Coming up this month
ISLAM & CHRISTIANITY. With all the concern over Islam extremists and terrorists, Christians need to know all they can about THEIR faith and about Islam, in order to understand what is going on in the newspapers and on TV. Now you will have a chance to learn firsthand about the similarities and the differences between Islam and Christianity. Beginning March 7 Pastor Jim will be offering an adult forum during the coffee hour between services that will focus precisely on this issue. Learn about the "Five Pillars of Faith," Mecca, Jihad, and how Muslims view Jesus Christ and much, much more. The adult forum begins each Sunday at 9:15 AM in the lounge. This six-session course will open your eyes and help you understand Islam and the Christian faith better.
E-MAIL ADDRESS CHANGE. If you wish to send Pastor Steinbrecher an email effective immediately type in: bethluthpastor@mwt.net, if you wish to send an email to the office type in: bethluth@mwt.net.
MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICES. Continuing through March 24, we'll be holding midweek Lenten worship services every Wednesday at 7 PM. This year our worship focuses on "Characters of the Crucifixion." Each week the sermon will be presented in costume by a person real or imagined from the story of the death of Jesus. You will want to be there every Wednesday to see the scripture come alive before your eyes. We will again be offering a simple soup supper before worship that begins at 5:30 PM. There will be no confirmation classes during Lent, but the students are required to attend the Lenten services. Join us and stregthen your faith.
SENIOR DINNER--SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010. All of Bethany's senior citizens are invited to a dinner in their honor this Sunday, March 7, after the second service (11:30 AM). This year you'll be served a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings. This meal is free of charge, so don't miss this opportunity to enjoy great food and fellowship!
TOWN HALL MEETING ON THE INTERNET. You will have a chance to see and hear Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson this Sunday, March 7 at 4 PM on your computer in a Town Hall presentation. He will answer questions vital to the ELCA. Go to elca.org/townhall.
SCHOLARSHIP FORMS NOW AVAILABLE. The Bethany Endowment Fund is again offering three $250 scholarships to any student attending college, technical or vocational college, or ELCA seminary. Applications are available in the church office. The deadline for applications is May 1. The selected individuals will be announced by May 31, 2010.
SHARE is a nonprofit food buying club that offers good, nutritious products at reduced cost through a volunteer-run, community based distribution system. The program is being brought to Mauston and is being coordinated by Bible Baptist Church. An organizational meeting is being held on March 11 at 3 PM. Anyone interested in working with them is welcome to attend. Check out their website at www.sharewi.org.
RESERVE AN EASTER FLOWER. We've reserved a number of lilies and daisy mums through a local florist so that Bethany members and friends may purchase them in honor or memory of loved ones. We'll use them to decorate the altar and sanctuary for our Easter worship services, and then you may take them home. To reserve an Easter flower, you may: (1) sign up on the bulletin board in the narthex, (2) fill out the information on a pew card and put it in the offering plate, or (3) call the church office at 847-6690. The cost is $10 per plant. The deadline to order is March 28.
EASTER BREAKFAST SERVED BY RELAY FOR LIFE--APRIL 4. An Easter breakfast hosted by Bethany's Relay for Life Team will be held on Sunday, April 4, at 7:30 AM, in the Fellowship Hall. Proceeds will be used to sponsor the team for this American Cancer Society event. The menu includes pancakes, French toast, sausage, fruit, coffee, milk and juice. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages 2-12, and kids under 2 are free. Donations for the breakfast would be appreciated, as well as volunteers. Look for the sign-up sheets to appear soon in the narthex.
2010 FLOWER CHART. The 2010 flower chart is posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Honor a family member's birthday, anniversary, or just say thank you by donating flowers in their honor or their memory.
NEW COFFEE HOUR SIGN-UP POSTED. The new coffee hour sign-up sheet is posted by the serving window in the kitchen. We are looking for volunteers to team up and provide 6-8 dozen bars, cookies, muffins, or donuts and beverages between services. If you would like to help with this hospitality ministry, please pick a spot on the chart. Thank you.
COME ONE -- COME ALL! Please make plans to join us for the congregational fellowship potlucks on the third Sunday of each month, following the 10:30 AM service. Make new friends and renew old acquaintances. Bring any dish to pass -- hot or cold, main dish, salad, or dessert. Eating utensils and beverages are provided. We'll show a Veggie Tales presentation for anyone who wants to watch it.
WEAVING HOPE NEWSLETTER. Full-color newsletters from Dr. Mike Soderling in Guatemala are always on hand in the narthex. A sample copy is posted on the missions bulletin board with additional copies available in the brochure rack.
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