April 1st, 2025

“Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.”


– Henry David Thoreau

*Friendly Reminder*

Please have all information to be included in the Bethany Blast to Jennifer (bethanyucc@gmail.com) by Tuesday at noon

FOLLOWING JESUS: A SERMON SERIES FOR LENT

This Sunday we’ll continue our sermon series, “Following Jesus.”  

Much is being said these days about being Christian. But what does it really mean to follow the way of Jesus? What does it mean to love each other, to do hard things, to keep the sabbath, and otherwise be faithful in today’s world of division and violence? 

We’ll take our cues from Jesus, as told in the Gospel of Matthew. We’ll touch on areas such as inner strength, being other-focused, and the importance of community. Our framework will be the Fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:13-15. 

Please invite someone to join you:

March 1 (Communion Sunday) Faithfulness

March 8 Kindness

March 15 Generosity

March 22 Gentleness

March 29 (Palm Sunday) Self Control

WEDNESDAY PRAYER CIRCLE WITH COMMUNION: 5PM IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

Starting tonight and continuing through the season of Lent, a Prayer Circle with Communion will be held at 5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited to this gathering, to simply share a time of devotion, share what’s on our hearts and minds, and share the bread and cup. 

**Please note, we will not gather on March 5, when Council meets.**

To Zoom, please follow this link.

TEMPORARY HOUSING NEEDED

We are posting this as a request from the Hulburt family.

Last December, the home of Jeffrey and Travis Hulburt burned down on Maple Street. There was a Go Fund Me Campaign to help them with immediate expenses.

Since then, Jeff and Travis have been living at the My Place Hotel, but that is becoming too expensive for them to maintain.

They hope to put a temporary trailer on their house site in May, but until then they are hoping to find a house share or rental, closer to Randolph village. They would help with chores and pay rent.

If you know of anyone who might be able to help, please contact:

Jackie Wemore (tel) 802-774-8277

(email) jackiewetmore71@yahoo.com 

Jeffrey (tel) 802-282-5569 

NEEDED: SMALL TABLE-SIZE ELECTRIC FOUNTAIN

If someone might have a small electric fountain for the little garden space in the vestry for lent, please contact Jeanne Ward (grammajeanneward@gmail.com).

PROJECT DOVE

Good News! We finally received news that our last shipment to Myrhorod has arrived safely!  It seems such a long time since November when the 8 shipping boxes left Randolph with the toys, baby supplies, warm blankets and clothing and we do not know why this was a lengthy trip but are so happy that, finally, Natalia and her crew at their relief organization are unpacking and distributing the gifts,

Blessings on all of you who contributed, remembering how cold and snowy it has been here in VT this winter and how much this means in a country that is war torn and without electricity and heat most of their winter!

-Irene Schaefer and Lee Khan

No One Should Have to Choose Between Therapy and Medication!

Sometimes members of our community are forced to make an impossible decision — whether to continue therapy, fill a prescription, or cover other basic expenses. Rising co-pays and insurance costs are realities we cannot control, and they can make ongoing mental health care difficult to sustain.

While we offer reduced fees for private-pay patients whenever possible, insurance-related costs such as co-pays are beyond our control.

The Psychological Wellness Clinic has created a Patient Assistance Fund to help individuals and families experiencing financial hardship continue receiving care.

If you would like to support access to mental health services in our community, please visit:

www.thepsychologicalwellnessclinic.com

Thank you for helping ensure that no one has to face these choices alone.

DIRECTORY

In order to access the latest version of the Bethany directory, please save this link somewhere where you can go back and access it on your computer/device. This is the shared link on google drive which will always show the most recently updated version - if you cannot access it, please let Jenni know.

For those of you who prefer downloading it directly or need to print, please find the PDF version here (****PLEASE NOTE the last update has been made on 1/21/26 and since this is a PDF document, it will NOT show recent updates like the link above.)

LET'S WEAR OUR NAME TAGS!


As an act of hospitality and fellowship, let's remember to wear our name tags in worship and during coffee hour. This is a wonderful way to make people feel welcome, and makes it less awkward for everyone if a name is forgotten -- it happens to the best of us!

If you don't have a name tag, please contact the church office and one will be made for you.

NEWS FROM THE TRANSITION TEAM

While the Transition Team takes a break for the season of Lent, it wants to thank you for the opportunity to serve the congregation.  

The TT has met four times (twice in January, and twice in February), and has identified a few areas to be addressed before the arrival of the next settled pastor. Here is an update:



• Carpet on the dais (pulpit area). This is currently threadbare in spots. The TT reached out to the Trustees, who agreed replacement is needed. The Trustees took the matter to the Council, which approved new carpet. The Trustees also noticed that the dais paint needs some touch up as well.

• Work spaces for the minister and the administrative assistant. The minister’s desk is currently in a multi-use space, and it’s difficult for the admin to fulfill her job description in the current configuration. The Trustees have connected with an architect and are exploring options. 

• Recent membership surveys, interviews, and all-church conversations. We’ve had a lot! The TT has looked at all congregational responses and is preparing an easy-to-read summary. You’ll have an opportunity to weigh in on what’s been discussed so far, and continue the discussion. Stay tuned!

The TT is always looking for your input, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. Members are: Joy Kacik, Vivian Fransen, Bob Kubli, Randy Garner, Becky McMeekin, and Wendy Ross, along with Pastor Amy.

For a brief Q&A on the work of the Transition Team, please click this link.

CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES AVAILABLE TO REVIEW


Beginning this month, Council will be posting a link to the most current minutes from our Council meetings.

There will also be a hard copy available at the church office.

Because we want them to be timely, minutes have not been officially approved, but should be accurate.

If you have questions about the minutes, please contact Terry Burgee, Clerk, at taeburgee@gmail.com.

Council usually meets the first Wednesday of each month, from 4 pm- 5:30 pm. Meetings are also on Zoom.

Members are welcome to attend our meetings, but please let Terry know in advance if you plan to attend.

KEEP YOUR PRAYER LIST VISIBLE

Here is a way to keep the folks who are on our prayer list in our hearts and minds: Cut the list out from the bulletin or write the names down on a piece of paper and post the list somewhere you will see it each day. Take a moment to think of or say a prayer for those on the list. Think of the cloud of prayers that will surround each recipient if we all do that!

IN OUR PRAYERS

Friends and family of David Atkinson who continue to celebrate and remember his life.

Jennifer H. for health issues.

Judith D's brother, Steven, for health issues.

Hillary W's children, who have grown into young adults making their way in this world.

Llallah S's parents, Rose and Rich, for health issues.

All those experiencing cancer: Carolyn, Lee, Denise, Kathryn, and Alice.

The people of Ukraine, continuing to endure war.

Immigrants and asylum seekers who live in fear.

Continued prayers for Ralph Ward, and our dear friends at Menig: Ruth, Grace, Marge, Ed, Mary, and Nancy.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Office hours for the church are:

Wednesdays: 9:30am-2pm

Fridays: 9:30am-2pm

During those hours, the side door (near the kitchen) will be unlocked, and one of the staff will be in the office. 


While our minister always welcomes a pop-in visit, to ensure she'll be there and available, it's always a good idea to call ahead or make an appointment by e-mailing her at bethanypastoramy@gmail.com.