May 5, 2022
Friends in Faith—
The photo below is from a worship service at the Presbytery's "Connect with Creation—Heal Our Communities" justice conference held this past week at Zephyr Point. Bethany was blessed to have eight folks in attendance! A big focus of the conference was on environmentalism and how we can all be better stewards of creation. We also discussed economic and racial justice. Ultimately, the conference provided much-needed nourishment for our souls, and we hope to share some of our hope and insights with you all over the coming weeks.
Celebrating the spirit and resources of the Earth at Presbytery’s conference. Visible in the photo are former Bethany interim pastor Rev. Bill McGuinness, elder Ron Carlson, Rev. Janice Kamikawa, office manager Maria Mar, Jim Davis and Rev. Judy Davis. (Not shown: Rev. Jesse Larson and elders Jackie Sneed & Cathy Sapunor.)
This coming Sunday, we'll be focusing on the "Road to Emmaus"—yet another story when Jesus reappeared to his disciples after his resurrection. We'll even take some time in worship to share some of our own faith experiences—yes, we'll be trying something new, so take a leap of faith with us! Our text will be from Luke 24:13-35.
As always, the worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Pianist Natalya Amelchenko begins playing gathering music at 10:20 a.m. Folks can 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 service … or start a “watch party” on your Facebook account!
"Smile Amazon" is a charity program started by Amazon several years ago—and it's a super-easy way to donate to your favorite charity, including Bethany! A small portion of each of your purchases is donated to the charity of your choice by simply going to this link every time you need to make a purchase through Amazon.com. You'll find you can choose the charity of your choice to support—and if you search for "Bethany Presbyterian Church," you'll find that you can select it as your charity. Every cent counts!
On Saturday, May 7, we are having our Mother's Day Tea in our Fellowship Hall! The event begins at 2 p.m. Free! Click here for details.
On Saturday, May 14, we'll be participating in the CROP Hunger Walk. We'll be walking at 9 a.m. and funds raised will benefit Church World Service and the SSIP Food Closet. Click here to join the team or pledge your support.
On Friday, May 13 or Sunday, May 15, all are invited to join the River City Chorale for its spring concert, "Across the Pond." We have several friends from Bethany who sing in this fun choir. You can learn more here.
It's never too early to begin making summer plans; our annual "Friends and Family Retreat" at Zephyr Point is August 12-14. Mark your calendars. Find out more details 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 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!
Violence and warfare continue to be waged in Ukraine and many other nations around the world. We pray for peace, healing, and new beginnings for all of those in the midst of such circumstances.
Blessings to all,
Jesse
