BETHANY POST

April/May 2016 “To Love, Obey, and Proclaim Jesus Christ”

Inside this issue:

WHO’S THAT? Are you like me? You recognize someone’s face but just can’t put a name to it. Other times the name rings a bell but the face is. . . well. . . just blank! I think a lot of us are in this boat. The last time Bethany had a pictorial directory was in 2008. Since then, the church has a new software program that has the capability of having an on-line directory. Filters can be put into place allowing only the information you want others to see. To have your picture in the directory just follow these simple steps: Email a headshot of yourself to me or Take a selfie and email that to me or Mail your headshot to the church Also send in a family photo

Staff Directory

2

Thank You Notes Births, Baptisms, etc.

3

Athletes for the Cross

4

Pancake Fundraiser, Church Work Day

5

Children’s Ministry

6

Preschool, GPA

7

Youth Ministry

8-10

Allentown Children’s Project, Bridge Ministry

11

Catasauqua News, Emmanuel News, Wednesday Worship

12

Phoebe Home, Twice Blessed

13

Spirit Riders, Ride for Freedom

14

Small Groups Women’s Breakfast, Men’s Breakfast, Seniors’ Ministry Missions

15-20 21

22-23

Stewardship Corner, Tribute to Freedom, Soldier’s List

24

Include name, phone/cell number and email address to ensure we have the correct name with the right face! Once everyone’s photo is in our system we will make the directory accessible to our congregation only. At that time you will get instructions on how to access it through our website. For anyone unable to use a computer there will be a printed Church Directory with no pictures.

Emergency Food Pantry, Redner’s Tapes, Gift Cards, Marriage Enrichment

25

Lost & Found

26

Special Thank You, Deadlines

27

I look forward to receiving your pictures. Please email them to me at dlong@bethanyumchurch.

Donna Long, Office Manager Seniors’ Birthdays

28

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Bethany Post Church Council

Jim Brashear – Lead Pastor Mike Byrd –Associate Pastor Gary Dimovitz - Associate Pastor Mike Netznik-Associate Pastor John Oetting – Chairperson Rob Costantini - Finance Chairperson Ray Schissler – Trustees Co-Chairperson Tim Woodbridge – Stewardship Chairperson Denny Farkas - SPPR Chairperson Charlie Funk - Lay Member Cheryl Tucker - Lay Member Donna Long – Secretary

Lay Members to Annual Conference (LM) Cheryl Tucker Charlie Funk

Class of 2016; serves on SPPR Class of 2016; serves on Finance

Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee

Trustees Class of 2016 Michele Borland - Co-chair Ray Schissler - Co-chair Jill Lichtenwalner - Secretary Jeff Flamisch

Class of 2016 Charlie Funk Cheryl Tucker

Class of 2018 Class of 2017 Denny Farkas - Chairperson Nick Fonzone David Hahn Tanya Sheffer Lisa Horvath Class of 2018 Greg Light Suzanne Cressman Scott Redfield Erik Dalstad Tom Hannan Sherry Meck Steve Riedy Ray Schissler

Bethany Macungie Campus 3801 Brookside Road, Macungie, PA 18062 Bethany - Wescosville Campus 1208 Brookside Road, Wescosville, PA 18106 Bethany - Catasauqua Campus 429 Walnut St., Catasauqua, PA 18037 610-395-3613 Bethany - Emmanuel Campus 2936 South 9th St., Allentown, PA 18103 610-797-1571 Web: www.bethanyumchurch.com E-mail: [email protected] Telephone and E-mail Directory Phillip Allen, Ext. 15 Youth Director [email protected]

Gordon Hendrickson, Ext. 47 Short-Term Missions Consultant [email protected]

Jim Brashear, Ext. 13 Lead Pastor [email protected]

Deborah Hill, Ext. 10 Secretary [email protected]

Quay Brashear, Ext. 39 Sports Ministry Consultant

Ken Hoover, Ext. 21 Director of Music & Worship [email protected]

[email protected]

Mike Byrd, Ext. 16 Assoc. Pastor, Catasauqua [email protected] Scotty Coyle, Ext. 30 Outreach Director [email protected] Keri Crawford, Ext. 33 Director of Small Groups [email protected] Gary Dimovitz Associate Pastor, Catasuqua [email protected]

Donna Long, Ext. 27 Office Manager [email protected] Mike Netznik Associate Pastor, Emmanuel [email protected] Dan Pense Worship Leader, Catasauqua [email protected] Judy Rotkowski, Ext. 12 Secretary [email protected]

Steve Skekel, Ext. 38 Mark Dougherty, Ext. 37 Director of Young Adults Finance Committee Stewardship Committee Head Custodian [email protected] [email protected] Rob Costantini - Chairperson Tim Woodbridge - Chairperson Ralph Stevenson, Ext. 14 Associate Pastor Kathi Frantz, Ext. 35

Denny Farkas Steve Morth Warren Miller Jack Sedovy

Gene Davis Charlie Gardner Tom Gieger Mark Graham

Lisa Horvath Steve Morth Jack Payne

Lay Leadership (Nominations)

Financial Administrator [email protected] Lisa Gold, Ext. 18 Director of Lay Mobilization [email protected]

Class of 2016 Jeff Markle

Class of 2018 Susan Farkas Cheryl Kelley Mark Miller

Nicolas Gold, Ext. 19 Director of Children’s Ministry [email protected]

Class of 2017 Jamie Bittner David Cressman Nancy Dinger

Staff Pastor Jim Brashear Lisa Gold

Amy Hain, Ext. 29 Director of Bethany Christian Preschool [email protected]

[email protected]

Kathryn Wieder Pastor of Visitation [email protected]

Music Ministry Staff Amanda Furbeck, Pianist Kathleen Anthony, Organist

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THANK YOU NOTES Dear Bethany Church Family, My family and I will forever hold close to our hearts and cherish how much you uplifted us in this time of grief over the loss of Mark, our beloved husband, father and grandfather. We so very much appreciate all your loving care shown to us through the beautiful memorial service, delicious luncheon, flowers, gifts, cards, and especially your prayers. Our friends and family saw the powerful love of the people of Bethany and know why this church family continues to mean so much to us. With love and gratitude, Nancy, Drew, Erin and Hannah Dinger Dear Bethany Staff, Thank you for all your prayers, kindness, messages and calls during my grandmother’s hospital stay and passing. I’m thankful to be part of such a caring church family. Love, Jaime Bassett Dear Beloved Bethany Church, Humbled by your outpouring of love through prayers, calls, texts, e-mails, messages, cards, hugs, plan rides to-and-from airport and love offerings because of my father's passing. I would like to thank you from both my family and me. We greatly appreciate your love and care! What a blessing you all are!!! Thank you!!! Love, Heidi Spangler

Births

Dedications

Baptisms

CORA JOAN MORROW Granddaughter of John & Carlene Morrow 722 Franklin Street Emmaus, PA 18049 Born, Sunday, February 28, 2016 7 lb. 8 oz.

February 21, 2016 Norah Ulecka

February 27, 2016 Mason Rooney

March 6 Sage Doyle

February 28, 2016 Braxton Moser

New Members

March 16, 2016 Courtney Bridges Isaac Bridges Avalyn Transue

Joined March 20, 2016

Deaths February 15, 2016 Mark Dinger February 25, 2016 Gregory Douglass March 18, 2016 Reba Conover

Brigette Bailey David Bailey Tanya Dean Patty Huff Jill Kearney Mary Konopelski Robert Lawler Bonnie Nelson Courtlynn Pulcini Aundrea Robertson Eric Rosenberger

March 20, 2016 Levi Schneck

Weddings December 27, 2015 Pete Miller & Caitlin Fillman March 5, 2016 Robert Goldberg & Inez Seyler

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Bethany Post

Athletes for the Cross Athletes for the Cross meets people where they are. We invite people to participate in faith-based sporting events such as running, riding a bike, playing softball, football, soccer or basketball. AFC creates a relationship with them through sports, and then we introduce Christ in a non-threatening non-judgmental way. We provide an avenue for people to receive Godly training as well as physical training. 1 Timothy 4:8 For more information, visit our website at www.athletesforthecross.com or contact Quay in the church office.

COACH’S CORNER I am writing to let you know that the boys on the AFC 5th and 6th grade basketball team exemplify all the positive attributes of an athlete. They are kind and selfless, hard workers and tremendous rolemodels. They are always striving to improve on and off the court. They are respectful, young gentlemen, and I am so very proud to coach them. Each and every one of them improved throughout the season. To go from 0-4 to finish 7-7 is a great accomplishment. We finished in 3rd place plus made the semi-finals in our league tournament. Remember, this was the first season where AFC fielded travel basketball teams. I learned a lot as a coach, too. After a rocky start, I am extremely satisfied with how the season unfolded. Finally, I want to thank everybody. Thank you to Coaches Ed Witkowski and Matt Crawford. I relied on them so heavily this season. I couldn't have done it without them. Thanks to Quay at AFC and Bethany Church for hosting and supporting our teams year after year. Thank you to the parents. Without your commitment to attending practice, communication and overall support, we wouldn't have had such a successful team. Finally, my heartfelt thanks to our boys. They worked hard all season and never gave up when the season looked grim. What a great bunch! God bless! Chad Marcks

I wanted to take a moment and give you an update on our experience in the Allentown Basketball League, Senior Division. From the first game of the season, it has been an amazing journey. I personally felt like the team from the movie "HOOSIERS" and left wondering if we were in the right league. As the season progressed, I watched God at work. We played well in every game, but more importantly, we gained respect from the other teams and built A LOT of curiosity about who we are and where we come from. We prayed openly before and after each game. I really enjoyed when players from other teams would come up to myself or my team and talk to us, building friendships and bringing others to know Jesus, our Lord. One of the league monitors told my wife and me that our team was making a difference in the league. He said the boys have very good sportsmanship, and that our organization is strong and going in the right direction. I also have other coaches that want to build a relationship with us for future basketball tournaments. GOD GETS ALL THE GLORY!!!!! As my faith has grown, I'm watching this basketball ministry grow. We have the GREATEST 6th MAN EVER - JESUS!!!!!!!!! Amen! Grant Gregory

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Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf Supplies The school is in need of the following donations for the children: 3 Balloon Pumps White Board Markers (assorted colors, large tip) White Board Erasers 12 Correction Fluids (pen type if possible) 3 Glue Guns and Pellets Hand Sanitizers Paint (acrylic, washable, fabric) 12 One-Hole Punchers 3 Scientific Calculators 6 Stencil Knives Ziploc Bags (assorted sizes) Large Floor Puzzles for K-3 grade 2 Printer Inks (Canon 210 & 211) Sunglasses Flip Flips There will be a donation box in the Narthex at the Macungie Campus near the table for pancake tickets. The group will deliver the supplies when they go on their mission trip. Thank you for your continued support.

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Bethany Post

It’s time for another year of baseball, and the Children's Ministry is sponsoring Iron Pigs Games on Thursday May 5 and Thursday July 14. These are great events for the entire family and includes reserved seating for our congregation. Tickets are $10.00 each and will come with a $2.00 voucher for food or the gift store. Parking is $5.00 per car. Contact Suzanne Cressman, 484-225-8605 for tickets.

Kids Game Day On Saturday May 14 from 10:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., the Children’s Ministry will hold the annual Kid's Game Day for grades K thru 5th at the Wescosville Campus. This will be a spectacular time of amazing large group games, small group games, individual games, Wii Dance Party, life-sized Candy Land, and Epic Twister. A hot dog lunch will be served. Sign up in the Bethany Book or contact Nic Gold in the church office if you would like to help.

Vacation Bible School - Save the Date

As you begin to plan for your summer, remember to reserve June 27 thru July 1 on your calendar for Cave Quest VBS, where kids will learn to follow Jesus: the Light of the World.

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FROM THE PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR’S DESK For over 30 years, Bethany Christian Preschool has provided a loving, safe, nurturing environment for children to learn about the love of God as they learn preschool essentials. Our mission is to fully prepare our children for their "formal" school experience, academically, socially and spiritually. It is our desire to provide the academic foundation to help our children enter kindergarten with confidence. We are dedicated to the ideal that each child is unique, and through our encouragement will become independent learners. Our preschool is an outreach ministry of Bethany Church, and our vision is to enable each child to develop his or her God-given potential, to become aware of God and His love for us as revealed in Jesus Christ, and to support and encourage the family as the primary caregivers to their child. This summer, we will be offering a program for children ages 2-7 years through second grade. We are also looking forward to our 2016/2017 school year. Open houses will be on Monday, September 12 and Tuesday, September 13, 2016, with classes scheduled to start on Wednesday, September 14 or Friday, September 16. Letters will be mailed out to preschool families in August with the exact dates and times. Please pray for the staff as they prepare for the new school year. Thank you and God bless. For more information contact Amy Hain at [email protected].

Who We Are GRACE PERFORMING ARTS is an outreach ministry of Bethany Church. We are a Christianbased organization dedicated to fostering music and performing arts in an encouraging atmosphere. We believe in the power of music to bring us closer to God, and we believe God calls us to use our talents to glorify Him.

"Praise the LORD with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose." I Chronicles 23:5

Our Programs Our programs are geared to all ages and levels, from beginner to advanced. We offer programs for preschool age through adults. All of our instructors are Christian professionals who love the Lord and wish to share that love through teaching others. Instruction includes music and theatre fundamentals as well as encouragement to improve skills and techniques. Music of any style is encouraged as long as it is pleasing to God.

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Bethany Post

Bethany Student Ministry exists to help students to love, obey and proclaim Jesus Christ by helping them to connect, grow, serve and go in their faith. We do this through engaging our students and leaders in our weekly gatherings and our large group events. WEEKLY GATHERINGS These are great opportunities for your student to have a place where they can talk about the things of life with other students and adults and, of course, have fun and relax. Please encourage your student’s regular attendance as this helps maintain a sense of community. FUSION

COLLIDE

CAFÉ

Sunday 9:15 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Macungie Campus

Wednesday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Wescosville Campus

Friday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Wescosville Campus

A Sunday School environment where students grow in their faith.

A place for students to connect in a small group and grow in their faith.

A fun environment for students to bring their friends and have fun.

Special Events Our off campus events are a great opportunity for you to bring a friend and have some fun! Come hang out with BSM and have some fun! We hope to see you there!

6th-12th Grade Open Gym Come hang out with us at the Macungie Campus, as we have fun and create an environment for you and your friends! Our café will also be open and you can get a chance to win some prizes and have the greatest night of your week.

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8th-12th students: Let’s take the chance to get away for a weekend! Let's have some fun, have some good conversations and make it the best weekend of the year, maybe even your life. We will be spending the weekend having fun at Skyzone, late night gym events and movies while considering if we are truly fans or followers! More info can be found at bethanyumchurch.com/dweekend April 22-24. A weekend filled with some challenging conversations and some amazing fun! Don't miss this! Signup and more info at bethanyumchurch.com/dweekend

If someone asked, "Are you a fan of Jesus?", how would you answer? You attend every movie featuring a certain actor, you know the stats of your sports hero, and you can recite lyrics from your favorite songs. In short, you're a huge fan. But are you treating Jesus the same as the other people you admire? The truth is Jesus wants more than the church attendance, occasional prayer, and the ability to recite Scripture—the fan response. He's looking for people who are actually willing to sacrifice in order to follow him. In this student edition of Not a Fan, Kyle Idleman uses humor, personal stories, and biblical truth as he challenges you to look at what it means to call yourself a Christian and follow the radical call Jesus presents. So, will you be a fan, or a follower?

Logistics Food: Provided by church families. Sleeping: Boys will be in one area of the church; Girls will be in the parsonage. Cost: $40 with $10 spending money. Signups: Completed online and then forms will be emailed out. Adult Helpers: All leaders will have current clearances and comply with our Safe Sanctuaries Policy. Contact Information will be provided upon registration.

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Bethany Post

OPEN LETTER FROM A CONCERNED PARENT After listening to Pastor Jim's message entitled "Jesus - The Conqueror", I was compelled to study Bethany's student ministry and the "battles" our youth currently face. Thriving youth ministries have the following components:  The Love and Grace of Jesus Christ - We have this at Bethany.  A highly trained youth pastor with many years of experience leading students to Christ - We have this at Bethany.  An "ample" supply of Children/Youth in grades 5 -12 - We have this at Bethany.  Adequate facilities to facilitate a large active youth program - We have these at Bethany.  A strong parent base that encourages their children to become active in the Youth program.  A strong parent base that supports the Youth ministry through volunteering. I believe it is these last two points in which we are currently lacking. Perhaps, we as parents need to look at our value system. As a parent of a couple of boys, I have a good understanding of our current societies' value system. There are many activities in our kids’ lives that are distracting them from Biblical things. Our society values worldly things. The role of other activities can become valued to such an extent that spiritual things can be "crowded out" of our children's lives. As Pastor Jim stated in the message, none of us want to lose our kids. Our youth need to be lovingly lead and guided in their spiritual walks. We parents have a Biblical obligation to do that. The question before us today is are we providing that leadership for our youth? Are we making participation in the Youth ministry a family priority? I've recommitted our family. Will you join us? Dave

April 22

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ALLENTOWN CHILDREN’S PROJECT The Allentown Children’s Project helps to feed students at the Sheridan Elementary School on Second Street. There are faithful volunteers who pack bags of food each week and deliver them to the school on Fridays, so that the students have food over the weekend. If you attend Worship at our Macungie Campus, please bring a donation and place it in the collection bins near the main entrance to the Worship Center. Suggested donations are as follows: pudding cups (4 or 6 pack), cereal, canned fruit, applesauce (no glass), canned tuna & chicken, peanut butter & jelly (no glass), granola bars, small cans of soup, mac & cheese, 1 lb. bags of white rice (no instant), 1 lb. bags of pinto beans, raisins (snack size), fruit/applesauce (4 or 6 packs), pancake mix & syrup.

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Bethany Post

Catasauqua Campus News Annual Yard Sale Join us on Saturday, April 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There is a need for volunteers to set up, tear down, donate items for the yard sale (no clothing), bake for the bake sale and/or help wherever needed. Contact Terry Iacocca at [email protected] for more information.

2-Mile Family Walk and Picnic Join us on Saturday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the Canal Street Park. Sponsor forms for the walk can be downloaded from the church website. Prizes will be awarded to the family with the highest sponsorship. Please bring a covered dish to share at the picnic.

Emmanuel Campus News Indoor Yard Sale Join us on Saturday, April 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Good items cheap! There will also be food and a bake sale. Contact the church at 610-797-1571 for more information.

War Room Movie Night Come and join us on Saturday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Ladies Tea Join us on Saturday, May 7 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a time of fellowship.

Wednesday Evening Service Join us for worship at our Wescosville Campus on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. This service is for those who are not able to attend worship on the weekends, and for those seeking more spiritual nourishment, as it includes a unique sermon separate from the weekend message. Come early and enjoy a cup of coffee and great fellowship in the Narthex from 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. We encourage you to invite someone who doesn’t have a church home to attend with you.

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Phoebe Home Opportunity Do you enjoy sharing stories of faith? Do you enjoy interacting with older individuals? Are you comfortable interacting with individuals with dementia in a skilled nursing facility setting? Phoebe Home, 1925 Turner St., Allentown, is seeking individuals who answered yes to the questions above to be trained to lead innovative spiritual services for small groups of residents who reside on the memory support neighborhoods of our Phoebe Ministries communities.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

If interested, call Liz Phillips, 484-809-2615, for further information and training dates.

Twice Blessed is our inner city outreach store located at 931 Hamilton Street, Allentown, in The Caring Place.

Volunteer Opportunties If you would like to volunteer at the store, contact Jeff Markle at 610-349-3458.

Donations If you have items to donate to the store, please continue to drop them off at the Wescosville Campus in the designated place. Contact Jeff Markle at 610-349-3458 if you have any questions about what items they are currently accepting. To schedule large item pick up, please contact Ed Lineberger at [email protected] or at 610-395-4316. Next pick up date is scheduled for April 30.

Red Cross Fire Victims Twice Blessed is currently helping to relocate 2 families that were displaced by a house fire on Front Street in Catasauqua. They lost everything. Though God’s Grace, we have been able to help them with clothing and some furniture. The families are still in need of sheets, pillows, blankets and bath towels as well as household items such as silverware, dishes, cups, pots and pans. Any small appliances such as coffee makers, toasters and microwaves would also be appreciated. Contact Jeff Markle at 610-349-3458 or bring your donations to the Wescosville Campus marked Catasauqua Fire Victims.

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Bethany Post

Spirit Riders If you’re a motorcycle rider, you probably have a sense of adventure and feeling of exhilaration from riding. Spirit Riders is a group of likeminded individuals that share a passion for Jesus Christ and riding motorcycles. During our rides, we share fellowship and ministry with everyone that participates. Rides are open to all licensed riders and their passengers. Sign up in the Bethany Book if you would like to participate.

2016 Ride Schedule Date

Destination

Saturday, April 30 Saturday, May 14 Sunday, May 22 Sunday, June 12 Saturday, June 25 Sunday, July 10 Saturday, July 30 Sunday, August 14 Saturday, August 27 Saturday, September 24 Saturday, October 8 or 15

Sandy Hook, NJ Ride for Freedom Bucks County Covered Bridge Tour Heisler’s Dairy Milford, PA/Port Jervis, NY Valley Forge National Park Ricketts Glen State Park Francis E. Walter Dam/Hickory Run State Park Gettysburg National Park Chesapeake City, MD Lake Wallenpaupack

TBA Weekday Ride to Harley Plant Tour in York, PA TBA Saturday/Sunday Ride to Altoona Horseshoe Curve & Flight 93 Memorial (Overnight)

May 14 - Macungie Campus Join us as we visit the homes of local military families to pray with them and to drop off a gift bag, blue star label and a letter of support. This ride helps to raise awareness about the network of volunteers and business that seeks to support these families. At the conclusion of the ride, there is a pig roast where veterans, riders, and church members are all invited for fellowship. Please mark your calendar and join us (no motorcycle required!). Exact times will be released at a later date when driving routes have been finalized. You can follow the Ride for Freedom at facebook.com/rideforfreedom.lehigh/

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BETHANY SMALL GROUPS

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10: 24-25 Contact: Keri Crawford, Director of Small Groups: [email protected]: 610-395-3613 x 33

Bethany’s Small Group Ministry seeks to follow the mission and vision of the church by providing opportunities for all individuals to participate in classes, studies and groups that focus on having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and becoming one of His disciples with the expectation of learning how to grow in their spiritual journey as well as participate in Christian fellowship with one another outside of Worship. Currently, there are five different types of groups; Sunday Morning Classes, Co-Ed Studies, Men’s Studies, Women’s Studies and Small Groups. SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:30 a.m. WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS SERENDIPITY SUBJECTS (CONFERENCE ROOM) Join this class as they complete various topical and Biblical studies as led by The Spirit. Prayer and support are part of every class, and there are always lots of open discussion and great conversations. Currently, this class is studying the Miracles of Jesus and welcomes anyone to join at any time. Leader: Ken Young BOOK OF 1 PETER (ROOM 202/204) Join this class as they study the book of 1 Peter to gain a better understanding of God’s Word and how to apply it in their everyday lives. This class is designed in such a way that folks are welcome to join them at any time. Leader: Mike Bunner

JOURNEY INTO GOD’S WORD (CHOIR ROOM) This class invites you to take a journey into God’s Word with the desire to gain a better understanding of how to study and interpret the Scriptures and how to apply it in their everyday lives. This class is currently on a break and will resume meeting on April 17. New participants are always welcome. Please contact Charlie at [email protected] for the class schedule. Leaders: Marci & Tom Alderfer and Alenda & Charlie Gardner SUNDAY MORNINGS 11:30 a.m. WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS THE BENJAMIN CLASS (CHOIR ROOM) As a continuation of the class led by Wayne Benjamin for over 25 years, this class participates in topical studies as well as studies on various books of the

Page 16 Bible. This class invites you to join them as they complete Dr. David Jeremiah’s study, The Revelations Sevens. Without question, the book of Revelation contains more symbols than any other Bible book. Also prominent is the use of numbers. One number is more prominent than any other—the number seven— which is symbolic of completion. The number seven is mentioned 54 times in the book of Revelation, and in this new resource, we will introduce you to each one of them. Understand the symbols and sevens in the book of Revelation as never before! his class welcomes new participants to join them. Leader: Rich Albertson SUNDAY MORNINGS 11:00 a.m. MACUNGIE CAMPUS BETHANY BASICS (ROOM 307) We’re all designed to be part of a church family, and that’s exactly what Bethany is intended to be – your family. A healthy family has common beliefs, purposes and commitments. Join us for a short informational session for those who are newer to our church family and want to know more about Bethany and what we have to offer. The next session will be offered on Sunday, May 15. Leader: Lisa Gold WIDE ANGLE: FRAMING YOUR WORLDVIEW (ROOM 309) Everything you think about life is shaped by your worldview. It determines your view on God, yourself and other people. It determines how you think about relationships, your time, and your money. Join us for this 6-week study and examine worldviews as they relate to the most important questions of our day. Leader: Greg Knauss DISCIPLE TWO BIBLE STUDY (ROOM 310) This Bible Study is an in-depth, 32-week study of the books of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts. The origins of Israel and its early history, as well as the origins of Christianity and its early history, are the main subjects of discussion. Each chapter requires about 30 minutes of daily preparation for the class. This class meets weekly in April/May, July/August, October/November and January/February. You may start the course at any of the four quarters, as the entire course is repeated through 2016/17. Leaders: Pastor Ralph Stevenson and Jeff Markle

Bethany Post THE BIBLE AND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES (ROOM 311) Join this class as they read books of the Bible to gain a better understanding of God’s teachings and how they can incorporate individual, church, community, national and international concerns or events into the discussion as the Holy Spirit leads them. Currently, this class is studying the Book of 2 Thessalonians and welcomes new participants to join them. Leaders: Matt Mumma and Bud Reed GRIEFSHARE (ROOM 312) Have you recently experienced the loss of a loved one? GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. It helps to know that others are going through the same process. Our group is led by caring people who have experienced grief and want to help you through the difficult days ahead. We know it hurts, and we want to help. Join this group, beginning April 17, and discover helpful information and suggestions for coping with your grief. Individuals are welcome to come at any time. An informational session will be held on April 10 at the same location and time. Leader: John Parish SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 11:15 a.m. CATASAUQUA CAMPUS SPIRITUAL BIBLE STUDY (CATASAUQUA CAMPUS) Join this group on Sundays at 11:15 a.m. as they complete Biblical and topical studies to with the goal of growing in Christ and with one another. New participants are welcome to attend at any time. Leader: Pastor Gary Dimovitz CO-ED BIBLE STUDIES THE BLENDED A.K.A. STEPFAMILY (CONFERENCE ROOM - WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) Blended families, also known as stepfamilies, can be varied in what they look like. As a result, this group invites you to join them as they study The Smart Stepfamily Marriage: Keys to Success in the Blended Family by Ron Deal & David Olson. Leading blended family authority Ron Deal and marriage and family expert David Olson show you how to build on your relationship strengths and improve your weaknesses. Whether you're dating, engaged, a young stepfamily, or an empty-nest couple, this study gives you the

Page 17 tools you need at any stage to create a remarriage that will last. New couples are welcome to join at any time. This group meets every other Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Please contact Ross and Wendy at [email protected] to confirm the group’s schedule. Leaders: Ross and Wendy Glendinning TUESDAY MORNING GROUP (EMMANUEL CAMPUS) Join this group on Tuesdays from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. as they study the book of Revelation with the goal of growing in Christ and with one another. They are always open for new participants to join them as they read and study God’s Word. Leader: Pastor Mike Netznik SENIORS’ BIBLE STUDY (CHOIR ROOM – WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) This group invites other senior citizens to join them every other Tuesday from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. as they read various books of the Bible to grow closer to Christ and with one another. Currently, they are doing a chapter by chapter review of the first 5 books of the Bible. New participants are welcome to join them at any time. They are scheduled to meet on April 5 & 19 and May 3 & 17. Leader: Pastor Ralph Stevenson DISCIPLE ONE BIBLE STUDY (ROOM 202/204 WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) This Bible Study is designed for developing strong Christian leaders through regular in-depth study of the Scripture. This 34-week study covers both the Old and New Testaments and is truly one of the best ways to deepen your faith and grow closer to Christ. This class meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in April/May, July/August, October/November and January/February. Please contact the church office if you plan to attend. Leaders: Pastor Ralph Stevenson and Jeff Markle DISCIPLE THREE BIBLE STUDY (RM. 202/204 – WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) This study is an in-depth 32-week study of the major and minor Old Testament prophets, with the exception of Daniel, as well as the thirteen letters traditionally attributed to Paul. Each chapter requires about 20 to 30 minutes of daily preparation for the class. Several themes weave their way through the study: the call to remember, the call to repentance, the need for renewed vision (eyes to see, ears to

hear), and the place of community. This class meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in April/May, July/August, October/November and January/February. Please contact the church office if you plan to attend. Leader: Pastor Ralph Stevenson STRENGTH IN SUFFERING (FELLOWSHIP HALL – WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) Dealing with depression and anxiety isn’t easy. This group is designed to provide a safe place for Christians who love Jesus Christ to meet and ask for prayer and share Scriptures from the Bible to encourage one another in their journey. This group meets on Tuesdays from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. and welcomes new participants at any time. Leader: Pastor Jim Brashear TUESDAY EVENING GROUP (CONFERENCE ROOM – WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) This group invites you to join them on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m., as they complete David Platt’s 6-week study, Follow Me, which challenges the traditions of cultural Christianity and reintroduces us to Jesus and His most simple request: Follow Me. This group welcomes anyone who would like to join at any time. Leader: Tony Guerrero DIVORCECARE (CATASAUQUA CAMPUS) Have you recently gone through a separation or divorce? DivorceCare is a special 13-week seminar and support group designed to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Join this group on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. and learn helpful, practical information that will help you through the recovery process. Most importantly, you’ll learn ways to restore hope in your future and rebuild your life. Individuals are welcome to attend at any time. Leaders: Ron Krikorian and Alice Parr PARENTAL GUIDANCE (ROOM TBD) If you’re a parent of a student in grades 6-12, we invite you to join us on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., beginning May 4 for this 5-week series that’s designed to be informational (give parents a better understanding of who you are and what your ministry offers), inspirational (encourage parents to press forward and be the primary spiritual investors in their kids), and transformational (provide tools and tips that parents can use in their parenting). Leader: TBD

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WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY (EMMANUEL CAMPUS) Join this group as they study the book of Revelation with the goal of growing in Christ and with one another. They meet every Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. and are always open for new participants to join them as they read and study God’s Word. Leader: Mike Netznik

divorce? DivorceCare is a special 13-week seminar and support group designed to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Join this group on Thursdays from 6:45 – 8:45 p.m., and learn helpful, practical information that will help you through the recovery process. Most importantly, you’ll learn ways to restore hope in your future and rebuild your life. Individuals are welcome to come to any of these programs at any time. BETHANY BASICS (ROOM 307 - MACUNGIE CAMPUS) Leaders: David and Marilou Wieder We’re all designed to be part of a church family, and that’s exactly what Bethany is intended to be - your TRANSFORMED (CHOIR ROOM – WESCOSVILLE family. A healthy family has common beliefs, CAMPUS) purposes and commitments. Join us for a short The world is shouting for our attention with answers informational session for those who are newer to our to our relationship struggles, solutions to our financial church family and want to know more about Bethany trouble, and explanations to our search for meaning. and what we have to offer. The next session will be The world's promises leave us empty and searching offered on Wednesday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. for more. God's Word is the only answer that Leader: Lisa Gold promises to transform our lives from the inside out. You’re invited to join this group on Thursdays at 7:00 RIVERSTONE MANOR GROUP (RIVERSTONE MANOR p.m., beginning March 31, as they complete Rick IN WALNUTPORT) Warren’s 7-week study, Transformed, and explore This group invites you to join them on Thursdays from what the Bible has to say about every essential area of 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., as they study the Gospel of John. our lives: Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Emotional, This group studies various books of the Bible to learn Relational, Financial, and Vocational. Leader: Cindy more about God and how to apply the Scriptures to Singles their everyday lives. New participants are welcome to join them at any time. Leader: Ron Krikorian MEN’S BIBLE STUDIES CELEBRATE RECOVERY (FELLOWSHIP HALLWESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12 stepprogram based on Biblical principles with the purpose of letting God restore our mental, physical, emotional and Spiritual health with His healing power. Through these steps, which uses Scriptures from the Bible along with the Celebrate Recovery principles, individuals can begin healing and gain freedom from hurts, habits and hang-ups. Every Thursday, you’re invited for coffee and light refreshments at 6:30 p.m., followed by a service and a lesson or testimony at 7:00 p.m. At 8:00 p.m., qualified facilitators lead gender specific groups for an hour to discuss their hurts, habits and hang-ups in a confidential setting. Contact Person: Pastor Mike Byrd DIVORCECARE (RM. 214/216 - WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) Have you recently gone through a separation or

MONDAY MORNING MEN’S GROUP (EMMANUEL CAMPUS) Join this group at 9:30 a.m. as they read and study the Gospel of John with the goal of growing in Christ and with one another. New participants are welcome to join at any time. Leader: Pastor Mike Netznik CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEN’S STEP STUDIES (PARSONAGE FIRESIDE-WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12 stepprogram based on Biblical principles with the purpose of letting God restore our mental, physical, emotional and Spiritual health with His healing power. Through these steps, which uses Scriptures from the Bible along with the Celebrate Recovery principles, individuals can begin healing and gain freedom from hurts, habits and hang-ups. During the 6 month program, men meet on Mondays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. to take steps towards recovery, which is the core of the program. Please contact Pastor Mike in

Page 19 the church office if you would like to attend or if you would like some resource material. Contact Person: Pastor Mike Byrd KINGDOM MAN (CHOIR ROOM - WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) Tired of dragging yourself from work to home to church to bed and back again, just going through the motions? God created you for something much bigger, more exciting, more...manly. God wants you to change the world - or at least your corner of it. Join this new group on Mondays at 6:30 p.m., beginning April 25, as they complete Tony Evans’ study, Kingdom Man. The enemy doesn’t want you to know it, but you’re not the man you think you are. You’re a whole lot more. Leader: Greg Knauss

accountable? This group welcomes anyone who would like to join them at anytime on Fridays from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m., as they complete David Platt’s study, Radical, which challenges Christians to take a hard look at their faith and ask whether they are truly following Christ or pursuing a life of comfort and material wealth as dictated by the American dream. It invites you to encounter what Jesus actually said about being his disciple, and then obey what you have heard. Leaders: Greg Light and Dave Schreffler

SATURDAY MEN’S GROUP (CONFERENCE ROOM – WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) If there was ever a time for Christians to understand and communicate God’s truth about controversial and polarizing issues, it is now. More than ever before, believers must develop convictions based on research, MOUNTAIN MOVERS (CONFERENCE ROOM – reason and Biblical truth. But it doesn’t stop there. WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) It’s equally important that we’re able (and willing) to Are you looking for a small group of committed communicate these convictions with a love and Christian men at varying points in their spiritual respect that reflects God’s own heart. Join this group journey? Do you want to learn more about what God of men as they complete Chip Ingram’s 12-week study wants for you and your life? Join this group on Culture Shock, which teaches us how to respond with Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. and connect with guys who love, even in the face of controversy. In the process, focus is how to live out a Godly life with all the human we’ll discover the power of bringing light, not heat, to struggles. Currently, this group is studying the Gospel the core issues at the heart of our society. New of John, and welcomes new participants to join them participants are welcome to join them at any time. as they read and study the Word of God and form Leader: Todd Farnand bonds of friendship. Leader: Rob Smigielski SATURDAY PROMISE KEEPERS (ROUTE 309 TRIVET) WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEN’S GROUP (ROOM 202/204 Join this group on Saturdays from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. at – WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) the Trivet Restaurant on Tilghman Street near Route This group invites you to join them on Wednesdays at 309 as they complete Celebration of Discipline by 6:30 p.m., as they complete Dr. David Jeremiah’s Richard Foster, which introduces us to the ancient study, Agents of the Apocalypse, as he does what no disciplines of the Christian faith. As Foster explains, prophecy expert has done before. He explores the the practice of these disciplines does not amount to book of Revelation through the lens of its major drudgery, but to delight, for it is through these players–the exiled, the martyrs, the elders, the victor, practices that we are brought closer to Christ. the kind, the judge, the 144,000, the witnesses, the Leader: Peter Brown false prophet and the beast. One by one, he delves WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES into their individual personalities and motives, and the role that each plays in Biblical prophecy. This group PURLS (PARSONAGE FIRESIDE – WESCOSVILLE always has an open chair and welcomes any man at CAMPUS) any point in his journey to join them. Join this group of ladies on the second Monday of Leader: Paul Abbott every month at 6:30 p.m., as they stitch prayer shawls, FRIDAY PROMISE KEEPERS (FELLOWSHIP HALL – lab robes and baby blankets for those in need. All WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) stitched items are prayed over before giving them to Looking for a small group of guys to help keep you a recipient. Shawls and lap robes are also donated to

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various nursing homes. ALL knitters, crochet stitchers BECOMING A WOMAN OF GRACE (EMMANUEL or want-to-be stitchers are welcome to come at any CAMPUS) time. Leader: Denise Morth Join this group of women on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. LUNCHTIME LADIES (FELLOWSHIP HALL – and explore the many ways that God’s grace enriches WESCOSVILLE CAMPUS) your life and how you can extend it to others. This This group invites you to join them on Tuesdays at group welcomes new participants at any time. 11:30 a.m., as they complete a study on the book of Leader: Pastor Mike Netznik Revelation using Dr. David Jeremiah’s studies, Escape THURSDAY EVENING WOMEN’S GROUP (OFF-SITE) the Coming Night and Agents of the Apocalypse, You’re invited to join this group of women as they which have great clarity and truth in an easy to "apply complete Biblical and topical studies with the goal of to life" message. The studies could not be timelier, for growing closer to Christ and with one another. This they reveal the uncertain future of mankind by clearly group meets on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. at Mary explaining what the prophecies of Revelation mean. Thomas’ home, which is close to our Wescosville By putting the seven-year tribulation in perspective he Campus. Please contact the church office if you’re will describe the wonderful future God has planned interested in attending. Host: Mary Thomas for those who love him. True hope and peace can be Leaders: Various Group Members yours as you come to know God is the one who holds POWER FROM ON HIGH (CATASAUQUA CAMPUS) your future! This class offers great fellowship and Join this group of women on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. discussion and welcomes new participants any time. as they complete Biblical studies with the goal of Leader: Megan Slifka growing in Christ and with one another. The first EARLY BIRDS (ROOM 202/204 – WESCOSVILLE week of every month, this group meets on Tuesdays CAMPUS) at 6:00 p.m. and not on that Thursday. New Join this group of ladies on Thursdays from 7:30 – participants are welcome to join them at any time. 8:30 a.m. as they study Finding Freedom from Worry Leader: Joan Pense and Stress by Thelma Wells, which shows you practical guidelines for laying aside the anxieties that WOMEN OF THE WORD (OFF-SITE) Join this group of ladies on Saturdays from 7:30 – 9:30 rob you of the peace and joy God wants you to a.m. throughout the spring as they meet at the home experience. Examine what the Bible says about leading a scattered life and how to make a daily habit of Barb Hornberger (1440 Bogie Ave. Wescosville, PA 18106). This group is studying Radical Reliance, by of giving your worries to the Lord. Stop the stress, worry, and dread, and learn how to experience rest in Joseph Stowell, which is designed for each woman to grow closer to God and to one another. New ladies the midst of your busy day. the Images of God by are always welcome. Please contact Barb at Dale and Sandy Larsen. Prayer and support are part [email protected] or 610-398-7528 if you have of every class, and there is always lots of open questions about location or study material. discussion and great conversations. Leader: Varied Leaders: Jane Miller and Judy Rotkowski

MAY 15, 2016

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Women’s Ministry Breakfast The Women’s Ministry invites women of all ages to participate in a potluck breakfast on the second Saturday of every month from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall at our Wescosville Campus. These breakfasts include great fellowship and teaching. Please bring a dish to share. We look forward to seeing you there.

Senior Citizens’ Fellowship 55 or older? Join us each Tuesday! Our Bible Study of the Torah continues on Tuesdays, April 5 & 19 and May 3 & 17. We meet in the Choir Room beginning at 9:30 a.m. Join us and learn from the study, and there is always time for questions and answers. Our fellowship events are as follows: April 12 – 11:30 a.m. Lunch at Wendy’s in Trexlertown April 26 – Noon Pot Luck Lunch and Mission Video May 10 – 11:30 a.m. Lunch at Superior Diner in Emmaus May 24 – Noon Pizza and a Movie May 31 – No Meeting Please RSVP for all fellowship events to the church office, the Friday before the event. Thank You. Upcoming Events: Going to Sight and Sound for “Samson” in late May or early June. More info to follow. Plan on going to Ocean City for three days, the week after Labor Day. More info to follow. Any questions, call Pastor Ralph at 610-395-3613.

Men’s Ministry Breakfast Join us on the third Saturday of every month at 7:00 a.m. in Carlson Hall at our Wescosville Campus. Every breakfast features great food, fellowship, a speaker and discussion groups. April 16 Keynote Scotty Coyle "Battlefront Prayer" - How prayer affected combat in Afghanistan. May 21 Keynote Joe Facciano "Priority Alignment" Joe is a professional speaker who will address the importance of your goals aligning with your faith.

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Short Term Missions Acts 6/Bethany Church Missions Update Contact Gordon Hendrickson, Bethany’s Short Term Mission Consultant, with any questions or interests. Monthly Missions Meeting All people looking to go on a mission trip are encouraged to attend the monthly mission Bible study and prayer time on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Parsonage at our Wescosville Campus. For more information, please contact Gordon Hendrickson at 267-258-9507 or at [email protected]. Saving God’s Children in Kenya One of our ministries as we travel to new countries is to help children/youth continue their education training after a tragic death of a parent or guardian. Each country has a different policy for education. Kenya pays for elementary education but not for secondary education. James Mwita consults with pastors and principals about children who meet our criteria - excellent students who know the Lord and can’t afford to continue education. We believe the best way to overcome poverty is to be educated. We now have youth who have become school teachers and some wish to give back to help others in need as they once were. It is through your sponsorships these youth graduate and move on to good paying jobs in their country.

Students we support through Saving God’s Children in Kenya

Saving God’s Children in Jamaica Please pray for the following people who will be traveling on a mission trip from April 10 -15 to the Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf: Emma & Quay Brashear, Jared Dunn, Jessie & Julie Duke, Phoebe Haberstumpf, Gordon Hendrickson, Caitlyn Kirkner, Diana Madura, Tanya Sheffer, Amanda & Andy Squire and Aileen & Laurel Widdoss. Gordon will report their experiences in the next edition of the Bethany Post.

Page 23 Pastor’s Training School in Kenya Graduation Day! - Written by Gordon Hendrickson We have returned from an eight day journey to Africa. On this trip, we spent more than 60 hours in transit and 30 hours in ministry. Rev. Truman Brooks, Rev. Chris Kurien and myself, are still recovering from the intense week. Our first goal was to meet the pastors in our schools in Meru, Kenya. There were 54 pastors graduating from the two-year program to help reach the goal of the school, which is to reach one million new people for Jesus Christ. I had the privilege of preaching the message which was titled: ”Too Busy Doing the Work of the Church to Do the Work of the Church”. After the message, we gave out Study Bibles to all the graduates. This was our third graduation, and the one in 2018 looks like maybe 100 in number. Who would have ever dreamed God would have created four campuses and looking at adding more? We have been here 10 years doing kingdom building for Christ. Our African staff of 5 have been doing the teaching and administration. James Mwita, who directs the program, is now looking at finding his replacement so he can do more ministry. By the way, this is what a growing ministry always does. It allows a leader to move out of work so that he/she can begin to dream new dreams. One such dream, is to take the school to Tanzania. James Mwita will be instrumental in helping develop this new school as was evident in his skills with the pastors in Tanzania. Who knows what God will do in the next 10 years? We began some teaching sessions and shared with the pastors the materials they will be learning. Pastors were texting other pastors who could not be there and the news of a pastor’s school was spreading like a wild fire in Tanzania.

Graduates from Kenya

James Mwita, Gordon, Truman, Chris

Gordon, Chris & Truman at graduation

First Pastor’s Class in Tanzania

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Stewardship Corner: I had a chance to talk to the New Members Class recently and got the chance to interact with several people who are new to our church. I reviewed how the church council approved the formation of a Stewardship Committee (we refer to ourselves as the Generosity Committee) here at Bethany. One of them questioned me, why a separate committee? I outlined that Council strongly believes that the only way to understand any aspect of our lives, is to look at it through the lens of the Bible. We cannot ignore the message that is laid out in scriptures. There are thousands of Bible verses that are tied to money and generosity. Jesus himself spoke more about money and stewardship, than Heaven and Hell combined. The word "Give" is recited 2,152 times, vs. "Love" at 714 times. Why? Because God is a giver; John 3:16 - God gave… Our committee feels that we have been given a very serious responsibility, to educate everyone who attends Bethany Church about what the Bible teaches in this area. We want our congregation to know the true peace and joy they can have when they give generously of their time, talent and treasure; cheerfully, not fearfully to God! Tim Woodbridge Stewardship Committee

Soldier Care Program Did you know we have a program where soldiers can ask for help, and there is a network of volunteers looking to care for them? Do you know a military family in the Lehigh Valley? We will pray for them every week and let them know when we have military specific events and benefits. There is no fee or membership to Bethany required. We just want to support them. Contact Scotty Coyle in the church office.

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Emergency Food Pantry: “Thanks for Sharing!” Each week, we are encouraged to bring in a donation for the food pantry. Look for reminders in the weekly B-Mail and the Worship Bulletin. More and more people are using this ministry to keep their families fed, during hard times. We especially need plastic jars of peanut butter and jelly, canned meats and stews, canned fruit and canned potatoes. Donations can be placed in the designated baskets between the center doors going into the Worship Center at the Macungie Campus. The staff at the Information Desk can also help you locate the baskets. Thank you for your tremendous support and for caring.

ATTENTION All Redner’s Shoppers Remember to bring in your Redner’s Grocery “Save A Tape” and deposit them in the proper receptacle in the lobby at Macungie Campus. The church receives a small percentage of sales from the company, which is put towards our church mortgage. REMEMBER TO GET A “Save A Tape” CARD AT THE SERVICE WINDOW IN REDNERS to participate in the donation program. Then swipe the card when you check out. Over the years several thousand dollars have gone to deplete our church indebtedness. This amount could be much larger, if more people participated in the program. Direct any questions to Debbie Hill in the church office. Also we continue to collect the Campbell’s UPC labels for support of Red Bird Mission in Kentucky. These labels buy materials and equipment for the Red Bird Elementary and High Schools. Direct any questions to Mary Thomas, through the church office.

Gift Card Program As many of you know, you can buy gift cards at Bethany? If you purchase a gift card through Bethany, a percentage will go back into the church. We currently have many different cards available, such as grocery stores (Giant, Weis, Redner’s), retail stores (Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Home Depot, Kohl’s, WalMart, Target), food establishments (Applebee’s, Carrabba’s, Cracker Barrel, Dunkin Donuts, Buffalo Wild Wings), and many more. You can also pre-order cards that aren’t in stock. All gift cards can be purchased at the church office at our Wescosville Campus on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Marriage Enrichment Testimonial Marriage Enrichment has been offered at Bethany for many years as a weekend event. Recognizing that some couples have difficulty devoting a full weekend, the program has recently been conducted in a four evening format, spread over four weeks. One couple made the following comments: We have been wanting to attend Marriage Enrichment for quite some time, but "giving up" an entire weekend was difficult for our schedule. Attending the sessions spread out over four Monday nights, allowed us to spend some well-needed time focusing on each other and the positives of our relationship. It was reassuring to hear the struggles and triumphs of the other couples in our group, and we left each meeting feeling encouraged, challenged and equipped with tools for improving communication and growing our marriage. We are grateful that Bethany values the importance of marriage enrichment, and we would highly recommend these workshops. Good times, good friends, and a good God! Thank you. Greg and Lynn DiGiacomo

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LOST AND FOUND LOST CHRISTMAS EVE AT MACUNGIE CAMPUS Giant Store Gift Card from Lynda Yohe. If found, please call Lynda at 610-751-2797. FOUND ITEM A silver necklace was found in the parking lot after the 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service at the cosville Campus. Please contact Donna Thorne at 610-216-3812 for more information.

Wes-

The following items are located in the Lost and Found drawers at the Macungie Campus. Please ask at the Information Desk. All items not claimed by May 31, 2016 will be donated to Twice Blessed or disposed of accordingly. Questions? Call Liz Phillips at 484-809-2615 or 610-395-5785. Gloves:

1 girl’s blue knit 1 ladies black cloth, fur trim on wrist

Cap:

Black suede cloth weatherproof, size XL

Hoodie Jackets: Girl’s dark blue zippered cotton/poly “Lucy Couture”, size M Gray with black inset sleeves and zipper, basketball player logo on front, size M Gray pullover, “Tek Gear”, blue lining in hood, size XL Red pullover, “Springhouse Middle School – Team Cyclones” (no size label) Jewelry:

Pierced earring with 2 silver dangles Necklace, black beads with silver squares & silver cross pendant Boys wrist watch, black cloth band with compass, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

Beverage Cups: Blue Rubbermaid with white flip-top closure Wegmans lavender with white cup, “Macungie School Visitor” label Thermos “Funtrainer”, flip-up cap Miscellaneous:

Sunglasses, black lenses and frames CD – Audrey Assad, “The House You’re Building” Bible NIV, blue soft cover paperback “Brooklyn” novel, paperback, Upper Merion Township library label inside Staples brand clipboard with writing pad – Jim Steager (name on cover)

The following items are found in the drawers behind the Welcome Desk at the Wescosville Campus. Hoodie: Beverage Cup:

Child’s zippered fleece, blue with green stripe, size 3T Clear with blue foam holder and yellow straw

Call the church office at 610-395-3613 for any valuable lost items.

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU As many of you know, Bethany has sold gift cards for many years. If you purchased a gift card through Bethany, a percentage went directly back to the church, specifically into the Kingdom Building Fund. We want to thank all of you for your years of support in this program. We also want to extend a very special thank you to Ellie Reichenbach, who has graciously donated her time to manage this project. Over the past several years, she has been at every Saturday and Sunday service to sell the cards and would also make trips to the church office to make sure all the cards were ordered and/or delivered. We are extremely grateful for the way she has used her giftedness to help further God’s Kingdom here on earth. Ellie - Thank you for your years of dedication and commitment to this program. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to use you at Bethany. Perhaps if another ministry area decides to sell the gift cards, we’ll see your smiling face behind the ministry tables again. Thank you and God Bless, Your Bethany Family

Deadlines for Bulletin and Post Worship Bulletin deadline is each Tuesday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. You may send your announcements to: [email protected] or put them in the secretaries mailbox outside the church office. All announcements are limited to 25 words. The June/July Post deadline is Friday, May 6th, 5:00 p.m. You may send your articles to [email protected] or put them in the secretaries mailbox outside the church office. All Post articles are limited to 225 words each. The Post will be distributed following worship on May 28 and 29. Contact Keri Crawford in the church office with any questions 610-395-3613 ext. 33

Memorial Day Monday - May 30, 2016 Honoring all who served.

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Bethany Post

SENIOR CITIZENS BIRTHDAYS APRIL Richard Rader (4/2) 5624 N. Walnut Street, Apt. 1, Macungie, PA 18062 Anna Mae Leitgeb (4/3) 2331 S. Howard Street, Allentown, PA 18103 Judy Berrier (4/7) 315 Cressman Drive, Allentown, PA 18104 Elaine Tibbs (4/9) 7005 Mosserville Road, New Tripoli, PA 18066 Jane Hetrick (4/9) 294 Sawgrass Drive, Allentown, PA 18104 Marjorie Trotter (4/19) 5711 Whitemarsh Drive, Macungie, PA 18062 Donald Patt (4/22) 2645 Gracie Lone, Macungie, PA 18062 Douglas Patt (4/22) 1821 Woods Hollow Lane, Allentown, PA 18103 Rita Jewell (4/25) 998-38 S. Krocks Road, Allentown, PA 18106 Thomas Leitgeb (4/28) 2331 S. Howard Street, Allentown, PA 18103 Judith Chermansky (4/30) 119 Cornerstone Place, Whitehall, PA 18052

MAY Bonnie Nelson (5/1) 7168 Tuscany Drive, Macungie, PA 18062 Doris Rice (5/2) 6245 Ulrich Mill Road, New Tripoli, PA 18066 John Janson (5/6) 325 N. Broad Street, Allentown, PA 18104 Gary Thorne (5/7) 2552 Gulph Mills Place, Macungie, PA 18062 Iva Campbell (5/7) 331 S. 18th Street, Allentown, PA 18104 Ralph Lewis (5/9) 5758 Tavistock Lane, Macungie, PA 18062 LeAnn Warmkessel (5/15) 4501 Stole Road, Emmaus, PA 18049 Ken Young (5/21) 3867 Chestnut Road, Alburtis, PA 18011 Shirley Acker (5/21) 1167 Howertown Road, Catasauqua, PA 18032 Allen McNabb (5/24) 4948 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, PA 18106 Eleanor Stephens (5/26) 6008 Lower Macungie Road, Macungie, PA 18062 Grace Harmon (5/28) 6535 Sauterne Drive, Macungie, PA 18062 John Hinkle (5/29) 4351 Hillary Drive, Emmaus, PA 18049 Linda Hahn (5/30) 897 Cold Spring Road, Unit 7, Allentown, PA 18103 Darwin High (5/31) 1400-36 Trexlertown Road, Macungie, PA 18062