Dear Friends in Faith—
This Sunday, February 25, is the second Sunday of Lent (and last Sunday of February—how did that happen?). We have a special skit to present in worship which we hope will spark a good discussion concerning evangelism, peace-making, and the journey of faith. As we prepare to gather, you might consider mulling over the following questions:
How do you share the Good News with people you know and don't know?
What is so compelling about Jesus Christ?
How do we work for peace and evangelism in these modern times?
Our scripture lesson will be from Acts 16:11-15—the story of Paul meeting Lydia. For we Presbyterians, holy scripture remains an anchor for us as we seek to navigate the turbulent waters of being the church in the 21st Century. We'll also proclaim the comforting words of Psalm 46:1-11.
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.
Maria is on vacation through February 26. If you have any pressing needs, please e-mail me.
My parents will be visiting from February 20-27, so I will also be focusing on my time with them.
The following Sunday, March 3, is the first Sunday of the month—which means we'll be celebrating the Lord's Supper together. And if you have any donations—dry goods or financial gifts—for the SSIP Food Closet, please bring them with you that day.
Do note that on Sunday morning, March 10, we'll be setting our clocks ahead one hour as Daylight Saving Time begins.
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
