Keep Church Weird
Almost since the beginning, Christians have faced the temptation to fit in. From the Apostle Paul’s tacit assurances to the Roman Empire (“don’t worry; we’re not preaching a new social order or anything!”¹) to church lobbies that seem designed to look familiar as a Starbucks in a convention center², from Nicodemus’ first visit to Jesus under the cover of darkness³ to the friends at parties who seem like they’re trying to let someone off the hook: “I mean, you’re not that kind of Christian, right?”⁴
But you can’t hide it: church is weird. Now more than ever:
Forgiveness — at a time like this?
Turn the other cheek — when so many in power are taking wild swings and punching down??
Love your enemies??? Jesus never met these enemies.
Not to mention the weirdness of gathering for church: who sings together anymore? what’s up with communion? and the awkward vocabulary?⁵ Just act normal, for crying out loud.
Well: good news, bad news. From the beginning, church has been weird. We are, indeed, preaching a new social order. And the core beliefs are counter-cultural, in every age. And gathering once a week to worship isn’t ever gonna be something that just happens organically: it takes meetings, and planning, and getting up and out of the house when the appealing norm is to sleep in and have brunch. Weird.
But in the new world order: the last are first.
The powerful are humbled.
And mourning turns to joy.
This September at Bethany, let’s keep church weird. Sticking out for love is so worth it.
¹ See: Ephesians 5:21 – 6:9
² No shade if you love a convention center Starbucks!
³ See: John 3, although he ended up coming out about his belief in Jesus
⁴ To which I (Pastor Rebecca) enjoy replying, “Oh, I believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ, so…”
⁵ The only time you’ll ever hear the word “midst” is from a pastor
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Back Bay Supply Drive
Bethany is returning to Back Bay in Biloxi, Mississippi in October and we need your help. Part of their mission is to help the homeless in their community. There are no overnight shelters in Biloxi. Please bring 1 or more items for hygiene kits that we will deliver to the mission.
Requested Items:
hand towel s(approximately 16" x 28")
wash cloths
wide tooth combs
toothbrushes
toothpaste
bars of soap (bath size, in wrapper)
plastic soap containers
deodorant (men or women)
razors (men or women)
combs or brushes
menstrual products
Sunday School Returns!
September 20th
Sunday school is back on September 20th! We are so excited to begin 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!
Improve Election Turnout at Bethany
September 23rd
Did you know that, nationally, those who prioritize environmental issues tend to have low voting rates? That needs to change!
Bethany is partnering with the Environmental Voter Project to get out the vote in Texas. We will be writing postcards to environmentally-minded voters to get them engaged in their upcoming election. You will be given a script, so no worries about what to write.
Contacting voters directly has a proven record of success – the more postcards, the more voters go to the polls. They've found their campaigns can boost turnout of environmental voters by as much as 1.3%. If you've ever wished you lived in a swing state where your vote mattered more, now's your chance. Many races these days are determined by narrower margins than that!
So join us Wednesday Sept. 23rd at 6pm for some snacks, brews, and political action. We'll be completing 200 postcards and all supplies will be provided.
