CHURCH STAFF

Pastor

Secretary

Tina Douglas

Financial Manager

Lisa Parris

Pianist

Carolyn Peters

SESSION MEMBERS

2020

Stuart Clive

Brandon Douglas

Dennis Mills

Tracy Pirkle

Chris Mize

2021

Shannon Henderson

Bill Mote

A Monthly Publication of the Bethany Presbyterian Church November 2019

Bethany Spirit

Inside this issue:

Session Minutes 2-3

Calendar 4

Volunteers/Prayer List 5

Church Work Day 6

Youth News 7

Happy Thanksgivng 8

W hen John the Baptist was to be killed Jesus retreated with his disciples and the people followed him. Jesus taught and healed the people. 15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a re-mote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” 16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Tak-ing the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The num-ber of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and chil-dren. This is a story about a miracle, but it is also a story about doubt. Doubt in Je-sus and doubt in ourselves. The disciples, Jesus’ closest friends, the ones who witness to what he could do doubted him when he told them to feed the peo-ple who followed them. They doubted the small amount of food that was giv-en by a little boy would make a difference to the thousands of people who surrounded them. “Nothing is too small for God to use it- even a little boy’s lunch, the disciples could not see how the child’s lunch could be of help, but showing Himself strong through our weakness is characteristic of the way God provides “(2 Corinthians 12: 9-10) Bible.org. The word small strikes me. Hmm, Bethany is small. We are a small church that sees needs all around us. Are we too small to fill these needs? No! Do we doubt the impact made by Bethany? Do we doubt the impact Bethany is able to make in the world? I believe we do. I know I have. When I made the goal of 710 cans to be collected during Cans for Carolyn, and especially when I announced it to the congregation, inside I was asking why did I choose such a high goal? But it wasn’t me that actually chose that number. That number came from a conversation between Betty O’Donnell, Carolyn Peters and myself. It was Carolyn Sullivan’s birthday. It was the num-ber that was brought to us through God. It was a lesson much like the loaves and fish. It was a mission that seemed impossible, much like the disciple’s mission. But not only was that mission accomplished, we had over 100 cans more than we were hoping for. This was not accomplished by just going to

(Continued on page 6)

“Fish and Loaves” Submitted by : Shannon Henderson

P a g e 2 B e t h a n y S p i r i t

T he meeting was opened by Rev. Myers at 7:00 pm in the church office and a quorum was de-clared present. Bill Mote gave the devotional from Matthew 8. He stated that we all have storms in our life, but we need to have faith in Jesus to always calm the storms in our life. He then closed in prayer. Financial Lisa Parris The financial reports were reviewed and approved. Prayer Cards/Concerns The Prayer List was reviewed and updated. Prayer cards were sent to those in need and in apprecia-tion. Pastor’s Comments and Concerns Al Myers Rev. Myers stated that we need to make sure we stay in touch with visitors and our members that are not able or have not been attending. The subject of our Church Signs was discussed. Stuart Clive will talk to the County Zoning Board in regards to the permits needed and Bill Mote will erect the signs when allowed. Clerk’s Report Chris Mize Beginning Membership – 79 Ending Membership - 79 Correspondence was reviewed and discussed. The transfer of Membership Letter was received from Highview Baptist Church for Diane Lewis. The Clerk suggested that a hard copy of the minutes should be retained in each Elder’s correspond-ing notebook along with other pertinent information in regards to their duties. Reports from Ministry Teams Mission and Outreach Shannon Henderson The Cans For Carolyn was very successful with approximately 820 can delivered to the Newton Coun-ty Food Bank. They stated that they are in need of boxed food at this time which will be our focus in December. The annual Christmas Parade will be on December 7, and Bethany will be participating again this year. The Thornwell Turkey’s are here and will be passed out for collections on November 17. They will be due back in on November 24. Presbytery Giving Catalog was presented where instead of monetary gifts special items can be pur-chased to help those in need. Administration/Stewardship and Finance Stuart Clive The projected budget for 2020 was presented and approved.

Clerk of Session Chris Mize

P a g e 3 B e t h a n y S p i r i t

It was suggested that the Elders need to work on budgets for Benevolences. We need to look into pay increases for the staff in the near future. Worship Dennis Mills Thanksgiving Eve Service will be conducted by Brandon Douglas The order forms for the Poinsettias will be in the bulletin soon and Tina Douglas will coordinate these orders. Debbie Mote and Tina Douglas will be decorating the Thanksgiving Table in the Church. ‘The Worship Committee thanks Brandon Douglas for the research and purchase of the new iPad for Worship A/V activities. This was needed item for Worship. Joy Gift Program will be December 8 with “Lessons in Carols” being presented by the youth. Building and Grounds Bill Mote The Work Day for the church was held with about 10 people attending. Building Maintenance was discussed and will be addressed in the near future. Christian Education/Children and Youth Brandon Douglas Youth Group Camp for Summer of 2020 has been set. We will have a Chili Cook-off Fundraiser on November 17. The Halloween Party will be a Trunk or Treat held on October 27 at the church. We have 12 vehicles participating so far. Member Care/Hospitality Tracy Pirkle Homecoming on October 20 is all set. Refreshments after the Thanksgiving Eve Service will be finger foods. Letter to visitors and inactive Members will be sent out. Christmas Dinner will be on December 8. This will be a covered dish dinner prior to the Joy Gift Pro-gram. Old Business/New Business Giving of “Time and Talents” pledges will be on November 17. Stuart Clive, Shannon Henderson and Brandon Douglas will work on this form. Spirit front page article responsibility for November will be Shannon Henderson.. Next Session Meeting: Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Devotion for next meeting: Chris Mize

November 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3

Sunday School—9:30am

Morning Worship—11:00am

Fran Smith

4 5

Boy Scouts 7:00pm

6

Choir Practice

6:30pm

Jana Rudasill

7 8 9

10

Sunday School — 9:30am

Morning Worship — 11:00am

Youth Group — 2:30pm

11

Veteran's Day

12

Boy Scouts 7:00pm

13

Choir Practice

6:30pm

14

Joe Pierce

15

16

Pirkle in Fellowship Hall

10-3

17 Sunday School — 9:30am Morning Worship — 11:00am Chili Cook-off Fundraiser

@6:00pm

18

Betty O’Donnell

19

Boy Scouts 7:00pm

Session Meeting @

7:00pm

20

Choir Practice

6:30pm

Emily Mills

21

22 23

24

Men’s Breakfast — 7:30am Sunday School — 9:30am Café Connections — 10:30am Morning Worship — 11:00am Thornwell Offering Youth Group — 2:30pm

25 26 27

Thanksgiving Eve

Service @ 7:oo pm

Refreshments after the

service

28

Thanksgiving Day Church Office

Closed

29 30

Greening of the Church

@ 9:00am

Sack Lunch

Prep/Delivery —10am

B e t h a n y S p i r i t P a g e 4

B e t h a n y S p i r i t

Prayer Concerns

Emmie Adamson (Peters) Mary Alice (O’Donnell)

Ann (Boyce) Joyce & Sam Ball (Boyce)

Becky & John (Boyce) Jean Bell (Boyce)

Benjamin (Boyce) The Brandenburg Family

Cheryl Burke - Forman University (Pakistan) Evelyn Capes

Henry Cofer The Family Tommy Davis (Boyce)

Barbie Dorrow (L. Mote) Nancy Dryzmala (O’Donnell)

Bill Foster Barry Forrester (L. Mote) Henry Gaddis (W. Mize)

Grandchildren (Boyce) Joey Hancock (L. Mote)

Carol Hageman (O’Donnell) Kelly Harper (T. Douglas)

Hazel (Peters) Terry King

Kim (Boyce) Helen Kohler (Boyce)

Linda (Boyce)

Mike Lipscomb (Peters) Gayle Marchman (McCullough)

Maria (Boyce) Mazie (Boyce)

Grady & Judy McMahan (Boyce) Irene Mize (W. Mize)

Jane & Bill Moore (Boyce) Emily Morton (Boyce)

Jimmy Noles (B. Douglas) Calvin Offitt (Boyce)

Terry Pratt (Parney) Richard Robinson (D. Mote)

Schuitema Family (Parney) Gary Smith (Cook)

Ron & Charlotte Sweeten Thomas (Boyce) The Todd Family

Carolyn Vess (Boyce) Vivian (Boyce)

Mitchell Wheeler (Mize) Ava Young (Pirkle)

Our Church Family Our College Students

Our Military Men and Women Our Session

We need your help to keep our prayer list current. You may make requests / updates by submitting a blue pew card, calling the office (770-786-1629) or by emailing (office@bpccovington.org). Thank you!

P a g e 5

Monthly Volunteers

November 3 November 10 November 17 November 24

Liturgists Stuart Clive Tommy Pirkle Chris Mize Bill Foster

Greeters Buddy Cook

Billy Hunt

Buddy Cook

Billy Hunt

Buddy Cook

Billy Hunt

Buddy Cook

Billy Hunt

Ushers

Chris Mize

Wayne Mize

Bill Mote

Bobbie Mote

Chris Mize

Wayne Mize

Bill Mote

Bobbie Mote

Chris Mize

Wayne Mize

Bill Mote

Bobbie Mote

Chris Mize

Wayne Mize

Bill Mote

Bobbie Mote

Open Bldg. Buddy & Rae Cook Bill Mote Lawson Hooper Men of the Church

Close Bldg. Carolyn Peters Lisa Parris Chris & Wayne Mize Tracy Pirkle

B e t h a n y S p i r i t P a g e 6

Cemetery and Fall Work Days

Thank you to everyone who came out to help with both of the work days. We were able to accom-plish all that we set out to do. The work on the cemetery could not have been finished without all the help from the Boy Scouts.

Youth Group Upcoming Plans

November 10

November 17— Chili Cook-off Fundraiser

November 24

December 8 — Joy Gift Program

Preaching Schedule

November 3 — Elder Brandon Douglas November 10 — Elder Jane Hubbard

November 17 — Elder Brandon Douglas November 24 — Rev. Dr. Al Myers

the grocery store and buying some cans. This was an act of God. God spoke to people’s hearts when they decided to buy that food and donate it. The congregation was not the only ones donating, people we haven’t even met where led to donate. We were only a location to take the food, a middle man. It was God that was the one who worked in every person’s heart to remember, buy and donate that food. 820 items, loaves and fishes, ladies and gentlemen. We have been blessed by God, we have what we need, just as he promised “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others- 2 Corinthians 9:8. The story of feeding the 5,000 always sends my mind wheeling. I recited an article on this topic for months and when I got around to writing it down it was a struggle because there were so many things to say about this miracle story. I probably started 5 different versions going in 5 different directions. What do you take from this story? I would love to know.

But Philip did not focus on Jesus’ ability. Philip said, “Eight months’ pay would not buy enough bread for each one to have one bite!” (John 6:7)

P a g e 7 B e t h a n y S p i r i t

I t’s that time again, time to start fundraising for next years youth camps and conferences. This year the High School age will be going to Fun in The Son at Hilton Head. This will be a week to re-

member as we enjoy several thousand other youth from all around

in worship and fellowship. Please be in prayer for all of the students

as they prepare for this trip. So, the first of a few fundraisers will be

the November 17th chili cook off. This will be a love offering and will come with a prize

for the best chili. I invite everyone to join us

and submit your best chili for judging. I will

have a few judges that will handle picking out

the winner. This will be a fun time of fellow-

ship. The second thing I want to talk about is

The JOY gift program that is coming

up……………..Lessons and Carols on December

8. Please remember these dates and come

out and support the Bethany Youth Group!!

“Youth Group News

Submitted by

Brandon Douglas

H appy fall everyone, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Without everyone that came out to support our youth the Halloween party would not of be such a huge success. We had a total of 14 cars decorated for the party and hopefully we will get more for next year. Yes, already think about next year. If you would like to help in the planning or have any ideas, we are always open to them. But back to this year, I don’t know an ex-act number of all that were there but our best guess is between 70 and 80. It was an awesome sight and we haven’t had a turn out like this in years. We had several people from the community to come at as well which was a blessing. We also had several people from the Boy Scouts as well. Once again, I want to thank every-one from the bottom of my heart.

Trunk or Treat 2019

B e t h a n y S p i r i t

Bethany Presbyterian Church 1002 Bethany Road

Covington, GA 30016 Phone: 770-786-1629

Fax: 770-786-9676 E-mail: office@bpccovington.org

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