Christmas Is Nearly Here

Friends in Faith—

We will be gathering for Christmas Eve worship at 5 p.m. this Saturday. We'll read the stories of the birth of Jesus and sing beloved carols. Be sure to wear warm clothes, as we'll exit our sanctuary and sing "Joy to the World" on our front lawn for the whole neighborhood to hear! Then, immediately following our worship service, Jackie Sneed and Peter Baird will be leading an informal time of caroling in our Fellowship Hall. All are welcome! 

Christmas Day worship begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, December 25. Natalya begins playing gathering music at 10:20 a.m. We'll keep things very informal—in fact, you are encouraged to wear your pajamas or a fun Christmas outfit!  We'll take a group picture as well. Folks can also join virtually here: Facebook Live.  More details about worship can be found here. 

As winter begins, many of us are hearing about more and more folks getting sick: COVID, the flu, RSV, etc. It would be advisable to begin wearing a mask again when inside of our building. It's not mandatory, but it should reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID and other bugs. Also, you are encouraged to stay at home if you are feeling ill or running a fever. 

Dear Friends,

For many years “The Gathering” at Bethany has  offered a “Write Christmas” workshop in December. We have shared our memories and thoughts of Christmas with each other in person. For the past two years we have met on Zoom to share.

This December we are inviting each of you to write about Christmas with a memory, a prayer, a poem, or any form you choose. Write something new or share something written in the past. Send this writing to Cathy Sapunor and we will publish the writings that you send HERE.

We wish each of you a very blessed Christmas holiday. As we keep our “Write Christmas” tradition alive this December by offering this opportunity to share your memories on the website, we look forward to hearing from each of you.


With love and blessing,
Rev. Judy Davis

Day 32—We are nearing the end of our 40 Days of Prayer experience.  We will finish on Thursday, December 29.  Cathy Sapunor, our webmaster, has created a handy link which will guide you to each daily prayer (complete with thought-provoking images)—CLICK HERE FOR THE DAILY PRAYER.

NOTES & HAPPENINGS:

  • Bethany will be closed from Christmas Day (after worship) through December 31 to gift our staff with time away to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. 

  • Sunday, Jan. 1 at 10:30 a.m. — New Year’s Day service. Choose your own personal “word of the year” to focus on in 2023.

  • Sunday, Jan. 8, starting 11:00 a.m. and ending around 3:00 p.m.—a workshop and congregational meeting with the Presbyterian Foundation to wrap up “40 Days of Prayer” and map the church’s future. Special guest: a representative from the Presbyterian Foundation. A free lunch will be served. And please note that worship will be abbreviated to give us ample time for our meeting.

    As a church family, we are a community that is committed to caring for one another.  One of the ways that we can support one another, loved ones and strangers, near and far, is to offer our prayers on their behalf.  We share our prayers because we care for one another, and we know that God listens and cares for all of God's children.  If you have a joy or concern to share, please let Maria or Jesse know; and if it is a confidential matter, please be sure to let them know.

    Merry Christmas and peace to all! 
    —Jesse

    A Prayer for Christmas

    Loving God,
    help us remember the birth of Jesus,
    that we may share in the song of the angels,
    the gladness of the shepherds,
    and worship of the wise men.

    Close the door of hate
    and open the door of love all over the world.
    Let kindness come with every gift
    and good desires with every greeting.
    Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,
    and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

    Let the love that shaped earth and heaven,
    dwell within us this Christmas.
    Let the love that created humanity,
    dwell within us this Christmas.
    Let the love that overcomes suffering and hatred,
    dwell within us this Christmas.
    Let the love that causes us to rejoice with loved ones,
    dwell within us this Christmas.

    Let the love that forgives and renews,
    dwell within us this Christmas.
    Let the love that brings reconciliation after separation,
    dwell within us this Christmas.
    Let the love that brings the blessing of peace,
    dwell within us this Christmas.
    And may we share that peace with all people near and far.
    Amen.

    ~ Author Unknown





Bethany Presbyterian