Friends in Faith:
This coming Sunday, October 1, is World Communion Sunday. Christians from all corners of the globe will be sharing in communion together, celebrating our unity in Christ. Since we'll be sharing in the Lord's Supper together, our friends worshiping from home should be sure to have some bread and juice available. We'll be offering a dramatic reading of Ephesians 2:11-22, and part of my sermon will be analyzing the hit movie of the summer: Barbie! Should be interesting at least! Jim Guida will also be offering a minute for mission about his recent trip to Tanzania. As always, we hope you'll join us for this special time of worship and recentering our lives upon the Lord.
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.
There is always a lot happening at Bethany! As we seek a way forward in towards a faithful, but different future, we want to keep our entire church family in the loop. So we'd like to have an informal congregational meeting on Sunday, October 8, immediately following worship (we won't be voting on any motions). Our session will explain where we are in the process, some of the topics we've discusses, next steps, etc. But we are also eager to hear from you—what questions, comments, or concerns would you like to share?
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. And now, given the terrible earthquakes in Morocco and the disastrous floods in Libya, PDA needs our support. Click here to give!
On Monday, October 2 at 10 a.m, our spiritual formation group will be gathering to watch the film, "Paul, the Apostle of Christ"—but please note that we'll be meeting in Farrand Hall (The Altar of Truth Church has a special event happening that day in the Fellowship Hall). Lunch will be served!
SAVE THE DATES!
On Sunday, October 15, some members of Grace Presbyterian Church will be joining us for worship—and we'll be experimenting with some new formats of worship.
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!
Our next “five on the 5th” Food Closet volunteer mornings is on Monday, October 30. We need just one more willing person. No experience necessary! Contact Cathy Sapunor if you would like to help.
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.
Many of you have probably already heard that Bob Betts passed away on Wednesday morning, September 20. He was a long-time member of Bethany, raised many family members here, served as the Clerk of Session for many, many years, and was a faithful soul. May he rest in peace and glory. Our prayers are with all of Bob's family.
For comfort, healing, and hope for Maria…
For continued healing for Robert Madrigal after his bike accident…
Hear our prayers, O Lord!
Peace to all.
—Jesse
