You Have Seen the Pictures...

And You Know the Need...

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. --Psalm 46

As you know, a 7.0 earthquake hit the small island nation of Haiti which is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with more than half of the population living in extreme poverty. The nation was also ravaged by hurricanes and tropical storms in 2008.

Please pray for the Haitians, for the missing humanitarian workers and for the relief workers trying to get into Port au Prince. Bethany is working in partnership with United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Christian Alliance for Humanitarian Aid to respond to this disaster.

The following are some specific initial ways that you can help:

1. Pray for: - the missing - those waiting to be rescued - lives to be saved - relief teams entering Haiti - safety of all Haitians and relief workers - God's word, in light of this disaster, to spread throughout the island.

2. Donate health kits. Click here for detailed information about how to assemble a health kit.

3. Give monetary donations (checks payable to "Bethany" and marked "Haiti" in the memo line). Donations can be mailed to the Church office.

Classes and activities begin at 6:30 pm

This week's menu includes grilled pork chops, macaroni and cheese, steamed vegetables and dessert.

Children will enjoy chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese and dessert.

AND

You Will Not Want To Miss Session Two of

Curious about all the talk about Climate Change and Going Green?

This Prime Time class continues for the next three weeks from 6:30 until 7:30 pm in Room 42/43. This interactive discussion is facilitated by Tim Mock, Co-Chair of Houston Climate Protection Alliance. He will discuss what is meant by the terms we hear associated with global warming and will talk about some of the ways we can individually help our environment. You will not want to miss this informative class!

This year, Bethany will again participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring, which culminates on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7th. Last year, churches across the country collected over $10 million to help those in need in their local communities. All proceeds from Bethany’s program will go directly to Braes Interfaith Ministries. It is estimated that some 35,000 Houstonians go to bed hungry each night. Every dollar can make a difference in their lives!

Bethany UMC Small Group Ministry

Have you had the opportunity to sign up for one of the small groups yet?

Group leaders include: Dan Jones, Kristen Jones, Sally McKee, Jim & Marge Roberts, Bill & Laura Bailey, Don & Deanna Turney, Dave & Cindy Dinneen, Sally Brashear, Juby Varughese (Youth) and Cynthia Friday.

Contact the group leaders and/or the Church office to find out the details and to register.

As you might know, we just had to replace our 50 year old boiler which was a large and unanticipated expense. Any donations to help offset this expense are appreciated. Mark your check “boiler” in the memo line.

Lectionary Readings for Next Sunday

January 24, 2010

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

Luke 4:14-21

Men’s Prayer Breakfast: 6:30 am every Monday in the Fellowship Hall

Prayer Partners: 6:30 pm every Monday in the home of Harvey and Mary Phillips

Prayer Shawl Ministry: 6:30 pm every Wednesday in the Library

The Altar Guild: prepares the Sanctuary for worship services and special services

Ushers: assist at all worship and special services

Office Helpers: be available to fill in and assist in the office as needed

Local mission team: serves meals at local missions on selected dates

BIM: assist in BIM’s Resale and Consignment Shop or in the Garden

United Methodist Women: 10 am on the first Tuesday of every month

Bethany’s Music Ministry: Rehearsals every Thursday evening

Acolytes: Youth assistants in worship services

Worship A/V Team: learn to operate a video camera and/or create audio-visual media for worship services

Interested? Contact the Church office and we will put you in touch with the right person!

This Week's Birthdays

Linda Pau..................January 19

Dorothy Sattler...........January 20

Tori Fish......................January 22

Doris Caldwell............January 22

Dan Jones...................January 23

If you would like to view Bethany's calendar of upcoming activities, please click here!

Each week, Bethany has a list of individuals for whom we ask your thoughts, prayers and visitations. To view this week's list of Joys and Concerns, please click here!

If you would like to view past issues of This Week At Bethany, please click here!