Hand to God
This month at Bethany, our theme is "Hand to God: making commitments, keeping promises, renewing vows." The philosopher, Hannah Arendt, said, "Promises are the uniquely human way of ordering the future." Our lives are constructed from the commitments we make and the ways we keep them. We exchange vows when we get married. We sign contracts when we start a new job. We shake hands to make a deal. Or we pinky swear to keep a confidence.
And then we're true to our word, or we renegotiate the terms of our agreement, or we break our promises. And it shapes the people we become.
The God of the bible relates to their people primarily through promises. Through a covenant. And it structures their life together. Both sides wrestle with and haggle over the terms. Both sides fail to live up to the bargain. And both sides find ways, ultimately, to keep that covenant generation by generation.
Faithfulness, treachery, wrestling, and renewal. We're getting into all of it. As we order our future together and with the God who has promised to love us and keep's their promise. Join us in May!
Find us Sundays mornings at 10:30am in the sanctuary or online!
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June Book Group: Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer
Wednesday June 5th
"A letter can spark a friendship, a friendship can change your life". Join us in reading Frances and Bernard for our next Book Group on June 5th!
This novel portrays two writers drawn into a friendship sparked by mutual admiration. They elegantly convey their reflections, encouragements and chastisements in letters written over a span of 11 years, exploring the limits of faith, passion and sanity. In witness to all the wonder of kindred spirits and bittersweet romance, Frances and Bernard is a tribute to the power of friendship and the people who help us discover who we are.
Please join us in reading if you're interested! Sign up here if you plan to join us to discuss on June 5th
Summer Picnic!
June 2nd After Worship
Starting Sunday June 2nd, we will be shifting to our summer worship schedule, which means Sunday worship will begin at 10 AM outside on the lawn. We will kick off the new worship schedule with our annual Summer Picnic!
Please join us after worship that day for food and coffee on the front lawn. We'll provide the coffee, but we'll need your help with the food! No need to sign-up, just bring a dish to share if you're able. We hope to see you there!
Congregational Retreat
Saturday May 18th 9am-1pm
You’re invited to a half-day, all-congregation retreat on Saturday May 18th, from 9am-1pm. We’ll provide childcare and lunch from Potbellies, and we’ll have a morning full of activities and conversation about what God is calling us to as a community. Mark your calendars and please sign up here if you’re able to attend!
