Friends in Faith:
This Sunday, November 12, we'll be taking some time to consider the Christian concept of stewardship. We are called to be stewards of God's creation, stewards of the Church, even stewards of one another. It's a very special responsibility God has given to us, but thankfully, God, too, has gifted us with so many abilities and blessings that help us to fulfill our duty. The Holy Spirit is certainly calling us to all sorts of new missional endeavors: how can we be stewards in uncharted territory for the Church? Our text will be from Luke 5:27-39. As always, it will be good to gather together as we begin a new week together.
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.
The spiritual formation class on "Spiritual Gifts" will be meeting off-campus (at the home of Bob Betts) on Monday, November 20 at 10am. Let us know if you'll need a ride.
The SSIP Food Closet will be storing several pallets of food in our Social Hall from 11/16-11/22 for their annual Thanksgiving Holiday Food distribution event. The actual days of the distribution will be on 11/20, 11/21, and 11/22. Those will be very busy days on Bethany's campus—and parking will be very limited.
Bethany will be providing hot chocolate and cookies for folks waiting in line for their food boxes on Tuesday, 11/21. Please join the effort—contact Cathy Sapunor for more info.
On Saturday morning, November 25, we'll be decorating the sanctuary for Advent and Christmas at 9 a.m. Details to follow.
On the first Sunday of Advent, November 26, I will be preaching at a new Vietnamese ministry in Stockton. All Bethany folks are welcome to join, but Jim Guida and Natalya will offer worship in our sanctuary for those who'd like to stay closer to home. Details to follow.
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
