First Christmas Play and Party Held in New Building

The first Children's Christmas Play was presented in the new sanctuary the fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 20, followed by a party in the fellowship hall, the highlight of which was an appearance by Santa Claus.

The children put on an enjoyable performance, their innocence a perfect reminder of the innocence of the Christ child. Following, everyone had refreshments in the fellowship hall while merry ole Santa Claus passed out presents and spread cheer. It was a wonderful lead-up to our celebration of the birth of Christ.

This was the setting for the children's play…



which had animals…


and angels.

Play photos by Emily Harper

Then everyone had punch and cookies and looked on…


As the jolly old elf passed out presents.

Party photos by Carol Horne

Please Help with our Outreach Projects

Bethany is helping two families this Christmas, and Outreach needs your monetary donations. We only have three weeks to finish the project in time for a few days to spare at Christmas to get the last-minute thing for our two families. Please help our outreach efforts any way you can! Pick up a tag at church Sunday, or send a donation to the church office, PO Box 156, Arapahoe, NC 28510.

As another part of our outreach program, Bethany church family members are helping the Salvation Army by ringing the bells for donations at the Grantsboro Piggly Wiggly on Saturday, Dec. 12, but we need volunteers for the following shifts:

3 pm to 4 pm
4 pm to 5 pm
5 pm to 6 pm

Please volunteer by calling Terry Cannan, 249-2422, or emailing her at tandjcannan@embarqmail.com.

Hanging of the Greens Looks Like Fun!

The greens were hung Friday, Nov. 27, and the folks who helped had a lot of fun, as well as a satisfying meal. Thanks to all of them!

Here are some pictures of the fun.

Don't stand on the top step, Sara!


Too many on one side.


How did you put that up there?


Where's my present?


And now for the crowning touch!

Photos by Emily Harper

Investing in Futures

Giving Tree as of Sunday, Nov. 15

Let's fill this tree with leaves by next Sunday!

Giving Tree Needs Leaves

This is what the giving tree looked like as of Tuesday, Nov. 3.


Last Sunday during worship the giving tree was full of leaves--envelopes for each congregational family containing Faith Commitment Cards. After worship, as each took an envelope, the tree was bare, except for two envelopes replaced by those who immediately completed their faith commitment cards.

The stewardship committee has asked that the Faith Commitment cards be filled out, placed back in their envelopes and sealed, and placed back on the giving tree by Sunday, Nov. 22. We will take a picture after worship for the next three Sundays and place it on the website so all can see the giving tree as it is filled with leaves.

Death Notice

We regret to report the death on Wednesday, Nov. 4, in Wilmington of Dewey Ensley, who at one time attended Bethany. We extend our sympathy and prayers to his family.

Visitation will be today at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Wilmington.