... letting the Living Water transform us (and others)

Bethany's "movie group" was enjoying lunch Tuesday after seeing the film "The Last Supper" ... when the TV monitor at the restaurant began showing a historic moment. Everyone watched, transfixed, as the space capsule carrying astronauts—two of whom had expected their space stay to last just a few days, not months—splashed into the ocean near Florida.

Those watching were reminded of scenes from the movie they'd just seen, each having to do with water. The turning of water into wine. Disciples on the beach, feeding hundreds and hundreds of people with just a bit of bread and a few freshly caught fish. Jesus in a boat calming the storm.

The safe return home of astronauts was marvelous to behold. As were the curious and playful dolphins surfacing to check out what was happening in their neighborhood. Viewing this with fellow Christians seemed a blessing. Miracles abounding. Prayers answered. God's glory manifested in glistening waves, spirited animals and motivated humans.

On the last and greatest day of the Passover feast—which was depicted in the film—Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.'" (John 7:37-38)

More than 2,000 years later, miraculous and exciting things are still happening. And we are so fortunate to have as nourishment the living water that has the power to transform our lives ... and the lives of all we meet.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... trusting that God is always near.

“When the road you’re on is foggy, do not fear.
The sun still shines above.”

— Nga Chau

These comforting words were spoken by Nga Chau at this week's Presbyterian Women gathering. The morning's discussion had touched on many topics, including fear and grief. Nga reminded everyone that one cannot drive speedily through fog ... that taking it slow is important. And that it also helps to know that the fog will eventually lift. The group agreed: having confidence is key ... and trusting is key.

In this season of Lent, when we reflect on our relationship with Christ, we can be assured that even when we think we are lost, sick, troubled ... seemingly alone ... our Maker is always close at hand.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... putting aside our differences.

When times get tough, it's good to know we have friends. Even when we don't always see eye-to-eye on key issues, our love for each other as fellow children of God should be enough to keep relationships on an even keel. In reality, though, we can find it difficult to be around those who don't share our own vision.

In a small congregation—which, as was pointed out in last Sunday's sermon by Rev. Stephen Smith, consists of many varying and equally essential parts—even the smallest rift or "pulling away" out of frustration or anger can stress and strain the body.

So what can we do? We can stop denigrating those who don't think as we do. We can ask in sincerity why someone believes the way he or she does and try to understand. Most of all, we can look for things that we have in common ... and continue seeking ways to serve and love one another.

God asks that we put differences aside. And that we put HIM first. Because basing everything we do on Him makes the difficult that much easier to achieve. And the rewards—such as friendship—so much lovelier to behold.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... doing the hard things.

Bethany movie-goers experienced the fun of seeing the film Paddington in Peru last Tuesday. In it, Paddington the Bear—with his adoptive British family—travels to the treacherous jungle of South America to reconnect with his aunt. As things start to end happily ever ... as they tend to do in family movies ... Paddington finds himself torn between remaining with relatives in his homeland or returning to England. His aunt tells him it doesn't really matter where he ends up living, reminding him that he is loved no matter where he goes. She also says that in searching for her, he discovered new things about himself. "In finding me, you have found yourself."

At the close of The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy learns that her ruby slippers have special powers; by clicking them she could have gone home to Kansas at any time. Ignorant of this, she has instead undergone a huge ordeal. Instead of getting angry at Glinda the Good Witch, who had not disclosed this important information, Dorothy realizes that it wasn't enough to simply want something ("there's no place like home") ... she needed to work hard to make it happen. The journey ended up being equally as important as the destination.

Last Sunday's congregational vote showed diverse opinions and varying ideas regarding how we should operate as a church. As we are not all of "one in vision" as to ministry and logistics, it's tempting to give up ... to begin disconnecting and distancing ourselves from those with whom we go not agree. Yet it is this very journey, this trek through the unknown, that might be the making of us. No one knows except God. Our faith is needed more than ever as we do the hard things.

At Bethany our journey continues.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... 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