Theme Songs —
and other signs that something good’s about to happen
Who even listens to theme songs?
But imagine the days before there was a “skip intro” button, or streaming, or even VCRs. If you wanted to watch a TV show, you watched when it was on, that one time a week, or you didn’t watch it at all. Theme songs can function like an alarm clock. Some of us remember yelling or hearing over a familiar tune: “It’s ON!”
Now that most folks skip them, theme songs have been trending shorter. But even a short theme song can preview the vibe. Think about the Sopranos theme song. In feeling and lyrics, it’s heavy, measured, threatening, and also: cool. Or The Simpsons: kinda zany, spirited, energetic, fast. A good theme song sets the tone and in doing so, makes a promise: this is what it’s gonna be like.
A really good theme song also lays out the premise. Cheers, a bar and a show filled with regulars, starts out with “Sometimes you wanna go: where everybody knows your name.” This show is funnier than the song, but you get the idea. It’s about community; we’re friendly; we’re approachable.
A great theme song lays out the premise and also makes it universal, something anyone could relate to. Which is why, on so many “best ever” lists, The Jeffersons ranks #1.
The premise: the main characters have made it. They’re changing status, tax brackets, and neighborhoods. And the feeling of making it, getting out, looking back on struggle? If it’s not universal, it’s universally appealing. However specific this story is, it’s also a story for everyone.
All of which is why our theme this June is Theme Songs. (Well, that and it’s really fun to sing some of these.) Because:
The thing we’ve wanted is starting. In fact, the thing God has wanted is starting. Scripture proclaims that over and over. And tells us in the mouths of parents, poets, and prophets: here’s what it’s gonna be like. And while the stories of Scripture might be as far removed from the particulars of your daily life as Lost or Gilligan’s Island, it’s also a universal story that is absolutely for you.
Join us Sundays at 10 am on the lawn (weather permitting) or online.
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Celebrate Pride with Flamy Grant
June 12th
Last year, some of us got to hear Christian music chart-topping artist and drag queen (yep, that’s right!) Flamy Grant at Friendship Presbyterian. This year, she’s back on Friday, June 12th. Tickets are going FAST so if you want to attend, grab yours now.
Here’s the pitch, from Flamy:
It’s Queer Joy with an Appalachian Backbeat. Bear witness to a rhinestoned revival featuring the drag star who has the music world doing a double-take. This Pride season, Flamy Grant takes you into a world where her Appalachian roots meet high-octane drag artistry in a storytelling concert unlike any other.
And this just in! In June, Flamy’s donating 10% of ticket sales to Camp Transcending Adolescencein North Carolina. She’ll have out a tip jar on the 12th so we can kick in to make a safe, supportive environment for trans and gender-nonconforming teens.
Friday, June 12
5150 N Northwest Highway
Doors at 630; show at 7
All ages and, last year at least, BYOB
Group Dinner at The Crib
June 20th
The Crib is an overnight space for 21 young people, ages 18-24, to eat good food, get a good night’s sleep, be part of a community, shower, do laundry, and share safe and affirming space together.
Volunteer groups will prepare the meal at the Crib, serve and clean up! Volunteers will be contacted with meal details after sign-up for what to bring and details. Not able to bring item for dinner and just want to cook? - sign up! Trust the process. If you have any questions regarding the sign-up., logistics or helpful hints email Johnny.buranosky@gmail.com
Welcome (back) to our new Children and Families Minister: Xander King!
We are excited to announce that Bethany has hired Xander King for our Director of Children and Families Ministry position! While Xander is well-known at Bethany, the committee received 23 applicants and interviewed 7 candidates over three rounds of interviews! We are grateful for all the hard work they put in and very excited for Xander to begin this new position.
Congratulate him when you see him, and start thinking about how you would like to support Children's Ministry at Bethany in the coming year!
