The Bethany BeaconThe Bethany Beacon
Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Arapahoe, North Carolina 28510
Bethanyarapahoe.org
“Finding the Way of Christ at the Crossroads.”
PO Box 156
Arapahoe NC 28510-0156
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. FEES AND
POSTAGE PAID
ARAPAHOE NC
28510
PERMIT NO. 1
MayMay
20142014
Watson’s Word Watson’s Word By Merritt WatsonBy Merritt Watson
In the Life of the Church
MAY
3 Youth Meet 9:00
Cycle Group use Pavilion
5 Group #5 @ Julia’s 7:00
Group #4 @ Church
15 Worship Committee 7:00
Game Night
17 Camp Caroline Open House
18 I Team meeting 4:00
CWF/CMF meeting 6:00
25 Watson Reception 2:00
I Team meeting 4:00
30 PCHA Chicken Dinner 11:00
Watson’s Chicken
JUNE
1 I Team meeting 4:00
Diaconate meeting 6:00
2 Group #4 at Helen P 7:00
7 Youth Group 9:00
15 Father’s Day
21 Watson’s 50th Anniversary
29 Sunday School Picnic 2:00
FLOWER CALENDAR
May
4 Randy Beeman
11 Laurie and Steve Bennett
18 Tiffany and Dan Bennett
25 Special Flowers
June
1 Barbara Benton
8 Susan Bissette
15 Doug and Annette Brinson
Becky Badger
Paula Banks
Evelyn Beeman
Tembra Bennett
Trisha Bennett
Velna Bennett
Judy Bowen
Wilma Boyd
Ruth Abby Brackner
Ray Brady
Donna Bridges
Gail Brinson
Edwin Cahoon
Naomi Cahoon
Sandra Carawan
Ben Casey
Carolyn Casey
Patty Chance
Walter Chance
Vernon Cowell
Allen Daniels
Mandy Daniels
Al Dix
Milton Dixon
Clyde Earle
Beth Ensley
Casey Fisher
Charity Garrison
Hal Gordon
Diane Greene
Al & Dot Hardison
Floyd Hardison
GR Harper
Nancy Harris
Scott Harris
Hilda Holton
Jerry Humphrey
Ted & Dot Jennings
Diane Kelly
Joy Lehnerz
Betty Morris
Sylvia Norman
Ann Oliver
Mary Puckett
Ronnie Puckett
Betty Purser
Greg Rowe
James Rowe
Bill Russo
Emmett Sugg
George Vendrick
Rachel Vendrick
Sue Whitford
Theresa Williams
Please Remember in
Your Prayers: At the Crossroads 8126 NC Hwy 306 S Arapahoe, NC 28510
REGULARLY SCHEDULED
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Weekly Sunday: Sunday School, 9:45 am;
Worship, 11:00 am
Tuesday: Chancel Choir—7:00 pm,
Jericho Ringers - 7:45 pm
Wednesday: Gospel Group—7:00 pm
Monthly 1st Sunday: Elders, BH, 7:30 am;
Official Board, FH, 7:00 pm.
3rd Sunday: CWF/CMF, FH, 6:00 pm.
5th Sunday: Covered Dish Dinner, FH,
following worship service.
*Any changes to regularly scheduled ac-
tivities and events will be noted in the cal-
endar below.
BH=Bethany Hall; FH=Fellowship Hall;
PL=Parking Lot; S=Sanctuary May BirthdaysMay Birthdays
May 2014 May 2014
Serving in
May June
Elders Buck Jones Chris Watson Mac Harris Doug Brinson
Deacons Del Lee C Pam Hardison C Christine Beeman Kelly Jones Annette Aldridge Guy Cowell Susan Lee Rebecca Cowell Lindsey Lee Janci Cahoon Jennie Adams Renee Midyette
Deaconess Shirley Ensley Pam Hardison
Acolytes Susannah Spalding Parker Watson Katie Bennett Matt Bailey
“Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
The Booth Brothers have a wonderful song, “She Still Remembers Jesus Name.” The song tells the story of a woman now grown old for whom everything has changed. The old home place is not the same. Time has cast a shadow on her memory. She looks at the pictures in the family album and does not recog-nize that the man she sees was her husband. The children come to see her and she has to ask, “What is your name?” But she still remembers Jesus and his amazing grace. She can tell you who he is and what he did and why he came. She still remembers Jesus name. In my ministry I have known people like the woman of whom they sing. Almost everything else is lost but the experience of Christ in their lives. You may not be able to carry on a conversation with them or recall shared memories of things that happened last week or even yesterday, but when you say, “Let’s pray,” the head bows, the eyes close, and they know a conversation with God is taking place. They still remember Jesus name. There is something deeply significant about the human spirit and mind being shaped by an abiding sense of the presence of God. It is what gives not only comfort in our daily existence but stability to our world and circumstances which are constantly changing. When you are young it seems like nothing changes. Everything stays the same and you can begin to think you will be for-ever stuck in the same old place. But when you are old you know that was a deception. Everything is constantly changing and the really scary thing is that it all changes in almost a blink of the eye. Children grow up. Parents pass away. Friends move away and the world moves on around us. The days of wine and roses soon fade into yesteryear. And we ask ourselves, “When did all of that ever happen?” Thinking about this is enough to make one depressed except for the renewing, abiding, energizing, and living Spirit of God dwelling in us. I don’t know about you but I think this is one of God’s great gifts to those who trust in him. It is why I want to be among those who still remember Jesus name. My hope is in him. It is a hope not just for the life to come but for life now. To know his name is to know the love of God that sustains and surrounds us in all the circumstances of life. We do not know what the future will bring but to know him is to have an abiding presence in our lives that gives peace. It is to be filled with the shalom of God and to have the assurance God will not forget or forsake us ever. To still remember Jesus name when everything else around us is falling apart is something that only happens if we establish and build a long-term rela-tionship with God. How can you call upon someone you have not really known? Why would you remember him if it was not important in your life to remember him when you could have? So I encourage you to build your relationship with God now while you can. Again I do not know about you, but with my failing memory I do not want the time to ever come when I cannot remember Jesus name
Merritt
2 Jeff Lee
10 Chris Jones
13 Jenny Jones
14 Christine Beeman
18 Annette Aldridge
20 Brenda Hardison
21 Carol Bey
26 Cameron Lassiter
Hunter Vega
June BirthdaysJune Birthdays
1 Matthew Talvacchio
4 Gail Birmingham
5 Cynthia Jackson
11 Diane Jennings
15 Betsy Bratcher
17 Annette Brinson
19 Luke Bailey
Marie Stilley
20 Gregory Midyette
Jimmy Talvacchio
21 Nickey Cannan
25 Roger Surprenant
Serving in the Military: Chris Bennett
Brandon Bennett Spencer Bliss
Operation Veggie Box
Garden at
Arapahoe Charter School
What new mem-
ber said, “That
was the best 3
seconds of my
life”?
May 4, 2014
The official board of Bethany Christian
Church met on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at
7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship hall.
Board chairman, John Beeman, Jr. called
the meeting to order. Rev. Watson lit a
candle representing God in our midst fol-
lowed by comments and prayer.
The minutes of the April meeting were
read and approved with the following cor-
rections. The youth met on April 12th (not
March 12th) and Annette Aldridge met
with the Worship Committee regarding
Easter activities (not with Christine Bee-
man as reported).
Financial Report
Randy Beeman distributed copies of the
church finance report. Following a pe-
riod of discussion and questions the report
was approved as presented.
Elders Report
Doug Brinson reported a good Elder’s
meeting this morning. The prayer list was
discussed in detail. They also discussed
the upcoming revival meeting in October.
Since this was Merritt’s last meeting with
the Elders, they asked for advice. He ad-
vised them to set their goals high and stick
to them.
CMF
Merritt reported a District CMF meeting
this coming Friday in Reelsboro.
Property
John Beeman, Jr. reported he and Mac
Harris had met with Tripp Brothers and
with Pat Harrington regarding paving the
new parking lot. Pat Harrington submit-
ted a bid of $43,000.00, which was sub-
stantially lower than Tripp Bros. On be-
half of the Property Committee he made a
motion that we let the project to Pat Har-
rington for paving the parking lot. The
motion was seconded by Garland Cahoon
and passed.
Willis Electric has not fixed the light on
the church sign. John will contact them.
Communications
Mac Harris reported he has talked with the
vendor in Greenville that installed the
lights in our building about putting ID
tags on the wire leads. He is hoping they
can come this week.
Activities
Janci Cahoon reported a date of May 15th
for game night. She stated the committee
has set a date of September 19-22 for a
trip to the Charleston area. Anyone inter-
ested in going should contact the commit-
tee.
Operation Veggie Box
Mac Harris reported all three of Bethany’s
gardens are planted and doing well. Vol-
unteers are needed to go out and weed the
gardens every week. All the gardens are
doing well, but Arapahoe Charter School’s
garden is looking really great.
Implementation Team
Mac Harris reported the team met this
morning. A date of October 16, 17 and 18
has been set for the revival, with home-
coming on the 19th. Beth Burton is a pos-
sible speaker for Homecoming Sunday.
Possible speakers for the three preceding
nights are Tim Turner from Greenville,
Laura Johnson from New Bern, and Barry
McCarty from Atlanta, GA. The team is
working on a publicity plan.
Pastor Search Committee
John Beeman reported the committee had
several possible names, but due to illnesses
and other reasons they have had to with-
draw their names. Karen Snyder is inter-
ested in filling in for the month of June,
but her husband is ill and she is not sure at
this time. They are continuing to look for
an interim minister.
Chairman’s Report
John Beeman thanked all those who
worked on the extra Easter events this year
and said they were inspiring to all who
attended. He stated $300.00 was collected
at the Sunrise breakfast which will help
with expenses. He encouraged everyone
to attend the reception for Merritt and
Linda on May 25th and stated John
Richardson, Regional Minister, will be
present.
Old Business
John Beeman said he had spoken with Lisa
Bennett and a plan is in place for the use of
Bethany as a voting site for the Arapahoe
precinct elections. A few more items may
Board Minutes (unapproved until June 1 2014)
Minister
Merritt Watson minister@
bethanyarapahoe.org
Board Chairman
John Beeman, Jr.
Secretary
Renée Midyette
Choir Director
Sara Spalding
Bell/Chime Choir
Director
Sara Spalding
The Bethany Beacon
Published on the first Thursday after the first Sunday of each month by Bethany Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) Post Office Box 156, Arapahoe, NC 28510
Vision and Mission Statement
Our highest aspiration is to love God with our
whole being and to love our neighbors as our-
selves.
Our mission is to enable people to know Christ
and to strengthen their personal relationships
with Him.
Gospel Choir
Director
Simon Spalding
Communications
Director
Mac Harris communica-
Editor
Jennie Kennel Adams
jennieka-
Bethany Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
www.bethanyarapahoe.org
Page 2 Page 3
Bethany News and ViewsBethany News and Views
Bethany office phone number 252-249-0266 Office hours
Tuesday—Friday 8-12:00
be added to the plan before it is put in
place. John will look at the final plan and
then move forward, if acceptable.
Merritt reported photos have been sent to
the company in Georgia that is working on
the columbarium site with Bethany. They
will look at the pictures and make a pres-
entation.
Merritt gave a report on the Regional As-
sembly in April held in Raleigh. The as-
sembly was good, but attendance was
smaller than usual. Dave Bailey and Mac
Harris gave an outstanding presentation on
the Operation Veggie Box project. Fol-
lowing the presentation many churches
expressed interest in the project.
Minister’s Report
Merritt talked about the blessing he and
others received from the Easter Services,
the Pastor’s Class and the five baptisms
following the class, and the “Spiritually
formed Person” class, which was a bless-
ing to all who attended.
There being no further business to conduct
the meeting was adjourned followed by a
prayer circle and comments by Merritt.
Respectfully submitted,
John Beeman, Jr. Chair
Linda Watson, Clerk
Regretfully it’s finally here. Rev-erend Merritt Watson’s calling as a minister to the many faithful will officially end on May 31st as he and Linda begin their much anticipated retirement.
Please join Bethany Christian Church in a celebration of Fifty Years of Faith, Family, and Fel-lowship on Sunday, May 25th. Sunday School begins at 9:45, Church Service is at 11:00, and a reception for our honored cou-ple will begin at 2:00.
Be sure to bring cameras and Kleenex. The day will be bittersweet, but all at Bethany know that we have experienced someone special in the eyes of the Lord. The sweet part is that after a brief hiatus we will welcome them back as beloved members of the Bethany Christian Church family.
Quadrennial AssemblyQuadrennial Assembly I See YouI See You
Every four years Disciples of Christ women gather together to worship and discover more about their faith. This year on June 25-29th the gathering will happen in Atlanta, GA at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Women of Faith are celebrated. Women of Faith raise awareness for women’s issues from around the World; human trafficking, hun-ger, justice for young girls, and more. The featured speakers are world class—Dr. Sharon Watkins, Rev. Penny Ziemer, Dr. No-hemi Pagan, Rev. April Lewton, and Dr. Cyn-thia Hale.
Registration is $400 for the Assembly. This could be the year that a few women of Bethany go back to experience Quadrennial. For more information please go to
www.quadrennial.org.
Soprano and Bass chairs are open due to untimely retirement.
Being able to carry a tune is preferred, but love of singing
the Lord’s music is more important.
If applicant is totally unable to carry a tune but is able to
count, there are two pairs of bell ringing gloves that will fit.
Love of playing the Lord’s music continues to be important.
See Sara Spalding for brief interview question: Would you
able to attend practice on Tuesday nights beginning at 6:30
for bell ringing or at 7:00 for singing?
These are Equal Opportunity Positions that may require dem-
onstration of a Love for Jesus and his Father.
WANTEDWANTED
Singers and RingersSingers and Ringers It rained on the Saturday of Holy Week. That was not so bad on the face of it,
but the Bethany Easter Egg Hunt was to begin at 10:00. The children arrived.
Undaunted, Emily Harper, Pat Stilley, Christine Beeman, Sue Tyson, and
others hid the colorful eggs all around and under things everywhere inside
Bethany church. The children loved it. According to Emily, “ it was one of
the best egg hunts of all time.”
Christine B hid very special eggs with a dot on the shells. The children were
asked to not open them until the very last. Inside the eggs were found small
items relating to Easter: a nail, a piece of wooden cross, a piece of cloth, a
small rooster. As the eggs were opened Christine told the children why each
was important to the Easter story.
As everyone finished eating their other finds she gave them a small Easter
Story book so that each could remember the “why” for a long time.
What could have been a dismal morning turned out to be a blessing.
Thank you ladies for making the occasion meaningful for the children.
The Easter Egg HuntThe Easter Egg Hunt
A Thank You A Thank You
Wow! Who knew we had such talent!
Thank you!...Two small words that express a
huge amount of gratitude.
I wish to thank everyone who participated in
our “Journey to Jerusalem.”
If you waved your palm and rejoiced with us
by singing “Loud Hosannas” on Palm Sun-
day…Thank you!
If you helped us re-enact the Last Supper on
Maundy Thursday by narrating, acting as one
of the women who served the table, as Jesus,
or as one of the twelve disciples…Thank you!
Have you ever seen such a hungry group of
men? No wonder they fell asleep in the Gar-
den!
If you prayed at home or at the church during
our Prayer Vigil…Thank you!
If you constructed any of our crosses…
Thank you! They are beautiful and will be
used for years to come.
If you constructed our table for the Last
Supper or the “rock” for the garden…Thank
you!
If you participated in the Cross Walk on
Good Friday…Thank you!
If you brought children to the Easter Egg
Hunt on Saturday or helped with any part of
it…Thank you!
If you parked cars, passed out bulletins, or
served the tables at the Easter Sunrise Ser-
vice…Thank you!
If you brought flowers for or placed flowers
on the Flowering Cross…Thank you!
You helped us reflect upon the Resurrection
by bringing the symbolization of new life to
our worship service.
To the musicians and vocalists, I wish to
express a special Thank You! Your in-
credible talents helped to provide the spirit
to our Holy Week journey.
For those of you on the “Journey to Jerusa-
lem” Easter Planning Committee…Thank
you! What a blessing it is to work with
each of you individually, but as a team, we
received our greatest blessings.
To Reverend Watson, even with your busy
schedule, you took the time and extra effort
to help us make this Easter a journey we
will always remember! Thank you!
This “journey” was one I have wanted to
make for several years and I am most ap-
preciative of all the talents and effort that
helped to make my dream a reality. Christine