On a Sunday afternoon, with the remnants of a hurricane beating outside, a crowd gathered at the Bethany Hall to hear performers belonging to the Newfoundland Blue Grass and Country Gospel Association. The event was organized by church members Fred Forward and Jordan Lewis along with members of the Outreach and Social Action Committee of Bethany United Church. A free will offering was taken up for the Mission and Service Fund. The last performers lead in the piece “Keep on the Sunnyside’ and all sang enthusiastically. Thanks to everyone who supported.

Blue Grass and Country Gospel Concert at Bethany

Flea Market nets treasurers amid trash and raises over 1000.00 for M & S Fund It seemed that the donations for the Flea market would not stop coming. By the Saturday sale date, the church hall was packed with items. The Outreach and Social Action Committee put a lot of time and effort in organizing this event. Between the eleven members, there was time spent at pricing, picking up and storing many items. One items which was sold was a pair of angel wings, modeled by the chair of the Committee, Pat Dawe.

Flea Market

	A large group of men gathered under the supervision of our chief cook, Heber McGurk, to prepare and serve the suppers. Over 200 suppers were sold which included a lovely desert. A special thank you to all who supported the men in this venture.
The Men's Annual Thanksgiving Supper

This is the fourth year that Bethany Sunday School has been involved in the Shoe Box Campaign. With the support of the congregation, the Sunday School this year packed 175 boxes. This is also the second year that Bethany has been the regional center for receiving Shoe Boxes in the Conception/Trinity Area. Some 1100 boxes were sent to St. John’s. Thanks to Penney’s Courier for their transportation help.

Shoe Boxes

	The Bethany Explorers Group gathered to make pies for sharing with the seniors in the area. Mr. Art Kelloway showed the Explorers and the leaders how to make homemade apple pies. Thanks Mr. Kelloway. Here is a sample of the pies.
Explorers Outreach

	This fall, the Bethany Men’s Fellowship Club has had a schedule. On October 2nd, they traveled to Pouch Cove to share in worship (a service entitled The Light Prevails). On October 23rd, the club was on the road again, this time to Whitbourne to share in worship in the congregations beautiful new church building (the service used was The Wonderful Words of Life). The last trip of the fall was to Portugal Cove on November 13th (The service was The Four Gospel Ships). Much thanks to the churches and their clergy for having us and for proving a cup of tea. It is truly a wonderful experience when we can gather together, even across distances that would often separate us. On our last trip, there were two special stewards - ah - stewardesses, on our trip (See the picture).
Bethany Men's Club On The Road Again

Advent Camp 2005
On the weekend of November 25 - 27, over 30 youth and 20 leaders gathered for Advent Camp. This is Bethany’s fourth Annual Camp. There were a large number of crafts made which was used to decorate the sanctuary. The participants learned about the meaning of many of the Christmas symbols like mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, the star, the tree, etc. As well, the children enjoyed the overnight camp and all ate well. On Saturday evening, a Hot Turkey Dinner was prepared by volunteers. The Advent Camp lead in the Sunday Worship. Thanks to all who assisted, especially the congregation and businesses who contributed so that there was no costs for food.

Rev. Roy Martin Concert
On Saturday, December 3rd, approximately 400 people gathered at Bethany United Church to hear Rev. Roy Martin share his musical ministry. Those gathered heard approximately 2 hours of Gospel music and some humourous stories. As well, the Bethany Music Notes led in chorus singing and some carols. Following the concert, a time of fellowship and food wa shared in the hall. Thanks to all who donated sandwiches and cookies. On December 4th, Rev. Martin participated in worship by singing and preaching at this service in which communion was also shared.

Good News for the Mission and Service Fund and the Outreach Budget at Bethany
To date, the Mission and Service Fund givings are ahead by over 1500.00 as compared to 2004. This is great news when we remember that our 2004 Mission and Service givings were up over $2,000.00 over the year before. As well, our givings to other outreach projects are up by almost $1,000.00 to 4,500.00. To those who have given and to those who are thinking of giving, let us remember the Gospel of Matthew (Chap. 25): I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me something to drink.

Cook Books!!!
The Fund-raising Committee of Bethany has been busy lately with publication and printing of ‘Nan’s Cook Book’ which is a collection of recipes gathered and written by Glenys Gillingham. To date, almost $500.00 dollars has been raised. If you wish info on the cook book or a Bethany Sun-catcher (another project of the Fund-rasing Committee), please give our church office a call 596-6754.