This Week At Bethel

November 28, 2025

This Sunday

Church Family News

This Sunday

This Sunday begins the season of Advent through which we’ll explore the genealogy in Matthew’s Gospel with a new sermon series: Meet the Family. Each week we will explore Jesus’ family tree highlighting the wide range of people God includes in his family. This week we explore the surprising witness of 3 women included in the genealogy: Tamar, Rahab and Ruth, asking what their inclusion means for how we receive and respond to the Gospel of Christ.

The message this Sunday will reflect on the Advent theme of hope focusing on Matthew 1:1-6, “The Unexpected and Unwanted.”

*For resources from our Advent series, Meet the Family, visit discovebethel.com/resources

*Also, we will be passing out bookmarks made for The Gospel for Everyone series on Sunday. Please make sure to grab one before you leave.

For the past messages of the series, subscribe and follow our podcast at discoverbethel.com/podcasts

BAPTISM: Also on Sunday, we will celebrate with JAMES & HEATHER for the baptism of their son. James will also be welcomed as a member during the service. Let us join together in prayer and support as this family takes this meaningful step of faith.

Following the message, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together.

• For those attending in-person, we will pass around the elements with plates and baskets. When you receive them, please wait to eat and drink together at the same time. We welcome you to use the time for singing, prayer and reflection. Gluten-free bread is available for those who desire this option. Also, you may leave the disposable cups in the pews to be collected later.

• For everyone online, please have communion elements ready at home (bread, juice/wine) to join with us in sharing the meal. You can partake of the elements at home while they are being served in the sanctuary.

• For parents with children who you would like to participate in the Lord’s Supper, there will be space for you to quickly check out your children in the lower level following the message

We look forward to celebrating Christ’s meal of grace with you Sunday. Prepare your hearts for this time of remembrance and celebration in light of our forgiveness through the cross

Our Sunday Offerings:

BETHEL MINISTRIES AND MISSION: The ministries and programs of Bethel
MINISTRY SHARES: MINISTRY SHARES is a cooperative venture of all CRC churches in Canada to send missionaries around the world, start new churches, resource congregations , train pastors and leaders, and use media to spread the gospel. The pooled resources allow the church to do more together than an individual church could do on its own. For more information→crcna.org/MinistryShares

COLLECTIONS IN NOVEMBER

November 2 Christian Circle

November 9 Dunamis Fellowship Canada

November 16 Mustard Seed – The Mosaic Center

November 23 One Book

November 30 Ministry Shares

From the Deacons: Offering baskets are coming back! You may have noticed that Bethel kids have been in the sanctuary when the deacons have talked about the offerings in recent months. We all want our children and youth to see giving as an act of worship. For the month of December; deacons will once again be “passing the plate”. This is a 4-week experiment for us all to be able to participate in giving as an act of worship. Stay tuned for more information as December approaches!

Church Family News & Prayer Requests:

We celebrate with JOSH and JULIE for the birth of their son, WESLEY.

Continue to remember CALLIE (niece to Becky and Michael), MARIJKE C, ELEANOR P, and JENNY P.

as you pray for our church community.

Announcements:

YOUNG ADULTS: Our next meeting is Sunday, November 30 at 7:00 p.m. We will be hosted by the Myschuk Family. Please email Pastor Cris for the address.

BETHEL SENIORS: All Bethel seniors, 65 years and older, are invited to the annual Senior’s Christmas Social. It will be held on Sunday, December 14, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Valleyview Point (2011 - 137 Avenue). Everyone who comes is asked to bring one of their favourite hors d’oeuvres, baking, or a bottle of your favourite wine to share. If you have any questions, please contact Randall Huisman.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS: Christmas is just around the corner, and the Bethel Deacons are once again preparing to share the joy of Christ's birth through our Christmas Hampers & Gifts Program! Last year, we helped bless many families, and we’re excited to do it again this year with a few special additions. We’ll be providing grocery gift cards for adults and personalized gifts for children, with children invited to share short wishlists (in the $25–$45 range) so we can make their Christmas extra meaningful.

Here’s how you can be involved:

Submit names of individuals or families (within Bethel or the Bannerman community) who would be blessed by a Christmas hamper.
Donate to “Christmas Hampers and Gifts” through any of Bethel’s regular giving methods.
Visit the Christmas tree at the back of the sanctuary starting November 30. Choose one or more gift tags with a child’s wishlist, and purchase a gift. Please return your unwrapped gift with the tag to the church by Sunday, December 13.

On Saturday, December 20, families will be invited to Bethel to pick up their hampers, enjoy snacks and hot drinks, wrap their children’s gifts, and experience the warmth of our church community. Let’s come together to share God’s love and make this Christmas a season of joy and generosity for all!

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT: Join us December 13 in watching a family-friendly movie that tells the story of Christmas. Invite your friends to this FREE event! Light refreshments will be served. We'll be collecting non-perishable food items and diapers for distribution in the community of Bannerman. No tickets or registration needed. Bethel Family, we need your support to do this so please see the ways you can assist by clicking here.

ADVENT JOURNEY: Experience Christmas through an interactive exploration of Advent on the evening of December 20. Travel a lit path through the church, visiting 4 stations focused on the promises of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Each station includes a Bible verse, activity and prayer. From there, the path leads to a live manger scene and songs of celebration. Light refreshments will be provided. Donations of non-perishable food items and diapers will be gratefully accepted.

PRODUCTION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We need your help to keep our livestream going! We’re looking for volunteers to join our Production Team! Our livestream ministry helps keep church accessible for those who are ill, working shifts, or unable to leave their home — allowing them to stay connected and worship with us.

Time Commitment: 1 Sunday a month

What you’ll do: Switch between camera views during the service and monitor lighting ensuring everything runs smoothly

Training: 2–3 Thursday evening training sessions, then you’ll serve on Sundays from 8:15 a.m. until the service ends

If you’re interested or want to learn more, please contact lisa@discoverbethel.com.
Let’s keep sharing God’s love through our livestream — we can’t do it without you

Bethel Youth:

YOUTH TONIGHT: No youth tonight. Join us again next Friday from 7-9pm

Community News:

YOUNG ADULTS (18-30 something): You’re invited! Join The Vine Community for a part 2 and 3 “Love, Life & Faith” Series & Dinner on Nov 23 (and Jan 11 &25). Come out for an evening of real talk, meaningful connection, and shared dinner as young adults from across the community explore life, love, and faith together. Hosted by Daryl & Sheri Van Driel (15426 59 St Edmonton). 5:30-7:30pm. RSVP to 780-916-3364 (text/WhatsApp), or trinityvinecommunity@gmail.com

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES: Join us for our “Little Town” Christmas Market on November 29, at 3920 – 49 Ave. in Stony Plain from 9 am-4 pm. Breakfast from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and lunch from 12:00 -1:30 p.m; each offered at $6/adult and $4/child. We are still accepting vendors for the market. Please contact Kim at 780-965-7472 or kim.stefura@rcmflourish.ca We look forward to sharing the festive spirit with you.

KING’S UNIVERSITY CHOIR CONCERT: Krampus stole Edmonton’s Christmas Spirit — and our singers are on a mission to bring it back! Join us for The Search for the Holly Grail, a Christmas cantata written by King’s University’s own, Kimberley Denis featuring The King’s Cantorum Choir, the Provost ReSound Choirs, Lyrico Children’s Choir, Fire Choirs, and the First Presbyterian Church Handbells. The King’s Alumni and Community Chorus will also be performing selections featuring the characters of Christmas and the whole evening ends with a community sing-along of some of your favourite bell-themed Christmas carols. Join The King’s University and special guests on Saturday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church to kick off the holiday season in style! Tickets on EventBrite or available at the door.

FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS: Join organists Dr. Marnie Giesbrecht and Dr. Joachim Segger, with conductor Andrew Bortz at the Winspear Centre, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. This cherished Advent celebration features the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus and the Davis Concert Organ, weaving together Scripture readings, anthems, and carols that prepare our hearts for Christmas. The proceeds for this event go to the Campus Food Bank. Tickets are available here or by calling 780-428-1414.

DAYS FOR GIRLS: Edmonton Chapter - Our next work bee is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, from 9 am to 12 noon. Please join us for this worthwhile cause. We could use workers with sewing machines and sergers, but we also need help from non-sewers for a variety of tasks: ironing, cutting, adding snaps, measuring and tracing, folding, etc. This request for help is not just for ladies, as we also have men that come out to help. Some of the tasks require a level of strength that unfortunately not all ladies have.

Location: LDS Church, 9010 - 85 Street NW Edmonton. Please come to the west side back door.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE: While there is good reason for the ‘celebrative’ atmosphere of Christmas, it can also be a challenging, even painful, time for those who live with the reality of brokenness or loss in their lives. A “Blue Christmas Service” is a service that allows that reality to be acknowledged and brought before the Lord, while at the same time recognizing the one who is bigger than a season. You are invited to participate in such a service (with communion) held at West End CRC on Sunday, Dec 14 at 7:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend in-person but would like to participate, please join us via livestream using the link on the West End website.

STEVE BELL: Steve Bell is back in concert with an evening of story and song, featuring music from his latest album, “The Glad Surprise,” as well as Advent classics and favourites. Dec. 14, 7:00 pm at Saint Thomas Anglican Church 4A Raven Drive Sherwood Park. Get your tickets here.

STUDION SCHOOL FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTION: is now receiving applications for its next cohort group. The Studion is a two-year, part-time program that offers comprehensive training in the skill and art of Christian spiritual direction. Application deadline is December 31, 2025. Inquiries can be made to thestudionschool@gmail.com or rev.klok@gmail.com For more information, upcoming online events, and application forms, check out the website: https://www.thestudionschool.com

KING’S FOLD RETREAT & RENEWAL CENTRE: The centre is currently engaged in a search for their next Executive Director. The job description is available at the Bethel Office if you are interested in learning more.

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.