Bethany Community Church

Community Groups are short term (8-12 weeks) groups of 8-20 people who gather around a particular interest. These groups are as varied as our community: some are studies, some are men’s or women’s groups, some are geographically oriented, some simply provide opportunities to play together (sports, games, etc.), and still others are geared around short-term missions both globally and locally.

Summer groups will start meeting in late June or early July.

There are two ways to register:

• Pick up a catalog and registration card at the info desk on Sundays.
• We now have an online registration option! Click here to see a pdf of the catalog. Then visit our online form to register.

All registrations, regardless of how they are submitted, will be processed once per week on a first-come, first-served basis.

We’re looking forward to seeing how you can get connected this summer!
The Community Groups Team
communitygroups@churchbcc.org

JESUS OFFERS US the opportunity and the invitation to come to Him if we are weary and carrying heavy burdens.  His yoke fits well (or “tight”).  We can learn from Him since He is humble in heart.  He promises that with Him, we will find rest for our souls.

A group of five of us went backpacking in Eastern Washington over Labor Day weekend last year. We were carrying heavy backpacks that were not gentle to our backs, and did not always fit perfectly. They were unlike the wooden yokes that may have been made by Jesus, a Middle Eastern carpenter.  Those yokes would have fit the oxen for which He made them well. We had to adjust to ours. We adjusted to our packs—and learned to grow into Jesus’ yoke by learning humility—getting our eyes off of ourselves and onto something bigger than ourselves: God’s creation. We learned the values of patience, endurance, and…tents.

We also rested.  Another Biblical word for rest is shalom, or peace.  It is being at rest with ourselves, others, God, and all of His creation.  Our “rest” on our trip consisted of long hikes, exertion, setting up camp, making dinner, and spending time with each other.  We were able to get away from our normal work of deadlines, reports, and evaluations, and were able to enjoy the outdoors.  Perhaps we traded one set of burdens for another, but perhaps that is what made it enjoyable.    

—Bob Boeshaar

______________________

This article was originally published in the Spring 2011 Communicator, Bethany’s quarterly newspaper. To find out more about the Communicator, contact Elizabeth Hendley, or register for the Communicator Community Group in the Summer 2011 Community Groups Catalog (available June 12).

MEET LISA OLSON AND TAMMY JENNRICH. They are Bethany-supported missionaries who serve the exotic Seattle population known as university students! Interestingly, they both came into their current positions  because of their own experiences with campus ministry as college students, a testimony to how life-shaping those years can be.

Lisa was discipled during her last two years at Penn State by a woman who was working with Navigators. “She always encouraged me to look outward,” remembers Lisa. After serving as an intern in Texas and on staff in Nebraska, she is now a Staff Trainer and Navs Representative at UW. Lisa spends a lot of her time mentoring and training the staff who live in the staff house, doing prayer walks, and working with students, both undergraduate (mostly non-believers) and graduate students (mostly believers).

Tammy got involved with Campus Crusade as a freshman at UW, took a mission trip to South America, did an internship in Slovenia, and was on staff in Oregon before coming here. She’s one of three city directors in Seattle, where together they create vision, develop strategy, mentor staff, and network with churches and volunteers.

Both women have a passion for seeing others come to know Jesus or grow stronger in their faith in Him. They are really energized and blessed when they see “a-ha” moments happening, light bulbs turning on.

GOD CONNECTIONS
Here are two stories about how our missionaries have seen God working through their ministries.

Lisa got to know a girl from China who was interested in baptism. Although she was afraid, it was something she thought she must do. Later, Lisa was able to visit her in her home country, and was joined by another Christian friend who was able to introduce more believers to this young lady—believers who shared their testimonies in her own language. They asked her how she viewed her relationship with Jesus according to Rev. 3:20 where He says, “I stand at the door and knock.” She replied, “I have opened the door a crack and am peeking out at Jesus.”

Tammy had the chance to share the Gospel with a woman in Eastern Europe.  When she was explaining  how to receive Christ’s salvation and follow Him, she asked the woman, “Is this something you want to do?” She said “Yes!” When Tammy asked,  “How do you feel now?” she replied, “It’s like a rock has come out!” while gesturing that she was pulling something out of her heart. Even though the woman had never read Ezekiel 11:19, she was describing exactly what it says: “I [God] will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”

Both of these radiant women remind us that it’s all about loving God, and loving people, and remembering that “you’re a missionary wherever you’re planted!”

—Karis Pratt

______________________

Prayer Requests for Lisa:
–That ministry would come from an overflow of my personal walk with Jesus
–For the opportunity to see God work in the hearts of other people

Prayer Requests for Tammy:
–Students’ apathy towards God
–Believers building trust with non-Christian friends so Christian conversation can happen
–Taking radical steps of faith, both personally and with her team of staff; to NOT be apathetic!

This article was originally published in the Spring 2011 Communicator, Bethany’s quarterly newspaper. To find out more about the Communicator, contact Elizabeth Hendley.

IN FEBRUARY, CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES at Bethany participated in a Sock it to Homelessness drive, collecting socks to be donated to Operation Nightwatch and Tabitha Ministries. It was fun seeing the kids’ desire to show kindness to others. I asked them, “Raise your hand if you’ve ever had wet shoes and socks.” Nearly everyone raised their hand. Then I asked, “What did you do?” The response was that they went home and changed shoes and socks. Then I asked, “What if you didn’t have a home to go to?” Their response was often a puzzled look. Then I explained, “The homeless don’t have a place to go to get a warm pair of socks and shoes. In fact, sometimes they don’t even have socks and shoes at all.”

A friend of mine, Rick Reynolds, is the Director of Operation Nightwatch, an interdenominational Christian ministry serving the poor and homeless that helps them attain their highest level of self-reliance. Years ago, he told me that their biggest need is socks—20,000 pairs a year.

Bethany has faithfully participated in sock drives in the past, and this year’s Children’s Ministries Sock it to Homelessness was a great learning experience for kids as well as a huge benefit to Operation Nightwatch and Tabitha Ministries. It helped the children recognize that this simple act of kindness could make a huge difference to someone who is having a very difficult time staying warm in the cold, wet weather.  The Sock it to Homelessness drive makes a difference in people’s lives, including those of our children.

—Jay Quarterman

This article was originally published in the Spring 2011 Communicator, Bethany’s quarterly newspaper. To find out more about the Communicator, contact Elizabeth Hendley.

Yoon Jeong Halsne, Emmie Bauer, Julie Kruger, Mary Ruth Thomas, Jayne Engle, and Christina Lee show off their finished hats, scarves, and sweaters at the Engles’ home.

WHEN I SIGNED UP for the Global Stitches Community Group, I thought that it would be good  to use my knitting skills to make clothing for the needy. I had no idea that over 25 women would gather at the Engles’ home!

There was a mix of new people and long-time Bethany attendees. We had a beginner group making scarves, an intermediate group at a hat table, and an advanced group making sweaters. Experienced knitters who were college students were helping grandmas start their first projects. Several ladies who could have knitted quick projects instead spent their time making sure that we had help to get started and be confident. People shared yarn and needles.

The house was filled with an atmosphere of acceptance and caring. I feel like I have a place to try new things without worrying about failure; someone more advanced than I am will be there to guide me. We wanted to have helpers available every week so we started meeting occasionally at Third Place Books. The casual atmosphere makes it easy for people to feel free to spend a few minutes or a few hours with us depending on their needs.

_____________________________________________

We prayed for the people who would wear those items—for their warmth,
safety,  and spiritual health.
_____________________________________________

One of the most inspiring moments happened in February when a handful of finished hats and scarves were placed in a pile and prayed over. We prayed for the people who would wear those items—for their warmth, safety,  and spiritual health.  Someone asked me why we don’t just get a box of dollar store hats and hand them out, since it would be cheaper. You only need to see the beautiful, one-of-a-kind items that are being made in our Community Group to answer that question!

My Community Group has turned out to be much more than a mission project. I have made friends from many age groups, church services, and even other countries. I have deepened relationships with people who I have just passed by at church for years without getting to know them. This group will continue to meet for a while longer after this session ends.  I thank God for Community Groups!  

—Lisa Knight

This is the first in a series of articles originally published in the Spring 2011 Communicator, Bethany’s quarterly newspaper. To find out more about the Communicator, contact Elizabeth Hendley.

This summer we are, once again, offering Community Groups here at Bethany. These groups will likely look a little different as they will be offered for a shorter duration—July and August—and will include some opportunities that can accommodate larger numbers of people.

Have you thought about leading a group in the past? Have you, your spouse, or friends talked about something that you would like to see happen as a Community Group at Bethany?  Have you thought about leading a group, but weren’t sure what you’d focus on? I’d like to invite you to consider leading a group this summer. For information about what is required of leaders go to churchbcc.org/connect. In the same place you will find a form that allows you to complete a group description, and you will then be contacted by the Pastor of Groups.

The beauty of this model is that it provides you an opportunity to share your gifts and passions with the community. More often than not, if it is important to you, then it is important to others around you. These groups also provide a meaningful way to minister to one another. Whether a study, activity, or service group, these are critical ways for people to grow in their faith in Christ and relationships with one another.

Need some ideas for possible groups? Here are some that have been successful:

Everyday Justice
Beth Moore Study
Soup & Scripture
Pub Trivia Night
O2: Breathing Out
Refugee Outreach
Bike Around Mercer Island
Why Business Matters to God
Sermon discussion
The Prodigal God Dinner Group
Will of God as a Way of Life
Thanksgiving for the Community
Dinner & Devotions
Golf for Dummies
Half Marathon Training
K-2nd Grade Family Fun
P90X
Rock Climbing
Swing Dancing
Tea & Toddlers

We’re just a couple of weeks from Easter and there are multiple spots open to pray for 40 Days of Prayer. To sign up for open spots, visit churchbcc.org/prayduringlent.

Bethany West Seattle is celebrating our one year anniversary on Sunday, March 20 by holding a Public Open House worship service for our West Seattle neighbors!  If you’ve ever wondered what worship is like at Bethany West Seattle, check out our video or join us in person any Sunday, 9:30am at High Point Community Center (6920 34th Ave SW)!

In a recent post, I told the West Seattle blog “Bethany’s mission is to connect people to God, to community and to wholeness.  Our strong sense of purpose has grown out of our deepening relationships with Christ, with each other, and with our community.  We’ve already engaged in supporting High Point Community Center and Navos Mental Health Solutions, and look forward to participating in Navos’ “Planting Day” in April.  It is our greatest joy to ‘pay forward’ God’s love, grace and transformation—the wholeness we receive through Christ—by actively loving each other and our local community. We’d like that to include you as well!”

Shonnie Scott
West Seattle Campus Pastor

On Sunday, Feb. 27, Bethany North moved from its original location at Richmond-Highlands Recreation Center in Shoreline, to Spartan Recreation Center at Shoreline Center. Below is an excerpt from a blog post by Scott Sund, Bethany North campus pastor, that appeared on their blog earlier this week.

We all love the sense of growth and it is exciting to be part of something that seems to have such energy and trajectory and momentum behind this.  This is the stuff of dreams.  And this is also the story of the Gospel…Jesus tells us to GO and MAKE DISCIPLES.  Definitely, as disciples of Jesus, we hear the call to move and grow and advance His message.  We are meant to grow God’s kingdom by spreading the Good News.

BCC North from Bethany North on Vimeo.

For five years, Tabitha volunteers and guests have seen God’s guidance and provision–and for five years, the Tabitha inbox has been filled with notes such as these:

October 14, 2005
Thanks so much for organizing this training for such an important ministry! I’m interested in being one of the shelter overnight staff once it’s up and running…I won’t be able to be on the other teams, but will be able to attend some meetings…
Rachel

January 20, 2006
…The women who stayed with us last night seemed to almost “parent” us through the evening; they affirmed and encouraged us, coached us, informed us, not to mention were grateful, gracious, and respectful. Everything you could ask for in a guest.  It was easy to get to know the women, easy to read their body language if they wanted to talk or not to talk.  There was a lot of laughing that evening, and the next morning.  I felt very safe that night before I fell asleep. Some observations/comments that I heard from the women:
-They thought the space was inviting and nice to be in.
-The mattresses were SO comfortable.
-The snacks were great! They could taste the freshness in the vegetables and fruit, and liked how delicious and well made everything was. They were also flattered to know that they had a Nutrition Team. “We have our own nutritionists?!”
I appreciated all the work that the hospitality/nutrition team put into the snacks. Everything was good to eat, and easy to get ready the next morning.
Great job, Tabitha volunteers!
Hilary

January 23, 2007
Hi Sarah, it was nice to see a gathering of the church serving and worshiping together.  My kids LOVED putting the gift bags we made on the Tabitha beds.  It was really good for them to visualize where the women would sleep.  I really appreciated seeing all the special touches that show you care, from the lamps, to books, to the pretty paint on the wall to make it a soft and meaningful place.  I really see how God uses the Bethany body, SO many people working together to make this run.
Love, Karen

March 17, 2008
I am a recent grad of SPU who has never belonged to a church family in Seattle. I’ve done a lot of church hopping and that is another story (which I can tell you, if you are interested). I have been back in Seattle for about three months after studying abroad in Russia, and I just moved into a house with Amy, who goes to Bethany Community. She and I have been friends for a while, and I’ve asked her to take me under her wing, in a way, and take me to church with her. She mentioned that Katie is involved in the Tabitha ministry when I told her that I was interested in it. I really want to attend a church that ministers to people outside of its congregation, and where I can be involved in a ministry. I have read about the Tabitha ministry on the church’s website, but could you tell me more about it? I’m interested in volunteering (if I can).  I know this email is very random, and that I am not a church member yet, but I really hope that Bethany Community can be the home that I’ve been looking for in a church, and that I can contribute. That said, I hope you had a good weekend!
Theresa

October 29, 2009
I recently have been getting involved with the Tabitha Food Bank and in talking to Geoff and Karen, heard that eventually they’d like to have some regular community dinners in conjunction with the open hours.  I know it’s sticky with food handler’s cards and such, but I have one, and I might be able to find more folks who have them who are willing to help make the food.  Do you have any thoughts about this?  I’m definitely willing to plan, organize, recruit, and execute
Thanks!
Alison

October 24, 2010
I sat in the Bethany service this morning and was compelled to inquire more about volunteering with Tabitha ministries. I am very interested in volunteering with Tabitha Community Meals once a month and am willing to help out in any capacity. Please let me know what the greatest need is around this ministry and I will fill out the volunteer application.
Thanks,
Alisha

January 20, 2011
Hi Overnight Team,
This week marks the 5th birthday of Tabitha Shelter! Tuesday the 18th to be exact. I’m very grateful to have been a part of this shelter and I’m so proud of our community for sustaining this amazing service to the vulnerable among us in Seattle solely with volunteers. Incredible! We thank God for giving us the vision, determination, and heart to keep it going. Here’s to 5 more years!
Hilary

Tabitha Ministries exists to shine a light in our community by meeting people in their place of need and walking with them along the way to freedom and healing.
Learn more at tabithaministries.org.