At 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, all are encouraged to stand outside their homes, in the shopping center parking lot, at the McDonald’s drive-through … wherever! … and ring a bell to promote fellowship, peace and justice. If you come to the 5 p.m. Christmas Eve service, you can ring at Bethany and take home your own bell!
With the help of some dedicated volunteers, Bethany’s sanctuary was decorated Saturday, November 30, for Advent and Christmas.
Bethany’s popular “Winter Wander” nature walk returns one morning in January or February 2025. Cocoa, coffee and tea will be available "tailgate style.” Trails are wheelchair- and walker-accessible. Stay tuned for more details!
Have a few hours to spare? Come to Bethany on Monday, January 6, for a morning of creativity and inspiration. We’ll be decorating wooden stars to symbolize the start of the new year and the star that led people to find the newborn Jesus.
Presbyterian Women invite all to the January 9 Bible study gathering. The topic this session is kindness,. Come to the church library at 10 a.m. (9:30 for social time and refreshments). A Zoom link s available for those wishing to participate from home.
An afternoon of goodies and Scottish music takes place at Bethany Saturday, January 18. The event is hosted by Kilwinning Lodge #203 Daughters of Scotia, a local group whose members are of Scottish descent. The event starts at 1 p.m. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.) and ends around 4 p.m.
Here are just a few upcoming and recent services. Click here for more information about church services.
Elders Jackie Sneed and Cathy Sapunor will lead today’s worship service, which starts at 10:30 a.m. This is the last Sunday in 2024—we will experience something fun and different: an old-fashioned hymn sing. Come prepared with names of songs you’d like the congregation to sing and we’ll try to make everyone’s wishes come true!
Worship leader: Elder Jim Guida
Lturgists/Advent candle-lighters: Elder Joy Baird, Rev. Judy Davis, Elder Kathy Frank & Elder Jackie Sneed
Vocalists: Peter Baird, Lily Baird Young, Marilee Keene & Trisha Uhrhammer
Musicians: Peter Baird (guitar), Tavifa Isgandarov (piano), Manh Ong (guitar) & Sherry McHurd Hanson (viola)
Children’s Moment: Jim Guida & Tom Uhrhammer
Christmas Eve
CLICK “READ MORE” (BELOW) TO BE TAKEN TO THE VIDEO OF THE WORSHIP SERVICE.
A long process of prayerful and thoughtful consultation is coming to a conclusion at the beginning of 2025.
It is now time for the members to indicate their preference for a pathway to pursue—knowing that brothers and sisters in the presbytery stand with you in whatever choice is made.
As we have described in our December 15th presentation, and published in the summary document that you have seen, there are three pathways to choose from.
in our capacity as the Bethany Session we have called a congregational meeting for Sunday, January 12th,to meet in the sanctuary immediately following worship, for the purpose of determining the preference of Bethany members for one of the available pathways forward.
Last Sunday the Administrative Commission shared its findings and recommendations for the future of this beloved church fellowship.
Many had feared that the Presbytery intended to close the church, but the substance of the AC report was quite the opposite. While a variety of factors have contributed to the decline of the church over many years, and at this moment the church is not sustainable under present conditions, it is not necessary to close.
And, in fact, there is a model of how to be a vital small church. Churches adopting this model have made healthy changes by streamlining programs, simplifying operating systems, reducing property and financial burdens, and focusing on the aspects of ministry and mission that are manageable for very small groups of workers.
The Administrative Commission is approaching the conclusion of its collaboration with the leaders and members of Bethany Presbyterian Church.
Your partnership in the ongoing discernment process, and the friendships we have developed together mean a great deal to us, and we would like to share our hearts and thoughts and our upcoming Presbytery Report with you.
You are invited to join us in the fellowship hall immediately after worship on Sunday, December 15th to receive a summary of our final report.
Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Bethany presents an online worship service. Log on to Facebook at about 10:20 a.m. for beautiful music.
ONLINE GIVING IS AVAILABLE—AND MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER, now that we are not gathering weekly with the traditional offering plate being passed.
Bethany has a form for you to fill out with caregiver and emergency contact information. When you send it in, we will be able to know how to reach you in case of emergency.
This coming Monday—December 30—Bethany family and friends are invited to experience the acclaimed film "Wicked" ... again! This time, we'll be viewing the sing-along version. Clear your throat and get ready to belt out your favorite musical numbers. The lyrics will appear on the screen, making this easy and fun. We'll meet at 12 noon in the lobby at the Cinemark Century Laguna Theater, 9349 Big Horn Blvd., Elk Grove. The film starts 12:15 p.m. We’ve seen varying ticket prices; be prepared to pay anywhere from $7.50-$10 for your ticket. No need to RSVP; just show up!
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