Friends in Faith—
This coming Sunday, March 19, we will be wrangling with Jesus' call to "pick up your cross and follow me." It's an important text to consider, especially as we make our way to Good Friday and then Easter. The verses we'll be focusing on are Matthew 16:21-28.
We are also going to continue trying some new things in worship—we've had so many wonderful volunteers sharing their musical gifts with us, and wasn't it special hearing the various prayers that were shared last Sunday? This Sunday, we'll be singing "The Lord's Prayer" as well as learning a new modern hymn: "Lord, Reign in Me."
As always, you are encouraging to bring a friend or neighbor to worship—and if you haven't been in a while, we'll gladly welcome you in!
Join us and don't forget to invite a friend, too! Natalya begins playing gathering music at 10:20 a.m. We know the weather may be unpredictable, so you can also join virtually here: Facebook Live. More details about worship can be found here.
After worship, during coffee hour, we'll be making keepsake crosses. We'll have supplies so you can design them and then take them home.
Our One Great Hour of Sharing "Fish Banks" are available in the net in the sanctuary. Feel free to stop by and take one home. These fish banks are traditionally collected, along with The One Great Hour of Sharing special offering, on Easter Sunday (though we'll be collecting them at the end of April). There are three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People. All work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope. You can learn more here.
Are you looking for a daily devotional for Lent? Bethany's 2015 Lenten Devotionals, written by members and friends, is available on our website here.
We'll be gathering on Monday, March 20 in the Fellowship Hall to continue viewing another episode of "The Chosen" at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join us for this time of discussion, followed by a delicious lunch. Here is information.
Presbyterian Women have started a new study called “Celebrating Sabbath.” Their next meeting is on Thursday, March 23 The meetings will be held on second and fourth Thursdays at 10 a.m. in the church library. Come at 9:30 a.m. for conversation and refreshments! Elder Mary Harbison will lead the study. Here are the details.
On Sunday, March 26, our worship service will be a service of "healing and wholeness." You'll have the opportunity to be prayed over and be anointed with oil. Also, we'll be decorating our sanctuary with angels—if you'd like to bring one in to put on display, please bring it along that Sunday. Click here for details.
Sunday, April 2—Palm Sunday. At our 10:30 a.m. service we’ll be waving palm branches as we remember Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago.
Monday, April 3—During Holy Week, we'll be viewing the film Jesus Christ, Superstar; starts 10 a.m. in the Social Hall, followed by free lunch.
Also on Monday, April 3, we'll be volunteering at the SSIP Food Closet from 8:30 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. Please reach out to Cathy Sapunor if you are interested in helping out. We need towo more volunteers. You can learn more here.
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. And don't forget that we have a prayer team who is committed to praying for any and all prayer concerns that come forward. You can reach out to Barbara Greene with your prayer concerns and she'll share them with the prayer team. Rev. Janice Kamikawa is attending the Self Development of People Conference in Montreat, North Carolina. We are glad she is a part of this important work and offer prayers for a great experience.
Session has dedicated the next several weeks to discerning Bethany's future—and working to develop a plan for our next chapter. We appreciate your prayers as we continue the call of leadership and planning for Bethany.
Hear our prayers, O Lord!
Peace to all.
—Jesse
