Januray 22, 2006 Newsletter

January 29, 2006
Issue #408

Telecare: 9:00 a.m. 365 days a year
bethany.crc@verizon.net
bethanychurchmuskegon.org
Office: 725-7325
Office Hours:
Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 - 3:30
Closed Friday & Saturday

Our God, help us see that you are the Light -
shining through the darkness.

Interested in Heidelberg Catechism Class?
Some interest has been expressed about a class for reviewing the Heidelberg
Catechism for those who have not studied it before or have not studied it for a
long time. The Adult Ed committee is considering such a class if there is
enough interest. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall. Sign your
name and indicate the best time for you to meet.

Sermon Series Coming
In this morning's worship service Pastor David Sieplinga launches a 15-part
sermon series prompted by the "Songs of Ascent" (Psalms 120-134) under the
title Fifteen Steps Up. In the evening service of Sunday, February 5, we will
begin a 4-part study on the theme The Heidelberg Catechism for Post Modern
People.
Next Sunday's (January 29) morning worship will include a special Service of
Prayer planned by our Prayer Action Team and highlighting the confession of
faith that unites us with each other and with God's people of all times and
places.

Twice Fed
Twice Fed - food for the body and spirit - resumed this past Wednesday at 5:30
PM. We are continuing our study of Acts. Join us at 5:30 ... or slip in at 6:15
for the Bible study and prayer time.

SPECIAL OFFERING FOR CRWRC
Next Sunday, January 29, we will be having a second offering for CRWRC. The
world has suffered many natural disasters in the last year, and this agency has
made many contributions to these disasters. CRWRC provides much needed help
with varying programs in the United States and worldwide. The agency helps
people become self sufficient again by working at infrastructure and teaching
life skills. For example, helping put in new wells, teaching people farming
techniques, and work in the inner city.

The Rose
Today the rose celebrates the birth of Ethan Michael Gould as Bethany Church
joins Michael and Betty Gould and family in thanking God for the gift of new
life.

Hey Intermediate Club -
It's Time for Breakfast!
Please join us Jan. 25 at Mickey's, at 9:00 AM. Bring a hearty appetite for
good food and fellowship! We'll see you there!

Adult Education
The next two sessions of Adult Education will focus on the state and future of
the Muskegon economy. Today will be led by Bill Mogren, and Jan 29 by Jim
Edmonson. These are subject to change. Join us for these sessions on important
community issues.

BYP Fundraiser
BYP will be having a fund raiser at the Pizza Ranch on Monday January 30 from
5:00 to 8:00.? We get to keep any tips and a percentage of the night's overall
sales, so plan on going out for dinner that night with all of your generous
friends.

Ministry Opportunities for January 29
Greeters: Hap & Marietta Hasper, Don & Pat Palmer
Ushers: Bob Sytsema, Tom Miller, Bob Heethuis, Jim Bultema
Coffee Fellowship: Judy Hepler, Grace Eckman
Transparency: Brett Westra
Reader: Joan Workman
Lectionary: Deut. 18:15-20; Ps. 111; 1 Cor. 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28
Offering Opportunities: General Fund
Special Collection for CRWRC
Nursery Today: Ilene Rosales, Amy Varnado, Misty Patton
Nursery Jan. 29: Mary Abbott, Carol Patton, Jesse Patton

Birthdays This Week
Jan. 22 Sequita Hall
Jan. 24 Oscar Gailhouse
Jan. 25 Lloyd Bell
Jan. 26 Cathy Mayo
Jan. 27 Michael Gould
Gary Rottman

Birthdays Next Week

Jan. 29 Delores DeGraff
Don Holtrop
Janice Leutscher
Gay Sieplinga
Jan. 30 Don Palmer
Feb. 1 Lindsey Villalpando
Katricia Rietveld
Owen Varnado
Feb. 3 Joe Buthker

The birthdays listed are from the information we currently have in our
" membership list". Should your birthday be recorded incorrectly or not appear,
please contact the office @725-7325. Should you wish to send cards but do not
have current addresses, please call the office as well

Bethany Family
Mercy Hospital: Dob Sieplinga He would appreciate your prayers.
Home:
Betty Workman
Prayers are requested for Ken Hoeker as he seems to be getting weaker. Also for
Verna, his wife and care giver, during these difficult times.

* If you have a prayer request you would like to put in this newsletter, please
give copy to Laurie in the office by Wednesday noon, or fill out a request card
and place it in the Prayer Request Box on the Literature Table in the foyer.

Special Birthday Wishes to Those 80 and Over
Gay Sieplinga will be celebrating her 84th birthday on Jan. 29. We wish you a
wonderful birthday Gay!

Staff Evaluation
Under the direction of the Administration Committee, Bethany?s staff will be
evaluated using input from members of the congregation. Please pray for David,
Laurie, Tom and Gail and the Council leaders overseeing this evaluation.

Greetings from the beautiful country of Haiti,
We have arrived here in Haiti and adjusting to the life here. Our kids are
doing quite well though they definitely are used to a cool climate. Yesterday
our two-year old Hannah took a nap and insisted on covering herself with her
favorite fleece blanket... she was drenched in sweat when she woke up because
it has been quite warm. Last night it got down to a cool 86 degrees.
Since we've arrived we've opened a bank account, bought a little food, seen a
wonderful pediatrician, and done a few other things. Things are going quite
well. However, continue to deeply keep us in your prayers. Every time we drive
somewhere we see United Nations personnel monitoring the streets with their
large machine guns. We are grateful for their presence, but also realize the
reason that they need to be here. We have so far had some extremely delicious
Haitian cuisine of which pumpkin soup has been a favorite. ~ In Christ's
service, Your missionaries in Haiti, Zach and Sharon Segaar-King.

Spiritual Emphasis Week
Please join the student body of Western Michigan Christian High School in a
time of praise and worship during Spiritual Emphasis Week on Wednesday, Jan.
25, at 7:00 PM in the Chapel Room at WMC. Don't miss this opportunity to
worship with the SEW praise team, led by Steve Busch and hear the week?s
speaker, Steve Porter, a Youth Pastor from Holland, MI. It is sure to be a
wonderful evening of worship and encouragement.

WMC Auction
The Western Michigan Christian High School auction is set for Saturday, Jan. 28
at the high school. This year's auction is a movie theme with the doors opening
at 4:30 PM. Dinner will be served from 5 - 6 PM. Silent auction tables begin
closing at 6:00 PM and at 10 minute intervals until 6:50 PM with verbal auction
beginning at 7:00 PM. Auction books are available at WMC, area churches and
Christian schools. A $500 tuition credit, good at WMC and Muskegon, Grand
Haven, New Era and Fremont Christian schools will be awarded at the end of the
verbal auction. Can't make the movie? We'll bid for you. See you at the movies!
WMC auction booklets for Jan. 28 auction are available at area churches,
Christian schools, WMC High School and on line at: www.remc4.k12us/wmchrist.

Holy Land Pilgrimage
" Holy Land Pilgrimage". May 11-25, 2006: Study, visualize and retrace the life
of Jesus through Bible Study, groups devotions, personal reflection and
archaeological exploration. Coordinated by I.D.E.A. Ministries of Grand Rapids
MI. $2,895 from Milwaukee; request a FACT SHEET by calling 616.698.8393 or
emailing info@ideaministries.org before the registration deadline of February
1.?

West Bank Study and Service Tour
West Bank Study and Service Tour, May 20- June 6, 2006: One week living in
Palestinian host homes while serving with Bethlehem-area community
organizations; one week of energetic hiking and bus travel to visit
archaeological sites with biblical significance with Teaching Leader, Bart Den
Boer. Coordinated by I.D.E.A. Ministries of Grand Rapids MI. $2,975 from
Detroit; request a FACT SHEET by calling 616.698.8393 or emailing
info@ideaministries.org before the registration deadline of February 1.?

For Film Enthusiasts
Compass Academy in downtown Grand Rapids is a Christ -centered film school for
high school, college, and career individuals. If you are interested in learning
how to put stories to video and film, meeting other film enthusiasts, or
broadening your knowledge of media in our culture, Compass Academy is a place
you?ll want to investigate. Now accepting applications for the annual High
School Film Camp. The Film Camp session this summer is offered August 7-11,
from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. For more information, check us out online at:
www.compassacademy.org or call (616) 458-4238. The next session of full
curriculum production classes begins in May.