Friends in Faith:
This Sunday, October 29, we'll be celebrating "Reformation Sunday!" We seek to honor all that God has done in our tradition, while also moving us towards new ways of being. As we often declare, "We are reformed and always reforming!" We are excited to be welcoming Neil Henderson—bagpiper—to play a few tunes for us. Our text will be from Matthew 22:25-33.
Natalya begins playing our “gathering music” at 10:20 a.m. You can also join virtually here: Facebook Live. More details about worship can be found here..
In honor of Reformation Sunday and the Scottish tradition of the Presbyterian Church …
Here is the Scottish shortbread recipe of longtime Bethany member Myra Cowan!
Myra Cowan’s Authentic Scottish Shortbread
1⁄2 cup Sugar
1 cup Butter
2 cups Flour
Cream butter and sugar together until well-blended. Add flour alternately until all is used. Knead to blend all flour. (should be a dry, firm consistency).
Fill in [press into] pie pan, mark tops with fork.
Bake at 350 degrees until brown. (approx. 30-40+ min., depending on oven). Check often toward the
end as it may become too crispy quickly.
Cut into serving pieces while hot. Sprinkle lightly with sugar while hot. Leave in pans to cool.
Final step - call all of your family and friends over to try it!
Our second annual "Trunk or Treat Extravaganza" is this Sunday, October 29 from 3-5 p.m. With the help of friends from Grace Presbyterian Church, Bethany will be welcoming families on to our campus for candy, a bounce house, free books, ice cream, and other fun activities! But this is a big effort and we could still use some help! We need 2 adults to take turns watching over the inflatable bounce house (3-5 p.m.) and 2 adults to help Cathy Sapunor with set-up (1:30-2 p.m.) and as “rovers” (misc. tasks as needed during the event). And we need at least 5 more cars! We will provide candy and help decorate your car. Contact Cathy Sapunor ASAP if you can help!
The Presbytery Harvest BBQ & Intercultural Festival in Davis!
Join us for an extraordinary celebration aimed at spreading joy and nurturing unity within our community. This special event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the North Central California Presbytery (NCCP) and the coordination of Intercultural Mosaics and Davis Community Church.
• Date and Time: Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 4 pm to 7:30 pm. The BBQ Dinner, featuring mouthwatering options, will be served from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Venue: We invite you to the North Lawn Picnic Area and Patio Seating Area at Davis Community Church, located at 412 C Street, Davis, CA 95616.
• Culinary Delights: Indulge in a delectable feast featuring Korean/Hawaiian Short-Ribs, Lemon Chicken, Grilled Veggies, Grilled Fish, an array of Korean/Hawaiian side dishes, refreshing beverages, and delightful desserts.
• Costume Contest: Embrace the festive spirit and wear your favorite Halloween costume for a chance to win exciting prizes!
• Entertainment: Experience the captivating “Ukweli Performers,” showcasing Uganda Dancers, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Get ready to be enthralled!
This event presents a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, savor delicious food, and participate in intercultural activities designed to strengthen the bonds of fellowship. We eagerly anticipate your presence! Please join us with your family and friends; no RSVP is required. I. (Jesse) plan on attending; let me know if you need a ride.
For additional information, kindly contact Rev. Dr. Stephen Moon at 916-217-5470.
This coming Saturday, October 28, is the 4th Saturday, which means the monthly "Day of Reaching Out" will be held at Bethany. This event is a collaborative resource day that is hosted by a team from Faith Presbyterian Bethany Presbyterian and SSIP. Elder Susan Just is the point person for this special event—please reach out to her for more details and volunteers are encouraged!
Friday, November 3 is Bob Betts' memorial service at 11 a.m.
Sunday, November 5 is All Saints Day—we'll remember those who have gone on to be with God, light candles for loved ones, and share in communion together. The choir will also be singing! Please note that November 5 is also the day when daylight saving time ends.
Our spiritual formation class will be gathering once again on Monday, October 30 at 10 a.m. Please note that parking will be very tight because of the monthly food box give-away that happens in Bethany's parking lot.
In November and December, the spiritual formation class will be focusing on the "Gifts of the Spirit"—each class will offer a special practice that we'll all learn about together. We'll continue to meet on Monday mornings at 10 a.m. Each class concludes with a free lunch! The group will meet:
November 6
November 20
December 4
December 18
As Session continues to discern and discuss various plans for our future, we are also trying to stay on top of the various duties happening all around our church. A huge thank-you to all of the various volunteers who help to keep Bethany operational. Maria will be away for all of November as she undergoes a stem cell transplant. Volunteers will help to make sure that our bills are paid, building repairs are tended to, and emails are responded to.
Last night, our Session met with members of the Presbytery's "Vitality in Ministry” committee (VIM, formerly known as the "Committee on Ministry”). We were gathering information about what our options may or may not be in moving forward—how would a part-time pastorate work? Would it be possible to morph into a mission campus, shared by various groups? What would happen to our building and assets if we closed? VIM offered much helpful info, especially as to how such matters are handled, "decently and in order"—the Presbyterian way. Now is the time to come together and decide where we believe the Spirit is leading.
Click here for decisions made by Session at the October 24 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 me 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.
Hear our prayers, O Lord!
Peace to all.
—Jesse
