created in the Lord's image and is not a mistake.
Each year, I've been amazed at how God works through this incredible trip. Thank you so much to all the families who sent their kids on this trip. Also, thanks to the incredible students who made each trip such a delight to lead. I absolutely loved the countless memories we have from these trips. Finally, thanks to the MSM leaders who gave up their weekends to drive students to California and were such Godly role models in the lives of our students. Looking forward to next year!
- Josh Harper, Middle School Pastor
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| Promotion Sunday for Children & Students | |
Congratulations to all of our Elementary Children and Students who promoted to their new classes this past Sunday, May 29. Kids moved up to their next grade based on the grade level they will enter into this Fall. If your kid(s) missed Promotion Sunday, please make note of the following locations. We look forward to having them join us real soon to begin an exciting year together!
Grade Entering this Fall & Ministry Location
9, 10, 11, or 12 - Student Center, HSM Room (10:45am)
6, 7, or 8 - Student Center, MSM Room (10:45am)
4 or 5 - Room F1 (9:15 & 10:45am)
1, 2, or 3 - Room B1 (9:15 & 10:45am)
Please note: Children in the A Building (Preschool and upcoming Kindergarten) will promote in the Fall.
- Kevin Kramar, Children's Ministry Director
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Summertime Means Summer Camps! | |
We have four very exciting Summer Camps planned this year for our Children and Students! If you are not already registered, register now online at bethanycommunity.com.
Summer Camps are available by the grade you are entering this Fall.
Grade Entering & Camp Dates
9, 10, 11, or 12 - HSM Camp, June 26-July 1
6, 7, or 8 - MSM Camp, June 5-10
4 or 5 - Transformer Camp, June 21-25
2 or 3 - Kids Camp, June 13-15
Find details online on each specific Ministry's webpage. Remember, scholarships are available for families in need. Don't let your kid(s) miss out on the highlight of the summer - Summer Camp 2011!
- Kevin Kramar, Children's Ministry Director
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Are You On this List? | |
Take a glance over this list and let me know if I might have described any of your gifts and abilities. There are many exciting ways you can help serve our great kids here at Bethany! This list contains just a few of our present opportunities. Do you see yourself on this list? If so, would you consider sharing your gifts to make a difference in our Children's Ministry? Please drop me a line so we can discuss how you might Get Serving!
Occasional Craft Assembler (non-Sunday position): works behind-the-scenes assembling our planned craft projects.
Rotating Parent Classroom Aide: a parent of one or more children already involved in our Children's Ministry.
Super Shopper (non-Sunday position): keeps an eye out for things we need at special markdowns, garage sales, and discount shops.
Part-Time Program Helper (non-Sunday position): behind-the-scenes worker, makes copies, prepares teacher materials.
Snack/Meal Preparer (non-Sunday position): helps provide snacks and meals at special events.
Husband & Wife On-Call Substitute Team: serves along with his/her spouse on an as-needed fill-in basis.
Small Group Assistant: occasional Sunday morning helper within a small and intimate setting.
Bulletin Board Decorator (non-Sunday position): creates new looks in our classrooms - opportunities arise on a quarterly basis.
Kid-Fix Helper: an empty-nester who enjoys just a few hours with a few great kids every once in a while.
- Kevin Kramar, Children's Ministry Director
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| Do You Sew? | |
The Sewing Project to Help Foster Kids is looking for volunteers to sew kid-friendly pillowcases with drawstring/straps. As we approach summer, the supply dwindles, but the need is still there.
When a child is taken from a home that has been deemed unsafe by Child Protective Services (CPS), the child may take only a small amount of toys, clothes, and personal belongings. Many times, CPS workers just don't have enough suitcases to use so that when a child arrives at a child crisis center, group home, or foster home, many times they arrive with literally one or two large black trash bags full of personal items.
The project started in February 2008, and the original goal was to receive 300 pillowcase bags for foster kids. So far, I have received 3,900! How amazing. These bags have been delivered to Child Protective Offices, East Valley Child Crisis Center and Sunshine Group Homes.
We are looking for more volunteers to help sew. Check out this link for patterns and other details.
For more information, contact Adriane Grimaldi.
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|
Save the Date for Summer's End Family Camp! | |
Our annual Summer's End Family Camping trip to Crook Group Campground on the Mogollon Rim is Friday, September 2, through Monday, September 5 (Labor Day).
 We have reserved both halves of the Crook Group campground. Each individual campsite is only $55 for the entire weekend (Friday evening through Monday morning), and you can share it with another family and split the cost if you like.
There are spaces for tents, pop-ups and RVs (no hook-ups). Many are suitable for sharing (maximum two families per any campsite). We will plan children's and family activities, campfires, and a potluck, as well as worship on Sunday morning.
The Crook Group Campground has two beautiful ramadas for cooking and eating (or games), as well as a fire ring and picnic table at each campsite. Forest pit toilets are clean and well maintained daily. We are less than a mile from Woods Canyon Lake. Great fishing, hiking, biking and exploring in the tall pines is right at your doorstep (or tent flap).
Online registration is available now at bethanycommunity.com/register.
For more information please contact Penny Campa, pcampa@bethanycc.com or 480.831.5005.
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