Monthly Newsletter for Bethany United Methodist Church • Madison, WI • Vol. 52, No. 3 • March 2018

A few changes this year for the Bethany Rummage Sale!

First, the proceeds from the sale will be donated to The Playing Field this year. Second, Laurie Swimm, who has done an incredible

job of managing the rummage sale for the past 7 years, is turning over the reins to Flora Flygt, who needs all the help you can give!

Some things haven’t changed:

Please

DONATE your gently used/unwanted items: bicycles, clothing, furniture, electronics, linens,

kitchen utensils, tools, craft and sewing supplies, toys, books, jewelry—whatever you have, ex-

cept NO LARGE APPLIANCES, PETS, TVs, COMPUTERS, CHILD CAR SEATS OR MATTRESSES.

We also need brown grocery bags for the bag sale! If you have large items that you would like

picked up email Flora Flygt (fpflygt1@winning.com) or call the Church Office (238-6381).

These items will be picked up the week of April 1st to April 6th. Items can also be dropped off

at the church that same week where workers will be on site to help you unload items.

VOLUNTEER to help set up for the sale on April 1st to April 6th, or work on the day of the sale, April 7th!

COME to the sale and find some great bargains!

Contact Flora Flygt (fpflygt1@winning.com or 608-238-9949) to volunteer, to arrange for a large item pick-up, or if you have any

questions.

All proceeds go to The Playing Field, an independent non-profit early childhood education center which rents space inside Bethany

UMC and is considered by Bethany to be one our missions. The Playing Field cares for and educates children experiencing homeless-

ness alongside children from more advantaged backgrounds.

We really appreciate your support of the rummage sale and The Playing Field. Thank you!

SATURDAY, APRIL 7TH

7:00AM — 2:00PM

NOON — BAG SALE

8th Annual

ALL CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE Saturday, April 7th ~ 7:00 am — 2:00 pm

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I often hear people ask, “Are there additional

ways that we can support the work of the Playing

Field? As you probably know, the Playing Field is

a preschool that opened in our building about

three years ago. While it is an independent or-

ganization that technically just rents space from

the church, we have supported the mission of the

Playing Field in many ways. At least half of the

children come from underprivileged circumstances, many of them

homeless, and so the availability of quality preschool education is a

tremendous boost for their lives.

We already support the Playing Field in numerous ways – in fact

it is our largest outreach project. Here are some of those ways:

Discounted rent – We provide about 5000 square feet of space,

including six classrooms, two offices, two laundry rooms, a

commercial kitchen, and more. At market rates, this would

cost the Playing Field about $98,000 per year anyplace else.

But we charged just $36,000 in rent last year.

Operating costs – While a landlord typically is responsible for

the basic maintenance of a building, the tenant usually pays

for most operational costs including utilities. But Bethany

last year paid about $40,000 in operational costs benefiting

the Playing Field, including all utilities, custodial care, extra

insurance, paper supplies, and office printing.

Programming support – Our program staff has provided lots of

guidance and support to the Playing Field. Tom Popp in

particular has spent about one third of his time helping the

Playing Field to get organized. This alone has been an an-

nual staffing investment of more than $5,000 by Bethany.

Tom has been a tremendous help, for instance in connect-

ing them with many donors and grant-sources in the com-

munity. The Playing Field’s board recently elected Tom as

their chair, in recognition of what an excellent resource he

is. (In addition to his staff time, Tom is volunteering many

hours there.)

Gifts, Fundraisers, and Grants – In 2017, Bethany fundraisers

and donations benefiting the Playing Field totaled more

than $19,000. In addition, we provided more than $10,000

in grants from our Nuzum-Bird endowment fund.

So, altogether, Bethany provided at least $136,000 in support to the

Playing Field in 2017. When you consider that Bethany’s total op-

erating budget was $528,000, you can see that a substantial portion

of our work is in support of this vital outreach to our community.

But, we can always do more. There are so many children and fami-

lies in need, and so your support of Bethany’s work with the Play-

ing Field is greatly appreciated!

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Greg

How Much Support Do We Give to the Playing Field?

Meet the Site Director

Michelle Henner is the site director of The Playing Field. She and Abbi Kruse, the executive director, work

together to keep the place running smoothly.

After getting her bachelor’s degree in education from Edgewood College, Michelle

knew she wanted to work with kids but wasn’t sure just what form that might

take. Her journey included a trip to Thailand, then being back in Madison volun-

teering at Luke House serving meals, then finding employment at a for-profit

childcare center. After all of that Michelle came to realize that working in early childhood education was definitely

her passion, and she soon became a teacher and then an assistant site director. When the opportunity opened up

at The Playing Field to be our site director, Abbi hired her immediately, and she’s been here ever since.

“I love the relationship-building with the parents,” Michelle says. “Abbi hired me because she needed somebody

to be the heart” of the place, “and she knew I’d be the heart.” Michelle values being involved in something great-

er than herself, and the school family of The Playing Field fills that bill for her and her children. Her four-year-old son and eight-month-old

daughter both are enrolled at The Playing Field.

What would Michelle like most from members of Bethany? She loves having Bethany members attend Family Fun Nights, where they have

a chance to meet both the parents and kids from The Playing Field. These get togethers mean a lot to everyone who attends. Family Fun

Nights are held most months — watch the e-Banner and/or Bulletin for the next one. It is held right here in Bethany’s Fellowship Hall.

We are blessed to have Michelle at The Playing Field, one of the dedicated, caring staff. The partnership with Bethany benefits her, the kids,

and all of us.

PASTOR’S COLUMN

Sundays: 10:00 am — 11:00 am During the 10 am — 11 am hour on Sunday mornings there will be many opportunities for you to learn, grow and be in community with oth-

ers. If you have a suggestion for a forum, class, or small group for the Adult Enrichment Hour, let Tom Popp or the Church Office know.

Coffee will be available in Room 228 for all forums

March 4 Happy Birthday to You!

We’ll be wishing people with birthdays from January through April a “Happy Birthday” with some cake and a party. If you have a

birthday in any of these months, we will be celebrating it on March 4th at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited to

come eat birthday cake and sing happy birthday. We want to be able to celebrate everyone’s birthday! If you will not be able to

attend, but have a birthday in the aforementioned months, please contact the church office.

March 11 A Journey of Acceptance presented by Joanne Lee

Joanne Lee will present the story of her acceptance of the gender identity of her sons — acceptance of them as transgender. It was

a journey through a land which for her had no cultural landmarks, but a journey through which she came to find again her faith in

God. Joanne is a former member of Bethany (when they lived in the neighborhood), and she looks forward to sharing her story

with us.

March 18 The Heroin Epidemic presented by AJ Ernst

March 25 Palm Sunday

Join us for the first “Fourth Sunday Breakfast” on Palm Sunday sponsored by the Membership Team. We’ll be serving up assorted

fruits, pastries, bagels, and mini quiches along with coffee and juice. All are welcome from 8:30 am until 11:00 am. Then, in up-

coming months, each 4th Sunday there’ll be new surprises you won’t want to miss.

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ADULT ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

March 25 – Palm Sunday (8:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am)

The children will have a palm parade at all three services and the Children’s Choir and Children’s Bells will perform at the 9:00 am and

11:00 am services.

Between 8:30 am and 11:00 am come to Fellowship Hall for the first “Fourth Sunday Breakfast” (see above).

March 29 – Holy Thursday (7:00 pm)

We will gather in the Sanctuary for a meal at tables of 12 to reenact the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. The Bethany Carillons and

Chancel Choir will perform.

March 30 – Good Friday Prayer Vigil (Noon to 3:00 pm)

The sanctuary will be draped in black during the hours of the cross. Come anytime during those three hours for a time of reflection on

Christ's loving sacrifice. A meditation guide will provide prayers and scripture.

April 1 – Easter (8:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am)

Our Praise Song and Chancel Choirs will be performing Lead Me to the Cross by David Clydesdale at both 9:00 am and 11:00 am. There

were many roads that led to Easter: a palm-lined street, a long dirt road up to Calvary, and finally a passageway that led from a garden

tomb into a morning that would light the entire world. This Easter, reflect on the journey Christ took to give us freedom and unending

grace.

Holy Week at Bethany

SUSANNA CIRCLE

Susanna Circle (United Methodist Women) will meet on Wednesday,

March 7, 2018 at 1 PM at the home of Ann Sowaske. Ann lives at 6720

Century Ave, #317 in Middleton. Call Ann at 203-5392 if you have

questions or need directions. All church women are welcome.

UMW CRAFTERS

The next meeting of UMW Crafters is Monday, March 12th at 1:00 PM

at the home of Ann Sowaske at 6720 Century Avenue #317, Middle-

ton. We welcome anyone to attend. If you are interested, please call

Eileen Rech at 271-6312.

AGAPE

Agape will meet Wednesday, March 14th at 6pm in room 228. Our

program will be our annual book discussion. Come to suggest a favor-

ite book and maybe a synopsis of the book. Hostess will be Wanda

Bartz & Kathy Nelson. All women of the church are welcome.

PRIME TIMERS

Have you ever felt like you wanted to run away to a desert island? Our

own Tom Popp actually did this and will share his experience at Prime

Timers on Saturday March 17th. Come join us that night to find out

why/how he did this, and what he learned. We will have our usual

potluck at 6 PM, followed by the program. All are welcome. Call

Kathy Nelson (233-1146) if you have questions.

BOOK BROWSERS

Book Browsers will meet on Tuesday, March 20th at 9:30 AM in the

library. Kathy Nelson will review the book Susanna Wesley by Arnold

Dallimore. Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley,

was an intelligent and strong-willed woman who suffered much in the

male-dominated world as she prepared her children to succeed in it.

She persevered despite debt, loss of children, a haunted house and

many other obstacles. Come hear about her fascinating history.

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP

The Food and Fellowship luncheon will be held at 11:30 on Wednes-

day, March 21 at the Pancake Cafe on Nesbitt Road. Call hostess Sally

Gaard (271-5679) if you didn't sign up in Feb. to reserve a spot. Eve-

ryone is welcome.

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED will be meeting on Friday, March 2nd at

the First Baptist Church located at 518 North Franklin Ave. This will be

the WORLD DAY OF PRAYER. The theme is Reaching for Wholeness

in Harmony with God's People. We will begin at 9:00 am with refresh-

ments, fellowship, and announcements. The celebration will start at

10:00. The celebration's scripture is Romans 12:18. Being whole re-

quires feeling safe, cared for, valued & connected within our local com-

munity & the larger world. With these aspects present, there is the

possibility of harmony. Questions can be answered by Gloria Carter,

608-849-7589 or carter53597@tds.net.

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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

Save the Date

April 21 — 22, 2018: Men’s Retreat to Pine Lake. All Bethany

men and their sons are invited to gather at the Rader Retreat

Center at Pine Lake. The

focus of discussions will be

spiritual needs — how we

can feed ourselves and

Bethany and Social Justice

roots in Methodism and

current focus issues. Talks will be led by Bethany members.

There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy all that Pine Lake has to

offer: hiking, games, canoeing, etc. Join us for a fun-filled and

enriching weekend. Details coming in the April Banner and in

upcoming e-Banners. Reservations can be made through the

Church Office (238-6381).

MEMBER CARE

Our Prayers and Sympathies are with…

Sue Coats and her family whose sister, Candace (Candy) Coats-Corey, died on Friday, January 26th

BUS TRIP TO FIRESIDE THEATER

Join the group now forming for our 1:30 pm departure on May 6 (from the Bethany Parking Lot) to The Fireside Dinner Theatre to see 42nd

Street, a Musical. You'll enjoy a complete sit-down dinner at 3:00 pm followed by the 5:00 pm performance of 42nd Street. The Fireside al-

ways puts on a great meal and an excellent show you'll surely enjoy. We should

return to Bethany Parking Lot between 8 - 8:30 pm.

The cost per person is $100.00** and includes Badger Bus Coach transportation,

dinner, a ticket to the show and all gratuities including our bus driver. Reserva-

tion deadline is April 5. Get your reservation form, available in the Narthex, in

the mail soon along with your check.

Hope to hear from you soon. This trip is open to your friends and neighbors, not

just Bethany members or churchgoers. Invite someone to attend with you. Have

questions or need a reservation form e-mailed or mailed to you, contact , Glenn

Kramer at 608-320-4535 or email gkramer40@gmail.com.

**See the flyers now available in the Narthex to see how you might be getting a partial refund day of the trip providing we have at least 30

people signed up. There is a minimum of 25 people needed to cover all costs. Should we come up short, we'll attempt to find drivers for per-

sonal cars to make the trip without the bus at a lesser price overall, but including compensation for drivers.

MADISON READING PROJECT - THANK YOU

Books donated to The Madison Reading Project (madisonreadingproject.com) are used in their literacy programs and to help share reading

excitement and book ownership with local children in need. Cash donations are used to purchase children’s books in Spanish, Bi-Lingual

books and books featuring children who are Hispanic or African American as the main characters. As a result of Bethany’s recent book drive,

we delivered 165 books and donated $80 to the project. The Outreach Team thanks you for your generous support!

NEW IN THE LIBRARY

The Bethany UMW, in memory of Beth Dvorak, has added a book to the library, When Breath Becomes Air: What Makes Life Worth Living in

the Face of Death, by Paul Kalanithi. It is a part of the UMW Reading Program, "Nurturing for Community."

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS — MARCH

Count Your Blessings for the Playing Field! For the month of March PLEASE count all these items in your home: pins, both safety pins and

straight pins, and all needles- sewing needles, knitting needles, etc. Donate 1 cent each for every item in an envelope labeled Count Your

Blessings. Envelopes are available at the Info Desk in the narthex every Sunday morning and upstairs on the Sunday School bulletin board. So

far donations have been for January (shoes and boots @ 5 cents per pair) and for February (coats, jackets, etc. for 10 cents each). All dona-

tions will benefit The Playing Field.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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CONFIRMATION RETREAT

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CONFIRMATION RETREAT

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BETHANY NEWS

Sunday School Teacher Luncheon

Pictured left to right:

1st Row: Katie Haack, Martha Reck, Jessica Crombie,

Alice Yuroff, Carolyn Voter

2nd Row: Todd Reck, Melissa Jacobson, Wanda

Bartz, Matthew Mayeshiba, Gail Steinhorst,

Kerry Jewison, Tom Doran, Lisa Weaver, Kathy

Doran, Nancy Gloe

Not pictured: Heather Renken, Jeff & Tanya Iverson

See the write up on Page 10.

Mike Bartz, Betsy & Eileen Dunne,

and Wanda Bartz enjoying warm(ish)

weather in Florida at Bayou Joe’s.

Sunday School is always a fun time

Bethany Family Game

Nights — a great time

for children of all ages.

Although January 14th was a cold wintry day, inside Bethany Church

the focus was on peace! Planned by Bethany’s Peace Fellowship,

our theme for the day was “Seeking Justice in Our Criminal Justice

System.”

During the children’s message segment at the 9:00 worship service,

Pastor Greg talked

to the children

about socks that

had been donated

for homeless peo-

ple. Then he and

Lisa Weaver led

them on a climb

up “Peace Sock

Mountain”.

During the forum hour, participants learned about the background

and membership of the Peace Fellowship. Then together, we came up

with a list of nearly 20 peace issues about which we are concerned.

The Peace Fellowship will meet soon to discuss possible actions for

Bethany to take in response to one of more of the issues.

During the 11:00 worship service, the chancel choir sang a beautiful

and meaningful anthem, My Dream: A Vision of Peace, composed by

our Director of Music, Taras Nahirniak.

Another highlight of the day happened at all three services when our

guest, Frank Davis, spoke on Transforming Our Community. He told

about being a straight-A high school student, getting involved with

the wrong crowd, dropping out of school, and at age 17, being sen-

tenced to 20 years in prison. Over the years, Frank grew as a person

as he coped with many difficult situations while in prison and after

being released. At present, Frank is employed as the organizer for

MOSES (Madison Organizing in Strength, Equality and Solidarity), an

interfaith organization with Bethany as one of its supporting congre-

gations.

The purpose of MOSES is to take action on social justice issues which

at this time is a focus on the problems of mass incarceration in Wis-

consin. An issue currently being highlighted by MOSES is about Ex-

cessive Parole Revocation in Wisconsin, in which persons on proba-

tion can be sent back to prison for many months for even very trivial

violations of parole rules. It unfairly affects persons of color.

During the past few years, leaders in MOSES have forged good rela-

tionships with Dane County supervisors and other lawmakers and

were an influence in the recent decisions about plans for the new

county jail. Also, in January a MOSES group was successful in having

a resolution for TAD funding unanimously passed by the County

Board of Supervisors. TAD is a program advocating treatment alterna-

tives & diversions instead of prison for offenders. Studies show that

treatment of conditions and diversions to community programs are

more effective than incarceration in reducing crime and recidivism,

and less costly.

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OUTREACH NEWS Simple Gifts for March — “UMCOR Hygiene Kits”

Simple Gifts for March (loose coins in the offering plates, and donations by cash or check in mission envelopes) will benefit the United Meth-

odist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) by purchasing and assembling Hygiene Kits.

These kits, which were formally referred to as Health Kits, are created as a way to provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to

leave their homes because of natural disaster or human conflict. Hygiene Kits are also

used as learning tools in personal hygiene, literacy, nutrition and cooking classes.

The simple gifts collected from the Bethany family will provide financial backing to

buy the supplies that are included in each kit, which contains a hand towel, washcloth,

comb, nail clippers, bath soap, bandages, plastic bag, toothbrush and $1 to purchase

toothpaste.

To learn more about UMCOR Relief Supply Kits, including the Hygiene Kits, visit:

http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies.

In addition, there will also be a Special Sundays collection on March 25 in support of

UMCOR Sunday. Over the course of 2018, Bethany will participate in several special offering Sundays sponsored by the broader United Meth-

odist Church. Previously known as One Great Hour of Sharing, UMCOR Sunday enables the United Methodist Committee on Relief to reach

out through worldwide ministries of food, shelter, health and peace.

Please consider giving generously as your gifts will make a difference in real and relevant ways.

April Simple Gifts: Easter Sunday – Africa University; April 8, 15, 22, 29 – Mujila Falls Agriculture Center in Zambia.

PEACE SUNDAY REPORT

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Children in the K-2 Sunday School class made pillows depicting 3 stories from the life of Jesus:

Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River (Mark 1:9-11)

Jesus saying, “Let the children come to me” (Matthew 19:13-15)

Feeding of the 5000, with loaves and fishes (John 6:1-15)

The pillows are made out of felt and flannel, and children used needle-and-thread to attach the symbols. Lisa also provided supplies and direc-

tions for pillows at the January Family Game Night, and will make this opportunity available again at the March 10 Family Game Night from

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. All ages (adults included!) are welcome to come make a pillow. No previous sewing experience necessary.

THANK YOU to Sunday School teachers & helpers

On January 28, the preschool through 5th grade Sunday School teachers and helpers gathered for a luncheon in Fellowship Hall. Conversa-

tion and a meal was enjoyed around tables prior to gathering in a circle to share experiences, ideas and information. Bethany is blessed to

have such a wonderful group of caring adults, dedicated to the faith development and nurture of our children. The luncheon was coordinated

by Lisa and served as an Annual Training for Children’s Ministries volunteers, as a part of the Bethany Safe Sanctuary policy.

Children’s Check-in Station

Remember to use the Check-in computers in the lobby, prior to your child attending Sunday School or going to the nursery room. While

there, take a look at the digital announcements screen and Children’s Ministries bulletin board which often include photos of past events.

Children’s News For Children’s Ministry information, contact Lisa Weaver, Director of Children’s Ministries

Phone: (608) 238-6381 / Email: childrensministries@bethanymadison.org

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A LOOK AT OUR FAITHFULNESS Sunday, Jan. 28

8 am ..................... 27

9 am ..................... 82

11 am ................... 62

Total .................. 171

Sunday, Feb. 4

8 am ..................... 17

9 am ..................... 67

11 am ................... 54

Total .................. 138

Sunday, Feb. 11

8 am ...................... 16

9 am ...................... 65

11 am.................... 57

Total .................. 138

Sunday, Feb. 18

8 am ..................... 22

9 am ..................... 57

11 am ................... 63

Total ...................142

March Youth Group Schedule

March 4 9:00 Worship 10:00 Youth Groups 11:00 Confirmation

March 11 9:00 Worship 10:00 Youth Groups 11:00 Confirmation 12:00 Childcare Training

March 18 9:00 Worship 10:00 Youth Groups 11:00 Confirmation

March 25 9:00 Worship 10:00 youth Groups 11:00 NO CONFIRMATION

Chili Cook Off

Thank You to all who made the Chili Cook Off a success! We brought in a total of _?_ to help with the high school mission trip to Ten-

nessee this summer with Appalachia Service Project!

Wing Night

Wing Night schedule is being altered to every OTHER month. We will meet next time on APRIL 18th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The

reason for the change is that attendance was getting lower, and schedule conflicts were arising. Hopefully, this will allow more students

to be able to attend.

Help Needed

Community Gardens will also need some help this spring and summer, and I would like to lead the youth in helping out with that pro-

ject as well. There will be signup sheets available, and some of the adults who wish to go along and chaperones will be on hand as well.

Please help with this important project!

We are looking forward to working with Habitat for Humanity this spring! There will be some opportunities set aside for youth to help

with landscaping and possibly some other projects this spring as the Apostle Build is completed. Keep your eyes open for upcoming

news about a chance to get some new skills!

Confirmation Class

NO CONFIRMATION CLASSES on Palm Sunday, March 25th and Easter Sunday, April 1st. Classes resume on Sunday, April 8th at

11:00 am.

Confirmation Students are working on memorization of the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed. Can you recite these without con-

sulting the hymnal? It’s not as easy as you would think! Help by listening to a confirmand with their memorization. Practice makes

perfect!

Youth News For Youth Ministry information, contact: Brigit Parlow, Director of Youth Ministries

Phone: (608) 238-6381 / Email: youthdirector@bethanymadison.org

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

MADISON, WISCONSIN

PERMIT 803

Information Office Hours: 8 am - 2:30 pm

Church Office: (608) 238-6381

Email: bethanyoffice@bethanymadison.org

Website: www.bethanymadison.org

Regular Worship Schedule Traditional Worship 8 am

Contemporary Worship 9 am

Faithlink Adult Discussion Class 9 am

Sunday School 9 am

Adult Enrichment Hour & Additional

Children’s & Youth Programming 10 am

Traditional Worship 11 am

Staff Lead Pastor ......................................................................................... Greg Jewison Pastor of Visitation ............................................................................. Brad Mather Director of Children’s Ministries ......................................................... Lisa Weaver Director of Youth Ministries .............................................................. Brigit Parlow Director of Church Life .......................................................................... Tom Popp Global Mission Partners .............Ardell & Gordon Graner, Dominican Republic ......................................................................................... Paul Webster, Zambia Director of Music ........................................................................... Taras Nahirniak Organist .............................................................................................. Sue Poullette Director of Bell Choirs ..................................................................... Nick Bonaccio Director of Children & Youth Choirs ............................................. Lori Nahirniak Office Administrator ............................................................................... Carl White Membership Secretary ........................................................................ Betsy Dunne Financial Secretary ....................................................................... Sandra Arrington Treasurer ..........................................................................................Steven Webster Facilities Manager ............................................................................ Walt Holthaus Custodians ........................................................................................... Ron Rebholz ........................................................................................Jose & Teresa DeHoyos Church Phone ................................................................................ (608) 238-6381 Church Fax ..................................................................................... (608) 238-6451 Church Office Email ................................... bethanyoffice@bethanymadison.org Website ......................................................................... www.bethanymadison.org Prayer Chain .................................................................. Kristi Baker or the Pastor

Bulletin Deadline : Mondays at Noon

E-Banner Deadline: Wednesdays at Noon

Banner Deadline for the April Issue: March 12

Banner Assembly Mary Blasdel . Gerry Cotter . Judy Cox . Betsy Dunne . Eileen Dunne

Sally Gaard . Vada Mayfield . Kathy Nelson

Gail Steinhorst . Donna Wold