September 7, 2025

Dear Bethany Family and Friends,

This year’s Peace and Global Witness theme is Pursue What Makes for Peace. Pursuing justice and peace often go together. In turmoil, strife, and confusion, listening to God’s peace-creating presence can help us feel grounded. If we listen for God’s voice in our daily lives, freedom is given to those most vulnerable to violence and oppression. The Church and God’s love is all that is needed to all those whom God loves.

We can speak and claim the truth regarding peace using a verse from second Thessalonians,“May the God of Peace give you peace at all times in all ways.” Using peace as the daily theme of our life, we can imagine and create an individual expression of peace. Together as God’s Church, we can become a witness to the God of Peace. We can always come together in peace, both individually and collectively.

Through the Peace and Global Witness offering, congregations are encouraged to find and address our less than peaceful world. The offering might be used for supplies for displaced students or student needs, refugee food baskets, or various types of training. It then becomes apparent that only God’s peace can resolve the needs in peoples’ lives. Helping others through this offering can bring hope and peace to all.

Please join me in supporting the Peace and Global Witness Offering from September 7th to October 5th, 2025. You may bring or mail your offering to Bethany church by October 5, 2025, when we will dedicate this year’s offering. Also note that 25% of the offering will remain at Bethany. A decision will be made by the Session on how best to use the offering this year. If you have a suggestion, please contact me or any Session/Leadership member so your suggestion can be considered