FROM THE PASTOR Translations in the sermons throughout September there have been numerous references to the language

e of the Bible. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and the New Testament was first written in Greek. These two languages are vastly different than English especially Hebrew. Translation is a very complicated, technical, and discretionary business. This is one reason we have so many versions of the Bible. If I were to only list all the English versions of the Bible the list would run off this page. But basically, the Bible is translated in one of two ways: Formal Equivalence and Dynamic Equivalence. Formal Equivalence This tries to give a word for word sense from the original language. The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible is a formal equivalence translation. This is difficult. Grammar and cultural understandings have evolved since biblical times. The intent is to give a translation that as closely as possible reflects what is contained in the original language of scripture. Dynamic Equivalence This translation style seeks to render the original language of scripture into the current understanding and culture of the reader. The Good News Bible is an example of Dynamic Equivalence translation. In this form of translation the translator does some biblical interpretation for you. Dynamic Equivalence has to do some interpretation as it is impossible to bring words from one culture to another and from one time to another without interpreting meaning that is understandable to the current reader. It is always good to read numerous translations of the Bible when seeking to understand a particular verse or section of scripture. I know we understand the Bible to be the Word of God. Some see it as infallible and inerrant. But if you hold to that understanding of scripture, you also have to be aware of all the discretionary decisions and choices that go into translating scripture from one language to another. Sometimes differing versions of the bible read two totally different ways and seem to be saying different things, even though it is the same verse.

Anyway, I find it endlessly fascinating. God meant it to be that way, I think. It allows for Gods Holy Spirit to be active in different times and in different places keeping scripture relevant throughout the age. Keep reading scripture (use different versions), Pastor Rick

From the Pastor In the Treasurers Report printed on the next page, you will read that weve gone through the summer months without having to utilize any savings to support the everyday ministry here at Bethany. Thank you for your commitment and regular support of our ministry through these summer months. This is not the way it has always been. Five years ago we faced a situation whereupon should our giving continue at the rate it was, our savings would be depleted just to pay for every day ongoing expenses. Our Stewardship Team at the time decided that the way to proceed was to be honest and frank with the congregation about the situation. This meant an honest transparency about offerings received and expenses incurred. From there we set in place a plan asking members to increase their weekly offering (if they are able) by a set amount. Again, it was emphasized that this was something we were asking and only were expecting people to respond as they were able. Lo and behold, in two years after that initial request we did not have to tap savings to pay bills. Additionally, in the subsequent years following, we were able to pay back what we had borrowed from savings to get that account back up to an amount considered prudent to have on hand. Now, here we are going on 4 years later and we still are doing it!!! I say all that, as we have increased our funding to the ministries we do (education, outreach, and social ministries to the poor, worship space and ground enhancements). Additionally, we have done all this in a time of economic recession. 2

FROM THE PASTOR (Contd) This tells me that Gods Spirit is hard at work in the people of Bethany. I am thankful and I encourage you to offer your own prayers of gratitude for what God is doing in us, in this place, and in these times. Gods blessing to all. From the Treasurer.Weve made it thru the summer months without having to borrow from our money market savings to fund our general account cash flow! Thanks to everyone for keeping current on your pledges through the summer. Here is a quick look at where we stand: August Actual Income Expenses August Budget $12,210 $14,025 Jan-Aug Actual $14,705 $17,265 Jan-Aug Budget $132,893 $131,444 $141,484 $141,711

Stewardship in October October is this kick-off month for our 2014 Stewardship Program. Every year the Stewardship Team seeks to share with the congregation Bethanys vision of ministry for the upcoming year. This involves a celebration of what we have accomplished in the year past and how we want to build upon our ministry accomplishments in the year to come. The team shares with the congregation the costs of doing our current ministry and a vision of what it will cost to grow our ministry as we seek to hear and follow Gods call for this faith community. In mid October, a letter will be mailed to the congregation outlining the program this year. The theme for 2014 is Teach us Lord, to Give. Be looking in your mailbox for this most important letter and be praying for our vision to fund the ministry we will be doing in 2014.

As you can see, we are approximately $8600 less than our budgeted income and $10,300 less than our budgeted expenses for the year. Although our income is lower than we planned, we have been able to control our expenses. We have not been able to fund the property contingency accounts as planned. Hopefully, as our cash flow improves in the fall, well be able to fund these important accounts. The most immediate need is for approximately $3000 to repair the roof. Thank you For your continued financial support of our ministries here at Bethany. Norine Floyd, Treasurer

BOOK CLUB meets on October 1st. Bring your lunch at Noon for Fellowship. Discussion on The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew-- Three Women Search for Understanding begins at 12:30p.

NEW ADDRESS
Carol Strand has moved. here is his new address: 8300 E McDowell Road, Apt. 308 Scottsdale 85257 Phone number remains the same: 480-990-3748. 3

EAST VALLEY MENS LUNCHES Sign up on Sunday October 27th and Sunday November 3rd! Bring food on November 10th. Lunches will be made November 11th at 8 am.

Annual HALLOWFEST at Bethany!

Please join us for some Hallowfest fun: October 30th: Pumpkin Carving from 4:00-6:30. We will have some pot luck treats to share bring your favorite treat! October 31st: Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. treats in the courtyard for the neighborhood children. Needed: Candy donations (individually wrapped) Pumpkins for Carving Newspapers

REFORMATION SUNDAY OCTOBER 27TH WEAR RED!

The Church celebrates Reformation Sunday on the last Sunday of October, commemorating a significant event in the history of the Reformed tradition. It was on October 31, 1517, that Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg.

Watch for more news in the weekly Bulletins.

Questions: call or email Tracy Hepola. 480-268-4740 /

tracyhepola@hotmail.com

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Jack Stieg Vera Stieg Norine Floyd Eleanor Zoellner Yvonne Morrison Andrea Gunderson

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Floris Hickman Betty Halley Maya Masters Bill Kreitzer Karen Cater Mary Anne Kreitzer

HELP RAISE FUNDS & AWARENESS FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES The week of October 20-27 is Family Promise Week. We are having an event called Cardboard City which will be held at Scottsdale Stadium on Saturday, October 19th at 5:00 pm. The cost is $10.00 per cardboard box. We will be sleeping on the field in a box along with 500 other people. Please visit our website for more information: www.familypromiseaz.org, or call 480-659-5227.

Bethany Lutheran Church Council Minutes September 10, 2013 6:30 p.m. We Assemble in Gods name Devotions: Char Choc Next time: Nancy Leholm Roll Call: Tracy Hepola, Nancy Leholm, Carla Roberts, Jennifer Webb, Pastor Rick Lawrence, Char Choc, Ted Kennedy Absent: Mary Ann Steinnes, Norine Floyd, Tom Aaby We Celebrate Our Past Minutes from August 13, 2013 Jennifer accepted Treasurers Report Norine (absent) accepted Motion to take $850.00 from the Christian Outreach Equity Fund to pay for initial setup of website. The motion was seconded and approved. Pastor Rick expressed appreciation for Norine and Sandys work. Pastors Report Pastor Rick We Proclaim Gods Word

Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Bethany Lutheran Church 4300 N. 82nd St. Scottsdale, AZ
RAFFLE JEWELRY GIFT ITEMS BAKED GOODIES GIGANTIC YARD SALE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS SWEATERS & SWEAT SHIRTS GREETING CARDS LUNCH
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Teaching Moment Ministry Team Reports Church in Society Christian Outreach Education Fellowship Stewardship Transformation Property Worship and Music Youth and Family

Pastor Rick Nancy Leholm Jennifer Webb Char Choc Diane Brunsfeld, Bill Small, Jennifer Webb Mary Ann Steinnes, Pastor Rick Pastor Rick Tom Aaby Pastor Rick Ted Kennedy, Jennifer Webb

Old Business West field development on hold. New Business Family Promise needs chaperones the week of September 29. Master Calendar There will be a monthly calendar in the display case and a weekly calendar on each meeting room door. Name tags Name tags will be worn the first Sunday of each month. The meeting closed with the Venture Prayer. Nancy Leholm, Secretary *****

Scout News for October 2013 The school year has begun and Bethany's Troop 442 Scouts are enjoying new adventures here in Reynolds Hall. They will be going to Bass Pro Shops on October 1st to participate in the Scout Month event at the local store. Camporee is coming up in November and possibly a lake campout in October. Parker Henderson and Nick Heim of Troop 442 joined Troop 6 scouts and leaders for the Camp Geronimo experience in July last summer. They earned all of the six Merit Badges they signed up for and will be advancing to the Second Class Scout Rank soon. George Burdick again served as a Counselor at the Camp Geronimo Rifle Range for his third summer. Mr. Henderson and Mr. Stieg attended and had a fine time with the scouts of both troops. The scouts will be selling Scout Popcorn during the month of October. Look for them in the Court Yard after the Sunday service and support them as they earn their way to summer camp next year. They will have several kinds of popcorn to deliver on the spot and many other kinds may be ordered for delivery in November. They have also been asked to serve the lunch at the Yule Mart sale this year. The Scouts accepted the invitation and will be there for that important Bethany event. The troop will be diminishing in numbers this year as our older scouts age out. If you know of youth who enjoy the out-of-doors why not invite them to come to Bethany's Troop 442 and join in the fun with our scouts as they partake of the scouting experience here in Reynolds Hall. All boys ages 11 to 18 are welcome to join these scouts in this great adventure. We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM. Adults of any age are also welcome to come and share their talents and experiences with these young scouts. Scoutmaster, Jack D. Stieg

ROOF REPAIR UPDATE Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our roof repair campaign. Weve raised $1,278.00 so far, including a $1,000 contribution from the Yule Mart. Some clarification on our financial needs for the project: the Property Committee has estimated that it will cost $1,700.00 for the immediate, first stage of repairing the flat roofs. There are other areas of the roof that are not leaking currently, but may need attention in the future. The additional $1,300.00 (for a total of $3,000.00) that were trying to raise would allow us to set aside funds and have them available when those future repairs become an immediately necessity. Any funds not used in the first phase of repair will be placed in the roof repair contingency fund until needed for future repairs. Thank you for your support of this project!

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