The Beacon Messenger February 2015

Transcription

1 The Beacon Messenger February 2015 A publication of Bethesda Lutheran Church and East Church Congregational From the Pastor Lent: a time to listen to God Lent is a time that many people give up something that they enjoy (chocolate is #1). Instead of giving up something an alternative is to begin a new activity or increase a current activity (e.g. church attendance, reading the Bible, or prayer). Recently our scripture readings in worship have focused on God speaking to us. We are encouraged to listen for God speaking to us individually and collectively as we hear what God is saying to our churches. As we approach the season of Lent, spending time in prayer would be a great activity for us as individuals and as church bodies. Prayer is a 2-way conversation with God, God listens to us and we listen to God; it is a time to align our heart with God s heart. Prayer deepens our relationship with God. Note Jesus teaches WHEN you pray, not IF you pray. (Matthew 6:5-7). Anne Lamott, in her book on prayer suggests that there are three type of prayer: help, thanks, and wow. She remarks that often we pray when we want God to change a situation. It is fine to tell God what we want and need, but we trust God to give us what is best for us. So we pray for what we hope for, and we pray that if the situation does not change, that God will help us through it. Praying for our team to win is not appropriate, but praying for the safety of players and for fair play is fine. We do not pray that our favorite candidate wins an election, but we pray that God s good and gracious will is carried our through our elected leaders. God works through people, all kinds of people. In the Bible we read that sometimes the leaders of Israel did not carry out God s will so God worked through pagan leaders to bring about changes for the common good. At times we may pray persistently about a concern, but the situation does not change. Looking back later we may be surprised to see how we changed. Prayer may make us more generous, more loving even those who are not easy to love; it may give us much needed patience and strength to endure a situation. Even though we may not hear a specific answer to our question we realize that prayer gives us clarity so that we know how to proceed. When we move ahead we have a sense of peace with our decision. Prayer also gives us peace with things that we cannot change. Sometimes people stop praying when they do not receive what they want; this approach makes God like Santa Claus. Job began as a faithful follower, he was tested with every kind of calamity imaginable, his friends and family told him to curse God and die. Job did not; although he could not understand why so many bad things happened to him, his trust in God s love toward him never wavered. God s ways are not our ways; understanding God is beyond our grasp, but God s grasp on us is solid, we may let go, but God holds us forever. When Jesus healed ten lepers only one returned to give thanks. We may spend a great deal of time asking God for things, doesn t it make sense to spend as much time giving thanks. These prayers can be short and spontaneous, thank you God for. It is easy to give thanks when things go well, but God is with us through the difficult times too. And so we thank God for getting us through those times as well. Sometimes moments take our breath away and all we can say is Wow! It is enough. Even though we are beyond words God hears all that is packed into our exclamation. God keeps on loving and giving, forgiving and welcoming us back. God never leaves our side; God is with us in every trial. Pray for help for yourself and others as needed; offer thanks whenever you can, and leave space in your day for Wow. God never stops listening, and God longs to speak to us. This Lent make time for prayer a priority. Blessings, Pastor Lauren

2 Dear Members of Bethesda and East Church, it is not often that I am speechless, but on Christmas Eve when you presented me with a monetary gift I was speechless and deeply touched. I cannot begin to thank you for your generosity. Thank you very, very much. Pastor Lauren Thank You!!!!! Marybeth Lewison for expanding the white altar hanging Len Mariotti for paying for the vans to bring our guests from Friends of the Homeless to Christmas Eve Worship Jay Cleaveland, Sue Mariotti, Jan Davies, Pat Bonneau, Marybeth Lewison and anyone else who baked! Dave Jenny for taking the Christmas tree and nativity set down. Mike Dufault for collating packets for both annual meetings. Jay Cleaveland for salting and sanding the parking lot many, many times. Glenn Mathisen for a donation to Bethesda. Roy Haglund, Mike Lewison, Mary Hunter and Larry Green for caring for the finances of our congregations during the past year and preparing the budget for the coming year. Bible study during Lent The Seven Wonders of the Word Explore how God's Word creates, calls, commands, saves, sustains, shapes, and sends you and the church. The Seven Wonders of the Word will challenge you to experience the power of God's Word in all aspects of your life and in our world. It will also encourage you to deepen your prayer life as you relate the power of God's Word to your personal experience. Take this journey on your own or invite a friend to join you. Save the date Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Ash Wednesday worship Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18 th. Worship will be at 12noon and 7pm. Shrove Tuesday is the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Sweatshirts 12! Gift of Warmth $ was contributed to the Gift of Warmth emergency fuel assistance fund. Thank you for your warm response. Hats/mittens/gloves/scarves 40 pr of mitten/gloves, 4 hats, 5 scarves, 1 hand knitted sweater with matching scarf, 1 pr of foot warmer socks, 2 pr of woolen socks!! We are blessed and thankful for the warm, loving response to help those in need. The items were delivered to the Springfield Men's Rescue Mission, they are so appreciative of our continued willingness to support their efforts to serve others. Souperbowl of Caring January through Super Bowl Sunday, February 1st we will be collecting non-perishable food and/or money for the Open Pantry. Many people continue to struggle in this economy and some cannot manage to put food on the table. Watch the grocery store ads for sales and share as you are able. Thank you!

3 Snow Closings Unless a storm is very severe and the roads are not passable, Sunday morning worship services will be held each week. In the unlikely event of a cancellation notices are posted on channel 22 & 3. However, no one should put themselves at risk by driving, walking or shoveling to attend worship. Your physical health and safety is as important as your spiritual wellbeing. Please use your own judgment when there is snow or ice. Stay inside your home, read the Bible and have conversation with God. Remembering in Prayer We all share in the ministry of intercessory prayer. We are called individually to pray each day and as a gathered community of faith in worship. If you have someone we need to include in our prayers please notify our church office. May God be with them and bless them with wholeness and health. Actual received Pledged % 95% 94% 105% 118% 98%

4 Actual Received Regular Offering Pledges % 90% 100% 109% 97% 91% Actual Received Loan Pledges % 88% 134% 78% 112% 92% Actual Received Mission Support Pledges % 112% 97% 112% 99%

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