Read about:

Women’s Day Out

Silent Night

Poinsettias

Behold the Lamb of God

Musical

Angel Tree

New Sermon Series

Lenten Devotionals

Youth News

Feed the Hungry – Youth

Edition

Daily Bible Readings

Bethany Tidbits

Bible Studies

Oberammergau’s Passion

Play 2020

Feed the Hungry

2019 Sierra Leone Trip

Gift Cards Available

Apple Dumplings

Church Conference

Minutes

The 29th Chapter of Acts…The Ancient Story Continues

December 2018

This month’s newsletter is sponsored in loving

memory of my husband, Gerald, by Carolyn Wert.

December Meetings Meetings at 7 PM unless otherwise noted.

Monday, December 3rd – Stewardship & Finance Committee, Upper Room Monday, December 10th – Administrative Council, DF Worship Area

Wednesday, December 12th – DF Worship Planning Team, 11 AM, DF Coffee Corner Wednesday, December 12th – God’s People in Mission, 7:45 PM, West Sunday School Room

Thursday, December 13th – Board of Trustees, Upper Room Wednesday, December 19th – Traditions Worship Committee, 7:40 PM, Social Hall

The Hospitality Team will not meet in December.

Christmas Eve Services

Tina Sachs Wagner is the mother of six children. She has served in several leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in the Boy Scouts of erica. She currently serves as the York Family History Center director and has been playing in her family tree for 15 years.

Are you in mourning and grief this year, while others are celebrating a “Merry Christmas?” On Sunday, December 16th at 6:30 PM in the Traditions Sanctuary, we will have a worship service for those who are having a difficult time celebrating the Christmas Season. We will recognize the grief that we are going through, yet we do not grieve as those who have no hope—1 Thessalonians 4:13. Come to experience the sorrow and joy that Christmas can bring this year.

This year, Bethany Church is partnering with the Red Lion Area School District to help a local homeless family. The family fell on hard times when the Mother was diagnosed with cancer. After treatment ended, in the late

spring of 2018, the medical bills where overwhelming; and the family lost their home. Please help us support this family by visiting our Angel Tree located just outside the Social Hall. Wrapped gifts are due back to the church by Sunday, December 16th and can be dropped off in the church office.

“Silent Night”

A Service of Grace and Healing, Rest and Renewal

Sunday, December 16th 6:30 PM

in the Sanctuary

Poinsettia plants will again grace our Sanctuary and Downtown Fellowship Worship

areas for the Christmas season. You may order a plant in memory of or in honor of a person, class, or loved ones. The cost of a plant will be $8.75 and MUST BE PAID when ordering. In addition to the traditional red poinsettias, you may also order the following colors: white, pink, jingle bells (white leaves splattered with red), and marble (creamy white leaves with a pink stripe). Poinsettia Order Envelopes may be found in the Church Pew Card Holders, on the Information Table in the Downtown Fellowship Worship Area, in the church office, and on the Information Center in the hallway outside the church office in which you may place your $8.75. Please indicate on the envelope what you would want included in the bulletin. Please place the envelope in the church offering plate or drop off in or mail to the church office. Be sure to note your choice of poinsettia color! DEADLINE FOR ORDERING POINSETTIAS WILL BE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16th. If you would like to do something other than contribute a flower, you can make a donation to the work of our Missions Ministry in honor of or in memory of a loved one.

All who were there, watching and listening, were surprised at how well he spoke. But they also said, "Isn't this Joseph's son, the one we've known since he was a youngster?" He answered, "I suppose you're going to quote the proverb, 'Doctor, go heal yourself. Do here in your hometown what we heard you did in Capernaum.' Well, let me tell you something: No prophet is ever welcomed in his hometown. Isn't it a fact that there were many widows in Israel at the time of Elijah during that three and a half years of drought when famine devastated the land, but the only widow to whom Elijah was sent was in Sarepta in Sidon? And there were many lepers in Israel at the time of the prophet Elisha but the only one cleansed was Naaman the Syrian." That set everyone in the meeting place seething with anger. They threw him out, banishing him from the village, then took him to a mountain cliff at the edge of the village to throw him to his doom, but he gave them the slip and was on his way. Luke 4:22-30

Not only was this about Jesus being rejected by his home town but by his own people—the Jews. Eventually, Jesus’ message would be rejected by the Jewish faith and be taken to the Gentiles. When we become comfortable with our faith, we miss the radical message of God's saving love and grace for our whole world. The Christmas season is a great time for us to share our faith and what God has done for us through the birth of his Son. If we let it become just a holiday of decorating, sharing presents, and getting together with friends and family, we have missed an incredible opportunity. As we share this message, we may be rejected even as Jesus was rejected (I doubt if we will be taken to a cliff); but we may well experience the joy of someone finding the best Christmas present of their lives—Jesus Christ.

Seek Passion for God, Compassion for People, Refashioned Lives,

Pastor Ron

Many of us have a story of faith and

how we have experienced God

working in our lives. Would you

be willing to share

that story in our 2019 Bethany

Lenten Devotional? Share you story and please be sure to include a short scripture and prayer—all should be 200

words or less. We will compile the booklet to share with

our church family. You may handwrite or submit your story electronically to Marcell Doverspike or to Jen in the church

office. Please submit your story before January 13, 2019. Questions? Contact Marcell at 717/244-7624.

What is Advent? The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word

adventus meaning “coming” or “visit," begins four Sundays

before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. [Liturgical -- from

liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship.] During Advent, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of

Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our

own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation, and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus

in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all

that was promised by his first coming.

Wednesdays – Youth Connections Meets 6:30 – 7:30 PM in the Youth Room (will not meet December 26th)

New Series!

A Christmas Carol – The Sermon Series

Join us for our annual Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 19th! We’ll play fun Christmas Games and so much

more. Don’t miss this fun night!

December 2018

Nolan Crooks (717) 244-7624, Ext. 24 https://www.facebook.com/igniteyouthministry121

Sunday Morning Bible Study 9:15 – 10:15 AM in the Youth Room

New study called “Love Letters.” Love is the common thread that runs through the most popular works of every art form. We, as a culture, are fixated on love (it even has

its own holiday!). Everyone wants to love and be loved. It’s almost as if we were created FOR love, which would make sense because, as Scripture tells us, God is love.

Join us as we read the greatest Love Letter ever written to each and every one of us!

Sunday Evenings

December 2nd, 9th, & 16th

(will not meet

December 23rd & 30th)

6 – 8 PM in

Bethany House

Join us for a time of fellowship, games, worship, lessons, and so much more! This is one of the best nights of the week!

Looking ahead….

An amazing day of Christmas Movies & fun! decorating Sugar Cookies, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. Hope to see you there!

On April 8th, the Youth participated in Feed the Hungry. They prepared over 250 sack lunches and two huge pots of chili! There were over 17 people who helped make this event a success. A special thanks to Jared & Deb Olsen!

Help Needed! Children’s Department Renovations

Ways You Can Help!

Change of Address If you are moving, are planning to move, or if the Post Office is changing your address, please notify the church office as soon as possible. The church must pay for all incorrect addresses. We also need the correct mailing addresses of all college students and those attending other schools of higher learning. Thank you!

SUNDAY PARKING

Bethany Church members and friends are allowed

to park in the lots at the Burg Funeral Home and

Laucks & Laucks law firm on Sundays. Just pick

up a dashboard card in the church office to

display while parked. The owner of the former

Zarfos properties has given permission for us to

use the paved area near their building for parking

on Sundays. Also, the new Municipal Lot is

available to use on Sundays.

We need you! If you like technology and would like a way to give back to your church, call or email Matt Olphin (717/244-7624). An

IT crew is being assembled to assist in running Sunday morning media presentations for the

Traditions worship services.

ATTENDANCE

Date

Sunday School

Sunday Worship

October 21st 86 227

October 28th 84 245

November 4th 111 344

November 11th 72 244

2019 Offering Envelopes may be

picked up this month (please help

the church save on postage!). They

will be on tables

in the hallway between the Sanctuary &

Downtown Fellowship Worship Area outside the

church office. If you do not currently have

envelopes but would like to have them, see Jen in

the church office.

1. A messianic warning Luke 21:20-24 2. Watch for the coming of the

Son of Man Luke 21:25-36 3. Prayer for life from God Psalm 90 4. Jesus as the fulfillment of David’s line Revelation 22:12-16 5. The coming of the Son of Man Luke 11:29-32 6. God’s tender compassion Luke 1:68-79 7. Those who serve God Malachi 3:13-18 8. The mission of the Twelve Luke 9:1-6 9. Prepare the way of the Lord Luke 3:1-6 10. Prayer for restoration Psalm 126 11. All nations shall praise God Isaiah 19:18-25 12. God’s advent will change everything Isaiah 35:3-7 13. In your midst is the Holy One

of Israel Isaiah 12:2-6 14. Do not trample the needy Amos 8:4-12 15. God will set things right Amos 9:8-15 16. One more powerful is coming Luke 3:7-18 17. A ruler brings justice and peace Isaiah 11:1-9 18. God destroys Korah’s company Number 16:20-35 19. The Messiah and John the Baptist Luke 7:31-35 20. Show the light of your countenance Psalm 80:1-7 21. Confidence that rewards Hebrews 10:32-39 22. God as a nursing mother Isaiah 66:7-11 23. Blessed are you among women Luke 1:39-45 [46-55] 24. God with us Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] 25. The Word became flesh John 1:1-14 26. Jesus laments that Jerusalem kills

her prophets Matthew 23:34-39 27. The beloved disciple remains with

Jesus John 21:20-25 28. Herod kills innocent children Matthew 2:13-18 29. Solomon will build the temple 1 Chronicles 28:1-10 30. Jesus increased in favor with all Luke 2:41-52 31. Praise God in Zion Psalm 147:12-20

WE WANT TO PRAY FOR YOU! If you are heading to the hospital or if

something big is on the horizon for

you, please stay after worship and

gather in the front of the Sanctuary so

that Pastor Ron, Pastor Mark, and Pastor Larry can pray for you. This is

our ministry to you!

Articles for the January Newsletter are due in the church office by December 15th.

Ron Geesey played his final performance with the Sunday School Orchestra on Veteran’s Day. Here, he is surrounded by his wife, Melvene, and Sue Kochenour.

Welcome new members, Phillip, Dustin, & Sharon Hykes, who joined the Bethany family on Sunday, October 21st in Downtown Fellowship.

Two of our Veterans arrived at church in full colors on November 11th. We thank them for their service and the years of sacrifice for our country! Thank you, Dick Stoner and Dale Hinkle!

A blast from the past…The Cherub Choir with Mrs. Gladys Slenker! These former cherubs are now in high school and college! A wonderful reminder of our legacy. Thanks to Lynne Gohn for the photo.

Our own Kelly Henshaw received the Catherine Meyer Award at the Borough’s Banquet. Ms. Meyer was the Mother of Red Lion, whose farmland has become our hometown! Presence in the Park is just one program for which Kelly’s participation earned this esteemed award! Living Bethany recipients include Mr. Ron Fitzkee, Mrs. Gladys Slenker, and Mrs. Betty Rhodes.

There is something about this group that always brings a smile! (l to r, Fred Metz,

Dr. Todd Seitz, and Joe Strobeck.

The following groups meet on a regular basis. Please join us! GROUP MEETING TIME/LOCATION CONTACT

Women’s Bible Study Exodus-Lessons as You Leave

Sundays @ 9 AM Upper Room

Kelley Williams 717/244-7624

Mere Christians Scandalous Freedom

2nd & 4th Sundays @ 6 PM West Sunday School Room

Kelly Chronister 717/244-7624

Sunday Men’s Group Act Like Men

Sundays @ 6:30 PM Social Hall Annex (will not meet December 30th)

Pastor Ron 717/244-7624

The Encouragers Come Thirsty

2nd & 4th Wednesdays @ 10 AM in Bethany House (luncheon on December 12th; will not meet December 26th)

Carol Urey or Diane Strobeck 717-244-7624

Women’s Bible Study The Armor of God

Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM Upper Room (will not meet December 26th)

Kelley Williams 717/244-7624

Men’s Fraternity Act Like Men

Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM (will not meet December 26th) Coffee Corner of Downtown Fellowship Worship Area

Pastor Mark 717/244-7624

Faith Lessons – Life & Ministry of the Messiah

Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM Social Hall Annex (will not meet December 26th)

Pastor Ron 717/244-7624

Youth Connections

Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM Youth Room (will not meet December 26th)

Nolan Crooks 717/244-7624, ext. 24

Breath of Heaven Yoga Wednesdays @ 7:30 PM

Bethany House

Deb Jackson 717/244-7624

Celebrate Recovery Thursdays @ 6:30 PM (food at 6 PM)

Social Hall (will meet ALL Thursdays in December) Michael Wilt or

Karl Weinke 717/244-7624

Men’s Breakfast Fellowship 1st & 3rd Saturdays @ 7 AM

Bethany House

Thomme Conley or Angelo Prestopine 717/244-7624

A Fellowship Meal is offered from 5:30 – 6:25 PM,

followed by classes for children, youth, and adults from

6:30 – 7:30 PM. The cost of the meal is $3.50 for

adults and $1.50 for children; with a limit of $15 per

family. Please be sure to sign up for the Wednesday

meal by the Sunday before.

There will be no Fellowship Meal, Kid’s Connections, or

Bible Studies on Wednesday, December 26th.

Yoga will meet.

Once again this year on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, our Bethany family and friends provided meals for some folks in York City who do not always have enough to eat every day. Volunteers purchased the food and supplies, prepared the hot meals (Italian sausage, baked potato, and green beans) and bag lunches (PBJ and pudding) and distributed them at two locations in coordination with the Helping Hands Ministry of York. Invariably, the good food and the cheerful spirit of the delivery team are appreciated by those receiving the blessing of the nutritious meal. Our Memorial Day weekend had a bit of an added twist this year. Fox 43 reporter, Grace Griffaton, and cameraman, Nick, prepared a story that can still be seen at http://fox43.com/2018/05/27/bethany-united-methodist-church-members-serve-and-deliver-meals-to-people-in-need-york/. The following pictures are from both events in 2018. Thank you to Jared & Deb Olsen who headed up the Memorial Day weekend, and Dan & Kim Snyder who led the Labor Day weekend events.

Pastor Ron and Marcell Doverspike will be joining Pastor Charlie and Vicky Salisbury on a ten-day tour

of European Capitals plus the Oberammergau Passion Play on June 3 - 12, 2020. In 1633, the residents of Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany, vowed that if God

spared them from the black plague ravaging the region, they would produce a play thereafter for all time every ten years depicting the life and death of Jesus. When the plague subsided that year, they

held the play every ten years (except for two times) as promised since 1634. All actors in the play must be born in Oberammergau to participate. It is the most famous passion play in the world. If you are

interested in finding out more information, please see the brochures in the church office or call

to have one sent to you.

Your Help is Needed for the Children’s Department Renovations

Monetary Donations - Donations will go towards purchasing items on our wish list, all of which will help to update and reinvigorate our

children’s ministry. Donations may be made in the church office, on-line, or at the Giving Kiosk. Please designate that you would like your

donation to go towards the Children’s Department renovations.

Volunteers - We are in need of volunteers willing to help with tasks such as painting and

assembling or moving furniture. If you would like more information about helping, please see

Shannon Giertz or leave your contact information with Jen in the church office.

Dear Bethany Friends,

In conjunction with Arms Around Africa and

The Royer Foundation, I have been asked to

travel to Sierra Leone, West Africa. I will be

leaving on Sunday, January 13th and returning

on Tuesday, January 22nd. Bill Royer from

the Royer Foundation will be traveling with

me.

We will first be meeting with the United Methodist Bishop, John

Yambasu, and his staff, to look at possible agricultural projects as well

as water well digging operations. This meeting will take place in

Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone was at one time a leader in rice exportation; but since the

war, they must import rice. We want to help turn that around and teach the people to be more self-sufficient.

We will then travel to a working farm in the Makeni area. Faith Healing Organization, founded by Rev. Francis

Mambu, has long been supported by Arms Around Africa through the funds set

forth by the Royer Foundation. We will be able to assess the two tractors and

implements, cassava processing, rice storage,

greenhouses, and the chicken house that will

house over 4,000 chickens. We will then visit

smaller village farms under the care of Faith

Healing and see first-hand how the program is

benefitting the people and what else we can do

to help.

Our last visit will be Bumpe Village (this is

where my wife, Kathy, and I went over 15 years

ago the first time we were in Sierra Leone) to

meet with Joseph Kobba, the founder of Rural

Youth Development. Joseph is doing many of

the same things that Faith Healing is doing

but on a smaller scale. We really want to help him grow his operation! In

addition to agriculture projects, he has a computer lab classroom and sewing

classroom in Bo (second largest city) to help youth to learn these valuable

skills.

How can you help (you are saying, smiles)? This is a very grueling trip

physically, and I need your constant prayers! I also need to raise $4,000 to

cover my expenses so please give as you feel led. Please note that 100% of all

funds that are donated to Arms Around Africa go to actual projects and do not

pay for these trips.

Thanks for supporting my trips in the past and thanks in advance in this effort.

Blessings, Kelly Henshaw

The Missions Committee continues to sell Giant, Weis Markets, and Jerry’s Great Valu Gift Certificates as a

fundraiser for Bethany’s mission obligations. By purchasing the certificates, you are not only doing your

grocery shopping but also supporting your church. Everyone has to eat; and if you shop at Giant, Weis, or Jerry’s, this is a win-win! Giant Gift Cards can also be

used at the gas pumps. See Jen in the Church Office to purchase. Several denominations are available to

purchase ($100, $50, $25, $20, $10). You can even have a standing order each week. Just let Jen know what you

would like. The Missions Committee thanks you for your support in this fundraiser!

Need some Christmas

gifts? Don’t miss the

Missions Committee’s

stand at Women’s Day

Out on December 1st.

We will be offering

jewelry from Uganda,

Ecuador, India, etc.; jewelry and items from Sierra

Leone, homemade fudge, and beautiful Christmas

Ornaments. If you can’t be at Women’s Day Out, our

“store” will be open in the Church Office through the

end of December. All sales benefit the missions of

Bethany Church.

Medical Equipment Lending Warehouse

Are you or a loved one experiencing a short-term illness, injury, or convalescence and are in need of a piece of medical equipment? The Medical Equipment Warehouse continues to be of service to Red Lion and surrounding areas. The Lord has helped us to serve

others by lending out Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers, Rollators, Canes, Crutches and other items for long or

short-term use. Just contact our secretary at (717) 244-7624 for a list of contacts from our group who will

try to fill your need.

Would you like to feel the joy of serving both your church family and your community while taking only a small amount of your time? Please consider joining our group. The need for this ministry has grown so

rapidly that we are now seeking additional members. To learn more, contact John Cunningham

(717) 244-7624.

Bethany’s God’s People in Mission, along with volunteers from St. Paul’s UMC, Zion UMC (Red Lion), Emmanuel UCC, and Zion UMC (Freysville), have continued to offer a community dinner for people in our area who need a hot meal. It is held at St. Paul’s UMC on First Avenue the second Monday of each month. Boy Scout Troop #28 also helps serve and clean up. We are in need of volunteers to be on standby each month or when it is Bethany’s turn to prep and serve the meal, purchase food, bake desserts, and fellowship during the meal. For more information, please see Jared Olsen or Karen Oswald. There will be sign-up sheets throughout the church. Your help, as always, is greatly appreciated!

Looking for Bulletin and Newsletter Sponsors

You may sponsor the weekly bulletin or the monthly newsletter in memory of or in honor of someone. Your tribute will be included at or near the front of the document you sponsor. The cost is: Weekly

Bulletin $15.00 and Monthly Newsletter $15.00 for a partial sponsorship or $100 for a full sponsorship. Several partial sponsorships are needed for the monthly newsletter to cover postage which runs approximately $100. You may arrange for your

sponsorship by calling the church office.

Apple

Dumplings

Available!

Extra dumplings are available for sale until they are gone. Don’t miss out on these delicious

culinary creations! They are only here once a year! Benefits Community Reach.

Questions? Contact Lisa Olphin-Hamberger (717/244-7624).

Thank you to all who sent cards, visited, made meals, or called during my recent surgery. A special thanks to the Meal Ministry for the

delicious meals that they had for me after my surgery. Bethany has some caring, kind people. –Brian Kunselman

Bethany Church is collecting items for the following organizations. Collection containers are

located outside the church office and inside the back door. Your contributions are greatly

appreciated!

Cell Phones Inkjet Cartridges

(for ACCESS-York) (with undamaged Contact: Jessica Castle printheads)

(717) 244-7624 for Bethany Youth Contact: Jen Daugherty

(717) 244-7624

Aluminum Tabs Aluminum Cans (for Ronald McDonald (for Together We

House) Can Make a Difference)

Contact: Jane Wiertel Contact: Pastor Mark (717) 244-7624 (717) 244-7624

CHURCH CONFERENCE MEETING MINUTES

The meeting was called to order on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 7:01 PM. In attendance were: Pastor Larry Parlett, Pastor Ron Doverspike, Bobby Gohn, Jim Miller, David Miller, Cory Backer, Kirby Hickey, Karl Weinke, Mary Stoner, Nancy Harrison, Karen Miller, Wade Elfner, Ellen Russell, Marcell Doverspike, Jared & Deb Olsen, Pastor Mark Williams, along with members and friends of Waters Edge UMC and Pleasant Grove UMC. Pastor Ron Doverspike, who presided over the Church Conference, opened the meeting in prayer and shared a devotion.

Jennifer Daugherty was elected Recording Secretary. Minutes from the October 23, 2017 Church Conference were approved and accepted on motion by Bobby Gohn and second by Jim Miller. The 2017 audit was presented and accepted on motion by Kirby Hickey and second by Karen Miller. The 2017 Church Trustees report was presented and accepted on motion by Wade Elfner and second by Jim Miller. Shares of Ministry Plan Our Conference has asked all churches to present a plan if they anticipate they will have difficulty paying their Shares of Ministry (SOM) for 2019. Bethany Church’s SOM increased by 10% (approximately $10,000 for 2019). Every effort will be made to pay our SOM in full, but we also want to share that this is a burden on churches and takes away from our programs. SOM are no longer calculated on membership numbers but on program costs. Our program expenses increased in 2017, and this was reflected in our SOM increase. There was discussion about consequences if a church does not pay their SOM. Kirby Hickey reported that the 2020 - 2021 budget of the GCF&A has decreased and hopes that SOM will follow.

What is the meal ministry? When a member of our church family is walking through a

storm….maybe a surgery, an injury, a sick child, a loved one’s passing, or some other unexpected stressful event, our team is there helping to choreograph a delicious meal. The

receiving individual (or family) is so very grateful for a meal as it gives them one less thing to worry about for that day.

If you feel God tapping on your shoulder saying you can do this, we welcome you with open arms to be part of this fabulous team. You don’t need a culinary degree, just a heart that can prepare a simple meal, for someone who will appreciate every bite. To join our team, call Jere at (717) 244-7624.

Thank you to our Meal Ministry team for all you do and the love you share!

Advent Devotion by the Rev. Jerry Chism

Oh Immanuel, God with us, truly in this Advent season we celebrate that you are not hidden in some faraway cloud, but you chose to be with us in the blur and mystery of our lives.

In the midst of lists and rush, you are with us as a song that echoes in our minds, as the light of a candle, as a card from a friend. They are signs of your presence.

We turn to you this season and pray that you would birth joy and healing, blessing and hope in us.

Let something wonderful begin in us — something surprising and holy.

May your hand be upon us. Let your love fill us. Let your joy overwhelm us. Let our longing for you be met on a coming holy night. Immanuel with us once again.

Amen.

Report on Membership Three people were received into membership this year by Profession of Faith. Thirty-two names were presented that had been removed from the church rolls by withdrawal, transfer, or death. One name was presented for year two of the two-year removal process. It was motioned to remove this person from membership by Kirby Hickey with a second by Karen Miller.

Lay Leadership Report The names in bold print are the positions to be voted on. Pastor Ron verbally added Alisha Crooks to the report under Contemporary Worship Ministries (term completed in 2021). Each section (committee) of the Lay Leadership report was approved as presented. Also approved was the recommendation for the Administrative Council to have the authority to deal with vacancies during the year. Election of Lay Members to Annual Conference were approved as presented on motion by Wade Elfner and second by Jim Miller.

Annual Parsonage Inspection The annual inspection of the parsonage is a cooperative responsibility between the Board of Trustees and the Staff-Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. The Parsonage at 1042 Woodridge Road is in good condition at this time. Several items need cared for. The report was presented for informational purpose.

Staff-Pastor-Parish Relations Committee There is a difference for 2019 from this year. In 2019, the lead pastor’s reimbursement accounts will be replaced with a Health Savings Account. Also, Cell Phone reimbursement will be replaced with a Cell Phone Stipend next year.

The Lead Pastor package was approved as presented on motion by the SPPR Committee and second by Jim Miller. Pastor Salary Soc. Sec. Health Savings Acct. Housing Pension Contr. Cont. Ed. Doverspike $67,091.11 $5,361.97 $3,000 n/a $8,579.49 $5,000

Cell Phone Stipend $1,000

Travel: Reimbursement rate is set annually at the current IRS reimbursement rate.

The SPPR Committee has assessed the fair rental value of the parsonage at $9,600 and has set parsonage exclusions the pastor must report to the IRS at 20% of base salary.

The Visitation Pastor package was approved as presented on motion by SPPR Committee and second by Mary Stoner. Pastor Salary Parlett $10,300

Travel: Reimbursement rate is set annually at the current IRS reimbursement rate.

Report of the Lay Speaker A written report from Robert Gohn was presented. Bobby was approved to continue as Lay Speaker. Candidates for Ministry Karl Weinke is seeking candidacy to become a Licensed Local Pastor. The SPPR Committee has given its approval for Karl to be presented and voted upon at this Church Conference. A paper ballot was distributed, and it was voted unanimously for Karl to proceed. Pastor’s Report Pastor Ron highlighted his report about changes in the church. How we connect inside the church and outside the church. Churches need outstanding family ministries. Technology continues to change how we live our lives and interact with each other. We will need more creativity and persistence on our part. Other Business Kirby Hickey asked for prayers for the Susquehanna Conference delegates attending the special session of General Conference in February 2019. The meeting was closed in prayer by Pastor Mark and adjourned at 8:09 PM. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Daugherty Recording Secretary

Online giving is so much more than just online! Our giving tools provide the ability to donate on our website (www.bethanyredlion.com) or The Blast, through a mobile app (search for Easy Tithe in your App Store), from our Giving Kiosk (located outside the church office), and Text Giving. After creating an account, you’re able to give a donation or schedule a series of donations (scheduling not available for text giving) directed from your checking account or debit/credit card. How to Contribute by Text: ➢ Please send a text message with the dollar amount in

the text (example: $20) to Bethany’s text giving phone number ~ 717/801-1430.

➢ If this is your first time using Text Giving, after texting the dollar amount, you will receive a message saying “please complete this one-time registration to submit your gift.” You will need to complete this one-time registration even if you have already set up online or mobile giving.

➢ A secure short form will either be presented or you will need to tap to open the form and fill in your billing information. ➢ Tap the “GIVE” button to submit. ➢ After this one-time billing setup is completed, giving is as easy as sending a text message. Please try it out! We hope you will find this a convenient and easy way to give!

Many of you get this and more just by using your credit card. Along with our current weekly envelope system and Giving Kiosk

options, we are also able to take credit cards in our office – and you can even authorize weekly or monthly charges (you just need to fill out a short form for us [found below]). You can even use your bank check card. You can also set up automated withdrawals

from your checking account through your bank’s Bill Pay.

Bethany Stewardship and Finance Ministry Team

CREDIT CARD/ACH AUTHORIZATION

NAME: (please print)________________________________________________________________

First Middle Initial Last

ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP: ___________________________ TELEPHONE NUMBER: ___________________

SIGNATURE: _____________________________________________________________________

Please charge my credit card/checking account for $_______________________________________ for the following service/donation (please check the proper box):

❑ one-time purchase ❑ one-time donation ❑ regular deduction of $___________________ on a:

❑ weekly basis ❑ bi-weekly basis ❑ monthly basis ❑ quarterly basis

This donation will continue until I notify the church (in writing or in person) to discontinue, which I may do at any time without further notice.

CREDIT CARD INFORMATION ❑ VISA ❑ MASTERCARD ❑ DISCOVER ❑ AMERICAN EXPRESS

NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD: ________________________________________________

CREDIT CARD NUMBER: ________ ________ ________ ________ EXPIRATION DATE: _____/_____ VALIDATION CODE ON REVERSE OF CARD: _______

ACH TRANSACTION Routing Number________________ Checking Account #_______________