From the Pastor

Friends in Faith:

This coming Sunday, July 9, we'll be considering the many ways that God upends our expectations. As soon as we think we have God figured out, yet another mystery is posed and we are often left scratching our heads, wondering what God is up to! Our scripture readings will be from Luke 18:9-17—a parable about the pharisee and the tax collector and Jesus welcoming the children. We are also excited to be celebrating the installation of our two new ruling elders, Jim Guida and Susan Just.    

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.

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.

We all enjoyed Ben Ofori's drumming on Sunday, June 25—he got the whole congregation involved and we had a lot of fun. The Spirit was certainly present! We'll need to have him back again soon.  

Over the past two weeks, roofers have been putting on a new roof at Bethany. Some work was completed last year, but they'll soon complete the entire roof. Thanks to our Plant and Facilities Commission for taking on this project. 

This is the Agape Room in Bethany's upstairs. Grace Presbyterian Church recently renovated it as a youth room and it looks wonderful.  

  • Cathy Sapunor is inviting folks to see Shakespeare's "Macbeth"—a performance that will be featuring her husband, Tim. The performance is on Sunday, July 9 at 2 p.m. at the Art Court Theater on the Sacramento City College campus located at 3835 Freeport Blvd. For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.

  • Bethany Presbyterian Women present a FREE four-part series about clutter and how we can simplify our lives using basic biblical wisdom and spiritual practices. All—including men—are invited to attend the “Up Side of Downsizing” series.

    The four sessions will be held on:
    Thursday, July 13
    Thursday, July 27
    Thursday, August 10
    Thursday, August 24

    Each session starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m.  Come at 9:30 for coffee and socializing! Attendance at all of the sessions is not required, but it is helpful. Bring a notepad and pen with you to each session. More details are here.

  • KC Shane will be performing a "House Concert" at Susan Just's home on Friday, July 28. Stay tuned for more details!

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

Bethany Presbyterian