Friends in Faith—
This Sunday is Halloween—a holiday that I really enjoy. Who doesn't enjoy costumes, creepy crawlies, and candy?! If you are feeling inspired, come to worship in a costume—after all, some of our Halloween traditions come from old Christian practices of putting on costumes and masks to keep away the bad spirits as souls made their way to heaven on November 1—"All Saints Day." (We'll be commemorating "All Saints Day" next Sunday, November 7.) This Sunday, though, we will be celebrating Reformation Sunday. We'll honor the rich tradition of Presbyterianism—of "being reformed, always reforming." Given our denomination's many ties to Scotland, some folks will want to wear tartan. So whether you choose to put on a kilt or a costume, it should be a colorful Sunday! Click here for all of the details.
Our scripture lesson will be from Romans 12:1-21, and we'll be welcoming a bagpiper to play a few pieces for us. After the service, Scottish goodies will be served in the Social Hall.
Pianist Natalya Amelchenko begins playing gathering music at 10:20 a.m, with the service starting at 10:30 a.m. Folks can also join from home on Facebook. (You can also watch services at any time here.) Following the guidelines of Sacramento County and the CDC, we continue to practice social distancing and require masks while worshiping while indoors. If you plan to attend a worship service at the church, you can find out more about our safety protocols here.
When I arrived into work last week after my time away, I was absolutely shocked to see the transformation of my office! Offie manager Maria Mar, who orchestrated this special surprise for my birthday, was there to see my face, and I couldn't believe how amazing the space looks. My office was given a major face-life; walls and shelves were refreshed with white paint, new pulls have been ordered for the cabinets, a dry erase board was installed, and the space was cleaned and organized. I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to all of you who helped with this project—either through labor or donations.
Jesse’s newly redecorated office
COMING UP:
Wednesday, November 3 - Our monthly Zoom "What's Happening” meeting starts at 11 a.m. All are invited to log on and share what's been happening in your life. The link for this Zoom meeting can be found here.
Sunday, November 7 - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS the night before, so turn your clock back when you go to bed Saturday night. November 7 is All Saints Day. We'll honor all of those saints we have loved and lost, and who know rest in peace with their Creator. If you have a name you'd like read at this special service, please share the information with the office by Wednesday, November 3. Bring photos of dearly departed loved ones for display in on one of the memorial tables after the worship service. PLUS … join us in folding and creating origami cranes in memory of those we honor and love. Each person will be given a bowl to take home to fill with the origami cranes you fold and an LED candle to fill the bowl with light. All materials will be provided.
Sunday, November 7 also marks the return of our monthly collection of canned goods/dry goods for the SSIP Food Closet.. The donations will be given to the good work of the SSIP Food Closet.
We are looking for liturgists and ushers for worship. Or perhaps you might like to help run our sound board or camera for worship? Would this be something you'd like to do? Let me know!
Wednesday, November 10, will be a "Lunch and Learn" event. We'll be making Advent wreaths together and then enjoying a delicious meal. Space is very limited.
Our annual Stewardship Campaign begins in November—stay tuned!
Bethany members are supporting Sacramento’s Run to Feed the Hungry (which benefits the SSIP Food Closet) and you have several ways to participate. One of those ways is to walk with Bethany members and friends at the Cosumnes River Preserve after church on Sunday, November 14. Click here for all of the details.
We are grateful for the volunteers who helped "spruce up the pines" at Zephyr Point Conference Center last week: David and Linda Betts; Cathy Betts Sapunor; Janice, Paul and John Douglas; Gary Gardner; and Brian and Delynn Powell. You can see pictures from the event here.
As a faith community, we have the privilege of being able to journey with one another through a chaotic and beautiful world, full of many highs and lows. We celebrate one another's victories, and we hold one another in prayer during those times of pain, fear, and loss. If you have prayers that you would like to share with our community, please contact myself or Maria. Also, be sure to indicate if you'd like your prayer to be shared, or if you'd like it to be held in confidentiality.
God hears all of our prayers, and in Christ, we find healing, wholeness and new beginnings. With each passing day, the Spirit of God is presenting us with new opportunities of love and grace. No matter what comes our way, all roads lead to Jesus — thanks be to God!
Blessings on all,
Jesse
