George Nelson Memorial Concert Series Bagels & Fraylox Klezmer Band

Sunday, March 22 @ 4 P.M.

Bagels & Fraylox is a Klezmer band from southeastern Virginia. Klezmer is a lively mixture of wedding and party music of 19th century Eastern Europe with strains of Yiddish theater and American dance band music of the early 1900s. But it borrows freely from gypsy tunes, Middle Eastern music and other sources as diverse as American folk music and rock 'n roll. All of those influences come out in Bagels & Fraylox concerts. A traditional wedding march from one hundred years ago in Russia or a schmaltzy tune from Yiddish theater - even Broadway's “Fiddler on the Roof” - may lead into a rock-flavored Middle Eastern rave-up that has audience members dancing in the aisles. The Williamsburg-based band performs often at community cultural events and coffeehouses as well as weddings, bar mitzvahs and other parties. The ensemble features two clarinets, tenor saxophone, accordion, bass, drums and other percussion, as well as a vocalist.

Bethany Banner March 2020

The Church with Open Hearts, Minds, and Doors Sunday Worship ‒ 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School for all ages ‒ 9:45 a.m. Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Pastor: Mike Derflinger Church Office Administrator: Dee Dee Wike

Director of Music: Sandra Fox Organist: Dr. Rudy Shackelford Nursery Coordinator: Joy Wike

From the Pastor’s Desk

Lent is upon us. As I reviewed past newsletters and bulletins, I see that you have already received excellent words and teaching about the meaning and experience of Lent and Easter. So, I don’t see the need in repeating that. Ash Wednesday (February 26) marks the beginning of Lent. We’ll have a Soup and Cornbread Supper at 6 p.m. followed by worship at 7 p.m. with Imposition of Ashes. Let’s begin Lent together.

For me, Lent is a time to review my life in Christ and to help the flock God has entrusted me to do the same. I encourage you to make the most of this season and to make worship and service to those in need top priorities in your life. Here are 15 life lessons I am going to keep in mind this Lent. I hope you will ponder them, too.

1. Life isn’t fair, but it is still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Chances are no one else does. 5. Pay off your credit card every month. 6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 7. Cry with someone. It is more healing than crying alone. 8. It is okay to get angry with God. God can take it. 9. Scripture guides us and life lessons can help, too. 10. When it comes to chocolate, total resistance is futile. 11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up your present. 12. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what they have encountered on their journey. 13. It is okay to let your children see you cry. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it. 15. God is present and at work in your life even if you can’t feel Him or hear Him.

One thing I’ll do this Lent is take more walks. I’m amazed at how God ministers to me when I walk. Most likely you live near a fellow member or guest or know your neighbor in some way. Introduce yourself. I know that’s difficult for introverts, but most people appreciate knowing they have a trustworthy neighbor and don’t mind knowing who their neighbor is.

Last, spend time with your church family. If you’re healthy, local, can drive, don’t have to punch a time clock, and haven’t been to worship in a while, then it’s time to return. If you’re dealing with some issues in life, let’s talk. I’d consider it an honor to help. You can experience God at Bethany. Peace. – Pastor Mike

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

CALLING ALL YOUTH! Come join us for the very first Evening Youth Sunday School Kick-off on Sunday March 1, 2020 from 6:30-8:00pm! All youth are invited to attend and please bring guests! We will start with snacks in the Fellowship Hall and then move to the Youth Room for worship and a lesson. We are excited and look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, please contact Beth Cook at (661) 209-6863 or Todd Bontrager at (781) 864-1817. LADIES LUNCH BUNCH – Sunday, March 1 following the 11:00 service. This month’s lunch will be at Patriots Grill. The sign-up sheet is located on the table in the main hallway. Make plans now to join us the 1st Sunday of the month! The 2020 schedule is as follows: April -- LITTLE ITALY RESTORANTE May -- JUAN'S MEXICAN CAFE & CANTINA June -- WILD GINGER CHINESE RESTAURANT July -- YOUR PIE August -- WILD HORSE COUNTRY CAFE & MALT SHOPPE September -- MOBJACK TAVERN October -- YORK RIVER OYSTER CO. November -- RUBY TUESDAY'S December -- TONY & MILENA'S JOY CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. in the Mary Lotsey classroom. Regina Berry is in charge of the program. All ladies of the church are welcome! ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP - Thursday, March 5 at 10 a.m., Mary Lotsey classroom. Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive environment and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. This group is facilitated by Tina Thomas from the Alzheimer's Association. YOUTH COUNCIL MEETING on March 8, 2020 from 12:15 ‒2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for lunch and then a meeting in the Youth Room. Parents can attend if they would like. Matt & Tiina Shackelford are coordinating the food; we are asking youth parents to provide an item for our sandwich bar, dessert, or beverages. Please contact Matt & Tiina at (804) 815-3693. If you have any questions about the meeting please contact Beth Cook at (661) 209-6863 or Todd Bontrager at (781) 864-1817. Thank you for supporting our youth!

SECOND TUESDAY VISITATION - Tuesday, March 10 at 2 p.m. We will meet in the Mary Lotsey Classroom. Come join us! XYZ (eXtra Years of Zest) Club will meet on Wednesday, March 18th, WBFH. Potluck luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m., followed by guest speaker Bill Lawrence, who will give a presentation on “The Old Post Offices and Country Stores of Gloucester County.” For more information, contact Nadine Tatum at 757-690-4504 or nadine.tatum@gmail.com. COMPUTER CLASS, March 19, 2 p.m., WBFH - This class is open to anyone who wants to know more about the Windows operating system. This free class will be limited to 12. Micheal Haley, volunteer with the AARP tax preparation, is leading the class. Bring your laptop with pen and paper. If you have a desktop computer, bring questions. He can also answer hardware and software questions. Please register by emailing Judy Burner at aburner@cox.net or calling 804-642-6016 by March 15. HOME BOUND MINISTRIES - Monday, March 30 at 9:30 a.m. - If you can't come to help us cook, we sure could use folks to help deliver the meals. UNITED METHODIST MEN – Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m. at Nick’s Spaghetti & Steak House, Gloucester Point. ALTAR GUILD is recruiting new members; training will be provided. Members serve two months a year. It’s a great way to support our worship services. If interested or just curious contact any member of the Altar Guild or Paul Kendall at 804 642 5185, 804 832 4357, or pnkendall@verizon.net.

BAZAAR NEWS It's not too late to join in the fun! We will be crafting and laughing all the way to the end of October! Please join us any Thursday morning from 9 til 12 (or any fraction of that time) in the classroom next to the Nursery. We are working on many different projects, so you can choose what interests you! Also, there are crafts you can work on at home. Just ask! Remember, this is a church-wide effort to raise money for Missions. Hope to see you on Thursday!

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS We have a place for you in Sunday School! Stay after the 8:30 service or come a little early before the 11:00 service and find a class that is just right for you! We will have Breakfast on the second Sunday in March at 9:30. We have classes for adults, youth and all ages of children. Please join your friends at 9:45 - you'll be glad you did!

APRIL BANNER DEADLINE is March 15. Please email your submissions to bethanyumc3@verizon.net or drop them by the church office any time during office hours. Thanks for your assistance!

SAVE THE DATE! Annual Easter Egg Hunt — Saturday, April 11, 9-11 a.m.

Calling all preschool children through fifth graders! Bring your smile and your Easter Basket for this hippety-hoppety, sun-shiney fun morning! Join us whether rain or shine for a great Bethany UMC Easter tradition. We will serve some treats, enjoy crafting a make-and-take project, and share in fellowship and fun!

For more information or to help, contact Cat White at 804-654-9994 or email momacat23072@gmail.com .

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – June 14-18, 6:00-8:30 P.M.

It may only be February, but Vacation Bible School planning has already begun! VBS is the largest Children's Ministry community outreach we do all year long and we need you! Please be in prayer for how you can support our children's ministry with your time, your creativity or your financial contribution. More details to come!! -- Love in Christ, Susannah Hogge

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SUNDAY, MARCH 8.

Make sure to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Brothers and Sisters, We had our 1st Finance committee meeting of the year on

February 11th. We have a busy year ahead of us with more changes coming! I ask that you lift the Finance Committee up in your daily prayers, that we will always honor God with our stewardship decisions. I thank you for your loving generosity! Every dollar that you give to Bethany church is used towards our missions and ministries, which you know are many! This is a busy place with a lot going on!

Did you know that we have an Endowment Fund? The money given to this fund will supply our future needs for music and ministry. This fund was started just over 10 years ago and as of December 2019 now has 3,317 shares worth $52,458. Memorial and honorarium donations are always welcome!

One of the largest things that we tackled in 2019 was to set up online giving. This was a project 7 years in the making! We have contracted with VANCO (a UMC authorized company) to provide us with online giving services. I know you’ve heard this before, by just in case you’ve missed this big news: Go to bethanyumc-gp.org/give or download the Mobile App GIVEPLUS from your App Store to give online! If you have questions about setting up an account Dee Dee or I will be glad to help you.

Thank you for your faithfulness in serving your neighbors both in our Bethany community and out in the world. Together we are transforming lives and making disciples for Jesus Christ. May God bless you for all that you do for Him. Blessings, Dolores Breen Finance Committee Chair

Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee Training Saturday, March 7, 2020, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

First UMC, 10246 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601 Rev. Seonyoung Kim, Facilitator

All church Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committees, clergy, and church members

are encouraged and welcomed to attend. Topics to be covered include: Clergy Evaluations • Church Ministry Assessments

There will also be time for questions and answers!

SUNDAY ATTENDANCE

Date SS-

Adult SS-

Youth SS-

Kids SS-

Total 8:30

Svc 11:00

Svc 11:00

Nursery Worship

Total Childrens

Church 1/26 38 6 9 53 45 94 1 140 0

2/2 28 3 9 40 41 79 2 122 0 2/9 35 7 6 48 43 65 1 109 0

2/16 37 4 8 49 51 79 2 132 0 *Children’s Church counted is included in Total Worship.

ALTAR FLOWERS

During the season of Lent there will be no altar flowers in the sanctuary.

On Easter Sunday we will enjoy a variety of lilies and spring flowers provided by our congregation in memory and in honor of loved ones. An order form will be published on our website and distributed in our bulletins once we determine the varieties of flowers that will be available.

CHRISTIAN LOVE AND SYMPATHY Please join us in praying for the families of: Alice Cruz, daughter of Pete & Ann Dunston and sister of Abigail Walker, who passed January 29. Vivian Hodges, who passed on January 31. She was the mother of Susannah Hogge's stepfather Jim Hodges. Al Wallace, uncle of Dee Dee Wike, who passed on February 4.

CONGRATULATIONS to David and Peggy Lewis on the birth of their granddaughter, Carys Malay Dooley on February 10 at 2:00 p.m. Carys (rhymes with Paris) is the daughter of proud parents John and Jennifer Lewis Dooley and sister of 6-year-old brother Carwyn. She was 6 lbs. 14 oz. and 20 ¼ inches. Both mom and baby are doing well. What a blessing!

MEMBERSHIP ROLL REPORT New Members by Transfer from other UMC’s Amy Miller, from Christ UMC, Weirton WV, 2.9.20 Greg and Lynne Barnes, from Chester UMC, Chester VA, 2.9.20 Correction from Previous Year’s Reporting Cynthia Leigh Cothern Rhoades, transferred to RCC [on 12.11.02] Members Transferred to other UMC’s: Sondra Colbert, to Susanna Wesley UMC, Ordinary VA, 02.02.20 Members Transferred to other non-UMC’s: Kadi Montefusco Ramos, to Ascent Church, Virginia Beach VA 11.05.19 Andrea Williams Reed, to New City Fellowship Church, Fredericksburg VA, 12.15.19 Blanche Walker Jones to Crossroads Baptist Church, The Woodlands TX, 1.29.20 Kelli Ambrose Eastwood to Hebron Presbyterian Church, Manakin-Sabot VA, 1.29.20. Members Who Have Withdrawn their Membership Connie Reinke, resides in Roanoke VA, 1.29.20 Allen and Tonia Varner, reside in Brambleton VA, 1.29.20 Ashley Gayle Stuhr, resides in Mt. Pleasant SC, 1.29.20 Jim and Kay Vance, reside in San Antonio, TX, 2.16.20 Total Professing Membership as of 2.18.20 is 610. (Pastor Membership Report continued next page)

BAPTIZED ROLL REPORT No changes. Our Baptized Roll as of 2.18.20 is 91. The Baptized Roll is the cumulative total of all persons baptized at BUMC or elsewhere [adults, youth and children] who haven’t yet made an official Profession of Faith into full membership. This Roll is subdivided for ease but remains one list and is monitored throughout the year by the Pastor and ministry leaders with staff support. All are encouraged to be involved, to grow in Christian faith and love, and to participate in the life of the church. Living Beyond 30 Minutes or Unknown 21 By Generation Living Locally, Beyond High School 26 Gen X 1965-1980 3 High School (9th - 12th grades) 11 Gen Y 1981-1995 19 Middle School (6th - 8th grades) 15 Gen Z 1997-present 69 Elementary School (1st - 5th grades) 15 91 Nursery (ages 4, 3, 2, 1) 3 TOTAL 91 Confirmation Class is available to youth beginning in the 7th grade. Younger children may take Confirmation and be received as Professing Members with the support of parents, the Pastor, and the willingness of the child. Confirmation may be offered as many times in the year and in as many ways as needed. Please speak with the Pastor if you or your child is interested in Confirmation.

FACEBOOK/SOCIAL MEDIA GRANT Bethany Church is one of 250 churches that have received a Facebook/Social Media grant from The Local Church Services Team at United Methodist Communications. This is a Burlap social media subscription that posts inspirational and Biblically based messages on our Facebook page 4-6 times a week. If you haven’t ‘Liked’ our Bethany Facebook page, I’d like to encourage you to go there today! We keep our page updated on all the ministries and missions of Bethany church as well as provide daily scripture readings. Burlap posts will be added inspirational content. Like our page and share our posts! Get the word out about how the people of Bethany serve our Lord and our community! – Doe Breen, Bethany UMC Page Administrator

THANK YOU NOTES A special Thank You to everyone for the continued prayers, cards and phone calls (especially during David’s recent stay in the hospital). Your love and support mean so very much, and they have kept us both strong throughout this journey. Much Love, David and Peggy Lewis Dear friends at Bethany UMC, Your kind expression of sympathy is gratefully acknowledged and deeply appreciated. The flowers were lovely. Your prayers have reached us across the miles. Fondly, Pat Derflinger and family Dear Bethany Church, Thank you for your prayers, cards and calls. My shoulder surgery was successful. I’m now in physical therapy for the next few weeks. I look forward to the end of April and our return home. Thanks again. Fondly, Joy Long P.S. I enjoy reading the Bethany Banner… During the course of the year, the members of the Abingdon Woman’s Club (AWC) work hard to raise funds for the community and provide fellowship. This could not happen without Bethany’s generous support in providing our meeting space as well as a location for our annual yard sale. It is with great pride that the woman’s club presents a check for $400. The AWC is honored to donate to Bethany United Methodist Church and to support the excellent work you do to serve the residents of Gloucester County. – Linda M. DeTurk, President and June James, Treasurer Your contributions to Red Bird Mission, Inc. and/or Red Bird Clinic, Inc., last year were vital to the ministries that impact literally thousands living here in the mountain communities we serve in southeastern Kentucky. Thank you again for supporting the ministries of Red Bird Mission, Inc., and Red Bird Clinic, Inc. Grace and peace – Tim Crawford, Development Director

Bethany UMC Prayer List BETHANY FAMILY

CANCER/CHEMO: Krista Chase, Carol Johnson, David Lewis, Ted Peterman (NC), Matt Shackelford HEALTH ISSUES: Mike Andersen, Irene Brown, Woody Brown, Dawn Cluts, Jimmy Greene, Kathleen Greene, Clare Hall, Paige Mitchell, Jane Niethamer, Peggy Peterman (NC), Nancy Smith, Jack Wallace HOMEBOUND: Linda Booth, Gene Harrell, Katherine Jordan, Alice McGee, Mary Dale Williams PARKINSON’S: Fred Townsend RECOVERING FROM SURGERY: Marsha Germek, Shelton Glaze, Kathy Jacobs, Bonnie Lewis, Joy Long, Jeannie Meisner, George Parkes, Rob Raines, William Schultz & Bain Schultz, Jack Whitmore NEWLYWEDS: Zach and Michelle (Taylor) Camacho, Albert and Ashleigh (Polk) Schroeder

BETHANY FRIENDS CANCER/CHEMO: Tom Beard, Cleveland Cameron, Pap Connell, Patrick Cooney, Jr., Elizabeth Flowers (NC), Richard Grow, Karen Hendrix, Martin Kulik (NY), Allyson Lindquist, Marie Rucci, George Skinner, Eddie Stalnaker, Alan Thomasson (GA), Elizabeth Wheeler, Angie Williams (NY) CHILDREN & YOUTH: Emmett (AK), Henry Chapin, Makenna Jobes (FL), Willa EMPLOYMENT/TRAVEL: Lamont Johnson GRIEVING: Families of Robert Jackson Bartley, Duane Burnett, Dave Cooper, Alice Cruz, Brenda France, Vivian Hodges, Kerry Janzen, Ben Lankford, Phil Soliday, Emma Trottier HEALTH/OTHER ISSUES: Les Breen, John Cook, Chuck Corbin, Janet Elvis (SC), Don (CA), Verma Lankford, Bill Lawry, Eleanor Lucento, Dave Magee (Ireland), Mary, Troy McCullen, Dottie Meyers (PA), Linwood Rowe, Mary Jo Smith (NC), Mildred Townsend HOSPITALIZED: Ty Vaughan (FL) RECOVERING FROM SURGERY: Richard Alligood, Mary Ann Bray, Keith Brown, Joyce Burnett, Tommy Dutton, Steve George, Allyson Lindquist, Thia Martin, Libby McGraw, Laurie Minor, Larry White (TN)

BUMC’S ACTIVE MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES (italics—Bethany friends) Edward Bailey, Michael Brown, Peter Demetriades, Meagan Demetriades, Laine Fay, Kevin Jacobs, Cory Long (Okinawa), Jim Minor, all members of the military.

ASSISTED LIVING (italics-Bethany friends) c/o Bonnie Ballinger, 11228 Church Grove Ct., Henrico, VA 23233 Dorothy “Dot” Critzer Bayside of Poquoson Health & Rehab, 1 Vantage Dr., Poquoson, VA 23662 Jennie Lipscomb

Gloucester House, 7657 Meredith Dr., Gloucester 23061

Lorraine Brown, Rm 107 Jean Heywood, Rm 110 Esther Marie Jordan, Rm 509 Archie Leigh, Rm 217

ManorCare, 715 W. Central Rd., Room 253B, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Mary Margaret Kuivinen

Sanders Assisted Living, 7407 Walker Ave., Gloucester 23061 Ellis Hall, Rm 106 Sunrise Senior Living, 2015 Cranbeck Rd., Richmond 23235 Pauline Harris, Apt. 130 York Convalescent & Rehab Center, 113 Battle Rd., Yorktown, VA 23692

Mary Poland, Rm 27A Alice Doggett, Rm 27B

OUR MISSIONARY – Clara Biswas, Cambodia.

ANNIVERSARIES # years

3/3 Rick & Patricia Kidd 30 3/6 Linda & Stan Reams 38

3/10 Rev. Steve & Susan Young 19 3/14 Linda & Wendell Fletcher 12 3/19 Tim & Cathy Leigh 32 3/25 Cheryl & Pitt Roane 50

MARCH ALTAR GUILD Peggy Lewis, Nancy Wilburn, Laura Glaze

ACOLYTES DATE 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

3/1* Alexandria Bontrager Alec & Ellanah Daniel 3/8 Kate Neikirk Aidan Dumbrocyo

3/15 Stella White Christian Martin 3/22 Austin Kent Shelby Jacobs 3/29 Justus Minor Baum Hogge

*Communion Sunday. Acolyte will assist Pastor with Communion.

SOUND ROOM OPERATORS Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 3/1 Kirk Bell Adam White 3/8 Chip Neikirk Jeremy Nardozzi

3/15 Kirk Bell Adam White 3/22 Chip Neikirk Jeremy Nardozzi 3/29 Kirk Bell Adam White

TRUSTEE CONTACTS WEEK OF NAME 3/1-3/7 Tom Barnard

3/8-3/14 Donna Andersen 3/15-3/21 M. E. Thomas 3/22-3/28 David Lewis 3/29-4/4 Joni Neal

BIRTHDAYS 3/1 Billy Wayne Hogge; Ann Hogge; David Tillage; Gwen Morris 3/4 Kathleen Greene; Marilyn Hudgins 3/5 Colleen LeMay 3/6 Linda Reams 3/7 Dennisa Booth; Tally Vaughan 3/9 Jim Minor; Mary S. Morris; Judy Johnson

3/10 Teresa Sullivan; Brenda Thomas 3/11 Kathryn Jacobs 3/12 Kevin Thompson

3/13 Kyle Bunting; Marsha Germek; Katie Doggett, Matt Shackelford

3/14 Randy Williams; Matthew Byrne 3/15 Angela Day Waliszewski 3/16 Lynne Barnes 3/17 Kevin Kiley

3/19 Sarah Hillard; Frank Farmer; Tina Silberhorn; Lisa Krukovsky; Fred Townsend

3/20 Warren Douglas 3/21 Peggy Peterman; Sammi Jacobs 3/22 Jennifer Orth-Veillon; Darlene Bauschatz 3/23 Don Schultz 3/25 Stephanie Wood 3/27 Stacie Martin; Jennifer Barber; Bonnie Lewis 3/28 Timothy Leigh

3/29 Joyce Mitchell; Rylee Quintero; Michelle Ward; Douglas Doggett; Terri Mason

3/30 Amanda Gayle; Kamryn Cooper 3/31 Joseph Paul Byrne, II

LITURGISTS DATE 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

3/1* Jane Niethamer 3/8 Sue Morecock Nadine Tatum

3/15 Sue Morecock Nadine Tatum 3/22 Marsha Germek Pastor Mike 3/29 Youth/TBD Youth/TBD

*Communion Sunday. Liturgist will assist Pastor with Communion.

DATE COUNTING TEAMS 3/1 2-B. Robins, Niethamer, Harvery 3/8 3-Burner, Burner, Andersen

3/15 4-Blubaugh, Blubaugh, Riggin 3/22 5-Luther, D. Robins, Rollins 3/29 6-Hampton, Morecock, Thomas