prayer list: Please keep the following people and situations in your prayers.

  ˙ Pray that God's favor will be evident as we continue to

                        build community in Christ

˙ Gene Aikins, Sr. (re-establishing a relationship with his

                             son in Kentucky);

˙ Dennis Blything (continue to pray for strength in his

                             recovery);

˙ Ryan Clark (injured in Iraq, recovering at home in

                             Washington, D.C., awaiting a decision about the need

                             to amputate his leg or not.);

˙ Michael DiSanto, Chuck Roe & Bob Graf (leading Youth

                             to Christ);

˙ Nicole Luca (recovering at home);

˙ John & Kristin Madeja (Campus Crusade for Christ);

˙ Those in service to our country: (James & Holly Beverly,

                             BJ Loucks, Rich Martin, Justin Robellard & Buzz Smira,

                             John Zarycki);

˙ Children's Church leaders and participants

˙ Groups that meet during the week for study and prayer

                        and fellowship

˙ Leadership Team (Linda Anderson, Luke Converse,

                             Lynnette Dunker, Tom Johnson, Becky Knesek, Philip

                             Rohler, Gary Schmauder);

˙ Ministry Teams (Christian Formation, Community Care,

                             Local Outreach, Stewardship, World Missions &

                             Worship);

˙ Music Ministry (choir, music teams);

˙ New Source Counseling Centers (Martha Flemming);

˙ Pastoral Search Team (currently phone interviewing three

                             finalist applicants);

˙ Staff (Jeanne Herron, Kim Peluso, Sam Cala, Philip

                             Rohler);

˙ Preschool (Pam Blything, Marti Ross & parent volunteers);

˙ Website Development (in progress);

˙ Website Ministry (that people will be drawn to visit us

                             and will meet Jesus);

˙ Wednesday night Youth/Children’s Ministry (the

                             Harbor, Confirmation & Elementary classes);

˙ Wednesday night prayer meeting (Prayer & Praise)

- over -

˙ Women Ministries (Salad Luncheon May 17);

˙ Worship leaders and worshipers (at the 9:25 and the

                             11:15 services).

To have others placed on this prayer list, please contact the Pastor no later than Wednesday of each week.

YOU ARE NEEDED: There is a need on the Giving Ministry Team (which is part of the Stewardship MT) for people that sense the call of God to serve on the Team. The Church is not about "I" or "me;" it is about "us" and "we" as we see our part in Building Community in Christ. If you want to know more about what we can do together to fulfill the Mission of the GMT, please contact Gene Aikins, Sr., the GMT Leader at 440-339-1429 (g.aikins98@gmail.com) or Pastor Rohler at 440-442-5050 (philiprohler@gmail.com).

Charles Braxton quote: "You will never 'find' time for anything. If you want time you must make it."
                "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom". (Psalms 90:12).

BENEVOLENCE FUND: Bethany's Benevolence Fund has been depleted and that's a good thing because that means we have been able to help Bethany folk in need.  Now we want to re-fill our Benevolence Fund to allow us to respond to needs as they are presented to Pastor Philip.  When you give beyond your regular tithes/offerings to help others in the Bethany Family, be certain your donations are clearly labeled for the Benevolence Fund.

THE KEENAGERS will meet on Friday, May 23 at noon for their usual sandwich/salad luncheon.  The Golden Oldies Harmonica Band will be back to entertain us.  We loved them when they were here before and no doubt they will have us smiling and laughing again.  Please plan to join us and as always, guests are welcome.

CONGRATULATIONS!  Bethany Covenant would like to congratulate Lynsey Anderson on the completion of her Bachelor of Music Degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music.  Lynsey will be graduating on May 17th.  She will begin a Masters in Music at Rice University in Houston, Texas in the Fall.  This will be Lynsey's last Sunday at Bethany.  Please give her a warm farewell and thank her for her ministry in music at Bethany over the past few years.

SINGLES GROUP?  Those who are single are invited to meet with Pastor Philip at 10:45 during the Fellowship time Sunday May 18th to pray about and discuss the possibility of starting a single's group.  You may be someone that has not been married or someone that is single again because of a divorce or a spouse's death.  If there is interest, then Pastor will offer guidance in working with the Christian Formation Ministry Team to establish the group.  If you have questions before the meeting, you can contact Pastor Philip at 440-442-5050 (office) or 360-581-5969 (cell) philiprohler@gmail.com (email).

PREPARING FOR WORSHIP:  Each week we invite you to spend time preparing your heart for worship by reading and reflecting on Scripture.  The lectionary passages for this week are: Genesis 1:1-2:4; Psalm 8;  II Corinthians 13:11-13; and Matthew 28:16-20

THE FEAST:  The Evangelical Covenant Church is planning its triennial Feast, a conference which brings together covenanters from around the world.  The Feast will be held at the Green Lakes Conference Center in Wisconsin from June 21-24th.    You can find more information at the ECC website: http://www.covchurch.org/feast. Debbie Illes and Jeff & Bonnie Eggers are planning to attend this event.  If you're planning on attending please let either Debbie or Bonnie know. 

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME SOFTBALL?: First Covenant and Bethany Covenant Churches will again have a combined, co-ed (ages 14 and older) team in the North Coast Church softball league. If you’d like to get some fresh East Side suburban air and take a few cuts at the plate, please call coach Wayne Ketchum of First Covenant Church at (216) 978-3526. There is a player fee to cover the cost of jerseys and umpires. If you just want to come watch the action, stay tuned to the church bulletin calendar section for game times and locations.

HELP WANTED:  Gardening Angels!  Protect and defend against the Forces of evil (Weeds) that would overwhelm the church gardens.  Gardening Angels may choose the size of their territory based on their ability to diligently defend it.  CONTACT:  Senior G.A. Thelma Woods.  REMEMBER:  Gardening Angels are the first line of defense in the war on weeds!

WORK & WORSHIP WEEKEND: The Perfect Combination.  Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25) presents an opportunity to work, relax and worship in at Mission Meadows.  Come for one day or the whole weekend.  We need help with:  painting, cleaning, yard work, office work and light construction/maintenance.  All ages are welcome.  Our speaker will be Jim Chester, Assoc. Pastor of Fairfield Covenant Church in Cincinnati.  For more information, contact either Karen Yeversky or Debbie Illes.