[Bethany Lutheran Church] Wednesday Words and Bethany Newsletter for November 27, 2013

Wednesday Words for November 27, 2013

From Pastor Carrie Smith

***Your Bethany Newsletter is attached! Scroll down to find the link. You can read it, print it, forward it to friends, and hang it on your fridge. Enjoy!***

Thought for the Day: 

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” 
― Maya Angelou

***

Tonight at Bethany:  We will gather at 7 pm for a service of the Word and prayer, followed by PIE FEST! Join us as we give thanks to God for blessings of food, family, and friends.

Reminder: The church office is closed on Thursday and Friday, in honor of Thanksgiving. In the case of a pastoral emergency, you can reach Pastor Carrie at any time by cell phone: (815)347-3423.

Sunday at Bethany: Advent is here! As you arrive for worship, take a moment to stop at the “Prayer Wall” (aka the art wall) to add your own prayer, and to pray for others. For what do you wait in hope? For what does the world wait? What darkness does the light of Christ come to banish?

The worship space will gradually change to reflect the coming of the One who is our Hope, Jesus Christ.  Each week, notice how the space becomes a bit merrier as we wait in joyful and hopeful expectation! This year, the weeks of Advent will be marked by the lighting of large candles behind the altar. A huge THANK YOU to our liturgical arts team, who have worked creatively and diligently to enhance our worship through their artistic talents!

At 8:30 a.m., we will enjoy the music of Bethany Choir, and at 10:30 a.m. we will be blessed by the talents of the Sonshine Singers! For this new season, we’ll be singing Setting 5 of the liturgy (which is in a contemplative, chanting style). We’ll also be chanting the Lord’s Prayer! This is new…but a lovely addition for this season. Let’s give it a try!

Hymns will include many Advent favorites: “Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn”, “Hark the Glad Sound”, “Light One Candle”, “Creator of the Stars of Night”, and “Fling Wide the Door”.  See you Sunday!

Mark your calendars: Each Wednesday during Advent we will gather at 7 pm for prayer and worship.

Wed., Dec. 4 at 7 pm:  

Evening Prayer with a special presentation about St. Nicholas

Wed., Dec. 11 at 7 pm: 

Evening Prayer with a special presentation about Santa Lucia

Wed., Dec. 18 at 7 pm: 

Longest Night: a service of communion for those who are grieving,

or who for other reasons find the holidays difficult.

 

Looking for a way to remind yourself of the “reason for the season”? Bookmark this Advent Conspiracy Calendar and check back each day for a tip for “staying the course”: http://www.adventconspiracy.org/default.aspx?page=3816

Or… get the Advent Conspiracy app for iPhone! https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/advent-conspiracy/id732221101?mt=8

Description: What if Christ-followers started a countercultural movement that reached far beyond a few days each December? Our Advent Conspiracy app provides a simple and secure way to make a choices each day to spend less on ourselves and provide access to clean water and justice for those oppressed around the world. Together we are conspiring to spend less, give more, worship fully and love all. Imagine how the world might be different this next year? How might you be different?

***

Texts for this Week: 1^st Sunday of Advent

Prayer of the Day:

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. 
By your merciful protection save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, 
and enlighten our walk in the way of your salvation, 
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. Amen. 

FIRST READING

Isaiah 2:1–5

The visionary message presented in this reading focuses on a future day when God establishes a universal reign of peace. Divine decisions will make war obsolete, and the worshiping community responds: "Let us walk in that light of that Lord now!"

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
²In days to come
the mountain of the LORD's house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
³Many peoples shall come and say,
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths."
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
⁴He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
⁵O house of Jacob,
come, let us walk
in the light of the LORD!

 

PSALM (ELW)

Psalm 122

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." (Ps. 122:1)

¹I was glad when they ^| said to me,

     "Let us go to the house ^| of the LORD."

²Now our ^| feet are standing

     within your gates, ^| O Jerusalem.

³Jerusalem is built ^| as a city

     that is at unity ^| with itself;

⁴to which the tribes go up, the tribes ^| of the LORD,

     the assembly of Israel, to praise the name ^| of the LORD.   R

⁵For there are the ^| thrones of judgment,

     the thrones of the ^| house of David.

⁶Pray for the peace ^| of Jerusalem:

     "May they pros- ^| per who love you.

⁷Peace be with- ^| in your walls

     and quietness with- ^| in your towers.

⁸For the sake of my kindred ^| and companions,

     I pray for ^| your prosperity.

⁹Because of the house of the ^| LORD our God,

     I will seek to ^| do you good."   R

 

 

 

SECOND READING

Romans 13:11–14

Paul compares the advent of Christ to the coming of dawn. We live our lives today in light of Christ's coming in the future.

¹¹Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; ¹²the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; ¹³let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy.¹⁴Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

 

 

 

GOSPEL

Matthew 24:36–44

Jesus describes his second coming as a sudden, unexpected event that will bring salvation or judgment upon people caught up in the usual affairs of daily life. He urges people to be alert and expectant.

³⁶But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³⁷For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ³⁸For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, ³⁹and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. ⁴⁰Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. ⁴¹Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. ⁴²Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. ⁴³But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. ⁴⁴Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.

 

Peace,

Pastor Carrie Smith

Carrie.smith@bethanylc.com

Attachments:

Bethany Weekly 11-27-13.pdf

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith

[Bethany Lutheran Church] Missing Jeep Key

Dear Bethany Members,

On Sunday, one of our members Shannon Holtz misplaced a Jeep Key.  She believes it may have been put in the wrong coat pocket hanging on the coat rack outside the sanctuary wall.

If find this key please call or email Shannon Holtz @ 847-650-1273 or shannonjai@comcast.net

Thanks,

Pr. Paul

This email sent by:

Paul Cannon

[Bethany Lutheran Church] Wednesday Words and Bethany Newsletter for November 20

Wednesday Words for November 20, 2013

From Pastor Carrie Smith

Your Bethany Weekly Newsletter is here! 

Scroll down to the bottom of this email for the link. Enjoy! 

Thought for the Day:

(on the upcoming 50^th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy)

“Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.” – JFK

***

Sunday at Bethany: This is the last Sunday of the church year! On Christ the King Sunday, we celebrate that Christ is the king of the church—but not like any earthly king. We’ll hear the story of the crucifixion, which seems odd at this time of year, but which sets us up to await, with joyful expectation, the birth of the King of Kings at Christmas!

Bethany Choir will be singing at 8:30 am, and the Sonshine Singers will be singing for us at 10:30 am. As a congregation, we will sing “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”, “Jesus Shall Reign”, “Let Us Break Bread Together” and one of my favorites, “Holy God, Holy and Glorious.”

Pastor Paul will be preaching and presiding, as I will be in Baltimore at a continuing education conference (the American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature: you can read about this conference here: www.aarweb.org)

Stewardship drive! Thank you to each of you who has turned in a pledge card and time/talent survey! We have already had a great turn-out, but we know there are many of you who were not able to make it to church on Sunday. Please turn in your pledge cards ASAP (a basket will be placed at the entrance to the worship space for the next few weeks, or you can mail it into the office). You may also be receiving a phone call from Council member Cheryl Reimer, as a reminder to renew your pledge. Thank you for your generous giving!

Colonial Café Disney Wish Fundraiser: Tonight, from 4-10 pm at Colonial Café on Rt. 14 is a fundraiser for Bethany member Hannah Sorenson. Hannah is in hospice care, and her wish is to go to Disney with her brothers! The funds being raised now are to help with the rental of a vehicle that can get the family to Florida. Thank you for helping make Hannah’s wish come true!

Junior High and High Schoolers: Are you signed up yet for the Mystery Dinner and the Progressive Dinner taking place this weekend? Email Pr. Paul if you still want to participate! Paul.cannon@bethanylc.com

This Sunday evening is the FaithBridge Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, taking place at 7 pm at the McHenry Jewish Congregation at 8617 Ridgefield Road. This is an opportunity to gather with your neighbors who are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist, to give thanks for God’s blessings and to celebrate what unites us rather than what divides us! It will be a joyful evening of music and stories, followed by a reception.

Would you like to help the people affected by the tornadoes in Illinois? You can send gifts to the Central/Southern Illinois Synod at: 524 S. 5^th Street, Springfield, IL  62701-1822 or to Lutheran Disaster Response at: 39330 Treasury Center, Chicago, IL  60694

 

This Week’s Texts: Christ the King Sunday

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God, our true life, to serve you is freedom, and to know you is unending joy.

We worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory.

Abide with us, reign in us, and make this world into a fit habitation for your divine majesty,

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

FIRST READING

Jeremiah 23:1–6

Today's reading builds on the common ancient Near Eastern metaphor of the king as shepherd. Judah's unjust rulers have caused their people, their "flock," to be scattered. Nevertheless, the Lord will raise up a new and righteous shepherd who will rule a restored Judah.

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD. ²Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the LORD. ³Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. ⁴I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the LORD.
⁵The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. ⁶In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness."

 

 

PSALM (ELW)

Psalm 46

I will be exalted among the nations. (Ps. 46:10)

¹God is our ref- ^| uge and strength,

     a very present ^| help in trouble.

²Therefore we will not fear, though the ^| earth be moved,

     and though the mountains shake in the depths ^| of the sea;

³though its waters ^| rage and foam,

     and though the mountains tremble ^| with its tumult.

⁴There is a river whose streams make glad the cit- ^| y of God,

     the holy habitation of ^| the Most High.

⁵God is in the midst of the city; it shall ^| not be shaken;

     God shall help it at the ^| break of day.

⁶The nations rage, and the ^| kingdoms shake;

     God speaks, and the earth ^| melts away.   R

⁷The LORD of ^| hosts is with us;

     the God of Jacob ^| is our stronghold.

⁸Come now, regard the works ^| of the LORD,

     what desolations God has brought up- ^| on the earth;

⁹behold the one who makes war to cease in ^| all the world;

     who breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,

     and burns the ^| shields with fire.

¹⁰"Be still, then, and know that ^| I am God;

     I will be exalted among the nations;

     I will be exalted ^| in the earth."

¹¹The LORD of ^| hosts is with us;

     the God of Jacob ^| is our stronghold.   R

 

 

SECOND READING

Colossians 1:11–20

An early Christian hymn praises the mystery of the political, personal, and mystical Christ, the one who was present at creation and is eternally reigning with God.

¹¹May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully ¹²giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. ¹³He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
¹⁵He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; ¹⁶for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers — all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. ¹⁹For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

 

 

 

GOSPEL

Luke 23:33–43

Amid scoffing and slander from those who sarcastically call him Messiah and king, Jesus reveals that to be Messiah and king is to give one's life for others. Here he uses his power to welcome a despised sinner to paradise but puts his own death into God's hands.

³³When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[ ³⁴Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. ³⁵And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" ³⁶The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, ³⁷and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" ³⁸There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
³⁹One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" ⁴⁰But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." ⁴²Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." ⁴³He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

 

 

Peace,

Pr. Carrie Smith

Carrie.smith@bethanylc.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments:

Bethany Weekly 11-20-13.pdf

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith

[Bethany Lutheran Church] MLK Middle-school essay contest

For Immediate Release 
Date: November 15, 2013
Contact: The Rev. Anne S. Muelleman 847-516-1950 
                The Rev. Carrie B. Smith  815-347-3423

 
 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest

Crystal Lake ....An essay contest for middle school students honoring the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech has been added to the program of the 2014 MLK Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 20, 2014, according to the event co-chairs. 

The theme of the essay contest, open to 6th 7th and 8th grade students in Crystal Lake and the surrounding area, is “My dream for the world is...”  Essays between 300-350 words are to be submitted to faithbridgeessay@gmail.com no later than December 15, 2013.  One winner will be awarded $50, plus two tickets to the 2014 FaithBridge-sponsored Martin Luther King breakfast.  The winner will also read his or her essay as part of the program.   

The breakfast will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at D'Andrea Banquets (4419 Highway #14) in Crystal Lake. Tickets for the vegetarian buffet are $20 for adults and $15 for students and are available from FaithBridge supporting organizations. (contact The Rev. Anne Muellemann at revannes@sbcglobal.net or 847-516-1950for more information)

Plemon T. El-Amin , Imam Emeritus of the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, one of the country's largest and most progressive mosques, is keynote speaker at this fifth annual Martin Luther King, Jr.  2014 Interfaith Prayer Breakfast.  

FaithBridge is a consortium of faith-based communities in McHenry and Lake Counties which seeks to promote mutual understanding and respectful relationships among diverse communities; to develop interfaith communication, understanding, cooperation, spiritual practice and action; to foster a network of community leaders; to create opportunities or learning, fellowship and dialogue; and to nurture a culture of justice, peace and healing.

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith

[Bethany Lutheran Church] REMINDER: tomorrow is stewardship commitment Sunday!

Dear Bethany members, 

If you haven't already, please bring your pledge sheets and time/talent surveys to church tomorrow! A basket will be placed by the entrance to the worship space, and will be brought up during the regular offering. Your pledge helps the finance team plan for the upcoming year!

As of Friday, 24 general fund pledges and 11 building pledges had been received, out of 500+ families. 

Thank you for your generous giving of time, talent, and treasure! See you at church!

Peace,

Pr. Carrie Smith  

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith

[Bethany Lutheran Church] notice of congregational meetings December & January

Greetings! Hope you will plan to attend:

OFFICIAL NOTICE
Bethany Lutheran Church

Special Congregational Meetings

 

DECEMBER 15 - Between services in sanctuary
Purpose: Review proposed ratified constitution

 
JANUARY 26 - after 10:30 service in sanctuary
Purpose: Annual Congregational Meeting - review of budget, annual reports,
approval of council nominees, approval of synod delegates, and a vote to adopt ratified constitution

 
Copies of ratified constitution are available in the Library and on MemberConnect.

Copies of budget and annual reports available in January.

 
Questions? Please contact Bethany Gola (bethanygola@att.net)

or Joel Thoreson (jathoreson@yahoo.com)

 

In Christ,

Your Bethany Council Team

This email sent by:

Bethany Gola

[Bethany Lutheran Church] Wednesday Words and Bethany Weekly for Nov 13

Wednesday Words for November 13, 2013

From Pastor Carrie Smith

Please scroll down to open the Bethany Weekly newsletter! You can also pick up a printed newsletter from the ushers on Sunday, or at the information desk at any time.

The newsletter is also found here: www.bethanylc.com

 

Thought for the Day:  

“We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary,

small (and yet really not small) gifts.”

― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community

***

Sunday at Bethany: This is the last “regular” Sunday of the church year! November 24th is Christ the King Sunday, and then (gulp) it’s on to Advent! We will be blessing our stewardship commitments this Sunday during worship. Please bring your pledges and surveys and drop them in the basket at the main entrance to the worship space. This basket will be brought up with our regular morning offerings and blessed during the service.

We’ll be blessed by the music of the Sonshine singers at 8:30 am and the Bethany choir at 10:30. Our worship services will be packed with favorite hymns: “Canticle of the Turning”, “How Firm a Foundation”, “When Peace Like a River”, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” and then ending with “Soon and Very Soon”. Come ready to sing!

Sunday afternoon, come back at 4 pm for the first concert of the 2013-2014 season of the Bethany Arts Series. “Dr. Mezzo and Mr. High” is a humorous take on some very familiar music. The musicians are coming to us from Canada, Austria, and Washington D.C.! This concert is lovingly sponsored by the Stefan family in memory of Wendy Stefan. A reception will follow.

How to help the Philippines: If you are like me, you are wondering how you can help the people of the Philippines. First, you can pray! Second, you can put your dollars to work through Lutheran Disaster Response. Click here to donate: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Disaster-Responses/Ongoing-Responses/Pacific-Typhoon.aspx

 

Thanksgiving Services: Please join us for worship here at Bethany on Thanksgiving Eve at 7 pm, followed by the Annual Pie Fest!

You may also wish to attend the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 24 at 7 pm, at the McHenry County Jewish Congregation (8617 Ridgefield Rd., CL).   Join with people of other faiths to hear stories, sing songs, and express gratitude for blessings! An offering will be taken to benefit local food pantries.

This Week’s Texts: 26th Sunday after Pentecost

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God, the protector of all who trust in you,

without you nothing is strong, nothing is holy.

Embrace us with your mercy,

that with you as our ruler and guide,

we may live through what is temporary without losing what is eternal,

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

FIRST READING

Malachi 4:1–2a

Malachi, whose name means "my messenger," warns that the day of the Lord is coming. On that day, the evil will be destroyed like stubble in a fire, but the "sun of righteousness" will shine on those who fear God.

See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.

 

PSALM (ELW)

Psalm 98

In righteousness will the LORD judge the world. (Ps. 98:9)

1Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done | marvelous things,

     whose right hand and holy arm have | won the victory.

2O LORD, you have made | known your victory,

     you have revealed your righteousness in the sight | of the nations.

3You remember your steadfast love and faithfulness to the | house of Israel;

     all the ends of the earth have seen the victory | of our God.

4Shout with joy to the LORD, | all you lands;

     lift up your voice, re- | joice, and sing.   R

5Sing to the LORD | with the harp,

     with the harp and the | voice of song.

6With trumpets and the sound | of the horn

     shout with joy before the | king, the LORD.

7Let the sea roar, and | all that fills it,

     the world and those who | dwell therein.

8Let the rivers | clap their hands,

     and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD,

     who comes to | judge the earth.

9The LORD will judge the | world with righteousness

     and the peo- | ples with equity.   R

 

SECOND READING

2 Thessalonians 3:6–13

Some members of the Thessalonian community, because of their belief in the nearness of Christ's return, had ceased to work, living off the generosity of other members of the community. Paul warns them bluntly that if they want to eat, they need to work.

6Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, 8and we did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. 9This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. 11For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. 12Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
 

 

GOSPEL

Luke 21:5–19

As history moves toward God's fulfillment there will be frightening signs and events. Before the end, believers will draw strength from their relationship to God and shall be given the words they need to testify and to endure without fear.

5When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6"As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."
7They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" 8And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them.
9"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 10Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
12"But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17You will be hated by all because of my name. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your souls."

 

Peace,

+ Pastor Carrie B. Smith

Carrie.smith@bethanylc.com 

Attachments:

Bethany Weekly 11-13-13.pdf

This email sent by:

Carrie Smith