From Searching to Belonging: A Bethany Lutheran Story of Generosity, Community, and Giving Back
By: Mary Brook
My husband and I came to Bethany in 1992. We had recently left our church of several years in search of a church home more in line with our beliefs. We visited several congregations, and when we came to Bethany we noticed a different energy. There was a sense of enthusiasm and community. Over time we became involved in several groups within the church including Council, Benevolence, and Mothers of Pre-schoolers (MOPS). The thing that made Bethany our home was the people we met there. Everyone was welcoming and there were a lot of opportunities to work on projects we believed in among the community organizations they supported. We raised our family at Bethany.
We both grew up in a culture that expected giving from a young age. It had become a habit, and over time, it has become central to who we are. We feel quite blessed, and it gives us joy to give back financially and with our time. It is our hope that Bethany continues to grow and provide community to other young families so that they can experience the joy of belonging and giving back to others.
