Paul experiences dramatic change on the road to Damascus
Friends in Faith—
With so many sweeping changes happening in our nation and the world, we wonder: how might we, too, be changing? However, it often seems as though the hardest changes to make are the ones in our own life. This coming Sunday, we'll be focusing on the story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus—Acts 9:1-19. He had been a zealot actively persecuting Christians, and suddenly, all of that changed when he heard Christ's voice in a blinding light. As we look towards Sunday, you are invited to reflect on the following three questions:
How has your life changed over the years?
How have you navigated change in your life?
What changes have you been able to make in your life?
We'll take some time in worship to share our experiences with change in our lives. If you have not yet returned your "One Great Hour of Sharing" fish or donation, please bring them this Sunday.
We'll also be celebrating the Lord's Supper—if you are worshiping from home, be sure to have some bread and juice on hand. And don't forget your donations for the SSIP Food Closet. You can bring in dry goods/canned goods, or you can also make a donation online. You can click here to learn more about the SSIP Food Closet and how to donate.
Natalya begins playing gathering music at 10:20 a.m. You can also join virtually here: Facebook Live. More details about worship can be found here.
As Office Manager Maria Mar adjusts to her new role as the treasurer for the Presbytery of North Central California, she'll be available at Bethany only through appointment. She simply has too many new duties and meetings to manage to maintain regular office hours. But rest assured, she (and I) are always an e-mail or a phone call away.
Our Presbyterian Women's Bible study will be meeting Thursday next week—May 11. All are welcome. You can learn more about participating in this group here.
There will be a special Mother's Day reception after worship on Sunday, May 14.
Adult Spiritual Formation continues to offer more Monday gatherings/lunches concerning the Holy Spirit and Pentecost. Each starts at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall.
5/15 - We'll be watching a Netflix film called "Come Sunday."
SAVE THE DATE! Bethany’s annual friends and family spiritual retreat at Zephyr Point has been scheduled: August 11-13. Stay tuned for more details!
The River City Chorale is offering a concert on May 20 & May 21. Bethany has a handful of members who participate in this wonderful choir. Click here for more information and to purchase your tickets.
SAVE THE DATE! We are scheduling a congregational meeting on Sunday, May 21 immediately following worship.
Our friends at Elk Grove Presbyterian Church are hosting a concert on Sunday, May 7. Triumphant Quartet will be playing their only 2023 northern California appearance. This is a free event, but tickets are required to reserve a seat. Donations are requested to benefit several charities supported by Elk Grove Presbyterian Church: One Thousand Schools (formerly Students Helping Honduras), Chicks in Crisis and Elk Grove Food Bank Services. Monetary donations can be made at the concert or you can bring items needed by Chicks in Crisis and Elk Grove Food Bank (see below). To reserve your seat, go online or e-mail —or call (916) 479-3578. The concert will be held outdoors at The Center at District 56, 8230 Civic Center Drive, Elk Grove. It will be indoors in the event of bad weather. Come early before the concert starts and listen to the musical talents of Chan Louie and enjoy some refreshments. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the concert is at 3 p.m.
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.
Hear our prayers, O Lord!
Peace to all.
—Jesse
