Monday, June 6, 2011

MMC: Pentecost is Coming

Good Morning Bethlehem,

Yesterday's worship
So going a little out of order than normal, I heard that worship yesterday was wonderful and once I'm done writing this email, I'll watch the recording that Becky P. made.  I have heard only fantastic things about Ryan's sermon, Tori's leadership and Anna, Dylan, Emma, Nini, and Rebecca taking over worship yesterday.  As I was at synod assembly, I asked many colleagues what they were doing for worship on Sunday, often a supply preacher or a lay adult was in charge (and they were often reading the sermon that the bishop prepared).  I can't tell you how proud I was of this awesome congregation to tell people that youth were not just leading worship at Bethlehem but preaching and that the adults would be full of grace as these youth grow into their roles as leaders of this church.  So what did you think?  How did it go? Have I pastored myself out of a job?  If you want to read Ryan's sermon, you can do so here (the video to come later).

A Few Announcements
  • Tonight at 7pm a group will be meeting to discuss Christian Education at Bethlehem next year; if you are interested in discussing how out congregation can teach the bible and theology better to children, youth and adults, please join us. 
  • Senior Lunch is this Wednesday at noon, we will be meeting at the Putnam House in Bethel.  
  • This Sunday is a very busy day!  We will celebrate Pentecost with languages, red, flowers, balloons and the baptisms of Aidan and Dylan C. during the 10am worship.  Please let me know if you are willing to read John 3:16 in a language other than English.
  • After worship on Sunday, June 12, head down to Georgetown Day to support our coffee hour booth.  Please contact Cheryl M. to volunteer to serve, set up, clean up or to bake goodies.
  • The next council meeting is Monday June 13 at 7:30pm
  • Sunday June 19 we will be celebrating the Holy Trinity, new members and dads.  Join us in welcoming the C. and C families and having a special coffee hour of pretzels, hot dogs and beers (both alcoholic and root varieties) as we honor our dads.
Book of Faith Puzzler
Last week’s  question wasIn Sunday’s gospel, Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Advocate.  Which is not another name for the Holy Spirit? A) Spirit of Understanding, B) the Counselor C) Breath of God, D) Wave of God
Isaiah 11:2 uses the phrase “Spirit of Understanding.”  John 14:2615:26 & 16:7 all refer to the Holy Spirit as the Counselor.  Job 33:4 calls the Holy Spirit the Breath of God.  As far as Pastor Becca knows, the Holy Spirit is never referred to as the Wave of God.  Congratulations to Nancy B. for winning this week's puzzler.

This week’s question: The National Council of Churches is an ecumenical group working towards Christian unity and cooperation.  How many different denominations are members of the NCC? A)2  B)37 C)250 D)1000  If you know the answer or willing to google it, email me by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing.  And the winner this week will get some delicious cinnamon rolls that my dad and I will be making this coming weekend in preparation for Georgetown Day.

Assisting this Sunday
Below are the people who signed up to serve as worship leaders in the following ways:
Worship Assistant: Mark H
Reader ______
Communion Assistant: Anna H
Ushers: _________ & _________
Bread bringer/baker: Regina B
Offering Counter: ___________
Altar set up & clean up: ___________
Coffee Hour Host: Mark H and Heloisa P
If you would like to serve in any of the ways that are currently blank, please let me know.

This Sunday's Readings
This coming Sunday, for Pentecost, the heart of worship is the story from Acts 2:1-21, when the apostles received the Holy Spirit.  What do you think it was like for the apostles to have a tongue of fire rest on them and to speak in other languages?  Have you ever felt suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit?  What was it like?  We celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of the church, how does this seem like the start of the church?  How do we as a church continue to age gracefully and yet grow and be excited about each birthday as if we are a young child?

Have a blessed week!
Pastor Becca

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