From Pastor Peter

Bethany Road From the Desk of Pastor Peter

“That is of no concern to you,” said my dad to a curious teenage boy trying to find out how much money he made. My dad was unusually too tight-fisted about matters that concerned money. Rarely would I ask for money from my dad because he would typically respond uncheerfully. He often complained about how expensive things were.

My dad grew up “Appalachian poor” in Upper Peninsula Michigan. Consequently, when he grew older money was a very important means of security for him. As a non-believer, you could rightly say that money was a powerful idol for him that controlled his emotions, thoughts and at-titudes.

But that changed dramatically when he surrendered his life to Je-sus as Savior and Lord, especially in the last couple years of his life. He helped out so many relatives and friends with his resources. And he did it with compassion and joy.

When he died he made me executor of his estate and I discovered in his will that he graciously and lovingly forgave all of their debts which totaled between $30,000 and $35,000. Sadly, most of those to whom he had made loans had never even started to pay him back the debt. Again, a beautiful sign of God’s great work in his heart. He wanted to help.

This is the time of the year in which the Session works on the up-coming year’s budget. And they are asking you, the members of Bethany, to pray about what God wants you to give for His work at Bethany.

I hope all of you are finding and believing that Bethany is an amaz-ing church. There are so many Gospel-led programs, ministries and mis-sion opportunities. We truly have a sincere desire to honor God and make disciples. I rightly believe that God invites you to “invest” into His kingdom and reap the beautiful blessings of fellowship, friendship, wor-ship, study and service.

It is very clear that God expects this and wants us to cheerfully give and we do this by acknowledging that He is the giver of all our re-sources and especially our money. With a thankful heart we give cheer-fully.

2 Corinthians 9:6,7 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap gener-ously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. NIV

Inside this issue:

Operation Christmas

Child; Flower Order Form 2

Bethany Presbyterian

Women 3

Children Musical; Secret

Sister Brunch 4

Christian Ed. 5

Retreat Form 6

November Calendar 7

Annual Community

Thanksgiving Dinner Back

Cover

Committee Meetings:

Deacons November 2 at

6:30 p.m.

SESSION November 3

@ 7:00 p.m.

Christian Ed. November

8 at 7:00 p.m.

Member Involvement

November 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Property November 8 at

6:30 p.m.

Worship & Memorials

November 10 at 7:00 p.m.

Pledge Sunday Session has set November 6th as Pledge/Commitment Sunday. Finance wants

the congregation to be aware of possible sewer replacement and other expenses

over the normal cost to operate our church. So, if you could find it in your per-

sonal budget to increase your pledges over previous years, it would be greatly

appreciated.

I t ’s That Time Of Year Again...Christmas Flowers

Feel free to take them after the service on Christmas Day.

The cost is $12.50 each. Please fill out the form below and either place it in the collection plate or give to Lois in the Church Office by—Friday,

December 2nd . Payment must accompany your order . Please make checks out to Bethany Church.

In memory of_______________________________________________________________

In honor of_________________________________________________________________

To celebrate Jesus’ birth______________________________________________________

Your name as you would want it to appear in the bulletin on December 24

__________________________________________________________________________

_______Poinsettias (Total number of Poinsettias ordered)

_______Cyclamen (total number of Cyclamen ordered)

Page 2 Bethany Road

Operation Christmas Child

Dedication ~ November 20, 2016

We are encouraged to look around us to see where God is at work…

and join Him! It is obvious that God is using Samaritan’s Purse evangelistic

ministry of OCC Shoeboxes to share the Good News of Jesus all around the

world.* In 2015, over 11 million children in 109 countries received shoe-

boxes, but most importantly, these children have been given the opportunity

to hear of the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ! Last year, Bethany col-

lected 161 shoeboxes but twelve years ago we sent out 455 shoeboxes from

our church. Together… let’s impact 400-500 lives for Christ this year!

Even after the children receive their box of gifts and Gospel booklets printed in their native language, the oppor-

tunity for discipleship begins! “The Greatest Journey” is a 12-lesson discipleship program to help these children dig

deeper into God’s Word and grow in their faith. More than 7.4 million children worldwide have enrolled in the course

since 2010, and 3.3 million have accepted Christ as their Savior. Praise the LORD! God is also using these children to

share the love of Jesus with their families and communities! Lives are being changed! If you are interested in donating

toward this program, please make your check out to “Samaritan’s Purse” with “The Greatest Journey” or # 13943

on the memo line. On November 20th you will have an opportunity to bring any checks forward for dedication in addi-

tion to the shoeboxes.

Thank you for participating in the Great Commission to “make disciples of all nations” … right from the com-

fort of your own home! J God bless!

* Are you interested to know where your box goes? Log on to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ and print the tracking label

to place on your shoebox. You will receive an email notifying you of the country where your box was delivered.

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no

deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without

clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well;

keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what

good is it?” James 2:14-17.

The Bethany Presbyterian Women will again be conducting its annual

Thankoffering Service on Sunday, November 13. The Women will be con-

ducting the entire service and they want you to be a part of this service. The

mini message is entitled, “When We Think God Is Too Late,” will be presented

by the Moderator of the Bethany Presbyterian Women—Nancy Ollinger-

Thiess. There will be a separate offering designated specifically for the three

local outreaches: Beds for Little Heads, complete Christmas gift bags, with first names and a wish list, provided by the

Mercer County Children’s Aid Society and personally purchased gifts for residents in local nursing homes who might

not be remembered with even one small gift. Those benefiting from your generosity might be completely forgotten in

the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season if it were not for those who care.

Although the special offering will be taken up on November 13, if you would like to donate at any time, simply mark

your check or envelope THANKOFFERING and placed it in the collection plate or leave in the Church Office.

With sincere thanks for your previous gifts. . .Peace and Blessings. . .Bethany Presbyterian Women

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL THANKOFFERING SERVICE. . .NOVEMBER 13

Page 3 Bethany Road

MY LADIES...STUDY ABOUT ELIJAH WHO NEVER EXPERIENCED DEATH. . .

Our first meeting in November will be on Tuesday, November 1 and the second meeting

will also be on Tuesday, but this will be on November 15. Both meetings will be in the

rear of Carson Chapel and will begin at 10:00 and conclude by 11:15. On November 1 we

will be talking about the second person who did not experience death as we know it—

Elijah. Come and hear of his spectacular departure from his earthly home. We will then

begin a new series on November 15 and it will involve those who were physically raised

from the dead. All widows are cordially and encouraged to attend.

JOIN THE FUN….FUN AND FELLOWSHIP FOR NOVEMBER

Why not join us for our Fun and Fellowship meeting on Monday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lindsey

Room. We will be placing personal notes on Christmas cards which will be sent to our shut-ins and others in

the community. If you have any new cards, please bring them with your favorite pen. This will be a time of

sharing. . .and light refreshments. All women are invited to attend.

IT IS THE LITTLE THINGS THAN MEAN SO MUCH. . . .

The Bethany Presbyterian Women are currently collecting the following items for those in the local community to make their lives more pleasant

as fall quickly turns to winter. Children’s books—from infants through teenagers—so children can have their own books. This particular collec-

tions is being conducted in conjunction with the Mercer Area Library’s 100th birthday. These collected books are

not for Library use, but will be distributed through the community. We are also collecting hats, gloves and socks for

distribution through Joshua’s Haven and hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and socks for women and children for distri-

bution through Mercer County AWARE. The Christmas tree is currently receiving your donations in the Vogan

Annex. When each of us has so much, how can we not reach out (even in a small way) to those have so much less?

Page 4 Bethany Road

Secret Sister Revealing Christmas Brunch We will be having a Christmas Party Brunch on November 12 at 10 am in the fellowship hall to see who our "secret Sister" has been this year. We will be having a wide variety of good food for our brunch. Our guest speaker will be Diana Richeson, Christian Author of the book "Grins Groans and Gift Gift - Creative Ideas For Making Family Giving Fun!" She will be speaking about Making Merry Memories - Ideas for creative gift giving among families as I relate it to the indescribable gift God gave to us at Christmas.

Please bring a wrapped Christmas gift no more than $10-$15 for your secret sister. Place your name on the inside of the card or box, not on the outside of your gift, only put the name of the person to receive the gift.

If you are not going to be able to come, please give your gift to either Debbie Latsko, Pat Amsler or Sue Allen before November 11. This way your secret sister will have her gift to open.

RSVP by November 4 to Debbie Latsko 724-974-1623.

If you are interested in participating in next year’s Secret Sister program, please fill out the information below and turn it in at church attention to Debbie Latsko Name: Telephone No.:

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From the Desk of Mr. Nate,

Never too late to join us on Sundays at 9 am for

“Shepherding a Child’s Heart” in the Manse with Frank

Carolas and Nate Childers. This is for anyone for adults of

any age providing Biblical perspectives and procedures for

shepherding a child’s heart into the paths of life.

Totally Terrific Tuesdays

3rd-6th Grade- Nov. 1, 8, 15

Sundays at 9 am Middle School- 7th-8th grade (Room #115)

High School- 9th-12th grade (Room #111)

See Nate about Equip Sunday Scholarships for retreats and camp.

Student Small Groups – Nov. 6, 13, 20 @ Chapel & Bethany

Sunday evenings from 6-8 pm

Jr. High Guys & Jr. High Girls at the Chapel (7th-9th grade) Sr. High Guys & Sr. High Girls at Bethany (10th-12th grade)

Nov. 27-Combined groups and Scream

Oh Night (the game) at Bethany from 6-9 pm (No School Monday).

Dec. 4- Christmas Shopping (late after-

noon) & Christmas Party at Bethany from 6-8 pm

Adults and high school seniors, volunteer for the day, for an overnight, or even a part of the day for at this year’s Jun-ior Retreat on Nov. 19-20 at The Castle in Franklin. Con-tact Nate for more information at nate@bethany-presbyterian.org or 724-974-9250.

The Castle Junior Retreat For 3rd – 6th graders on November 19 & 20

The River Ridge Castle in Franklin, PA Join us for an awesome weekend of worship, games, music, videos, Bible study, hikes, snacks, great food,

and crafts. You don’t want to miss this event!! Our team of adult leaders and high school helpers from

Bethany Church will be on hand at all times to make sure that everyone has a fun and safe time.

Important Information:

Cost- $40.00 per student. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Registration- forms and full payment (made out to “Bethany Church”) are due at the church office by Fri., Nov. 11th. Drop forms and payment off or mail them to 100 W. Venango St., Mercer, PA 16137.

Times- We will meet at Bethany on Sat., Nov. 19th at 7:15 a.m. & return on Sun., Nov. 20th at 3:00 p.m.

Transportation- Round trip transportation will be provided by Watson Transportation. Parents may provide trans-portation if their child needs to arrive later or be picked up earlier. Please note this on your registration form. The Cas-tle address is 870 River Ridge Rd, Franklin, PA 16323.

Please bring- sleeping bag, pillow, warm clothes, gym shoes, outdoor shoes, toiletries, flashlight, salty snacks to share (guys), sweet snacks to share (girls), and Bible. Bibles will be provided if not available.

-Questions or Concerns- Please contact Nate Childers at 724-974-9250 or nate@bethany-presbyterian.org.

2016 The Castle Junior Retreat Registration Form

(Please detach & return form with full payment to Bethany Church by Friday, Nov. 11th.)

Student Name: ____________________________________________________ Grade: _________ Gender: ___ M ___F

Street Address: ____________________________________ City:__________________________ Zip:_______________

Parent’s Name/Phone:_____________________________________ E-mail:________________________________

Allergies:____________________________________________ Medications:___________________________________

I would like to room with_______________________________ Church:_______________________________________

Transportation: Provided by Watson Transportation. I, ______________________________, will need to ___ drop off my child late on Saturday

at _____________ (time) and/or ___pick up my child early on Sunday at ____________ (time).

Scholarships: (choose one) ___$10 Kids Sunday School; ___ $10 Totally Terrific Tuesday; ___$15 Multi-Child; ___ $_______ Need

Based(Pending Approval) Liability Release: I give permission for my child to be transported (if needed) and to attend The Castle Junior Retreat in Franklin, PA with Betha-

ny Church. I release Bethany Presbyterian Church, as well as employees and volunteers from any and all claims or liability arising out of this par-

ticipation. In case of emergency involving my child, I understand every effort will be made to contact me. In the event that I cannot be reached, I

allow the adult leader to select a medical provider to secure the proper treatment of my child at my expense. This includes hospital visits, injec-

tions, and/or medication. My hospital preference is __________________________________________________________________.

Parent/Guardian Signature:_____________________________________________________ Date:__________________

Media Release: I understand that the image and/or voice of my child may be recorded while attending programs and activities with Bethany

Church, Mercer, PA. I give my consent to the use of any type of media recording of my child for any editorial and/or promotional material by Beth-

any Church and/or partnering organizations while attending said programs and activities. Note: No signature means no consent for pictures and/or

video.

Parent/Guardian Signature:_____________________________________________________ Date:__________________

Office Use Only: Paid Amount: $__________ Payment Type: ____ Cash ____ Check #:__________ ___Registration Excel

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Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Mercer, PA 16137

PERMIT No. 39

We’re here

to Exalt,

to Encourage,

to Equip, to

TO:

Regular Office Hours

Mon. – Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

(724) 662 – 4340

Prayer Chain: sueallen@bethany-presbyterian.org

Fax: 724-662-1080

Web: www.bethany-presbyterian.org

Be thany P r esby te r ian Chu rch 100 W. Venango S t . Merce r , Pa 16137

The Annual Community Thanksgiving

Dinner

Will be held here at Bethany Church in the

social room on Thursday, November 24,

2016 at 12:00 noon. All are welcome to

attend. Turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy,

rolls & beverage will be provided. Please

bring a vegetable and/or dessert (if you are

able). Call the Church Office at (724) 662-

4340, by Tuesday, November 22 to make a

reservation and let us know if you will

need a ride. If you are willing to entertain,

help prepare,

decorate, cook, serve, or clean up, please

call Tami Iman at 724-662-0189.

Current Resident or:

December Bethany Road

Deadline

Mark your calen-

dar. The deadline

for the December

Bethany Road will

be Thursday, No-

vember 17th.

A special thank you to all

who made the Senior

Luncheon a big success.

The Bethany Deacons