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Unlocking Mysteries with the Enneagram
I was sitting in a full room listening to master teacher Suzanne Stabile describe each of the nine enneagram types. She spent a long time on each type, and I studiously took notes on each, but when she came to one specific type, I suddenly realized, almost to the end of the description, that I unconsciously had ceased taking notes early on and I had lost any conception of time. I was so rapt that instead of writing every word down, I was soaking in every word--because she was describing things about the way I think that I had never heard gathered under a single description before. Everything made sense; it clicked. I had never been in the company of anyone who had this kind of access to my mind, and I was dumbfounded by the laser-accuracy of how she described the way my mind works. Satisfied, but with more type descriptions to go, I returned to typing notes.
Three descriptions later, however, I realized that as I was typing, tears were streaming down my face, blurring my vision so that seeing the laptop screen was difficult. There were no sobs, just tears, tears sheeting onto my collar as this description resonated on a level so much deeper than the type I had identified with an hour earlier. This one, I discovered, reached so deeply into my soul that it bypassed the logic and the conscious brain, which can usually stop an emotional experience, and went straight to the core of my being, identifying truths within me that I had never put into words. In the space of thirty minutes, I learned more about myself and the way that I process the world around me than I had ever learned before. Through the teaching of a master, I had unlocked an understanding of my own constitution, my wiring, if you will, my motivations, my obstacles, my suspicions, my ambitions, the very filters through which I view the world, each of them present from childhood and factors in the decisions I make, the relationships I tend, and the life I lead. Each of these was a discovery--no one told me--and in discovering these facets of how I am created in God's image, I learned how uniquely I use them in health and in stress, for good and not for good, as well as selflessly and selfishly.
Each of us has a handful of discoveries that change our lives. Studying the enneagram is one of those for me, and discovering my type (the emotionally profound experience above), where I go when integrated (the first aha moment above), and where I go when stressed (subject for a much longer piece) has, quite frankly, changed the way I move in the world. A key to spiritual maturity, the enneagram offers grace to know ourselves and others more deeply.
I invite you this weekend to the Advent Retreat where Joey Stabile Schewee, Suzanne's daughter and master teacher herself, will reacquaint the Bethesda community with the enneagram, the very ancient study of the nine types of personality dispositions. Whether you've not begun your journey through the enneagram or you know your type and want to dive deeper, join us for sacred time in which we seek to discern God's self-disclosure individually and collectively. Join us to live more fully into who God calls each of us to be. Join us as we begin Advent and prepare room in our hearts to receive the Christ child.
We will gather Friday from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m., enjoy a light supper, and begin our study together. Coming together again Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., we will continue through lunch and into the afternoon. While the published fee for the weekend is $60, please do not let the cost be a deterrent; we welcome all who wish to begin this journey!
Associate for Christian Education & Pastoral Care
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ADVENT RETREAT
Know Your Number: An Introduction to the Enneagram
Introduction to the Enneagram
Friday, December 1 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Parish Hall
Advent Retreat Continues
Saturday, December 2 | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Parish Hall
Know Your Number is a foundational course and is the first step in working
with the Enneagram, an ancient personality typing system that will profoundly
deepen your understanding and love for yourself, others, and God. In this
retreat, Joey Stabile Schewee of Life in the Trinity Ministry (Dallas, Texas)
introduces the nine Enneagram Types:
Challenger, Peacemaker, Perfectionist, Helper, Performer, Romantic,
Investigator, Loyalist, Enthusiast
Each personality type is reviewed in detail, including an evaluation of the
strengths and weaknesses of the Types, and the likely interpersonal challenges
that may be involved in an unhealthy expression of the Type.
Cost is $60 per person (
scholarships are available) and includes light supper on Friday and lunch on Saturday. Registration is required--
click here to register now, or contact Ayana at (561) 655-4554 or e-mail her at
ayana@bbts.org.
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DECEMBER 3, 2017
Preacher (8:00 & 11:00 a.m.): The Rector
Preacher (9:00 a.m.): The Rev. Thomas Morris
*8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
8:15 a.m. Fellowship Breakfast, Parish Hall West
*9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
9:50 a.m. Pray and Play Group (ages 3 & 4), Sunday School Hall
9:50 a.m. Story Group (K and 1st grade), Sunday School Hall
9:50 a.m. Arts Group (2nd to 5th grade), Sunday School Hall
9:50 a.m. Service Group (2nd to 5th grade), Sunday School Hall
9:50 a.m. Explorers Group (2nd to 5th grade), Sunday School Hall
9:50 a.m. Questions Group (6th & 7th grade), Library
9:50 a.m. Confirmation Group (8th Grade), ECW Room
9:50 a.m. Mission Group (9th-12th Grade), Youth Room
9:50 a.m. Adult Forum, Parish Hall East
10:00 a.m. Fellowship Finger Food, Parish Hall West
*#11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
4:00 p.m. Advent Lessons & Carols
PARKING: Persons attending Sunday services will be allowed to park on ALL of Barton Avenue and Pendleton Avenue
without receiving a ticket
until 1:30 p.m.
* nursery care for infants through age 3 is
available from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
# service will be live-streamed
here
Click here to view the service leaflet for this Sunday.
Click here to view this week's Bethesda Happenings.
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Fellowship Breakfast | 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. | Parish Hall West
We will have a full breakfast, with rotating menu, for $5 per person. After 10:00 a.m., a simpler fare, fellowship finger foods, will be provided until 1:00 p.m. with no cost to our parishioners.
This week's menu:
scrambled eggs, sausages, and hash browns.
Adult Forum: The Enneagram in Practice; God and Ourselves
9:50 to 10:50 a.m. | Parish Hall East
Joey Stabile Schewee, lifelong student of the enneagram and leader of this weekend's Advent Retreat, joins us this morning to offer a practical, comprehensive way of accessing Enneagram wisdom and exploring its connections with Christian spirituality for a deeper knowledge of ourselves, compassion for others, and love for God.
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5:45 to 6:30 p.m. | Community Supper | Parish Hall
The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12; $25 family max (payable at the door).
This week's menu: penne pasta with sliced chicken breast, alfredo sauce, caesar salad, garlic bread and brownies.
Kindly
RSVP HERE
*
or call Ayana at (561) 655-4554.
*In order to properly plan and prepare the supper, we need your reservations by noon on Monday.
FEATURED CLASSES
6:30 to 7:40 p.m. | Liturgy through the Ages|
Guild Room
Our liturgy at its best is both fresh and new on the one hand, and tried and true on the other. With the Rector, we will learn about some of the rich heritage that has shaped us as Christians and Episcopalians and formed the prayers that we pray each Sunday. We will especially learn about some of the ancient worship traditions present in the British Isles in the earliest centuries of the Christian Church. We will also explore what our liturgy does today that inspires and strengthens us and discuss what it might look like in the future.
6:30 to 7:40 p.m. | Inquirers' Class | Library
If you've ever wanted to know more about The Episcopal Church, who we are and why we believe what we do-and exactly what we do believe-you're invited to join Father Burl in this eight-week course drawn from Christopher Webber's book Welcome to the Episcopal Church.
RECURRING CLASSES
6:30 to 7:40 p.m. | Bible Study | ECW Room
From Genesis to the Revelation, reading the bible together is a meaningful way for us to deepen our faith while strengthening our ties to one another and the church community. Each Wednesday, Father Thomas and other clergy will offer an informal and instructive opportunity to study the Bible with a focus on historical perspective and scripture's meaning for us in the daily living of our lives. We will begin with an exploration of the Gospel according to Mark. So, bring your bibles to the ECW Room--or use one of ours--for an ongoing opportunity to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest God's word.
6:30 to 7:40 p.m. | Liturgy Group| Sunday School Hall
For all children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade who are interested in learning more about what we do on Sunday mornings in our worship services, the Wednesday Liturgy Class will teach them more about what we do and why. Over the course of the year we will explore elements of the Holy Eucharist more in-depth with our young people and also train them to become worship leaders for Sunday services. Topics will include communion, acolyting, music, the liturgical calendar, and saints. If you've ever wanted a class to teach your child about what we do in worship, don't miss this wonderful opportunity.
6:30 to 7:40 p.m. | Bethesda Youth Group | Youth Room
The Bethesda Youth Group will move from our traditional Thursday night meetings to Wednesday nights to join our Middle Way ministries. Come for dinner at 5:45 p.m. and stay for Youth Group until 7:40 p.m. The Bethesda Youth Group is a fellowship group open to all those in 6th through 12th grade. Members also participate in monthly special events including our annual lock-in, service day, and camping trip to Peanut Island.
6:30 to 7:40 p.m. | Yoga | Parish Hall West
Physical therapist and yoga therapist, Emily Large, invites all adults for an evening of holistic worship through Christian yoga practice. Physical postures, relaxation, breath techniques, and mental focus create a holistic approach for worship as we will reflect on the themes associated with the liturgical calendar. A requested donation of $10 per class (payable at the door).
7:45 to 8:00 p.m. | Compline | Church
An ancient, brief, and contemplative liturgy of the Christian tradition, compline offers an opportunity to give God thanks for the day behind us and pray for rest and safety in the night ahead. A fitting end to the day, compline offers a peaceful and meditative sacred time in the middle of our often frenetic weeks, as well as a beautiful conclusion to our Wednesday evenings together.
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Hear ye, Hear ye! This year we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of our annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival, and
WE NEED YOU!
Players of all ages and levels of experience are needed. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with other members of our Bethesda Family--there is a part for everyone who can commit to rehearsals and performances the weekend of the Epiphany, January 6-7, 2018. A few roles require an additional rehearsal on Friday, January 5. Please
CLICK HERE
and fill out the Google form to let us know your availability to be part of this joyful ministry.
The Boar's Head Festival is an English tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. As the old year gives way to the new, the Episcopal Church celebrates the feast of the Epiphany, in which the Light of Christ is revealed to the world. At Bethesda-by-the-Sea, we mark this end of our holiday season by preparing and offering to our community a program that celebrates through song, symbolism, and glorious pageantry the continual triumph of the Light of Christ over the forces of darkness. Also on display is the rich heritage of some of our most beloved Christmas traditions. Over the course of 40 years, this festive weekend has become an eagerly awaited staple in Palm Beach's holiday season, and an opportunity for members of the Bethesda community to share holiday high-jinx with one another, and the larger community.
The pageant begins with pipes, drums, and fanfare as the herald announces a feast to the people. After the entrance of the lords, ladies, and people of a medieval household, holiday revelry commences with jesters and sprites who sing and dance for the delight of all. King Wenceslas and his page arrive, and the people of the manor stage a nativity play, in which wise men and shepherds appear, seeking the Christ Child.
Finally, the holy family is welcomed, and the whole company joins in the adoration of Jesus, the Light of the World. As the festivities draw to a close, all the revelers process out of the church, followed by the Rector, who represents the church, hand in hand with the tiny sprite who is innocence and joy, bearing the Christ-Light back into the world.
To offer this jubilant celebration, the Boar's Head Festival needs YOU! In addition to the Bethesda Choir and other professional musicians, we need sprites, pages, jesters, flag-bearers, lords and ladies of the manor, huntsmen, woodsmen, maidens and beefeaters, as well as all the characters of the nativity drama--shepherds, wise men, and the holy family whom the whole procession honors.
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This Sunday's Readings in Context
Parishioner Tom O'Brien, a Canon and Examining Chaplain for Scripture of this diocese, writes brief background descriptions of the Sunday readings. We thank Tom for sharing his learning and love of Scripture with us in this way.
During the 2017 Pentecost Season, alternative readings from the Hebrew Bible are offered. Scripture in Context will discuss both readings and the reading from the Christian Scriptures.
Isaiah 64:1-9
The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel's history. Chapters 1-39 are called "First Isaiah" and were written in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. "Second Isaiah" is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. "Third Isaiah" is Chapters 56 to 66 and, for the most part, gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.
Although today's reading is from the chapters called "Third Isaiah," these verses were composed soon after Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians and the Babylonian Exile began in 587 BCE. This is clearly shown by the two verses immediately preceding today's reading (63:18-19) and the two verses following it (vv. 10-11), all of which refer to the recent destruction of Jerusalem.
The reading itself is a lament and prayer to the LORD/YHWH (vv. 8-9) that confessed the sinfulness of the Judeans (vv. 5b-7) and their perception of YHWH's hiddenness (v.7) from them. The concluding verses appealed to YHWH as a father and as a potter who molded the people (v.8). Jeremiah also used the image of a potter to describe YHWH who molded the people (Jer. 18:6).
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Corinth, a large port city in Greece, was among the early Jesus Follower communities that Paul founded. Its culture was Hellenistic and the Corinthians emphasized reason and secular wisdom. In addition to Paul, other Jesus Followers also taught in Corinth, sometimes in ways inconsistent with Paul's understandings of what it means to be a Jesus Follower. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians was written in the 50's (CE) and presented his views on several issues.
Today's reading from the opening chapter of the letter is a salutation customary in ancient Greek letters (vv. 1-3) followed by a thanksgiving for the grace of God given to the Jesus Followers in Corinth through Christ Jesus (vv.4-7). Paul acknowledged the importance of rhetoric and reason in Corinth by noting that the Corinthians have been "enriched" in "speech and knowledge" (v.5). He tells them that the Lord Jesus Christ will strengthen them so they will be blameless at the time of judgment and fulfillment, the "day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 8). Paul reminded them that they were called into "the fellowship of the Son" (v.9).
Having praised the Corinthians and reminded them of the gifts they received from God, in the verses that follow today's reading, Paul launched into his arguments and appealed that "there be no divisions among you" (v.10).
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141 South County Road · Palm Beach, FL 33480
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Bethesda's Mission is to experience the clear and strong presence of God and to understand and spread Christ's teachings through collective worship, learning, and service.
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Palm Beach Marathon
There is a marathon this Sunday that may cause delays. Please plan accordingly and allow yourself some additional time.
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New Blog by the Sea!
Click here to read
Still Moving Forward: Holy Redeemer Episcopal Church/Palanca Pantry Make Strides in 2017.
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Since God created us with hearts to help those in need, will you give something to make a child's Christmas brighter?
This
Christmas season we are gathering gifts
for children of veterans in Palm Beach
County who lack a permanent or stable
home. We need 100 gifts, which will be distributed to these children
through
Faith*Hope*Love*Charity, Inc
.--an organization that works
exclusively with veterans and their families. Gifts should not exceed
$25 in value.
The Angel Tree will be in the Narthex this Sunday, December 3
.
Please take an Angel from the tree for a deserving child and
return your
gift to the Narthex (gift-wrapped and with the angel tag attached) on
Sunday, December 10
, so
Faith*Hope*Love*Charity, Inc
. can deliver the
gifts by Christmas Day.
On behalf of these children, thank you!
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Advent Lessons and Carols
This Sunday, December 3
4:00 p.m. | Church
The First Sunday of Advent is celebrated with
our annual Service of Advent Lessons and
Carols. Sixteen years after introducing the now famous
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols to
King's College, Cambridge, the Dean of King's College created this service
for Advent. He stated that the purpose of the service was "not to celebrate
Christmas, but to expect it." The Bethesda Choir leads the service and offers
Advent carols and anthems. Some of the greatest hymns of the church year
are in the Advent section of our hymnal, and the congregation sings many
of them in this service--
enhanced this year by the glorious sounds of a brass
sextet. There is no recital preceding the service, but Prelude music begins at
approximately 3:50 p.m. Please come and bring your friends.
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Wine and Fellowship Under the Stars
Friday, December 8
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cluett Garden
Join us for a special cocktail party of fellowship, wine, and appetizers
hosted by the Episcopal Church Women. All are invited and encouraged
to attend! A contribution of $10 per person is suggested. You can RSVP in
the Cloister on Sundays or by sending an e-mail to ayana@bbts.org.
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Bethesda Life
Saturday, December 9
9:00 a.m. |Parish Hall
Come get a fresh perspective on Bethesda's ministries at Bethesda Life! Whether you are new to Bethesda, or have been attending for years, we encourage you to join us to learn more about the mission, history, organization, and life of both the Episcopal Church and Bethesda-by-the-Sea. This is a wonderful opportunity for all to identify with one or more areas in which you feel called to serve, as well as to meet other parishioners-new and long-time. A continental breakfast is served beginning at 8:45 a.m. and the session is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with lunch following immediately after. Please sign-up in advance by calling April Lawrence in the church office at (561) 655-4555 x112, or e-mail her at april@bbts.org.
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Adult Confirmation and
Holy Eucharist
with Bishop Eaton
Wednesday, December 13
6:30 p.m. | Church
The Right Reverend Peter Eaton will preside at this special service, confirming and receiving several of our adults. A reception in the Garth will follow the service. Please plan on joining us for this very special occasion.
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Christmas Concert and Community Carol Sing
Monday, December 18
7:30 p.m. | Church
Bethesda presents one of our area's most popular Christmas concerts! The Bethesda Choir performs with some of the finest instrumentalists in our area, and the audience sings many favorite Christmas carols with the excitement of full orchestra accompaniment. All are welcome and encouraged to attend-come early to get a seat. A requested donation of $20 will be received at the door.
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Silver Sneakers
Tuesdays and Thursdays
9:00 a.m. | Parish Hall West
This program promotes a healthy, active lifestyle, and it's free for SilverSneakers members. The classes combine cardio, strength, and balance. Experience is not at all necessary. These classes are for beginners as well as more experienced exercisers. We will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall West. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
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We pray for...
Angela, Angelica, Anne, Anthony, Arthur, Augusta, Bianca, Bill, Bob, Carolyn, Chris, Christopher, Connie, Conway Family, David, Denise, Dylan, Ellen, Fred, Garcia Family, Gary, Gavin, Geoff, Gerry, Grier, Holly, Isabel, Jack, James, Jane, Jerry, Jim, Joann, John, Juan, Katie, Lawrence Family, Lesley, Lillian, Lloyd, Mariette, Mary, Matthew, Michael, Michelle, Midialys, Mildred, Miryam, Molly, Norma, Pamela, Pat, Peggy, Ralph, Rebecca, Regine, Renée, Rick, Ricky, Rivera Family, Rogers Family, Rosie, Schumacher Family, Scott, Shawn, Sheri, Stephen, Susan, Sylvia, Taryn, Ted, Theresa, Thomas, Ward, William,
and those serving our country...Benjamin, Christian, Clara, Eric, Harold, Herbert, John, Lorne, Michael, Sean, and Tommy.
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The Bethesda Fall Catalog is available...
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