A New Thing / Pastor Dan Baumgartner
Sometimes you just have to try something new. Stick your toe in the water. Move the right direction, and see what unfolds. And that’s what the Bethany community gets to do with a concept called “ByFor,” a project of former Bethanyite Lance Mansfield and Christian artist Michael Card. It includes an event, a product, Lent, a concept, mentoring, arts patronage and shared artistic license. We’ve never done it before. The most immediately visible pieces are a Lenten concert at Bethany and a CD, but there’s more to it...

WND Loaves & Fish/ Todd Holdridge
Remember what Jesus once did with five loaves and two fish (John 6:1-14)? It has happened again in the form of a financial gift given to the Wednesday Night Dinner (WND) miistry designated for housing support...

Lenten Small Groups/ Patti Holman
Certainly most of you have finished putting away all the Christmas decorations, and are getting used to writing "2008." Believe it or not, Lent is quickly approaching with Ash Wednesday on February 6. The GLACE team (Group Life and Adult Christian Education) is recommending two resources for smal group and individual study during this season...

Coming Full Circle / Mike and Katie Lucero
In 2004 my wife and I packed our bags, said goodbye to family and friends, and moved to Indonesia for two years. We experienced all the emotions you would expect; sadness, excitement, joy, hope, encouragement...

Children's Ministries

Children learn the best lessons when they're given a task and allowed to make their own choices (and fail) when the cost of failure is still small. Children's failures must be coupled with love and empathy from their parents and teachers.

Love and Logic is returning to Bethany! This class uses humor, hope and empathy to build up the adult/child relationship, emphasizes respect and dignity for both children and adults, provides real limits in a loving way, and teaches consequences and healthy decision-making. Offered Monday nights (January 14, 28, February 4, 11) from 7:30-8:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $10. Contact Holly (sulajune@yahoo.com) to register.

Session Notes

Bethany's elders met for their monthly meeting on December 11th in the parlor. Time was spent on the following noteworthy items:

• Tara Taylor led an extended worship time with singing and prayer
• Guest Jace Allen, director of the New Life Community, gave an update on his life-changing ministry to men in tough circumstances. Bethany has partnered with New Life through some funds remaining from the Food Bank ministry of years past. Session prayed over Jace and the ministry.
• Steve Jones gave a brief update on 2007 finances, and then led Session in an extended conversation on the 2008 budget. After discussing revisions to the November first draft, praying, making several changes and targeting some future topics to consider, Session unanimously agreed on a budget for 2008, a 5.5% increase over 2007. Budget to be presented at the Annual Meeting.
• Pastor Dan facilitated some good conversation on six "tough questions" facing the Church, and small groups weighed in on how these connected to Bethany's situation.
• Session called a congregational Annual Meeting for January 27 at 5:00 pm, a time of worship, meeting, and celebration supper.
• Everyone celebrated the hard work and great outcomes of two recent events at Bethany: The African Experience (HIV/AIDS exhibit) and Holiday Magic.

On the Calendar
see interactive calendar for complete listing

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

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

Choir Rehearsals
Wednesdays in January, 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

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

Kenya 2008 Trip Informational Meeting
Sat, Jan 12, 9:00 am & Sun, Jan 13, 12:30 pm in the Parlor

Love & Logic Class
Mondays, January 14 & 28, February 4 & 11 from 6:00-8:30 pm

Perspectives Class
Thursdays, January 10 - April 24, 6:30 pm at UPC
Co-hosted by Bethany

Annual Meeting
Sun, Jan 27, 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary
Worship, meeting & supper

Bethany 101
Gatherings for both groups:
Friday, Feb 1, 6:30-8:30 pm in the Parlor (potluck)
Sun, February 10, 12:30-2:00 pm in the Parlor (lunch with Pastor Dan)
Weekend Model
Sat, Feb 2, 9:30-2:30 pm in the Parlor
Sunday Morning Model
Sundays, Feb 3-24, 10:45 am-noon in the Fellowship Hall

Monastery of St Gertrude
May 7-11 in Cottonwood, Idaho
Take some time for a personal retreat.

News & Notes

Baptisms

• Emma Tjelle Layton December 23