January 12, 2022
Friends in Faith—
As 2022 begins, we find our news feeds inundated with warnings, statistics, protocols, etc., concerning the Omicron Variant. The ever-changing landscape of the COVID pandemic gives us all so much anxiety, and we are all beyond frustrated. How we long for normalcy and to be rid of these masks! But we are also thankful that the vaccines seem to be fairly successful in mitigating the risks of this strain. Masks continue to be a very helpful way of protecting yourself and others.
In the midst of all of this stress, I thought we should reflect on joy and the abundant life that Jesus Christ offers to us no matter what we are facing. After all, life is still pretty good, right? It is imperative that we all maintain a spirit of thanksgiving and faithfulness as the pandemic drags on. As the old hymn declares, "We've come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, trust in his holy word, he's never failed us yet. Can't turn around—we've come this far by faith!"
This coming Sunday, January 16, we'll be focusing on the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Our scripture is from John 2:1-12. 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 prior 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.
There seems to be all sorts of information coming out regarding the Omicron Variant, some of which is not always clear. Session is continuing to discuss how we should proceed regarding worship and other activities at Bethany. We will try to do most church meetings via Zoom, but we will continue to offer in-person worship for the time being. It is strongly recommended that all attendees have gotten their booster shot. Masks are mandatory, and we will continue to postpone coffee hour until further notice. If you do not feel comfortable attending in-person, please know that you can always join us virtually via Facebook.
This Saturday, January 15, at 9 a.m., all are invited to help "de-deck" the halls; if we can get several pairs of hands, we can put away all of our Christmas decorations in an hour or two. Donuts will be provided!
Please note: the office will be closed on Monday, January 17 for our national holiday honoring the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Save the date! On Sunday, February 27, immediately following our worship service, we'll be having our Annual Congregational Meeting. More details to come.
I want to extend a word of thanks for our many volunteers who continue to keep things working at Bethany. Advent was a beautiful season, full of lovely music and meaningful worship—thanks to all who continue to help with audio/visuals, Facebook streaming, web site updates, music scheduling, decorating, cleaning, COVID protocols, and more.
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 me or Office Manager Maria Mar. 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.
We are holding in prayer all those people who are ill, in pain, sick with COVID and those who are caring for them, and all those who continue to mourn the loss of loved ones. Also for all those who perished in the recent apartment fires in Philadelphia and New York City.
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 to all,
Jesse
