November 1, 2022
Friends in Faith:
This Sunday we'll be celebrating "All Saints Day" — a time to recognize those loved ones who have died and gone on to be with our Lord. We remember our ancestors of faith — "the great cloud of witnesses" — and proclaim that their spirits are still present with us. We'll participate in communion together — our holy meal that transcends all times and places. If you are worshiping from home, be sure to have some bread and juice on-hand. Our scripture lesson will be from Hebrews 12:1-2. You'll also be given the opportunity to come forward and light a candle or two in honor of a loved one. You are also invited to bring a photo of a loved one to share in our fellowship hall.
As always, the worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Gathering music by pianist Natalya Amelchenko 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!
Did you hear the big news? Our "Trunk or Treat Extravaganza" brought in close to 2,000 visitors to Bethany this past Sunday! We were all utterly shocked to see so many children and families having a blast throughout our campus. So many folks stepped up to help prior to the event as well as in the middle of the event when we realized that we were gonna need a lot more candy! It was such a special day and we are so very thankful for Candace Keefauver's leadership and the many hands that helped pull it off!
UPDATES
Our book study is soon coming to a close. We will be discussing the final two chapters of "Sailboat Church" (chapters 9 & 10) after worship on Sunday, November 13. Or you can attend our Monday morning discussion on Monday, November 14 at 10am or the Zoom conversation on Wednesday, November 16 at 6 p.m. A light lunch will be provided on Monday, November 14. When we conclude our book study, we will then begin our "40 days of prayer" which is outlined at the back of Sailboat Church. We encourage your participation; the discussion are informal and this book study challenges us to reflect about who we are as a church and where we might be heading.
This coming Saturday, November 5, all are welcome to the "Darshana Hindu Civilization 24-Panel Nationwide Traveling Exhibit" from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Kathy Frank thought that some of our members might be interested in checking out this event. It's located at the Spiritual Life Center, 2201 Park Towne Circle in Sacramento and is free to all.
The memorial service for longtime member Donna Roberts is Sunday, November 6, at 3:30 p.m.
The following Sunday, November 13 is "Stewardship Sunday" — we celebrate all that God has entrusted to our care. We commit to sharing our time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of the Kingdom of God. Watch for your letter inviting you to participate in the annual giving campaign.
Sunday, November 20 is "Thanksgiving Sunday" — a time to give thanks for all the many blessings in our lives. Pies will be served during fellowship hour!
S A V E T H E D A T E S !Advent begins on Sunday, November 27. We plan to do some holiday decorating prior to worship on November 27. If you are able, please join us at 9 a.m.
On December 24, Christmas Eve, our worship service will begin at 5 p.m. Immediately following our service, we'll have a gathering in our fellowship hall to sing carols together!
On January 8, we'll be having our workshop and congregational meeting with the Presbyterian Foundation immediately following worship. This event will be four hours long, so we hope you can clear the day! A delicious lunch will be provided!
Bethany’s Session (board of elders) continues to meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month; in the midst of much change, there are so many areas that need our attention—our building, our rental relationships, security, staff issues, technological updates, etc. Please know that we are trying our best to lead Bethany in these unprecedented times! In the coming few weeks, we are having two special session meetings—one for the purpose of discussing our financial viability for the coming year and the other to discuss modifying our policies and commission to better manage our work as a small, aging congregation.
We also want to appraise you of some of our recent decisions. Click here for the latest Session meeting report.
We lift our many prayers to our Lord, trusting that God hears our prayers and stands by us through good times and bad. John 14:27 declares, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Jesse
