The Rev. Dr. John G. Hamilton

Transcription

1 Bethany Presbyterian Church May 2012 Monthly Newsletter Volume 55 Issue 5 Sunday Morning Worship 8:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m. Senior Pastor The Rev. Dr. John G. Hamilton Cardinals Aglow Have you ever seen a cardinal in the sunshine? It glows like a hot coal in the fire. I noticed it again as I sat at my desk in the sunroom. I was working on my sermon for Sunday. Every once in a while I would glance up and into the yard to see the activity of the wildlife beneath me. The early morning sun would be hidden behind a cloud; and then it would explode in brilliance as it came out of hiding. In its glow was a male cardinal perching near our feeders blazing in the brilliant light of the sun. Inside this Issue Pastor 1 Associate Pastor 2 Stewardship News Missions Music Director Mission Opportunities Pictorial Directory Bethany Education Fund Worship at Bethany 6 Calendar 7 Interim CE Director Communion Baptism New Member Classes Golf Outing New Wilmington Mission Conference Our Military Malawi, Africa Youth Director Rummage Sale Birthdays Blood Drive 12 It is a common sight, for cardinals are a common bird, and they are here year round. Yet, it is an uncommon sight, for cardinals are a brilliant red. They have a beauty that never gets old especially in the sun. Same with the church. Churches are everywhere, and it seems even more so in the Pittsburgh area - both the buildings and the people, the real church. Churches called Presbyterian are very common here. ( In fact, they say that Presbyterians are denser in the Pittsburgh area than anywhere else in the country. I resemble that remark! ). It is true. Churches are a common sight. But we are an uncommon sight, too. The church is never short of beauty, a beauty that never gets old, this life together in the body of Christ: -children gathered to learn and grow in Christ and to laugh and grin with delight as they do so. -Golden Oldies gathered in joyful fellowship and, as they enjoy a tasty meal, hear about how they can help feed the hungry. -groups gathered to pray for the church, to study the Scripture, to serve the needy, to pray for and build up one another, to plan for what God is doing next in their ministry. -a congregation gathered to praise and serve the Lord, to listen and grow in Him aided by greeters and ushers, servers and acolytes, singers and musicians, bell ringers and choirs of all sorts and, oh yes, the opening of God s Scripture for His word for us. -youth serving up a plate of spaghetti to support their mission work. -two pastors entering into a time of focused prayer for you and planning for the church. And all of this was just in the last few days. Often it feels common, this stuff we do in the life of the church. Sometimes we fight like birds around a feeder. Sometimes the work is messy and even dirty- as with the birds. Often it is done in the shadows of clouds, the heat of the day or the winds of a storm. Then sometimes the winds quiet, the clouds part, and the Son shines brilliantly on our work, and we see it in all its blazing beauty. Uncommon. Holy. The church. I know there is one denomination that calls its leaders Cardinals. But I know a church near and dear to me that has cardinals, those regular, common folks whose work and whose faces sometimes glow brilliantly in the light of the Son. Would you join me in the worship and service of our Lord? Would you be a cardinal aglow? Blessings in the Lord, John Hamilton

2 Page 2 FROM THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR Pastor D. Robbie Ytterberg Ytterberg I d Like to Buy a Vowel Please What s in a name? There are lots of ways to answer this question, but in my case the answer is not enough vowels. This is the problem for many folks who encounter my last name, Ytterberg, for the first time. It makes them feel like those contestants on Wheel of Fortune when they say, I d like to buy a vowel please. How can a word start Ytt, doesn t there need to be a vowel somewhere in there? In short, no there doesn t. Do you remember your elementary school grammar lessons regarding vowels? Your teacher probably taught you the vowels, a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y. Ytterberg is a sometimes y word. The y at the beginning is used as a short i as in the words it, in, ill or iridescence (I looked the last one up). So, pretend the Y is an i and pronounce it it-ter-berg. Some of you have also asked or even been so bold as to try to guess the origin of my last name. Though I hear many guesses, it is Swedish and means something like distant mountain. Furthermore, there is a town in the mountains of Sweden of the same name and this is where we got it, sometime back in our history. When I am talking with people face to face and we venture into the origin of my name I frequently get a quick glance and then a statement of confirmation like, Yup, that fits. Apparently I really look the part of the pale Scandinavian and so there is no further questioning or curiosity. Yet, I am not actually biologically Swedish. Like many Americans, I am a mutt. My particular variety is a blend of Scotch, Welsh, English, and maybe some more, but these are the majors. At this point you may be wondering, What s the deal with Ytterberg then? Well, my biological grandfather died when my dad was a very little boy. His mom then remarried a while later and my Poppy, adopted my dad; so he became a part of the Ytterberg family. Therefore, I am happily a Scottish mutt but also proudly now carry the Ytterberg namesake and pass it along through my kids. I have shared this story with many folks and have reflected on it frequently. It reminds me of Paul s reflections in Romans 11 where he talks about salvation coming to the Gentiles. He notes that the Gentiles, those not of Jewish decent have been grafted in among the others [the faithful Jews] and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root (Romans 11:17). In other words through Jesus we have been adopted as children of God and have been inserted and connected into the family tree of God s people which goes back throughout history. We had and have a heritage of our own often separated from God but now we have a new family. Out of no effort of our own we have been given a new identity, a new name: loved children of the heavenly Father, members of the body of Christ, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the people of God, ambassadors of Christ, brothers and sisters of God s family. This is our namesake which we get to pass on to our kids, friends, family and the world. So, what s in a name? Think about it and let s tell our story Family Promise will be returning to Bethany on May 6th for a week. They could use van drivers, cooking a meal, staying overnight at the church, doing laundry at the end of the week etc. If you can help in any way please contact Dan Wolfe at Have you placed your order for Chancel flowers on Sunday mornings? Please confirm your date/s so that they are not given to someone else. Flowers are $25 a vase; $50 for two vases; $35 for a centerpiece. Flowers must be paid for prior to the Sunday that they will be placed in the Chancel. They are ordered from Shop n Save through the office. Two people ordering flowers on the same day must come from the same florist. You can also use your own florist, just let Janet know.

3 Page 3 The Importance of Keeping Current Imagine that you have just started a new job and you are getting your first briefing on company pay practices. "We agreed to a salary of $75,000", says the Director of Personnel, "and that is what we plan to pay you, but our pay schedules are rather irregular". "Some weeks you will be paid and others you probably won't, but by the end of the year it will all work out". What would your reaction be? How will you manage your expenses without a reliable cash flow? How will you know if you can afford a major financial commitment without knowing that things truly will work out by the end of the year? These are some of the same questions that Bethany faces as we continually assess our own financial situation and the investments that we are able to make to do God s work here in our community. One way that you can help is by striving to stay current with your financial commitment to Bethany. This is particularly important as we move into the "summer doldrums" when vacations and other diversions seem to interrupt our regular attendance at Sunday service. What can you do to keep current? Try using monthly "catch up contributions" to make up for Sundays you have missed. You don't have to be in church or even in town. You can mail your catch up contributions to the church office (don't forget to write your envelope number on your check). Let's all commit ourselves to keeping current with our giving in 2012 so that we can continue to support the good work of Bethany! Yours in Christ, The 2012 Stewardship Team - Jim Myers, Eric Gregory, Mark Wolstoncroft, Emily Brady, Alice Sherwin, Dennis Farrer, and John Yanak Thank You from Missions Bethany Supports For 42 years, SHIM has been dedicated to meeting the needs of South Hills residents by providing direct assistance with loving kindness and respect for the dignity, strengths, and privacy of each individual. Last year alone, - The SHIM Food Pantry distributed 220,000 pounds of food to more than 250 families; - Assisted over 133 households in completing applications that resulted in over $43,000 of utility assistance; - Our Early Childhood Program helped 32 refugee children prepare for kindergarten; - Kamp Kaleidoscope provided summer fun and learning to more than 100 refugee children; - Kaleidoscope Klub after-school program provided academic help and enrichment activities to 55 refugee students in grades K-5. Thank you for wonderful generosity to the Coalition for Christian Outreach! We are very proud to have your church partner with us to help save the lives of the unborn babies in our community who are at risk for abortion. As a result of your church's participation in our Baby Bottle Campaign, we have received to date, a total of $1, The average cost to provide a young woman with a pregnancy test, an ultrasound and counseling is $360. Because of your church's support, we are able to help three women choose life for their baby. This is a priceless gift. Our prayer for 2012 is that we will continue to see at least 90% of our clients chose life after viewing God's creation on their ultrasound. We are trusting in God's power to continue to equip us with everything we need to continue this ministry. Thank you so much for your incredible support!! Pregnancy Resource Center of the South Hills Thank you for partnering with SHIM in accomplishing this important work. We couldn't do it without you! South Hills Interfaith Ministries

4 Page 4 Musical Notes by John Henninger Celebrating Ministry On Wednesday, May 30, all who are involved in the worship and music ministries of Bethany Presbyterian Church will gather to celebrate a year of ministry together. Beginning at 6:30 in the Great Room, we will gather to share a meal and to share our common calling to serving God and His Church through our time and talents. Shop N Save is providing the meal and we will be treated to the Char Val Singers after dinner. So many hours are so graciously given by so many volunteers, and that is what makes our Worship so meaningful at Bethany Church. The banquet is just a small way of saying thank you to so many volunteers. Support mission thru Scrip, pop tabs, loose change for the church in the welcome center and thru you giving envelopes. Thank you to all who give of their time and monetary MISSION OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer for a Day! Take a Vacation with a Purpose! Join us as we make a difference here in Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Mexico! You will give people hope by helping to rebuild homes in need of repair, build a home for homeless children, serve food to families in need, and in return, see God's amazing miracles! August 4-11 August 5-11 Nov Young Adult Mission Trip to Tapestries of Life Orphanage in Mexico. (contact Amanda Schulz ) West Virginia Mission Trip Adult & Youth (youth must be 14 years of age or older and must be accompanied by their parent). Contact Caroline Poiche Adult Mission Trip to Tapestries of Life Orphanage. (contact Cathy Schulz ) And, watch for a date to serve with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank with their Produce to People Program! Golden Oldies will meet Thursday, May 17th. A time of fellowship with coffee begins at 10:30 in Fellowship Hall. Lunch is served at 12:00 noon. Food Bank statistics for the April 21st distribution: 90 families which included 34 children, 116 adults and 36 elderly. Thanks for your continued support.

5 Page 5 With so many new faces at Bethany, we decided it is time to update our Pictorial Directory, and we want your picture to be included! Did you miss the April photo sessions but still want your picture in the directory? You can still do so. Q. When and where will the photos be taken? A. Photography and proof-viewing sessions with LifeTouch photographers will take place on the following dates: Thursday, May 17th through Saturday, May 19th Weekdays choose times between 2:30 PM and 9 PM Saturday choose times between 10 AM and 4:30 PM Q. When and how do I sign up for my photo session? A. You can sign up for your photo session in one of two ways: 1. Online through our church web site 2. In person on Sunday mornings in the Welcome Center. Q. What information will I need to sign up and what do I do if I encounter problems while signing up online? A. When signing up, you will be asked to select your preferred appointment time, and then will be asked to provide your first and last name, address, phone number and number of people to be photographed in your family/group. If you experience problems, please call the church office. Q. Can I have my photo in the church directory even if I cannot attend a photo session? A. Those unable to attend a session at Bethany may be able to be photographed during a make-up session at a neighboring church. Please contact the church office for more details. Q. Do I have to buy a directory or photos if I get my picture taken? A. All participating family units will receive a free directory. Reasonably priced photo packages are available for purchase, but you are not obligated and will not be pressured to buy any. Q. Are there any promotional discounts available to reduce the cost of picture packages I may want to purchase? A. Yes!. Feed the Need bags are available in the Welcome Center. You will receive a $5 discount when you bring the bag with you to the photo session with a non-perishable food item for our Food Bank inside. Senior Citizen discounts are also available. Celebrating the Bethany Education Fund Inaugural Year! Thanks to the blessing of many Bethany individuals who have shown vision, generosity and a passion for young adults pursuing continued education, we are pleased to announce that 2012 will be the year that we officially launch the Bethany Education Fund for high school seniors. This June, we will be awarding our inaugural class of high school seniors with awards recognizing their dedication to Bethany and to God and celebrating their next steps in their educational journey. Award recipients must: be members of Bethany Presbyterian Church...be accepted (or expect to be accepted) as a full-time student in a college or technical/vocational program for Fall complete an application form and essay question, and...be present at the church service on June 10, 2012 to receive an award. It is our hope and plan that this fund will live on for many, many years in the future, so if you would like to contribute to the fund and become part of the passion, please contact Tom Willhite or the church office.

6 Page 6 W o r s h i p a t B e t h a n y 8 : 1 5 a n d 1 0 : 4 5 a. m. Sunday, May 6 Holy Communion Rev. Robbie Ytterberg preaching Sunday, May 13: Mother s Day Rev. John Hamilton preaching Sunday, May 20: Youth Sunday Youth will be leading the morning worship Sunday, May 27: Pentecost - wear red Rev. John Hamilton preaching Come and join us in worship! Confirmation Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8 Congratulations to Robbie Ytterberg who was Ordained and Installed as Associate Pastor of Discipleship at Bethany on April 29th. He is now officially Pastor Robbie Ytterberg. April 29 Ordination and Installation for Robbie Ytterberg beginning at 4:00 p.m. Dinner to follow. Call the office and let us know you will be attending. May 8 Youth Membership Class and Session meet at 7:00 p.m. May 13 Mother s Day, Blood Drive & Bone Marrow Screening. May 20 Youth Sunday at 8:15 & 10:45 May 27 Confirmation and Pentecost. Wear Red to symbolize the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-4. 8:15 Worship Hour Child care up to 5 year olds is available with supervision 10:45 Worship Hour 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. Rev. John does an message most weeks for those who are receiving their newsletter by . The title of his message is Glimpses of Grace. If you receive your newsletter by mail and would like to receive the Weekly message please send or call us with your address. You will still receive your newsletter by mail. Send it to marlett@bethanypresby.org or call 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 by calling her at or ing crawford@bethanypresby.org

7 May 2012 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 29 Sr High Retreat - 2 vans 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship 4:00 PM Ordination and Installation Service for Robbie Ytterberg :15 AM Staff Meeting 9:30 AM Women s Day Out 7:30 PM Senior High 2 3 7:00 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Young Adults 8:00 PM Bethany Ringers 9:15 AM Quilting 12:00 PM Thursday 6:30 PM Adult Bible Study 7:00 PM MOMSnext 4 8:00 AM Rummage Sale Set-up 7:30 PM Friday Night Group 5 Softball at Calvary Church 8:00 AM Rummage Sale 6 7 Junior High Scavenger Hunt - 2 vans Softball at Calvary Church 7:00 PM Deacon 8:15 AM Worship Teams 9:30 AM Sunday 7:00 PM Session School Teams 10:45 AM Worship 7:30 PM Deacons 1:00 PM Millerschoen/ Meeting Naples Birthday party 2:00 PM Junior High 7:15 PM Senior High 13 Mother's Day 7:30 AM Blood Drive & Bone Marrow Screening 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship :15 AM Staff Meeting 7:00 PM Youth Membership Class & Session - Communion 7:30 PM Senior High 15 9:15 AM Staff Meeting 7:00 PM PW Gathering 7:30 PM Senior High 9 10:00 AM Fellowship of Prayer 7:00 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Young Adults 8:00 PM Bethany Ringers 16 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Young Adults 10 9:00 AM MOPS 9:15 AM Quilting 10:00 AM Golden Oldies Trip 12:00 PM Thursday 6:15 PM Girl Scout Troop Meeting 6:30 PM Adult Bible Study 7:00 PM PW CT Meeting 7:00 PM Women's on James 17 9:15 AM Quilting 10:30 AM Golden Oldies Gathering 12:00 PM Golden Oldies Lunch 12:00 PM Thursday 2:30 PM Pictorial Directory Pictures 6:30 PM Adult Bible 11 12:00 PM Men's Luncheon at Kings 7:30 PM Friday Night Group 18 2:30 PM Pictorial Directory Pictures 7:30 PM Friday Night Group 12 12:00 PM Mary Meta Party 10:00 AM Saturday 19 7:30 AM Food Bank 10:00 AM Pictorial Directory Pictures 2:00 PM Emerson Baby Shower 20 Youth Sunday 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship 1:00 PM Sapienza Eagle Scout Court of Honor 6:00 PM Junior High 21 7:00 PM Session Meeting 22 9:15 AM Staff Meeting 7:30 PM Senior High 23 - Last Day - Picnic 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Young Adults 24 9:15 AM Quilting 12:00 PM Thursday 6:30 PM Adult Bible Study 7:00 PM Women's on James 25 12:00 PM Men's Luncheon at Kings 7:30 PM Friday Night Group 26 10:00 AM Saturday 27 Confirmation / Pentecost 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship 28 Offices Closed 10:00 AM Memorial Day Parade 29 9:15 AM Staff Meeting Summer Class 7:30 PM Senior High 30 Sumner Class 6:30 PM Worship Banquet 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Young Adults 31 9:15 AM Quilting Summer Class 11:30 AM Rotary Luncheon 12:00 PM Thursday 6:30 PM Adult Bible Study 1 Summer Class 6:00 PM Scott Colbert / Brandy Bosta Rehearsal 7:30 PM Friday Night Group 2 4:00 PM Scott Colbert / Brandy Bosta Wedding Calendar subject to change Memorial Day Monday, May 28th. A short ceremony will be held at Bethany Cemetery, Sygan-Presto Road, around 9:00 a.m. followed by the parade at 10:00 beginning on Station Street, proceeding down Washington Avenue and going on to Melrose and Holy Child Cemeteries. Please come and show support not only for the town of Bridgeville but our country and the men and women who served and those who gave their lives. Let us remember them all.

8 Page 8 From your Interim CE Director... Barb Crawford Happy Spring there is beauty all around us and I absolutely love the birds that sing their beautiful song each morning and I actually think they may have something to do with my wake-up call whenever my windows are open and I do love it! God s creation never ceases to amaze me on a daily basis every second something changes and I wonder how much we really miss by not truly looking. We were blessed to have Will DeLair from Camp Crestfield visit us on Sunday, April 22 nd and excite the kids about church camp won t you encourage your children to attend one of the weeks at Crestfield or any of the Christian camps. It is experiences like these that help children enhance their walk with our Lord and also meet others from different areas and sometimes develop friendships that last a lifetime. Join us on the evening of Tuesday, May 8 th, as our Confirmation Class (9 th graders) led by Judi and Mark Wolstoncroft read their Statements of Faith your eyes and hearts will be opened as these youth talk about their walk with our Lord and Savior and what it means to them. Sunday, May 20 th we will be blessed when the youth of our church lead us in worship as we celebrate Youth Sunday. Let s show our support for our leaders of tomorrow by attending worship and encouraging them in all they do. Looking forward to the fall (and I really don t like to do that-summer is way too nice to think about fall), but anyway, we would like to see our adult Sunday school classes grow. As I am writing this I am thinking how wonderful it would be if possibly there could be a men s class or a women s class along with the co-ed classes we already have. What do you think? Would something like this encourage you to attend Sunday school? Are there topics that interest you that would make a great Sunday morning class? I whole heartedly encourage you to talk with me or any of the Discipleship Team (Mike Suchoza, Kim Hartnett, Tara Krieger) in person, by (discipleship@bethanypresby.org) or by telephone. Enjoy God s creation, each other and be sure and spend a little more time with our Lord. He s there for YOU and ME! Vacation Bible School week July 9 thru the 13th. Communion dates for 2012 May 6 June 24 August 5 September 9 (Fall schedule begins) October 7 (World Communion) December 2 (1st Sunday of Advent) Please call and speak to the pastor regarding children receiving Communion. Dates subject to change. Baptism dates for 2012 June 3 July 29 September 30 November 25 Please call the Church Office at and speak with Janet regarding dates for Baptism. Information will be passed on to the pastor.

9 Page 9 NEW MEMBERS CLASS Upcoming New Members Classes will be held June 3 and November 4, We look forward to personally meeting you. If you are interested in joining the Family of God here at Bethany please note this on the Fellowship Pad along with your name, address, phone number and or fill in the red card in the pew and drop it in the offering plate. Attention All Bethany Hackers: The date for the Annual Bethany Golf Outing is Saturday, June 23 rd at Fort Cherry Golf Club. Contact Ron Gastgeb ( ) for cost and to reserve your spot. A sit down dinner with prizes will follow the golfing. The golfer s hymn is There s a Green Hill Far Away. July 21-28, 2012 New Wilmington Mission Conference Register on line at: Jr. High, Sr. High, and Young Adult Delegates: Full Time Please remember, the deadline for the newsletter is the 15th of each month. Register by May 1: $340 Save $20 Early Bird Register May 2 - June 30: $360 Register after June 30: $380 Registration and scholarship forms available on the table Below are the names of those (known to us) involved in the armed services/reserves Updated 03/15/2012 Please keep these men and women in your prayers: Michael Avery Robin Aylor Heather Ayres Beattie Anthony Benini Bill Blosser Charles Buzzatto III Mark Cameron Aaron Cox Anthony Cersosimo Douglas Crabb Michael Daniels Jeff David Nicole David Justin Driskill Ryan Duffy Brian Ellis Kyle Ely Jason Fullmer Phil Gertz Joshua Griffin Joel Harr Karen Weber Harr Chris Harrison Michael Hayes Tim Heath Brian Irwin Dion Julian Bethany Kauffman Rich Kearns William N. Kennedy Krystina Litton Ryan Kelsey Richard Lawrence Justin Mack Michael Matthews Kelli Mitchell David Morgan Ian Murch Michael McFerron Thomas Olson John Petkovich Joey Puharic Matt Read Scott Reese John J. Ross Beatriz Sachek Nicholas Sachek Kyle Schaffner David Semgrad Ryan Squires Scott Squires Linden St. Clair Evan Steckle Ben Stern, Jr. Stanley Taylor Scott Vokoun Matt Weber

10 Page 10 A Voice for Malawi, Africa written by: Lisa Jo Colwell New President sworn into office in Malawi, Africa Romans 12:15 NIV Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. On Saturday, 4/7/2012, as due to protocol, the Malawian V.P. Joyce Banda was peacefully sworn into the office of presidency, in the capital of Lilongwe. She addressed a media conference with eloquence as according to the reports. President Banda openly invited the leading of the Holy Spirit into her press conference, and into her presidency. Beginning any new position with God welcomed, is always a good start to a new journey. The country is reacting well to the new president. President Joyce Banda has become Malawi's FIRST female president. This is news breaking in itself, in a land dominated by men. (Women still wear skirts in Malawi, except for a few of the younger women, bucking the system in the city of Blantyre). Please pray for the bereaved family of President Bingu Wa Mutharika, who died of a heart attack on Thursday, 4/5/2012. President Mutharika was rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe. The news of his death filtered out slowly, however, it was confirmed on Friday, 4/6/2012 by the media. There is a 10 day national mourning period. The neighboring Zambian government has donated 5 million litres of fuel to assist Malawi during the funeral ceremony. Please pray for a smooth transition of unity and peace in Malawi. This is so incredibly important. Thank you for these specific prayers. Rev. Kay Day has assured us that she is well, and not in any danger. I would of course request prayers for Rev. Kay s safety, as well as safety and a smooth transition for President Banda and the country of Malawi. Thank you for your continued concerns for our precious brothers and sisters in Malawi, Africa. Matt Fricker, Youth Director Bethany Youth Group (BYG) Hello Everyone, Well we are winding down the end of our year here at youth group. Do not worry though, we will have some awesome events in the summer. I would ask that everyone continue to pray for the youth going on the mission trips this summer. We are all really excited about the trips that are waiting for us. As we look at May we focus our minds towards worship. That's right, youth Sunday is May 20th at Bethany. If you are a youth between grades 6-12 please join us in leading worship. There are numerous ways in which you can help in worship from preaching to singing. I would also like to mention 2 awesome places for youth in the summer. The first is Crestfield Camp and Conference Center, it is a wonderful place for youth to have fun and grow in their faith. The other is New Wilmington Missionary Conference which is held at Westminster College and is for all ages! This place has an incredible hold on my heart and has helped lead me on the path I am now. I still have very strong relationships with the people I met there. Many of them live in other states or countries. Please let me know if you want any more information on either of these places and I would love to talk with you about them. Ah yes, there is 1 more thing to mention. If you are going into 6th grade next year then you can start junior high youth group this summer. The schedule will be out soon so be ready to join youth group and have the time of your life!!! Peace in Christ, Matt

11 Page 11 May 5, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch items available for purchase Set-up, Friday, May 4, :00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. SOME SUGGESTED ITEMS WANTED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS BABY ITEMS HOLIDAY ITEMS GOOD CLEAN CLOTHING DISHES JEWELRY WORKING ELECTRIC ITEMS CD S & DVD S LAMPS ITEMS NOT WANTED HANGING FLOWER BASKETS WILL BE SOLD COST: $20 EACH OR 2 FOR $35 MAGAZINES TEXTBOOKS ENCYCLOPEDIAS TIRES BROKEN ITEMS SHOES UNSALEABLE ITEMS LARGE PIECES OF FURNITURE Contact Lynne Suchoza at if you have questions or can help on Friday or Saturday. Tell all your friends about the sale and come and buy some neat things. Profits help support PW s missions. M a y B i r t h d a y s 05/01 James Smith 05/01 Sarah Schweitzer 05/02 Heather Bogdon 05/02 Amy Wolenski 05/02 Helena Brickner 05/02 Jackson Gullo 05/03 Nicholas Miller 05/04 Phyllis Matthews 05/05 Joseph Perkins 05/06 Natalie Walters 05/06 Brenda Woleslagle 05/06 John Maulsby 05/06 Rhonda Blosser 05/06 Annie Doty 05/06 Michael Buchta 05/08 Valeria Lorenzi 05/08 Tom Harold 05/08 Jody Romanelli 05/08 Jenna Foltz 05/09 Alex Harbison 05/10 Charles Johns 05/10 Shirley Skerl 05/10 Brandon Orosz 05/10 Paul DelConte 05/11 Roberta Gerstacker 05/11 Larry Gastgeb 05/11 Jacquelyn Nixon 05/11 Nicole Schweitzer 05/11 Kaycee Nelson 05/11 Anna Mae Naples 05/12 Alyssa Todd 05/13 Karen Talerico 05/13 Alyssa Lamberti 05/13 Brittany Lytle 05/14 Ral Warnock 05/14 Sandra Gastgeb 05/14 Amy Humble 05/15 Kirsten Rogers 05/15 Zach Patterson 05/15 Danielle Druchniak 05/15 Madison Kopach 05/16 Joan Franks 05/16 Colleen Heasley 05/16 Susan Nagy 05/16 Jordan Kopach 05/16 Hannah Patterson 05/17 Betty Yenchik 05/17 Dylan Nock 05/17 Maximillan Nagy 05/17 Kathryn Evans 05/18 Elaine London 05/18 Judy Vietmeier 05/18 Susan Witwicki 05/18 Angela Holzworth 05/19 Patricia Frye 05/19 Brooke Ley 05/19 Thomas Cimarolli 05/20 Joseph Szallar 05/20 David Verduci 05/21 Patricia Kirker 05/21 Linda Manzini 05/21 Ryan Kohler 05/21 Joelle Salerno 05/21 Ryann Griffiths 05/22 Faith Ruehle 05/22 Logan Smith 05/23 Christine Biery 05/24 Lynette Fink 05/24 Eric Lawlor 05/24 Melissa Mitri 05/24 Samantha Hartnett 05/25 Wendi Duffil 05/25 Ian Suppo 05/26 Peggy Walsh 05/26 Edmund Danziger 05/26 Peggy Bolam 05/27 Rebecca Findley 05/28 Ralph Arison 05/28 Robert Montagna 05/28 Luke Andruscik 05/28 Ashley Hebbert 05/29 Cindy Lamberti 05/29 Terri Berton 05/29 Jeff Wolstoncroft 05/29 Sara Sunderlin 05/29 Ellie Lesnett 05/29 Alivia Bogdon 05/30 James Pitts 05/31 Olga Miller 05/31 Laura Doyle

12 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 Bethany Church s Mission To trust in Jesus...love like Jesus...grow in Jesus...bring others to Jesus. Can You Help? Bone Marrow Screening and Replenishment Blood Drives are scheduled for seven year old, James Vokoun. James is the grandson of member Jean Roemer. Two drives are scheduled for James who needs a bone marrow match: Saturday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Concord Presbyterian Church at 1907 Brownsville Road in Carrick and Sunday, May 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church at 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville. Please schedule an appointment to donate blood at this drive by logging on to using sponsor code ZRTN0924 or call DONORS-1. Please join us as often as you can for worship and other activities and events. Call the Church Office at or visit the website at