Pitch In: 2018 pledge campaign

There is something beautiful about sharing our best with one another. Making a dish from scratch. Picking out a bottle that’s nicer than the occasion calls for. Letting a friend in on our secret chocolate stash. In the bible it’s called the “first fruits.” It’s the cream of the crop, the top shelf, the good stuff. And the people of Israel had the practice of giving it to God.

Our theme for this year’s pledge campaign is “Pitch In.” Like the meals that we share throughout the year, everything at Bethany is made from the gifts we give, the things we choose to share.

The miracle of a pitch-in, is that we each bring just one dish, but we get to share a feast! What dish will you bring this year? What first fruits can you offer to make Bethany a welcoming and vibrant spiritual home for the neighbors we already know and the ones who are coming to join us? Sign up for online giving here. (And read the rest of the stewardship letter on the blog.)

Welcoming Refugees

We are teaming up again with Pilgrim Lutheran Church to welcome a refugee family to Chicago! Through Refugee One, we are sponsoring a Rohingyan family. As co-sponsors the congregations need to raise $8,000, which RefugeeOne will use to subsidize rent and provide other needed services for the family’s first six months. There will be many hands-on ways to get involved, but for now, you can support the project by giving here and sharing the link with friends who want to take action too.

Advent Devotionals Available

As you may know, Vince writes for the United Church of Christ’s Stillspeaking Writers Group. They publish a daily online devotional, and twice a year – at Advent and Lent – they put out a beautiful print edition for the season. This year we have copies of the Advent devotional, “Come, Lord Jesus,” to lead you through this holy season. The devotional features 25 short reflections on Advent scriptures and themes from a variety of writers around our denomination (including one from Vince!) We hope that you’ll take one and use it during the month of December. If you’re able to offer a small donation ($3-5) to offset the cost of these devotionals, that’s great. And if not, please enjoy it as an early Christmas present from Bethany. Supplies are limited, so grab one this Sunday!

Thanksgiving Lunch

This Sunday, November 18th after worship, please join us for our annual Thanksgiving potluck meal! Sign up to bring your favorite side for the season and bring enough to share! Invite all your family and friends and share in the gratitude and joy of being here together.