A Long Obedience / Pastor Dan Baumgartner
In 2005 I went on sabbatical and was able to spend time with several people who have mentored me in both life and ministry, including Dr. Dale Bruner. I learned a number of important lessons during that time...

Discerning the Spirit's Leading: Bethany Session Hard at Work by Pastor Dan Baumgartner
The first day, the very first day I was in my office as Senior Pastor at Bethany back in 1999, someone asked the questions: “What’s your 5-year vision for Bethany, do you have a 10-year plan in hand?”

Wednesday Night Dinner / Matt Royston
I generally do not like surprises. Perhaps it has to do with an ingrained desire to systematize and standardize things so that I know exactly what will happen, and when. Being able to predict and understand future outcomes gives me a sense of control and comfort.

Just Before Christmas / Gary and Maxine Talbert
Just before Christmas 2003, a family in Kenya bought a sheep to fatten up. The ‘mama of the house’ had received a phone call from her daughter (our friend) in America saying that guests from Seattle would be visiting the following summer. She was so excited, she told her daughter, “I am going to buy the sheep today!”

Serve the Campus, Change the World / Yasmin Ravard-Andresen
I studied theatre at the University of Oregon and
led with our InterVarsity chapter as a worship and bible study leader. I grew in faith so rapidly within our community and felt so inspired by the whole InterVarsity movement, I came on staff upon graduation.

Exploring Adoption / Linda Cutshall
Adopting a child is a joyful, yet intimidating experience. And the process usually involves working through grief.

Children's Ministries
Dianne Ross will be taking a sabbatical from October 1 - December 31. During her absence, contact:

• Holly Royston, Children's Ministries Assistant
• Sara McMahon, Nursery Director
• Christy Mansfield, Children's Ministry elder
• Julia Sensenbrenner, Children's Ministry elder

Session Notes
The elders and staff of Bethany's Session met October 9. Their time included:

• prayer over Bethany people and ministries
• a welcome to Jill Bell as the new Elder for Prayer Ministries
• discussion on the financial update: $81,000 deficit; usual for the time of year, but higher than normal. Also received instruction on the preparation process for the 2008 budget
• Jacque Ives led a time of sitting with scripture through Lectio Divina
• Session met for one hour with Bethany's deacons. After some introductions, everyone headed to the sanctuary. Pastor Dan and Linda Cutshall talked about serving the Lord's Supper and praying with folks in Sunday worship time. Elders, staff and deacons then anointed members of Bethany's Healing Prayer team for their important ministry
• Session approved a final version of the Statements of Purpose and Direction
• Justin Glessner, inquirer under Bethany's care in the PC(USA) ordination process, was interviewed and approved to move to candidacy
• a full night. and a good night!

On the Calendar
see interactive calendar for complete listing

Healing Prayer
1st & 3rd Sundays in October, 5:00 pm
By appointment (284-2222, ext 35)

Bethany Children's Choir
Tuesdays in November, 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall

Advent Choir Rehearsals
Wednesdays in November, 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary
singing on Dec 2, 9, 23 and Christmas Eve

Alpha Course
Thursdays November 1-15, 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall

College Age Fellowship
Sundays in November, 6:30 pm in 7 Howe

Honduras Mission Trip
Sun-Tues, Nov 9-18 in Honduras

Exploring Theology
Last Things: The Fulfillment
Sat, Nov 10, 9:00 am in the Parlor
Led by Pastor Dan Baumgartner

Soup & Bread
Sun, Nov 11, 12:30 pm at Bethany homes; 6:15 pm in the Fellowship Hall

60+ Luncheon
Thurs, Nov 15, 12:00 pm on the 10th floor of Bayview Manor

Read Good Books
Simply Christian
Sunday, Nov 18, 12:15 pm in the Parlor
Simply Christian, by N.T. Wright tackles difficult questions of human existence and faith in God.

WND Thanksgiving Dinner
Wed, Nov 21, 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall

Thanksgiving Worship
Thurs, Nov 22, 10:00 am in the sanctuary

60+ Event: A Christmas Carol
Wed, Nov 28, 2:00 pm at Taproot Theater

Advent Events

Advent Carol Service
Sun, Dec 2, 5 pm in the Sanctuary

Holiday Magic
Fri, Dec 7, 6 pm on QA Ave & at Bethany
Tree lighting is at 6 pm on the front lawn, followed until 8 pm with food, music & activities

Deacons' Christmas Party
Sat, Dec 7, 7 pm in the Parlor

Christmas Reception
Sun, Dec 16, 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall

Sunday Before Christmas
Sun, Dec 23 at 9 & 10:45 am and 5 pm in the Sanctuary
Our normal communion services, but with more music.

Christmas Eve Services
Sun, Dec 24 at 5, 8 & 11 pm in the Sanctuary

News & Notes

Births

• Rachel Vida Nelson September 17
• Katherine Leigh Fitzpatrick September 23

Baptisms

• William David Baxter
• Abigail Rose Harding