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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
DecemberDecember
20132013
Watson’s Word Watson’s Word By Merritt WatsonBy Merritt Watson
In the Life of the Church
DECEMBER
1 Future Story Response 11:00
7 Youth Meeting 9-12:00
8 Jericho Ringers @ Silver Hill
13 Group #5 @ Kelly’s 7:00
14 Jericho Ringers @ Spirit of Christ-
mas in Oriental
15 Fishes & Loaves
Caroling 3:00
CMF/CWF meeting 6:00
17 Jericho Ringers @ Grantsbrook
21 Watson Family Gathering 12:00
22 Children’s Program 7:00
24 Christmas Eve Service 8:00
25 Christmas
28 Breakfast and remove the
Decorations 9:00
29 5th Sunday Dinner 12:15
Diaconate meeting 7:00
JANUARY
4 Bethany Gospel Group at the
Pamlico Union Meeting at New Hope
Christian Church in Reelsboro 10:00
FLOWER CALENDAR
December
1 Advent Flowers
8 Advent Flowers
15 Advent Flowers
22 Advent Flowers
29 Mary Puckett
January
5 Helen & Herb Purser
12 Kathy Schmidt
19 Sara & Simon Spalding
26 Pat & Gene Stilley
Becky Badger
Phillip Banks
Evelyn Beeman
Tembra Bennett
Trisha Bennett
Velna Bennett
Donnie Bishop
William &Joan Blair
Judy Bowen
Albert & Joy Boyd
Ruth Abby Brackner
Donna Bridges
Edwin Cahoon
Naomi Cahoon
Tim & Joy Carawan
Milton Dixon
Jimmy Dunlap
Beth Ensley
Casey Fisher
Charity Garrison
Hal Gordon
Diane Greene
Floyd Hardison
GR Harper
Joan Harper
Nancy Harris
Scott Harris
Hilda Holton
Sandra Holton
Ted & Dot Jennings
Diane Kelly
Cecila Kibbe
Ingrid Lollis
Betty Morris
Ann Oliver
Peggy Potter
Mary Puckett
Ray Puckett
Randy Regal
James Rowe
Caleb Schmidt
Sarah Smith
Mary Ann Sugg
Randy Thompson
Doris Tippett
George Vendrick
Rachel Vendrick
Ann West
Theresa Williams
Military
Brandon Bennett
Spencer Bliss
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 December Birthdays
Decemberr 2013 Decemberr 2013
Serving in
December January
Elders Mac Harris Chris Watson Julia Peterson Doug Brinson
Deacons Annette Aldridge C Pam Hardison Guy Cowell Rebecca Cowell Tommy Banks Jennie Adams
Deaconess Jennie Adams
Acolytes Parker Watson Katie Bennett Matt Bailey Susannah Spalding
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths
A new year has begun for Bethany Christian Church. This may sound to you like a premature announcement. January 1st is still some 20 days in the future,
but on the church’s calendar a new year has already begun. For the church a new
year always begins on the first Sunday of Advent and that was December 1st. In the
thinking of those who arranged the church’s liturgical calendar, the coming of Christ
is the beginning of all things new. It is his advent that marks a new day, a new time,
a new year in the life of the church and because his coming is for the life of the
world, it is in that sense also a new year for the world. So, on the church’s calendar
a new year has already begun.
But this is not all that I mean when I say a new year has begun for Bethany
Christian Church. It has also begun for us in another way. It has begun for us in our
journey of transformation. We have entered a new phase of our journey, which by
the way will never be complete. We will always be moving towards the goal of our
being fully in Christ. As Paul said to the Philippians, we have not arrived but we
press on towards the goal for the prize of the higher call of God in Christ. But even
so we recognize that something recognizably new has happened among us. Its tim-
ing appropriately enough was also with the beginning of Advent. It was the presen-
tation of our Vision Team of the future story of our congregation.
The future story the Vision Team wrote was based on many months of proc-
essing ideas generated in our prayer triads. And of course it was not simply a matter
of writing a final report. Through it all there was also an intimacy of communion
with God, both theirs and ours, as we sought to discern the future to which God calls
us. Their presentation was thus not a road map of how we get to the place in the
future we want to be. Rather it was intended to be provocative and stimulating. It
called for us to think about the different areas of the church’s life and gave to us vi-
sions of what that life could be in the not-so-distant future. Woven throughout their
presentation are ways we can grow in our relationship with God and with one an-
other.
The Vision Team made quite clear that the work of becoming what God
wants us to be is not over with their report. It has in fact just begun. The real work
is ahead of us. They have called for us not only to think about possible ways we can
become more passionate about the things God is passionate about, but also to imple-
ment new ways God’s passion for the world can be lived out in our life together as
church. The visions of the future presented to us will only be as good as we with
God’s help make them to be.
So for us a new year has begun. We, of course, are not talking simply about
365 days. It may take a little longer than that. We are thinking more of a new era, a
new time, a new season of opportunity. Will it be a new season of discovery, excite-
ment, adventure, and accomplishment? We believe very much that it can and will
be. And we invite you to join with us in this journey. Feel the joy of the Lord’s
Advent. A new day has begun.
Merritt
1 Erica Morris
2 Polly Surprenant
MaryAnn Sugg
4 Dawn Acuna
5 Evelyn Beeman
Terry Cannan
8 Sarah Brinson
11 Del Lee
Mary Puckett
Mary Minnich
12 John Cannan
13 Sarah Kistler
Zahm
14 Ted Jennings
18 Cathy Cahoon
21 S. Paul Hardison
26 George Vendrick
Luke
created
his
own
tree.
26 Hal Gordon
28 Katie Bennett
29 Zeb James
31 Mary Kate
Parrish
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December 1, 2013
The official board of Bethany Christian
Church met on Sunday, December 1, 2013
at 7:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. There
were fifteen members present.
In the absence of board chair, Mac Harris,
the meeting was called to order by Chris
Watson. Rev. Merritt Watson lit a candle
representing God in our midst followed by
prayer.
The minutes of the November meeting
were read and approved.
Financial Report
Copies of the treasurer’s report were dis-
tributed. Randy Beeman, treasurer, called
attention to the fact that the $25,000.00
from the estate of Lea Banks was still
reflected in the General Income column,
but would be corrected before the next
report. Following comments and ques-
tions, the report was accepted as pre-
sented.
Elders Report
Doug Brinson reported the elders had a
small attendance at their meeting this
morning. They discussed all those on our
prayer list. A lot of time was spent dis-
cussing how to encourage visitors who
attended our services to continue their
attendance
Diaconate
Christine Beeman reported the Diaconate
will meet at the end of December and will
elect new officers at that time.
Youth
Chris Watson reported the youth met this
afternoon to begin practice on the Christ-
mas program and will concentrate their
efforts on the play for the rest of the
month.
CWF
Christine Beeman thanked everyone for
helping with the Harvest Dinner. It was a
great success with a profit of around
$1600.00.
CMF
Bossy Hardison reported one of the com-
munity Eagle Scouts had contacted the
CMF about helping with the design of the
planned columbarium as part of his Eagle
Scout project. He also stated the CMF
will elect new officers at their next meet-
ing.
Worship
Annette Aldridge stated due to the fact
that new members were not yet appointed
the committee has not met. The board
thanked Annette for the beautifully deco-
rated table in the sanctuary at the Thanks-
giving in the Morning service.
Budget
Christine Beeman passed out printed cop-
ies of the proposed 2014 year budget. She
stated the proposed budget amount is basi-
cally the same as last year’s with a few
tweaks in some of the line items. After
questions and discussion, a motion was
made by Doug Brinson and seconded by
Garland Cahoon that the proposed budget
be accepted as presented. Motion passed.
The proposed budget will be presented to
the congregation for approval on Decem-
ber 15.
Stewardship
Merritt reported that the return of commit-
ment cards has been very low and disap-
pointing thus far.
Property
Christine Beeman reported the property
chairman has repaired two of the three
doors that needed attention.
Chairman’s Report
Chris Watson reported that Mac Harris,
Board chair, is pleased that the congrega-
tion affirmed the Future Story at the con-
gregational meeting this Sunday.
Old Business
The question was raised as to how long the
regional Capitol Campaign continues.
Merritt stated it is a five year campaign
and is now in its fourth year.
Chris presented the slate of officers for the
year 2014 as follows:
Chairperson Emily Harper
Vice Chair Mac Harris
Clerk Linda Watson
Treasurer Randy Beeman
Secretary to Treasurer Kelli Bailey
A motion was made by Rebecca Cowell
and seconded by Annette Aldridge that the
new slate of officers be accepted as pre-
Board Minutes (unapproved until January 5, 2014)
Minister
Merritt Watson minister@ bethanyarapahoe.org
Board Chairman
Mac Harris
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 Adams
jennieka-
Bethany Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
www.bethanyarapahoe.org
Page 2 Page 3
Bethany News and Views
Bethany office phone number 252-249-0266 Office hours
Tuesday—Friday 8-12:00
sented. Motion passed. The new officers
will be presented to the congregation for
approval on December 15.
New Business
Chris Watson presented a request from our
local Boy Scout troop to be chartered by
Bethany Christian Church beginning in
January, 2014. Chris stated the troop lead-
ers met with him and Merritt Watson to
present their request and go over “The An-
nual Charter Agreement”(attached). The
charter requires the church to provide an
organization representative and Chris Wat-
son has agreed to fill that position if the
request for a charter is approved. A mo-
tion was made by Garland Cahoon and
seconded by Rebecca Cowell to approve
the Boy Scout request to be chartered by
Bethany Christian Church. Motion passed.
Minister’s Report
Merritt commented on (1) completion of
the fall veggie garden and expressed spe-
cial thanks to Dave Bailey and Mac Harris
for their leadership and hard work. Bossy
Hardison commented a special thanks is
due to Don Lee farms for providing the
land for the garden (2) the inspirational
presentation of the Vision Team last Sun-
day (3) the good attendance at the
“Thanksgiving in the Morning” service on
Thanksgiving.
There being no further business to conduct the
meeting was adjourned with a prayer circle
and comments and prayer by our minister.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Watson, Substitute Chair
Linda Watson, Clerk
Farewell 2013 Fall Garden! Farewell 2013 Fall Garden! November 26th was the last day in the Garden. Almost 275 pounds of produced was picked and packed and delivered to the Religious Community Services center in New Bern, just in time for the busy Thanksgiving needs of their soup kitchen.
The Operation Veggie Box garden produced almost one ton of vegetables, well over 200 boxes delivered to families who needed the food. “The original vision had hoped for 600 pounds in 100 boxes, but the Holy Spirit blessed us greatly. The garden has been a blessing not only to those who re-ceived the vegetables, but to those who helped in the garden” plowing, planting, watering, weeding, picking and packing the veggies for delivery. “Thank God for this wonderful experi-ence”.
The OVB team leaders wish to thank everyone who participated in the Fall garden. “May
you be blessed and may you come back to help in the Spring.” Bethany thanks David
Bailey and Mac Harris for their leadership.
Youth ProjectYouth Project
Kelli Bailey announced that the Youth are sell-ing Christmas Yard signs ($20) and magnetic
bumper(?) s t ickers ($5.00) to announce your belief in the season.. Emily Harper has 2014 Calendars and Note pa-per available also. All can be found in the Nar-thex of the church. Please think about help-ing the youngsters out with their fundraising project.
On Friday, November 29th, over 20 of Bethany’s members met to
adorn the church for the Christmas season. Annette Aldridge
and Terri McCotter were co-chairs of the Decorating Committee,
ably helped by Kelly Jones, Meredith Beeman, Linda Watson,
and Juanita Arrington. From the feast of chili at the beginning,
through the hanging of all the greens (and golds and reds), to the
careful placement of decorations on the Christmon Tree and the
Children’s Tree, to the dedication service led by Rev. Watson at
the end, the evening was blessed with the Christmas spirit.
Hanging of the Hanging of the GreensGreens
Margaret Harrell’s Utterly Delectable Chews (Rave reviews from the Hanging of the Greens evening)
Mix together with 1 box of brown sugar:
3 eggs 1 stick of butter 2 cups of self rising flour 1 cup of nuts (pecans?)
Place in a 9 X 9 or larger baking dish and put in 350 degree
oven for about 30 minutes. Easy Peasy Delicious!
Youth Alert Practice for the Children’s Program will begin Sunday the 8th at 12:15 after church, beginning with a light meal. See full practice schedule below.
Dec. 8 The Jericho Ringers have been invited to perform at Silver Hill Christian Church. 3:00
Dec 14 The Jericho Ringers will ring out at the Spirit of Christmas in Oriental.
Dec. 15 Come go Caroling! A group of singers, and non-singers, enjoy visiting those in the church who might not be able to attend other events. Both ends of the notes enjoy the outing. 3:00
Dec. 22 Children’s Christmas Program This is a Bethany tradition updated to fit the times. Emily Harper informed the Beacon that this year’s play takes place in a Christ-mas Tree Lot. Perhaps not all trees are as lovely as the ones on the right, but each has a place to celebrate Christmas. We’ll enjoy the performance and the good eats after the program. It is also a time to remember the wonder of children’s joy as a visitor makes a stop. 7:00
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Service Please gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of our Lord in a spiritual celebration ending with a unifying circle as we sing Silent Night. 7:00
Dec 28 Breakfast before the Decorations are removed. Food First. 9:00
So Much to Celebrate this MonthSo Much to Celebrate this Month
You’re invited to enjoy every eventYou’re invited to enjoy every event
Sunday Dec. 8 12:15 Pizza’s before practice.
Sunday Dec. 15 12:15 Light meal before practice.
Friday Dec. 20 11:30 1/2 day of school. Light meal before practice.
Sunday Dec. 22 4:00 Program Day. Last minute assurances.
Children’s Program Children’s Program
Practice SchedulePractice Schedule
Each practice should
last a couple of hours.