Friends in Faith:
Later today, I'm flying home for two weeks to be with my family. Last year you all blessed me with a two-month leave of absence after having learning that my father had a difficult health diagnosis. I'm happy to report that he is doing well—after a few decades of heart issues, there are few options left for treatment, but his meds are working and he loves boating/fishing on Lake Erie nearly everyday. We are having a family reunion this weekend and then visiting the other side of the family next week. I'm excited to see everyone!
While I'm away, I'm so thankful that Rev. Judy Davis will be leading our worship service this coming Sunday, and then on September 3, Rev. Janice Kamikawa will be leading our service (including communion). It is a joy that at Bethany we have a variety of voices that can reflect on the Word of God from our pulpit. As always, we are sure that the Holy Spirit will be with us!
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..
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!
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is a emergency response effort of the PCUSA which has received the highest marks regarding efficient use of donations, immediate and long-term assistance, etc. PDA is already helping with the recovery/rebuilding in Maui after the terrible wildfires there. If you would like to know more or make a donation, click here.
This past Sunday, a surprise 90th birthday party was held for Dolores McMackin. We all enjoyed a delicious cake and Dolores was surrounded by her beloved family and friends.
While I'm away on vacation, if you have a need or emergency, please reach out to Session: Ron Carlsen, Jim Guida, Juli Jensen, Susan Just, Candace Keefauver, Debbie Leibrock, Grace Ogata, Cathy Sapunor or Jackie Sneed. These special folks are all great problem-solvers! Maria has very limited time in the office now, so if you need her assistance, send her an email.
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!
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.
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.
Jim Guida is joining a team of volunteers to Tanzania for the purpose of aiding young women as they seek education and opportunity.
The Presbytery group—including Vickie Owens Weaver —returned safely from its mission trip to Alaska. It was a wonderful experience, though also exhausting. Nancy Disher, mission coordinator for the Presbytery writes, "Our Alaska Mission Team is home after a great trip to partner with the Tsimshians in Metlakatla. I love leading missions with Rev Jeanie Shaw. It is like a new documentary unfolding before my eyes every trip. Sacred times of sharing from hearts, teamwork and new relationships with focus on God in our lives."
We offer traveling mercies for our many friends and families who are traveling this summer.
Hear our prayers, O Lord!
Peace to all.
—Jesse
