... 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

… 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

... 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!

---

... 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

---

... 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

... helpers.

Bethany has experienced another loss among its church family. Dolores McMackin passed away this evening after spending a week in the hospital and rehab trying to recover from injuries associated with a fall. As recently as a couple of days ago, when church members visited her, she was in good spirits and had retained her sparkling (and wicked) sense of humor. Folks joked with her about her "unexpected vacation" away from household chores and urged her to take it easy. She agreed that she deserved the break ... but wished she hadn't had to break several ribs to earn it. Word about a memorial service will come soon ... in the meantime, please remember husband Howard, daughter Janna and son Donald (and their spouses and children) in your prayers.

On a related note ... Howard has been coming to church to make coffee nearly every Sunday morning, even while Dolores was home-bound or hospitalized. This couple, who celebrated their 68th anniversary on June 10, have truly been the backbone of Bethany's Fellowship Commission for the past two decades. When thinking of their efforts over the years to make Bethany's coffee hour and social events lovely and meaningful times for everybody, perhaps you'll agree that the apostle Paul's words to the fledgling Christian community in Colossae come to mind:

“And whatever you do,
in word or deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

— Colossians 3:17

This kind of dedication might be considered rare ... and yet, at Bethany, we have many who give generously of themselves on a regular basis to help enrich the lives of others. As Mister Rogers so famously said, in a message to children who might be upset or anxious or grief-stricken, "Look for the helpers." Just as we are secure in the knowledge that God will be with us ... to the end of the age ... we can take comfort in remembering that even in this small congregation, we do not lack the resources to take care of each other. Look for the helpers. Get inspired and be energized by them. Maybe even become one?

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... honest talk about violence.

Summer should be a time of carefree fun ... a time of picnics and pools, families and friends. And, of course, this being an election year, also a time for expressing political views and sharing visions for the future. Sadly, this past weekend showed that our safety when gathering at public events is something we can no longer take for granted. Are we all now at risk simply by leaving our homes?

The truth, in fact, is that violent crime in the U.S. is actually on the decline. Has been for several years. So why do we feel so scared and vulnerable? Possibly because in this digital era, news travels so fast ... and bad news always grabs the biggest headlines. And also maybe because we fear what is out of our hands. We can wear seatbelts, for example, but we cannot control the inattentive driver in the next lane. We don't let this stop us from dashing to the store to pick up a carton of milk. Yet the odds of being in a traffic accident are greater than being a victim of violent crime (which California sources estimate is one victim per 20,000 persons).

Experts say our anxiety and worry probably stem from our perception that "crime is out there, waiting to get us." Will we ever get anything done, or go anywhere, if we constantly feel this way?

It's hard to believe that everything is going to be okay when the world feels like it's falling apart. Beyond taking the usual safety precautions (Don't park in unlit areas! Lock your car!) it seems there's not much else we can do. And that's when God comes into the picture, asking—no, expecting—us to trust him to watch over us. Moreover, he asks—no, demands—that we go further and step in (and speak up) to promote justice and peacemaking. Those are things we can do. And when we can do something, anything, we cease feeling like victims. It takes courage to stay engaged in the real world. Now is the time to remember that God's unsurpassed love and faith in us make that happen.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... responding in new ways.

The heat wave continues! Fortunately, temperatures are predicted to drop soon. In the meantime, we console ourselves with the sure knowledge that "this, too, shall pass." Believe it or not, this expression is not from scripture. But here's something appropriate that is:

“All things are wearisome,
more than one can say.
The eye never has enough of seeing,
nor the ear its fill of hearing.
What has been will be again,
what has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun.”

— Ecclesiastes 1: 8-9

While there may truly be nothing "new" under the sun, there is always something new possible within us ... something shaping and guiding us and causing us to respond in new new ways as God's people. Take, for example, the "cooling center" ministry. It was first organized by Jim Guida during the September 2022 heat crisis (when Sacramento's temperature reached the historical high of 116 degrees). Last week this outreach effort was reactivated by elder Susan Just, providing solace and (air conditioned) comfort to those in need. She and Mike Sutton, joined by other Bethany volunteers, served as hosts Monday-Friday ... and even sought out unhoused members of the public to come in to rest and replenish themselves. This project continues Monday-Tuesday this week.

Have you got an idea of how Bethany can be of service in our community? Has your life at Bethany brought about new ways of thinking, being and doing? Be sure to share these thoughts at the next "focus group" gathering after the worship service on Sunday, July 21.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... the bigger boat.

There was much worldwide jubilation when 2020 crossed over into 2021. “What an awful year,” I heard countless people exclaim. “So glad to be rid of it.”

It was—for me—a hard New Year’s Eve to sit through, let alone celebrate. At our house, no banging of pots and hollering joyfully out the front door, just a perfunctory toast and off to bed. Where I lay awake for hours worrying about 2021. The party boat set sail without me. .

A lot of folks are looking to 2021 as a do-over of 2020. Quite a few have said they’d like to pretend 2020 didn’t even happen. I can understand, but still … I wonder what makes us think 2021 is going to be any better than its predecessor?

I have to bite my lip and appear cheerful when I just know something dreadful lurks below, waiting to surprise and attack. A new strain of COVID-19? Yep. Another tier of lock-downs? Sure thing. Vaccines that might have side effects? Right.

The promotional tag for filmmaker Stephen Spielberg’s 1975 mega-hit “Jaws” read, “You’ll never go in the water again.” The terror, it implied, was limited solely to the ocean. Good old terra firma was safe! I liked that idea. I felt good about that idea. Just stay away from the seashore. Easy peasy.

But today, even being on land isn’t without risk. Worse than a big sea predator—which at least might have a fin sticking up out of the waves to warn you—is the ever-abounding threat of disease. That, to me, is scarier than any fish.

You’ll recall that the heroic sheriff in “Jaws” decides to track down and destroy the threat—just as thousands of epidemiologists and chemists and researchers around the globe are doing right now. Despite all the merry-making that “2020 is history,” the fin continues to circle; the COVID-19 shark is hungry.

While it’s always the right time to embrace new beginnings—and a new year is no exception—we should remember as we enter 2021 to partner our partying with prayer.

• Pray as hard and with as much dedication as our life-savers are dedicating to us.

• Pray for health and well-being of those who care for others, for those we love and those everywhere who are at risk.

• Pray to accept our limitations and yet still live to our fullest capacity.

Actor Roy Scheider, as the sheriff in “Jaws,” had an extremely close-up encounter with the enemy and —in true deadpan delivery—remarked to his hired captain, “We’re going to need a bigger boat.”

Will that bigger boat for you be the tropical cruise you were forced by the pandemic to cancel? Doubtful. Will it offer buffet dinners and nightly dancing and fun shore excursions? Nope. But maybe it will consist of building stronger relationships with loved ones … growing a sense of comfort in times of anxiety … of glimpsing and seizing upon opportunities for enrichment and growth. Whatever ship you sail in 2021, God will be at the helm navigating the tricky waters.

—Cathy Betts Sapunor

... sitting a while at the manger.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40)

Martha was focused on her “to do” list. Her sister Mary was fully aware of all that had to be done, but she put that aside to spend time with Jesus.

At Christmas time, it’s all too easy to become a Martha, caught up in our long “to do” list. Too often, we start focusing on all we want to get done and start resenting that others don’t help us.

Many hands may make the work lighter, but they won’t solve the underlying problem.

What we need isn’t more human help. What we need is more of Jesus. Only he can give us the peace of mind and heart that we crave.

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who came to bring us peace. But he won’t force that peace on you—like Mary, you have to seek it out.

Take time this Christmas to sit a while at the manger. Contemplate what Jesus means to you, and listen to what he has to say. Take time to focus on him instead of on your chores and lists.

Chores are temporary. The peace you get from a relationship with Jesus is everlasting.

—Christine Sackey

... waving goodbye to summer and anticipating the beauty of fall.

August is the time to wave goodbye to summer and anticipate the beauty of fall. Vacations end and children prepare for school. The days are still bright and kissed by the Sun but they are getting shorter. Frosty mornings are a long way off but night has lengthened its grip.

This year is different. Our vacations were aborted in March and schooling remains a mystery. Will it take place at the kitchen table or will children file off to school?  Will our homes still be our workplaces and for how long?

As we transition into this quagmire of uncertainty, let use keep the words of Isaiah 26: 3-4 in mind:

Thou dost keep him in perfect
whose mind is stayed on thee,
because he trusts in thee.

Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

God is my source of peace. I know that there is a path for me in the most difficult and trying circumstances. This path will help me grow in peace, joy and wisdom. Can these verses help you as we move into the future?

P.S. I set my alarm to this song when I need to awaken to the day in a strong and energetic manner. It is based on Isaiah 26: 3-4. It is called “Perfect Peace” and it is performed by Andre Crouch and the Disciples.

—Jackie Sneed 

... justice.

JUST this:
Be fair.
Honest.
Kind.
What you want for yourself and your family,
help others so attain.

Just THIS:
Love one another
as Christ loved—
will never stop loving—
us.

—CBS

PHOTO: CAROLYN LIEBRAND

… looking ahead.

As we live in this time of the pandemic, with heartache over the many, many people around the world sick and suffering and passing on from this virus, so many emotions fill our hearts and spirits. Yet in the midst of it all, there is beauty and hope and transformation. An inspiring poem by retired Madison, Wisconsin, teacher Kitty O’Meara and the accompanying video so beautifully capture this promise and hope.

— Rev. Janice Kamikawa

In the Time of Pandemic

And the people stayed home.

And they read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still.

And they listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. 

Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.

And the people healed.

And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.

And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.

—Kitty O’Meara

 WATCH THE VIDEO.

Note: after about 5 seconds, you can click “skip the ads” (lower right corner) to go directly to the video.