At a particularly busy time in their work together, Jesus tells the disciples, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile." That's where we got our theme for Lent at Bethany this year, "Come Away with Me." Jesus invites the disciples to retreat, an important spiritual practice, getting away for some quiet and solitude. We hope that's what church can be for you in this next season, and we're going to offer some additional opportunities to do just that.
But retreat is hard. The demands of our lives make the idea of getting away or resting unlikely at best. And in this moment, when there is so much urgent work to be done, we may not even be sure we should retreat, that we're allowed to. And yet, Jesus, in the midst of urgent work, is always wandering off by himself to pray, or taking a nap on a boat in the middle of a storm.
What does it mean to retreat, to withdraw, to absent ourselves even and especially when there is so much to do? Come away with us for the next 40 days, and spend some time in away from the urgency of your life. Rest, reflect, and be renewed this Lent.
Join us Sunday mornings at 10:30 am in the sanctuary or online.
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Celebrate Easter at Bethany
Maundy Thursday - April 2nd
Observe Holy Week and remember the first Last Supper. We’ll have a meal starting at 5:30 (for the school-crowd), stories by some Chicago greats inspired by the events of the last week of Jesus’ life, communion, and an inspired, creative gathering for remembrance and preparation. RSVP here if you plan on joining!
Easter Sunday - April 5th
Join us for Easter this year! We'll have a special service Sunday, April 5th at 10:30am with a string quartet led by Music Director Yasuko Oura! Afterwards, we’ll gather on our front lawn to enjoy coffee and each other's company. We'll also be hosting our annual Easter Egg hunt! Bring your kids, your friends, your chosen family, your parents who have been bugging you to go to church with them for years and come celebrate God’s resurrecting love. All are welcome!
Celebrating Easter takes lots of hands. From greeting to hiding eggs, from decorating the fellowship hall to doing the dishes afterward. Let us know you’re in to help by signing up to volunteer here
Faith & Politics Small Group
April 12th
Join Dublin-based Susan Burgess on-line for the second round of “Faith and Politics,” a small group that addresses injustice in relation to our concepts of faith (broadly understood). Bond with other Bethany members as we try to make sense of the current state of the world and our place in it. We’ll explore how others such as Harvey Milk (LGBT activist), Fred Hampton (Black Panther activist), and Judi Bari (environmental activist) have tried to make political change in a way that aligns with their visions of a just world. Group members will view documentaries on their own, which we will then discuss together as a group in weekly meetings on Zoom on Sunday, April 12, 19, and 26 from 2-3 pm central time. Sign up here!
Family Campout
May 23rd- 25th
Bethany UCC is making plans for our second family camp out weekend for Memorial Day weekend!
We again have reservations at Tower Hill UCC Camp in Sawyer, Michigan (right next to Warren Dunes State Park). The weekend will run Saturday afternoon May 23 to late morning Monday May 25.
The camp has hiking trails, sports fields, camp fire rings, and is walkable the beach on Lake Michigan! Read more at the link below.
To confirm plans for lodging and food, we are asking for an RSVP by Wendesday April 15.
For more information, and to let us know whether you can join us this year, please RSVP at this Google Form.
Questions? Please contact Pastor Vince or Charlie Wysong.
