Death Notice

We are sad to report the death of Elbert Vendrick, one of Bethany's longtime members, and we offer our condolences and prayers to the family. Floyd Hardison provided us with this obituary, followed by a remembrance:

ORIENTAL - Jason Elbert Vendrick, 81, of Lovick Lee Road, died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at home.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel Vendrick; one son, George Vendrick of Oriental; one daughter, Rosie Ward of Oriental; one sister, Rebecca Cahoon of Arapahoe; three grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at Bethany Christian Church with the Rev. Merritt Watson officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial contributions be made to Bethany Christian Church, P.O. Box 156, Arapahoe, NC 28510.


Elbert Vendrick returned to Arapahoe a number of years ago along with his wife Rachel, son George and daughter Rosie.

Elbert bought a piece of land that had a nice ridge but for the most part was an island. Elbert built his own bridge. Elbert later had a fishing boat run aground. When he was told to salvage what he could off the boat, Elbert found a way to salvage his entire boat. Elbert loved to attend his brother Johnie's Sunday School class at Bethany. After Johnie died Elbert's body wandered from the church but his heart stayed.

More Good News

John Beeman, Sr. returned home from the hospital today, and the pathology report is negative. We rejoice with him and his family, and thank God for his blessings!

Software Gremlins Shooed Away

A software problem that prevented the posting of the Oct. 25 church bulletin has been resolved. You may view the church bulletin by clicking Order of Worship in the menu at right, then clicking the link Click here for the updated church bulletin 10/25/09.
--Editor

Pictures from a Wonderful Homecoming

Homecoming Oct. 18 was a fun, filling (both physically and spiritually) and rewarding experience. Start planning now to be with us next year.

Although it was good that everyone had a good time and a good meal…





it was great to see all the young people enjoying themselves.







Photos by Emily Harper

First Christian Rocky Mount To Hold Yam Jam Saturday

First Christian Church Rocky Mount will help the area food bank by harvesting sweet potatoes Saturday, Oct. 24, beginning at 8 am. The goal is to get 200 gleeners to harvest 500 bushels of potatoes.

Snacks and drinks will be provided, and the church will host those wishing to arrive Friday night. Please let the church know of participation in advance at 252-446-4943. Pick-up trucks will be appreciated.

Good News!

Stephanie Beeman reports that John Beeman, Sr. underwent successful surgery this morning. He will be in ICU for a couple of days until stabilized. She says that things look well for John. Our prayers are with him for a full and quick recovery.

Dinner and Reflection Series Ends; New One to Start Soon

The five-week Dinner and Reflection series on Thomas Campbell's Declaration and Address ended Wednesday with a delicious meal followed by Merritt Watson's summary of the series and a discussion of the relevance and implications of the document for the church in general and for Bethany in particular.

If you missed the series, however, don't despair; a new 3-week series--Dinner and Reflection II--begins Wednesday, Oct. 21, and ends Wednesday, Nov. 4. In Dinner and Reflection II, Rev. Watson will show videos of D. Newell Williams' addresses before the recent Disciples General Assembly. Williams is President and Professor of Modern and American Church History at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University, and an excellent speaker.

Mark your calendars (it is on the church calendar link at right): The three-week Dinner and Reflection II series will follow the same format as the first series, but will begin each Wednesday one-half-hour later, at 6 p.m., and end at 7:30 p.m.

Naomi and Garland Cahoon provided the great "simple fare" at the last session in the series.


As you can see, folks there enjoyed the meal.


After the session was over, most had enjoyed the series so much that they were reluctant to leave.

Photos by Editor

The Great Communion

Congregants from disparate streams of the Stone-Campbell Movement came together Sunday in a Great Communion to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Thomas Campbell's Declaration and Address, a document central to the beginnings of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ and other Stone-Campbell streams. Rev. Merritt Watson led the event.

Bethany's Rev. Rex Horne, Music Director Sara Spalding, and Shirley Ensley participated in the program, and many of Bethany's members attended. All those attending thought the event was successful, and could be a catlyst for greater cooperation and fellowship among the divisions of the Stone-Campbell movement.

Bethany's contingent.


Merritt leads the program.


Rex Horne describes the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).


Shirley Ensley plays the piano and Sara Spalding leads the singing of traditional hymns.

Photos by Emily Harper