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Weekly Newsletter
Thursday, August 13, 2026
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Our Weekly newsletter gives you all the info you need to connect, engage and worship with our church, our mission work and the wider community.
For more information visit us online at www.bethanyfirstchurch.org
511 Amity Road
Bethany, CT 06524
Phone: (203) 393-3116
Follow Us on Facebook!
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Join us for a sermon by our pastor:
Reverend Jonathan Paredes
Sunday, August 16th
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture reading: Matthew 25: 1 - 13 (NRSV)
Sermon: "Awake and Aware"
Throughout Ordinary Time, we continue discovering how God meets us in the ordinary rhythms of everyday life.
This week, Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids—a story often misunderstood as one of fear or exclusion. Yet beneath the surface is an invitation to live attentively, trusting that God's work is continually unfolding even when we cannot see the whole picture.
To stay awake is not to live anxiously. It is to remain open to God's presence, alert to moments of hope, ready to participate in the work of healing, justice, compassion, and liberation whenever opportunities arise.
Join us as we explore what it means to be Awake and Aware, discovering how lives rooted in hope become signs of God's coming kingdom each and every day.
All are invited to gather after service for coffee, refreshments, and fellowship in the church hall.
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Recap of Last Week's Service
Sunday, August 9th
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture reading: Matthew 25: 31 - 46 (NRSV)
Sermon: "Living with Justice"
Last Sunday we were reminded that our faith is not only about what we believe, but how we live and how we care for others. Jesus’ teaching about the sheep and the goats challenges us to recognize Christ in those who are hungry, lonely, sick, or in need.
Living with justice means putting God’s love into action through compassion, welcome, and care for others. We are called not to earn God’s love, but to live out the love we have already received and to join in God’s work of bringing hope, justice, and liberation to all people.
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Foster Care Emergency Backpack Drive
Throughout the remainder of August, we will be collecting specific items to support the Connecticut Alliance for Foster and Adoptive Families.
Donated items can be placed in the bins on the stage in the fellowship hall.
At this time the items needed for the backpacks are: deodorant, feminine products, hair brushes and hair picks, diaper cream, Vaseline, baby wipes, and pacifiers in packages.
CAFA is also collecting things for back to school supplies. If anyone would like to help with the distribution of the back-to-school supplies you can do so on August 15th at the Mary Tracy School in Orange, CT. Just show up and let them know that you are there to help. This is an opportunity to see our contributions at work.
If you would like to donate to the back-to-school collection, click the button below to view their Amazon Wish List.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
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Deacons Meeting
There will be a meeting of the Deacons held next Sunday, August 23rd, immediately following the worship service.
All Deacons are asked to please plan to attend. Thank you!
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Welcoming Sunday
As summer winds down, we’re looking forward to gathering together again for a special service at Bethany First Church.
Title: Welcoming Sunday at BFC
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Theme: There’s A Place For You Here
Scripture: Luke 14:7 – 14 (NRSV)
This special Sunday will be a time to reconnect, celebrate new beginnings, welcome new members, and prepare for the season ahead. As we continue our worship series, Our Story: The Parables of Jesus, we’ll hear Jesus’ words from Luke 14 and reflect on “Life in Humility”, what it means to value one another, make room for others, and be a community where everyone has a place.
We’ll celebrate several special moments together:
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Back-to-School Blessing: Students, teachers, school staff, and anyone beginning a new chapter are invited to receive a blessing as they step into a new season.
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Baptism: We’ll celebrate the sacrament of Baptism and rejoice in the new life and faith God is nurturing among us.
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New Member Welcome: We’ll welcome new members into the life of our church and celebrate the ways their stories are becoming part of our story.
Whether your summer has been filled with travel and adventure or simply a change in your usual routine, Welcoming Sunday is an invitation to come back, reconnect, and begin the fall season together.
Come reconnect. Come celebrate. Come be part of our story.
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Happening at BFC
Bethany Quilter's Quilting Club ~ Monday Mornings
Do you enjoy quilting, crafting, or simply spending time with others in a warm and welcoming space? We invite you to join our weekly Quilting Club every Monday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in our Fellowship Hall.
Whether you’re an experienced quilter, just beginning, or simply looking for fellowship and connection, there is a place for you here. Come share your creativity, enjoy conversation, and be part of a wonderful community of quilters.
No matter your skill level, all are welcome!
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CHAIR YOGA ~ Tuesday & Thursday Mornings
Looking for a gentle way to stretch, move, and care for your body? Join us at Bethany First Church for Chair Yoga with Amy Rushlow!
Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM and are designed to help improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation in a welcoming environment.
No matter your experience level, all are welcome to participate. Come enjoy some movement, fellowship, and time to focus on your well-being!
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A friendly reminder that Jim and Terry's Victorian Dance Class and Pot-Luck Dinner & A Movie Night will resume in September!
Details will be posted soon!
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Food Outreach Ministry Program
Our local Food Outreach Program provides monthly perishable and nonperishable groceries and household essentials for families right in our own community, while also helping care for beloved pets.
The program's MOST NEEDED items at this time are:
Kitchen Garbage Bags, Dish & Laundry Detergent
Paper goods: (Toilet Paper, Tissues, Paper Towels)
Shampoo and Conditioner, Body wash / Soap
Feminine Hygiene Products
Cat & Dog Food (Canned and Small Bags of Dry)
Click HERE to view their Amazon Wishlist.
Contact Joanna if special arrangements are needed. Thank you for helping us care for members in our community.
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Now on Benevity!
We’re excited to share that our church has officially been approved on Benevity!
Benevity is a workplace giving platform used by many companies to help employees support nonprofit organizations through donations, volunteer opportunities, and employer matching programs. If your employer participates in Benevity, you may now be able to support our church directly through workplace giving or matching gifts. Even small monthly donations can make a meaningful impact on our ministries and outreach efforts.
We encourage you to check with your employer and help spread the word to family and friends who may also have access to Benevity programs.
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Coffee Hour Sign-Up
Hosting Coffee Hour is a meaningful way to serve our church family and enjoy fellowship together.
We invite members to consider signing up as a Coffee Hour Host,
whether on your own or with a friend. This special time helps strengthen the bonds within our community. Hosts are asked to arrive a little early to prepare the coffee and bring a few treats to share.
Our sign-up sheet is located on the bulletin board near the kitchen.
Upcoming Coffee Hour Hosts
August 16: Melissa & Dorothy
August 23: AVAILABLE
Thank you for making our Sundays warm and welcoming!
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Interested in being Liturgist Sunday Morning? Sign-up sheet is located in the welcome center on the counter.
Upcoming Liturgists
August 16: Kathy Shugdinis
August 23: Dorothy Siniscalchi
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Office Administrator
Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
The Reverend Jonathan A. Paredes
By Appointment Only
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We here at Bethany First Church want to
make life a little easier for you...
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Click the Donate Now button below which will take you to an easy PayPal form (no Pay-Pal account needed!).
Go ahead, give it a try today!
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Open and Affirming
We here at Bethany First Church celebrate the image of God in every person. As an Open and Affirming church, we welcome all persons into the full life and ministry of our church by offering the grace of God. No matter the church or community where your journey began, you are welcome here.
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