Altar Guild
Altar Guild members schedule Communion assistants, set up, clean up, colors according to the church calendar, and wash the linens used for the service. In addition, they change the banners and decorate for Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter. Once a year, we clean the silver used on the altar. Meets as needed.
Book Group
Book Group (online via zoom) gathers once a month to read engaging books that explore theology, faith, philosophy, history, and how to be human together. Our selection ranges from biblical scholars to secular humanists, all with the intent of helping our lives and faith be more enriching. Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month on Zoom at 2 pm.
Cemetery Committee
The mission of the Cemetery Committee is to provide maintenance and care for the church’s cemetery property on Chalk Hill Road. The committee meets quarterly and organizes a congregational work day every fall. The committee also sells available burial and cremation plots and keeps detailed records of all transactions. The Cemetery Fund has been established for perpetual care of the property. Meets quarterly.
Christian Education
The Christian Education Committee plans, supports and facilitates the educational ministries at Bethania. This includes Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation/Youth Group, Adult Education, and the Halloween Party/Movie Night. Meets as needed.
Church Council
Meets the third Thursday at 7P of each month.
Endowment Fund
The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to support and enhance the mission of Bethania Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Committee oversees the Bethania Heritage Fund and the Endowment Fund investments, which provide the fund’s primary income sources. Meets quarterly.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is appointed by the Chruch Council and oversees the expenses and income of the Church, advises the Church Council about financial matters, and formulates an annual budget. Meets quarterly.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels Volunteers drive and deliver meals to home-bound people every six weeks on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. It typically takes about 2-3 hours during lunchtime.
Memorials & Tributes
The Memorials and Tributes Committee receives all memorial and tribute gifts remembering and honoring specific individuals and recommends to the congregation how these contributions shall be used for the further mission of Bethania. Meet quarterly.
Nominating Committee
The nominating committee identifies potential members to serve on Church Council, Endowment Fund Committee, Cemetery Committee, and Preschool Committee. Meets as needed.
Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee leads the congregation in witnessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ to people who are not active members of a Christian congregation; to support faith development and encourage active membership in the Bethania community. Meet as needed.
Preschool
The Preschool Board provides leadership and support for the school’s employees, students, and parents. Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Property Committee
The Property Committee is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all church properties, including the recommendation of capital expenditures. Meets as needed.
Quilting Group – Bethania Lutheran Chuch Women (BLCW)
The quilting group is a gathering of women, both Bethania members and from the community, who sew and tie quilt tops for Lutheran World Relief. No experience in quilting is necessary to participate, and sewing supplies are provided. In 2022, fifty quilts will be shipped and distributed around the world where the need is greatest. Meets the second Friday of each month at 9 AM in the Parish Hall.
Theology Pub (Pastor Brown)
Theology Pub has been a way to gather around the fire pit at the Solvang Brewing Company to explore various faith and theology topics. It’s explicitly structured to explore our own experiences through new topics each month. Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month at 7 pm.
Unorthodox (Pastor Brown)
Unorthodox is a casual community gathering centered on shared practices and values rather than shared beliefs. We explore the historical context of scripture to further understand the ways of inclusion, community, and equity to which Jesus calls us. Meets every Sunday at 11 am in the Bethania Sanctuary.
Yoga
Slow Stretch Flow Yoga – donation based. Meets Wednesday 5:30P – 6:40P