New Church Building Dedicated

With the interior illuminated through stained glass windows by the brilliance of an April afternoon sun, the congregation and friends of Bethany on April 26 dedicated to the glory of God the beautiful church building that rose from the ashes of the historic building that burned to the ground in June of 2007.

Among those at the dedication were friends from church congregations--Disciples and others--from as far away as Brunswick, Ga., friends from the community, representatives of the construction company and architect, and others who helped in the rebuilding.

Preceding the dedication, Bethany gratefully thanked those who tried to save the burned building, those who helped in the clean-up and reorganization after the fire, and those who helped with the rebuilding.

Also dedicated were the organ and piano, wonderfully demonstrated by organist Tom Gibson and pianist Shirley Ensley, the chancel furniture, and the stained glass windows.

We gathered,


We sang,


Bells played,


and we enjoyed refreshments,


as we prayed that this new building, God's building, will be the home of the Bethany church family for many hundreds of years into the future, and that it will provide the setting for the faithful whose home this will be for spiritual nourishment and renewal of faith, for those who will here be baptized into the love of Christ, those who will marry here in the presence of God, and those who will depart this life for the everlasting life that is ours through the love of Christ.
Photos by Tommy Banks

DEATH NOTICE

The Bethany church family was deeply saddened yesterday when we learned that Barbara Lee had died.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 30, at Bethany. Visitation will be at Bryant Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. The church will provide a dinner for the family at noon Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the memorial fund of Bethany.

We offer our condolences and prayers to the family, in the knowledge that Barbara is at peace and with her Lord and Don.

DEDICATION SUNDAY SET FOR APRIL 26

Just twenty-two months after a fire destroyed the historic sanctuary, and a year after ground was broken for a new building, on April 26 the Bethany congregation will dedicate the building that took its place.

The dedication service will take place at 3 p.m., followed by a reception with refreshments in the fellowship hall. All are welcome to attend.

During the dedication, the firefighters who tried to save the building will be thanked, along with people, churches and groups that helped in the aftermath of the fire and during the reconstruction. Also, those people of Bethany who worked hard to make the new building possible, and the families that gave stained glass windows, chancel furniture, organ and piano, will be recognized.

We warmly invite all those who in any way have helped make the new building possible to attend and receive our grateful thanks.

New Table for the Narthex

Laddie Lea Banks donated the table pictured below, which was crafted by Tommy Banks. It stands in the Narthex.

Photo by Tommy Banks

Plan Now for the August Camping Trip

In order to reserve camping sites for the Myrtle Beach family camping trip August 7-9, those planning to go must inform the activities committee by April 30, and specify the type of site they want--camper site, camping cabin or tent space.

The event will be at the KOA campground, which is convenient to the beach, Putt Putt, shopping and other attractions. Everyone had a great time last year. Come join us!

Contact Janci Cahoon, 249-0922.