Friends in Faith:
This coming Sunday, June 18, we'll be celebrating "Recognition Sunday." We not only want to honor our dads and father-figures but we also want to recognize all of the many ways that our church family shares our individual gifts to further the mission of Jesus Christ. We will also be giving Bibles to Bethany's children in our service. We'll be focusing on 1 Corinthians 12:7-26—the individual parts of the body that each have their own unique role, but which all work together for the body.
As always, you are encouraged to bring a friend or neighbor to worship—and if you haven't been in a while, we'll be happy to see you!
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.
A big thank you to everyone who helped pack our care packages and then delivered them to our shut-ins. We want all members of our church family to know they are loved and never forgotten!
We wish everyone a Happy Pride Month! Bethany remains committed to affirming the rights, dignity, and choices of our LGBTQ+ friends. Some of you may be interested in knowing a bit more about our official PCUSA stance on LGBTQ+ issues. At the 223rd General Assembly in St. Louis in June 2018, the Presbyterian Church voted unanimously to pass three Overtures:
Overture 11-04, On Clarifying the Position of the PC(USA) Regarding Appropriate Boundaries of Religious Liberty: Acknowledges the misuse of the term “religious freedom” in denying basic human rights, and reaffirms that faith and religious liberty cannot be used to discriminate against anyone simply because of who they are.
Overture 11-12, On Affirming and Celebrating the Full Dignity and Humanity of People of All Gender Identities: Acknowledges the church’s past mistake in being unwelcoming to transgender and non-binary individuals, encourages the welcoming and acceptance of all gender identities, and affirms their right to live free from discrimination in any arena; this overture also specifically mentioned the rights of transgender students.
Overture 11-13, On Celebrating the Gifts of People of Diverse Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities in the Life of the Church: Apologizes for the church’s previous unwelcoming stance on LGBTQ parishioners, celebrates LGBTQ church pioneers, and states the church will welcome, lift up, and fight for the human rights of all people created in the eyes of God.
For more information, check out this link.
All are invited to join us for the second and final book discussion of "Love Wins" by Rob Bell on Monday, June 19th at 10 a.m. A free lunch will be served after our discussion.
On Sunday, June 25, Natalya will be away but we are lining up a drummer to offer some special music for worship. We'll keep you posted!
Also, on Sunday, June 25, a few Bethany folks are going to attend worship at "Eventide"—a new worshiping community pastored by Rev. Jeanie Shaw (I'm sure several of you know her). All are welcome to join us! The service begins at 5 p.m. and is followed by a free dinner and fellowship. Eventide is located Arden Christian Community's hall at 4300 Las Cruces Way, Sacramento, CA 95684.
On Thursday, July 13, from 4-6 p.m., the SSIP Food Closet will be hosting its "Full Plates, Full Hearts" fundraiser. The event will features a silent auction and an ice cream/waffle bar from Gunthers! If you have an item you'd like to donate to the auction—a quilt, a piece of art, a gift set, etc.—please let myself or Jackie Sneed know. Hope you can attend! DETAILS ARE HERE.
The annual spiritual retreat at Zephyr Point has been scheduled - August 11-13. Here is a link with more info. Be sure to register now!
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 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.
NEWS FROM PRESBYTERY
Calling all youth! Rev. Jeanie Shaw is offering a special Alaskan mission trip for a diverse cultural experience and a chance for youth to grow in faith and leadership. Youth must be willing to step out of their comfort zones and actively engage in our three camps: Science Camp, Basketball Camp and Dance Camp. We are honored to be invited and attend exciting cultural events on the island. This year is our 11th year of partnership with Metlakatla Presbyterian Church. The participant cost is $800 which DOES NOT include airfare. The cost includes food, lodging at the church, ground and ferry transportation, and adventures. Food at the airport and souvenirs are not included. A non-refundable deposit of $500 reserves your place on the team; space is extremely limited. Remainder of trip payment was due by June 1 but you can check to see if space is still available. Please contact Nancy Disher of the Northern Central California Presbytery (NCCP) if you are interested before making your flight reservations at (916) 792-7725 or njdisher@garlic.com.
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
