BETHANY CHRISTMAS STAR

Our annual “Star” tree is in the foyer and will be there through Sunday, November 29th. Each ornament (Star) on the tree lists a need or a wish of a child of a family in need, either from this congregation or from families within the community. If you wish to bless one of these children, please pick a Star from the tree, register it at the small podium nearby, purchase and wrap the item, and bring it to the church.

CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING

Wednesday, November 25, 7pm, we will be hosting a special Community Thanksgiving Service which will provide a great opportunity to celebrate with other area churches on this uniquely American holiday. Please note that this service will take place in the Lighthouse Auditorium because RevoFest ‘09 is a large youth event occurring in the main Sanctuary. Plan to take part, and have a blessed Thanksgiving.

THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER

The West Springfield Parish Association is sponsoring a Thanksgiving dinner at St. Thomas School Thursday, Nov. 26 from noon to 2 p.m.  Delivery service is available in Agawam [(413) 821-0604] and West Springfield [(413) 739-0247].  For more information, please contact the church office or Barbara Amsden.

THANKSGIVING BASKETS

Bethany’s 2009 endeavor to provide local families in need with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner is currently underway.  Beginning Sunday, November 1, we will be supplying grocery bags with items needed listed on each bag to ensure the receiving family has a marvelous meal.  These bags will be available at the Hospitality Counter.  Please prayerfully consider filling one and being a blessing to a family in need this holiday season.  You may return the filled bags by Sunday, November 22 to designated tables in our hallways. For more information, please contact the church office.

U. S. MILITARY VETERANS

VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY – Wednesday, November 11, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., West Springfield Town Common, rain or shine! Veterans, please be our honored guests and enjoy a free lunch as we honor you for the many sacrifices and commitments you have given in serving in the United States military.  (Nominal charge for non-veterans.) Sponsored by Grateful Citizens for the Appreciation of Veterans.
Anyone interested in helping may contact the church office, (413) 789-2930.

CITYLIGHT MINISTRY CENTER

CITYLIGHT MINISTRY CENTER has been blessed with a unique   opportunity to minister to families transitioning from the homeless shelter to a unit in the south end of Springfield.  We have been asked to help with the children, as many as 45 at any given time, and to mentor in some way.  For the summer months our desire is to involve them in outdoor activities, mostly baseball and softball.  If you have any equipment (gloves, bats, balls, etc.) for children and adults just taking up space at your house, we can certainly give it a good home.  While we are concentrating on those two sports, any usable sports equipment could also be used.  Please mark the donated items (CityLight Ministry) and drop them off by one of the garage bays, or you may call CLMC at (413) 246-5327.  Thanks for your continued help and prayers for CLMC.

LETTER CARRIERS FOOD DRIVE

For the ninth consecutive year Bethany will receive tons of non-perishable food items collected by this town’s letter carriers.  At least 50 volunteers are needed for two shifts on Saturday, May 9.  Want to help . . . ?  Please sign up at the Hospitality Counter.  Lunch will be provided.

Love Center Grows

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