Dear Friends in Faith—
Friends in Faith,
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, is the beginning of Holy Week. We remember when Jesus led a hopeful crowd into the holy city of Jerusalem to shouts of "hosanna!” and "save us!" The masses had so many expectations for Jesus and the Romans were feeling threatened, so when Jesus arrived on a small colt, everyone was probably confused. The gospel accounts of Jesus' triumphant arrival into Jerusalem remind us that Jesus operates in ways that always seek to shatter our cycles of violence and power. Indeed, Jesus regularly upends our expectations and we are forced to see God, the world, and ourselves in new ways. In this spirit, we'll try a few new things in worship and we hope that you'll join us! The Bethany choir will be singing and our scripture lesson will be from Mark 11:1-11. In preparation for worship and a time of sharing, please reflect on the following questions:
Have any of your expectations changed over the years? How do you let go of some things, and make room for others?
What is a new experience you have encountered that has been meaningful to you?
Where have you encountered meaningful, life-changing surprises or opportunities in your life?
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.
Our beloved accountant and office manager, Maria Mar, is finishing her work at Bethany on March 31, 2024. Amidst the many transitions at Bethany, Maria felt it was time to step away —and she has an ever-increasing workload as the treasurer for the North Central California Presbytery which keeps her very busy. Maria arrived to Bethany shortly after I did … and together we helped guide Bethany not only through the COVID-19 pandemic, but also on the uncharted waters of a church facing some tough decisions, new ways of being, and an uncertain future. It has been very challenging work. Maria has dedicated so much time and energy to Bethany—far beyond her job description—and has blessed us with her kind, creative, and faithful presence and personality. She has offered so many insights into our finances and helped our entire church to better understand our financial resources. She has brought in a variety of renters at Bethany to help cover our bottom line. And she has warmly embraced the Bethany community. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Maria!
I’ll be out of town this Wednesday and 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 tomorrow—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.
We have an updated church directory available for members and friends of Bethany. It will be available in the sanctuary. If you see an incorrect information, or you have any updates to share, please let me know.
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!
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.
The picture above is of Bethany member Ann Brandes; she is 103 years old and doing fine! Kathy Frank, Barbara Green and I were able to visit her last week. Many sweet memories of Bethany were shared. She sends her love to all.
Billie Egolf is celebrating her 90th Birthday on March 20th! Our prayers are with you for a wonderful celebration!
Peace to all.
—Jesse
