Time again for the Annual Chili Cook Off! Time to get cookin’! Whether you are 'in it to win it' with your best recipe, or just comin' for the great eats, RSVP via your bulletin insert (in January) and/or by contacting Mary Deutscher in the office. So break out your western wear and please bring a side dish, bread or dessert to share. We will provide chili toppings, chips and beverages. Volunteers also needed for set up/clean up. RSVP by 1/19 - Thank you!

Drop-in hat making. Do you already knit, crochet or would you like to learn? Join us in this mindful ministry as we make hats for the unhoused. Yarn and needles, will be provided. All are welcome! The hats we make will go to the Phoenix Room in the fall of 2025 to be handed out next winter. Reach out to Ellen Aist or Amanda Laughlin if you have any questions.

Join us for a day at the Exploratorium! Located in San Francisco, the Exploratorium is a public learning laboratory exploring the world through science, art, and human perception. The newest event is “Look up: Eclipse, Moon and Mars”, featuring an immersive eclipse experience along with meeting NASA’s Mars’ rovers and orbiters. Meet: Bethel Parking lot at 8:15 Fuel Cost: $10 pp or $30 for family of 4 or more, (Cash or check made out to “Bethel Lutheran Church” Ticket Costs: Purchase tickets online at the Exploratorium’s website. Food: Enjoy a sit-down meal at the Seaglass Restaurant or grab something at the walk-up Seismic Joint Café. You are also a short walk to the Ferry Building. Return: Back to Bethel by 3:30 Contact: Marianne Nadell (408) 314-2603 or mariannenadell@gmail.com Sign up using the link below to reserve your spot on the Bethel bus. If you plan to attend but wish to drive yourself, just let us know in advance for a meet up! Remember that you should purchase your Exploratorium tickets in advance online at https://www.exploratorium.edu. Prices range from $29.95 - $39.95. Use this link to reserve your seat on the Bethel bus… https://www.eventbrite.com/e/out-about-to-the-sf-exploratorium-tickets-1139416408149?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us for a day in Alameda and Oakland for our 14th annual St. Paddy’s Day Brewery Tour! We’ll make 2 stops to sample beer, enjoy some food, and good company. See the schedule below for more information. Meet: Bethel Parking lot at 10:15am Fuel Cost: $10 pp, (Cash or check made out to “Bethel Lutheran Church”) Other Costs: Beer and Lunch Food Options: Multiple options – see below Return: Back to Bethel by 4:00pm Contact: Molly Schrey (408-209-2366) molly.schrey@gmail.com Sign-up: Online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-paddys-brewery-tour-tickets-1126332644259?aff=oddtdtcreator) Schedule: 1. 11:30 – 1:30 A few stops in one! (These places are 5-12 minute walk from each other) • Humble Sea Brewery - 2350 Saratoga St. #164, Alameda (opens 11:00am) o Food truck • Almanac Brewing - 651 W. Tower, Alameda (opens 11:00pm) o Food available next door at “The Rake” at Admiral Maltings (opens 11:30) • Faction Brewing - 2501 Monarch, Alameda (opens 12:00pm) o Food Truck 2. 1:45 – 3:00 (2 places within a 4 min walk) • Original Pattern Brewing - 292 4th St., Oakland • Oakland United Beerworks - 262 2nd St. Oakland o Food available

Annual summer Youth camp held at Rock n Water Christian Camp on the American River. Includes community building, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canyoneering, tent camping etc.

Great chili tasting from Bethel’s best chili cooks who compete to win the “Best Chili” award. Look for details in the Sunday bulletin, weekly enewsletter and at the top of this web page.

Bethel’s Labor Day Retreat is held annually every September at Mt. Cross Camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is a weekend for all ages to enjoy the great outdoors alongside one another. Activities include guest speakers, a variety show, campfire, the infamous Bethel Olympics, and much more. Watch the bulletin, newsletter and the top of this web page for information at the beginning of summer and make sure to reserve your spot.

Enjoy monthly outings for the congregation to enjoy using the Bethel bus or other means of shared transportation. Recent events have included trips to sports games, regional attractions, beer or wine tastings, museums, etc. Look for details under Current Opportunities, above, or the Out ‘n About page, or look for sign-up sheets in the church’s narthex/entry.

Readers Anonymous is a fun group that gets together on the third Sunday of the month to discuss a great book chosen the previous month. For more information on upcoming meetings, please check the Sunday bulletin, weekly enewsletter and at the top of this web page.

Small groups are formed twice a year. These groups meet at each others’ homes, restaurants, parks, etc. to enjoy fellowship and a meal with one another. It is a truly wonderful opportunity to have time to get to know one another over food and beverages—even those which we don’t serve on the Bethel campus. Look for details in the Sunday bulletin, weekly enewsletter and at the top of this web page.