What do we want to remember, and what do we choose to forget? Who deserves to be honored? What’s worth celebrating? If you want to know what a society values, look to its monuments.
Which explains why they are such a hot topic in our time. From the removal (and resurrection) of problematic historical figures to the erection of a new kind of monument that reckons with historic wrongs; from triumphal arches housing drones and snipers to the removal of painful truths from National Park signage, our monuments reveal a struggle to decide who we are and where we are going. A struggle written in stone.
For the people of God, it’s nothing new. The Bible is full of stories of people setting up stones to mark the spot where God saved their lives or two enemies found peace. But at other times, God knocks down towers and objects to temples, preferring that the people remember with their bodies not their buildings.
What does it all mean for us, as people called to remember the truth and repent our sin, as those who long to leave a legacy of hope for our children and those who are learning that sometimes the best mark we can leave is no mark at all? Join us in November for “Monumental.”
Sunday school is now back in session!
We are so excited to continue our year diving into the Fruits of the Spirit from now through May.
We can’t wait to sing worship songs, explore Biblical stories, and engage activities together in our k-2nd and 3rd-6th grade classes.
You can sign the Sunday School check in form when you join for worship. The kids will go to their classes after passing of the peace and you can pick them up downstairs after worship. If you want to learn more about what we talked about in Sunday School, check out the “This Week in Sunday School” flier outside the Fellowship Hall!
Sundays at 10:30 am in-person or online.
Sign up for the weekly email to stay in touch, for links, and the latest on everything we’re up to.
And, new!, subscribe to our calendar (a work in progress!) or view it here.
2027 STEWARDSHIP
Find yourself at Bethany
There’s a lot going on at Bethany these days. More than any one person is called to. More than any one household can do.
You’ve got a standing invitation to find yourself in the mix.
You’ve got a standing invitation to allow yourself to be found. By the community, by God, and by God’s particular call on your particular life.
This stewardship season, find yourself at Bethany. Look around at what’s on offer, dream together of what more God is calling us to, and then let us know you’re…
Make your pledge at the link above or return the pledge card (from your mail or in the bulletin) to the church. Thank you for all the ways you give!
Martinmas Lantern Parade
Nov 11th, 5:30 pm
Come celebrate Martinmas, an old Christian holiday named for St. Martin. Hundreds of years ago, it marked the beginning of a longer Advent season, and for hundreds of years before that, the beginning of winter and the feast season. We’re marking the day with lanterns, fire, gluhwein, and music from Full Spectrum Bluegrass!
The parade is BYO lantern but if you want support, come to a workshop on Tues evening, Nov 3rd at 7 pm or stay after church on Sun, Nov 8th (during coffee hour or the sew-in).
Come kick off the cozy season and be home in time for school night dinner and bed.
Storytelling for Transformation Workshop
Nov 20th and 21st
Are you interested in the power of stories? Committed to peacemaking? Looking for a way to inspire your community? Join us Nov. 20th from 7-8:30pm, and/or Nov. 21st from 9:30am-5pm at Bethany UCC for a transformative storytelling workshop with Gareth Higgins!
Gareth Higgins is an Irish storyteller who believes stories have the power to inspire justice and peace in a world that desperately needs it. His experience growing up in the midst of conflict has given him a unique perspective on how to transform fear and trauma into something positive.
Gareth will be leading three workshops across two days. There will be a session held on the evening of November 20th from 7-8:30pm, and a morning and afternoon session on November 21st from 9:30am-5pm. Please feel free to join as many sessions as you would like. This workshop is open to all ages. Although this event is held at a church, all people from all backgrounds are welcome. Come and see what transformative storytelling can do for you and your community!
