“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities,
but in the experts’s there are few.” (Shunryu Suzuki)
If ever there was an era lousy with experts, we’re in it.
If ever there was a temptation to think, "There’s no way out of this mess," it’s now.
We are always in need of more possibilities because the world, the powers that be, empires and evil all tell the lie that we are out of options. That hope is useless. That change is not coming.
Jesus knew it would feel this way. And he told us what it would take to resist: becoming like little children. Looking at this old world with new eyes. And being, in fact, born again. (The guy to whom he said it was, like, “How’s that supposed to happen?”) So let’s begin.
Come lay aside certainty and expertise in exchange for wonder, humility, and curiosity. This February Sunday mornings at 10:30 am in the sanctuary or online. Children’s Sunday School is in session January 11th, 18th, and 25th; kids 4 and up are invited to attend Sunday School after we pass the peace.
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Join The Outer Belt Pilgrimage
Feb. 21st
Join us for the next leg of our Outer Belt Pilgrimage! We’ll be walking together on Saturday Feb. 21st
If you can’t make it this time, consider joining us for our next journey on March 14th!
For more info, reach out Vince at vince@bethanychicago.com and/or go to outerbelt.org
Faith & Politics Small Group
Sundays in January
How do we address injustice and how does that relate to our concepts of faith (broadly understood)? Join Dublin-based Susan Burgess on-line and explore how others (e.g., Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Harvey Milk, Derek Bell, Dolores Huerta, AOC) have tried to make political change in a way that aligns with their visions of the world. We’ll use their examples to help us reflect upon our own faith journeys in relation to political change. Group members will view documentaries on their own which we will then discuss together as a group in weekly meetings on Zoom on Sunday, January 4, 11, 18, 25 from 2-3 pm. Sign up at here if you plan to join us!
Sunday School Returns
January 11th
Sunday school resumes for Bethany kids on January 11. We meet downstairs during worship with Ms. Judy leading younger group and Ms. Kezia teaching the older class. We will start 2026 with lessons from the life of Jesus.
During worship, kids are invited to go to Sunday school after we pass the peace. Our teachers are professional educators and parents, creating an inclusive experiential learning environment. On non-Sunday School weeks, there’s (often) Children’s Time and a kids’ bulletin — plus regular nursery care every week.
