Dear Friends in Faith—
This Sunday, February 4, we'll be celebrating the Lord's Supper together—so it's only appropriate that we spend some time reflecting about hospitality and feasts! Our text is from Luke 9:12-17 which is his account of the miracle of the loaves and fishes—a miracle that is found in all four Gospels. What feasts have you experienced in your life?
Hospitality and sharing meals together is an important part of our Christian life together—it's how we show love and gratitude to friends and strangers alike.
If you are worshiping from home, be sure to have some bread and juice/wine on hand.
Since it is the first Sunday of the month, we'll also be receiving donations of canned/dry goods for the SSIP Food Closet (as well as any financial donations you may have to share).
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.
Bethany’s popular "Winter Wander Nature Walk" is happening this Saturday, February 3, from 9-11 a.m. at the Cosumnes River Preserve south of Sacramento. Meet at the main parking area at 9 a.m. for a brief devotion and orientation, then enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Cocoa, coffee and tea will be available "tailgate style.” Dress warmly! Click here for more info.
On Sunday, February 4, all are invited to join GKI Indonesian Presbyterian Fellowship for worship at 4:30 p.m. I will be leading the service. The service will be held at Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church (5839 Dewey Dr, Citrus Heights, CA 95621) and followed by a time of fellowship. Let me know if you are interested in attending!
On Monday, February 5, our Spiritual Formation group will be screening part 2 of 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
Immediately following worship on February 11, all are invited to a soup luncheon for "The Souper Bowl of Caring." The SSIP Food Closet congregations are partnering this year to raise awareness, dollars, and non-perishable groceries. Click here for more info.
Also, Grace Presbyterian Church has invited us to join them in their celebration of Tet—Lunar New Year—on February 11 after their service at 1 p.m.
Our second annual "Palentine's Day" will be held on Monday, February 12. Stop by "Device Brewing Company" (7485 Rush River Drive in the Pocket area) and share some pre-Valentine's Day fun. Bring friends! Your first beverage is free. We'll have nibbles and noshes or you can purchase dinner on your own dollar. No need to RSVP, just show up. Here are details.
The River City Chorale is having a concert at the end of the month, entitled "The Power of Love" - Marilee Keene, Trisha Uhrhammer, Peter Baird, and other Bethany folks have been a part of this choir and they always put on a fun show. Reach out to Marilee Keene if you are interested in purchasing tickets.
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 peace in Gaza and throughout the Middle East and in Ukraine and all parts of this big world experience conflict and bloodshed.
Hear our prayers, O Lord!
Peace to all.
—Jesse
