June 6, 2022
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This coming Sunday, June 12, we'll spend some time reflecting on James' letter in the New Testament. It's not a big book, but there are several ideas to discuss. He spends a lot of time speaking about "taming the tongue"—how we use our words to help or harm one another. Having just celebrated Pentecost and the birth of the church, the letters of the New Testament—including James—often add a lot of practical advice for how we are to be in community with one another in the spirit of Christ.
As always, the worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Gathering music starts around 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!
UPDATES
Today—Monday, June 6—all are invited to a time of conversation and fellowship at 10 a.m. We will discuss several articles in #Trust Black Women, an issue of the Presbyterian Outlook edited and written by black women. Please read the articles on pages 16-38 which are: "God of the Black Woman," "Trust Your Voice," and "What We Mean When We say #Trust Black Women," "Are White Christians Ready for Black Women's Voices," and "Rest Can be Resistance." You can contact Jackie Sneed, our elder who serves as the chair of the Spiritual Formation Commission, if you would like a hard copy of the magazine.
I will be on vacation June 7 through June 9. The office will be closed June 7-10.
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 information.
Over the past several years, Bethany's session (board of elders) has been wrangling with the question of Bethany's future in the face of dwindling membership, finances, and other resources. Easy answers and consensus do not come easy. Many of us are frustrated because we seem to be stuck; we argue over our shared vision for the future. How should we spend our money? What's to become of our building? How do we participate in mission projects when we struggle to cover our own bills? The COVID pandemic has intensified these conversations and brought to the surface many larger questions for congregations. Click here for the latest Session update.
It’s hard to believe that it's already June in the year 2022. The months fly by, and we find ourselves bombarded every week with lots of heavy blows—from mass shootings to wildfires, war in Ukraine to economic uncertainty. It seems so much of life is changing so quickly—it can feel as though we are on an unending roller coaster ride. In order to help us weather the many storms of life, and to better tune ourselves into the many blessings that continue to surround us, I encourage us all to continue to cultivate an active prayer life. Even pausing for a few minutes at the ending or beginning of each day can help us to feel supported in all that we carry with us. Generations of the faithful have prayed to God in good times and in difficult times, and God has promised to hear us and to help bear our burdens.
If you have a prayer concern you'd like to share with our church family, please let me or office manager Maria Mar know. We also have a special page on our web site dedicated to sharing prayer concerns; click here to send a prayer request by e-mail.
Please join in praying for all the families, teachers, caregivers, etc. in Uvalde, Buffalo, Laguna Hills, and all other places affected by violence.
Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
May it be so.
Jesse
