April 13, 2022
Friends in Faith—
Holy Week is here and it's gotten off to a busy start! After celebrating Palm Sunday, we had a sizable group of volunteers who helped with the operations at the SSIP Food Closet on Monday morning. It was busy and tiring, as we handed out over 200 boxes of food. We know that poverty is complicated, but it was poignant to simply help in offering food to those in need in our calling to alleviate suffering as best we can. You can click here to see all of the photos.
We'll gather again on Thursday, April 14th at 7 p.m. for our Maundy Thursday service when we remember that Jesus taught us about servanthood and instituted the Last Supper. We'll end this service in darkness and silence as we prepare to observe Good Friday privately.
Then, on Sunday, April 17th, at 10:30 a.m. we'll celebrate Easter together! We'll give thanks for the gift of resurrection with hymns, prayers, and the proclamation of God's Word. After the service, all are invited to join us for a special time of fellowship and treats in our Fellowship Hall.
On Easter—like all Sundays—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.) Consider asking a friend to join you in person at the Easter service … or start a “watch party” on your Facebook account!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Once upon a time, each of our commissions had several members. Now, most are lucky to have one or two volunteers. So we are experimenting with doing the work of our church in new ways. We have a variety of sign-up sheets throughout the building. If you would like to help with worship— as a liturgist, greeter, or usher—please choose a date. If you would like to sing a song or play an instrument in worship, we are taking sign-ups for special music offerings at Bethany. We also have a sign-up sheet for folks who are willing to bring a treat for coffee hour. We are so appreciative to all of these volunteers who help enrich our collective life at Bethany! And please let us know if there are other ways that you'd like to share your gifts.
A FEW UPDATES:
On Monday, April 25, the Spiritual Formation Commission is offering a movie—"The Shack." The event begins at 10 a.m. It's a thought-provoking movie sure to generate a good faith discussion.
On Saturday, May 7, we are having our Mother's Day Tea in our Fellowship Hall! The event begins at 2 p.m. Free!
On Saturday, May 14, we'll be participating in the CROP Walk. We'll be walking at 9 a.m. and funds raised will benefit Church World Service and the SSIP Food Closet. More details coming soon.
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!
Blessings to all,
Jesse
