Dear Friends in Faith—
Friends in Faith,
This Sunday, March 31, is Easter Sunday! We find ourselves in the midst of the Passion Story; tomorrow is "Maundy Thursday" followed by "Good Friday." You might take some time to read through one or more gospel accounts of the "Greatest Story Ever Told" in the coming few days. We'll be reading Mark's account this Sunday. All are welcome—come dressed in your Easter finery, or in comfortable clothes—but bring your friends and loved ones to celebrate Christ's resurrection. We'll have an "egg scramble" for the kids, and the Bethany choir will be sing, as will Lily Young and Peter Baird. Please note that we'll be celebrating the Lord's Supper together—so if you are worshiping from home, please be sure to have some bread and juice on hand.
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, 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.
Next Sunday, April 7th, is "Holy Humor Sunday.” Start thinking about a joke to share and feel free to dress appropriately for the spirit of the day! We'll also be celebrating the Lord's Supper. Since it's the first Sunday of the month, don't forget your donations (canned/dry goods & financial gifts) for the SSIP Food Closet.
On Sunday, April 21 after worship, we'll be having a time of “show and tell“ of original art and fun collections after worship. All ages are invited to enter and kids’ contributions are especially welcome! Details are here.
On Monday, April 22, we'll be having an "Earth Day" walk at Cosumnes River Preserve from 9-11 a.m. Bring your friends; carpooling is available. Your choice of trails. Tailgate party follows!
Sunday, April 28. will be my final Sunday at Bethany as your pastor. The Presbytery Administrative Council (see below) has called a congregational meeting to approve the "terms of dissolution" which official end my call at Bethany; the meeting will start immediately follow worship.
On Monday, April 29, Bethany will be helping out at the SSIP Food Closet from 8:30-11:40 a.m. Please let Cathy S. know if you would like participate.
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. See Cathy Sapunor if you are interested. Do note the registration deadline is April 10!
Session had its first meeting with our Administrative Commission (AC) this past Tuesday evening. We met for nearly four hours—but we accomplished a lot and we all felt it was a very fruitful meeting. We know that we have some big challenges ahead, but we have already begun putting in motion some decisions that should help us operate in a more healthy manner.
Please know that the AC is now Bethany's decision-making body—they vote on motions. Bethany's session serves as a "steering committee" who meet with the AC to discuss various issues, share wisdom and history about Bethany, and to brainstorm solutions.
We are excited that the members of the AC will join us for worship on April 7. They'll introduce themselves and you'll have the opportunity to meet them. Not only are they a friendly, gifted group of fellow Presbyterian leaders, but they are also committed to helping us in this next chapter. It's good to be a connectional denomination so that we aren't in this alone!
Finally, may we all be in prayer for one another, our elders, and the AC as we manage this holy work together. We know that this is not easy work, by any means, but we believe that God's Spirit will be with us to show us the best ways forward. We also request your patience and grace in the coming weeks and months as there will be many details to take care of which will take time and effort. If you feel called to help in any way, please let a member of session know.
If you would like to get hold of the AC, they have created this e-mail address for you to use.
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.
Below are photos from this past Sunday when we celebrated office manager Maria. Mar and her faithful service to Bethany over the past several years. She'll remain a friend of the congregation, but our prayers are with her for continued healing and for all of the work she does on behalf of the Presbytery. Thank you, Maria, for everything!
We continue to pray for peace in Gaza and throughout the Middle East and in Ukraine and all parts of this big world experiencing conflict and bloodshed.
Hear our prayers, O Lord! Peace to all.
—Jesse
