August 14, 2005 Newsletter

Issue #384

Telecare: 9:00 a.m. 365 days a year
bethany.crc@verizon.net
bethanychurchmuskegon.org
Office: 725-7325
Summer Office Hours:
Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 - 2:30
Closed Friday & Saturday

Pray that each of us will be like seasoned salt
that permeates in the world around us.

BYP Mystery trip is approaching! We will be leaving church Friday, August 19th,
in the late afternoon and returning Saturday evening. Please let Marty or Heidi
know if you plan on coming along ASAP, so we can make arrangements for the
passports and malaria shots.

Irma Buckner's Sewing Workshop Series
Irma Buckner, a mother of 7, is passing on her sewing skills by offering a
class at Bethany Church to young people. The class will last from 8 to 10 weeks
with 2 hours in class and 2 or 3 hours out of class. Permission slips are
available in the church office. Registration fee is $10.00. Registration
deadline is Thursday, Aug. 25.

Camp Tall Turf Update
Camp Tall Turf is a Christian Camp for inner-city youth. This is a wonderful
opportunity for the youth to spend time together with counselors eating,
playing, sleeping, praying, and learning new skills. The staff is carefully
selected and trained to help children learn more about themselves, others,
nature, and God. Camp Tall Turf is committed to being a fun, safe, healthy, and
spiritually rewarding experience for all youngsters. Bethany Church had the
privilege of sending 6 neighborhood kids, ages 8 - 13, in July. We thank our
drivers Jim & Henriet Vissia, Mike & Diane Sodini and Dave Sieplinga for
transporting the kids back and forth!

Learn Praise & Worship Songs
We had a great time singing Wednesday, August 3. We'll do it again August 17 at
7:00 PM, in the choir room. Come and learn more of the Praise & Worship Songs.

Soffit, Trim & Asphalt
Last Sunday, August 7, the Bethany congregation responded positively to a
double appeal from the Council:
The Council first called attention to a midyear shortfall of nearly $18,000 in
our 2005 budget commitment. The congregation was urged to be more diligent in
its financial support of Bethany's ongoing ministries.
Bethany members were also asked to consider one-time special gifts to enable us
to make some needed improvements to our properties as recommended by the
Properties Committee. The total cost for all the improvements -- painting of
the soffit and trim on the church building, repairing, sealing and relining the
three parking lots -- is $22,898.
If you have questions about these appeals, please feel free to speak with any
Council member or a member of the Properties Committee.
Envelopes for your special gifts -- for "Soffit, Trim & Asphalt 2005" -- have
been placed in your mailbox; additional envelopes will be available through the
month of August. Thank you for prayerfully considering these appeals and
Bethany's needs!

Ministry Opportunities for August 21
Greeters: Jerry & Betty Heykoop, Howard & Leah Sieplinga
Ushers: Bob Sytsema, Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, Tom Miller, Les Stevens
Coffee Fellowship: Bob & Sharon Medema
Transparency: Brett Westra
Reader: Sue Petersen
Lectionary: Isa. 51:1-6; Ps. 138; Rom. 12:1-8; Matt. 16:13-20
Offering Opportunities: General Fund and Bethany Christian Education Society
Nursery Today: Amy Varnado, Kara Westra, Bryant Westra
Nursery Aug. 21: Melissa Deans, Jan Koon, Kayla Deans

Birthdays This Week
Aug. 14 Brandon Dinger
Daniel Miller
Aug. 17 Verna Hoeker

Birthdays Next Week
Aug. 21 Karin VanGennep
Aug. 22 Diane Christenson
Aug. 22 John Flickema
Aug. 23 Betty Heykoop
Aug. 25 Brea Hinken
Aug. 26 Jeff Hall
Tony Rosales
Aug. 27 John DeYoung
Tom Holtrop Sr.

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.

Special Birthday Honors for Those 80 and Over
John Flickema will celebrate his 86th birthday on August 22, 2005. Best wishes
from your Bethany Church family!

"From the Bottom of My Heart"
A special thank you for your help! ~ A Benevolence Client
FYI- This card was hand delivered to the church office along with a small plant
in appreciation of the church?s help. The benevolence money given each week can
make a huge difference in the McLaughlin neighborhood! Thank you again for your
generosity in this ministry.

Parsonage Open House
On Sunday August 21, after the morning service, there will be an Open House in
the newly-redecorated and newly-occupied parsonage. Coffee, punch and other
refreshments will be served.

Collection Schedule
Aug. 21: Gen. Fund/BCES
Aug. 28: Gen. Fund/Property Improvements

A New Baby Girl!
Congratulations to Andy and Sarah Kanaar on the birth of their new baby girl,
Abigail Lynn, born August 4, 2005. Bethany joins Andy and Sarah in thanking God
for the gift of new life.

Bethany Family
* 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.

Summer Picnic
McLaughlin Neighborhood Association is throwing its annual Summer Picnic
Saturday, August 20th. Join us for a time of food, fellowship, and fun! If you
are interested in helping out or have any questions, talk with Dob Sieplinga.

Annual Society Meeting
The Annual Society Meeting for Western Michigan Christian High School is August
29, from 7:30 - 9:00 PM, in our chapel. This meeting is for all of the
supporting Christian School community. Freshmen class overview will be given
that night. The budget will be presented along with election of new board
members. Please try to make this informative meeting.

Like Yard Work?
WMCHS needs some volunteers for light yard work of weeding and trimming. Please
call 799-9644.

Golfers Save the Date
Sept. 27th, Love Charity Golf Outing - $125 per person, includes cart,
breakfast and Hors D' oeuvre lunch. Fifty dollars of your registration fee is
tax deductible. A team fee is $500. Call Gail or Tammy for registration form
773-3448.

Save the Date
Sept. 20th is Love Volunteer Banquet. We invite you to join us as we share how
God is working in our ministries. More details to come or call Cindy at
773-3448.

Worship on the Waterfront
This Sunday, August 14, 2005, Worship On the Waterfront welcomes The King's
Brass to the Grand Haven Waterfront Stadium from 7:30 - 8:45 PM. Tim Zimmerman
and his brass group will provide innovative worship for young and old alike
through the "Best in Sacred Brass Music". They will present hymn classics with
a contemporary flair. This year W.O.W. will be held at the stadium, rain or
shine, so come dressed for the weather. Check out our web site at
worshiponthewaterfront.org.
Any questions, call (616)-842-6600.

Conference Grounds Auction
The Conference Grounds will be hosting their annual Auction on Saturday, Sat.,
Sept. 3, 2005 at 10:00 AM. A live and silent auction will be held. Lunch will
be available for purchase. Please join as we auction off many wonderful items
to support the grounds. Donations of new items are always welcome. We look
forward to seeing you! If you have any questions, please call Kevin Jansen at
616-669-7527. The Conference Grounds is located at 12253 Lake Shore Dr., Grand
Haven.

Info for Adoption
Do you have the desire to expand your family? Get free information about
adoption with no obligation - Tues., Sept. 20 at 5:45 PM, or Tuesday, Oct. 18
at 5:45 PM, in Jenison. Check the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall for
meeting information.