Bethany Lutheran Church – West Branch, Iowa

There will be no community meal this Sunday.

Join Bishop Amy Current and leaders from across the synod for a short presentation and discussion in a series of presentations called, “Listen God is Calling Loving our Global Neighbors.” All meetings are online via Zoom. All are welcome! Each meeting is from 6:30-8:00 PM on the following dates.

January 30 – Loving our Neighbors in Palestine, Israel, and the Middle East

February 6 – Loving our Neighbors by “Preaching and Teaching with Love and Respect for the Jewish People”

February 13 – Loving our Neighbors through Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities.

February 20 – Loving our Neighbors in partnering with the Pare and Mwanga Dioceses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania as global companions.

You may register yourself and join at home. Or, join Pastor Chad at church on January 30 and as a group we will join the Zoom. Pastor Chad is unable to be present every Thursday, so if a group session is desired, those at the first meeting can discuss who else may be able to lead. If unable to join on the 30th at church and still wish to participate, let Pastor Chad know.

For more information see the flier below.

Two events have been schedule for February. See the attached promotional fliers. There is a high school event Sunday, February 16 (6-7 PM) and a Family Night Wednesday, February 26 (6-7:30 PM). That event is open to anyone. An RSVP is on the Faith Forward table.

2 Videos were shown at the Annual Meeting. The first is from Bishop Amy Current of the Southeastern Iowa Synod thanking us for our mission support gifts.

The second video is a recap of our life together in 2024. This video includes photos submitted to Paula or Pastor Chad. We realize it doesn’t capture every wonderful ministry. If you take a photo in 2025, please submit it to Paula or Pastor Chad. Thanks!

As the children and youth gather tonight for Wednesday Faith Formation, we will begin our time together in a large group utilizing resources from Faith Forward to spur conversation. We invite you to utilize these same resources, which are attached below and can also be found on the Faith Forward table in the hallway. Unsure what Faith Forward is check out our Faith Forward page on our website. (Select the “Faith Forward tab” under the black menu bar above)

Here are some simple activities you can do at home to help start the conversation and grow in Christ as we prepare for the celebration of his birth.

The December edition of Bethany Branches is now available by clicking here.

The November edition of Bethany Branches is now available by clicking here.

Please see the letter below from your Bethany stewardship team. Thank you!