March 9, 2022
Friends in Faith—
This past Sunday, I preached on the importance of tending to our spirits during these chaotic times. Worship is an important tool for reorienting our lives towards God, and all of the goodness in our world. Our souls are uplifted when we sing together, pray together, and gather around God's Word. Throughout Lent, I'll be introducing some new songs, and we'll be trying a few new things in worship.
This coming Sunday, March 13, the worship service will be co-led by Rev. Janice Kamikawa and me. (DON'T FORGET TO "SPRING AHEAD" THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!) Our scripture concerns the "Samaritan Woman at the Well" from John 4:1-30. Our theme concerns "brokenness" and it promises to be a very meaningful service. Our hymns will include: It's Me, O Lord, Standing in the Need of Prayer; Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying; Precious Lord, Take My Hand; and His Eye is on the Sparrow.
Each Sunday, 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.)
On Sunday, March 20, we'll then focus on the theme of healing and restoration.
This evening, at 6 p.m., is the second annual "Full Plates, Full Hearts" virtual auction and fundraiser for the SSIP Food Closet. You are asked to register for the auction, click here for details about registering. You can bid on a huge selection of wonderful items (wines, gift baskets, quilts, plants, gift certificates, art, etc.). I have the honor of serving as the event's emcee, so it's going to be fun! Here are more details.
We began a book study on Monday. For each of the remaining Mondays in Lent (3/14,3/21, 3/21 and 4/4), all are invited to join in reading and discussing Rowan William's Meeting God in Paul. The Spiritual Formation Commission has purchased 15 copies of this book; they can be picked up in the church office. Each gathering will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 11 a.m. We'll then head to the sanctuary for a brief time of worship. Finally, we'll enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread. Our morning together will probably conclude by around 11:45 a.m. Please join us for this special time of sharing in the Lenten journey together. Click here for more details.
A FEW UPDATES:
Our Spiritual Formation Commission is hoping to repurpose some of our space into a quiet area for contemplation and prayer. So some of our elders have been doing some cleaning and reorganizing of various rooms throughout Bethany. We have a couple of tables just outside of the kitchen/Social Hall full of various items that are free to whoever would like them. We have books, t-shirts, office supplies, bags, etc. Please help yourself; the tables will be up for the next several weeks.
COVID Updates:
Masks are no longer required in our building, but feel free to continue to use yours if you have concerns. We do recognize that we are vulnerable community due to our age.
Do note that if we hear of someone in our community testing positive for COVID, we will e-mail our members/friends/renters concerning the time frame of when exposure may have occurred on our campus. So if you happened to be in our building during a time frame in question, you can then feel free to take a test if you so desire. We ask that everyone continue to sign in and out when at the church so that we can help keep track of possible exposures.
We strongly recommended that all worship attendees have gotten their booster shot. If you are not feeling well, we also ask that you stay home and worship virtually. See above for the Facebook link!
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.
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!
We continue to be deeply troubled by Putin's invasion of Ukraine. We are encouraged that folks from around the world, including hundreds of thousands of Russians, are denouncing this invasion and making their voices heard in the streets. Our prayers are with the people of Ukraine and for all of our global leaders that they may find ways to end this conflict soon.
We also pray for other nations immersed in bloodshed. Much instability and violence remains in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Honduras, Haiti, and South Sudan. May all nations be more committed to peace and justice for all.
Blessings to all,
Jesse
