There is a classic seasonal story that has circulated in newsletters for years, but I think it needs repeating,

so we may remember and learn its lessons.

See those geese flying south for the winter. They have a message for us here at Bethany. Science has dis-

covered that they fly in a ‘V’ formation for particular scientific reasons.

1. As each bird flaps its wings it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. So by flying in a

‘V’ formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 % greater flying range than if each bird flew on its

own.

Lesson: Are you flying in formation at Bethany Presbyterian?

2. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance it takes to go it

alone, so it quickly gets back into formation.

Lesson: There’s no such thing as a Christian without the church, the body of Christ.

3. When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the ‘V’ and another goose fills in as point.

Lesson: Rotating leadership prevents burnout.

4. The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to

keep up their speed.

Lesson: We all need encouragement.

What kind of honking do you do?

5. When a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, two geese fall out of formation and follow him

down to assist him and stay until he is either able to fly or dies.

Lesson: If people knew we would stand by them like that in the church, they would push down the

walls to get in.

So all we have to do to attract those who are missing from our church is to demonstrate to the world that

we have as much sense as a goose! But over the years I’ve had this feeling that instead of being ‘fishers

of men’ as Jesus commanded we, in the Church, are becoming keepers of an ever shrinking aquarium.

Mt. 4:19

Let’s buck the trend and keep flying the friendly skies here at Bethany!

Honkingly yours - see ya’ in church, Rick Vogeley

“Lessons From the Geese”

Committee Meetings:

Property Tuesday, October 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Outreach Tuesday, October 1 at 7 p.m.

Deacons Wednesday, October 2 at 6:30

p.m.

Christian Education Wednesday, October

2 at 7:00 p.m.

Member Involvement Tuesday, October 8

at 7:00 p.m.

Worship & Memorials Tuesday, October 8

at 7 p.m.

SESSION Tuesday, October 24th 7 p.m.

A Special Thank You

Prayer Ministry 2

Bethany Women 3

Thankoffering Sunday November 24th

Fun & Fellowship for October 4

Adult Sunday School for the Fall

Loaves & Fishes Donations Needed 5

Children’s Ministries 6

October Calendar 7

The Senior Luncheon October 30th Back

Cover

Inside this issue:

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Volume 10, Issue 10

October 2013

V OLU ME 1 0, IS SU E 10 Page 2

October 6, 2013 10 a.m.

This year Grove City College has invited Rev. Vogeley (class of ’68) to speak at their Homecoming week-end Sunday morning worship service.

Rick is a native of Pittsburgh, PA. He received his B.A. Degree from Grove City College, PA in 1968, and his Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, KY in 1971. He was ordained to full time ministry at his home church, Hebron Presbyterian, Pgh., PA in 1971. He went on to earn a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Luther Rice Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA in 1979. Bethany Presbyterian has been blessed that he has returned to Western PA to be our interim pastor.

If you wish to attend the Homecoming worship service, it is open to the community and will be held in

Harbison Chapel on the Grove City College Campus.

Grove City College Homecoming Worship

A Special Thank You

Dear Friends of Bethany Church,

My Family and I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you. All your support, care, prayers, friendship during the most

difficult time in our lives. All the incredible thoughts, prayers, love etc. helped us as a family endure those long nights and days. The many calls, visits or just knowing that we were in your thoughts helped the days to become bearable.

Larry would always keep us with our faith during this whole disease. He even told me and I will always remember this “Tracy we are in this journey together with God we will be ok.” Larry even had a saying “Everyday is a good day! It

doesn't matter it’s a good day.” Danny, Emily and I and many friends and family are relaxed knowing that Larry is now

in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior. We will miss him greatly! Like this quote and I think of Larry when I write it “Larry fought the battle of his life—Larry won the battle.”

Thanks again God Bless you all!

Tracy, Danny, Emily and Family

From Sue’s Desk Grief Recovery Classes Starting this Fall

Linda Munnell and Judy Thompson will be the facilitators of a Grief Recovery Bible Study by Christianity Today. We all know that grieving is very hard. It also takes a very long time. It has a way of sneaking up on us and overwhelming us

when we least expect it. During our time together, we will be relating to and comforting one another as we experience how, by the grace of God, we can rebuild our lives. The eight sessions will be held on Monday evenings, October 7 –

November 25, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Register by calling the church office by Friday, October 4. For more informa-

tion, please talk with Linda. You are not alone on your journey - we hope to see you there.

Women’s Bible Study – “The Law of Love: Lessons from the Pages of Deuteronomy”

You are invited to a fun introductory meeting, with a light meal provided, to kick off our Fall Bible Study on Tuesday, October 8th at 6:00 p.m. in the Social Room. Please call the church office or let Sue know if you are attending the light

meal. Our six week Bible Study will be held in the Social Room on Tuesdays, October 15 – November 19 at two different

times: Mornings 9:30 – 11:30 and Evenings 7:00 – 8:30. Workbooks will be on sale for $15 at the Welcome Center on Sunday, September 29 and October 6th as well as at the Bible Study.

Transportation is Needed

Some of Bethany’s finest, our homebound folks, would like to attend worship services on Sunday mornings. If you could help transport someone on Sunday mornings occasionally, it would be greatly appreciated! Please let Sue know or leave

your name with Lois in the church office.

Have a Prayer Request?

If so please email sueallen@bethany-presbyterian.org

large or small and any theme—please call Nancy Ollinger-Thiess at

724 662-3986.

What is the cost? There is no ad-

mission cost but we will be collect-ing items for the Christmas boxes

for the Mercer Service Unit of the

Salvation Army. Please bring any of the following items: cake mix,

frosting, stuffing mix or mac and cheese dinners. Please be re-

minded that these need expiration

dates into 2014 and do not need to be named brands—house and ge-

nerics are fine.

Please call the church office at 724

662—4340 and let us know how

many are coming by Monday, Octo-ber 11 at noon. We want to be

sure to have enough food

(especially desserts)!

This is a wonderful opportunity to invite a

friend

and spend

some time with

her.

We are anxiously awaiting the semi-annual Brunch to be held in

the Social Hall of Bethany on Satur-

day morning, November 16 from 10:00 a.m. until noon.

We will have many fun activities

which will include some fun games,

a lunch comprised of homemade cheesy potato soup, a hot sand-

wiches, and assorted desserts.

We will also have on display our

famous gift baskets which are al-ways a hit. Everyone has a chance

to win and many of you have taken

home some very nice baskets. (If you would like to create a basket

for this giveaway—it can be either

We are happy to report that our collection for school supplies to be distributed to area children through the Children’s Aid Society has concluded and they have been delivered to West Market Street where they are awaiting distribution.

Our huge bin was filled to the top (and overflowed) with all type of practical supplies which children need to be able to

do school and homework. Thanks again for your generosity for this project.

Page 3

Fall Brunch. . .Give Thanks. . .November 16

One Collection Concludes . . .

B E T HA NY R OA D

My Ladies Bible Study…October—Jesus Sightings Continue

We will continue our study of the Jesus sightings which are being studied in the four Gospels. On Tuesday, October 1

we will be studying what Luke tells us about the sightings of Jesus after the resurrection. Please read all verses of Luke 24. On Tuesday, October 22 (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN OUR REGULAR SCHEDULE), we will be reading the sight-

ings of Jesus as told to us in the Gospel of John. Please read Chapters 20 and 21 from John. We will studying as much of these chapters as possible. We meet in the rear of Carson Chapel at 10:00 a.m. and conclude by 11:15. All

widows are cordially invited to join us for a wonderful time of Bible study and fellowship.

And Two More Continue. . . .

Our Charlie Brown Christmas tree is still receiving donations, but only for a short time. All items will be taken off the

tree and packed for their trip across country to Kayenta Arizona. THE DEADLINE IS MONDAY, OCTOBER 7. But there is still time for donations of socks, hats, gloves and mittens or any other item to keep our friends warm during a long,

cold winter—and yes, it is cold and they do have snow in that part of Arizona.

Our continuing collection until December 15 is canned goods (peas, whole kernel corn, green beans, and baked

beans) to be used for helping to fill the Christmas baskets to be distributed to Mercer area residents through the Mer-

cer Service Unit of the Salvation Army. When you do your personal grocery shopping, please remember those who might be hungry without your gift. No one

should face a Christmas hungry.

Why not join us for a fun-filled evening of fun, fellowship and a little bit of food. We will be meeting on Monday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. This month we will be working on a service project. We will be making favors for two different groups

to be used in the church or in the community. All materials will be supplied.

If you say you aren’t crafty and cannot do this, that is not true. It is easy and that is a promise. If you don’t want to participate, please come anyway and en-

joy the food and fellowship—both always good.

All women are invited—please join us.

The Bethany Women will again be leading its annual Thankoffering ser-

vice on Sunday, November 24.

This is a wonderful opportunity for each of us to reflect on all the bless-

ings God has given to us. Please cir-cle on your calendar—in ink—

November 24 and join us.

This year we will be dividing our spe-

cial over and above normal giving

two ways that will better the lives of children in our local community. One

half will be used to create a complete Christmas bag for those recom-

mended to us by the Children’s Aid

Society. (Yes, this has been one of our project for years, but we feel it is one of

the most doable, and one of the most

important for children in the commu-nity). The other half will be used to

purchase by a member of Bethany Women a special, individual gift for each

referral made through the Mercer Ser-vice Unit of the Salvation Army.

The Bethany Women realize there are

many worthy people and organizations who could use our help, but children are

still close to our hearts. Please consider giving generously to this once-a-year

collection.

Page 4

Fun and Fellowship. .Come Join Us in October

Thankoffering Sunday on November 24 . . . . .

B E T HA NY R OA D

The next Bethany Road

deadline

will be Thursday,

October 24.

Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry Holiday Wish List Each year the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry tries to add a little extra to the Thanksgiving and Christ-

mas Holidays by giving out “Holiday Bags.” This year they have asked for cake mixes and cake frost-

ing for Thanksgiving and scalloped potatoes and brownie/cookie mixes for Christmas. Help the pan-

try by bringing your special holiday donations in by Sunday morning October 27, 2013 so they can

prepare these special bags. A special tote has been placed behind the Welcome Center along the

regular donation tote for the holiday donations. Please place the mixes, frosting and scalloped pota-

toes in the holiday bin.

The Loaves and Fishes Food pantry is currently serving one hundred households and over two hun-

dred people in the Mercer area. Thank you for being a part of this much needed ministry, and thank

you for helping to make our local Thanksgiving and Christmas special!

Adult Sunday School Classes:

In the Kappa Chi Classroom on September 29, we begin a five -week study from Hebrews-as we find encouragement in the writer’s words of exhortation to continue in our journey of faith. All are welcome to join in a time of study and learning.

Rob Myers will be continuing the study of Acts starting with Chapter 20. This class meets in the social room in the basement. You need not have been part of this study last year to be part of this class.

The adult class meeting in Carson Chapel will continue the study by Peter Scazzero entitled Old Testament Characters. The characters we are studying are “real, flesh-and-blood people like us, with both weaknesses and strengths, who pro-vide us with genuine models we can imitate.” Come join this study as we see how God uses common, unimportant peo-ple to further His kingdom.

COMING ON OCTOBER 5, RAIN DATE OCTOBER 12,

Hell’s Hollow Wilderness Adventure.

If you love the outdoors as well as hayrides and hot dogs cooked over a fire, this activity might be for you. Hell’s Hollow offers a four-mile hiking trail where you will see an Iron City ore furnace and a cascading waterfall and can explore historic Indian grounds and the Hell’s Hollow Farm, built in 1824. The Member Involvement Committee is sponsoring a leisurely haywagon ride through the scenic back country. This adventure ends with a bonfire and cook-ing hotdogs over an open fire, with pop, water, chips and condiments also pro-vided.

This is all for $12.50 per person.

You can also simply hike the trail for $5 per person and rental cart buggies are also available (two per buggy) for an additional $25 for those who wish to cruise the trails instead. For the hayride, we need to schedule that a week

ahead of time, so sign up today! (You will pay for your adventure when we arrive at the site so; there is no need to prepay.)

Page 6 B E T HA NY R OA D

Children’s Ministry Happenings at Bethany

Director—Mrs. Nancy Thompson

Sunday School is each Sunday morning from 9-10

-October Theme—Prayer -October Memory Verse: Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it will be given to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks will receive. He who searches will find. The door will be opened to the one who knocks. **We will practice this verse the month of October and recite it to our memory work teachers on Sunday, October 27th. This will be done at the beginning of our Sunday School time. Please practice at home** (Little ones may learn part of the verses.) -Children’s Church continues to be in the large Sunday School room for kindergarteners-5th graders. Sixth graders are asked to be helpers during this time. -Tiny Tots are in the first classroom on the left on the first floor for 3, 4 and 5 year olds. **Both Tiny Tots and Children’s Church will be dismissed during the church services after offering** -Totally, Terrific Tuesdays—is off to a great start. God is Good!!!!!!!!!!!! We have 84 first and second graders attend-ing. (Sept. 17th- Oct. 8th.) Thanks to all the many volunteers who make this program such a big success!!! The children love coming!!! They get to come have fun and hear the word of God! Our next session of Totally, Terrific Tuesdays for the 3rd-6th graders will start November 5th and run through Novem-ber 26th. Permission slip for this program is below. If you would like to help or donate cookies or food, please let Nancy know. Your support is much appreciated!

Bethany Presbyterian Church - PERMISSION FORM

I, _________________________________ do hereby give my permission for my Parent/guardian (please print) child(ren), __________________________________________________________________________ (please print) To participate in the four-week “After School Program” at Bethany Presbyterian Church: Home Phone # ______________________ Alternate Phone # _________________________ Medical/Dietary Restrictions________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________ ****Grade in School and Homeroom teacher_____________________________________________ Name of Health Insurance Carrier______________________________________________________ Is this an HMO that specifies the physician to be consulted? ____YES ___NO IF YES, physician’s Name ____________________________________Phone # ________________ (please print) In case of an emergency an alternate contact person is: Name __________________________________________ Phone # ________________________ (please print) I give permission for my child/children to ride the bus/van from Mercer Elementary School to Bethany Presbyterian Church each Tuesday during the program. I do hereby hold harmless and release Bethany Presbyterian Church, Mer-cer, PA, and any of its agents from any liability arising from any injury or illness which my child might receive or con-tract while on the above stated activity. I further authorize Bethany Presbyterian Church or its agents to admit my child to any hospital or medical facility, which they deem necessary, and I further authorize them to consent to any medical treatment needed by my child. Signature of Parent/Guardian _______________________________________ Date_____________

Page 7 B E T HA NY R OA D

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Fall Senior Luncheon The Deacons will be having

a luncheon honoring our Seniors on Wednesday, Oc-tober 30 at noon in the So-cial Room. There will be a

time for fellowship, recogni-tion of 50 year members of Bethany Church, a program

“The Life and Times of Lizzie Metz” provided by

Nancy Ollinger-Thiess, and of course good food. Please call the church office at 724-662-4340 by Friday, Octo-ber 25th to make reserva-

tions.

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Mercer, PA 16137

PERMIT No. 39

We’re here

to Exalt,

to Encourage,

to Equip, to

TO: or current address

Regular Office Hours

Mon. – Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

(724) 662 – 4340

Emergency Phone (724) 992-1999

Prayer Chain: sueallen@bethany-presbyterian.org

Fax: 724-662-1080

Web: www.bethany-presbyterian.org

BETHANY PRESBYT ERIAN CHURCH

100 W. VENANGO ST .

MERCER, PA 16137