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Three Days
The season of Fall is upon us. The Halloween decorations are appearing, children are choosing costumes. And it means the feast of All Saints' Day is near. In the past Christians celebrated three significant days in this season. It is the triduum of All Hallows' Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls' Day. Though rarely celebrated, there is a service for All Hallows' Eve in our Book of Occasional Services and November 2 is set aside in Lesser Feasts and Fast as the day to remember All the Faithful Departed.
All Hallows' Eve, October 31, incorporates powerful and archetypal customs to deal with the human dilemma of death. The Old Testament reading for All Hallows' Eve is the peculiar story from First Samuel where Saul, a king, goes trembling with fear for his life and his Kingdom to seek consul from the medium Endor. The news for Saul is not good and Endor, the medium, seeks to console Saul. The point, however, is that no one is free of the power of death and loss, not even the Kings.
All Saints' Day celebrates the way those who have come before us have been beacons of light and life and love in the name of the God of Love. All Saints' Day remembers the ones who have dared to live life continually oriented toward God and not the self. By remembering these saints we are given examples and hope that we too can live with more love and compassion centered on treating others the way Christ himself cares for others.
Traditionally known as All Souls' Day and recognized in our book of Lesser Feasts and Fast as All the Faithful Departed, November 2 proclaims the common mortality of all human beings. It is the humble acknowledgement by mere mortals that God alone is the Creator and keeper of all souls. The destiny of the human soul is in God's providence alone. We have our place in the order of things as the created, beautiful and in God's image, yet God alone is Creator and Lord of Life.
Confronting questions of human mortality and limits while also realizing we are endowed with the freedom to choose how we shall live is worth contemplating. The triduum of All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day provides us an opportunity to individually and as the Christian community of Bethesda to consider questions like, "in who and what do I place my hope? What is most important to me and of ultimate value among all the other good things in my life? How does considering that all human beings are created by God and in God's loving care affect how we view others, the ways we treat others?" As these three days, October 31, November 1, and November 2 approach, may they be for all of us an opportunity to consider our place in God's order of things and to grow in our knowledge and love of God, ourselves, and our neighbors.
Faithfully,
Father Thomas+
Associate for Outreach & Development
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2017
Preacher (8:00 & 11:00 a.m.): The Rev. Canon C. K. Robertson
Preacher (9:00 a.m.): The Rev. Burl Salmon
*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. 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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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:
Scrambled eggs, bacon, croissants, and home fries.
Adult Forum:
The Church in the Public Square | 9:50 to 10:50 a.m. | Parish Hall East
Ever wonder what God calls on Christians to say and do in a world there 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 second conversation about faith in public discourse, Alan Yarborough, Communication Coordinator for the Office of Government Relations, 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: Fried chicken drumsticks, mac-n-cheese, coleslaw, sauteed vegetables, garden salad, strawberry shortcake with buttermilk biscuits, macerated strawberries and whipped cream.
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.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Deuteronomy is the fifth (and last) book of the Torah and (except for today's reading) is presented as Moses' final speech to the Israelites just before they entered the Promised Land. "Deuteronomy" comes from Greek words that mean "Second Law" and is structured as a "restatement' of the laws in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. Parts of it were revised in the 5th Century BCE, but the bulk of the book is generally dated to the reign of Josiah (640-609 BCE).
It is the first book of the "Deuteronomic History" - a didactic history of Ancient Israel from the Wilderness to the Babylonian Exile (587 BCE), including Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings.
Today's reading is the last chapter of the Torah and a segue to the Book of Joshua. It recounted Moses' death and the passing of authority to Joshua. Moses' burial site is unknown (v. 6) lest it become a place of veneration. Mount Nebo and Pisgah are different places, but the author treats them as the same in order to respect different traditions about the place of Moses' death.
The statement that Moses knew YHWH "face to face" (v.10) became part of Israel's Messianic expectation when combined with Deut. 18:18 ("I [YHWH] will raise up for them a prophet like you [Moses] from among their own people.") The Gospel According to Matthew especially emphasized Jesus of Nazareth as the New Moses.
Ironically (and reflecting different religious and theological traditions within the Torah), last week's reading specifically said Moses could not see YHWH's face and live (Ex. 33:20-23).
Leviticus 19:1-2,15-18
Leviticus is the third book of the Torah and is mostly concerned with a variety of laws and the worship of YHWH. The book gets its name from the priests who were of the Tribe of Levi. It is part of the Priestly writings and dated to the time of the Exile (587-539 BCE) and after the Exile.
Today's reading is part of the "Holiness Code" written after the Exile that comprises Chapters 17 to 26. The opening verses call the people of Israel (and us) to be "holy" - which is understood as being "separate" (that is, not OF this world and its values, even though we are IN this world). The last verse ("love your neighbor as yourself") became the Second Great Commandment in the Gospels, when combined with Deut. 6:5 ("love the LORD [YHWH] your God").
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
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. The letter encouraged the community to be steadfast in the face of persecution. In today's reading, Paul emphasized the sincerity of his preaching to them, and that he considered himself entrusted with the gospel by God (v.4).
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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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Funeral Services
Hal Scott
Saturday, November 4
1:00 p.m.
Mary Hulitar
Saturday, November 11
10:30 a.m.
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All Saints' Necrology--a
list of parishioners and friends of Bethesda-by-the-Sea who have died since our last All Saints' celebration--will be read at all services.
Wednesday, November 1
All Saints' Day
12:05 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Hymns, Chancel
Sunday, November 5
All Saints' Sunday
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
9:00 a.m. Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist with
music by the Bethesda Choir
11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with m
usic by the Bethesda Choir
3:30 p.m. Recital by Nathan Taylor, organist
4:00 p.m. Evensong with The Bethesda Choir
5:00 p.m. Reception, Parish Hall
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Vestry Nominations
Four Communicants in Good Standing will be elected to serve three-year terms at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 28, 2018.
All those who wish to volunteer for service on the Vestry must complete two forms in the packet
before noon on Wednesday, November 15, 2017
. The information packets are available HERE*. Printed copies of the packet are also obtainable from Ayana in the church office, (561) 655-4554.
*Make sure you save the file to your computer, fill it out, then save it again after you have entered your information, then send it as an attachment to the email below.
Completed forms may be sent as e-mail attachments to nominations@bbts.org, or delivered to the church in a sealed envelope addressed to the Nominating Committee.
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International Potluck Dinner
Sponsored by Cursillo Ministry
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, Angelica, Anne, Anthony, Ben, Carolyn, Connie, Conway Family, David, Denise, Diana, Don, Dylan, Ellen, Garcia Family, Gary, Gerry, Grier, Holly, Jack, Jane, Jenna, Jerry, Jim, John, Joyce, Katie, Kimberly, Lawrence Family, Lesley, Lev, Lloyd, Mariette, Marjorie, Mary, Mary Kay, Matthew, Michael, Michelle, Midialys, Mildred, Miryam, Norma, Osborne Family, Pam, Pat, Paul, Peggy, Rebecca, Renée, Ricky, Rogers Family, Rosie, Shawn, Stanley, Stephen, Susan, 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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