| A Word from Scott & Chad | |
Dear Sun Valley-Bethany Family,
We are off to a tremendous start in our first weeks together. Words cannot express how privileged we feel to be a part of what God is doing in the ministry, and the reception you have given us on the Bethany campus has been outstanding.
In our first weekend together, we stated our top two priorities in the first few months were to "repair" the campus and to "prepare" the people for what God has in store for our future. We want to take this opportunity to report some first steps that have been taken to progress toward those goals and then to ask for your help in moving ahead with these priorities.
First, we want to let you know ... Please read the entire letter Online!
Scott Ridout & Chad Moore
Lead Pastors
|
|
Christmas Eve Offering | |
 Sun Valley-Bethany campus continues our tradition of Christmas Eve offerings focused on taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations. This year's offering will go to Areopag, the academic resource and study center located in the heart of the university district of Kosovo's capital city, Pristina.
Seven years ago, our partners Dr. Jon and Harriet Askew challenged our church to give toward the development of the medical resource center in Pristina. In 2007, Areopag (Mars Hill - see Acts 17) moved to its current facility located strategically right where the students live.
Hundreds of students (mostly Muslim) have actually paid a yearly fee to become member-users. Why? Because Areopag offers them what they most need: academic reference materials in both English and Albanian languages, internet access and most importantly, a quiet, smoke-free study space, which is at a premium for students in Kosovo.
Of course, we are chiefly concerned with the kingdom benefits of Areopag. The center is led and manned by committed Kosovar Albanian followers of Christ who have a strong commitment to building relationships and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Artan Geca, the center's director, is a well-known professional actor who came to Christ from a Muslim background about ten years ago. He is constantly finding opportunities to share Christ over a cup of coffee, on the football (soccer) field, or discussing a film together with a student.
Earlier this year, Areopag moved out from under the umbrella of Bethany Community Church and officially became a member ministry of Community Ministries International based in Tempe.
Our target is $72,000 to allow Areopag to enlarge its sustainable base over a four year period. Thank you for generously giving so that Kosovar people may know Jesus the Messiah.
- John Wood, Missional Life Pastor
|
|
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
Children First Academy (CFA)
Thank you to all who have so generously donated to Children First Academy this year. Everything has been accepted and used by either the school itself or by the children and their parents.
Children's parents will often volunteer at the school. Awhile back, I took in a number of boxes with kitchen utensils donated by someone who was closing a cabin. I wish you could have seen the excitement over the pots and pans by several mothers who were there at the time!
Immediately they laid claim to several pots, a slow cooker and an electric skillet with, "Can I have this?". Several portable sewing machines, donated yard goods and supplies were also welcomed, as some of the mothers sew for their families.
Donations of food are always welcome and needed. Remember, clothing is needed for new babies sizes, children, and for the parents too.
There is an Adopt-a-Family program in the works and I hope to have details soon. Watch for fliers in the Faith Communities and the Connecting Point. If you, as a family want to participate, or if a group wants to help, please contact me or CFA directly for more information. You can reach me by calling 480.775.1771 or at montgomery49@cox.net.
For donations on Sundays, remember my car trunk is open--white Impala with black trim, license 529-GAT in the south parking lot in front of the walkway. A glove is there to help keep the trunk open for next donor.
Thank you again. God Bless. Merry Christmas to one and all!!!!
- Beulah Montgomery
 The Hands & Feet of Jesus Donation Box
Have you seen the Hands and Feet of Jesus donation box now permanently located in the foyer of H building? Check it out and appreciate the results of a desire by a Girl Scout to help others. Abby van der Knoop (with her dad's supervision) created the box. Thank you, Abby and Ben!
 We hope that this box will make it easier for people to donate to any outreach ministry operated within the Sun Valley/Bethany Tempe campus. PLEASE: NOTHING PERISHABLE or CASH-LIKE ITEMS (such as gift cards). Suggested ministries that can use your donations include: IHELP, Children First Academy, Urban Outreach/Potters House, or any other appropriate ministry. Please be sure to mark your donation with the name of the ministry for which you intend it. Donation receipts are available and will soon be located on the box itself.
Questions or comments should be addressed to Gen Garan, bggaran@cox.net or 480.839.4674.
Thank you all in advance for your willingness to be Jesus' hands and feet to our community.
 IHELP
Is your family, group or organization looking for a way to bless others over the holidays? If you are thinking about IHELP, please contact Gen Garan, bggaran@cox.net or 480.839.4674.
There is a continuous need for toiletry items, new underwear and socks, and gently used clothing--fall/winter items would be good for the upcoming cooler days. Also, nonperishable food items for the lunch/snack bags. The details of these needs are listed on the IHELP website listed above.
Urgent Needs:
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Protein source for lunch bags: Tuna, chicken or ham salad packs
(contains spoon and crackers--best buy at dollar stores for $1.00 each)
Christmas Needs:
Christmas gifts for our homeless neighbors (in the form of $5 Gift Cards) would be greatly appreciated by our IHELP guests. You may want to consider gift cards from local fast food restaurants, such as Subway, or grocery stores. Another welcome gift would be daily passes or movie tickets to the Tempe Pollack theater at 1825 E. Elliot Road. A movie ticket alone is $3, with a small popcorn and soda it is $8.25. Tickets/passes must be purchased at the theater and paid for in cash. You can drop off your gifts at the office or give them to Gen at the IHELP table on the courtyard on December 4. Donations must be received by December 19.
Give yourself a gift while helping our homeless neighbors! A financial contribution to TCAA/IHELP qualifies as an Arizona income tax credit and as a charitable donation for Federal tax purposes. For more information, visit TCAA's web site or contact David Tripathi at TCAA, 480.350.5897
Gen Garan (operations): bggaran@cox.net, 480.839.4674
Cheryl Chamberlain (meals): cheryllynn2u@yahoo.com, 602.293.6685
Kathy Estrada (lunch bags): kajeane@cox.net, 480.940.8539
- Gen Garan
|
|
Christmas Luminaries | |
It's that time again for us to get together and light the path into our Christmas Eve worship services.
On Sunday, December 18, please take a few minutes to create a luminary or two during the break between the service and Faith Communities. Stations will be set up in the courtyard to make it easy for everyone to participate. Feel free to write the name of someone you are praying for to come to the service with you and for those that you are longing to hear the good news of the birth of our savior this season.
- Robyn Dahl, Executive Director of Ministry
|
|
MSM's Guys-Only & Girls-Only Days | |
On Veterans' Day (Friday, November 11), over two dozen middle school guys gathered at my house on their day off from school. We started by playing sports in the street, then moved inside to eat terrible food and watch a movie. Next, we headed over to a nearby park for an epic kickball game, followed by a game of two-hand touch football! I also shared with the guys from the book of Titus, talking about Paul's message for young guys to be self-controlled and encouraging the guys to be leaders.
Next, it was the girls' turn. On Sunday, November 20, a large group of middle school girls headed over to Diana Hughes' home for an afternoon of fun, service and hot dogs! The girls had the opportunity to visit with farm animals and played some great games outside on the Hughes' pasture-like yard. The girls also participated in a service project--making gift tags for hospice patients! I'm so proud of the girls! Hot dogs were grilled, lots of food was eaten and Lisa Jones shared a message from God's Word.
Getting a group of only guys or girls together--without members of the opposite gender present--is always a special time. During these events, it's always powerful to see how guys and girls act without having to worry about impressing the opposite sex. Guys don't have to show off as much; girls don't have to be so concerned with their looks. Instead, guys and girls can just focus on having fun with each other, hopefully lifting each other up in their faith in Jesus. In MSM, we love having these events and look forward to more in the future. Thanks for coming, everyone! And a special thanks to the parents who supported these events!
- Josh Harper, Middle School Pastor
|
| Worship & Arts Ministry | |
Sanctuary Choir meets in the choir room from 8-9am Sunday mornings (in the room behind the stage in the Worship Center). Anyone that wants to join the Sanctuary Choir, can contact David Watson at dwatson@bethanycc.com for vocal placement.
Christmas Choir! Can't commit to all year long? Consider being a part of Choir for the Christmas season. Choir will be leading in worship on Christmas hymns and songs and will be singing for the Christmas Eve services. Contact David Watson if you are interested in joining the choir for the holiday season.
Attention Musicians!
Worship & Arts is ALWAYS looking for skilled instrumentalists to play with the band for Sunday morning services. We are in need of bass players and guitar players at the moment. If you are interested, can read lead sheets or have a crazy good ear...please contact Leah at lhenley@bethanycc.com.
- Leah Henley, Worship Leader
|
| PrimeLife to Host Musical Luncheon! | |
PrimeLife welcomes the talents of musician Walter Santos to the December luncheon. Mr. Santos' musical style swings from 50's Doo-Wop to timeless hymns, and everything in between.
Wednesday, 12/14
10am-12:30pm | C1
$6 Lunch (Optional)
Sign up in your Faith Community or directly with Wanda Lee Smith, 480.838.1617 or wanda.lee.smith@cox.net.
- Wanda Lee Smith
|
|
Get Tax Credit for Helping Pre-School Children | |
Did you know that you can donate up to $1000* to be used for grants or scholarships to a private school and get the total amount credited back to you at tax time?
Bethany Learning Center (BLC) would like you to prayerfully consider this state tax benefit and request BLC as the recipient when you donate. Kindergarten enrollment is drastically down due to the economy, and BLC needs your help to fund scholarships for those who are otherwise unable to attend. There are currently 9 Kindergarten students who are able to attend on full scholarships due to these donations! This is such a wonderful opportunity to reach out to those families who know Christ, as well as those who don't know Him yet.
For additional information on the tax credit, contact Maryellen Hawkinson at the Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization, Inc. (ACSTO), 480.838.3933, or refer to their web site at www.acsto.org. For more information on Bethany Learning Center, call 480.838.2440 or visit blcforjesus.org.
*Up to $500 for singles or $1000 for a couple filing jointly.
|
| December Upcoming Program & Event Highlights | |
Christmas Eve Services
December 24
4:00 & 5:30 pm
******
December 26 & 27 - Office Closed for Holiday Observance
January 2 - Office Closed for Holiday Observance
Final Fall Program Week for All Ministries - December 4-9
Adult Ministries
PrimeLife Luncheon - December 14
Women's Ministry
GROW AM - December 8
GROW PM - December 7
Men's Ministry
Men's Bible Study - December 7
Student Ministries
High School Ministry (HSM)
Small Groups - December 7
Middle School Ministry (MSM)
Small Groups - December 7
Children's Ministries
Grades 4 & 5
Mid-Week Programming - December 7
Children Birth - Grade 3
Mid-Week Programming - December 7
|
|
