Dear Friends in Faith—
Friends in Faith,
This coming Sunday, April 7th, is "Holy Humor Sunday.” It's actually an older tradition of many churches that has been experiencing a resurgence of popularity over the past few decades. You'll learn more about the purpose of this service in worship, but you can start thinking about a joke to share and feel free to dress appropriately for the spirit of the day! Since it's the first Sunday of the month, don't forget your donations (canned/dry goods & financial gifts) for the SSIP Food Closet. 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. We are also excited to be welcoming the members of our Presbytery Administrative Commission. They will be formally introduced in worship and then you'll have time to chat with them during coffee hour.
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 is going to have another movie afternoon! It’s happening Tuesday, April 9, 1:40 PM at the Century Cinemax theater, 1590 Ethan Way (near Cal Expo). We’ll be viewing “Arthur the King,” a story of a man and his loyal canine companion. It is rated PG-13. Tickets are $7.25 each. We’ll meet in the lobby at 1:25 to buy tickets. Optional discussion afterward at Starbucks, 1140 Exposition Blvd! Those wishing rides can contact Nga Ong or Cathy Sapunor. More details are here.
CHURCH RETREAT IS COMING: We will again gather on the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe, staying at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, August 9-11, 2024, Friday evening through Sunday noon. Rev. Judy Davis will lead us in this year’s theme of “How We Tend Our Spiritual Gardens,” exploring ways to nurture our faith, individually and collectively, as we move forward. Registration forms will be available soon, so mark your calendars and plan to join us!
On Monday, April 15, we'll conclude our discussion of the book "The Rooster Wound" by Rev. Dr. David Bachelor (the son of Diana Bachelor and the late Ernie Bachelor). Our class begins at 10 a.m. and concludes with a free lunch. The author has graciously donated several books to our group. Please see Jackie Sneed to get your copy.
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! Here is more info.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!
We are excited that the members of the Presbytery Administrative Commission 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 a 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.
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
Below is a photo of me in Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile. If you heard my Easter sermon, this was the long hike which could have benefited from a map!
