OUR CORE VALUES
Announcements
Bethel News
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sermon Theme for May 3:
The Way
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On Sunday we will hear God’s Word from Pastor Ben Sandin.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6![[Offsite Link]](/graphics/offsiteLink.gif "Offsite Link"){kind=small}
Members of the early church were called “people of the way” rather than Christians.
Those who believed he was the Son of God committed themselves to following in the way of Jesus by adhering to his teachings.
Following the way of Jesus leads us to discover the truth of God and the promise of eternal life.
Join us Sunday as we more fully explore the way of Jesus and what it means for us today.
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Faith Seeking Understanding
Wednesdays & Thursdays
Pastor Ben leads a new course called “Faith Seeking Understanding”, through May 2026. This course will be a theological, historical, and biblical exploration of the fundamentals of our Christian faith. Unit 2 will focus on Discipleship, Ecclesiology, Mission, Sacraments, and more. Some homework is involved!
This in-person course will take place on Wednesday evenings at 7pm and a duplicate offering will be held on Thursdays at 12:30pm .
Sign up by emailing Pastor Ben.
Layette Kit Collection, Apr 19–May 17
For over 20 years, Sacred Heart Community Service
has been offering layette kits to families who are either expecting a baby or have a newborn.
Bethel is continuing its participation by holding a collection drive for 5 Sundays starting Apr 19.
Donate one or more Sundays as you feel able.
Read the details or contact Mark Evashenk for more information.
Out 'n About:
Berry Picking, Saturday May 16
Come join us for our Mulberry Picking Outing and lunch in Brentwood. Read the details and sign up.
And check out the other upcoming Out 'n About events.
Monthly Art Therapy, from Feb 22
Emily, our in-house therapist, will be holding Art Therapy groups in the Fireside Room these next few months:
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Family Fuzz / for Family
Sundays 2/22, 3/29, 4/26, 5/31 at 9:50am–10:40am
Focus on Communication -
Finding Meaning / for Youth
Sundays 3/29, 4/26, 5/31 at noon–12:50pm
Explore what brings meaning to life -
Care for you and me / for Bethel's Caring Connection Team
Sundays 2/22, 3/29, 4/26 at 1pm–1:50pm
Process grief and help support others
If you have questions, contact Amanda Laughlin. To sign up, contact Emily.
Rainforest Falls VBS, Jun 22–Jun 26, Jun 28
Bethel’s annual Vacation Bible School is June 22–26. This year’s theme is Rainforest Falls—Exploring the Nature of God. Registration is now open! Read the details and register online.
Traditional VBS is 9am–noon each day.
Afternoon Care from noon–5pm is provided for an additional cost.
Rainforest Falls VBS Family Sunday is June 28 after worship.
For more information please contact Amanda Laughlin.
Bethel Staff Zooms
Bethel Staff meet about once a month to record a brief presentation that you can view on our
YouTube Channel.
Look for the heading Bethel Staff Zooms.
What’s Been Happening
Parking Lot Construction, as of Apr 16 & May 3
On May 3, Tom announced that the parking lot is done! (Excepting the playground area).
Thanks to Tom for these photos of the construction (through Apr 16). Click any photo to see a larger image.
Mission to Mexico, Apr 11–15
Bethel's Spring Mission to Mexico
worked with Esperanza to build homes and community in Mexico.
Attendees include:
- AJ Aist
- Piper Aist
- Paul Baldwin
- Rick Bryson
- Tom Hoegel
- Janice Martinson
- Rick Westwick
Thanks to Tom for these photos. Click any photo to see a larger image.
Living Water Project, Apr 12
Pastor Ben Sandin announced that
Bethel raised $9435 for our Living Water project during Lent!
ELCA Good Gifts will receive our donation.
Thank you so much for your generosity!
Director of Community Engagement, Apr 1
Pastor Ben's announcement: Sam Sudarsanam has been hired as Director of Community Engagement. This is a new staff position for Bethel and will help us focus our attention and energy toward our surrounding community.
Sam's letter: I am so excited to join the awesome Bethel team! I will be working with the Bethel staff and ministry leaders to strengthen our community within our church and explore various avenues to build strong linkages with our external community. I trust that my extensive volunteering experience and professional career experience and skills will help me give my best to accomplish God's work. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve Him through Bethel. I am looking forward to working with you all in the coming weeks.
Please read Pastor Ben's full announcement letter![[PDF Document]](/graphics/pdfLink.png "PDF Document"){kind=small}
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Bee Removal, Mar 26
Tom Hoegel reports that the nest built high on our building has been removed. The operation required assembly of a tall scaffold. The nest was 3 feet long and the inhabitants have been taken to bee farmers in Half Moon Bay.
Scaffolding to reach the nest.
St Paddy's Day Tour, Mar 21
On Mar 21, Out ’n About held their 15th annual St Paddy’s Day Brewery Tour,
visiting Beer Mule in Watsonville
and Dustbowl Brewing in Monterey.
Bethel is NAMI Certified, Oct 19
Bethel Lutheran Church has been working to create a welcoming and mental health stigma-free community with our formation of our mental health team, wellness resource fairs, sponsorship of a NAMI Walks Team, sharing mental health resources, and having an onsite counseling team.
On Oct 19, NAMI representatives: Patty (NAMI's Faithnet Program Coordinator) and Sara (NAMi's Programs Manager) presented Bethel with an award to signify that Bethel is a mental health stigma-free community.
Amanda Laughlin and our mental health team accepted this award at the 10:45am service.
If you missed it, you can watch it during the announcements in the
second service, from timecode 10:50.
Read about Bethel's Care Ministries.
Read about NAMI in Santa Clara County.
