Rev. Jesse Larson starts Bethany’s Jan. 3, 2021 online worship service with prayer and a reading of Matthew 2: 13-23. In his message today, he says, "We are so eager to slam the door shut on 2020 … but we would also be very naive to believe that 2021 will only usher forth blessings and good days." God calls upon us, he says, to "step up on behalf of the cause of love … to push back against the evil of violence and oppression. We are given a choice each and every day to live into our faith and work on behalf of the God of love. The Spirit will guide us through this and every day." Pianist Natalya Amelchenko provides beautiful interpretations of sacred music old and new, as well as providing accompaniment for two "sing-along" Christmas carols: The First Nowell and In the Bleak Midwinter.
