Dear Bethesda Family,
You can imagine that as I greet people these days, they (rightly) ask how our sabbatical was. I’m sure you can also imagine how difficult it is to sum it up in just a few words in a quick conversation. But the word I begin every answer with is ‘amazing.’ Amazing.
We had so many visits, tours, experiences that we had planned. In the months leading up to our departure thoughts filled our minds, for example, of an extended time to rest and pray on Iona, imagining walking amongst ancient ruins in Orkney, and worshiping in vast cathedrals like Salisbury. One might fear after so much anticipation and detailed planning that reality might not live up to lofty expectations. That was most certainly not the case for us.
All those expectations of spiritual renewal, rest, connections with colleagues, adventure, the majesty of nature, and more paled in comparison to our experience just about every step of the way. From an extended time for rest and prayer on Iona to wonderful visits with clergy in London, our thoughtful and collaborative planning paid off in spades.
Then on top of that, we had more moments of grace-filled surprise than we can count. We spent a transcendent day at Durham Cathedral with their Canon Precentor. We drove across the North Yorkshire Moors National Park to visit a small church built on top of an old Celtic church and had a prayerful day that was profound to the point of literally taking our breath away.
Eli and I took the opportunity of two quiet weeks in Falmouth to reflect on our life and relationship to become deeply aware of how grateful we are for each other and the life and ministry we have shared for 22 years. We relished the time and space just to walk hand-in-hand, to laugh, to recollect, and to pray.
I look forward to sharing with you more about our Celtic roots and our call to journey together in faith. I also look forward to as many people as possible sharing in the experience of our Celtic pilgrimage next May. It promises to be a tremendous opportunity to deepen our spirituality, to learn more of our history, and to clarify our call to share the love of God in unity and love.
Peace,
James+
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2018
8:00, 9:00, & 11:00 a.m.
Preacher:
The Rev. Justin Lindstrom
Assistant Rector for Community Formation
at Christ Episcopal Church, San Antonio, Texas
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. Adult Forum, Parish Hall East
10:00 a.m. Fellowship Finger Food, Parish Hall West
10:00 a.m. 3 & 4 Year Old Sunday School, Sunday School Hall
10:00 a.m. K - 2nd Grade Sunday School, Sunday School Hall
10:00 a.m. 3rd - 5th Grade Sunday School, Sunday School Hall
10:00 a.m. 6th & 7th Grade Pre-Confirmation Class, Library
10:00 a.m. 8th Grade Confirmation Group, ECW Room
10:00 a.m. 9th - 12th Grade Pilgrimage Group, Youth Room
*#11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist & Healing
12:15 p.m. Church Tour, Chancel
Fellowship Breakfast | 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. | Parish Hall West
We serve a full hot meal cooked on site, with a 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: egg casserole, hash browns, chicken apple sausage, bacon, buttermilk biscuits.
Adult Forum
:
Adult Forum: The Power of Story, The Rev. Justin Lindstrom, Guest Preacher
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Sunday, October 28| 9:50 a.m. | Parish Hall East
In this second installment of our year-long Power of Story series, The Rev. Justin Lindstrom, our guest preacher for the morning, shares his own fascinating narrative as a follower of Jesus. Join us as we learn more about Fr. Lindstrom’s journey in life and in faith as we continue to discover who we are as Christians and Episcopalians, both individually and as a larger community. Fr. Lindstrom is the Assistant Rector for Community Formation at Christ Episcopal Church, San Antonio, Texas.
PARKING: Persons attending Sunday services will be allowed to park on ALL of Barton Avenue and the south side of Pendleton Avenue without receiving a ticket from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
* nursery care for infants through age 2 is available from 7:45 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Click here
to view the service leaflet for this Sunday.
Click here
to view this week's Bethesda Happenings.
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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, 2017 and should be remembered, please call April Lawrence at (561) 655-4555 x112 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. Monday, October 29.
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Port Ministry: Save Our Samples Sunday
Sunday, November 4 | 10:00 a.m. | Parish Hall
We need your help in collecting samples of soap, shampoo, lotion, as well as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razors, men's white crew socks, sweaters, blankets, magazines, and playing cards.
Please drop off your donations in the Narthex or the front office by Sunday, October 28.
On Sunday, November 4, we will assemble 200+ Christmas bags to be given to mariners who will be at sea on Christmas Day as part of our Port Ministry project. 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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Music at Bethesda
Sunday, November 4
3:30 p.m. | Church
Join us for a concert by Daniel Bayless, Organist at St. Mark’s, Palm Beach Gardens at 3:30 p.m. and Evensong with the Bethesda Choir at 4:00 p.m.
The Necrology—a list of parishioners and friends of Bethesda-by-the-Sea who have died since our last All Saints celebration—will be read during the service. A free-will offering will be received, and a reception will follow in the Parish Hall. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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International Potluck Dinner
Thursday, November 8 | 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.
RSVP to Ayana in the office at (561) 655-4554 or e-mail her at
ayana@bbts.org
.
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The Way of Love...
Evangelism 101
Saturday, December 15, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bethesda hosts the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's very own Canon for Evangelism
and Reconciliation.
Join us as we seek, name, and celebrate Jesus' loving presence in the stories of all people and learn how to articulate the power of faith in our own lives to tell our own stories. Lunch will be provided. Donations are accepted.
To find out more and to register for this event,
click here
.
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Invitation for Altar Flowers
We invite you to make a contribution in memory of (deceased), in honor of (living), or in thanksgiving for (celebration) your loved ones. Your contribution provides for flowers, plants, and altar adornments necessary for worship services throughout the year. Suggested contribution is $100 per name to be printed in the service leaflet for a desired Sunday.
In order for names to be printed in the Sunday service leaflet, they must be received two weeks prior to the desired Sunday--
click here.
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- Wednesday, October 31 -
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6:00 to 6:30 p.m. (serving starts at 5:45 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: smoked chicken in tomato basil cream sauce with penne pasta, house salad with honey mustard dressing, and home made bread.
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 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. |
Ethics in Our Time
| Guild Room
Does it seem to you like there are no ethical standards anymore? Do we live in a world of ethical relativism guided only by individualism, having forgotten the concept of a greater good? Are you troubled yourself when facing life decisions you never dreamed of in prior years? Join this six-week conversation with leaders from across the community as we look at the world around us, from ethical decision making in public service, the bio-medical community, the environment, business, and the application of those standards to our personal perspectives and the maintenance of an ethical culture.
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. |
Walk in Love; an Enquirers' Class
| Library
If you’ve ever wondered about confirmation, that mysterious sacrament offered by the bishop when he comes twice a year, and what it gets you, now is the time to find out! This eight-week study of the Episcopal Church is your opportunity to develop your faith and discover what makes our tradition unique.
RECURRING CLASSES
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. | Bethesda Youth Group | Youth Room
The Bethesda Youth Group is open to all youth in 6th through 12th grade. Each week we offer fun activities and lively discussions. Youth members also participate in monthly special events including our annual lock-in, service day, and camping trip to Peanut Island.
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. | Bible Study | ECW Room
The Path: A Journey Through the Bible
… praised by biblical scholars,
The Path
is the story of the Bible, excerpted from the New Revised Standard Version so that it is clear and easy to read. Follow the path of God’s love all the way from the beginning to the end, from Adam’s creation to John’s revelation. This book stands alone as a fantastic resource for engaging and learning more about the Bible. Discover what “trails” through God’s grace you want to spend more time on and get to know as your own special way to the heart of God’s Love.
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. | Little Way | Sunday School Hall
For all K - 5th grade kids with a curiosity for what we do at Bethesda and why. Crafts, cooking, learning games, and playful fellowship will help your little ones learn about Bethesda's traditions and have a little fun along the way.
6:30 p.m. 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 donation of $10 per class is requested (payable at the door).
CLOSING PRAYER
7:45 p.m. 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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We pray for...
Angela, Anita, Anna, Anne, Arie, Barbara, Brenda, Charles, Christian, Cristina, David, Donna, Dorothy, Edna, Edward, Ellen, Evan, Gail, Heather, Holly, Hugh, Jack, Jahdiel, Joey, John, Kelley, Lynn, Maldonado Family, Marcia, Mary, Mary Ann, Matthew, Melissa, Michael, Michele, Mylai, Nancy, Nikki, Pat, Paul, Peggy, Phyllis, Rahn Family, Reysean, Ricky, Robbie, Robert, Sally, Sebastian, Sharon, Shawn, Stephen, Sylvia, Taryn, Thomas, Tom, Ward,
and those serving our country
...
Alex, Benjamin, Christian, Clara, Eric, Harold, Herbert, John, Lorne, Luster, Michael, Sean, and Tommy.
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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.
The reading
discusses a portion of Jeremiah that is hopeful and a continuation in Hebrews of the presentation of Jesus of Nazareth as a high priest of the Order of Melchizedek.
Jeremiah 31:7-9
After the good King Josiah (who instituted many Deuteronomic reforms) was killed in battle in 609 BCE at Megiddo (the Greek name for which is Armageddon), the fortunes of Judea took a sharp downward turn. Babylon threatened Judea’s existence, and Judea had a series of hapless kings from 609 BCE until Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians in 597 BCE and destroyed by them in 586 BCE. The deportations of the Babylonian Exile occurred in two phases, one in 597 and the second in 587 BCE.
Jeremiah’s prophesy (
i.e.
speaking for YHWH) began around 609 and continued until 586 BCE when he died in Egypt.
Most Bible scholars agree that the Book of Jeremiah underwent substantial revisions between the time of Jeremiah (627 – 586 BCE) and the First Century. In fact, parts of Jeremiah are word-for-word the same as 2 Kings, a book written by the Deuteronomists (authors of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings). Many of the sections in the book of Jeremiah that are in “poetry style” are attributed to the prophet, and the parts in “prose style” were added by the Deuteronomists.
Today’s reading is in “poetry style” and comes from a two-chapter section of Jeremiah called “The Book of Consolation.” It describes a return from Babylon by the Judeans and the reunification of Samaria (“Ephraim” – the son of Joseph and the most powerful Northern Tribe) and Judea (“the remnant”). The prophet uses “Jacob” and “Israel” interchangeably because Jacob’s name was changed to “Israel” when he wrestled with an angel/God in Genesis 32.
Hebrews 7:23-28
Although the Letter to the Hebrews is sometimes attributed to Paul, most scholars agree that it was written sometime after Paul’s death in 62 CE, but before 100 CE. The letter introduced a number of important theological themes.
The letter emphasized that Jesus (as high priest) is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because he (as a human) had been tested as we are. The presentation of Jesus as high priest in the Letter to the Hebrews is unique in the Christian Scriptures and reflects the continuing process in early Christianity of developing images to describe who and what Jesus of Nazareth was (and is).
Today’s reading continues the theme of Jesus of Nazareth as the high priest of the Order of Melchizedek. The first part of Chapter 7 described Melchizedek and recounted that Abraham treated Melchizedek as a superior. The author then discussed the differences between the high priests of the tribe of Levi (“priests of Aaron”) who were imperfect and who died, and the priesthood of Jesus. Because of the Resurrection, Jesus holds his priesthood permanently and without weakness. His offering of himself was once and for all. He was appointed “by word of [God’s] oath” (citing Ps. 110.4), rather than by the law and is the Son who is perfect forever.
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