Midweek Message

Bethel Presbyterian Church

Changed by Christ so we can

Change the World

Rev. Dr. Cathie Smith

Midweek Message

Week of September 16, 2019

Picnic Time!

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. (Acts 2:46-47)

We have such a great example of life together from the history of the early church. They gathered together on the Sabbath for worship and learning AND they spent meaningful time together in their homes and out and about in the community and the world. And the big way they did this was by sharing meals with one another. There is something special about gathering around a table, slowing down and taking time to talk and share and be together- feeding hungry spirits as well as hungry bellies. This is why potluck meals and receptions and other food events have been and continue to be such a huge part of the life together for almost every congregation of almost every denomination.

I'm looking forward to our time gathered around picnic tables on Sunday afternoon!

Here a just a few notes and reminders:

There are plenty of picnic tables in our shelter, but if you would like to have alternate seating for hanging out and fellowship, we encourage bringing camp/tailgate chairs if you would like.
If you have not signed up or indicated what you'll bring for the potluck, no worries- come along and bring whatever you'd like to bring!
Paper goods and drinks will be provided
The picnic starts at 3:30- we'll gather and play games, and aim to eat about 4:30, then have time after dinner to play yard games or just visit and play (the playground is right by our shelter)
We are at the same shelter as last year- down the road past the Oliver Miller Homestead- see the map below.

I'm looking forward to our time together! See you on Sunday!

You are loved,

Pastor Cathie

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Sunday School Offerings This Fall

Preschool and Elementary

9:30 am

Lower Learning Center

Children meet in age level groups (PreK-Grade 2; and Grades 3-5) This year we are using the Whirl curriculum from Sparkhouse. One of the goals of Whirl is to connect kids to church life. Each week, kids and leaders start their time together by identifying where they are in the church year and watching an animated video to set up the lesson. Next, they dive into the Bible story, respond to the scripture lesson with creative leaflet activities, and circle up to review the lesson and pray before being sent out.

Youth (Middle & High School)

9:30 am

Youth Room

This fall, our youth will be studying the book, YOUnique. Based on Biblical teaching, students will explore their personality type, find out what their Love Language is, learn what their top spiritual gifts are, come to accept the way the God created them- body and soul, hear about the best gift God offers (transformation from the inside out), grasp simple ways to invite God's power into the daily lives, identify God's voice and learn to discern it for themselves, dream about their future, create a bucket list, identify desirable character traits, and set practical goals for the future.

Women's Sunday School

9:30 am

McMillan Room

This year, the focus will be on prayer- attitudes, postures, approaches, purposes, and more. All women are invited to join this group and enjoy the caring fellowship, the thoughtful discussions, and the laughter that is shared each week.

Men's Small Group

9:15 am

Quilters Room

All men are invited to join this time of reflection, discussion, and fellowship together. This year the men will be focusing on encounters with Jesus that are recorded throughout the gospels, and seeking to discover how they speak to the way we are invited to meet Jesus in our own lives. Come a little early for fellowship at 9:15 and the lesson begins at 9:30.