... embracing Matthew 25

What a fun morning we had at Bethany on the last Sunday of 2024! Instead of a traditional sermon, we held a "hymn sing" with those present calling out the titles of favorite songs. It was interesting and inspiring to learn of each others' choices.

Looking back, it's compelling to note that the majority of suggested songs focused on maintaining faith in times of conflict ("Amazing Grace," "His Eye Is On the Sparrow," "It Is Well With My Soul") and serving others ("Will You Come and Follow Me?," "For Everyone Born, a Seat at the Table," "What Does the Lord Require of You?" and "Here I Am, Lord"). These choices revealed that we at Bethany are a resilient people, ready and willing to look to God for sustenance and support ... and that we are a caring congregation, desiring to "be the hands and feet of Christ" to our neighbors.

How can we put this deep faith into action so that—regardless of our aging population and dwindling numbers—we are able to minister to as many of God's children as possible?

In what ways can we link up with others to stretch our resources and our capacity to serve?

Let's pray that we may wholeheartedly and thoughtfully embrace the challenges presented by Jesus in Matthew 25.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

“ The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
— Frederick Buechner

... a new you.

Bethany's "Movie Group" this week saw the Japanese anime film "The Colors Within." It told of an unexpected friendship between three musically inclined students, one of whom attends a Christian boarding school. As they support each other and grow in self-confidence, each finds the courage to face problems with integrity and honesty. At the end of the movie, the students' band performs a song written by one of them. Its words are profound and describe the freedom one experiences when owning up to misdeeds or admitting fault:
 

"Leave all your problems in yesterday's shirt pocket; today is the beginning of a new you."


The Bible reminds us again and again that we can be healed in both body and soul when we trust God. Two passages in Isaiah capture this. In Isaiah 43:25 we read, "I ... am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more." And we hear again of how Jesus died for our sins: "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows ... We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah Chapter 53)

Acknowledging to ourselves that we have erred is hard; confessing and apologizing to others is even more difficult. Isaiah makes it clear that no one is perfect and that God helps us when we are troubled ... including giving us the right words to say when making amends to those we have wronged.

As the song in the movie so positively proclaims, a new start is possible. And when you know God is both on your side and at your side, a "new you" is always possible.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

“Start being brave about everything. Drive out darkness and spread light. Don’t look at your weaknesses. Realize instead that in Christ crucified you can do everything.
”
— St. Catherine of Siena

... bringing light to the darkness.

Last Sunday, Rev. Elias Burgos again graced us with his presence in the pulpit. He retold the story of Jesus turning water into wine—his first miracle, one performed at the request of his mother. He and she were both guests at a wedding, and she was concerned for the reputation of the host family that was fast running out of wine. What a huge breach of etiquette this could turn out to be!

Rev. Elias emphasized how the beliefs of all those who unwittingly helped—by filling empty jugs with water at Jesus's command—were changed when, a few minutes later, they poured back out out not water but delicious wine. He told those present at the worship service, "The Gospel tells you what He can do ... what WE can do ... when we are running out of something."

He asked everyone, "What are you, as a person, running out of this week? This year?" And he reminded us that God can restore and replenish us. Just like Mary, who knew in her heart that her son could make things right, we should always have faith.

Emptiness can be filled. Water can become wine. And, as Rev. Elias concluded, "If there is some darkness in your life, light can come."

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... putting our faith into action.

“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work," said Jesus to His apostles. And my, what work he accomplished in his short time on this earth.

In contrast to Christ's thirty-plus years of life, Bethany is now entering its 12th decade of existence here in Sacramento—something hard to believe, isn't it? We who have been associated with it can count ourselves fortunate. We have had a church home that has nourished us spiritually and enabled us to bless the community in many ways.

The hit musical "Hamilton" features a song performed by Thomas Jefferson on his return to America after finishing his term as the country's first ambassador to France. In it, Jefferson acknowledges that the excitement and energy of the new nation's triumph is flagging. He knows that the path ahead is not going to be easy. He sings—almost reluctantly—"Now the work at home begins."

After last Sunday's vote to continue Bethany "as is" (option #3 on the slate of choices), it's clear that we must prepare ourselves for lots of decision-making and task-sharing. Relatively few folks have been involved—as volunteers—in day-to-day operations, Christian education efforts and worship service planning. In an aging congregation such as ours, we will need to think about what additional people-power we can muster ... what new and heretofore talents and skills can be put into play. And what adjustments to expectations might be required. As emphasized in 1 John 3:18, it's not enough to simply speak of love; we must put our faith into action. And that takes prayerful dedication. And work.

Have you thought about your role within the church you consider dear to your heart? What might you be able to contribute to the life of Bethany?

“Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.”
— Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

... making Christ-centered decisions.

At Thursday's Presbyterian Women gathering, the topic discussed was "kindness." The author (Rev. Eugenia Ann Gamble) of the book being studied emphasized how important it is for us to set priorities—with the top priority being that of living and growing in the fruit of the spirit.

Those attending the group affirmed that making Christ-centered decisions helps anchor their days. One participant said, "When I wake up I right away feel thankful for a new day ... and feel able to face whatever comes my way."

When we seek first the kingdom of God—before we consider doing anything else—we find rewards untold. Even when we, on our own, think we have the answers and the knowledge and wisdom ... do we really? In Proverbs 3:5-6 we read:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
 

This coming week, why not choose to let the Lord show you the way ... to help you discern what is important ... and to guide your every move? See if this adds more meaning, structure and joy to your life!

— Cathy Betts Sapunor

... readying our hearts for Jesus.

Today is Black Friday, with all of its so-called deals, "officially" (to the world, anyway) launching the Christmas season.

We church-goers, of course, know that the true start of the season is the first Sunday of Advent—this year, December 1. Advent comes from the word adventus ("arrival")  and marks the time leading up to Jesus's birth, a time of reflection, hope, and renewal. Each week, a different candle is lit to remind us of the promised Christ Child: the candle of hope, the candle of love, the candle of joy, the candle of peace ,and finally, on Christmas Eve, the Christ candle.

In his years at Bethany, Rev. Lew Rooker liked to have the hymn "People Look East" sung every first Sunday in Advent. (A few of us jokingly called it "the tidying song.") It was a reminder, he said, that we owed it to Jesus to have not just our worldly houses in order, but our hearts as well.

As we enter this time of preparation for Christmas, let us look around us for sadness that we can help lessen through kind words and comfort ... for hunger that we can help assuage through food both physical and spiritual ... for those lost whom we can help find a place in this often-anxious world. Because "Love, the guest, is on the way."

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

"People, look east. The time is near 
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way."

… praying.

In his recent sermon, Rev. Jack McNary reminded us how important prayer is. He said that the need to pray comes most often in the darkest of nights, or the direst of circumstances. And that while God already knows what's in our hearts, our taking the time to think through our worries ... our wants ... our cares ... is good for us. We do this just as much for our own benefit as for God's.

Sometimes it feels awkward to pray. Am I deserving enough? Am I humble enough? How will I feel if what I pray for doesn't materialize? And why in the world am I talking to an invisible being? Putting those thoughts aside—and focusing on a conversation with God—can be oh, so hard. The best we can do is to to be honest with ourselves and be ready to listen. Answered prayers don't usually appear like lightning flashes from heaven, but rather in small, measured bits of information and insight that come in unexpected ways. Often it can be quite a while before we understand and recognize an "aha" moment as an answered prayer.

The very act of praying changes us. And through us, changes everything.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... being kind.

After a contentious and sometimes vengeful election campaign, it's good to know there is such a thing as World Kindness Day. That happens tomorrow—November 13—serving "as a reminder of the positive impact that kindness can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large. It encourages people to perform intentional acts of kindness and foster a culture of compassion and generosity." What a relief to have fo the focus shifted—for one day, at least—away from divisiveness and toward camaraderie.

Kindness doesn't cost anything, only the sacrifice of swallowing insults you'd really like to hurl at the paper carrier who (again) threw your Sacramento Bee under the car. Kindness doesn't hurt anything either, except maybe your pride when you say, in all sincerity, "I'm sorry" after you are late for a coffee date.

Quite a few of us are smarting because our votes were not enough or the neighbors—whom we thought were such nice people—showed their true colors in posting signs for a candidate we did not like. (Won't be sitting by them at the next block party. Wait, that's not very kind.) How difficult it is to go about everyday life knowing others don't embrace the same opinions. Immigration. Homelessness. Climate change. Government infrastructure. Judicial appointments. These are only a few of the many hot topics that will be the talk of family gatherings this winter. Will Uncle Charlie stomp angrily out of the room when you mention same-sex marriage at the dinner table? Will your book club buddy "unfollow" you on social media because you argue against deportation of undocumented workers? Situations like this are kind ... of hard.

A character in TV's M*A*S*H series once said, "It's nice to be nice ... to the nice." And it is. It's not so nice to be nice to those we feel are full of prejudice or hate toward others. How do we live by our Christian principles—which tell us to stand up to oppressors and bullies—and yet also, as Jesus instructed us, to "love our enemies?"

As Jim Guida concluded his sermon last Sunday, he said that one thing is definitely needed for us to be able to love unconditionally: God's grace. It's through that amazing grace we will find ourselves available for civil conversation, for peaceful resolution to conflict, and for forgiveness. Let's practice kindness until we get really good at it.

... refusing to accept hate-fueled talk as “the norm”

Another election day is upon us. Many of us feel tense, anxious about the outcome: Will "our" candidates win? Will "our" ballot issues succeed? In a turbulent campaign year such as this—with the American people keenly divided over universal concerns—a distressing level of disrespect (and let's be honest—hatred) has surfaced.

We know there are always folks on the fringe just waiting to get their say; the Southern Poverty Law Center recently reported that 117 hate groups were being tracked in California alone. But even more scary than the organized groups is this: it might be your very own neighbors and friends who are acting out. The very people you say "hi" to each day as you pick up your mail might believe in conspiracy theories ... or secretly wish that immigrants would "go back where they came from" ... or pepper their social media with hostile comments intended to insult and hurt.

One of us at Bethany, while trying to get into a turn lane, became stuck amidst a national candidate's flag-waving truck parade on Elk Grove Boulevard. Horns honking, signs hoisted, people from her neighborhood hollering out of their SUV windows ... you'd think this would be a joy-filled experience. Instead it was terrifying. The mood of the drivers was sharp-edged and rude, with a sense of entitlement and self-endowed power permeating the scene. This was not a celebration but a calculated warning to everybody who did not share the group's beliefs. "I felt very threatened," she said, still shaking an hour later.

How do we deal with those who alarm us with their grandstanding and generalizations and ignorant exclusionary rhetoric? The Apostle Paul had a lot of experience dealing with enemies. He shared how important it is to not let the prospect of an "enemy" overpower or paralyze us ... but to regard these encounters as opportunities to tell people that their words offend and are not based on fact. To pray for change in others' attitudes and behaviors. To help them see the light of Christ and respond to it in loving ways. Paul knew this is not easy to do. But in his letters to followers, he counseled them—and us today—to not shrink from that which overwhelms and frightens ... and to have faith that God will never leave us.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... God's plan, not ours.

There's a humorous saying: "If you want God to laugh, tell Him your plans." Or as Allen Saunders (echoed by John Lennon a few decades later) said, "Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans."

Soon the holiday season will be upon us. We'll be making lists, preparing our homes and undertaking all sorts of tasks in readiness for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most of these activities are so familiar to us that we can practically do them with our eyes closed. But still, the best of intentions go astray. The wrapping paper you run out of ... the batch of cookies that burns. One of us at church last year even sprained her thumb while hand-writing gift tags. As the character Roseanne Roseannadanna played by Gilda Radner on Saturday Night Live used to bemoan, "It's always something."

Our own goals are just that: our own. They are based on our own ambitions and  our own visions of what the future should look like. The "right" ugly Christmas sweater will surely brighten that party. The "right" turkey stuffing will really make it a meal worth remembering. We are the ones deciding what is "right." Perhaps, though, God has something else in mind?

About a decade ago, one Bethany member carefully measured, mixed and rolled crusts to create several delicious-looking pumpkin pies. Pies which the family dog came along and gobbled down when her back was turned. (Who knew he could reach the counter?!) Panic ensued. An alternate crust-less recipe was quickly cobbled together and guests enjoyed the new version every bit as much.

In Proverbs 2:6 we read, "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.” To each of us our own ideas are the best. Yet how can we know if what we wish for is God's will? Praying helps, as well as identifying what the issues at hand really are. It's also helpful to discern just who or what exactly is involved: who or what benefits? who or what is sacrificed? What would Jesus say if he was right here, right now?

There are usually no easy answers to our questions. We must make the time to think everything through, hear others' input ... and—hardest of all—be willing to recognize what God is telling us. As creative and positive as we are, surrendering our own pet solutions and "I know what's best" attitudes is incredibly hard. Listening for God's firm but loving direction is key. And it helps us accept when things don't go as we anticipated.

Says author Erik Larson, "Man plans. God laughs."

And sometimes the people eat a different pie.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... turning pain into gain.

Back in the 1970s, Bethany's choir performed a pop-rock oratorio entitled Lightshine. Composed by Buryl Red and Grace Hawthorne, the musical featured a song which has remained for years in the minds of those who sang it.

That song—"Would You"—posed some interesting questions, among them:

Would you cherish loving arms,
if you’d never shed a tear?
Would you welcome going home,
if you’d never been away?
Would you treasure guiding hands
if you’d never been alone?

Would you value having hope,
if you’d never known despair?
Would you treasure being safe,
if you’d never lost your way?
Would you cherish gentle words,
if you’d never been afraid?
 

We as individuals and a congregation—and as God's children—have all overcome myriad adverse circumstances. We wish life would just tick along nicely, with no difficult lessons to be learned and no grief or angst to be felt. Someone at Bethany remembers interrupting a friend as he began advising, "When life gives you lemons..." Her tart response was, "I'm tired of making lemonade!"

In his book "The Wounded Healer," Father Henri Nouwen says, "The great illusion of leadership is to think that man can be led out of the desert by someone who has never been there.” Our painful experiences can help mold us even more into the people God desires us to be ... people in a position to feed and comfort those who are poor in spirit.

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, let's recall our blessings—and think of ways we can, in turn, be a blessing to others.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

 

P.S. You can listen to the title song "Lightshine" here. It's a bit dated in style, but you'll no doubt find it as inspiring as Bethany's congregation did back in the late '70s. Enjoy!

… looking for the small.

A friend of Bethany, someone who attended the church as a teen, is currently off enjoying the trip of his dreams. A vacation, he said, that had long been on his personal bucket list.

Jim is an engineer and—like most of his ilk—rhapsodizes over things that are (1) sort of broken and might be fix-able; (2) horribly broken but good to have on hand for spare parts; (3) in need of solutions and problem-solving (such as how to make new stuff out of broken stuff); and (4) things that are, well, just perfectly constructed and need nothing but to be admired. On this vacation, he was on a mission to achieve #4: To see, and travel through, and marvel at one of the greatest engineering feats on Earth—the Panama Canal. He was counting on being wowed and, as the cruise ship voyaged onward, he certainly was.

What he didn’t anticipate was that he would, in turn, wow someone else. Stepping off the ship later that day, he saw a man looking at him. Goggling at him. The man, a taxi driver, at once stopped trying to sell Jim on a touristy ride around the small village. He instead brought out his cell phone and asked for a selfie. “Los Papá Noel!” he exclaimed. Pointing to Jim’s shorts, sandals, straw hat and violently colorful Hawaiian shirt, the man said, “On vacation!” The taxi driver gestured again—this time waving at Jim’s very long white beard. He wanted a picture of—you guessed it—"Santa Claus" on vacation. He probably would have packed Jim into the car and driven off with him to the local school to show his children … but it was determined that a photo with “Santa Clós” would suffice. Jim graciously complied and made a new friend for life. Imagine the excitement of the kids when they saw that photo. They’ll probably never forget the day their Papi met and actually spoke with Santa. Jim figures he is by now Scotch-taped 'til infinity to the family’s kitchen cabinet, or stapled to the “Show and Tell” bulletin board in a cheerful Panamanian classroom. What a large, long-lasting legacy to come out of such a modest meeting.

It’s usually the big ticket items—like sky diving or seeing the Lincoln Memorial up close—that gain traction, as they say in PR talk. Yet it’s the little unexpected moments that can stay with us forever. Sweet moments that help define us and remind us of what’s really important in our lives. Maybe we should put ourselves on high alert so we recognize these times when they come along. Maybe in addition to making bucket lists, we can be filling our buckets. With the small, humble, occurrences that nourish and replenish us and give us reason to be glad.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... healing.

First, the car air conditioning goes out (in 105° summer heat). Then the refrigerator starts making noises and does not feel as chilly as it should. Then the crown that the dentist so painstakingly installed meets its match with a gooey gummy bear.

It's natural to curse and whine when things go wrong. To feel slighted if a pal doesn't call back or if a neighbor again parks blocking your driveway. To scream at that guy in the fast lane who is slowing down traffic. To shriek when your favorite coffee mug shatters tragically on the kitchen floor. And to weep when a late-night phone call relays news of a beloved friend's death.

Elsewhere—like in the war-torn Middle East, Ukraine and the Sudan, and Hurricane Helene-stricken areas—these concerns probably would be considered trivial. Knowing this makes us feel guilty. Yet last Sunday, Rev. Stan Henderson reminded us that God cares for all, and all things, and all circumstances. "God's eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me." (Matthew 6 25:26) Jesus no doubt chose the sparrow for his example because it is among the most common and humble of birds—just as we, God's people, are, well, just normal kinds of folk. Our individual worries—whether fleeting or ongoing, tiny or seemingly insurmountable—mean something to our Maker. Sometimes it takes courage to believe that we are worth God's attention.

Discounting our own sorrows, anger, frustration and grief doesn't make world conditions any better. Frankly, the more we are able are to come to grips with our own human frailty—and trust that God can heal, can help mend—the more able we are to give our hearts to others. To reach out to those in need. To pray and take action whenever possible to alleviate pain and suffering whenever and wherever we are witness to it.

The sparrow is one of the most widespread and abundant songbirds in the world, resilient and adaptable to its environment. It may be small, but in the eyes of God it is mighty, indeed. Just as we—and our beautiful, promise-filled potential as God's children—are.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 —Romans 15:13

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... sharing the wonder.

Imagine getting into a car … with no one behind the steering wheel. Traveling down city streets, halting quite nicely at red lights, merging smoothly into crowded lanes and waiting for crossing pedestrians … with no collisions (nor even any close calls). A couple of Bethany folks recently dared to try out one of the new driverless cabs in Scottsdale, Arizona, and were astounded at the experience. 

The hired vehicle arrived right on time and in just the right place, lights flashing a welcome. Once the doors automatically closed and seatbelts clicked, everything shifted into “trust mode.” There was nothing to do but, well, go along for the ride. There was no time to worry or dwell too heavily on what could go wrong. Instead, for the passengers, the sheer joy of this novel mode of transport overcame doubt and fear. The car—if it could talk—would have exclaimed over the laughter of the two customers who were clearly overcome with giddiness, wanting to shout out the car windows (if only they could figure out how to operate them): “This is amazing! You should try it!”

The woman Jesus met at the well was similarly bemused and excited. She was willing to hear what he told her … to suspend disbelief and have her eyes opened to a new way of thinking. “Give me this living water!” she told him, full of awe and wonder at his promise of life everlasting. She was eager to share her experience with others.

In what ways might we, too, shake off our doubts and be unafraid to try something new? And to be unafraid to live out our faith in a very public, very amazing way?

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... letting God prepare us.

As you read this message in 90+ degree Sacramento weather, the person who wrote it is probably sitting in unrelenting rain at Manzanita Lake. Despite the prediction of lousy weather, she was heading up north to the mountains Sunday morning ... with this note scheduled to be "auto-sent" from the home computer on Tuesday.
 Now, a lot can happen between Sunday and Tuesday, so it's kind of a leap of faith to prepare something so far in advance. We can only hope that the information in this newsletter stays the same.
 Someone in our congregation (whose name won't be mentioned; initials are J.G.) likes to joke about the aftermath of spontaneous actions: "It's easier to seek forgiveness than permission." In that vein, we can probably accept that not everything can be planned ... and not everything planned turns out as, ahem, planned.

Perhaps the unpredictable nature of our lives keeps us on our toes. At the very least, our brain cells keep regenerating from the stimulation brought about by change. And our emotions get a good workout, too, when we realize we have come smack up against something unexpected. No milk for your morning coffee? A light rail train is stuck on the tracks and you'll be late for church? Lost the car keys/phone/wallet (again)? We scream and holler and wail in frustration, all the while trying to figure out alternatives.
 Oh, if only life was as reliable as the forecasts of meteorologists (and sometimes those guys get it wrong, too).

The old Scout motto "Be Prepared" is a good one; it reminds that we owe it to ourselves and others (and to God) to be capable and confident people—problem-solvers and peace-makers in a chaotic and crazy world. And to take a raincoat. Being prepared, though, is just that: having the tools and techniques to cope with new or different circumstances. It doesn't necessarily mean that we embrace what is happening, nor that it is we who are even in control. We might, for example, "be prepared" for a drought, when instead the heavens unleash a torrent and we end up treading floodwaters. It's just not fair! (Insert: yet more screaming, hollering and wailing.)


The bible tells us that there is a time, and a purpose, for everything. This is hard to understand when it seems things aren't going our way, when change is inevitable, when solutions aren't immediately obvious. (Or—as it often happens—when solutions are obvious to you, no one else "gets it" and you feel alone or angry or upset.)
 Self-reliant and resilient we may be, but we have to face the fact that it's not what we want—but what God wants for us—that is going to happen. Perhaps it's God who is doing the preparing.

Our hearts could sure use that.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... listening.

Remember this sign? It's one of hundreds Jim Guida created for the benefit of those driving by Bethany. Wonder how many of us church-goers noticed it at the time ...

We sure needed reminding of this important message after last Sunday's worship service, when we gathered for another of our "focus meetings" on Bethany's future. As we discussed management of our church building, in particular, tempers started flaring ... miscommunication reached a height ... and then a few impassioned voices pointed out that we share a common purpose: ministry. And that any decisions about our church should be based on that—first and foremost.

Some of us are already accepting that Bethany's congregation is an aging one, unable to muster sufficient money and volunteers to keep our building going. Others are still trying to figure out ways we can maintain the building on our own. And some are frustrated, or past caring, and have already "checked out" of the church, no longer attending. We miss them and their part of the conversation.

Wherever each of us is on the road to acceptance—for that is the end stage of the grief process—we owe it to each other to listen with respect and try to understand what is really being meant when people open their hearts to us. It's hard to do. But as Christians, we must do our best.

Something to ponder in the week ahead:

"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." —Proverbs 18:15

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... being that one person.

Several of us went to the movies on Monday. We saw the new Christian film "The Forge," which focused on discipling. NOT discipline—although that does happen to be the root origin of "disciple." (Discipline comes from discipulus, the Latin word for student.) Through this movie we learned how one's life can be influenced through the attention and "shepherding" of someone who wholeheartedly believes in Christ. We witnessed the young man in the story blossoming as he began to find his way as a Christian. And we saw the unfailing strength of those who prayed for him to succeed.

It may "take a village" (as the saying goes) to effect positive change ... but often it can simply take the commitment and devotion of a single individual.

In the words of the evangelist Dwight L. Moody, "Small numbers make no difference to God. There is nothing small if God is in it."

We should never underestimate the power each one of us has within to make a difference in the world!

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... thin spaces.

At this past weekend's church retreat, we talked about "thin places" ... those spaces in our world where we feel close to God. Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center is—for many—one such place. With beautiful Lake Tahoe as a setting, surrounded by ages-old granite boulders and immensely tall pine trees, Zephyr Point has captured the hearts and souls of thousands who have visited it since its start 100 years ago. We are truly grateful and fortunate to have such a treasure in our own backyard (well, a mere two-hour drive away).

Still, as we discussed at the retreat, there are places like this all around us; if not already in existence, then waiting for us to create for ourselves. Perhaps there's a park nearby, or a special route you take while walking your dog. Or a community garden or local nature preserve. Is there a corner in your backyard you can transform into a quiet spot for reading scripture? Or a chair in your living room that you could designate for simply sitting and contemplating? Sometimes just having a mutually understood signal among your household that "I am now entering a sacred space" is enough to steady yourself and focus; check out the fun story written in 1955 by Ruth Bell Graham for Guideposts magazine. Get out your apron!

It might seem that seeking out or creating a "thin space" ... and visiting it regularly ... is just adding more activity to our already busy lives. But putting God first, and letting other things fall into place can really work. That "first" thing is eloquently expressed in Melissa Jean's vocal rendition of Psalm 27: "One thing that I desire from the Lord: that one thing will I seek for. That I may dwell in His house, and inquire in His temple; and behold the beauty of the Lord."

The Lord's house, and its promises of joy, security, uncompromising answers and profound acceptance, can be found not just in church on Sunday morning but at any time and in any place. Look around and discover where you best hear and respond to God. And make that your own "thin place."

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... Christ moments.

Meeting again yesterday morning was the "Monday Group" ... Bethany's biweekly gathering of 10 or so individuals who find a lot in common despite owning distinctly different opinions and viewpoints. More and more, participants are opening up to each other—sharing dreams, disappointments, challenges and sorrows. We may have greeted each other months (or years) at Sunday morning worship services. Maybe sent (or received) the occasional birthday or "get well" card. Perhaps even served together on a committee or project. We may have thought we knew each other ... then along came the Monday Group and we discovered ... we really didn't. Not deeply, that is.

But now, by having met together for about a year, it seems natural to talk through what's troubling us, to truly listen to one another .. even to take issue with something somebody said or did that bothers us. These are all "Christ moments"—times we are asked to overlook what separates us and be assured of God's grace as we seek to do His will. Who would have thought that such intimacy and connection could evolve from something as basic as a book-and-Bible-study kind of activity?

Maybe it's not so surprising that this regular little gathering kind of defines what Bethany—now in its 110th year as a church—has come to: be a caring community that is both grounded in the past and yet not afraid to take risks. When we use our collective memories, honoring what we as a congregation have achieved and meant to so many over the decades, we renew ourselves as God's people. And renewal can lead to confidence and the willingness to look at everything through new eyes. Sometimes we might not like what we see. Sometimes we are afraid of what we might see. During these Christ moments, we are asked not just for our loving attention to God, but our patience as well. Like our relationships with one another, there is hidden depth waiting to be discovered.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

… miracles.

Less than 90 miles north of us, the world is turning upside down for families and communities. Since its start (due to arson) in Chico last Wednesday the Park Fire now has encompassed 386,764 acres in four counties. Look at the combined effort it is taking to bring this disaster under control:

Several former (from the '70s) Bethany youth group members (Jim Crandell, David Betts and Steve Betts) have been using technology resources and professional contacts to follow the advance of the Park Fire, enabling Bethany's Prayer Team to direct prayers to affected individuals and neighborhoods. To these guys, monitoring the emergency channels is not just a hobby; for one of them (Steve, son of late Bethany member Bob Betts and brother of Cathy Betts Sapunor), it's been a gripping and tense week as his own home is within a quarter mile of where fire crews battled the blaze on Highway 32. Evacuated to Chico with his wife, three dogs and a cat (and all the "important" stuff that could be carried in their trailer), retired engineer Steve waited and watched (remotely) as the skills of all the fire fighting experts were put into play. In similar circumstances were several family members of Howard McMackin, whose properties were also threatened.

Bethany's Prayer Team prayed around the clock for a successful outcome. And for the safety of the fire fighters risking their lives. When the fire jumped Highway 32 on Thursday night, the situation looked grim. "I've already made peace with the house being gone, but maybe I'll be surprised," said Steve. Bethany's "prayer warriors" did not let up. And today Steve's wife Ali was able to write a message—as they prepared to return to the home miraculously saved by firefighters (a helicopter had even dropped water in their backyard to extinguish a "hot spot")—to say "thank you" to all who have been praying. "Thanks for the love," she says.

No firefighters' lives have been lost and the fire is nearly 18% controlled. Considering that just a day or so ago, the fire was 0% controlled, that's saying something. And it is amazing how these teams of fire experts have been able to come together—most not knowing each other until their arrival on the scene—and apply their collective skills and talents. Moreover, behind the scenes, community volunteers have stepped up to provide emergency housing for displaced residents and safe pastured space for large animals (horses and cattle, for example) which had to be evacuated. It's something to marvel at: how does everybody DO this on a moment's notice? How is everything coordinated so quickly and so well? Surely, as the Park Fire rages on, the hand of God is upon everybody and everything.

When we pray, miracles happen. We should look for them in not only big "inferno" situations but also in the small, humble circumstances of the everyday. In the words of Jesus, as recorded in Mark 9: 23, "Everything is possible for one who believes."

—Cathy Betts Sapunor