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From the Rector: An Appeal to Support Irma Recovery
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Due to Hurricane Irma this important letter about Sunday mornings at Bethesda did not go out. Please read it and join us this Sunday, September 24, as we enjoy our new experience of Sunday mornings at Bethesda.
I hope you've heard by now of the exciting plans we are putting in place for Sunday mornings at Bethesda. You received a letter from me several weeks ago that described some of the elements of our plans, and in this note, we will look at the rest of Sunday morning. If you did not receive my previous letter, please get in touch, and we will send it to you right away, either by mail or email; you can also find it on our website (under
Resources/Publications/Bethesda Parish Letters). If you know of someone else who needs to read these, please share your copy or encourage them to call the church office. We also have provided more detail about various aspects of Sunday mornings in the weekly E-mail Newsletters, beginning July 20th. Those email newsletters are also available on the website (under
Resources/E-newsletter/). If you have not read those, please do so, as they have more insight and detail than can be put in this letter.
Fellowship
The single greatest desire expressed in our Sunday Morning Conversations in the spring was to have more opportunity for fellowship, more time to get to know one another, and build a greater sense of community. We are addressing this in several exciting ways. First, we are installing a moveable wall in the Parish Hall that will divide the space into two, discrete areas and enable us to have a dedicated space on the west side of that room for fellowship and the east side of the room for the adult forum, thus allowing both fellowship and formation to happen at the same time. While all of us benefit from ongoing Christian formation, this will eliminate the disruption to the adult forum and enable those who wish simply to enjoy fellowship to do so. We ask your patience until the installation of the moveable wall is complete in late October.
And for great fellowship, for convenience, or for those who just struggle to get going on time on Sunday morning, we will serve a wonderful hot breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. with varying menus to include eggs, bacon, waffles, and a variety of other tasty dishes. While we will charge $5/person for breakfast, the cost per head is actually higher, and we would appreciate those who can give more to do so and help offset the cost.
9:00 a.m. Worship
Rather than being a "mini-11:00 a.m." service, this service will now have a distinct liturgy and spirit. Our desire is that this service provide newer and younger Episcopalians the opportunity to learn our traditions, our music, and our sacraments. To be clear, this will not so much be a children's service as it will be an adult service designed in a way that will help people--young and less-young alike--learn how we worship. Rather than printing a booklet with the service in it, we will open the prayer book and the hymnal and use them. Our younger members will learn how to be acolytes and lay readers, and our Middle Way program for young people, ably led by Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator Jessica Hitchcock, will focus on this content as well. Since we will not have a choir, we will all share the gift of singing together joyfully and gaining familiarity with new hymns, singing them for multiple Sundays. The brief sermons will focus on the scriptures in a way that gets at the "how" and "why" of our faith. We have designed a traditional liturgy for this service from
The Book of Common Prayer and
The Hymnal 1982 that will draw all of us deeper in our sacramental life, and we have designed it in a way that the service will last 45 minutes so that we have ample time for Christian education following the service. For this approach to be effective, we need our long-time 9:00 a.m. attenders to come ready to worship and to pray and to be open to helping share the joy of Episcopal worship with those newer to our community, whether aged 8 or 58. So come join us!
Christian Formation
This shorter 9:00 a.m. service enables us to have a more substantial time for Christian education for all ages. We will continue to offer our regular adult forum in the Parish Hall East, engaging a variety of topics with a variety of people leading the discussions. The Sunday School will offer an exciting and creative approach this year with classrooms divided by activities rather than by ages. Greg Knight, our Director of Children and Youth Ministries, has a dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers ready to help our children and youth learn and grow throughout the year, and we all need to lead by example by tending to our own spiritual growth by attending both worship and education regularly.
Clergy Responsibilities
With a clear desire to have a greater clergy presence throughout our Sunday mornings, we will assign one of the clergy each Sunday to be the Hosting Priest. The Hosting Priest will not attend the 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. services but will, instead, serve as host in the Parish Hall for the entire breakfast and adult forum to welcome people and to convene the forum. This priest will also ensure that the forum concludes on time and will help people make their way to the 11:00 a.m. service. Once those duties are finished, the Hosting Priest will vest and join the 11:00 a.m. service after it has begun to assist with communion as necessary. Following communion, the priest with these duties will leave the service early and return to the Parish Hall to welcome people to fellowship as they leave that service.
In order to preserve some sacredness of time, the Preacher for each Sunday will be present at all three services and not have responsibilities in the Parish Hall between services.
When we have other clergy (as we will many Sundays), they will share in presiding at various services, greeting people following the service, and other responsibilities.
Come one, come all!
After months of prayerful listening, thinking, and modeling, we have implemented these exciting changes to Sunday mornings because they address the longings parishioners expressed for our Sunday mornings at Bethesda. Please bear in mind that we do not expect everything to go perfectly right off the bat; rather, we are giving ourselves and one another the space to try, to hear feedback, to learn, and to adjust as we go. I ask each of us to think about our own longings and how best to draw closer to God on Sundays at Bethesda. It may be time to try out the adult forum, for example, or to stay for breakfast following the 8:00 a.m. service, or to take on some other new involvement. I ask each of us to be open to the fresh and exciting ways our new Sunday mornings will lead us into God's presence and to join us on September 24 or whenever you're back in town. We can't wait!
Peace,
Father James+
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
Preacher (8:00 & 11:00 a.m.): The Rev. Burl Salmon
Preacher (9:00 a.m.): The Rev. Thomas Morris
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Commissioning of Bethesda's Lay Ministers
At all three services, we commission those who serve in one of Bethesda's core areas of ministry: Bethesda Cares, Education, Evangelism & Communications, Fellowship & Hospitality, Outreach, Personnel, and Worship. Volunteers in each area will be asked to stand and be commissioned for their work in the year ahead.
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*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 Lounge
9:50 a.m. Explorers Group (2nd to 5th grade), Sunday School Lounge
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 Eucharist
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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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: Cesar salad, penne pasta with c
hicken in Alfredo Sauce, g
arlic bread, sauteed vegetables, 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. | Elephants in rooms; How we talk about drug and alcohol addiction | Guild Room
"Just Say No" might have been catchy, but it failed miserably as an approach to substance abuse prevention because it failed to take into account context, factors, and the human being specifically. Anticipating the Active Parenting curriculum that begins in October, Jan Cairnes, Executive Director for Hanley Foundation, will introduce the helpful acronym S.A.V.E.--Spot, Act, Validate and Engage--as a way to talk to your children/teens about alcohol and other drugs.
6:30 to 7:40 p.m. | Bethesda at Its Best! | Library
Come one, come all for a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Bethesda the special place that it is. Over a series of four weeks, join the clergy and vestry as we discuss the history, mission, and organization of this remarkable parish and how each of these beautiful threads comes together into a diverse and spirit-filled tapestry. Whether you've been here for years or a couple of weeks, you're invited to join this great conversation.
RECURRING CLASSES
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 6:00 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 16:2-15
The Book of Exodus 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 was set one month after the Crossing of the Sea of Reeds. It combines two traditions - finding manna and the arrival of quail (meat). The manna story is Priestly as shown by the prohibition on collecting manna on the Sabbath (v. 5). Manna (which literally means "what is it?") is the carbohydrate-rich excretion of two scale insects that feed on twigs of tamarisk trees. It can be purchased, even today, in the Arab Quarter of Jerusalem.
One of the overarching themes of the Book of Exodus is acknowledging that YHWH is Israel's God, and Moses and Aaron emphasize this to the Israelites (v. 6-7).
Jonah 3:10-4:11
The Book of Jonah is one of the shortest in the Bible, and is included with the 12 Minor Prophets. Even though Jonah is never described in the Book as a "prophet," he is a "prophet" who speaks (in his own way) for YHWH by urging the Assyrians to repent.
The story was written after the Exile (after 539 BCE), but was set in the period of Assyrian power and threats against Israel and Judea (850 to 609 BCE). Sending Jonah to convert Nineveh (the capital of Assyria) would be unthinkable, and Jonah knew this was a "Mission Impossible." When told by God to go to Nineveh, Jonah got on a ship for Tarshish (Spain) - about as far from Assyria as possible.
Just before today's reading, Jonah warned the Assyrians of impending destruction. Because they repented, God decided not to punish them. Today's reading recounts Jonah's anger with God's mercy. He was so angry that he preferred to die (4.3, 4.8).
Jonah, like the Book of Ruth and portions of Isaiah, emphasized the inclusivity of God's love and mercy for all, not just the people of Israel and Judea. This tension between inclusivity and exclusivity continued into the First Century, and is still with us today.
Philippians 1:21-30
Philippi was a major city in Macedonia on the Roman road to Byzantium (Istanbul). Most of its inhabitants were Roman citizens. Paul had deep affection for the Jesus Followers in Philippi, and thanked them for gifts sent to him in prison (4:18). Paul wrote this letter from prison, but it is not clear if he was in Rome, Caesarea or Ephesus.
Today's reading reflects Paul's tension between living in the flesh and seeing dying as "gain" for living in Christ (v. 21). His exhortation to "live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (v.27) is subversive for Roman citizens in the sense that it presents Jesus the Christ as LORD rather than Caesar. This may lead to suffering but will be salvation for the Philippians (vv. 28-29).
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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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Welcome and Pounding Party...Thank you!
Thank you for your warm and generous welcome to us on Sunday. The Christian community we experienced Sunday is why we are so excited to minister with you. Thanks to the pounding, our household is ready to go, and so are we as we join with you to love and serve.
Hadley, Jack, and
Father Thomas+
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Ministry Moment
The Church of Bethesda by-the-Sea partnered with Stand Down House in providing funds for the purchase of a much-needed van to transport residents on daily visits to the VA Hospital.
Stand Down House helps male veterans who are struggling with mental/physical wounds and illness, addictions, homelessness and/or
other issues regain their lives through a multi-tiered program, transitional living, and collaborative efforts. Bethesda also supports Stand Down House through our Outreach Fund Grants Program.
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Grand re-Opening
The Church Mouse will reopen 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 2!
* Celebrating 48 wonderful years
* 4,000+ square foot resale shop of women's and men's designer clothing to great antiques, artwork, and furniture
* 100% of the proceeds from The Church Mouse provides funds for Bethesda's Outreach ministry
Our hours of operation for the season are:
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Young Women's Bible Study
Wednesday, September 27
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. beginning Wednesday, September 27. For more information please e-mail Susan Beebe or Rachel Supple at
womenatthewell@bbts.org.
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Silver Sneakers
beginning
Tuesday, September 26
Bethesda is excited to offer our parishioners and the Palm Beach older-adult community an opportunity to join the SilverSneakers FLEX program! The program promotes a healthy, active lifestyle, and it's free for SilverSneakers members. The classes combine cardio, strength, and balance. Parishioner Albert George Schram is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor who has a special affinity for leading classes which nurture healthy living in our senior adult population in a warmly supportive, non-threatening environment. Experience is not at all necessary. These classes are for beginners as well as more experienced exercisers. Beginning September 26, 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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Save Your Samples
As you travel, remember to save the small soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, etc. found in your hotel room. Every year Bethesda's Port Ministry arranges 200+ gift bags for sailors who are at sea on Christmas Day. We will be collecting your items in fall.
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We pray for...
Abraham, Alyssa, Andy, Angela, Ann, Anne, Anthony, Ben, Bill, Bob, Brownie, Charlie, Chris, Christopher, Cindy, Claudia, Conway Family, Debbie, Diana, Dina, Don, Edward, Elisa, Ellen, Frances, Garcia Family, Gary, Gene, Ginny, Grier, Hill Family, Holly, Jack, Jane, Jenna, John, Jose, Judy, Katie, Kimberly, Lee, Lesley, Lev, Lila Ann, Mariette, Marjorie, Martin, Mary, Mary Kay, Matthew, Norma, Pam, Pat, Patricia, Paul, Peggy, Rebecca, Renée, Richard, Ricky, Sandra, Shawn, Stephen, Stuart, Suzanne, Sylvia, Taryn, Theresa, Thomas, and Ward, and those serving our 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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