STAFF REPORT
2012 is Bethany Lutheran Church’s “Jubilee” year, celebrating its 50th year as a congregation. Originally located on Manchaca Road, the church began serving the community in 1962. At that time approximately 100 people gathered to begin a congregation in what was then far south Austin. Present membership is 2,300.
Bethany Lutheran Church will dedicate its newly completed Community Life Center on Sunday, June 3. The 26,000-square-foot facility includes a gymnasium, fellowship hall, commercial kitchen, classrooms, and a special area for youth gatherings and activities. It is the second phase of a master plan, the first phase being the construction of a sanctuary, classrooms, and fellowship areas completed in 2000. Bethany presently has four worship services each Sunday. One is a traditional liturgical service, one follows a contemporary format, and two are a blend of both.
One of the first activities that will fill the new facilities is Bethany’s Vacation Bible School,to be held June 18-22. A second event is Camp Bethany, which will offer activities for children in grades 1-8 for five weeks this summer beginning June 25. Bethany will host its third annual health fair on July 28. Plans are also being made for seminars focusing on parenting, family relationships, and the challenges posed by issues related to anxiety, stress and depression. For more information: www.blcms.org.
