Bless This Mess
Dear Bethany,
Atypically, yesterday was my first trip of the year to the Farmer's Market. (Rebecca here.) Many summers, I've prioritized going I find my favorite stands, I figure out what I can afford (only occasionally: the cheese) and what I'm willing to splurge on (fruit. Always). I enjoy the live music when it's there and running into friends — sometimes.
One of the things some market regulars say they appreciate is getting to know the farmers (or even "their farmers"). I've often felt that way too. But this summer, getting to the market, schelpping my bags, finding parking, navigating crowds, and, above all, talking to so many many people (conversations both planned and unexpected) has felt like too much. It's easier, more pleasant even, to go to a store, get in, get out. No farmers, no friends.
Just this morning, I felt mild irritation at the couple ahead of me in line at a coffee shop: too much whimsy, people. Let's keep it moving! While you're chatting up the barista, my one wild and precious life is slipping through my fingers like sand through an hour glass!
But often, I'm the one making small talk, enjoying a little bit of much-needed friendly human connection.
This month's theme is all about doing things the hard, inconvenient, human way. Opting not for contactless drop-off but time-consuming, mildly irritating, human interaction. Which, if you think about it, is very much what the God of the universe chooses to do again and again and again.
So join us Sunday mornings in July at 10am to Bless this Mess. We're talking imperfection, inefficiency, inconvenience, and all things human.
(PS Bless this mess?? Someone at the coffee shop where I'm writing is now improvising on the piano. I couldn't have planned it any better. Nor would I have!)
Summer Worship
We spend summer worship in our beautiful courtyard to catch whatever breezes we can at 10 a.m. Bring a blanket (although we have chairs!), bring your iced coffee, bring your kiddo(s), and join us for the same eclectic, joyful worship we have year-round.
Join us Sundays at 10 am on the lawn (weather permitting) or online.
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Join the Outer Belt Pilgrimage
July 11th
After a brief hiatus, we are back for another Outer Belt journey! Join us on Saturday, July 11th as we continue our 210 mile pilgrimage looping our city in prayer!
If you can’t make it this time, consider joining for our next walk on Saturday, August 15th
Sign up here if you plan on walking with us!
Get Knit Together!
July 28th
Bethany is full of crafters and crafters-to-be (and people who like to hang out with crafters) and now there's a time and place for all of it. Join Emily Kuttner on the last Tuesday of each month (June 30 - Dec 29 for starters) in the fellowship hall. BYO knitting, crocheting, whittling, doodling, and/or a friend and hang out with music and conversation. Open to all, regardless of knitting knowledge, skill-level, or interest. No sign up necessary.
First gathering Tues June 30th, 7 pm.
Salt & Light Coalition
August 12th
Salt and Light Coalition empowers survivors of human trafficking to thrive through a trauma-informed approach, including life skills and workplace readiness training. Join Johnny Buranosky and longtime Salt & Light volunteer Gina Henrickson in Bucktown the morning of Wednesday, August 12 from 9 am to Noon.
We are looking for 6 people to volunteer at this time. For more info, please contact Gina Henrickson or Johnny Buranosky.
