How I Worship…
In my twenty years at Bethesda, I have valued this beautiful sanctuary as a place to worship. Being a Lutheran my entire life, it is truly an honor to worship here. Originally I worshiped at the first service and later switched to the late service. While each one was different, I liked
them both. It takes awhile to feel comfortable when change is involved. I have always valued sermons as a key part of worship and Bethesda has been blessed to have wonderful pastors delivering sermons. Music has also been an important part of my worship and I love the old hymns, but I have accepted new hymns and learned the value of adding them to worship.
I begin each day with a daily devotion which helps me prepare for my day. My purpose for being on the worship committee is to do whatever I can to help Bethesda continue to move forward. It is a blessing to be a part of a church that offers so much to their members and the entire community.
Blessings, Brenda Down
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How I Worship…
For me, there are two different experiences in worship, depending on whether I’m “doing the music” or sitting in the pew more like a
spectator. If I’m playing the organ or piano, or singing in the choir, I think of myself as a sort of channel — like in the Prayer of St. Francis. But when I’m in the pew, I’m more like a leaf in a stream, letting the readings, the sermon and the music wash over me and carry my mind along. At these times, I love to hear the readings from Scripture, readings I’ve heard all my life; and the music. And then to hear the sermon and how it all fits together.
Karen Williamson
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How I Worship…
Worship for me is the action or fact of accepting or yielding to the Holy Trinity with prayer and praise in a church setting of a Worship Service under the leadership of a pastor and with fellow believers. However, I am often distracted in that “formal” setting when reacting to the
congregation, the music, the hymns, the frequent motion of rising and being seated, or keeping focused because of my loss of hearing.
The most meaningful time is the delightful children’s part in the service and the excellent sermons in sharing the depth of the spoken WORD based on meaning of the scripture. Also, the sharing of communion is sacred time and rewarding. Hearing the organ offering spirit filled excellent sacred compositions, of which there are dozens available, add to the reflection and feeding of the soul during communion.
I am fully aware of my age affecting my strong Lutheran upbringing and the years and years of being involved in worship services. I don’t mind keeping in tune with the current up-to-date trends and changes, but I must say that I miss that the participants such as the candle lighters and others performing tasks in the wearing of robes and such. I think the youth of Bethesda should be involved in serving as acolytes, ushering along with the adults, sharing musical talents, etc.
All in all, I am moved by the wonderful spirit and energy of the congregation, our pastor, the staff and all and each of the participants in every facet of Bethesda’s church life. GOD BE PRAISED!
A grateful heart for being soul-fed, Kermit
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Bethesda’s Worship Committee Members:
Amber Coburn, Brenda Down, Kermit Finstad, Kim Gribble, Sue LaMarche, Jill Lauch, Megan Lay, Ciro Magnani, Megan Salsbury, Bill Vaughan, Pastor Tom, Karen Williamson