Attention Parents of 3-5th graders! We have an opportunity for them to have an awesome weekend retreat. It will be held at Twin Pines

on April 26th thru 28th 2019. The Theme this year is A Royal Weekend talking about Jesus as King.

The cost is $110.00 per child. Check out the Welcome Counter for more information .

The deadline to sign up is March 3rd.

2019 Sunday Morning Worship Schedule

8:00 am Traditional Service

9:15 Sunday School

10:30 Contemporary Service (child care provided)

Life groups along with children and youth groups are available at

various times throughout the week. See bethesdaec.org

for more information.

Kidz Klub is open to all students ages 4 thru 4th grade. It will take place on Wednesday evenings

at 6:30 pm in Common Ground through March 6th.

Bethesda Youth Ministries Students in 5th thru 12th grade

March Schedule

March 3rd - Regular BYM (6-8 in Common Ground) March 10th - Regular BYM (6-8 in Common Ground) March 17th - Rock-n-bowl (A Family Event) (no BYM) March 23rd - BYM Connections at the Hoover Residence 5:30-7:30 pm March 24th – Regular BYM (6-8 pm in Common Ground) March 31st - Regular BYM (6-8 pm in Common Ground) Any questions, contact Pastor Stewart at 570-739-2241 x223.

New Approach to Sunday School The second part of The Story ends

March 3rd. Beginning Sunday, March 10th and ending Sunday, April 21st, all adults

will meet in the sanctuary for presentations offered by Sarah Bollinger (Evangelical Seminary) and Jim Price

(EC District Facilitator). From 9:00-9:30 am a time of fellowship will take place in the Library, followed by a time of presentation in the

sanctuary from 9:30-10:15 am.

Sarah Bollinger began teaching Old Testament at Evangelical Seminary in 2013. She grew up wanting to be an archaeologist like her father, David Dorsey, who served nearly 40 years as the previous Old Testament professor at Evangelical. Sarah met her husband, Phil,

while both sere studying abroad in Israel, and have returned to Israel many times for tours and excavation work at ancient Gath of the Philistines (with Jane Bau-doin!) and at Dan in northern Israel. Sarah’s research

interests include Old Testament law and its application for Christians, archaeology, and ancient languages.

Jim Price will be presenting:

What You Believe Matters Foundational Beliefs for the Christian’s Life of Faith

• Lesson 1: Scripture Alone - Our Only Foundation • Lesson 2: Christ Alone - Our Only Mediator • Lesson 3: Grace Alone - Our Only Method • Lesson 4: Faith Alone - Our Only Means • Lesson 5: God’s Glory Alone - Our Only Ambition On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany and what became known as the Protestant Reformation began to radically impact the ordinary Christian’s understanding of the Gospel and the Christian life. Sadly, too often we think of doctrine as something dull, boring, irrelevant to every day living. Nothing could be further from the truth. A basic understanding of the foundational beliefs of our faith holds out to us the promise of a deeper and stronger faith marked by wonder, praise, and assurance of our salvation.

VBS 2019 planning Meeting Monday, March 25th at 7 pm

We need your help to make Vacation Bible School

a success! VBS 2019 will be held Monday, July 15th thru Friday, July 19th. If you would like to

learn more about how you might help, please attend the VBS planning meeting on Monday, March 25th at 7pm in the Library. RSVP to Michelle

Canfield at 570-573-2061 or Stewart MacDonald at 570-789-4952

This year theme is Power Up! Ready, Player One? Your Vacation Bible School can “Level Up” with Bible content that points kids to God’s desire

for relationship with them. Kids will learn that God’s power gives them

everything they need to lead a godly life. In 2019, you’ll get your turn to drop a quarter in the slot and play!

Session 1: Preparing for the Adventure Session 2: Love

Session 3: Strength Session 4: Laughter

Serving in ministry for over thirty years, Becky Towes has studied the Bible extensively, including tutelage under the late Dr. Francis Schaffer in Switzerland in 1977. As a pastor’s wife and mother of two, she understands what inspires people and what struggles are. She teaches Public Speaking at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, PA. In addition to Between the Lamp Posts and Virgin Snow, she is the author of The Role of Women, a study of women’s roles in the home and church.

Visit the Welcome Counter for more information

and to sign up!

Crochet Circle on March 11th and 25th at the home of Cheryl Bender.

Ladies Monthly Breakfast All women are welcome, no need to sign-up!

Saturday, March 2nd at 9 am at Blue Mountain Family Restaurant, Shartlesville. Questions? Lisa at 484-294-6765.

There will be no Ladies Brunch for the month of March. Brunch will resume in the month of April.

“Under [Christ’s] direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so

that the whole body healthy and growing and full of love.” - Ephesians 4:16 [NLT]

Tuesdays at Bethesda EC Church 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Celebrate Recovery® is designed to help those struggling with hurts, hang-ups, and habits by showing them the loving power of Jesus Christ through the recovery process. The program is based on eight principles from the Beatitudes and the Twelve Steps (i.e. AA) and their biblical comparisons. A limitless number of issues can be dealt with through the program such as chemical addictions, overspending; anger; overeating; need to control; fear/anxiety and more! For more information, please call the church office.

Savings Banks are now available at the Welcome Counter for the Spring Ladies Retreat. Pick yours up TODAY to start saving for this great event!!

March 10th & 24th 1:30 - 3:30 pm in the Library

GriefShare is a support group for those who have lost a spouse,

child, family member or friend. Video vignettes, group discussion,

personal study, and reflection are part of healing. Call Paul at

570-294-0778 for more information.

Wayne Township Senior Group 23 Meadowbrook Center

March Events

March 6th - Macaroni & Cheese Activity: BINGO! March 13th - Egg Salad Sandwich & Soup Activity: Estate Planning with Miners Bank March 20th - Hess’s Choice Lunch Activity: Coloring! March 27th - Hamburger on Roll & Soup Activity: Craft with Wanda! Diakon also offers Zumba Gold classes throughout the week. Please call Diakon directly at 570-624-3018 for more

information.

For more information on any of these events, please visit www.23meadowbrook.org or call 570-739-2241 x225.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds

them all together in perfect unity." - Colossians 3:14

Women of Bethesda Annual Retreat March 29, 30, 31, 2019

Kenbrook Bible Camp, Lebanon, PA

After over twenty years of faithful service and tireless dedication to our Praise Team, Rick Wanamaker has decided to retire from his position

behind the drum kit. He has served our Lord well with song throughout the years and we will surely miss his tight beats and unwavering smile. Thank you for your dedication and service Rick!

Camp Swatara Camporee Weekend June 20th to 23rd, 2019

Camp Swatara is a Christian campground with lots of

fun activities like the splash pad, swimming pool with slides, bike track, hiking trails, mini golf, canoeing, paddle boating, and a gaga pit! A great family get-a-way at a reasonable cost. Campsites or cabins are available, but spaces fill up fast! If you are interested in attending, or would like more information, please contact Tammy Munster at 570-739-1647 or e-mail tammymunster@yahoo.com.

What’s For Dinner Wednesday March 6th

Dinner served: 5:30 - 6:15 pm

Come enjoy a hearty meal and fellowship before our Wednesday evening activities. (Adults $3,

Kids $1, Family cost $10.00 max). Nursery available. Menus will be shared prior to each date. If you are able to bring a dessert it

is appreciated!

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT January 2019

Prayer Meeting Join us in the Sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7:30

pm to pray for the needs of our community and congregation.

Missionary Corner

Global Ministries Commission

Pray for Pastor Ted Rathman as he directs the GMC. Ted also pastors the Grace EC Church in Schuylkill Haven. Pray for wisdom for church leadership as GMC activities have become more limited by budget cuts. Pray for the Missions Brunch, an informative missions update to be held on March 28th.

Fellowship of Prayer - 6 pm in the Café - March 10th & 24th

A time of adoration and worship

followed by small group prayer focused on specific requests.

Men’s Monthly Breakfast, Saturday, March, 9th at 8 am at Friedensburg

Country Restaurant.

Opportunities all around you: The Story life groups Future MOB’s Service Opportunities!

The JOY Group will resume meeting on Saturday, March 9th at 6pm in the Library.

More information to come.

The MOB’s are hosting a Rural Response to the Addiction Crisis on Saturday March 23, from 10am till 2pm at 23 Mead-owbrook Center. This is a drop in event. Stay for 10 minutes or

several hours. There will be a mock bedroom, a viewing of Chasing the Dragon, and a presentation by Supervisory

Narcotics Agent Janene M. Holter. See Pastor Mark for more information.

Choir practices are held weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the

Sanctuary. New members are welcome! Contact Kim Stoudt for more information.

March 4th - Allergic to Food March 11th - How the Next Generation will Change the World March 18th - Angels March 25th - Family Do-Over April 1st - Breaking the Cycle of Sexual Abuse

Mondays 7:00 to 8:00 pm Bethesda @ the Corner

On Sunday, March 17th Grace EC Church will be hosting Mark Cable for the Great Date Night. Come out

for a fun evening of music, laughter, renewal and some tasty desserts! Cost is $20 per couple. More information to come!

Youth Membership Classes will be continuing

on Saturdays thru March 23rd from 10:00 to

11:30 am in the Library. Please see Pastor Jeff

for more details.

January’s Financial Snapshot will be in Sunday, February 24th’s Bulletin.

We are sorry for the inconvenience.

PRAYER CONCERNS March 2019

Please Note – All prayer concerns will be listed for one month and then removed. If you would like your prayer concern to be continued longer than a month, you must contact the church office or Pastor Mark. Thank you!

Shut-ins Walter Bilger Dorothy Blankenhorn Bert Heydt Edith Houtz Gerald Knauf Sharon Kissinger

Eleanor Jamison Ruth Liddle M. Jean Luckenbill Hazel Minnich Ron and Karen Roundtree Flo Walton

Personal Bailey Austerberry (medication) Emily Babb (guidance) Elizabeth Barton (heart failure) Loretta Behler (treatment) Bonnie Betz (recovery) Angie Blankenhorn (feet) Dorothy Blankenhorn (pulmonary) Ida Blankenhorn (transition) Dave Bondura (eye) Dean Boyer (recovery) Rob Boyer (recovery) Mary Jo Brennan (cancer) Marie Canfield (treatment) Vicki Cenpeleghe (chemo) Linda Christman (recovery) Eiler Coleman (anxiety) Margarita Del Valle (cancer) Janene Ditzler (treatment) Robert Donton (recovery) Adam Drobnick (healing) Candi Dysinger (headaches) Gloria Ebling (cancer) Ron Emerich (hip) Mary Faust (recovery) Kristin Fitzpatrick (recovery) Chris Garcia (recovery) Eileen Goodwin (treatment) Boaz Haddix (wisdom teeth) Emily Haddix (procedure) Diane Hain (therapy) Lois Hain (therapy) Ethan Hancock (recovery) Doris Harig (a-fib) Christen Hartman (cancer) Glen Helbert (AML diagnosis) Mary Ellen Hering (high blood pressure) Mark Hoffman (heart) Josette Hoy (heart attack) Ian Hummel (recovery) Kevin Huneke (a-fib) Cathy Imschweiler (seizures) Eleanor Jamison (rehab) Thomas Jefferson (recovery) Amy Jo Kirpatrick (recovery)

Ruth Liddle (dehydration) Manny Lopez (testing) Susie Lowenthal (cancer) Sandy Lugo (recovery) Jim Martin (recovery) Jen Matz (testing) Linda Mentzel (cancer) Brandon Moyer (treatment) Mary Lou Moyer (sprain) Angie Onufer (chemo) Amber Pavalko (recovery) Ed Perhonitch (hospice) Deb Perkins (recovery) Donna Platts (cancer) Dawn Reiter (testing) Lukem Reiter (eyes) Mary Rhen (fall) Jessica Reinhart (treatment) Fred Shauch (back) Dominic Shollenburger (recovery) Vicky Sleinkofer (recovery) Cara Stine (treatment) Jen Stoltz (cancer) Marty Stoyer Jr. (recovery) Lynn Stranix (headaches) Hayden Strouphaur (brain/ankle injury) Maria Szumblinski (recovery) Theo Szumblinski (cancer) Ned Troutman (testing) Flo Walton (recovery) Richard Welker (cancer) Jean Zalonka (hospice)

Family Margaret Bender Family (loss) Patricia Bowen Family (loss) Phillip Christman Family (transition) Eddy Family (health) DJ Fegley Family (loss) Steven Holubec Family (loss) Dennis Lauffer Family (health issues) Ardeth Luckenbill Family (loss) Jess & Brandon Schneck Family (triplets) Benjamin Ross Sippel Family (loss)

Cindy Smith Family (transition) Stover Family (family challenges) Waschko Family (support) Hilda Yeager Family (loss) Beth Zimmerman Family (perseverance)

Military Josh Behler (Air Force) Ryan Brooks (Air Force-deployed 1/21) Kaleb Jennings (Marines) Jeff McNeil (Army) Nicole Hopkins (Army)

Thomas Perkins (Army) Steven J Russell-Rhen (Army) Zehn & Sharon Schropp (Air Force) Zach Siple (Coast Guard) Joe Sweigart (Army)

Local, National and Global EC Officers: Bishop: Bruce Hill Exec Director: K. Henry Associates: J. Byerly, L. Cool, G. Kuehner, & T. Rathman President Donald J. Trump Vice President Mike Pence US Military Forces PSP Troop L - Frackville, Jonestown & Schuylkill Haven Schuylkill County flooding

Congregational 23 Meadowbrook Center Celebrate Recovery Coffee @ the Corner Griefshare Ministry Lifetree Café L.I.F.E. & TUMI Prison Ministries Berks County Prison - Jeff Hain The Story The International Room

All articles for events held during April 1st through May 15th should be submitted by the 10th of March in order to be included in our April issue. A copy of this newsletter can

also be found on-line at www.bethesdaec.org.