Dear Friends in Faith—
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a restful and fun few weeks! We are excited for the blessings of a new year—to experience the many ways that the Holy Spirit is moving in our lives and our church. This Sunday, January 7, we'll be celebrating Epiphany. We'll be reflecting on the many lessons to learn from the wise men; our text is from Matthew 2:1-12. We'll also be celebrating communion together, so if you are worshiping from home, be sure to have some bread and juice on-hand. And we'll all be receiving our "word stars" for the year—a word that we can reflect about for the whole year ahead as a spiritual practice.
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.
'Tis the season for lots of nasty colds, flus, and viruses! Several of our members and friends have already encountered illness over the past several weeks, and we are now reading that infection rates are up across the country. Because of the age of our worshiping community, we are particularly vulnerable, so this is a reminder to stay home when you aren't feeling well. And it's always wise to mask up to protect yourself and others.
On Monday, January 8 and Monday, January 22, our Spiritual Formation group will be screening the film "Silence" and enjoy discussions led by Rev. Judy Davis. Our time together begins at 10 a.m. and concludes with a free lunch. All are warmly invited to join us!
On Saturday, January 20, The Daughters of Scotia are inviting everyone to a ”Scottish Cultural Afternoon" celebrating the birthday of famed Scots poet Robert Burns at 1 p.m. Finger sandwiches, baked goodies, and tea will be served. Cathy Sapunor has reserved two tables for Bethany members and friends—contact her by Wednesday, January 17 if you would like to attend.
On Monday, January 29, we'll be volunteering at the SSIP Food Closet. We are seeking 5 volunteers. Sign-ups are in the Social Hall or e-mail if you want to help.
Mary Harbison's memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 27 at 2pm. More details to follow.
On Saturday, February 3, is our "Winter Wander Nature Walk" at the Cosumnes River Preserve at 9 a.m. until about 11 a.m. Details are here.
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.
Prayers for our shut-ins and members who are ill.
Prayers for peace in Gaza and throughout the Middle East.
Hear our prayers, O Lord!
Peace to all.
—Jesse
