February Special Collection will be for the Animal Shelter of the Schoharie Valley, as will the Coin Jar for Jan. & Feb. Cat, kitten, and dog food, kitty litter, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies are 24/7/365 needs. Treats, toys, and soft bedding are nice perks.

FYI, in 2011 the Emergency Food Pantry was called on 68 times, feeding 194 people. That was the most since starting in 1977.

On-going special collections: pull tabs (for free transportation vans to Shriner Hospitals in Springfield & Boston); Schoharie Central School Labels for Education; old cellphones to be reprogrammed for 9-1-1 use only and given away free, used glasses for the Lions Club vision program.

Officers for 2012:
Pres. Jeanette Cornwell
V.P. Elaine Cooper
Sec. Cathy Caiazzo
Treas. Sue Zehrfuhs

Prayer Ministry - daily prayer list (see Newsletter), use the yellow file cards and the Prayer Concerns Box on the back table for names and concerns to be passed along to the Prayer Chain. Call Grace Warner for further information.

Choir - Director Carol Wilber. The Choir sings a weekly offering anthem, and lead the congregation in the worship service music and hymns. No audition needed! Rehearsals are immediately following the Sunday worship service.

Ladies' Auxiliary - all females of Bethany are considered members, but there is a core group who meet each month. President Jeanette Cornwell, Secretary Cathy Caiazzo. The Christian Service Committee is being expanded to include contacting church members on their birthday and anniversary, doing in-home visits, etc.

Sunday School - the FIRST Sunday of the month @ 10am as of Oct. 2, 2011. Leader Debbie Tilison.

Prayer Shawl Ministry - folder with information and patterns are available. If you can't knit or crochet, you can still donate yarn or money for yarn. Since we started (May '06), the congregation has blessed 350 prayer shawls, and 331 have been distributed. Thanks to Beth Aernecke for the custom-made labels that read, "Made with care and prayer, blessed at Bethany Lutheran Church, Central Bridge, New York."

Food Pantry - for emergency use for any and all folks in need. Canned and boxed goods (nothing that needs refrigeration) are always welcome; you don't have to wait for a special drive.