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As Anglicans who see the world from atop the three-legged stool of scripture, tradition, and reason, we embrace questions as much as we seek answers and believe that the most solid faith is an examined one. As the fall continues, I wanted to highlight some upcoming opportunities for adult formation at Bethesda.
This Sunday's adult forum is the first of two in which we pose the question of the role of people of faith, Episcopalians in particular, in the public square. How should we express our voice? Are there parameters for our participation? What if our perspectives differ from others who identify as Christian as well? This Sunday I will lead the conversation, and next Sunday we have the honor of Alan Yarborough's presence. Alan is Communication Coordinator for the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations in Washington, the General Convention's arm charged with shaping and influencing public policy on critical issues, whose very job it is be the church's voice in the public square and to equip parishes to advocate for the Gospel on local, state, and national levels.
Joining Alan Yarborough on his visit to Bethesda is The Rev. Canon C.K. Robertson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry Beyond the Episcopal Church, who will preach at the 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services next Sunday. Canon Robertson represents the Episcopal Church at home and abroad, ecumenically and within the wider Anglican Communion, and he brings an unique perspective of a broad expression of faith. Both men come at our invitation as we consider what Bethesda's role is in a larger conversation of faith and the world around us.
Looking further ahead, I would recommend that you mark your calendar for two retreats this fall at Bethesda. The first,
Listening for the Divine Heartbeat: A Celtic Spirituality Immersion Retreat led by The Rev. James Reho and musician William Mitchum, on November 17 and 18, is an expansive dive into the richness of Celtic spirituality, theology, music, and liturgy. Following that on December 1 and 2 is
Know Your Number: An Introduction to the Enneagram, our Advent Retreat led by Joey Stabile Schewee of Life in the Trinity Ministry from Dallas, Texas. Scheduled at the beginning of Advent, this retreat is offered for those who want to profoundly deepen their understanding and love for themselves, others, and God through spiritual consciousness by understanding strengths and weaknesses of the nine types after identifying one's own. Both retreats are wonderful opportunities to examine our faith more deeply and live into who God calls each of us to be.
The Middle Way continues on Wednesday nights with rich offerings, and Sunday morning forums return with intentional diversity after All Saints Sunday and the Port Ministry Project bag assembly. Our hope that you'll find plenty places to ask questions of scripture, tradition, and reason this fall, and we invite you into that examined faith that is the hallmark of Anglicanism.
Father Burl +
Associate for Christian Education & Pastoral Care
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017
Preacher (8:00 & 11:00 a.m.): The Rev. Burl Salmon
Preacher (9:00 a.m.): Jessica Hitchcock
*8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
8:30 a.m. Fellowship Breakfast, Parish Hall West
*9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
9:30 a.m. Fellowship Finger Food, Parish Hall West
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
*#11:00 a.m. Morning Prayer and Holy Eurcharist
12:15 p.m. Church Tour
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 | 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. | Parish Hall West
We will have a full breakfast, with rotating menu, for $5 per person. After 9:30 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: Breakfast casserole with scrambled eggs, Tator tots, crumbled sausage peppers, onion and cheddar cheese, buttermilk biscuits and butter.
Adult Forum | 9:50 to 10:50 a.m. | Parish Hall East
Ever wonder what God calls on Christians to say and do in a world where a faithful, reasoned perspective is increasingly absent? Do you know that the Episcopal Church maintains an Office of Government Relations to advocate for our Baptismal Covenant vows in the halls of Congress? In this series of three Sunday mornings, Father Burl leads a conversation about the role and witness of Christians, the church, and The Episcopal Church, especially, in the public square.
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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: Vegetable lasagna, garlic bread, Caesar salad, mixed vegetables, banana pudding with fresh bananas and vanilla wafers
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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. | Active Parenting | Guild Room
Generously sponsored by a grant from the Hanley Foundation, the six sessions of Active Parenting are specifically geared toward parents of teens and pre-teens as their children face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. In this class, parents will learn what goes on in their teens' heads, which will help them figure out why they do the things they do. Parents will learn how to open the lines of communication, encourage cooperation and responsibility, and discipline effectively. They will also explore techniques for solving the inevitable problems that crop up and learn 10 strategies for preventing problems relating to drugs, alcohol, violence, and teen sexuality. Parent guides are $14.95 per parent.
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. This course is specifically designed for those adults desiring confirmation or reception at Bishop Eaton's visit on December 13, but is open to and welcoming of all inquiring souls wishing to strengthen their faith. The course is informal and discussion-based.
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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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.
Exodus 33:12-23
The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, and covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.
Today's reading follows the story of the Golden Calf. After Moses broke the tablets of the 10 Words, he berated Aaron, who in turn blamed the people. (32:21-24). Moses then directed the Levites to kill 3,000 Israelites for worshiping an idol (32:27-28). YHWH told Moses to lead the people to the Promised Land (33:1).
In today's reading, Moses sought reassurance that YHWH would accompany the Israelites (v.12) and told YHWH that the Israelites would be different from other peoples (v.16). Because YHWH knew Moses "by name" (v.17), YHWH agreed to accompany them and reconfirmed his name in terms that were as elliptical as the name given in the Burning Bush story - "I will be what I will be." (3:14). Here, the name was revealed as "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy" (v.19). All these names emphasize that God is a mystery that can never be fully understood or contained.
Isaiah 45: 1-7
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 by "Isaiah of Jerusalem" 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 gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.
In today's reading, Isaiah spoke for YHWH and said that Cyrus was "YHWH's anointed" to free the Judeans from the Babylonian Exile (587-539 BCE). In other words, Cyrus was described as a Messiah commissioned by YHWH to conquer Babylon. The Persian King, Cyrus II (558-530 BCE), defeated the Babylonians in 539 BCE and decreed the return of the Judeans to Jerusalem in the next year (Ezra 1:1-4). The Persians ruled over Israel and Judea until 333 BCE when Alexander the Great defeated them. Cyrus was the only non-Israelite called "anointed" in the Hebrew Bible. Others who were anointed were kings, priests and some prophets.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Paul's letter to the Thessalonians was Paul's first letter and was written around 50 CE. Thessaloniki is a seaport and was the capital of Macedonia. Both Macedonia and Achaia (Greece) were Roman provinces. In speaking of a "church" (v.1), Paul used the term for a citizen assembly. Paul's reference to faith, love and hope (v.3) is a familiar combination that he used in many other letters. The letter encouraged the community to be steadfast in the face of persecution.
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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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Trivia Night
This Friday, October 20
7:00 p.m. | Parish Hall
The Bethesda Mission Group will be hosting a Trivia Night fundraiser. Get a team of eight people together or come on your own and we'll pair you up with a team. It's going to be a night of fun trivia! All profits from the event will go to help the Bethesda Mission Group with costs for their summer trip. For more information, contact Greg Knight at (561) 655-4555 x114 or e-mail him at
knight@bbts.org.
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United Thank Offering InGathering (UTO)
Return your blue envelope this Sunday!
The United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of the Episcopal Church. Founded and administered by Episcopal Church Women (ECW) since 1889, UTO continues to address both domestic and international needs through the promotion, collection, and distribution of monies through grants. The blue envelopes are in the pews. Checks should be made out to Bethesda-by-the-Sea with UTO on the memo line. Each year, 100% of the collected offering is granted!
May we give prayerfully, joyfully, and generously in the blue envelopes this Sunday.
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The All Saints' Necrology
A list of parishioners and friends of
Bethesda who have died since our last All Saints' celebration
will be read at all services. If you know of someone who has died since
November 1, 2016 and should be remembered, please call April Lawrence
at (561) 853-0958, or e-mail her at
april@bbts.org with the full name
(first, middle, and last). For inclusion in the service leaflets,
we need this
information by 5:00 p.m. this Tuesday, October 25.
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International Potluck Dinner
6:00 p.m.| Garth
Join us for an evening under the stars from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with International food, wine, music, fun, and especially fellowship! Sign-up and bring your favorite dish to share: Appetizer/Salad, Entrée, or Dessert. Cost is $10 per person | Children 12 and under: free | Chefs bringing a dish and their families: $5 per person.
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Port Ministry:
Save Our Samples Sunday
Bethesda is collecting razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, white crew socks, as well as items from hotel rooms like shampoo, lotion, soap, etc. You can drop off your samples this Sunday in the Narthex or the front office during the week.
On Sunday, November 12, we will gather in the Parish Hall to assemble 200 Christmas bags to be given to mariners who will be at sea on Christmas Day. Participants of all ages are invited. This is a great activity for the whole parish family to pitch in and help make someone's Christmas a little brighter.
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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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Young Women's Bible Study
Wednesdays
10:30 a.m. | Guild Room
Young Women's Bible Study is geared towards women ages 25-55 with all levels of experience in studying Scripture. This fall the group will study the life of Joseph through a video series called "Restless" by Jennie Allen. This will be an eight-week series that meets on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. For more information please e-mail Susan Beebe or Rachel Supple at
womenatthewell@bbts.org.
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We pray for...
Allen Family, Alyssa, Angela, Anne, Anthony, Ben, Bob, Conway Family, Dayton Family, Diana, Don, Elisa, Ellen, Garcia Family, Gary, Gordon Family, Hollas, Holly, Jack, Jane, Jenna, Jerry, Jim, John, Johnston Family,
Joyce, Katie, Kimberly, Lesley, Lev, Lila Ann, Mariette, Marjorie, Mary, Mary Kay, Matthew, Michael, Michelle, Norma, Osborne Family, Pam, Pat, Paul, Peggy, Rebecca, Renée, Richard, Ricky, Rogers Family, Stanley, Stephen, Susan, Suzanne, Sylvia, Taryn, Theresa, Thomas, Valerie, Ward and Wendy,
and those servingour country...
Benjamin, Christian, Clara, Eric, Erik, Harold, Herbert, John, Lorne, Michael, Sean, and Tommy.
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The Bethesda Fall Catalog is now available...
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