Good Morning Everyone! (Well it was morning when I started)
As one of my friends put it: "Friday it was winter and it was 70 degrees and sunny. Today it is spring and it is in the 30's and snowing. I think I want winter back" I hope you all are enjoying this snowy first full day of spring.
Announcements
- Tonight is an informational meeting about the mission trip to Virgina. We are scheduled to meet at 7:30pm at St. Michael's in 5 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan.
- Wednesday at noon, the seniors are meeting for lunch at Tonelli's in Bethel. All are invited to join us.
- The Worship and Music committee is meeting this coming Sunday, March 27 at 1pm. We will be discussing Holy Week, Easter, spring and summer worship among other topics.
- The Sunday morning bible study group is starting a discussion on the book of Revelation. We will be using information from the Book of Faith series and taking our time to understand this mysterious book. Please join us on Sundays at 9am.
- This Sunday is the last day to bring in cleaning supplies for Redding Social services. Household and personal care products are greatly appreciated.
- Bethlehem is collecting fund to send to Lutheran World Relief for Japan. If you would like to write a check, please make it out to Bethlehem with Japan in the memo line. Both checks and cash can be given in the coffee hour basket.
Book of Faith Puzzler
Last week's question was: We have started the 40 days of Lent and hear of Jesus being in the wilderness for 40 days of fasting. What is another event in the bible that takes 40 units of time? The number 40 appears often in the bible including the Israelites spending 40 years in the wilderness, Israel
This week's question is: What were Cain and Able’s vocations? A) Hunter/gatherer B)farmer/hearder C) farmer/wine-maker D)hunter/fisher If you know the answer or are willing to Google it, email me with your answer by noon on Wednesday in order to be entered into this week's drawing.
Yesterday's Sermon
You can read the sermon here. What questions do you have for God? Have you asked those questions to others? Have you started to find the answer? When has just asking a question helped you understand God more?
Sunday's Worship
Assisting in worship this week are:
Worship Assistant: Ryan H
Reader: Cheryl M
Communion Assistant: Matt M
Usher: Matt & Tori M
Coffee Hour Host: Me (because someone wrote my name down, but I have no clue who: anyone want to confess to this and make a request about what you are hoping I make?)
Sunday's Text
The first reading for Sunday is Exodus 17:1-7. The Israelites argued with Moses because there was no water for them to drink in the dessert. When have you quarreled with church leaders (or disagreed with church policy)? Do you think God heard your complaints? In hindsight do you think your complaints were valid?
The second reading is Romans 5:1-11. Verses 3-5 read "we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." How has suffering lead you to hope? How has God's love been poured into your heart through suffering, endurance, character and hope?
The gospel is John 4:5-42. And I think I need to start memorizing this passage today as it is one of the longest gospel passages in the 3 year lectionary cycle (though the next two Sundays are even longer). This gospel is about the woman at the well who Jesus tells he has living water, water that will make her never be thirsty again. And he tells the disciples that he has food that they do not know about. These statements can make us and the original hears this of magical water and food yet Jesus is talking about heavenly things. When have you hungered for knowledge and faith? When have you thirst for justice and peace?
Hope you all have a great week!
Blessings
Pastor Becca
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