This Week At Bethel

March 26, 2023

This Sunday

Church Family News

This Sunday

We continue our journey through Lent in 1 Samuel at a critical point in this story of A King in God’s Place. Even with the hopeful beginning to Saul’s reign as king, we now see Saul doing what we are often tempted to do ourselves—take matters into our own hands. Rather than waiting for God’s guidance and strength (i.e. leading with God’s prophet, Samuel), Saul relies on his own ideas and timing in the face of danger. Fear can make us choose rushed and foolish things; and yet, even under the threat of invasion and war, we are not helpless because God is our refuge; the Lord is our voice of provision and wisdom in the midst of the storm.

Our message Sunday will focus on 1 Samuel 13, “Tarnish on the Crown.”

Following the message, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. For those attending in-person, we will invite you to come forward to receive the elements at the front. You can then eat and drink the elements individually as you receive them. If you are not able to come forward, please raise your hand and the elements will be brought to you. Gluten-free bread is available for those who desire this option.

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.

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

Our Sunday Offerings:

Bethel Mission and Ministries: This offering supports the ministries and programs of Bethel.
World Renew: Compelled by God’s deep passion for justice & mercy, World Renew joins communities around the world to renew hope, reconcile lives, and restore creation. Working in more than 30 countries World Renew embraces a family-centered approach to ending global poverty and providing disaster response services.

Please visit discoverbethel.com/give to see the ways that you can donate and support our different collections. If you have any questions about our giving options, please contact Sara at accounting@discoverbethel.com

Church Family News:

MONIKA CHAMBERLAIN had a medical procedure done this week, we hope that this will help with her continued healing.

MARCEL CROCKER was admitted to the hospital this past week out of concern for an infection in his foot. He is also experiencing symptoms that could be indications of pneumonia. Marcel, Jennifer and family are preparing for several weeks in the hospital. In his words, he “will be fighting!” Please pray for Marcel’s healing and recovery. If you are able to support the family through a meal, here is a meal train setup for them.

KATHY JACKSON was released from the hospital and is grateful for the prayers on her behalf.

WILLY VROON was transferred to Norwood for palliative comfort care. In Willy’s words, “she longs to be with Jesus.” We pray with her and the Vroon family that the Lord will receive her soon.

Please continue to pray for CALVIN BRUINSMA, CURTIS COENEN, ELLA JENSEN, ELEANOR PROKUDA, JILL SNEEP, and LINDA VANDER LEEST.

Announcements:

EASTER IS COMING! We will be hosting a Good Friday service that will be starting at 6:00 p.m. on April 7. Easter Sunday April 9, we will have two services, 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. We look forward to celebrating Christ’s death and resurrection with you.

HELP NEEDED: Are you creative and love design? We need a couple people to help with some design and stage elements for Good Friday and Easter. Please contact lisa@discoverbethel.com for further information.

DISCOVER BETHEL CLASS: Come and learn what Bethel is all about – the mission, vision, and calling God has given to the church. The class will be held on April 16, 2023, from noon until 2:00p.m. after the Worship Service. Lunch and childcare is provided. If you would like to come, please sign up at the Membership Desk, or go to discoverbethel.com to sign up! If you would like more information about the class, contact Pastor Wendy at wendy@discoverbethel.com.

ALPHA at Bethel this Spring! Bethel Community Church is hosting a Spring Alpha this year, a world re-known 11-week course that provides a space to ask all questions about life, faith, and meaning in a friendly environment with people who, like you, want to explore—What is my purpose? Is Jesus still relevant? Is God present in my loneliness? How can I have hope? Where can I ask these questions?

Each Alpha session includes time to connect with a meal, a short video, and plenty of space for discussion after.

Join us for this exciting journey of discovery, starting weekly on Sunday, April 16th at 4:30 pm. You can register here.

*We hope to offer childcare for those that need it. If this would benefit you, please indicate in the registration form.

Join us as a host, a helper, or a hospitality team member! For more information, contact Lillian Friesen at 780-885-8420 or email her at lillian.friesen@gmail.com before Easter Sunday.

MOVE WITH THE SPIRIT CONFERENCE: We want to invite you to an in-person conference we are hosting at Bethel on May 5-6. This will be a Friday evening and Saturday designed about prayer, worship and training for our ministries. Through this conference our goal is to affirm how God has called you to serve and support you in your spiritual growth with Jesus. We will be bringing in guest speakers, while providing food, and space for fellowship and worship. Lunch will be provided on Saturday. We hope to offer childcare for most if not all of the conference, so that parents with children can fully participate. There is a registration fee of $20.00 per person. Please go to our website to find out more information or register here.

MYSTERY RETREAT: Bethel Youth is hosting their annual Mystery Retreat the weekend of April 21-23. The Mystery Retreat is what the name indicates – a mystery! The youth will load up in several minivans to travel to various locations around Alberta. They have an opportunity to serve, participate in fun activities together, and hear testimonies from people throughout Alberta – not knowing where they will be going next. Parents receive the itinerary but are asked to keep it a secret. If you are a teen in Junior High or High School, grab a friend to join you in one of the minivans or even 5-6 people to fill a van, and sign up for this retreat at bethelyouth.com. Registration is open now and the cost is $95/person.

BETHEL YOUTH MISSIONS TEAM: A group of our teens are travelling to Hermosillo, Mexico to continue our partnership and ministry with Centro Biblico Familiar El Sembrador. They left on March 23rd and returning April 2nd. Prayer cards that include a picture of the team and their itinerary for the week are available at the membership desk. Please keep our youth group in your prayers.

PASTOR OF OUTREACH AND MISSIONS: We are looking to hire a new Pastor; this position puts a specific focus on our mission of “Sharing Christ with Others”. The person in this role will be responsible to encourage, train, and stretch us as we all become more intentional about reaching out to our community, near and far, with the good news. We desire that Christ would transform our neighbourhood and world as we boldly share our faith story and invite others in. This is a half time position that will require gifts in the areas of evangelism and community engagement. For more information about the posting, visit discovebethel.com/jobs

WILLOWWOOD CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL, located in Bethel’s lower level, is now accepting registrations for our 2023-24 school year. We offer both a 2 day and 3-day morning class. If your child will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2023, we would love to have them join our preschool. For more information and to register, visit us online at willowwoodpreschool.com or email us at willowwood@discoverbethel.com.

CHURCH CAMPOUT UPDATE: On June 9 - 11, we are having a church campout. Living Springs Bible Camp has been booked for the event. We are now looking for people to join the planning committee. If you can join, please contact Melanie at melanie@discoverbethel.com

COLLECTIONS IN FEBRUARY:

March 5 Ministry Shares
March 12 Youth Missions – Mexico Trip
March 19 Micah Center Honduras Water Project
March 26 World Renew

Please visit our website at discoverbethel/give to see the ways that you can donate and support our different collections. If you have any questions about our giving options, please contact Sara at accounting@discoverbethel.com.

Community News:

We regret to announce the death of a staff member of Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL). WUWIH WILLIAM GEMUH, the Cluster Facilitator assigned to supervise Bible Translation work in the Mfumte cluster of languages, was kidnapped and later killed by armed men in Ntamru, Ndu Sub Division. Please keep William’s family in your prayers at this very difficult time.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Covenant Christian Reformed Church in Edmonton is currently seeking to fill the full-time position of Administrative Assistant. A comprehensive job summary can be found at here. Applications for this position are to include a letter of interest and resume. Please email application to: pvos@covenantcommunity.ca. Thank you for your interest. Application deadline: April 28th, 2023.

FAMILYLIFE'S PARENTING CONFERENCE: is happening April 14th to 23rd, with 10 Workshops on 10 Crucial Parenting Questions. It’ll be 10 Days of Free Streaming while you learn from some of the best educators in the field. Watch or listen individually, watch together with others, OR even use as small group material! Click here to register.

CHRISTIAN SLO-PITCH: Join in the fun and fellowship of playing slo-pitch with fellow Christians this spring. The league has been operating for more than 30 years and is made up from various Christian churches in the Edmonton area. Teams consist of a minimum of 10 players, including at least 3 women and 3 men, all players must be at least 14 years old. League fees are typically $475 per year (may be adjusted depending on how many teams join), plus a $100 refundable deposit per new team. If you would like to play, you can sign your team up through our website (deadline is April 23): www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=elmsp. If you have any questions, please e-mail elmsp.president@gmail.com.

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP PARTNER COMMUNITY WILL CLINIC: Gain “Peace of Mind” and answers to your charitable giving and estate questions by attending one of Christian Stewardship Services’ upcoming Partner Community Will Clinics! You can learn the basics of getting your documents in place, and learn how to support your favourite Partner Charity and others. Our online Partner Community Will Clinic will be on April 5th as well at 8:30pm EST. Register HERE for the online will clinic. For more information contact Katiev@csservices.ca or 800-267-8890 x213

REHOBOTH - PRECIOUS IN GOD’S SIGHT! That’s the theme for Rehoboth Camp Ministry this summer! RCM provides a one-week camp experience for persons with developmental disabilities and is a life-changing week for campers and volunteers. Come and be a special friend to someone with a developmental disability and show them the love of Christ, and at the same time enjoy our beautiful camp facility. We are looking for volunteers, especially nurses/LPNs and counsellors for all our weeks: R&R (a more relaxed week from June 18 – 23), Adult 1 (July 1-7), Adult 2 (July 8-14), Independent (July 15-21), and Youth (July 22-28). Check out our website at www.rcmflourish.ca/camps for descriptions of the weeks and more information. Anyone age 14 and up is welcome to apply. No experience is necessary and full training and support is provided. Bring a friend! For more information, please e-mail camp@rcmflourish.ca. With your help we can flourish in the land. See you at camp!