October 22. 2011
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
7Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to provide you with every blessing in
abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
My most uncomfortable “requirements” of my call to serve Bethel is to ask for money. Over the years, I have written letters, news articles
and preached sermons about how God loves a cheerful giver. Thankfully a majority of the faith community of Bethel have been “cheerful givers” - giving what they can as their
thanksgivings for God’s many blessings and presence in their lives.
People have written personal letters and others have preached about why giving to the church is important to them. Every year you hear the same message. I am hopeful that it gets
translated to “Giving to the church is what God puts on my heart.”
Bethel needs your time and your money. In these economic times, I know it is difficult to think about giving money to the church. I am hopeful the following information will be helpful and if you have any questions about Bethel’s finances, please let any Session member know.
Where does our money go? Most of our budget is for Pastor Sarah’s salary and call package and the salary for our Minister of Music (no benefits). In addition, we pay for a part-time custodian, a gardner and child care. We also took out a loan to replace the roof and repair termite damage which requires a monthly payment. The rest of the budget pays for
insurance, taxes, utilities, equipment, office and cleaning supplies and emergency repairs. Paper products (toilet paper & paper towels are donated by a couple of saints of Bethel. Also many of you, also contribute your own money and time to fundraisers, maintenance of the
church, and mission activities - Davis Street, Dinners for Building Futures, April Showers, Christmas gifts for Primera, George Mark Children’s House and disaster assistance. Most recently, we collected money for a Presbyterian Church in Cameroon.)
Where does our time go? We all want to have more than 24 hours. All of us have other jobs other than the life of the church (okay, so for me it may be a little different) sometimes making time just to spend a couple hours on Sunday morning is a “sacrifice” of time. To squeeze in something else for the church is hard! But thanks be to God to all you saints who do find the time for emergency repairs, coffee hour, fundraisers, community service, administration, communication, cleaning the church, teaching children’s church, buying supplies for the custodians, teaching English, attending faith sharing gatherings, learning Spanish, practicing music in the choir, praise team and the band, visiting the sick and so much more...If we had to pay for everything you all did, we would not be here!
Where does our money come from? The majority of our budget comes from YOU! THANK YOU!! Your pledge to the church is a signifiant amount of our income. There is no formula for how much you “have” to give! Asking for 10% is the most we can ask for (It’s Biblical!) Some of you have gone beyond that and many of us are working up to it. Other sources of income include user fees paid by people/organizations who use Bethel’s campus. We also receive a monthly payment from Clearwire Cellular. We also get interest from the Brown account. Many years ago, the Brown Family left the church money in the
Presbyterian Foundation; from this Bethel receives interest payments depending on the stock market. The rest of our income comes from offering, fundraisers, donations from real estate transactions, (Thank you, Ken Menasco!) and user fees for the use of our rooms by the San Leandro Adult School and Amazing Grace
Evangelical Ministries.
Who takes care of our money? Session
approves the expenditures of the church. When you put your money in the offering plate or send it in, it is counted on Sunday by a core group of people: Jonelle Crow, Dave Potter, Evert deNij, Charlene Kethret. This group of people writes the checks, pays our bills, files our bills, balances our bank statements, makes the deposits. Jonelle and Dave are our treasurers who make sure the bills are paid and financial statements are done. If you have any specific questions about Bethel’s finances, please talk to them.
Keep Bethel in your prayers and discern God’s leading in your life to give your time and money to Bethel.
FOR HEALTH: Donna Wolfe, Fred Moser, Roslynn Crowley, Anna Urish, Gerri and George Kirkwood, Ruth and Warren Higgins Kristine Oryall, John and Carol LeMon, Jack & Jane Eade, Alice Breedveld, Bob (Jonelle’s co-worker’s husband), deNijis daughter in law, Jackie, Kehret’s niece, Beth, Baby Elias, the Walton Family, Jack Eade's brother and sis-in-law, Larry and Marilee, Eve O'Young, Diana's Mom, Pastor Sarah and others struggling with illnesses.
FOR THOSE IN THE SERVICE and FIRST RESPONDERS: Jensen deNijs
FOR THOSE NOT ABLE TO WORSHIP WITH US: Bernie Clark, Joyce Halvorsen, Willow Omick, Stephanie Wolfe in Japan, U.K. Bob-Manuel in Nigeria.
FOR STUDENTS: and Teachers, Administrators
FOR LEADERSHIP: in Government FOR FAMILIES IN TRANSITION: FOR OUR WORLD: Japan, Libya, Yemen, Egypt, Tunisia, Haiti, China, the Gulf Coast, Australia, the City of Oakland and other areas of our world experiencing conflict and violence FOR OUR FUTURE: prayers for discernment by Bethel’s leadership. For all those affected by our economy, either loss of jobs or a reduction of wages.
FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYERS!
If you have special prayers that you would like lifted up with the faith community of Bethel, please contact Pastor Sarah at
What do Presbyterian's Believe? Want to find out? Please pick up a copy of what
Presbyterians believe published by
"Presbyterians Today" you will find them in the Narthex. After reading this publication, please call Pastor Sarah if you have any questions or would just like to talk about Presbyterian beliefs.
You can share what you believe with the Bethel Faith community, send your faith statement and it will be published without your name or if you want your name will be included. Send you faith statement to [email protected]
April Showers Thanksgiving Meal
April Showers will be holding a Thanksgiving Meal for the homeless at San Leandro
Community Church (1395 Bancroft Avenue) on Thanksgiving Day aroun noon. If you would like to volunteer to set up on Wednesday, November 23rd or to help serve on Thursday, November 24th, please contact Noel Moritz ([email protected])
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR PRIMERA’S CHILDREN!
Please remember Primera Iglesia’s children. They have approximately 100 children in church every Sunday and look forward to your annual Christmas gifts. If you have presents now that you would like to bring to the church, please let Pastor Sarah know. You don’t have to wrap them. The will give us a list of the children’s ages in November if you want to buy for a particular child. All gifts are very much appreciated.
OUR ROOF HAS BEEN REPLACED The following memo is from K. Reed Roofing giving specifics about the replacement and repair of the roof. Kevin Reed has also
provided a 500 page book of pictures of repair. If you want to take a look at the book ask Charlene. Bethel is now painting rooms and ceilings and by Christmas all the work will be done. Thanks be to God for all the folks involved in getting the roof replaced. We were able to replace the roof and repair the damage because of a Synod loan of $125,000 which we have to pay back over the next 15 years
Roof Memo: Rough Approximate Breakdown on Extra Wood and Other Additional Charge As we all know, once the existing original roofing was removed, it became quickly evident that due to years of exposure, neglect, and simply due to pure old age, there were an
astronomical amount of damaged wood members and insulation sheeting substrate.
The upper cafeteria room was subjected to the least amount of encountered damages (why that is, we do not know). There were only a few bad areas of wood that needed to be addressed. However, due to water leakage, settling, age, abuse, exposure, neglect, previous repairs, etc. we had to install a complete new layer of !’ asphalt saturated structural fiberboard insulation directly on top of the existing 2” tongue and groove insulation ceiling. This was done to secure up and give much needed added strength to the roof deck. New insulation boards were installed over the entire upper cafeteria roof and were mopped down to existing insulation
ceiling using hot asphalt. As a result, the roof deck was made strong and durable enough for the installation of the new roof.
This same scope of work was also performed at the lower level classroom insulation ceiling board areas as well. In addition, due to an extreme amount of leaking over the years, we were also forced to remove and replace
approximately 22 new 2” homasote tongue and groove structural ceiling board panels, prior to the installation of the new !” structural
insulation boards. Also, very large amounts of dry rot damaged tongue and groove wood board sheathing was discovered at the catwalks along with a number of large support beams. These boards were removed and replaced and was followed by installation of new !” 3-ply CDX plywood sheeting directly on top. The entire catwalk areas all received an added layer of !” plywood for added strength, rigidity and to proved for smooth substrate over the old boards.
In short, the installation of the new !”
structural insulation over all insulate areas, the removal and replacement of the 2” homasote structural ceiling panels, the removal and replacement of dry rot damaged 2” tongue and groove boards, structural members and fascia
boards, as well as installing new plywood over the entire catwalk areas, all accounted fro the vast majority of the additional charges. There were of course other additional smaller scope of work items, many of which we took the liberty of charging any additional fees. As an
additional small token of our appreciation, we elected to prime and paint all the newly
installed exposed wood free of charge.
Each year, we encounter that one project where the amount of damages far exceeds
expectations. The 2011 Bethel Presbyterian Church Project, was that once a year project. And while it was evident to all, prior to staring the project, that there would be a large number of needed additional repairs, once can never fully ascertain the full extent of needed work. In the end, I can assure you that we took all the necessary steps needed to fully insure that the new roof be installed with integrity and a level of craftsmanship we would put forth into our own homes.
May the Church enjoy not having to worry about a wet forecast and put their focus onto bigger and better things than worrying about a leaky roof. Those days are long behind us! On behalf of K. Reed Roofing thank you all very much!
-Kevin, Kirby and crew
Membership - Interested in membership or have questions about Bethel, please contact Pastor Sarah at
[email protected] Clip your coupons! - Please check your Sunday newspaper for coups from Red Plum, Smart Source or P&G and safe the ad sheets for Nikii. Nikii's daughter is collecting these as part of a program for military families. Please bring the ad sheets to church on Sunday.
Bethel News Reminders
-If you have any photos from Bethel events,
send them to [email protected] to be included in the next newsletter.
-Also, please send your submissions any time during the month!
Coincidence? by Irene Atkinson (De Nijs) They say “God works in mysterious ways”. Sometimes, however, I think He knows exactly what He is doing and gives us a glimpse of His plan. When I visited my parents, Evert & Dien deNijs, in early September my mom thought I would be interested in reading a book she had just gotten back from my sister. The book is titled ”Blood Brothers “,written by Elias Chacour. My mother had borrowed it from Charlene Kehret. I realized immediately that it was a religious book with Christian overtones. I enjoy reading fictional novels with intriguing plots and many twists and turns, but I thought I’d give this book a chance. I was instantly drawn into its easy read and descriptive simple prose. The further I got into the book the more I was drawn in by the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the plight of the author and his people who were displaced and thrown into a world of violence and destruction.
I was still a fourth of the way in finishing the book when we found ourselves visiting our auto mechanic, Wissam Shhadeh (known as Sam), whom we have known for over 12 years. My husband and he started talking while I signed
the paperwork to turn in the car. My husband asked him again where he was originally from because he appeared Middle Eastern.
I overheard Sam say he was born in Israel but is Palestinian. I asked him if he was a Christian Palestinian. His eyes lit up and said he was most definitely. I told him I was surprised that there are Christian Palestinians. I was under the impression, like many of us, that Palestinians were mostly Muslim. I told Sam I was reading a book about Elias Chacour and that until then I could not wrap my mind around the idea of a Chistian Palestinian. Sam became really excited when I told him I was reading the book. He said it is a little-known side of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the more people read about it the more knowledgeable the world will become of the human side of this conflict. He said Elias Chacour was a neighbor of his. When Sam was 16, his father sent him and his brother off to America so that they could make a better life for themselves. All we hear about this conflict is the political and violent side of this continuing battle for land. We forget there are personal lives involved and trapped in the middle of all this.
I believe God’s plan here is clear. The book became a living and a very personal work of literature to me. It opened my eyes to the human side of a political conflict that has been going on and continues to go on across the ocean. Sam said the more people know the more people will realize that this is a battle made by politicians and not a religious battle as we are made to believe. At one time his family lived harmoniously working the land along side Jews, Muslims, and Christians until political leaders decided that the land should belong to one religious group and be taken by force, if necessary.
Note: Father Elias Shacour,a Catholic Priest, is known by some Bethelites because of Don Griggs, the father-in-law of our past Music
Director, Barbara. Don has visited Father Shacour on many occasions.
What's new with you? Send your updates to
The Freitas Family Update, 2011
Klaudia Freitas is back to her Oregon “home” after spending nearly three months here in San Leandro during her summer “break”. She starts back up to Oregon Sate in two weeks and will commence her three-year commitment to the Department of Health and Human Sciences with her emphasis in Housing Studies and a minor in Business. She will be carrying a full 16 unit load in addition to a 20-hour work schedule which entails
hostessing at a brand new café housed on campus called Linus Pauling Science Research Center. Additionally, she helps to maintain her Uncle John’s home and shuttles her niece and nephew back and forth from school to sporting activities! She will never again be bored!!!! Klaudia will turn 23 in November.
Natalia Freitas still lives at home, but we rarely see her! She is in her second year at DVC-San Ramon and has been working part-time at Sears Outlet on Merced for the last year! Go say “hi” to her and check out all the good deals at Sears which now includes clothing! She has
proclivities in make-up artistry (gee, I wonder where she gets that?!) and there is talk that she may attend Paul Mitchell School in SF once she finishes out at DVC. Her mom encourages her to get her AA degree first. Natalia will be 21 in February and is looking forward to going to Las Vegas for the first time to celebrate this
momentous occasion with her mom and a few friends.
Klarisa Freitas is a junior at San Leandro High School and will be 17 in December! Where does the time go? She’s quite the social butterfly and is setting out to make her own mark in the world! She continues to dance at
B’Dazzled Studio on 150th and finds her fortes in jazz, lyrical, and competition hip hop. Right after Christmas, Klarisa heads down to San Diego with her troupe where she will be dancing in the Holiday Bowl! Some of her fundraising efforts are going towards this event. It will entail a 4-day extravaganza of practices, parades, and performances! Klarisa and her troupe will also be performing during the Raider halftime show on the 25th of September. So, all you Raider fans, be on the lookout!
Baptisms!
We celebrated the baptisms of Kristofer
(August 21) and Danielle (September 11). The congregation’s covenant to these children said: “We promise to give the parents our support as they live with their children in the pathways of Christ. We offer ourselves also, as ones who take Kristofer and Danielle into our love, our prayers, and our daily lives, striving to build a community rich in the spirit of God in which to nurture them.”
This is the promise we made for the children who worship with us: Darius, Kyle, Luke, Jacob, Hunter, Marina, Dylan and Maribel.
Please keep your promise and keep them in your daily prayers!
Kristofer’s Baptism
Danielle’s Baptism
Sunday
10am Sunday Celebration
1st Sunday - Family Sunday, Communion, April Showers after worship
3rd Sunday - April Showers after worship 4th Sunday - Session meets right after worship
Last Sunday - Potluck Monday
7pm English Classes at Primera Iglesia 4th Mondays - 6pm Dinner and 7pm
Bible/Book Study Tuesday
7pm - English Classes at Primera Iglesia 7pm - English Classes at Bethel 1st Tuesday -11:30am Women’s Brown Bag
Lunch
2nd Tuesday - Bethel prepares dinner for Building Futures with Women and Children
Wednesday
6:30pm - Praise Team Practice 7:30pm - Band Practice
Thursday
7pm - English Classes at Bethel 7:30pm - Choir Practice
Friday
2nd Friday - Game Night - 6:30pm Potluck/7:30pm Dinner
Every Sunday is Easter Sunday! 10AM, Children's Church & Child Care.
Every Sunday from 1-3PM, Follow the Star rehearsal until the play December 9 & 10 (Multipurpose Room)
October 22 - Volunteer at San Francisco Food Bank. Meet in the church parking lot at 8:30AM October 23 - 10AM Worship - 2nd in a series of 3 regarding Service
October 24 - Theology on Tap at 7PM at Ricky's (last one with Paul Bagai)
October 30 - "Service" by Paul Bagai and Celebration of Paul's internship at Bethel. We will celebrate with Paul and his family after worship with a potluck!
Congregational Meeting in November - Please watch for date during Sunday Worship or in Wednesday reminders by Pastor Sarah.
November 5 - 9AM-2PM Finding the Diva in you! Please come at and learn from Becky
Shafi how women can find their diva! This workshop is meant for women who are in the middle years! register at discover-your-diva.com
November 5 - 5PM Making Sandwiches for April Showers. Donations always neeed, please contactNoel [email protected]
November 6 - Worship - "All Saints Sunday" Please bring your photos or keepsakes of a deceased loved one that you would like to celebrate their life with the faith community of Bethel.
November 14 - Theology on Tap at Ricky's 7PM
November 19 - 6:30PM - Joint Thanksgiving Service with Primera Iglesia followed by a potluck. We have asked the students in our English Classes to come and be a part of this celebration.
December 9 & 10 - 7PM “Follow the Star” a fundraiser for George Mark Children’s House. $10 for adults, $3 for children. A musical by Mark Unbehagen.
December 17 - “La Posada” @Bethel. All are welcome Begins at 6PM followed by
refereshments.
December 24 - Christmas Eve Service 7PM
December 25 - Christmas Day! Wear your pajamas, we will be serving hot chocolate and doughnuts!
THANK YOU!
To Dora, Charlene, Dina, Jonelle, Earl, who during the week and on Workday came to clean, organize and sort. Special thanks to Earl who put in a new switch in the office bathroom and put the children's church room back together again after the termite repair.
Church Clean Up by Amazing Grace
Many thanks and much appreciation of the hard work and efforts of the Amazing Grace
Evangelical Ministries community who
volunteerred to clean and help prepare ceilings and walls for painting. They came after work during the week and all ages worked together to clean Room 7, Room 3, Room 1, the
multipurpose and fireside room. They also straightened up the storage room. Bethel is very thankful for all their work.
October 23 - Nikii October 31 - Ken November 6 - Carol R. November 13 - Charlene November 20 - Dora November 27 - Hunter Dec 4 - Amanda Dec 11 - Diana
Dec 18 - Kyle Dec 25 - Rosemary Jan 1 - Jonelle Jan 8 - Dora Jan 15 - Karin Jan 22 - Nikii Jan 29 - Ken Feb 5 - Carol R. Feb 12 - Charlene Feb 19 - Dora Feb 26 - Hunter October 23 - Diana
October 30 - No Children's Church - Paul's last Sunday
November 6 - Family Sunday November 13 - Amanda
November 20 - Donna November 27 - Kathie December 4 - Family Sunday
December 11 - Karin December 18 - Lauren December 25 - Charlene January 1 - Family Sunday
January 8 - Diana January 15 - Amanda
January 22 - Donna January 29 - Kathie February 5 - Family Sunday
February 12 - Karin February 19 - Lauren February 26 - Charlene
Please contact Karin @ [email protected]
