Dear Friends in Faith—
Friends in Faith,
We seem to be facing many overwhelming problems in our nation and our world—global warming, wars and political crises, natural disasters. Right here in our own community, we struggle with how to best help those people living on the streets. Christ calls as stewards of creation and servants. We find meaning in helping others, but we also admit that sometimes our batteries get drained. And when we feel exhausted, other pieces of our lives can feel like they are falling apart. This Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Lent, we'll be unpacking Matthew 26:6-13. It features the disciples chastising a woman applying expensive ointment on to Jesus. We hope you can join us for worship—a special time to remember that Jesus is our center. Let's recharge our batteries together!
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.
On Monday, March 18, we'll be watching the film "A Question of Faith." This film addresses tragedies that call our faith into question and that call upon us to forgive our fellow humans. We gather at 10am and finish with a free lunch.
I’ll be out of town next Tuesday-Thursday for some continuing education time.
Sunday, March 24, is Palm Sunday.
Sunday, March 31, is Easter Sunday.
On Monday, April 1 and Monday, April 15, we'll be having a discussion of the book "The Rooster Wound" by Rev. Dr. David Bachelor (the son of Diana Bachelor and the late Ernie Bachelor). Our classes begin at 10 a.m. and conclude with a free lunch. The author has graciously donated ten books to our group. Copies will be available in the sanctuary.
We had such a fun time together seeing "Wonka" that we decided to go and see another movie in March. Join us Tuesday, March 19, at Regal Delta Shores Cinema, 8136 Delta Shores Circle to view the inspiring story "One Life" starring Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter. Sir Nicholas “Nicky” Winton was a young London broker who, in the months leading up to World War II, rescued over 600 children from Nazi-threatened Czechoslovakia. Tickets are $8 each. Meet in the theater lobby at 1 p.m.; the movie starts at 1:10 p.m. The film is rated PG. There’s no need to RSVP; just show up. Several people are available to drive if you need transportation; contact Cathy Sapunor for more information.
Bethany is again fielding a team of volunteers to help “spruce up” the Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center (South Lake Tahoe) the weekend of May 10-12, 2024. Tasks include office chores, light carpentry and electrical, building and grounds maintenance (including pruning, weeding and raking) and more. Each volunteer needs to submit a volunteer application and register on the Zephyr Point website here. The participation fee is $105 per adult (age 13+) / $80 per child (age 4-12) which covers housing and meals. NOTE: You can pay $30/person and cook your own meals! Bethany can assist with the participation fee; see Cathy Sapunor or myself if you are interested. Do note the registration deadline is April 10!
In addition to offering retreats, continuing education and other programs for church-goers, Zephyr Point provides low-cost (or free) Christian-based day camp for hundreds of Tahoe-area children and youth each summer. Bethany’s support helps make it possible for this vital outreach to continue.
More than three decades ago, Bethany youth and parents designed and constructed Zephyr Point’s Crawford Memorial Lookout, which is frequently on the list of “sprucing up” projects.
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.
Barbara Petrotta passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 8. No arrangements have been made yet regarding a celebration of life ceremony.
We continue to pray for peace in the Middle East, the Ukraine, the Sudan and all places where love seems to be crowded out by violence and hate.
Peace to all.
—Jesse
