“Jesus loves me, this I know”
Sometimes we take the long way around only to arrive right back where we started. Singing "Jesus loves me, this I know" can be equally powerful to the grandparent as to the grandchild in their lap, but for different reasons. A child could sing, "Jesus loves me, so I'm...
Questions
Instead of a usual article this month, I want to share some of the questions I’m thinking about as we approach the next few months. As more of our members receive their second dose of the vaccine, will they be ready to come back to church? How long will it take for a...
The Privilege No-one Wants
“27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28 and are...
Look Up
Dear Bethesda, I spent the last week on vacation. During that time off, I got to spend a few days in Sunriver. The weather was glorious! Clear blue skies and lots of sunshine. Days like that are good for the soul and good for refreshment and rejuvenation. Lots of long...
The ”ologies” of Food Wrap Up
I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate in the recent class that I offered. I want to highlight a few things from the class. First, I want to apologize because I accidentally didn’t record the last session (session 6) which also means I didn’t get...
What the Heavens Tell, What the Scriptures Teach
Our bedtime devotionals this past year have been "Indescribable" and "How Great is our God" by Louis Giglio. They are subtitled as "100 devotions about God & Science." Our kids enjoy the fun facts about creation while we also hear a word that relates this learning...
My Cross To Bear
“It’s just my cross to bear.” Maybe you have uttered these words or maybe you have heard them spoken by a friend or family member. We all have moments in life where we feel like we are carrying a heavy burden. But that heavy burden isn’t necessarily “our cross.”...
Vice and Virture
Have you ever given up "trying to be good" for Lent? It's pretty easy. It actually comes quite naturally! Last Sunday we began a new adult education series with a great discussion of grace and law. A common misconception of Christianity is that of a journey from vice...
Jesus was Transfigured
When I was in college, a popular a cappella group came to sing in our gymnasium. With permission, I took my place to watch the concert not with my friends, but behind the person who was in charge of the sound for the concert. I watched intently as he made adjustments...
Things They Didn’t Teach You In Seminary
This article may also be found in the 2020 Annual Report of the Congregation. Dear Bethesda, We’ve had a few years together, but not like this one! One year ago we were putting together plans for Lent and Easter, excited for a new Palm Sunday idea: one joint worship...
What A Difference A Year Makes!
This article may also be found in the 2020 Annual Report of the Congregation. It’s not easy to sum up the year 2020. We have all been pushed and pulled in new directions as we learned new technology and ways of being together without actually being together....
Food-Ologies
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. ~ Psalm 145:15-16 ESV At the start of a New Year, many resolve to do something new. Maybe they are going to read a certain number...