With Pastor Katie’s support, Hector Mendoza has been developing a new community outreach project, one designed to open Bethany's doors wider to the local community and offer a safe, welcoming space for people of all ages to gather, connect, and have fun together.
The plan is to host a monthly community night, alternating between indoor and outdoor events depending on the season:
- Fall & Winter: Game Nights
Each month, we’ll host a family-friendly evening filled with board and party games, plus snacks for everyone to enjoy. Eventually we would like to offer, for teens and adults, a tabletop Role Playing Game (RPG) session led by the Geek Therapy Guild—a group of trained therapists who use games to help both neurotypical and neurodiverse players build social skills and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
- Spring & Summer: Movie Nights
When the weather warms up, we’ll move outdoors for movie nights in the parking lot, complete with popcorn and a big-screen projector under the stars.
This project is truly about community connection, a blend of outreach, hospitality, and joy that brings generations together. It’s not tied exclusively to any one ministry, though it aligns beautifully with our shared mission to serve and engage with our neighbors.
A grant through the Northern Illinois Synod Social Outreach Program has been approved to help fund for the equipment needed to host outdoor movie events.
If you’re interested in helping with setup, promotion, or hosting, or if you know a group that might want to get involved, please reach out! Together, we can create a space where everyone feels welcome and connected.
The first game night will be in Luther Hall on Wednesday, October 29 from 6-8 PM, all are welcome.
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