Bethany also actively participates in Stephen Ministry, a unique program that provides one-to-one Christian care to individuals facing a crisis or life challenge such as divorce, loss of a loved one, illness or loneliness. Click on the links below to learn more.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Why Lay Ministry?
Why Stephen Ministry?
Who Benefits from Stephen Ministry?
Who are Stephen Ministers?
How Does Stephen Ministry Work?
If you would like information on how to become a Stephen Minister or wish to receive care from one, please contact Pastor Joe Polzin, Parish Nurse Ronda Anderson or Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator Nancylee Siebenmann at 319-364-6026.
Human Care Event Details
Living Single Again
A support group to help people who are hurting due to separation, divorce or death of a spouse, or anyone who finds themselves "Single Again." Programs are also relevant for those who have never married. People of all faiths are welcome. Living Single Again support group meets most Sundays at 6 p.m. at Bethany. A free-will offering is collected. For a listing of Living Single Again events visit this page.
Senior Worship Services
This worship service just for seniors is held in the sanctuary the third Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. The next Senior Worship Service will be held September 16, 2010. Communion, singing, scripture, prayer and sermon are followed by a delicious meal and fellowship in the Family Life Center. No cost.
Blood Pressure Screenings
The parish nurse is available in her office on the fourth Sunday of each month from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. to check your blood pressure. The next Blood Pressure Screening will be on September 26, 2010. No appointment needed, and no cost.
Blood Drives
Help save a life - participate in a Bethany Blood Drive! You must be 16 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and have not donated in the past eight weeks. The next blood drive will be October 7 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but we request that you make an appointment if possible. Please call 319-364-6026 to schedule a time.
Healthy Treats During Coffee Hour
To help promote healthier lifestyles, we serve delicious, healthy treats between early and late services on the fifth Sunday of select months. Your free-will offering supports Human Care special projects.
Walking/Fellowship Program
Put your best foot forward and increase your activity level by participating in our walking program. Our Family Life Center is open Monday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for walking and fellowship. Open to Bethany members and their friends. No cost.
Baby Event
Attention new moms and babies - this annual event is just for you! Bethany's Baby Event combines colorful decorations, fellowship and refreshments with the opportunity to learn more about various Bethany programs that may be of interest to young families. Representatives from each program will be on hand to answer any questions. It's also a great chance to build relationships and fawn over all the cute babies! Watch this website for details of the 2011 Baby Event. This event is open to all moms who are members or friends of Bethany with babies born in the previous year and up to the date of the Baby Event of the current year.
National Day of Prayer Observance
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America when the Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer in 1775. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. It was intended for all peoples of faith to pray to the God of their understanding.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force's mission is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the five centers of power: Church, Education, Family, Government and Media. This information and more can be found at the National Day of Prayer website at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
The next National Day of Prayer will be Thursday, May 5, 2011. Bethany participates in this national event; details for the upcoming National Day of Prayer will be posted on this site.
Adult Vacation Bible School
Why should kids have all the fun? Bethany Adult Vacation Bible School is for all adults wanting to grow in their faith. Each day includes fellowship, refreshments, singing, prayer time and study of scripture. The four-day event will conclude with worship on Thursday at 11 a.m. followed by a delicious lunch. No cost. Watch this site for 2011 dates!
Preschool Vision Screening
The Lions Noon Club provides FREE vision screening for those children aged 6 months to 4 years. This free screening service is for any children participating in Bethany's Mom's Morning Out, Preschool, Faith Weaver Friends, Sunday School, or ANY friend of Bethany. The next vision screening will take place September 21 and 22, 2010, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
All Saints Remembrance
Each November, we recognize and remember Bethany members who passed away during the previous 12 months. During early and late worship services on the first Sunday of the month, we light a candle and read a Bible verse in memory of your loved one as part of an All Saints Remembrance Service. Family members are invited to take part in this remembrance and time of healing.
Stephen Ministry Details
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a system through which members of Bethany Lutheran Church are trained and organized to help provide Christian caregiving to members of our congregation and community. This will multiply the amount of caring ministry Bethany can provide by giving us a whole team of skilled caregivers who are equipped to bring Christ's healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis or experiencing other stresses in life.
Why Lay Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is based on the idea that all Christians are ministers. The responsibility for passing on God's love is for all Christians, not just for a chosen few. God has given us all gifts for ministry and called us to put those gifts to use. Stephen Ministry is a place where people with special gifts for caring ministry can use those gifts to bring Christ's love to people in need.
Why Stephen Ministry?
We have many needs for care in our congregation and community: people experiencing divorce, grief, a terminal illness, loss of a job, relocation, an empty nest, retirement, hospitalization, loneliness, and many other stresses or challenges. Often people with needs suffer silently or do not request or receive the level of care they really need. With only two pastors for a congregation of nearly 900 members, you can quickly see why it would be impossible for our pastors to meet every single need of every single person. Stephen Ministry expands the care Bethany can offer by equipping and organizing members to provide Christian care. This gives us a larger pool of people with the gifts, skills and calling to bring Christ's love and care to those who most need it.
Who Benefits from Stephen Ministry?
Everybody benefits from Stephen Ministry. Those receiving care from Stephen Ministers benefit because they receive prayer and support throughout the crisis they face. Stephen Ministers benefit through the spiritual growth they experience from being involved in meaningful ministry. Our pastors benefit because caring ministry at Bethany is expanded, and fewer people will slip through the cracks. Most of all, you benefit from the knowledge that special care is available to you should you need it. In addition, you now have a place where you can refer a friend, neighbor, coworker, relative or anyone else you know who is going through a difficult time so that they can receive special care when they need it most. Stephen Ministry makes Bethany Lutheran Church a much more caring place!
Who are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are members of Bethany who have gone through 50 hours of training in providing high quality Christian care to individuals experiencing a crisis or challenge such as divorce, grief, loss of a job, hospitalization, relocation or loneliness. Stephen Ministers are each assigned a care receiver and meet with that care receiver for about an hour a week. This caring relationship will last for as long as the care receiver needs it.
How Does Stephen Ministry Work?
When someone requests a Stephen Minister, our Stephen Ministry referrals coordinator will meet with that person, explain what Stephen Ministry is and help determine whether Stephen Ministry is the kind of care that person needs. Our referrals coordinator then matches that person with one of our available Stephen Ministers. The Stephen Minister will then call that person and begin meeting with him or her for around an hour each week as long as the need is there. Everything a care receiver says to his or her Stephen Minister is kept confidential. The Stephen Minister doesn't try to solve problems; rather, he or she listens, cares, prays, and helps the care receiver find his or her path to healing and wholeness. For more information on Stephen Ministries visit www.stephenministries.org.
