Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23
There are many ways to serve at Bethany, both within our church and in the larger community of Cleveland and the world. Listed below are opportunities to get involved.
God’s Work – Our Hands
There is good work to do and we need you to help! Committees have dedicated members who do so much but often need more hands. Together, with more help, we can do more: quilting, taking care of our flowerbeds, property work like painting, expanded community service like food drives, beach & river clean-ups (?), school supplies drives, help a senior with raking leaves or spring flower bed clean ups or shopping, and more. In fact, if you have an idea where we could offer our hands to do God’s work – let us know!
In an attempt to reach out and inform the congregation about opportunities to lend a hand we are developing a special email list for interested members. The goal is one email list of individuals interested in short-term opportunities to be God’s hands for a day, or a few hours. No need to commit to a committee. No need for any long-term commitment. Once the list is populated you’ll receive an email, monthly or special announcements in the case of immediate need. When you see an opportunity that interests you simply contact the individual indicated.
But first, get on the email list by emailing Jackie Krieger at jkrieger1011@gmail.com. Let us do even more together!
Music Ministry
Bethany has a long and rich tradition of musical excellence. We welcome people of all ages and musical experience to share their talents in worship and praise. Special music by vocal or instrumental soloists or ensembles is welcome especially during the Advent, Christmas, Lenten, Easter, and summer seasons. Come and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Handbell Choir
Handbell Choir is open to those who enjoy ringing handbells to enhance the worship experience.
Practice is held on Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Handbell Choir plays at Sunday services approximately once a month.
Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir is open to those who enjoy singing to support the worship service. Practice is held on Thursday evenings, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Chancel Choir typically sings at the 8:30 a.m. service on the first Sunday of the month, and at the 11:00 service on the remaining Sundays.
Rainbow Ringers
Our children's handbell choir uses color-coded bells for beginning musicians.
Sue Chamot leads the Rainbow Ringers who perform occasionally throughout the year at Sunday services. The joyful music of these young ringers generates appreciation and smiles from the congregation.
Church Council and Committees
Church Council consists of twelve members, elected by the congregation, to provide leadership for the activities of the church. The Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month to discuss current and long-term goals, and to give direction to Committees such as Finance, Property, Worship and Music, Outreach, Stewardship, and Fellowship. Bethany members are invited and encouraged to serve on these Committees.
Worship Assistants
Liturgical Assistants assist the Pastor during the worship service, read the selected scriptures, and assist with the distribution of Holy Communion.
Communion Assistants help serve communion, and Readers read the selected scriptures of the day.
Acolytes, who receive training after making their First Communion, also assist during the worship service
Altar Guild members prepare communion, set up the altar paraments, arrange for flowers, and decorate the church for special services.
Ushers greet and assist parishioners throughout the worship service.
Bethany Women
Bethany Women belongs to the national women’s organization known as Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (WELCA), and supports their work in the U.S. and throughout the world.
All women belonging to Bethany are invited to participate in Bethany WELCA events. Meetings are held monthly at church, in homes, or other locations. The group is involved in a variety of projects supporting local charities, educational programs, and building faith through fellowship. Members are encouraged to attend local Cleveland-area cluster meetings with women from other WELCA groups.
Quilters
The Bethany Quilters have been making quilts for Lutheran World Relief (LWR) for over 20 years. They gather on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. to make quilts that are shipped all over the world to those in need. Most of the supplies, including fabric, batting, and thread, are donated by members and friends. The quilters will teach you everything you need to know to participate in this global ministry of the ELCA. Consider joining this group weekly, or contributing from home, to help this worthwhile cause.
Meals on Wheels
West Park Meals on Wheels was established in 1975, with Bethany serving as the distribution site. Each weekday morning, two meals (one hot entrée and one sandwich meal) are prepared for each recipient. Volunteering in our kitchen or as a driver helps us to deliver nutritious meals and a friendly visit to residents in our community.