Bethany
Presbyterian
Church
diaper
drive
With October having five Sundays, it's time for our Diaper Drive! Please consider donating diapers for Saving Grace Maternity Home in Hillsboro. Imagine the challenges faced by mothers living in shelters like Saving Grace, struggling to provide even the simplest necessities for their children, like diapers. Your support can make a world of difference.
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Drop off donations at the church office during the month of October. The final day of the drive, Sunday, October 29th, after worship, Melinda will be in the west parking lot, ready to collect your contributions. If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, you can have your donation delivered directly to our church address: 15505 NW Springville Rd., Portland, OR 97229.
BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
​The October meeting will be on Tuesday, October 17 at 10:30am. Afterwards, we will have lunch at Elmer’s on Waterhouse, off 158th in Beaverton at 11:30am. If you wish to carpool, meet at the East Church Parking Lot at 11:30am. Please sign up so we can let Elmer’s know how many will be coming.
women of the spirit bible study
A ZOOM study on the book of GALATIANS with the focus of "Sharpening the Gospel Message we Share."
We meet on the 2nd & 3rd Wednesday of October & November at 7pm via ZOOM. Our next meeting is on October 11th.
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Contact Anita Mayer if you wish to be part of this study.
esther circle
We live in a world that is hostile to Christianity. This was also true of those to whom the letter to the Hebrews was written. They were Jewish people who had converted to being Jesus followers, but now, with persecution as a constant in their lives, were seriously considering abandoning their ‘Jesus faith’ and returning to the ceremonies and rituals that were part of their Jewish ‘religious
practices’.
This year, the Esther Circle will be looking at the relevancy of the book of Hebrews to our culture and to discern how to live out the faith we claim to have and to understand the absolute necessity of understanding the importance of knowing ‘why’ Jesus must be at the center of our belief system.
We will meet next on October 12th (and every 2nd Thursday of the month) in Room 1 & 2 of Dickman Hall from 1 – 2:30 pm. Contact Launa Zurbrugg with questions or if you haven't received the study questions yet. All are welcome.
book club
Our book club is a warm and welcoming community, open to all who enjoy reading and lively discussions. Whether you are an avid reader or just starting out, we would love for you to join us. We meet every 3rd Thursday of the month.
Our next meeting is on Thursday, October 19th at 3pm. We’ll discuss “Once Upon a Town” by Bob Greene.
young families gathering
Every 3rd Sunday of the month after worship, you are invited to The Young Families Gathering, a program for families with young children to connect with each other in Dickman Hall Rooms 10 & 11. Come enjoy fellowship with us while eating lunch!
cooking with
kids
We are holding kids cooking classes the 3rd Sunday of the month following the Young Families Gathering. This class runs noon until around 2:00 pm in the Dickman Hall Kitchen. Various kinds of foods are made. Everything from main dishes, to cakes, and breads both yeast and quick. All ages of kids attending Bethany are welcome to join! Would also love a couple additional adults who would be willing to rotate in to help, and learn at the same time!
the well
Wednesday at “The Well” a dinner fellowship and bible study, starting September 20, 2023. We will be using Adam Hamilton’s book, “Words of Life: Jesus and the Promise of the Ten Commandments Today.”
He brings modern eyes to the most important set of ethics in history. He examines the commandments in their historical context – considering the meaning of each commandment in Hebrew, unpacking how Jesus interpreted them, and showing how every “thou shalt not” was intended to point to a life-giving “thou shalt.” He also explores how the latest research in science and psychology illuminate these commandments, rightly understood, as a way of ordering one’s life beautifully in the present day. In a culture marked by workaholism, materialism, and social media driven envy, God has given us a time-tested path that leads to gratitude, contentment, and peace.
Dinner is served at 6:00 pm, followed by the study at 6:45 pm. You are welcome to come for all or any part of the evening. We hope to see you there!
Facilitator: Rev. Joanna Dunn
Bethany youth group
Youth Group on the same night (Wednesday) as The Well. Dinner provided, followed by games, hang out, & youth-friendly study on the 10 commandments using the youth study version of Adam Hamilton’s "Words of Life: Jesus & the Promise of the Ten Commandments Today". Starts September 20 at 6:00 pm.
youth medical
release form
To streamline the process for signing up for youth events, there is a single medical release form to complete for each youth. Once filled out, the form will be good for all events for the 2023-24 academic year through August 31, 2024. Please complete one form per student and submit it either in person, sent with your student, or via email to Megan Jones at megan@bethanypc.com. Download the form by clicking the button below.
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Students must have a completed medical release form in order to participate in any youth events. Please make sure it is submitted before the event takes place.
Bethany kids
During worship, children are invited to attend Bethany kids where they learn a Bible message geared for their age. It’s like a sermon experience for children. Their “sermon time” is a lesson that engages their hearts and minds to know the love of God. Children elementary age and younger are invited to participate following the first Scripture reading and returning following the sermon or close to it.
young adult
group
Calling all Young Adults who have graduated high school (with no upper age limit)! We meet Sundays at 7:00 pm on ZOOM and in The Gathering Place next to the church office.
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Stay connected with us on WhatsApp! Join our community, “Bethany Presbyterian Church Young Adults,” and group, “Summer 2023.”
sparks: activate faith
Sunday School for Children preschool – fifth grade is a one room school house that begins at 9:00 am in Dickman Hall Rooms 10 and 11. A two-year curriculum that explores key Bible stories. Every lesson has four parts: Gather, Open the Bible, Activate Faith, and Send. Kids will use the Spark Bibles (NRSV), the Deep Blue Bible (CEB) and the Spark Story Bible for the younger ones in class. The children will have the opportunity to use the Godly Play manipulatives to enhance the stories. The Spark Bible has a very brief introduction to each book, highlights verses, asks questions, and points out things about the Bible as a library all about God and God’s people.
youth sunday
school
Youth Sunday School is for everyone in grades 6-12. Class begins at 9:00 am in Dickman Hall Room 6. We'll look at a variety of topics including the Gospel story, ask questions we may have about Christianity, and explore themes often found in the bible. Students are encouraged to give their own input for topics. We will end a little early to allow for participation in kids choir, AV, and more.
adult sunday
education
That the World May Know
Wish you could visit ancient ruins, walk the roads Paul traveled, and view landmarks mentioned in the Old and New Testaments? The Bible comes to life through a video series, "That the World May Know," guided by Biblical scholar Ray Vander Laan, his camera crew, and students to places such as Corinth, Rome, and Israel. He helps us study and explore the Scriptures more fully. Join the conversation Sundays at 9:00 am in Dickman Hall Rooms 1 and 2. For more information regarding this series, visit www.thattheworldmayknow.com.
joyful noise:
children &
youth choir
We will be meeting every Sunday from 9:40 am until 9:55 in Dickman Hall Room 8. Jody will come and get kids out of Sunday School classes for choir. We will plan on singing in church about every three to four weeks. Our songs will be a variety of old hymns and fun lively kids songs. During the year, we will have special times when the Joyful Noise kids can sing solos, duets, trios, and more. It is truly “make a joyful noise unto the Lord!” We welcome any and all kids!
Handbell choir
We are a group who loves to make music together playing Bethany’s beautiful Schulmerich handbells. You are invited to join us! No experience playing bells is necessary; some ability to read music is helpful.
We hold practices intermittently on Sundays from 11:15 am to 12:05 pm in the Music Rehearsal Room near the Fellowship Hall. We will play in church about every two or three months. We are currently working on pieces to play mid-October and during Advent, and look forward to having ready a specially arranged handbell accompaniment to a piano piece for the spring of 2024.
Presbyterian women fall gathering
The Fall Gathering of the Cascades Presbyterian Women will be in-person on Saturday, September 30, 2023. It is will be held at
John Knox Presbyterian Church
452 Cummings Lane N
Keizer, Oregon 97307.
Gathering Time will be at 9:30 AM and the program will begin at 10. The cost is $15 which also includes lunch. Look for forms on the table at church and completed forms and checks must be sent to
Mary Lou Williams
14601 NW 26th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98685
360-576-5364
by September 25, 2023.
operation Christmas child
The BPW Board will again be sponsoring Operation Christmas Child this Fall. Boxes will be available later. However, this is a wonderful time to begin purchasing items to fill your box. Most stores have great sales on pencils, erasers, colored pencils, felt pens, solar calculators, pencil sharpeners, and notepads at this time. Think about a t-shirt or a hat or a small stuffed animal.
A tooth brush, (NO toothpaste), a comb, a hair brush, hair barrettes, a wash cloth and or socks. The boxes go to children who are in need of very basic items. We thank all of you for your past participation in this wonderful project.
nominating committee
We are seeking nominations for individuals who might feel called to serve in an elected capacity as church officers (Ruling Elders, Trustees, Deacons) or on the Personnel Committee or Nominating Committee.
volunteer
oppurtunities
Bethany Children's Ministry
Sundays: Teach kids to love God! Lead Bethany Kids in a Bible message geared for their age. Also, 9am: Sunday school – Sparks: Activate Faith! Volunteers needed, contact Lauren Gilson (Lauren@bethanypc.com).
Worship or Fellowship Time?
Are you one of those gifted friendly types who can talk to anyone ~ Use that Gift & bless those who come to worship God here at BPC ~ Sign up today to be a greeter/usher & welcome people!
Fellowship time needs you! No skills necessary. It could simply be coffee, hot water, & juice! You can choose to add something else, it’s completely up to you, nothing fancy is expected.
Come be a liturgist or in “non-church speak” assist the pastor in leading worship usually by participating in the Call to Worship & the Opening Prayer, prayer for wisdom or illumination, & scripture reading! Let Pastor Joanna know if you are interested!
lutheran choral association
The Lutheran Choral Association will continue its over 80 years of concerts with four concerts this fall, September 10 through October 1.
The large ecumenical choir has members from dozens of churches and several denominations and has sung since 1938. Sue Thompson Armentrout directs the choir, accompanied by Karl Jurisons and Jesse Preis. There is no admission charge. An offering will be taken.
The repertoire is broad, with music from traditional choral to down-home gospel, from tender to majestic, with a variety of talented composers.
Contact Mark Hoelter, President: 503-936-4916, mark@hoelter.net
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Mission &outreach
Kick off the year by joining “Bethany Readers” in supporting Sato Elementary School Kindergarteners from 9:50 am to 10:20 am. You will need to complete the Beaverton School District’s background check. You can go weekly, monthly, or whenever you are in town. If you have questions connect with Jody Jones, Gail Johnson, or Pastor Joanna.
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Bethany Readers will break for the Summer and return in the Fall when school begins again.
