
This Week At Bethel
This Sunday
This Sunday we continue our series, Hard Conversations, by exploring how God has instructed us to respond when there is conflict. Matthew 18 describes a process built on the purpose of confronting with love. While this process is challenging, we are given a picture of how we can pursue restoration when responding to sins in our community. Just as Christ has gone through every effort to challenge and guide us in love, we commit to follow his example.
The message this Sunday will focus on Matthew 18:15-20, “How do we respond?
Our Sunday Offerings:
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BETHEL MINISTRIES AND MISSION: The ministries and programs of Bethel
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BENEVOLENCE FUND: Administered by the deacons, who work in collaboration with staff, elders, and trusted ministry partners, this fund helps to provide food or financial resources for those in need in our congregation and community. Please contact a deacon if you or someone you know requires assistance.​
COLLECTIONS IN JANUARY
January 4 Adeara
January 11 Cornerstone Counselling
January 18 Benevolence Fund
January 25 Ministry Shares
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Church Family News & Prayer Requests:
Please remember C (niece to Becky and Michael), LYLE A, MARIJKE C, DRIKA D, JENNY P, and ELEANOR P as you pray for our church community.

Announcements:
ALPHA IS COMING TO BETHEL!: Curious about faith? Asking life’s big questions? Or looking for a safe, welcoming space to explore Christianity with others? Alpha is a relaxed, conversational course where people can explore the Christian faith in an open and friendly environment—no pressure, no judgment. The course runs for 11 weeks and will begin Sunday, February 15 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Church. To participate in Alpha click here.
READING SCRIPTURE TOGETHER IN 2026: As a church family, we value Every Day Discipleship and living Life Together. Being part of a reading plan as a church community helps us live out these values. For 2026, we want to journey through the bible together. Please consider signing up to join “The Bible” with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, a daily plan that will take us through the whole bible in a year. This may seem daunting but together we can encourage each other and watch how the Holy Spirit brings the word alive in our lives and in our church community. Click here to learn more and to join the plan.
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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: After the worship service on Sunday, January 25, we will host a congregational meeting. The agenda and financial statements were sent as an attachment to last week’s Bethel Life email on January 9th. They are also available in the back of the sanctuary if you would like a printed copy. Childcare will be provided during the meeting. Instructions will be given during the service about check in procedures for children. As we are celebrating the Lord’s Supper on this Sunday, you may need to check your child back in before the meeting if they were checked out to participate in Communion. Camila, our Youth Director, will be organizing a time of snacks and games for youth to take place at the same time as the meeting. Lastly, for those unable to join the meeting in person, you may join by the unlisted live stream link (here). Please note: this link will is different from the live stream worship service link and the meeting will not be viewable publicly on YouTube. If you have any questions prior to the congregational meeting, please reach out Ed Dening (Chair of Council) by emailing: governingelders@discoverbethel.com.
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OMINATIONS FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS: With the start of a new year, it's a good time to think about Bethel's mission. A key factor in fulfilling that mission relies on the many different people who serve in our church. Within that group are the church leaders, our Council comprised of Elders and Deacons. Each year, a number of these leaders finish their terms and need to be replaced. That is where you come in. We ask you to prayerfully consider who would make good, Christ-centered leaders for the different roles on Council: Governing Elder, Shepherding Elder and Deacons. As most of our Shepherding Elders are completing their terms this year, please pray for provision in this vital area of leadership. To nominate someone: • We recommend that you talk with the person you are discerning nominating so you can confirm that they are able and willing to prayerfully consider serving on Council • Please confirm they are a member of Bethel Community Church 3 • Please send us an email with their name to clerk@discoverbethel.com and a brief reason why you believe he or she is qualified to serve in this role If you have any questions about the nominations process and the expectations of these roles, please contact Arnold Groot (Governing Elder).
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TODAY MAGAZINES: The January/February issue of the Today magazine is now available at the Membership desk or in the literature rack.
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CADETS: We need more leaders! Bethel Cadets group needs a couple more awesome adult guys to come join them. There are close to 30 boys, grades 2-6 in the group this year, and they need leaders. They meet every second Tuesday from 7:00- 8:30 p.m., for skill building badge work, games, and physical activities. If you want to get involved or want more information contact Calvin VanderLeest cavanderleest@gmail.com
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BETHEL NEEDS YOU: Are you wondering how you can get involved here at Bethel?
Coffee Ministry Volunteers
“Serve a Cup, Serve a Smile!”
Do you love connecting with people over a warm cup of coffee? Bethel’s Coffee Ministry is looking for volunteers to help serve beverages after Sunday fellowship.
• Commitment: Just once every couple of months!
• Roles: Brew, serve, and greet our guests with a smile.
• Why Volunteer: Your simple act of hospitality helps create a welcoming environment for everyone at Bethel.
Sign Up: email Pastor Cathy – cathy@discoverbethel.com
Your friendly face could be the highlight of someone’s Sunday!
Hospitality Ministry Volunteers
“Be the First to Welcome!”
Bethel’s Hospitality Ministries are seeking volunteers to help make everyone feel at home. We need friendly faces for:
• Greeters & Ushers – Help people find their seats and feel welcomed.
• Welcome Desk & Membership Desk – Provide information and answer questions for newcomers.
Commitment: Flexible schedules available; serve as often as works for you.
Why Volunteer: Your service reflects Christ’s love and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for all who enter.
Sign Up: email Pastor Cathy – cathy@discoverbethel.com
Be the reason someone smiles when they walk through our doors!
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World Missions Info Session
“Step Into the World!”
Are you interested in learning how Bethel participates in world missions? We’re hosting an information session to discuss creating a new World Missions Team.
• When: Sunday, February 1st, after the service
• Where: Large Meeting Room (upstairs)
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Who Should Come: Anyone curious about global outreach or exploring ways to serve God beyond our local community.
Come, learn, and prayerfully consider how you might be involved in sharing Christ’s love around the world.
Questions: email Pastor Cathy – cathy@discoverbethel.com
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EASTER CHOIR: We are excited to share that we will be starting a choir for Easter—and possibly continuing beyond Easter if there is interest to grow it further! This will be a great opportunity to learn how to sing different vocal parts, grow in confidence, and enjoy making music together in a fun and encouraging environment. No matter your experience level, you are welcome to join. Practices for Easter will take place on Tuesday evenings. If you are interested in being part of the choir or would like more details, please email lisa@discoverbethel.com to sign up. We would love to have you join us!
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ALPHA IS COMING TO BETHEL!
Curious about faith? Asking life’s big questions? Or looking for a safe, welcoming space to explore Christianity with others?
Alpha is a relaxed, conversational course where people can explore the Christian faith in an open and friendly environment—no pressure, no judgment.
Sundays | February 15 – May 3
12:00–2:00 PM (following the worship service)
Lunch provided
Bethel Community Church (upstairs, large meeting room) (Please note: There will be no Alpha on Easter Sunday, April 5.)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Alpha works best because of volunteers who help create a warm, hospitable space. You don’t need to have all the answers—just a heart for people and a willingness to serve.
WHO IS ALPHA FOR?
-Those new to faith
-Those returning to church
-Those with questions or doubts
-Anyone wanting meaningful conversation and community
To participate in Alpha click here, to see where volunteer help is needed click here
For more information, contact Pastor Cathy at cathy@discoverbethel.com
Come explore. Come belong. Come be part of what God is doing at Bethel
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BIG COOK: It’s time to refill the meals in the ministry freezers and need your help to do it. Join us on February 28 from 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. to cook and assemble freezer meals for members of Bethel and people in the Bannerman neighborhood who have need or are dealing with long- or short-term health issues. The ingredients and instructions will be out waiting to be peeled, chopped, boiled, fried, sliced, mixed, bagged, and labelled. Come with a friend or maybe make a new one. Sign up at the info booth or let us know if you can make it out! Laura Meidl (780-221-150) and Jessica Kalf.
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BETHEL'S OPEN CLOSET WEARS & WARES EVENT: Did the balmy weather trick you into an early round of spring cleaning? Did the Christmas season put you in a purging mood? In late April Bethel will be hosting a 'swap' event. We will be collecting lightly used clothing, books, toys, sporting goods, and housewares and then hosting an 'open closet' afternoon, inviting families from Bethel and Bannerman to come on in and find new to them treasures at no cost. More details will come but if you can hold on to those things you're clearing to drop off for this event, it would be very appreciated! If you're interested in helping plan this event or have any questions, contact Laura Meidl (780-221-1350) We will be looking for many hands to sort (Friday, April 24) and run this event (Saturday, April 25)!
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Bethel Youth:​​​​​
YOUTH: Join us on January 16 from 7 pm to 9 pm for our first youth night of 2026! We have some other fun nights planned!
SWIMMING NIGHT: We are going to Millennium Place on January 23, for information and to register click here then click show more.
OILKINGS FAITH & FUN NIGHT: On February 6th, 2026, all Bethel families are invited to join us for an exciting night at Rogers Place as the Edmonton Oil Kings take on the Moose Jaw Warriors. We're meeting at 6:30pm and tickets are $23 per person. More information and registration links can be found here
Community News:
​​VINE WORSHIP: Join us for Worship 654 @ Covenant CRC, January 25, 2026, 6:54 pm. This is a night of Spirit-led worship, a special collaboration between the Vine Community and Covenant CRC Young Adults. All are welcome - people of all ages, all faith backgrounds, and all walks of life. Come and experience God's presence through worship that brings peace, freedom, and renewal, and be encouraged as you head into the week ahead. We hope to see you there!"
LIGHTHOUSE: You are invited to attend the grand opening of the Gerry Segger Library at Lighthouse (11425 St. Albert Trail NW) on January 26 at 1:00 p.m. Come for the event and stay for a tour! If you would like more information about this event, please call 780-440-8783 or visit esls.ca.
COLD HANDS WARM HEARTS: Is a community walk happening on Saturday, February 21 that’s going to make a big difference right here in Edmonton! By walking with us, you will be changing the lives of people like Aime. Hungry and homeless in the middle of winter, Aime was in a desperate situation. But because of compassionate people like you, he found help at Hope Mission - and now his life has completely turned around. “I can make a fresh start in my life,” he says. “I have hope for my future.” By walking in Cold Hands Warm Hearts, you will be bringing the hope of a fresh start to other vulnerable people like Aime. You will truly be transforming the life of someone who desperately needs it - and it’s a gift they’ll never forget. Sign up today at hopemission.com/warmhearts!
COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR: We’re so excited to announce The Coldest Night of the Year is back! This winterrific, family-friendly walk returns on Saturday, February 28th, bringing our community together to raise critical funds for The Mustard Seed and the people we serve who are experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. For more information and to register click here
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MISSION THRIFT STORE: Mission Thrift Store Edmonton is looking for a Board Secretary (volunteer position). If you have the skills and would more information, contact Pete Ages at 780-934-8332 or email at agespete6@gmail.com
NOMINATIONS FOR COUNCIL OF DELEGATES: The CRCNA is looking for nominees willing to serve as At-Large members of the Council of Delegates and the Canada Ministry Board. Please click here for more information.
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CRC NEWS: Check out what’s happening in the CRC community here.
CRCNA ANNOUNCEMENTS: Connecting church members with the ministries of the denomination. Find out more by visiting the website here
Our Weekly Calendar
SUNDAY, January 18
10:00 a.m. Worship - in person & live stream
MONDAY, January 19
7:00 p.m. Prayer – Zoom
TUESDAY, January 20
5:15 p.m. Dove Taekwondo
7:00 p.m. Cadets
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WEDNESDAY,January 21
6:30 a.m. Prayer-In-person & Zoom
9:30 a.m. Oasis
8:00 p.m. AA
THURSDAY, January 22
12:30 p.m. Food Bank
5:15 p.m. Dove Taekwondo
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FRIDAY, January 23
7:00 p.m. Youth
SATURDAY, January 24
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