June 2011 Volume 54, Issue 6

Transcription

1 June 2011 Volume 54, Issue 6 Monthly Newsletter We are committed to being a compassionate and loving congregation, striving to touch lives and change hearts for Jesus Christ. Sunday Morning Worship 8:15 am 10:45 am Senior Pastor The Rev. Dr. John G. Hamilton Not Just for the Birds Pastor 1 Interim Associate 2 Malawi Financial SHIM Inside this issue: Music Director Golden Oldies Mission Statement Per Capita Odds & Ends Worship at Bethany Monday Message Calendar 7 Interim C. E. Director New Members APNC Our Military Catholic Charitities Mission News Communion / Baptism Birthdays Strawberry Festival Presbyterian Women Respite Care My wife, Melany, and I have discovered a new hobby: watching the birds and other wildlife in our backyard. Recently we had our sun room closed in with large window panes. Though it is on the first floor of our house, by the time you get from the front to the back, it has become the second floor, overlooking our backyard below. (Welcome to Pittsburgh!) Thus, we have a bird s eye view of our back yard. As we sip our coffee and have our devotions to begin our day, we gaze downward on a playground of scampering chipmunks, leaping squirrels, grazing bunnies, a mellow groundhog and an aviary full of cardinals, robins, mourning doves, purple finches, goldfinches, sparrows and other unidentified flying objects. We have names for some of the animals: Chap, the red squirrel who chases the larger grey squirrels; The Chips, the five or so chipmunks; Chomp, the lone groundhog; and, of course, Champ me. Thanks, honey, that sure is better than Chimp. Sometimes we pray with our eyes open, praising God for the little touch of Eden before us. Sometimes, Melany calls me out to the sun room to observe a particular show: John, come quickly! You won t believe this!...ah, you just missed it. Sometimes Melany leafs through her brand new bird book and exclaims, Oh, it s a yellow-bellied, red-breasted, purple-crested eagle-finch! And you missed it again, honey! Each day we wake up to a new experience of God s wondrous creation. It makes me think of the Psalms that describe all creation praising God. It also makes me think of the wondrous expanse of God s glory that awaits me and you and all of us each day in the faces of our loved ones, the stranger in need, the challenges before us, the face of a child, and in this wonderful body of Christ called Bethany. Oh yes, there is tragedy in the world, struggle in our lives, pain in our hearts, and upheaval in our society and even in God s churches. But at the center of it all is the cross of the risen and living Christ and I like to imagine a goldfinch perching on it. So, how about it? Join me and all creation in praising God. It s not just for the birds. Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord. (Psalm 150) See you on Sunday, John Hamilton

2 Page 2 From your Interim Associate Pastor... Mike's Musings from Rev. Michael E. Beckstrom On Monday evening, May 16, I had the pleasure of hearing some outstanding Statements of Faith as they were read by their composers, our 9 th Grade Confirmation Class. I saw in those statements, over and over, the glorious profession of faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior. I heard in those statements, again and again, the beautiful illustrations of how our youth are involved in personal relationships with a loving God. And, as a true blessing to this young theologian, I even saw in those statements the echoes of some great theological thinkers from centuries past! Someday soon, I may to take the time to share with you all my thoughts on just how profound some of these statements are, and prove to you that our 9 th Graders are making statements similar to those of our most notable theologians! But for now, I just wanted to share some of my favorite passages from each of our Confirmands Statements of Faith. May the words of our youngest members speak the truth of God s Word into your heart. He listens, even though I m not always sure that He s there. He forgives me no matter what I do (Elizabeth Suppo). Being a Christian can be monotonous and it can also be the craziest thing experienced Life as a Christian can be those mountaintop moments, like the ones people get on mission trips, but it can also be average and mundane, just regular days (Gregory Price). Life is like a rollercoaster sometimes, and God is our seatbelt (Evan Zombek). It s cool to think about that whenever bad stuff in your life happens you re never totally alone and there is always hope (Stephen Zombek). [Jesus] is indescribable by that he is human and God, making him a way for us to get closer to God (Marissa Brietenstein). I believe [Jesus] is with the Father and prays for me and is actually sticking up for me (Nick Lytle). All of us have been baptized into the one body by the same Spirit. I believe Jesus Christ is the head of the Church (Jamie Casto). I believe that my faith is similar to a rosebud starting to bloom. I believe that by joining the church, my faith in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit will fully blossom in several ways in my soul (Danielle Druchniak). Our relationship with God is the most important relationship we will ever have (Max Hanich). I will forever and always love my Lord (Kylie Wilson). I believe the Church is people whose sole purpose is worshiping God (Nick Lytle). One day, my prayers were answered I have God to thank for all of that (Morgan Kohler). I believe that I am actually talking one on one with God when I pray (Zack McGinnis). Jesus was human He was also fully God, which is why He could take all of our sins with Him on the cross (Tyler McGinnis). I see God in church with prayers, songs, sermons, kids and teachers I have felt God working in my life and have seen Him at work in lives of many others through the experiences we have had together I have seen God at work through the work we did [on mission trips] (Jordan Krieger).

3 Page 3 EYE CANDY from Lisa Jo Colwell Many of you have asked to see a finished Banner for Malawi. Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 12, 2011.I will have the honor and privilege to present a vibrant, colorful banner to the congregation of Bethany Presbyterian Church, along with a brief explanation of the meaning behind the visual representation. Thank you to the mission team / session, and P.W. of our church for your generous financial support of my upcoming mission trip to Malawi, Africa. If you would like to support me financially, please write a check to Bethany Presbyterian Church with Lisa Jo or Africa in the memo line. If you would like to support me in prayer, please do so at any time. Your dollars will go not only to help me personally, but to help our brothers and sisters in Malawi, Africa. The Malawi Partnership of the Pittsburgh Presbytery suggests that our missionary team brings gifts for host families, offering money, clothing and medicine for Africans, to name a few. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and prayerfully consider any response. that we may be mutually encouraged by each other s faith. Romans 1:12 A Quick Note Regarding Contributions- As summer approaches, and with it the exciting activity of Bethany Mission Trips, some guidelines regarding mission trip giving are in order. We are very blessed here to have such generosity of both time and treasure in our mission work, and it is truly because of both that we are able to be involved with so many worthwhile mission opportunities. With regard to donations specifically, please note that donations to the mission trip funds themselves are completely tax deductible. However, we are not able to grant contribution credit for donations specified for specific individuals. This also holds true for donations to seminarians, etc. For example- a donation to the seminary fund would be fully deductible, but a donation to the fund for the use of "Joe Seminarian" would not be included on your giving statement. The mission funds help defray the cost of the mission trips for the group as a whole, so non-specific donations to the funds are included in your giving statements. Thank you for your continued support of these missions. If you have any questions, please contact the finance office. You can call Kim at or her at finance@bethanypresby.org Presbyterian Women are again going to be providing lunches for 100 children at South Hills Interfaith Ministries SHIM) Summer Program once a week for six weeks and we need your help. Below is a list of items we will need every week. Peanut Butter (creamy) Small bags of chips or pretzels Napkins Zip lock sandwich bags Grape Jam Cookies Lunch Bags Cases of Little Hugs Money to purchase bread and fruit each week We also need help on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. making the lunches. If you can help, call Lynne Suchoza at I CAN HELP ON June 14th July 5 th June 21 st June 28 th July 12 th July 19 th Flag Day, Tuesday, June 14th. Plan to attend the ceremony at the Memorial on Washington Avenue at 7:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Holy Child Knights of Columbus and Boy Scout Troop #2. Bring your old, worn flags for proper disposal. Bridgeville Community Day on the Street will be held on Washington Avenue between Hickman and Station Streets on Saturday, June 18th. The Deacons are organizing a Bake Sale and the Evangelism Team will have some kind of handouts available regarding VBS and other upcoming programs at Bethany.

4 Page 4 Musical Notes by John Henninger Pentecost Pentecost is the day the church celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and is considered the birthday of the church. The liturgical color of the day is red, representing the flames of the Holy Spirit. When you attend worship on Sunday, June 12, the day of Pentecost, wear something red! What a great sight it will be to have a sea of red in the sanctuary. Pentecost Sunday is also the day that we will be recognizing graduates as well as the Ministry of Music in our services. On Wednesday, June 8, choir members, soloists, instrumentalists and others that have contributed to Bethany s Worship and Music Ministries will gather at 6:30 in the Great Room for a banquet celebrating these ministries. Special entertainment is being planned! It s Cool in the Furnace The musical It s Cool in the Furnace will be presented by Sunday School children during the 10:45 service on Sunday, June 5. Peggy Nicholson has been working very hard to make this presentation a truly great offering to God! The Golden Oldies A gathering place The sounds of joy and laughter can be heard in Fellowship Hall when the Golden Oldies gather together. What better way to celebrate God s love for us than with laughter created by fellowship and fun with friends. As our group grows in numbers and new faces join us, the planning committee decided to make name tags. We want everyone who attends to become a member so that we have an accurate database. This helps guarantee that everyone gets a personal telephone reminder each month. So if you haven t joined, please do so now. You also save$$ on our trips and activities. We also ask that everyone 50 or more is welcome to join us. And friends from other churches are welcome too. Coming activities: June 16 th Something for Everyone trip to the Pro Hall of Fame and Mulligans in Canton, Ohio. Possible space still available. Call Judy Gardner for a reservation form July 21 st Summer picnic begins at 4PM in Fellowship Hall. Change of time because of Bible school that week. Other activities A play at Little Lake, A baseball game, A Molly s Trollies tour of Pittsburgh and a special presentation at the Espy Room at the Carnegie Carnegie Library. So come and join us on the 3 rd Thursday of each month. Coffee and Wii are ready at 10:30, good food at noon followed by a short meeting and a program. Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. Ecclesiastes 3:15

5 Page 5 Bethany Presbyterian Church: Loving with the Heart of Jesus Our mission: To trust in Jesus Love like Jesus Grow in Jesus Bring others to Jesus Our Vision: In order to do that, we are committed to being an Acts 2 church in spirit and practice, a church that is: Transformational: touching hearts and changing lives for Jesus Christ in practical daily life and for eternity. Inspirational: asking the Holy Spirit to permeate our life together and empower our ministry. Educational: growing in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and his way Missional: serving with a kingdom vision for Bridgeville, the South Hills, Pittsburgh and the world. We will shape our ministry and direct our efforts and prayers to this end. We will develop and practice ministry that is not busywork but Kingdom work, not institutional maintenance but transformational, not for ourselves but for Christ and his Kingdom. We acknowledge that our church the people and programs, facilities and finances are not ours but God s. We are here to praise, honor and serve our Lord. We will work to build disciples, who know and love Jesus Christ; who are growing in his love; who are practicing it in their giving, living and serving; who are praising him in worship; and who are sharing him with others. Attention All Bethany Golfers: 2011 Per Capita $23.60 per member. The $23.60 per member is divided between the Pittsburgh Presbytery ($14.90); the Synod ($2.20) and the General Assembly ($6.50) An envelope can be found in your monthly envelopes that you receive in the mail. The Annual Church Golf Outing will be held at Fort Cherry Golf Course on June 25th. The cost is $70, payable by June 19th. Make checks payable to Bethany Presbyterian Church and give to Ron Gastgeb. For more information call Ron Gastgeb at We are looking for wedding dates (month, day, year) and addresses from our members. Contact Janet at or marlett@bethanypresby.org. Calendar dates for June, July and August events and meetings need to be put on the church calendar. Please call Janet at or marlett@bethanypresby.org. Do not assume your date is on the calendar after April.

6 Page 6 W o r s h i p a t B e t h a n y Sunday, June 5: Rev. John Hamilton preaching. New Members Received. Children s Musical presented at 10:45. Sunday, June 12: Rev. John Hamilton preaching. Sunday School Graduation Sunday, Music Recognition Sunday and Pentecost Sunday. (wear red if possible) Sunday, June 19: Rev. John Hamilton preaching. Father s Day summer worship schedule begins with worship at 8:15 and 10:00. No Sunday School. Nursery, second hour and Children, Worship & Wonder will continue. Sunday, June 26: Rev. John Hamilton preaching. Communion will be celebrated. A Healing & Wholeness Service will be held following the 10:00 service. Summer worship schedule begins Sunday, June 19th. Plan to worship with us at 8:15 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. There will be no Sunday School. The nursery will be available for both services and the second hour and Children s Worship and Wonder will continue. Vacation Bible School will be held July Come and join us! 8:15 Worship Hour Rev. John is doing a Monday Morning message most weeks to the church. Those who are receiving their newsletter by will receive this message. If you receive your newsletter by mail and would like to receive the Monday Morning message please send or call us with your address. You will still receive your newsletter by mail. Send it to office@bethanypresby.org or call Please Remember, the deadline for the newsletter is the 15th of each month. Child care up to 5 year olds is available with supervision 10:45 Worship Hour * see above for summer hours Child care for Infants up to 2 years of age in the Nursery located in the Welcome Center. The nursery is supervised by Jenny Smith. Children two, three and four years of age can be dropped off before the service in Room #149. Children Worship and Wonder is for children 4 years old through Second Grade. This multi-sensory worship designed for children is located in the Worship Center, Room #144. The children leave the Sanctuary following the Children s Message for a time of interactive worship. Parents are asked to pick up their children after the Service has concluded. We rely on each family taking a turn several times throughout the year. Sign up with Barb Crawford.

7 June 2011 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 29 Baptism 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45AM Worship 2:00 PM Baby Shower 5 New Members Received 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM New Members Class 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship / Children's Musical 30 Memorial Day - offices closed 6 7:00 PM Deacon Teams 7:30 PM Deacons Meeting 31 9:15 AM Staff Meeting & Calendar Planning 7 9:15 AM Staff Meeting 7:00 PM PW Coordiating Team 1 10:00 AM Fellowship of Prayer 11:00 AM Bean Sprouts 8 11:00 AM Bean Sprouts 6:30 PM Worship Banquet 2 9:00 AM Quilting 11:00 AM Rotary Luncheon 12:00 PM Knitting Camp 1:00 PM Pittsburgh Presbytery - Northmont Church 6:00 PM Speaking parts for the musical 9 9:00 AM Quilting 12:00 PM Knitting Camp 7:00 PM Ruth Bible Study 3 9:00 AM Strawberry Festival Set-up 1:00 PM Friendship Bible Study 10 12:00 PM Men's Luncheon - Kings 1:00 PM Friendship Bible Study 4 8:00 AM Children's Musical Rehearsal 4:00 PM Strawberry Festival 11 9:00 AM PW Bible Study 10:00 AM Saturday Knitters 12:00 PM Kreiger's Graduation Party 12 Graduation Sunday Music Recognition Pentecost Sunday - wear red 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship 13 7:00 PM Session Teams 14 Flag Day 9:15 AM Staff Meeting 6:00 PM Youth For Christ 7:00 PM Packing SHIM lunches 15 11:00 AM Bean Sprouts 16 Golden Oldies Trip 9:00 AM Quilting 12:00 PM Knitting Camp 17 1:00 PM Friendship Bible Study 18 7:30 AM Food Bank 8:00 AM Hosanna Industries - 1 van 9:00 AM PW Bible Study 12:00 PM Graduation Party 19 Father s Day 8:15 AM Worship 10:00 AM Worship 20 6:30 PM Junior High Bowling 21 9:15 AM Staff Meeting 7:00 PM Packing SHIM lunches 22 11:00 AM Bean Sprouts 23 9:00 AM Quilting 12:00 PM Knitting Camp 24 PW Synod Gathering 1 van 12:00 PM Men's Luncheon - Kings 1:00 PM Friendship Bible Study 6:00 PM Burton/ Muraco Rehearsal 25 Golf Outing Repack Boxes 1 van PW Synod Gathering 1 van 10:00 AM Saturday Knitters 3:00 PM Burton/ Muraco Wedding 26 Communion 8:15 AM Worship 10:00 AM Worship 11:00 AM Healing & Wholeness Service 2:00 PM Graduation Party 27 Junior High Crestfield Mission Trip 7:00 PM Session Meeting 28 Junior High Crestfield Mission Trip 9:15 AM Staff Meeting & Calendar Planning 7:00 PM Packing SHIM lunches 29 Junior High Crestfield Mission trip 11:00 AM Bean Sprouts 30 Junior High Crestfield Mission trip 9:00 AM Quilting 12:00 PM Knitting Camp 1 Junior High Crestfield Mission Trip 2 Senior High Mission Trip -- 2 vans Under the same management since Pentecost A.D. 33. Pentecost is the birthday party of the church. The Festival of Pentecost (June 12, 2011) is a fabulous day to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit who, as Martin Luther wrote, calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian Church. Read Acts 2:1-13 The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost. The following known Bethany High School Seniors will be recognized Sunday, June 12th during the morning worship: Samantha Caun, Alyssa Dillon, Robert Eichler, Zachary Grafe, Nicole Ingham, Alexander Just, Ashley Kohl, David Krieger, Michael Lamberti, T. Sarah Lesnett, Christopher Marra, Nicholas Miller, Eric Myers, Joshua Patterson, Austin Phillips, Angelo Poiche, Taylor Smith, Lynn Underwood, Serena Virgi, Alexis Wilkerson, Natalie Woods. Congratulations and remember to keep Christ in all your plans.

8 Page 8 From your Interim CE Director... Barb Crawford The end of the Sunday School year will soon be here and what an awesome year it has been. Our Youth Group led our entire Worship service on Sunday, May 15th, and filled our hearts and spirits with the love of Jesus Christ. Praise God for all the leaders involved in our Youth Group program. Our 9 th grade Confirmation class read their Statements of Faith on Monday, May 16 th and I am always amazed at how blessed we are to have these young people voicing how they feel about their faith walk with our Lord and Savior. The class was led by Judi and Mark Wolstoncroft and included a first-ever weekend retreat. We are so blessed to have this young couple teaching and mentoring our youth. This group of young men and women were received into our church family on May 22 nd. As we countdown to the end of the Sunday School year how have you been touched have you helped out in any area of Discipleship have you attended a class to help your own walk with our Lord (we never stop learning). We know that prayers have been offered up for everyone involved in Discipleship and we thank you for your continual support. We can feel the love and the strength you give us. Maybe you have a heart for a topic that you feel you need to learn more about and stretch your faith walk. Stop in and see me I would love to talk about it and see how we can get that vision implemented in our Sunday school hour or maybe into a Bible Study. Join us on Sunday, June 5 th, for our musical ( It s Cool in the Furnace ) during the Worship hour with both children and adults participating together. Graduation Sunday is June 12 th for all classes won t you be there with us during the Sunday School hour (9:30am-10:30am) in the Great Room! We are so blessed to have a dedicated group of men and women teaching Sunday School on a weekly basis and spreading the love of Jesus Christ! Come and say thanks to them. The Discipleship Team has been working on a Child Protection Policy. The purpose of this policy is to: *To provide a safe and nurturing Christian environment for the children entrusted to our church and its programs. *To protect the rights and interests of the adult and teen volunteers and the employees of our church who work with the children in church programs by providing them with specific policies and procedures to follow when working with children. *To provide training to the adult and teen volunteers and employees of our church on the reality of child abuse, risk factors leading to child abuse, and the strategies for preventing child abuse. There will be much more information in the next few months as we start to implement this policy. As we enjoy the beauty all around us and the warmth of the sunshine, let us remember to whom we need to continually give thanks! Blessings and prayers to each and every one of you. NEW MEMBERS CLASS If you are interested in joining, or you would like more information, please fill out one of the red pew cards and place it in the offering plate. We would love to have you join the family of Bethany. The following new members were received by the Session May 23rd and will be welcomed by the Congregation June 5th: Jessie Davis Linda McCaskey Laurie Steedle-Sysak Brandon & Jerri Davis Eric & Pamela Lawlor Tony & Allison Benini William & Laura Miller Al & Joy Heaps Next class: Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To God s Family here at Bethany!

9 Page 9 Presbyterian Women s Spring Project Boys T-Shirts And Shirts This spring we are going to be collecting boys shorts and t-shirts. The items will be sent along with our dresses to Africa. We are in need of any sizes of t-shirts and shorts. Please place your donation in the basket in the Welcome Center. We will be collecting these items until June 12 th. Call to order Father s Day (June 19) Carnations at $2 each or Geraniums (June 12) for Pentecost at $5 each. Deadlines are June 1st for Geraniums and June 12th for Carnations. The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee has started to meet weekly. The committee consists of Becky Yanak, Niki Ciaramella, Tammie Suppo, Terry Kohlmeyer, Catherine Price, Cathy Schulz, Doug Bovard, Mark Bonosky and Mike Segeleon. We are currently updating the Church Information Form (CIF) based on the job description approved by the Session. The CIF, once approved, will be submitted to the Committee on Ministry which will then begin the process of receiving Personal Information Forms (PIF). We covet your prayers as we discern God's direction through this process of calling an Associate Pastor to Bethany. Below are the names of those (known to us) involved in the armed services/reserves. Updated 01/17/2011 Michael Avery Robin Aylor Heather Ayres Beattie Bill Blosser Roger A. Burda Charles Buzzatto III Mark Cameron Aaron Cox Anthony Cersosimo Douglas Crabb Michael Daniels Jeff David Nicole David Justin Driskill C. J. Drummond Ryan Duffy Brian Ellis Kyle Ely Jason Fullmer Phil Gertz Joshua Griffin Joel Harr Karen Weber Harr Michael Hayes Tim Heath Brian Irwin Dion Julian Bethany Kaufman Rich Kearns William N. Kennedy Krystina Litton Ryan Kelsey Richard Lawrence Justin Mack Kelli Mitchell David Morgan Ian Murch Eddie McLeod Michael McFerron Thomas Olson John Petkovich Sean Pepper Joey Puhanic Robert P. Rahr, Jr. Matt Read Scott Reese John J. Ross Beatriz Sachek Nicholas Sachek Kyle Schaffner Charlie Sears Donald Snyder Ryan Squires Scott Squires Shelby Stewart Linden St. Clair Evan Steckle Ben Stern, Jr. Stanley Taylor Scott Vokoun Matt Weber Jonathan Woodward Please let us know if you have anyone that you wish to add to the list.

10 Page 10 Catholic Charities will serve up a little "Tea and Testimony" at Saints John and Paul Parish, Sunday, June 5 from 4:00 6:00 p.m. Christian actress Anita Gutschick of Women in the Bible will perform, "The Wife, the Witch and the Virgin". In this one woman portrayal, Gutschick introduces the audience to Jane, a modern day character living in New York, who was abandoned by her boyfriend and is newly unemployed. Her solution: her horoscope, pills and wine. Her mother recommends that she try something new the Bible. Jane opens the Bible and like the children in the C.S. Lewis Classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, she is transported into another world where she meets Job's wife, the Witch of Endor, and Mary the Mother of Jesus. In this fascinating new world, she learns biblical truth and valuable life lessons. KDKA Radio Host Larry Richert and his wife Cindi will welcome attendees and share the significance of faith in their lives. Tea and light refreshments will be served. Admission is FREE, however free will donations will be accepted with proceeds benefitting Catholic Charities Basic Needs Assistance Program. Call for reservations. The Great Commission.Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Mission News Hosanna Industries Work Day on Saturday, June 18, from 8 a.m. (depart church) until approximately 5 p.m. (return to church). A lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Please contact Cathy Schulz at or at mission@bethanypresby.org to sign up on the team. Ten adults are needed for this project. Please join the team! Hosanna Industries is about: Poverty tries to destroy hope...hosanna Industries strives to restore hope. Every day, another family is helped and given the hope it needs to restore lives, restore dignity, and restore vitality in its community. Hosanna Industries, Inc. is the premiere faith-rooted, 501 (c)3 non-profit organization in southwestern Pennsylvania delivering housing services for low and very low income homeowners in the form of new construction and repair/rehabilitation services. Since 1990, the mission has completed over 2200 projects in the local Pittsburgh Region and throughout the nation while leading volunteers for over 133,000 volunteer work days. The total market value for these projects exceeds $42 million while the mission has only spent approximately $14 million for this work. Visit hosannaindustries.org for more information Saturday, June 25, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Repack boxes at the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. Cost: Your time and energy. 12 people needed for this project. Contact Cathy Schulz at or cjschulz147@yahoo.com by June 1. West Virginia Mission Trip, August 1-7 Mission trip to West Virginia refurbish homes, work in the food/clothing pantry, help out local people in need. Contact Caroline Poiche at for more information. You can participate the whole week or a part of the week. THANK YOU

11 Page 11 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL BAKE SALE JUNE 4, :00 7:00 TICKETS $8.00 FOR ADULTS $6.00 for seniors 62 and over $4.00 FOR CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER Free for children 3 and under Communion dates for 2011: June 26 August 7 September 11 October 2 November 27 Children wanting to receive Communion must first talk with the pastors. Call the pastor to make an appointment. Baptism dates for 2011: June 29 July 31 September 25 November 20 Parents please call the church office to request a date. J u n e B i r t h d a y s 06/01 Linda Kountz 06/01 Paul Bonosky 06/0 Brandon Meyer 06/01 Robert Marra 06/01 PJ Black 06/02 Culver Carman 06/02 Debbie Gossic 06/02 Bill Griffiths 06/03 Sally Marra 06/03 Evan Schulz 06/03 Quinten Held 06/03 Emilee Quinn 06/04 Joseph Phillips 06/04 Brittany Meyer 06/04 Michael Swanson 06/04 Abigal Speer 06/05 Joan Marshall 06/05 Patricia Browner 06/05 Dennis Dunn 06/05 Saundra Jones 06/05 Joseph Bayto 06/06 Elaine Gray 06/06 Devin Nock 06/06 Sean Doty 06/07 Ada Ferree 06/07 Kristin Mizia 06/07 Vince Lamerti 06/07 Thomas Unghajer 06/07 Rachel Schinosi 06/07 Daniel Eichler 06/08 Charles Woleslagle 06/08 James Rossero 06/08 Jamie Sharp 06/08 Darryl Schulz, Jr. 06/08 Jillian Glass 06/08 Brandon Edwards 06/09 Carol Grendys 06/09 Ryan Wolstoncroft 06/09 Alison Moakler 06/09 Christopher Glass 06/09 Madilyn Wilson 06/10 Marian Harold 06/10 Makenzie Briggs 06/10 Lorenzo Scrima 06/11 Robert Pulice 06/11 Ryan Kopach 06/11 Cara Salerno 06/121 Andrea Prohaska 06/12 Jennifer Wallis 06/12 Christina Morse 06/13 Tony Benini 06/121 Alyssa Massimino 06/13 Robert Krek 06/13 Wayne McGinnis 06/13 Benjamin Rackley 06/14 Paul Demnyan 06/14 Abigayle Bayko 06/14 Maggie Brown 06/15 Mary Jane Schafer 06/15 John Yanak 06/15 Tamara Kopach 06/15 Tammy Kerila 06/15 Amanda Evans 06/15 Landon Mendenhall 06/16 Jeffrey Vermeire 06/16 Anne Bradwell 06/16 Scott Yanak 06/16 Shawn McMillen 06/16 T. Sarah Lesnett 06/16 Clayton Wilhelm 06/18 Andrew Kuntz 06/18 Lauren Saulle 06/18 Licinda Naples 06/19 Edward Kopach 06/19 Cynthia Hoffman 06/19 Jay Lesnett 06/20 Taylor Smith 06/21 Carol Oliver 06/21 Christopher Huellen 06/21 Louis Emerson 06/22 Danielle Yonker 06/22 Brittany Findley 06/23 Thomas Casciola 06/23 Hayden Russell 06/24 Pat Morrow 06/24 Dolly McCrea 06/24 Robert Sunderlin 06/25 Kip Padgelek 06/25 Sally Mannella 06/25 Jacqueline Patterson 06/25 Brian Andruscik 06/25 Bryan Matusic 06/25 Kimberly Gullo 06/25 Breanna Meyer 06/25 Luca Romanelli 06/25 Lucina Romanelli 06/26 Jessica Kohler 06/26 Bryan Crabb 06/26 Andrea Breitenstein 06/26 Stephen Rossero 06/26 Ryan Garrett 06/27 Cody Wolfe 06/27 Stephanie Schultz 06/27 Terence Hartnett 06/27 Jason Cillo 06/28 Richard Schneider 06/28 Kenneth Kundra 06/28 Heidi Godden 06/28 Nicole Loebig 06/29 Connie Segeleon 06/29 Mark Aul 06/29 Christopher DeRose 06/29 Mark Bonosky 06/30 Patricia Slack 06/30 Christopher Saracco 06/30 Curtis Miller 06/30 Isabella Sharp 06/30 Jonathan Miklave 06/30 Melina Muto 06/30 Abigail Kohler

12 Kawiya Manse Construction Progress that we may be mutually encouraged by each other s faith. Romans 1:12 The manse at Kawiya Church in Malawi Africa has passed through another phase of construction. As you can see from the photos, the roof has been completed. This is great news for our brothers and sisters at Kawiya, and for us. We share in their excitement! Yes progress in Malawi can be a little slower than we are used to as North East Americans, but sometimes we have to let things happen according to God s timing. Isn t this roof beautiful? Do you know that this roof was co-funded by Bethany and Kawiya churches? Even though this roof and this manse and everything ultimately belong to God our creator, both Bethany and Kawiya can share in that ownership and blessing. Maybe we could have funded the whole thing and maybe it could have been completed by now, but then we would have missed a better opportunity to do this together. Kawiya will now plan to begin the next phase of construction of electrical wiring and interior plastering. Someday, Bethany members will have the privilege of being guests in this manse as they fellowship, serve and worship along side our sisters and brothers at Kawiya. Isn t this roof beautiful? Thank you for your continued prayers and support that helped make this dream a reality.

13 When my Ship Comes in... Dear Friends, Ohhh the wonderful feeling of a warm spring breeze and the sun's warmth on your face... So look forward to those first days of spring when the sun warms your face, the sunglasses come out and the last remnants of winter melt away. With winters iron grasp finally gone and the newness of spring all around us it seems apropos to recall some special memories from this recent season - especially those that demonstrate what being a good steward are all about; being a faithful manager of the time, skills and resources that God has provided to each of us. The Upward spirit helped many endure the winter. No, I'm not confusing those cold evening drives to practice, or as coaches prepared for practices/games after a long day at work - no I'm talking about the warmth of seeing 275 children smile every Saturday from February to April. Bethany's Upward program helped many children and parents learn more about sportsmanship, leadership, fellowship and worship. I'd like to share two special moments with you: Comedic Apprenticeship by Dave Oliver: In an effort to motivate the players to shoot / score Dave (referee) announces "Com'n kids - the backboard is feeling really lonely". Most Improved Gamesmanship: A boy named Jacob, a three year upward veteran player, scored his first basket! Not only was the room filled with warmth is was even a little leaky for some :). John & Mike's sermons really hit home this spring as they touched on topics that deal with how we manage our relationships with one another as well as with Jesus. They hit close to home with topics that included conflict resolution, forgiveness, being good shepherds and learning to love like Jesus. The sermon series on Psalm 23 really hit home as they shared how we can all better serve God (i.e. being a good steward). I have to say that John's sermon on being a good shepherd and the many uses of olive oil in the care of sheep also had me wondering about the potential cooking uses of olive oil with same. That is until he had JR introduce Wilma, a real sheep to the congregation. Getting involved and sharing of our talents blossomed as Bethany helped Mrs. Nowlin freshen up her Homewood home & yard with Rebuilding Pittsburgh on April 30th. Mrs. Nowlin is a wonderful lady who was very appreciative of the work done by the Bethany/Rebuilding Pittsburgh crew. Folks from the neighborhood looked on as our volunteers worked hard, some wore there work on their clothes but all had smiles on their faces! It looked like Bethany made a new friend in Mrs. Nowlin and demonstrated friendship with our new Christian sister. You may be asking - what does all the above have to do with my ship coming in? All the above reflect the many facets of being a good Christian steward and revolve back to the sharing of our time, talents and resources. Bethany's ship is clearly sailing towards the Sea of Acts 2. Our Captain, John Hamilton, says we have room for more - are you ready to jump on board and get involved? What, you're not sure how or where you want to start? It's really easy - ask any Bethany member or merely come to any event, class or worship you may be interested in. If you are the shy type, check out our church calendar at or give John or Mike a call at to see how you can get involved. Your 2011 Stewardship Committee: Mark Wolstoncroft John Yanak Emily Brady Alice Sherwin Randy Druchniak Dennis Farrer Bill Just

14 B e t h a n y P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h 740 Washington Avenue Bridgeville, PA Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Bridgeville, PA Permit #38 Phone: office@bethanypresby.org Dated Material Return Service Requested We are committed to being a compassionate and loving congregation, striving to touch lives and change hearts for Jesus Christ. The PW Regional Synod Gathering will be held June 24 & 25 at West Virginia Wesleyan College. The cost is $90 for room and meals. Barb Crawford, Bonnie Eichler, Lynne Suchoza, Carolyn Garretson, Caroline Poiche Karen Talerico, and Janet Marlett are planning to go. Why not join them? Call Barb Crawford at or her at crawford@bethanypresby.org. Registration deadline is June 4. Cost is $90. R E S P I T E C A R E In this day and age of working and scattered families there should be someone you and your family can turn to for help when family is not available. You can turn to your church family. We can cook a meal, shop, drive or just visit for a few hours to give your family or caregiver a break. We re not a permanent or long term solution but we can help. We are a compassionate, dependable and responsible group and we will be sensitive to your needs. Let us help you recover and remain independent for as long as possible. We cannot take the place of your family, but we can put their minds at ease knowing that you are being assisted and are safe, independent and happy. For more information, or questions about how we can help please call Margie Smith at or Beckie Price at