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.”
