Friends in Faith:
This coming Sunday, August 20, we'll be unpacking Luke 22:24-30. This is the text when the disciples argue among themselves as to who is the greatest disciple. We'll focus in on our call to service as Christians—and that it's ok to play second fiddle. In fact, it's a gift to make room for others! We'll have the opportunity to remember our baptisms, too.
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.
Close to 30 Bethany members and friends traveled to Zephyr Point Retreat Center at Lake Tahoe this past weekend. We enjoyed lovely company, delicious meals, heart-warming worship, and perfect temps. The theme of our time together focused in on understanding the history of Jerusalem, its religious significance, and its complicated, troubling political realities. We covered a lot of ground, but we still hope to revisit this fascinating, important topic once again later this fall. Many thanks to the retreat planning committee: Marilee Keene, Trisha Uhrhammer, Rev. Judy Davis, and Joy and Peter Baird. We all so enjoyed our time together!
All are welcome to attend our first "Reaching Out" free resource fair on Saturday, August 26, between 1-4 p.m. at Bethany. Faith Presbyterian Church, in partnership with Bethany Presbyterian Church, will be offering free resources including showers, clothes, socks, toiletries, children’s books, adult books, children’s activities, prayer support, food and more. There will also be a sign-up table for future resources. Susan Just is serving as the point person for this event; check in with her if you would like to help at the event!
Above is a picture of one-half of our dynamic cleaning duo—Robert and Lety Lopez. They usually clean on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Bethany. They are only with a few hours each week, but they get so much accomplished! Our facility is used by so many groups: Bethany folks, Grace folks, the Altar of Truth Church, All Nation's Church, and another new church, as well as an AA group, SSIP, etc. The truth is we could use a full-time custodian, but we are so thankful for the efforts of Robert and Lety. They do an amazing job!
On Tuesday, August 15, Bethany's session had dinner with Grace Presbyterian Church's session as we explore the possibility of merger together. Both sessions are very excited about this possibility of merger! Both sessions have created a "wish list"—what we would like to see happen should we merge into a single congregation. There are lots of details to sort through, but both sessions view this is a natural fit for many reasons and we look forward to meeting again soon.
Come to the “Monday group” on August 21 and see part 2 of the film Come Sunday. Arrive at 10 a.m. to watch the movie and stay for discussion and free lunch! No need to RSVP—just show up! This activity is presented by the Spiritual Formation Commission and led by Jackie Sneed.
Bethany Presbyterian Women are continuing their four-part series about clutter and how we can simplify our lives using basic biblical wisdom and spiritual practices. All are invited to attend the “Up Side of Downsizing” series. The final two sessions will be held Thursday, August 24 and Thursday, September 14. 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.
SAVE THE DATES!
Presbytery will be held via Zoom on Saturday, September 9 at 9 a.m.
All Bethany members are cordially invited to celebrate Mary Harbison's birthday (89!) on Saturday, September 23. More details to follow.
The "Ethnic Concerns Conference" will be held at Zephyr Point October 6-8; speak to Cathy Sapunor or Rev. Janice Kamikawa for more info.
The annual "Sprucing Up the Pines" event at Zephyr Point will be held from October 13-15 (speak to Cathy Sapunor for more info). Here are details. The registration deadline is September 13.
Rev. Stephen Moon (of Mosaics) and Davis Community Church will be hosting another fellowship evening for the entire Presbytery on Saturday, October 28: "The Presbytery Unity Meal.” More 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.
We offer traveling mercies for our many friends and families who are traveling this summer.
Hear our prayers, O Lord!
Peace to all.
—Jesse
