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Weekly Update

Bethesda UCC

February 21, 2024

Last Sunday's Worship

2nd Sunday in Lent

"Take Up"

The second Sunday of Lent found us listening to Jesus addressing his disciples and the crowd, telling them that if anyone wanted to be his disciple that they needed to take up their cross and follow him.

In Jesus' time this would have immediately conjured up visions of the brutal punishment Rome imposed on criminals and foreigners. Historian Josephus writes about the numerous crucifixions that the Roman authorities conducted on Jews in Palestine. So this would have been quite a warning on the risks associated with following Jesus' teachings of love and compassion.

Today, we might not fear a literal cross, but those who TAKE UP causes of justice do take risks. Basically, anytime we speak truth to power, there is risk involved.

When the hot air balloon pilot TAKES UP his balloon, there is risk involved. He has to be alert and aware of shifting weather, air currents, and must care for those in his care in the balloon. Likewise, as followers of Jesus, we must be alert and aware of what is happening around us - and then respond to the needs of those that we are to care for as the Church.

We were challenged this week to TAKE UP a cause or TAKE UP a good deed - to write or call someone, make a meal or take goodies, say thankyou or show our appreciation, forgive someone, visit, thank a service worker, health care worker or first responder. There are many ways to show the love of Christ in the world.

What will you TAKE UP this week?

Reception and Book Signing

April 13

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Home of Cynthia Wright

Cynthia's friend Jean Dudeck, just published her first book The Scent of Bright Light. Jean is a Teaching Assistant at Wesely Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. She received her Master of Theological Studies degree, with honors, with a concentration in biblical studies from Wesley and her Juris Doctor degree from New York University School of Law. She is a graduate of Smith College. The Scent of Bright Light is her first novel and is historical fiction.

The book jacket reads:

Sarah’s infertility weighs heavily on her. Her situation looks even more hopeless when she is trapped for years in the harem of an Egyptian Pharaoh. When she is freed, Pharoah gives Sarah a little girl born in the harem named Ta-Sherit. The mysterious God who speaks to Sarah and her husband, Abraham, seems to have great power and has promised them a multitude of descendants. But Sarah is old and getting older, and still has not given birth.

In this novel, Sarah tells her story through the lens of her relationship with Ta-Sherit, whom she loves and raises like a daughter – while others nickname the Egyptian girl “Hagar” and view her as a servant. In this ingenious reimagining of an ancient family drama, the biblical text becomes a new story when it comes from Sarah in her own voice.

Pastor's Message

Lent Shape Up

One way to look at Lent is that it is an opportunity for us to get into spiritual shape. Just like reassessing our physical shape, sometimes we've become "out of spiritual shape." Our spirituality can suffer from neglect, busyness with other things, or can fall lower on our priority list.

Sometimes we aren't as active physically in the winter as we are in the other months. I like to walk, but I don't like the cold weather! Sometimes we just get so busy we forget to tend to

our physical health. Today I joined the jazzercise folks for a good workout. My body is telling me that I've spent much too little time walking and exercising this winter! I had gotten out of the habit of weight work and brisk walks.

We all know that we need to stay in shape - especially as we age! But what about staying in spiritual shape? Is your spirit telling you that you are out of spiritual shape? Lent is a great

time to pick up the Bible and read one of the gospels to remember what leads to holy week and Easter Sunday. If you didn't get one of our devotionals, pick one up on Sunday and read the short, yet thoughtful entries for each day. Are you an on-line type person? Then go over to the website d365.og for weekly devotionals with music! Listen to some favorite hymns. Visit the church library and find a good read!

There are many ways to get into spiritual shape. Just like physical exercise, some like to work out by themselves, and some need a buddy or a group, or even a trainer. Spiritual work

outs are the same - some like to mediate and read and pray by themselves. Others would like to discuss theology or devotional texts with a group. And still others would like a guide. If I can help you in any way to discover how you can get into spiritual shape, let me know! Happy to help you find your niche!

Blessings,

Pastor Jill, she/her

Bethesda UCC