Sorry for the mysterious broken link in the Wednesday Words! Here is the link to the article on minimalism and de-cluttering your life:
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_eye/2014/05/26/the_minimalists_everything_that_remains_is_a_new_memoir_about_living_with.html
Pr. Carrie
Wednesday Words for May 28, 2014
From Pastor Carrie Smith
Scroll down to the bottom of this email
to find your Bethany Weekly newsletter!
Thought for the Day:
"The early church's belief in the Ascension can be read as its refusal to allow its Lord to be localized or spatially restricted. The Ascension in its simplest terms means that Jesus is mobile."
- Harvey Cox
***
This weekend at Bethany: It’s time for the Annual Church Basement Sale and Eco-Fair!
Basement Sale: Friday, 9 am – 3 pm and Saturday, 9 am – noon
Eco-Fair: Saturday, 9 am – noon
Sunday at Bethany: Christians across the world celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord on Thursday, May 29. Because it falls in the middle of the week (and in a busy time of year for our community), we often miss the story of what happens between Easter and Pentecost! This year, therefore, we will hear the Ascension readings on Sunday, June 1st. Pastor Paul will be preaching, and we will sing hymns that remind us of how Jesus is still Lord, just in a new way after the Ascension: “Crown Him with Many Crowns”, “Beautiful Savior”, and “O Christ Our Hope.”
Congratulations, Graduates! At both the 8:30 am and 10:30 am services, we’ll be honoring those who are graduating from 8th grade, high school, college, and other schools. Please come and let your faith community honor your great accomplishments!
De-cluttering as a lifestyle choice: As part of our preparation to serve in Global Mission, our family has been undertaking a dramatic paring down of our possessions. I’ve found it to be freeing! So I was interested to read this article. I think I’ll check out the book, too, called “Everything That Remains.” What do you think? What do we gain by letting go? And what would Jesus say about this?
Thoughts on transitions: It’s hard to believe I only have three Sundays left at Bethany! Pastoral transitions are difficult for everyone—for those of us who are leaving, for those of you who are staying, and especially for the staff and the leadership at the church who are making sure everything stays on track.
I’d like to say thank you to Pr. Paul, the church office staff, and the Council, who are working so hard to ensure a positive transition, and for being so generous with my family during this time. Please, take time to say thank you to them when you see them as well!
A few updates, since many of you have asked:
***
Texts for this week: Ascension of Our Lord
Almighty God,
your only Son was taken into the heavens
and in your presence intercedes for us.
Receive us and our prayers for all the world,
and in the end bring everything into your glory,
through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
FIRST READING Acts 1:1–11
Before he is lifted into heaven, Jesus promises that the missionary work of the disciples will spread out from Jerusalem to all the world. His words provide an outline of the book of Acts.
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. "This," he said, "is what you have heard from me; 5for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
6So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
PSALM (ELW) (ALTERNATE) Psalm 93
1The LORD is king, robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty and | armed with strength.
The LORD has made the world so sure that it can- | not be moved.
2Ever since the world began, your throne has | been established;
you are from | everlasting. R
3The waters have lifted up, O LORD, the waters have lifted | up their voice;
the waters have lifted up their | pounding waves.
4Mightier than the sound of many waters,
mightier than the breakers | of the sea,
mightier is the LORD who | dwells on high.
5Your testimonies are | very sure,
and holiness befits your house, O LORD,
forever and for- | evermore. R
SECOND READING Ephesians 1:15–23
The risen and exalted Christ reigns over the entire universe. The author of Ephesians prays that we would be given the wisdom to comprehend this and display it through love toward others.
15I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
GOSPEL Luke 24:44–53
On the day of his ascension, Jesus leaves his disciples with a commission, a blessing, and a promise of the Holy Spirit.
44Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you — that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." 45Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
50Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Peace,
Pastor Carrie Smith
Hi Bethany Family,
The office recently received some upgrades to our internet (thanks be to God!) but for the time being our email is down. We have not been able to receive emails since Friday, so if you've sent an email during that time, we apologize for the inconvenience. Hopefully the matter will be resolved quickly.
In the mean time, the best way to contact us is the old fashioned way (by phone). The church's number is 815-459-2690.
And don't forget - the office is closed tomorrow for Memorial Day.
Blessings!
Pr. Paul Cannon
Wednesday Words for May 21, 2014
From Pastor Carrie Smith
*** scroll down for the Bethany Weekly Newsletter link! ***
Thought for the Day:
“We were never told that it would not hurt, only that nothing would ever finally go wrong; not that it would not often go hard with us but that there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”
Robert Farrar Capon,
Between Noon & Three: Romance, Law & the Outrage of Grace
***
Today at Bethany: Congratulations to the students who graduated from Bethany Preschool today! (and please pass the word that we are still actively seeking students for the preschool. Check out their website at http://bethanypreschool.weebly.com/ )
Saturday at Bethany: Property Team needs YOU! We’re ready to mulch the Bethany property on Saturday morning, May 24th, beginning at 8:00 a.m. We need many hands to make light work! Craig Gaffney of US Lawns Landscaping will be providing 3 wheelbarrows and some tools. Please bring your own wheelbarrow if you have one. Also gloves, and rakes. We will have coffee and donuts. Let's get the property looking fabulous just in case summer actually arrives this year! For more information contact Bob DeGroot at 773 805-1675.
VBS is coming! Vacation Bible School is coming soon….check out the details here: http://www.bethanylc.com/vbs/
Eco-Fair/Garage Sale Reminders: Secure Paper Shredding will be offered again this year at the eco-fair. For more information see the newsletter.
Garage Sale Donation Start Date: Thursday, May 22
Please do not leave garage sale donations on the landing during office hours.
Please bring donations downstairs to the Community Room. Thank you!
“Where in the world is Sandi?” If you’ve come looking for our lay ministry coordinator, Sandi Teiken, and have been surprised not to find her at her desk—do not fear! Sandi is fine! As of May 1st, at her request, she is working only 3 days a week, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Sandi has been an important part of the ministries here at Bethany for more than 25 years. She has supported many projects and people through the years. Reducing her hours is part of Sandi’s “intentional interim” plan to have more people become actively involved as she looks toward retirement. Now it’s time for us to support her as she prepares to pass her job on to the next person! As Sandi often says, “many hands make light the work” as we live into the ELCA motto: “God’s Work, Our Hands.”
This week’s texts: 6th Sunday of Easter
Prayer of the Day:
Almighty and ever-living God,
you hold together all things in heaven and on earth.
In your great mercy receive the prayers of all your children,
and give to all the world the Spirit of your truth and peace,
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 Acts 17:22–31
In Athens, Paul faces the challenge of proclaiming the gospel to Greeks who know nothing of either Jewish or Christian tradition. He proclaims that the "unknown god" whom they worship is the true Lord of heaven and earth who will judge the world with justice through Jesus, whom God has raised from the dead.
22Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, "Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. 23For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, 'To an unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, 25nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. 26From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, 27so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him — though indeed he is not far from each one of us. 28For 'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said,
'For we too are his offspring.'
29Since we are God's offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. 30While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."
Psalm 66:8-20 (Message Version)
Bless our God, O peoples!
Give him a thunderous welcome!
Didn’t he set us on the road to life?
Didn’t he keep us out of the ditch?
He trained us first,
passed us like silver through refining fires,
Brought us into hardscrabble country,
pushed us to our very limit,
Road-tested us inside and out,
took us to hell and back;
Finally he brought us
to this well-watered place.
13-15 I’m bringing my prizes and presents to your house.
I’m doing what I said I’d do,
What I solemnly swore I’d do
that day when I was in so much trouble:
The choicest cuts of meat
for the sacrificial meal;
Even the fragrance
of roasted lamb is like a meal!
Or make it an ox
garnished with goat meat!
16-20 All believers, come here and listen,
let me tell you what God did for me.
I called out to him with my mouth,
my tongue shaped the sounds of music.
If I had been cozy with evil,
the Lord would never have listened.
But he most surely did listen,
he came on the double when he heard my prayer.
Blessed be God: he didn’t turn a deaf ear,
he stayed with me, loyal in his love.
SECOND READING 1 Peter 3:13–22
Christians have a zeal for doing what is right in God's eyes no matter what the circumstances because in baptism we are saved and made alive. Thus our Christian beliefs and behavior are to be a matter of public record just as our baptism is.
13Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?
14But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. 17For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil.
18For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 21And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you — not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
GOSPEL John 14:15–21
In final words to his disciples on the night of his arrest, Jesus encourages obedience to his commandments and speaks of the Spirit, who will be with them forever.
15If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
18I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."
Peace,
Pastor Carrie Smith
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
We want to share with you some changes to our Financial Results dating back to last year.
At our Annual Congregational Meeting held on January 26 we were presented with a Statement of Income and Expense reflecting a deficit for 2013 of $13,889. This loss was particularly onerous to us all as our offerings for the month of December were the highest ever and we believed were sufficient to move us into a positive result even though we had budgeted for a deficit of $9,750.
We devoted a lot of energy and time to determine what happened. Matching expenditures with appropriate dedicated funds as well as other bookkeeping corrections reduced our loss to $6,524…still a loss but within our projections for the year.
Also at our Annual Meeting, we were presented with a report indicating we had a cumulative deficit since 1992 of $73,000 and with a reported deficit for 2013 of $13,889 we ended the year with a deficit of nearly $87,000. This deficit is actually money that has been “borrowed” from our several dedicated funds, such as our Memorial Fund, SCS Benevolence, or Global Mission.
Again after much energy and time we determined that a more accurate calculation reflects a cumulative deficit of $35,463 at the end of 2013. In simple terms, our General Fund, which includes our offerings and expenditures, is comingled with our dedicated funds. At the end of the year, our Cash on Hand number was $34,116 and our dedicated funds totaled $69,579. We “owed” our dedicated accounts $35,463. This practice did not happen overnight and we will not solve this issue quickly, but it is a far better practice than borrowing funds to meet our obligations.
That brings us to today (or April 30, 2014 if you will). Pastor Carrie’s letter that accompanied your Statement of Contributions through April 30 says it all. We are indeed blessed and we support many areas of need other than our own church body. To put your response to our needs in terms that relate to the preceding paragraph, our Cash on Hand number as of April 30 was $25,592 and our dedicated funds totaled $68,391 so we now owe our dedicated accounts $42,799. This increase in the money we owe ourselves is due to expenditures exceeding our contributions this year. Indeed “winter bills were high at the church, just as they were at our homes”. If you are able to give a little extra over the next several months it would help us help others.
Your servants,
Joel Thoreson, Council President
Fred McCullough, Treasurer
| Pastor Carrie's Farewell Coffee(View Online) | ||||||||
| What: | Church-Wide | |||||||
| When: | Sun, Jun 8, 2014, 9:30a - 10:30a | |||||||
| Where: | Luther Hall | |||||||
| RSVP: | Click here to indicate if you will attend or not | |||||||
You are invited to a Farewell Reception for Pastors Carrie and Robert Smith As you are aware, Pastor Carrie has resigned her call with us at Bethany. Her husband Robert’s position with the ELCA Global Mission is being relocated to Jerusalem beginning in late July 2014. Pastor Carrie and the boys will be relocating with him. She has accepted a call to serve as Pastor of the English speaking congregation of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jerusalem and as Assistant to Bishop Manib Younan. Pastor Carrie and her family are taking only 10 bags with them and leaving many of their family remembrances behind. We will be giving the Smith family a monetary gift as an expression of our appreciation. If you would like to participate, please put your contribution (payable to “Bethany Lutheran Church”) in an envelope marked “Carrie” and place it in the Sunday’s offering or mail it to the church office. All envelopes should be returned to the church office by Wednesday, June 4, 2014. Pastor Carrie’s last day of service will be June 15. To celebrate Pastor Carrie’s leadership with us, we ask that you join us for a continental breakfast between services on June 8.
See you on the June 8 as we share our thanks for the ministry of Pastors Carrie and Robert Smith and say good-bye to the Smith family. On behalf of the Congregation Council, Joel Thoreson, Council President | ||||||||
| Pastor Carrie's Farewell Coffee(View Online) | ||||||||
| What: | Church-Wide | |||||||
| When: | Sun, Jun 8, 2014, 10:30a - 11:30a | |||||||
| Where: | Luther Hall | |||||||
| RSVP: | Click here to indicate if you will attend or not | |||||||
You are invited to a Farewell Reception for Pastors Carrie and Robert Smith As you are aware, Pastor Carrie has resigned her call with us at Bethany. Her husband Robert’s position with the ELCA Global Mission is being relocated to Jerusalem beginning in late July 2014. Pastor Carrie and the boys will be relocating with him. She has accepted a call to serve as Pastor of the English speaking congregation of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jerusalem and as Assistant to Bishop Manib Younan. Pastor Carrie and her family are taking only 10 bags with them and leaving many of their family remembrances behind. We will be giving the Smith family a monetary gift as an expression of our appreciation. If you would like to participate, please put your contribution (payable to “Bethany Lutheran Church”) in an envelope marked “Carrie” and place it in the Sunday’s offering or mail it to the church office. All envelopes should be returned to the church office by Wednesday, June 4, 2014. Pastor Carrie’s last day of service will be June 15. To celebrate Pastor Carrie’s leadership with us, we ask that you join us for a continental breakfast between services on June 8.
See you on the June 8 as we share our thanks for the ministry of Pastors Carrie and Robert Smith and say good-bye to the Smith family. On behalf of the Congregation Council, Joel Thoreson, Council President | ||||||||
Wednesday Words for May 14, 2014
From Pastor Carrie Smith
Scroll down to find the link to your Bethany Weekly Newsletter!
Thought for the Day:
This is another day, O Lord...
If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely.
If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.
If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.
And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.”
Kathleen Norris, author of "Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith"
+++
Tonight at Bethany: It’s the last day of Confirmation! Come one, come all—bring an ice cream topping and celebrate from 7-8:30 pm!
Sunday at Bethany: Alleluia, Christ is STILL risen! Indeed, we are still in the Easter season, celebrating the resurrection of our Lord. This week, expect to hear a Gospel text that’s often read as comfort at funerals (“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places…”) We turn to these words at the time of death because they speak of the promise of eternal life we have because Christ has been raised. Alleluia!
We’ll be singing “Alleluia, Jesus is Risen”, “We All Are One in Mission”, and “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds”, among other hymns. The Bethany choir sings at 8:30 am, and we’ll have special music at 10:30 am. It's also the last Sunday of Sunday School. Don't miss this special day!
Summer books: Are you looking for something to read this summer? Here are some suggested books with a spiritual theme:
Jesus: A Pilgrimage by James Martin (I’m reading this now. Fantastic!)
Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner and Saint by Nadia Bolz-Weber
(an easy read, with a little colorful language, written by a Lutheran pastor)
Earthy Mysticism: Spirituality for Unspiritual People by Tex Sample
(A collection of short stories about God appearing in strange ways to normal people—a quick, engaging read)
Faith in the Face of Empire: The Bible Through Palestinian Eyes by Mitri Raheb
(Latest book from Mitri Raheb, pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem)
This Week’s Readings: 5th Sunday of Easter
PRAYER OF THE DAY (ELW)
Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.
Give us grace to love one another,
to follow in the way of his commandments,
and to share his risen life with all the world,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
FIRST READING Acts 7:55–60
Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the apostles to serve tables so that the apostles could be free to serve the word (Acts 6:1-6). Stephen does more than distribute food, however. For his preaching of God's word, he becomes the first martyr of the faith.
55But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56Look, he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" 57But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. 58Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.
PSALM (ELW) Psalm 31:1–5, 15–16
1In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; let me never be | put to shame;
deliver me | in your righteousness.
2Incline your | ear to me;
make haste to de- | liver me.
3Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,
for you are my crag | and my stronghold;
for the sake of your name, lead | me and guide me.
4Take me out of the net that they have secretly | set for me,
for you are my tow- | er of strength. R
5Into your hands I com- | mend my spirit,
for you have redeemed me, O LORD, | God of truth.
15My times are | in your hand;
rescue me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who | persecute me.
16Let your face shine up- | on your servant;
save me in your | steadfast love. R
SECOND READING 1 Peter 2:2–10
Christ is the cornerstone of God's saving work and the foundation of our lives. We are God's chosen, holy people who continuously celebrate and declare the mercy of God we experience through Jesus Christ.
2Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation — 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and 5like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6For it stands in scripture:
"See, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."
7To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe,
"The stone that the builders rejected
has become the very head of the corner,"
8and
"A stone that makes them stumble,
and a rock that makes them fall."
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10Once you were not a people,
but now you are God's people;
but now you have received mercy.
GOSPEL John 14:1–14
On the night that he is to be arrested, Jesus shares final words with his disciples. As the one through whom God is known, he promises to go before them and act on their behalf.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4And you know the way to the place where I am going." 5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
8Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." 9Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
Peace,
Pastor Carrie Smith
Dear Bethany Members,
Please help us spread the word that Bethany Preschool is Crystal Lake's best! We are still actively seeking applications for the 2014-2015 school year.
Feel free to forward this email to anyone you know who is looking for a preschool!
Thank you,
Pr. Carrie Smith
Help spread the word:
Bethany Preschool is Crystal Lake's best!
Still actively seeking students for the 2014-2015 school year
More information here: Bethany Preschool
Call 815-477-7463
or email Pam.McAllister@bethanylc.com
Did you recently give a bag of donations to PADS at Bethany? We have found a packet of photos that are marked "Michelle?Aunty Anna" and appear to be older family photos.
If these are yours, or if you want to check to be sure, please come by the office to take a look. thanks!
Pr. Carrie
Hello Bethany sisters and brothers! I still need four actors to help us out on Pentecost Sunday, which is Sunday, June 8.
This is a short skit, with just a line or two to memorize for each character. No costumes needed. I need you for both services, but the skit is in the beginning half of the service, so you could be out by 11 am.
Please respond if you can help me out! Many thanks!
Pr. Carrie
Wednesday Words for May 7, 2014
From Pastor Carrie Smith
Thought for the Day:
“The way to Christ is first through humility, second through humility, third through humility. If humility does not precede and accompany and follow every good work we do, if it is not before us to focus on, if it is not beside us to lean upon, if it is not behind us to fence us in, pride will wrench from our hand any good deed we do at the very moment we do it.”
Augustine of Hippo, 5th C. bishop and theologian
+++
Tonight at Bethany: Only two more Confirmation sessions left for the year! Choirs will be meeting as well, in preparation for some special upcoming worship services, including Pentecost on June 8.
Theology on Tap: It’s that time again! Meet at Duke’s Alehouse in Crystal Lake at 7:30 pm Thursday for cocktails and conversation; or beer and the Bible; or a jigger of Jesus; or a Guinness and some God-talk! (Beverages optional)
Volunteer Spot: Please check out your Bethany Weekly Newsletter for information about a new way to sign-up for activities at the church! With Volunteer Spot, you can sign up 24/7, and the program will send automated reminders. Please help us to test it out!
End of the year: The end of the school year is right around the corner, and that means the last day for lots of church activities:
Last day of Confirmation: May 14
Last day of Sunday School: May 18
Preschool graduation: May 21
Last choir rehearsals: June 4
Pr. Carrie’s last Sunday: June 15
Living Lutheran: What does it mean to you to “live Lutheran”? Check out this great resource, full of stories about living your faith in the world today: Living Lutheran
Jerusalem church: Some of you have asked me about the church I’ll be serving in Jerusalem. Here is a link with some information about the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem. I’ll be serving the (very small) English-speaking congregation. Redeemer Church
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This Week’s Texts: 4th Sunday of Easter
Prayer of the Day:
O God our shepherd,
you know your sheep by name
and lead us to safety through the valleys of death.
Guide us by your voice,
that we may walk in certainty and security
to the joyous feast prepared in your house,
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 Acts 2:42–47
Today's reading is a description of life in the community following Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was outpoured on God's people. This new community is founded on the teachings of the apostles and sustained in the breaking of the bread.
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
PSALM (ELW) Psalm 23
1The LORD | is my shepherd;
I shall not | be in want.
2The LORD makes me lie down | in green pastures
and leads me be- | side still waters.
3You restore my | soul, O LORD,
and guide me along right pathways | for your name's sake.
4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall | fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they | comfort me. R
5You prepare a table before me in the presence | of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is | running over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days | of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the | LORD forever. R
SECOND READING 1 Peter 2:19–25
Doing the right things does not guarantee that one will not experience difficulties, hardships, rejection, or even suffering. Here Christ is presented as the model for our path of endurance and loyalty to God, particularly in the midst of adversity.
19For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. 20If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
22"He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
25For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
GOSPEL John 10:1–10
Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Good shepherds bring people to life through Jesus, but those who avoid Jesus are dangerous to the flock.
Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." 6Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Peace,
Pr. Carrie Smith
Hello Bethany members! Pentecost is Sunday, June 8, when we will celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples.
I am in need of at least 6 actors for a very brief skit, which will be performed at BOTH SERVICES (8:30 and 10:30 am). You would need to memorize a few lines, but would not need to wear costumes.
If you can commit to those two services, plus a rehearsal between services the week before (June 1) please respond ASAP!
Thanks!
Pr. Carrie