Friends in Faith:
Why is it important to love our enemies? How do we love our enemies; is it even possible? We'll gather this Sunday to sing together, to pray together, and to hear God's Word proclaimed regarding these important verses from Matthew 5:38-48. We'll be singing I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art, Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive, You Are My All in All, and Just a Closer Walk with Thee.
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!
What's missing in the picture above? Part of a pew! In the ongoing effort to be more accessible and more hospitable,Jim Guida and Mark Strack removed the pew so that folks in wheelchairs wouldn't need to off to the side in an aisle. Thanks, guys!
Last Saturday’s Mother's Day Tea & Boutique had 40 participants and they raised $250 dollars! A huge thank you to Kathy Frank and her capable group of volunteers for offering this special event to our community. Click here to see photos.
OTHER UPDATES:
This coming 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. Click here for all the details.
The SSIP Food Closet continues to feed thousands each month. Unfortunately, with inflation and supply-chain issues, the need for free food remains very high. Because the many demands on their expanded operation, SSIP is considering a "site expansion" which may happen on Bethany's property, or they may need to relocate elsewhere. Our Session is in communication with SSIP and we are all exploring various options. Whatever decisions are made, SSIP needs the support of the sponsor churches to cover their many costs and to fulfill their mission. Please consider making a donation of money or dry/canned goods (we collect them monthly at Bethany on the 1st Sunday of the month). And they can always use volunteers: to serve clients, to serve on the board, to pick up food from grocery stores, etc. Click on the link above for more details and the latest newsletter.
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
