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The Bethel
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Joel Thornton, Pastor August 2008 Adrienne Barker, Office Manager |
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From the Pastor’s Desk . . . . by Joel Thornton
As in most older Christian cemeteries, all of the graves at Bethel face east. This was done for a purpose. The verse from the gospel of Matthew given above says that, when Jesus returns as He has promised, He will come in the eastern sky. The saints of Bethel are buried facing east in anticipation of that great homecoming when Christ shall return, and the saints in Christ rise to meet Him. The cemetery is like a great hand pointing to the sky, witnessing to our belief that our Lord will return for His people whom He has loved, protected, provided for, and saved throughout all these centuries and generations. Homecoming is another reminder to me of that Great Day coming. During homecoming, people that we haven’t seen in a while (sometimes a great while) come, and we get to catch up on what all has been happening in each others’ lives in the intervening year(s). A mixture of laughter and excited conversation in a grand orchestra of voices surround the tables where we eat and fellowship following our having come together as a body for worship. I can imagine that heaven will be even more wonderful as we gather around the feast that the Lord has set for us, as we excitedly talk with old friends and family members about it all, and as we worship our Lord, seeing Him face to face for the first time! At homecoming, we may well remember with a tear in our eye some of those people buried north of Bethel, always facing east. At that great heavenly homecoming, the tears will be of joy as we see those faithful saints face to face. Let us remain faithful for that day. Homecoming is a time of great joy that looks backward at what has been but which looks forward faithfully to what will be. Let us join together on August 24th for our homecoming celebration. Look forward to that day…and that Great Day…with joy! Sermons for August by Joel ThorntonJoel is preaching a series of sermons this summer on Christ’s parables. Here are the scriptures and themes:
Homecoming!
Bethel Presbyterian Church
August 24th, 11 am Worship is followed by a Covered Dish Fellowship Meal. Our special guest speaker this year will be Rev. Dr. Tom Pinner, currently living in southern Florida, who very ably served Bethel Church as an interim minister during 1956-1957. We welcome Dr. Pinner and his wife Elnora back to Bethel and look forward to renewing old acquaintances! Make plans to come and be with us for a wonderful service, meaningful message, good food, and fun fellowship!! August Birthday Celebrations Know of a birthday that we have missed? Call the church office (886-6041) so we can include it in future publications.
Anniversaries Celebrated in August! Know of an anniversary or nuptials that we have missed? Call the church office (886-6041) so we can include it in future publications.
Your Are Invited!
Congratulations Graduates! Graduating From College . . Peter Dubinski - Graduated from Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA with a BS in Computer Engineering and Science
Kassie Tucker - Graduated from Babson College, Wellesley, MA, with an MBA.
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Receiving Treasurer Quarterly Report
Pledges received through June 30th, 2008
are 52 for a total of $124,130. This reflects a total pledge increase of $8,170
compared to 2007 pledges. It is never too late to pledge. Cards available in the
vestibule, hallway and office. The estimated operating budget for the period January 1st to June 30th, 2008 is $97,850. The total offering received for this period is $89,744, which is $8,106 below budget estimate, but inline with estimated current expenses. Thanks to those who continue to support Bethel’s financial needs. For those who have not pledged and/or are not supporting Bethel financially at this time, please prayerfully reconsider your giving so Bethel can fully fund its commitments. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Beth Moore Bible Study
We will start on August 28th, and continue meeting twice a month on the following dates: September 11th and 25th, October 9th and 23rd, November 13th, December 11th, January 8th and 22nd, and February 12th and 26th. We will meet at 6:30 pm, downstairs in the children’s Sunday School room. Also, if you do not want to do the workbook, feel free to come and watch the video and do the video worksheet only. All are welcome!! .Early Service for the Summer
Early Morning Worship! The last early morning worship service for the summer of 2008, will be held on August 17th.
School's Back in Session
What's
Take a look the online Calendar. Let us know what you think. Email your thoughts and comments about The Tower, too.
Calling All Bethel Cooks!!
Please send your recipes via email (dythornton@hotmail.com) or regular mail (522 Bethel Green Road; Staunton, 24401) or give them to Denise at church. Reminder: Please get these recipes in as soon as possible. Remember many recipes of all types are needed: Meat, Salad, Appetizers, Desserts, etc.
Attention:
Adult Choir members and
Choir practice will start on August 6th, 2008 at 7 pm. We would love to have new and returning choir members!
Offering Schedule ~ August 2008 Shirley Heizer Josh Smith
Wayne Swisher Mac Williams
Flower Schedule
Our Sympathies to...
Our condolences to the family of Adam
Sproul, who passed away July 2.
"I would like to thank all my
family,friends and our wonderful pastor Joel for all the prayers, calls, cards,
visits, flowers and food while I was a patient at AMC and at home. Also, a
special thank you to JoAnn Pendley for taking care of the music while I was
gone. May God bless each and everyone of you." - Love, Sara Ann Lamb
Nursery Schedule ~ August 2008
Bethel Youth News and Activities
We pray for the same success for the Baja Mission Trip participants. Hurry up and grab your swimsuits and towels, and join us at the Annual Youth Pool Party/Picnic at Derek and Cindy Almarode’s home on August 9th. Swimming begins at 1 pm and will be followed by a BBQ/Hotdog picnic.
All youth/children are invited to come and
bring a friend. Older youth are invited to sleepover “camp style”. Please let Derek Almarode (337-9010) know if you plan to camp out. We are planning a trip to Busch Gardens in October. Please contact Linda Lamond (337-2901) or Louise Hoy (886-3314) to give us feedback on your schedules so we can pick a date that does not interfere.
Presbyterian Women! Emphasis - Church Conferences, Homecoming
August 3rd - PWCT Meeting
Send us your news and announcements
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One Day At A Time . . . |
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The most worthless emotion. . . . Self-pity The most prized possession. . . . Integrity The most beautiful attire. . . . A smile The most contagious spirit. . . . Enthusiasm The two most power-filled words. . . . “I Can” The worst thing to be without. . . . Hope The greatest asset. . . .Faith The most powerful channel of communication. . . .Prayer The most important thing in life. . . . God! |
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The Bethel Tower Back to Top August 2008 |
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TAKE A MOMENT TO PRAY FOR ALL WHO STAND IN NEED OF PRAYER |
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"For
as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so
shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:27
Julie
and Tad Dindinger - August 3, 1989
Bethel’s flower beds are
lovely this year. Our thanks go out to Susan Smith for a job well done. If you
have not seen the beds by the kitchen entrance lately, check them out.
All ladies of Bethel, we
will be continuing our Beth Moore bible study with “Jesus The One and Only”. 
All men and women of Bethel, we will be doing a new Bethel Cookbook!! Denise
Thornton, along with the help of Kay and Bettie Swisher, will be working on this
project.
anyone
who would like to help sing during the worship service.
Drury Whitaker
A
Thank You from...
We continue to be
blessed through the activity and energy of our Youth, and we are grateful to the
Lord for the safe travel of our ASP Mission Trip participants. 
The Almarode’s address is 2549 Old Greenville Road.
*Circle #1 will meet at
10:30 am August 12, 2008.
