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Bethany
Evangelical Lutheran Church
200
Third Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602 (Map it)
(814) 944-7560
Fax: (814) 946-9778
bethanyelca@verizon.net
The Rev. Paula Schmitt - Interim Pastor
9:00 a.m.
- Worship
10:15 a.m. - Christian Education for all ages
Bethany's
Vision for Mission |
Being a united
people in Christ who encourage people to gather for worship and learning
and sends them forth for witness and serving.
Bethany's
Guiding Prinicples |
| 1. | Jesus is Lord and Savior |
| 2. | Everyone matters - no matter who |
| 3. | Prayer, Scripture, and faith guide our lives |
| 4. | We change and grow to follow God's will |
| 5. | Our foundation is built on serving others |
All Members
- Ministers
Lisa Akins - Office Assistant
Cathy Tompkins - Organist/Choir Director
Asa Carns - Accompanist
The Kelly Family - Sextons
Rev. Andrew and Barbara Hinderlie - Missionaries, East Africa
Tom
Twine - Websteward
Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America
Allegheny Synod ELCA
©
Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church
DHTML / JavaScript Menu by TwinHelix
Designs
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What's Happenin' at Bethany
Greetings from the pastors desk . . . which, if you have not seen it recently, is a little messy!
Since I have begun my ministry with you, I have made piles on the desk in the office - fully
intending to get through them all and to organize myself. Well, that hasnt happened, yet!
I have been glad to hit the ground running with a number of special worship liturgies as
well as the Synod Assembly and Vacation Bible School. As the summer begins to settle in
and the life of the church starts to slow down a bit, I am making my way down the list of
things to do. You are at the top of that list.
I have been asked a number of times why I am here. As an interim pastor, I am here to
help the congregation through the transition time from Pastor Betty to your new full time
permanent pastor. The length of time I will be here depends on the call process. The call
committee has begun the process of finding a new candidate for the position of pastor.
You can be a part of that process by praying for the call committee and for the person that
God has chosen to be your next pastor and by listening carefully to the recommendations
of the committee.
The task of an interim pastor is not to make changes, but to maintain the congregation
until the next pastor is installed. This time is one of discernment and reflection for the
congregation. It is a time to make decisions about the future of the ministry in this place. It
is a time to reflect on your history. It is a time to discern who God is calling you to be as
the church.
I pray that together we will remain strong and vital in the community and that you will
continue your support of Bethany Lutheran Church by worshipping frequently, giving
generously, and volunteering your time to the ministry we share.
My family and I have appreciated your warm welcome and look forward to serving with
you in these days of transition.
Pastor Paula
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Prayer Shawl Ministry |
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on the third Saturday of each month. Please bring the Shawl that you are working on with you. We will have prayer, listen to worshipful music, work on them at the same time and just touch base with each other on that day each month. Also, if you would
like to learn to knit or crochet so that you can participate in this wonderful Ministry, there
will be members who have agreed to be instructors there to teach you those skills. If you are
interested in learning, please bring your yarn. If you want to knit, please bring a pair of size
13 knitting needles. If you want to crochet, please bring a size P or Q crochet hook. Also,
there is an update to the size of a Prayer Shawl. Please make your future Prayer Shawls 16"
wide by at least 60" long. Prayer Shawls warm an aching body, hug a hurting heart, and embrace a joyous occasion. The finished Prayer Shawls will be blessed before they are
gifted to the recipient(s). The contact person for this Ministry is Cindie
Naugle (944-2427). Prayer Shawl instructions can be found on the information table in
the Chapel.
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5th Saturday Love Feasts |
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Bethany has been invited and accepted an opportunity to help prepare and serve the Love
Feasts (meal for hungry/homeless) at Simpson-Temple United Parish on the 5th Saturdays
during 2010. The next meal is October 30th. We are looking for cooking
volunteers and servers/hospitality/clean-up crew. Desserts are needed (cakes, cookies, pies, brownies for 175) and should be
delivered by Saturday morning. If you have any questions, contact
Brian Carter.
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Pick Up a Bethany Cookbook! |
There are still a limited number of the Bethany Cookbooks ready for you to purchase in the Chapel. The cost is only $10 for this hardback cookbook and it will make a very nice all-occasion gift for family and friends. Please make checks payable to Susan Taneyhill. |
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Latest News and Upcoming Events |
To
find out what's going on at Bethany Lutheran Church, you can
read our bulletin and our monthly newsletter here:
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Click
here to download
the most recent bulletin.
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Click
here to download
our monthly newsletter.
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Click
here
for the free Adobe Reader.
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LOOKING
AHEAD . . .
TO FALL! |
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Our teachers are busy getting ready for another exciting year of Sunday School. We
will start with our Rally Day on Sunday September 12th. During worship we
help parents gift Bibles to their children entering Sunday School (PK-2nd), entering
3rd-6th grade, and entering confirmation. All other children are encouraged to bring their
Bibles (gifted previously). Rally Day will be held for youth and adults after worship. All
are invited to participate!
On September 12th, we will also install all Sunday School teachers and
helpers. Many thanks for giving your gifts of time, talents and love for Christian
learning growing disciples in Christ!.
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