MMC: Looking towards Lent

 Good Morning Bethlehem

Thank you to everyone who attended yesterday's annual meeting.  I enjoyed listening to your comments and concerns about the year past and the year ahead.  I especially want to say thank you to our outgoing council members - Vernon Beck, Ellen Grunsell, Jeff Kapec and John Santorella.  Thank you for you leadership and dedication to Bethlehem. Some people also wanted to know more about the narrative lectionary.  You can find that information here and at their FAQ site.

As January turns into February, we are starting to gear up for Lent which means a busy calendar.

• Mutual Ministry Committee Mon Jan 30, 7:30p
• Confirmation – Tue, Jan 31, 6pm
• Conference Meeting – Sat Feb 4 10am, Salem Bridgeport
• Grow 2 Gather Sunday Feb 5 9am - we will be hearing about Samuel and kids who do great things today. 
• Installation Service for Pastor Cathy Rohrs – Sun Feb 5 3pm at Grace, Stratford 
• Souper Bowl of Caring is next week.  Bring your change (though we will accept checks and bills as well) and vote with your money on who you think will win the Super Bowl: the Patriots or the Giants.  All money will got to Kids Care which packages meals for people who are food insecure in New England.
• Celebrate Mardi Gras at Bethlehem! Mark your calendar for Saturday February 18^th at 6pm for an evening of dinner and entertainment.  Dinner will be a variety of crepes and all proceeds go to Camp Calumet’s Campaign for Today. 
• Ash Wednesday is February 22 this year and there will be a mid week worship each Wednesday in Lent - more information to come.

Book of Faith PuzzlerThe question from last week: In  John 21, who decided to go fishing after Jesus’ death and resurrection?  A) Simon Peter B) Thomas, C) Nathanael D) James & John E) All of these

In John 21, many of the disciples returned to the Sea of Galilee.  Simon Peter decided to go fishing and the other disciples listed above decided to join him. Nobody submitted their answer this week which means the bread and candy is all mine!
This week’s question:  According to Matthew 22, what is the greatest commandment?  A) To love the Lord B) To love you neighbor C) You should have no other gods D) Do not murder
Let me know your answer by noon Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing. 


Yesterday's Sermon
Thank you to Ryan for leading us in a wonderful discussion about what is an unclean spirit.  I appreciated being able to not worry about preaching when I was at a conference all week.  So we pretty much decided that we all have unclean spirits - what are some unclean spirits that you battle against?


Serving this Week
A new worship leader sign up sheet is out, but therefore mostly empty.
Worship Assistant: Mark H
Reader:__________
Communion Assistant:________
Ushers:_______ & _____________
Altar set up & Clean up:_________
Bread baker/bringer:___________
Offering Counter:_______________
Coffee Hour Host:______________
If you can help fill some of these empty spots, please let me know. 
Sunday's Texts
The first reading is Isaiah 40:21-31.  Isaiah is trying to get his listeners to realize it is God who created the world and that same God we give them strength while in exile.  When have you looked to the majesty of nature in order to find inner strength?  When has being able to look at creation helped you realize that there is a God?

The second reading is 1 Corinthians 9:16-23.  Paul writes that he has become like others in order to win those people for Christ.  Writing that sentence makes me both want to identify different ways that I can transform myself so I can better communicate the gospel to others and it makes me want to crawl out of my skin as it seems very manipulative.  How can we become like others in order to better preach the gospel and yet remain true to ourselves so that when we do transform it does not seem like we are doing this just to manipulate the other?
The gospel is Mark 1:29-39.  Our gospel begins with Jesus healing Simon's mother-in-law and many other people in town.  The next day Jesus went to a dessert place to pray and the disciples went looking for him because many other people were looking for Jesus.  Even early in his ministry, Jesus needed time to pray alone.  When do you take time to be alone with God?  Do you find it easy or difficult to take such time?

Hope you all have a great week
~Pastor Becca

MMC: Calling the Disciples

 Good morning Bethlehem

I'm sure many of you are riding high after wins by New England and the Giants this weekend or you are basking in the after-glow of the Golden Globes last night.  And I'm sure even more of you are enjoying this day of celebration as our nation remembers the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.  Please take a moment today to not just give thanks for his life and the many ways our country has changed as a result of his ministry but to also continue his message.  One of MLK's many quotable quotes is this:  "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"  So who can you help today to change that person's life?

A Few Announcements

Senior Lunch Wed Jan 4, noon at – East Ridge Café in Ridgefield

Grow 2 Gather Sunday Jan 22 9am

Worship Committee Meeting Sunday Jan 22, after worship

American Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 50122 will be at First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 Cross Highway, Redding on Friday, January 20th, from 1:45 - 6:45  Walk-ins welcome or donors can make an appointment at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767 Reward: A coupon for a free pound of Dunkin' Donuts coffee (Give a pint, get a pound!)

ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY JANUARY 29TH AFTER WORSHIP

Book of Faith Puzzler

The question from last week: In Acts 8, where does Philip baptize the Ethiopian eunuch? A)In the River Jordan B)In the sea of Galilee C)In the Dead Sea D)In some water near the road

In Acts 8:26-40, it tells of Phillip being sent by an angel of the Lord to the road between Jerusalem & Gaza where he came across an Ethiopian eunuch who wished to be baptized.  In verse 36, “as they were going along the road, they came to some water.” and the Ethiopian was baptized.  This was probably more than just a puddle as he “came up out of the water” put otherwise we do not know how great the body of water was.  Congratulations to this week's winner Dorothy H. 

This week’s question:  In the gospel of John, Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip and Nathanael were the first disciples to follow Jesus.  Who were the first disciples to follow Jesus in Mark (hint look near the beginning).  A)Simon, Andrew, James & John B) James, John, Bartholomew & Matthew C) Andrew, Simon, Thomas & Jude D) Judas, Philip, Matthew, Mark.

Email me your answer by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing. 

Yesterday's Sermon

As I mentioned yesterday in worship, I was struggling all week about my sermon. And then it came together during our first hymn when we sang the line "Will you love the you you hid, if I but call your name?"  You can read more about this process here.  What is the you that you hid?  How do you hid it?  Who is the true you that Jesus is saying "follow me" to?

Serving on Sunday

The following people have signed up to serve in worship this coming Sunday
Worship Assist: Mark H
Reader: Paul B
Communion Assistant: Heloisa H
Ushers_____ & _______
Communion set up:________
Counter: Nancy B
Coffee Hour Host: Barbara & Nini C

If you are able to serve in one of the ways that is currently blank, please let me know

Sunday's Texts

As we continue this season after Epiphany, our stories continue with themes of calling, this time we hear about Jonah and some of Jesus' first disciples.  

The first reading is Jonah 3:1-5, 10.  Jonah really is a funny book.  Personally I think that if you don't laugh while reading it, you either don't get it or you are taking your faith much too seriously.  Here is a guy who is told by God to go to Nineveh but he runs the other way, gets thrown out of the boat, swallowed by a fish and then given a 2nd chance by God to go to Nineveh.  This time he goes and while he doesn't preach exactly what God tells him to, he tells the city that they are doomed.  Within a day the people repent and then Jonah gets upset because God decided not to destroy the city.  When has God given you a second chance?  (or a third? or a fourth?) Have you ever changed your ways (repented) after being warned that your current actions were going to cause you to be destroyed?

The second reading is 1 Corinthians 7:29-31.  Paul says that if we are married or mourning or rejoice or rich, that we should not act that way because the world is passing away.  Paul thought that Jesus was coming back in his lifetime, but now 2000 years later, Jesus has not returned and we, as humans, live life including marriage, and mourning & rejoice and even buying things.  How do you keep in tension that the fact that we are living life as God has created us, but Jesus is coming?

The gospel is Mark 1:14-20.  Jesus calls 4 disciples who all leave their nets, boats and family and follow Jesus.  Are you called to leave behind part of your life to follow Jesus? Or can you follow Jesus while still keeping your career, your family, your life?

Hope you have a great week!
~Pastor Becca

MMC: Baptism & the New Year

Good afternoon & Happy New Year!

I hope that you are all are adjusting to life post-holidays as the kids have gone back to school, you've gone back to work or company has gone back to their homes.  

A Few Quick Announcements

• Grow 2 Gather is this Sunday at 9am.  We will be hearing the story of Jesus' baptism and discussing the symbols of baptism as we make a reminder that we are loved children of God. 
• Confirmation is NEXT Tuesday, January 10th at 6pm.  
• If you ordered poinsettias, they are available to take home.  If you forgot what size you ordered, please ask. 

Book of Faith Puzzler

The puzzler from the last Sunday in Advent was: What is the longest the season of Advent can be? A)24 days B) 25 days C)28 days D)30 days. 

Advent starts 4 Sundays before Christmas, regardless of what day of the week Christmas is on.  This year since Christmas was on a Sunday, we had 4 full weeks of Advent, or 28 days, the longest Advent can be.  Congratulations to Ryan and Tiina H for being our winners as they duked it out and hurried to be able to count the calendar the quickest.


You should also come to worship as you never know when I'll surprise you with a bonus question and you can receive a loaf of bread on the spot.  This week's bonus question was: Sunday was the 8th day of Christmas.  What happened to Jesus 8 days after he was born?  Well my dad answered the question, even though it was his bread I was giving away, which was that Jesus was circumcised when he was 8 days old as was and is customary in the Jewish tradition.  Mark H stepped in and stole his answer in order to receive the loaf of bread. 


This week’s question:  How many days after his birth to the Magi come bearing gifts to Jesus? A)3 B)7 C)12 D)40 E)We don’t’ know  If you know the answer or willing to look it up email me by noon on THURSDAY (yep you get an extra day this week).  Thus far I haven't received any answers for this question and I have a loaf of my dad' bird seed bread sitting waiting to be given away plus I haven't baked in over 2 weeks now. 


Serving on Sunday
The sign up sheet for Sunday is blank except that Ryan H has volunteered to be the worship assistant.  If you are willing to read, usher, count, serve coffee hour, assist with communion or set up for communion, please let me know.  Try something new this year and volunteer to serve in a way that you have not served 


Sunday's Text
This Sunday we celebrate Baptism of our Lord and many of the readings concern baptism and water: Genesis 1:1-8, Acts 19:1-7 and Mark 1:1-13.  I have 3 main questions for you: What is baptism? What does baptism do? Why do we baptize?  Think about those this week as we prepare to discuss Jesus' baptism along with our own this week.


Have a blessed week
~Pastor Becca

MMC: Christmas is almost here!

Good Morning Bethlehem

Thank you to everyone who made yesterday such a wonderful day.  I am always humbled by how much you all minister to me and yesterday was no exception as we had a wonderful sermon conversation and so many hands came together to make the church sparkle for Christmas.  

Schedule

Christmas and New Year’s Schedule
Christmas Eve Worship: 5pm & 10pm

Christmas Day worship: 10am – suggest your favorite carol as we celebrate Christ’s birth

New Year’s Day: 10am – come as you are as we ring in the new year with worship. 

Book of Faith Puzzler

The question from last week: What is John the Baptist’s relationship with Jesus?  A) Friend, B)Student-teacher C) Cousins D) Brothers
According to Luke 1:36 Elizabeth and Mary, the mothers of John and Jesus, are relatives (sometimes translated cousins).  This would make John the Baptist and Jesus second cousins. Congratulations to Aidan C for winning this week's puzzler. 

This week’s question:  What is the longest the season of Advent can be? A)24 days B) 25 days C)28 days D)30 days.  Get you answer to me by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing.

Yesterday's Sermon

As I mentioned earlier, we had a wonderful conversation yesterday about "What great things does God want to do through you?"  In case you missed it, you can read my written portion here

Those serving in worship

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to serve in worship for Christmas Eve.

I could still use some help at the 10pm service, especially a communion assistant.  Please let me know if you can serve. 

Christmas Text

Saturday's gospel is probably one of the most well know stories from the bible, the birth of Jesus found in Luke 2:1-20.  What is your favorite part of the Christmas story?  What is your most memorable telling of this story - a Sunday School Christmas pageant, a movie, reading it on Christmas Eve with the family?  How can I retell this story to make it new to you?

Hope you all have a great week as we prepare for the birth of Christ.  

~Pastor Becca 

MMC: Advent 3

Good Morning Bethlehem

Is the anticipation for Christmas killing you or are you starting to dread that Christmas is just two weeks away?  Are you patiently waiting for Christmas to get here, chomping at the bit for it to arrive or trying to push it off as long as you can?  We are already in the 3rd week of Advent, Christmas is coming, it is almost here, and yet not yet here.  I hope that the next two weeks find you you excited and full of anticipation (and in good health). 

A Few Announcements

• Poinsettia and wreath orders are DUE! If you have not yet gotten your order in call Becky P TODAY 
• If you forgot your gifts for St. Luke's Life Works, please drop them off at the church or parsonage by Wednesday.  You can also call Ellen G
• Confirmation is meeting on Tuesday at 6pm at the parsonage
• Celebration Choir is rehearsing Tuesday at 7:45pm at the church. 
• Help decorate the church inside and out! Next Sunday after worship we will be putting up the wreaths, decorating both the tree in the sanctuary and the one in the yard, putting up candleabras and more.  Please plan on decking the halls after worship.
• Grow 2 Gather is meeting on Sunday at 9am.  We will be hearing about Jesus' birth and making a decoration for the church.  Please bring Christmas ads that you have received in the mail on newspapers as we will be using those for our craft.

Book of Faith Puzzler

The question from last week: What was the name of the angel who told Mary that she would have a child? A) Gabriel, B)Michael C)Raphael D)Uriel


In Luke 1:26-27 is says that “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.”  Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to a son and name him Jesus. Congratulations to Heloisa H for winning this week's puzzler. 


This week’s question:  What is John the Baptist’s relationship with Jesus?  A) Friend, B)Student-teacher C) Cousins D) Brothers  If you know the answer or are willing to look it up, email me the answer by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing. 

Yesterday's Sermon

If you missed it you can read it here.  Who have been Johns in your life?  Who are you called to be John to?  How have those people been John to you?  And how can you be John to other people?

Serving this Sunday & on Christmas Eve

The following people have signed up to assist in worship on Sunday 

Worship Assistant: Mark H

Reader: Cheryl M

Communion Assistant: Lillian J

Ushers: ________ & _________

Bread baker/bringer: __________

Communion set up & clean up: ____________

Offering Counter: Frank C 

Coffee Hour Host: M Family

And the following people have signed up to serve on Christmas Eve

5pm Worship:

Greeters & ushers: ____________, __________ & ___________

Readers:  

• Isaiah 2:1-5: Ellen G
• Luke 1:26-35 __________
• Isaiah 9:2-7: ___________
• Luke 2:1-7: ____________
• Luke 2:8-14: ___________
• Luke 2:15-20: __________

Communion Assistants: Cheryl M & Tori M

Prayer Leader: Mark H

10pm Worship

Greeter & Usher: _________ & __________
Readers:

• Isaiah 9:2-7 __________
• Titus 2:11-14 _________

Communion Assistants: Lillian J & __________

Prayer leader: _____________

Please let me know if you are willing to serve this Sunday or on Christmas Eve - I would LOVE to have all the positions filled this week for Christmas Eve so next week I don't have to track down people who are willing to read, usher, pray, etc.

This Week's Texts

For our 4th Sunday in Advent we continue to prepare for Christ's birth, especially in our gospel reading Luke 1:26-38, where Mary is told by Gabriel that she is pregnant.  Mary is told that she has found favor with God.  Why do you think Mary was the "lucky" one to get to birth the Christ?  Do you actually think she was lucky or was she baring a heavy burden? Mary response by saying "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."  How would you respond if you were told your life was going to drastically change and probably make your life difficult (at least in the short term) but it was all because God loves you?  

Hope you all have an anticipatory Advent!

MMC: Advent 2

Good Morning

It is hard to believe that we are already in the second week of Advent.  And that Christmas is coming and Christmas is coming quickly.

A Few Announcements

• Wreaths and Poinsettias order forms are due!!! Please contact Becky Pirron (203-644-4208) ASAP to get your order in. 
• Senior Lunch is Wednesday at Noon. We will be meeting at Plain Jane's (208 Greenwood Ave, Bethel)
• Council meets after worship this Sunday
• Grow 2 Gather meets again on Sunday Dec 18. Please bring in and Christmas advertisement you have to help us make a decoration for our church.

Book of Faith Puzzler

The question from last week: Today is the first day of the new church year.  Each year the majority of our gospel readings come from a different gospel.  Which gospel will we hear the most from this year? A) Matthew B) Mark C) Luke D) John
This year the majority of our gospel readings will come from Mark, however since Mark is the shortest of all four gospels, we will hear a lot from John as well, especially during the Lent and Easter seasons. Congratulations to our winner Nancy B. 
This week’s question:  What was the name of the angel who told Mary that she would have a child? A) Gabriel, B)Michael C)Raphael D)Uriel  

Send me your answer by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing. And looking up the answer is not cheating, it is encouraged.

Yesterday's Sermon

If you missed it, you can find the sermon here.  How do you see Jesus' story still unfolding?

Serving this Sunday

The following people have signed up to serve in worship this week.  

Worship Assistant: Ellen G

Reader: Nancy B

Communion Assistant: Lillian J

Ushers: ______ & _______

Bread baker/bringer: ________

Offering Counter: ___________

Coffee Hour Host: Heloisa and Mark H

Also people are starting to sign up to serve during the Christmas Eve Worship services

5pm Worship

Greeters and ushers ___________, _______________ & ________

Readers (up to 6 people) ____________, ____________, _________,____________, ______________ & __________

Communion Assistants: Cheryl M, Tori M

Prayer Leader: Mark H

Worship Coordinators: Nini C & Becky P

10pm Worship

Greeter & Ushers ___________ & ____________

Readers (up to 3) ____________, ___________ & _______

Communion Assistants ________ & ________
Prayer Leader: ____________

If you would like to volunteer in one of the ways that is currently not filled, please let me know which position and service you are volunteering for. 

This Week's Texts

The first reading is Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11.  Isaiah says that the Lord will bring comfort to those who mourn and deliverance to those who are oppressed, yet this time of year is very difficult for those who mourn and are oppressed as all the movies, tv shows, stores and radio remind them of memories of love ones or of what they do not have.  How does God still bring comfort and deliverance in the midst holiday and Christmas festivities?

The second reading is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.  Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians with a few simple instructions: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,  & give thanks constantly.  When is it easy to rejoice, pray and give thanks?  When is it difficult?  

The gospel reading is John 1:6-8, 19-28. We again hear about John the Baptist, this time from the gospel of John.  John is asked by the religious leaders "Who are you?" and he says he is not the messiah, or Elijah or a prophet but the one calling out to prepare the way of the lord.  If someone was to ask "who are you?" how would you respond? Are you one preparing the way of the Lord? Or are you someone who needs to be better prepared yourself?  Or are you both?

Hope you all have a great week!

Have an Anticipatory Advent

~Pastor Becca

MMC: Advent is here!

Good Morning everyone

I hope that you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and are already preparing for Christmas as we have kicked off the Advent season.  If you would like to participate in a daily Advent devotion, I have a few suggestions:  There is Busted Halo's  which has a tv or movie clip each day along with an activity to do.  There is also YouVersion.com that has multiple options, Rediscovering the Christmas Season, Countdown to Christmas (family focused), Carols (look at the words behind your favorite carols) and The Christmas Story (only 5 days long).  Each of the devotions from YouVersion you can also get on your smartphone.

A Few Announcements

• Confirmation is meeting on Tuesday at 6pm
• A service of Advent Lessons and Carols will be at Christ Church (184 Cross Highway) at 4pm on Sunday December 4th
• Senior lunch is Wednesday December 7th at noon at Plain Jane's in Bethel
• The Georgetown Community Association is having a Christmas party on Friday December 9th at 6pm at Gilbert & Bennett School, bring a dish to share, drinks are provided.  

Book of Faith Puzzler

The question from last week: How often did God give manna to the Israelites while they were in the desert?  A) Just once B)Once a week C)Every day D) Every day but the Sabbath
In Exodus 16, God provided food for the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness, in the form of manna.  It was one the ground each morning and the people would gather up what they needed for each day, except on the 6^th day of the week when they gathered up twice the amount since the manna did not come on the Sabbath. Congratulation to Cheryl M for winning this week's puzzler. 


This week’s question:  Today is the first day of the new church year.  Each year the majority of our gospel readings come from a different gospel.  Which gospel will we hear the most from this year? A) Matthew B) Mark C) Luke D) John  If you know the answer (or ever winning to Google it) let me know your answer by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing.  And I'll give you a hint - there is a big hint to the answer somewhere in this email. 


Yesterday's Sermon
 You all were fairly quiet yesterday, so answer me now - How do you see things that have failed away but God's love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and Jesus' words not passing way?  When have you see love, community, caring, or forgiveness take place even after buildings have been destroyed or items have been lost, stolen or broken or even after death?  If you missed the sermon you can read it here.  


Serving on Sunday
The following people have signed up to serve in worship this coming Sunday
Worship Assistant: Mark H
Reader: Paul D
Communion Assistant: Cheryl M
Ushers: _____ & _______
Communion set up & clean up:________
Offering Counter: _________
Coffee Hour Host: Barbara C

If you would like to serve in one of the ways that are currently open, please let me know.  Also this coming Sunday I will have a sign up sheet for Christmas Eve worship leaders.  At the 5pm service we will need 2 to 3 ushers, 3 to 6 readers, 2 communion assistants, 1 prayer leader, and 1 worship coordinator.  At the 10pm service we will need 2 ushers, 1 or 2 readers, 2 communion assistants and 1 prayer leader.  So please start thinking about if you are able to and willing to help on Christmas Eve and at which worship.time. 


Sunday's Text
During our second week of Advent, we prepare and anticipate Jesus' birth through prophecy.
The first prophecy is Isaiah 40:1-11.  Isaiah talks of the voice that cries out to prepare the way of the Lord and the Lord will feed his flock like a shepherd, gathering them into his arms.  How do you prepare the way for the Lord?  How are you preparing for Jesus' birth this Christmas?  How are you preparing others to hear more about Christ?  


The second reading is 2 Peter 3:8-15a.  The author writes that with God one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like one day.  But we are told to wait for the new heaven and a new earth with patience and peace.  Anyone who can remember childhood knows that December can seem to take FOR-EV-ER as you await to open the presents under the tree.  How is the waiting for Jesus to return still taking forever, and how has time seem to have passed by quickly?


The gospel is Mark 1:1-8.  We skipped ahead in Mark last week, almost to the end, but no we are back at the beginning.  But Mark does not being with Jesus' birth but Jesus's baptism.  And before Jesus is baptized, John the Baptist is preparing the way for Jesus.  John tells the crowds being baptized that one person more powerful than him is coming and while John baptizes with water, the one to come will baptize with the Holy Spirit.  Most of us have been baptized, often when we were too young to remember, and during the baptism we "sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever".  What does that mean to you?  How does the Holy Spirit work in your life?  How has Christ marked you with the cross?


I hope you have had a great long weekend and are not in too much of a tryptophan coma to get back to work today
Blessings
~Pastor Becca

MMC: This Congregation Makes Me Smile

Thank you to everyone who put on a hairnet yesterday before and after worship.  We made over 3000 meals with Kids Care (well over our goal partially in thanks to matching funds through Thrivent).  The meals will be going to Daily Bread Food Pantry in Danbury.  Did you enjoy making the food, even if you had to wear a hairnet?  Are you sad that you missed if?  I would love for us to make even more meals in the spring, are you up for it?

A Few Announcements

• Redding's Community Interfaith Thanksgiving service is this Wednesday at 7:30pm at St. Patricks Catholic Church (169 Black Rock Turnpike).  Join me in this moment of prayer and worship with people throughout the community as we spend time giving thanks to God this week.  I'll be preaching.
• Next Sunday we celebrate the baptism of Logan McGuire.  Logan is the great-nephew of Eva and Connie Beote.  
• A public thank you - last week when I dropped off all the food we collected from Ingathering Sunday, the employees at Redding Social Services practically fell at my feet in Thanksgiving.  Normally Redding Elementary School, does a food collection but they didn't this year (though they did ask for monetary donations however, they did not receive nearly as much as normal).  They were quite tight getting together all the meal bags for the members of the community who have asked for Thanksgiving help but knew they could count on Bethlehem to not just bring food, but lots of food including fresh produce.  So thank you for making it a delight to bring 3 grocery carts worth of food to RSS (next year, we will actually fill my car, I'm positive of it)
• On a personal note - Bob has made it to Paris safely and is starting to settle in.  Thank you to everyone who has sent emails, called or stopped by this week, it is really humbling, as the pastor, to be ministered to, but I do appreciate it and please continue to check in with me every once in awhile.

Book of Faith Puzzler

The question from last week: In today’s gospel, the NRSV translate the amount of money the slaves received as “talents” (I use the word “million”); how much money was a “talent”?  A) A day’s wage B)A month’s wage C) a year’s wage D) 20 years of wages
A talent was worth about 6,000 denari, and a denari was a day’s wage.  Meaning a talent was worth over 16 years of wages if you worked every day of each year.  Or more likely 20 years after taking a weekly Sabbath and holidays off. Congratulations to Paul Bengtson for winning this week's puzzler.
This week’s question:  How often did God give manna to the Israelites while they were in the dessert?  A) Just once B)Once a week C)Every day D) Every day but the Sabbath  
As of now I have no entries for this week, so grab your bible (or wikipedia) and send me your answer by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing.

Yesterday's Sermon
Well I didn't preach yesterday so I can't direct you to my blog to read the sermon if you missed it.  But how is God commanding you to feed the hungry, care for the sick, cloth the naked and visit the imprisoned?  

Serving in Worship this Week
The following people have signed up to serve in worship this coming Sunday
Worship Assistant: Ellen Grunsell
Reader: Cheryl Muniz
Communion Assistant: Anna Hawley
Ushers: ________ &______
Communion set up & Clean up: Nancy Beck
Coffee Hour Host: Jeff Kapec

WHOA!  I think that is probably one of the most filled weeks we have had.  If you would like to be an usher on Sunday, please let me know.

Sunday's Texts
Sunday we start a new church year, which means we will leave behind the gospel of Matthew for a few years and be focusing mainly on the gospel of Mark, though some weeks we will hear from John. Sunday is also the first Sunday of Advent, the season when we look forward to Jesus' birth.

The first reading is Isaiah 64:1-9.  The reading ends with the sentence "Now consider, we are all your people."  Isaiah is pleading to God to remember that everyone belongs to God, not just those who worship God.  This was written after periods of war and famine when many people have turned from God.  Times of trial brings some people closer to God and others turn away from God during such times.  When have you prayed to God to remember those who have turned from him?  When have you had God remember you, even if you weren't remembering him?

The second reading is 1 Corinthians 1:3-9.  Paul gives thanks to God for all the ways that they have been enriched by Christ, especially in speech and knowledge.  As we enter into Advent and prepare for Christmas, our greater culture is pushing us to prepare with presents, decorations and buying stuff (lots of stuff).  But God is preparing us for Christ's birth through knowledge and speech.  How can you prepare for Christmas this year by spending time with family, reading scripture or otherwise enriching yourself through Christ?

The gospel is Mark 13:24-37.  Yes we are starting the church year off towards the end of the gospel, not at the beginning (that is next week).  But first we are reminded that Jesus promised that the Son of Man is coming and that "heaven and earth will pass away, but [Christ's] words will not pass away."  What are the Advent and Christmas memories that you hold most dear?  Do they involve presents or people?  Do they involve the consumer culture or a religious culture?  

I hope you all have a great week and a wonderful Thanksgiving!

MMC: Christ the King

Thank you to everyone who made worship so enjoyable yesterday.  In some ways it was a little disjointed with Ingathering (thank you Ellen for setting up such a beautiful altar), a very weird gospel text and the farewell and godspeed for Bob, but there was also such a great sense of community in the sanctuary which is my favorite thing about Bethlehem.  (Well I have many favorite things but they all seem to go back to the sense of community in this congregation.)  Also if you forgot your food for Ingathering, please drop it off at the church or the parsonage by tomorrow at noon. (If I'm not home please leave it on the porch, and if you can't make it by the church, please either bring it Redding Social Services, at the Community Center, or any other food pantry that would appreciate a donation.)

A Few Announcements

• Confirmation is meeting tomorrow (Tues) at 6pm at the parsonage
• Senior Lunch is this Wednesday, Nov 16, at the Redding Roadhouse
• Council is coming Sunday, Nov 20 after Worship
• Grow 2 Gather is on Sunday, we will be packaging meals with an organization called Kids Care.  Everyone is invited to help us package 1002 meals in a morning. 
• Redding Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service is Wednesday Nov 23rd at 7:30pm at St. Patrick's Catholic Church (169 Black Rock Turnpike).  I will be preaching so you know the sermon will either be good or bad, depending on what you think of my preaching ;-)

Book of Faith Puzzler

The question from last week: How many plagues did God send on Egypt before Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to go (well before he then changed his mind and chased them to the Red Sea)? Chapters 5-12 of Exodus discuss the plagues that came to Egypt – blood, frogs, lice, flies, diseased livestock, boils, hail, locust, darkness and death of the first born – 10 plagues in all.  I decided to be generous and give all the kids who entered a prize; Nini C, Anna H, Anna R and Dylan R are our winners this week. 

This week’s question:  In today’s gospel, the NRSV translate the amount of money the slaves received as “talents” (Pastor Becca will use the word “million”); how much money was a “talent”?  A) A day’s wage B)A month’s wage C) a year’s wage D) 20 years of wages  If you know the answer, let me know, as of now I have had no guesses.

Yesterday's Sermon

What a wonderful conversation we had yesterday!  But I also know that I had to cut the conversation off due to time concerns.  For those of you waiting to say something and didn't, what were you going to say?  Have you thought of other ways that God is presented to us by society that doesn't make sense when you believe in a God full of love and grace?  If you missed the conversation, you can read the first part of it here.  

Serving this Sunday

The following people have signed up to serve in worship this week
Worship Assistant: Mark H

Reader:___________

Communion Assistant: Anna H

Usher: __________ & __________

Bread Baker: Lynn T

Communion set up/clean up: ____________
Offering Counter: Frank C

Coffee Hour Host: ___________

If you would like to serve in one of the ways that is currently blank, please let me know.

Sunday's Texts

This Sunday is Christ the King, the last Sunday of the Christian church year.  And as you may guess by the title for the day, a lot of the readings have to do with Christ being the King of Kings.

The first reading is Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24. This passage actually refers to God being like a shepherd who seeks out his flock from among the many sheep.  How does God seek you out?  How does God feed you and care for you?

The second lesson is Ephesians 1:15-23.  The author is praising God for making Jesus not just the Lord of the church but the Lord of the whole universe.  How do you see Jesus as Lord of the whole universe?  

The gospel is Matthew 25:31-46.  Jesus envisions a future conversation where he will thank the righteous for giving him food when he was hungry, water when he was thirsty, and clothing when he was naked.  The righteous however will not realize that it was him when they did those things for the least of God's family. And a similar conversation will occur with the unrighteous however they never helped the least of God's family.  How do you help the least of God's family?  How could you be more giving of what you have?  

Hope you all have a great week!
~Pastor Becca

MMC: Power Outage Aftermath

Good Morning Bethlehem

As we continue to clean up from the storm, I know that a few of our congregation members along with our great community members still did not have their electricity restored as of yesterday.  Please continue to check on neighbors and others until all are back to normalcy.  Also tomorrow is election day so please plan on voting tomorrow for your town selectmen, school board and other local positions.  I'm sure we can all agree that this past week we have learned a little more about the importance of local government. 

A Few Announcements  

• Confirmation is Tuesday night at 6pm at the parsonage
• Due to scheduling conflicts Senior Lunch has been postponed a week to November 16.
• Sunday is Ingathering Day, please bring any non-perishable food items which will be donated to Redding Social Services.  Last year my car was nearly full, this year our goal is to fill it to the brim. 
• Also this coming Sunday is Bob MC's last Sunday with us before he departs to France so we will be having a farewell and godspeed for him at the end of the worship service. 
• Sunday November 20 we will be making meals with Outreach Inc/Kids Care.  Our goal is to package 1002 meals before and after worship so please come ready to learn a little about this great ministry.  It cost $0.25 per serving, and the first 100 meals are being paid for out of our education budget so bring your quarters to help pay for the meals. 

Book of Faith Puzzler

The question from two weeks ago: We are already at the 19^th Sunday after Pentecost.  How many “Sundays after Pentecost” are there this year: A) 20  B) 21 C) 22 D) 23 E) 24

This year there are 23 Sundays after Pentecost, with the last one on Sunday November 20.  That day is also known as Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the church year. Congratulations to Frank C for winning this week's puzzler. 

This week’s question:  How many plagues did God send on Egypt before Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to go (well before he then changed his mind and chased them to the Red Sea)?

If you know the answer, or think you do, let me know by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing.

Yesterday's Sermon

I really enjoyed yesterday's sermon and the conversational dialogue we had about being a saint now.  If you missed it, you can read the written portion here.  What did you think about the sermon?  Both content and style.  Have you thought of other ways you are living into your sainthood now?  Or have other thoughts come to mind after our conversation ended?  Did you enjoy the dialogue that occurred or did it make you uncomfortable?  Do you wish there was more time or was it too long of a conversation?  Any feedback you have is helpful as I craft sermons as I try to think of what will connect with you.

Serving this week

The following people have signed up to serve in worship for this coming Sunday:

Worship Assistant: Ellen G

Reader: _________

Communion Assistant: ____________

Bread baker/bringer: ____________ (any bread leftover from the previous weeks was thrown out after the power outage)

Communion set-up/cleanup:___________

Ushers: ___________ & _________

Offering Counter: 

Coffee Hour Host: Mark & Heloisa H

Please let me know if you are willing to serve in a way that is currently not filled. 

Sunday Text

The first lesson is Zephaniah 1:7,12-18.  Zephaniah is one the minor prophets at the end of the Old Testament and he wrote shortly after the end of a reign of a tyrant king and his overall message was that the day of the Lord is coming and it will be filled with judgement and wrath.  Has the day of the Lord already coming?  Is it still to be?  Is it full of judgement and wrath or is God more just and kind?  

The second lesson is 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.  The author tells us that the day of the Lord is coming and it will be like a thief in the night.  But "God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ."  How has Jesus saved us and the world from God's wrath?  Do you think one needs to be threaten to believe or that belief can come out of love?

The gospel is Matthew 25:14-30, the parable of the talents.  The first two servants take the money that we given to them and doubled the amount.  Yet the third only gave back what he was given.  Who does God call us to be?  And how does this parable fit with conversations in our greater society such as the Occupy Wall Street movement and the the top 1% or earner having made much gains in wealth while the other 99% have not.  Or various tax plans that have been throw around by politicians about how much different people should pay to support the greater society?  Are we suppose to be like the first two servants who double what was given to them, though we are not told how?  Or like the landowner who is harsh and reaps where his does not sow and gather where he does not gather seed?  Or the 3rd servant who buries what is given to him and is therefore thrown into the darkness?  Or are we to be like none of these people?

Hope you all have a great week, that the power (and more importantly heat) is back on soon for those still without and to see many of you at Mark & Heloisa's wedding on Friday

Blessing

~Pastor Becca

MMC: Blizzard Edition

Hello all

As a Minnesotan I can say that I'm use to snow in October, but flurries and maybe even some sweep-able snow.  And everyone still talks about the Halloween Blizzard that happened in 1991, but that did not take out trees and powerlines.

I hope you all are safe and warm and if not there are some shelters that are opened.  

• Weston middle school is open as a 24-hour emergency shelter.
• The Wilton Y is open for showers and a warming center and most of Wilton Center's businesses are open for a place to stay warm or get a hot bite to eat.
• Ridgefield community center is open as well for showers and a warming place (though I don't know if it is open over-night)

If you know of any other places that are open or you yourself have power and are willing to open your home, please let me or the Bethlehem community know by hitting reply all.

Currently the church and parsonage are without electricity and I'm working from the Westport Library (much less crowded than Wilton) and I'll let you know when we have power back at the church.  But no damage that I can currently see has happened to either building other than a few big limbs being down in the yards.  

The unpreached sermon from Sunday can be found here. I hope you enjoy it and are willing to give some answers to the questions raised because I really feel like those questions need be asked.  Hmm maybe I can just rewrite it a little to fit with the text for All Saints Sunday.

Speaking of which, Sunday is All Saints Day.  Please send me the names of anyone in your life who has recently died, been born or baptized so that we can remember all the Saints in our prayers this coming week.  (And the weather forecast calls for 60 degrees on Sunday so hopefully we won't have a repeat of this past weekend).  

Also start bringing in can or boxed good for Ingathering Sunday on November 13 and money for meals for Kids Care on November 20 when we hope to package 1000 meals during Grow 2 Gather and after worship.  

See you Sunday and in the meantime let me know if there is anything I can do for you to keep you warm and safe or spiritually feed in the wake of the snow. 

Blessings

~Pastor Becca

MMC: I'm back!

Good Morning!

I'm back from my long trip to Minnesota for the preaching conference and my short trip to New York with some friends and I can't believe we are half way through October already!  I hope fall is treating you all well and you aren't ready to curse the leaves that have fallen into your yard yet.

A Few Announcements

• Confirmation is meeting on Tuesday night at 6pm. 
• Senior Lunch is Wednesday at Noon.  We will be meeting at the Olde BlueBird Inn, 363 Black Rock Tpke, Easton
• Worship committee is meeting after worship  on Sunday Oct 23rd.  All are invited to discuss plans for Advent, Christmas and beyond
• Come say Bon Voyage to Bob Middeke-Conlin at the parsonage this Friday, October 21 starting at 7pm.  
• Corn Mazes & more is our next family fun outing on Saturday Oct 29 at 1pm (raindate Oct 30).  Tickets are $15 or less, sign up in the community room or let me know if you are planning on going. 
• All Saints Day is coming.  Please let me know by email or by filling out the sheet in the community room, those in your lives who have died, been born or baptized within the last year. 

Book of Faith Puzzler

The last weeks question was: What happened at a wedding banquet that Jesus attended? A) a fight broke out B) Jesus walked on water C) Jesus was arrested D) Jesus turned water into wine

In John 2, Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding banquet when the party runs out of wine.  This was Jesus’ first miracle.  But no one submitted an answer last week which means more bread or candy for me.  
This week’s question:  What was sacrificed by Abraham when he was sent to the mountain to sacrifice his son?  A) Isaac B) a bird, C) a ram D)a bull  If you know the answer, let me know by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing.

Serving this Week

The following people have signed up to serve in worship this coming Sunday

Worship Assistant: _________

Reader: Barbara C

Communion Assistant: __________

Ushers: _________ & _________

Communion Set up & Clean up: __________

Bread baker/bringer: ___________

Coffee Hour Host: Bob & Becca MC

Text this Week

Our first lesson on Sunday is Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, which tells us not to unjustly judge, slander or hate others because we should be holy as God is holy.  How have you unjustly judged, slandered or hated others?  How does being a child of God effect you when you realize you are doing such things?  How has if felt when others have treated you in such a way, especially fellow Christians?

Our second lesson is 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8.  Paul uses the imagery of a mother nurse caring for her children to describe how he came to care for the people he writes to.  Paul argues that he was entrusted by God to care for them by sharing the gospel of Jesus.  When has someone cared for you so that you may benefit and not them?  When have you cared for others in a like way?  

The gospel for Sunday is Matthew 22:34-46.  Jesus is tested by a lawyer asking "what is the greatest commandment?"  After Jesus answer that there are two, to love God and to love your neighbors, Jesus then asks the lawyer and his colleagues what they think of the Messiah.  How do you think the two questions connect?  How have you both broken and kept the two greatest commandments?  And what do you think of the Messiah?

Hope you all have a great week and hopefully we will see many of you on Friday night

~Pastor Becca

MMC: Columbus Day

Good morning and happy Columbus Day!

For those of you who have today off, I hope you are enjoying the long weekend, for those working, I hope you enjoyed your normal length weekend. 

I am still in Minnesota as yesterday I was able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my parents congregation, the place I was confirmed at.  If you do have a pastoral emergency you can call my cell phone or you can call Pastor Geoff at St. Michael’s Church, New Canaan

A Few Quick Announcements

• Council Sunday Sun Oct 16, after worship
• Grow 2 Gather Sun Oct 16 & 30, 9am
• Senior Lunch Wed Oct 19, noon at the Bluebird Inn in Easton
• Worship Committee Sun Oct 23, after worship
• Everyone is invited to the parsonage on Friday October 21st at 7pm for a bon voyage for Bob MC before he heads to Paris for his PhD program
• Everyone is invited to Mark H & Heloisa R's wedding on Friday November 11th at 11am.  Please let them know if you are planning on attending by signing up at the church or emailing Mark
• Mark your calendar for our family fun day outing to Barton Orchards for a corn maze and haunted house on October 29 at 1pm.  Tickets are $15 for everything, rain date is Sunday Oct 30. 

Book of Faith Puzzler

Last week's puzzler was: Who planted the first vineyard?  A) Adam B) Noah C) Abraham D) King David
In Genesis 9, Noah plants the first vineyard after he disembarked from the ark.  Congratulations to Ryan H for winning this week's puzzler.
This week’s question:  What happened at a wedding banquet that Jesus attended? A) a fight broke out B) Jesus walked on water C) Jesus was arrested D) Jesus turned water into wine  Email me by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's puzzler. 

Serving this week

As of last week the following people have signed up to serve in worship for this coming Sunday

Worship Assistant: Ellen G

Reader: Cheryl M

Communion Assistant: Jenna H

Usher: ______ & ______

Communion set up & clean up: _________

Bread baker/bringer:_______

Counter: Lillian J

Coffee Hour host: Heloisa R & Mark H

If you would like to sign up (or already have) for one of positions not currently covered, please let me know

This Sunday's Text

The first lesson is Isaiah 45:1-7, Two themes that run through this text is that God calls us by name and there is no other gods.  How does God call you by name?  How does God know who you truly are and allows you to be who you truly are?  Is there anything that you worship before God?  Does that allow you to truly be yourself?

The second lesson is 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10.  Paul is writing to new Christians who live in a community where their faith is in the minority, yet Paul tells them they have been chosen by God to share the good news of Jesus with their community.  And this is evident by how the Holy Spirit is working through them.   As worshiping Christians in Connecticut, in many ways we can be considered the minority.  How do you feel chosen by God to share the good news of Jesus to our community?  How is the Holy Spirit working through you to share God's love with others?

The gospel is Matthew 22:15-22, Jesus being asked about taxes and his famous line "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's and to God the things that are God's."  What things do you have belong to God?  What things do you have belong to the government?  How do we confuse these things?  What do you think Jesus meant by this saying?  

Hope you all have a great week!
~Pastor Becca

MMC: 1st week of October in Minnesota

Good Morning from beautiful Minnesota where the forecasted high for today is 16 degrees higher than Georgetown.  Sorry to make you jealous but I wanted to let you know that it doesn't always snow in Minnesota.

A Few Announcements

• I am in Minnesota this week for a continuing education conference at Luther Seminary.  I will have my cell phone on me and access to email throughout the week but in case of pastoral emergency please contact Pastor Rip H at. Rip is an ELCA pastor and member of Bethlehem who is currently serving as the interim rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Weston. 
• Mark your calendars:
  Council Sunday Sun Oct 16, after worship
  Grow 2 Gather Sun Oct 16 & 30, 9am
  Senior Lunch Wed Oct 19, noon at the Bluebird Inn in Easton
  
  

Book of Faith Puzzler

The last weeks question was: How many visitors told Abraham that Sarah would have a son within a year?

In Genesis 18, Abraham and Sarah have 3 visitors who tell Abraham that Sarah will have a child within a year.  Since both Sarah and Abraham were both quite old, Sarah laughed when she heard this news. Hence why they named their son Isaac which means laughter.  Congratulations to Cheryl M for winning this week's puzzler. 

This week’s question:  Who planted the first vineyard?  A) Adam B)Noah C)Abraham D)King David  Think you know the answer? Willing to Google it?  Email me the answer by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing.  

 Yesterday's Sermon

 If you missed if you can read it here.  How have you experienced God's crazy love?  How have you experienced pain when others reject God's crazy love for us?  

Serving this Sunday

The following people have signed up to serve in worship this coming Sunday

Worship Assistant: Mark H (Well I believe it is Mark, Ellen and Mark keep switching the schedule around on me)

Reader: Paul D

Communion Assistant: Cheryl M

Ushers: _____ & ______

Bread baker/Bringer: ______

Communion set-up: ________

Counter: Lillian J

Coffee Hour Host: Lillian J

If you would like to serve in one of the ways that is currently open, please let me know.

This Sunday's text

The first reading is Isaiah 25:1-9, a hymn of praise which is often read at funerals as it celebrates God being able to "swallow up death forever."  When has God wiped the tears from your face?  How have you experienced God's victory of salvation.  

The second reading is Philippians 4:1-9 which includes the famous verse "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice" (which is what my red stole's design is based upon).  Paul wrote this when he was imprisoned for his faith and yet he was able to still celebrate his faith.   What do you rejoice about?  How do you rejoice in the Lord?  

The gospel reading is Matthew 22:1-14, the parable of the wedding banquet.  This parable is a frustrating for many preachers because one of the people invited last minute is thrown out for now being dressed appropriately and those who were first invited were deemed unworthy because they rejected the invitation.   How are we unworthy when we reject Jesus?  How have people received the invitation but still feel or act as if they are unworthy? How are we called to extend the invitation to others?

Hope you all have a great week!  Meanwhile just saw the forecast for Minneapolis this week - high 70's all week.  (okay I'll stop making you envious now)

MMC: Beginning of October

Good Morning Bethlehem

I hope you all had a great weekend and are ready to face this Monday.

A Few Quick Announcements

• Confirmation is meeting tomorrow evening at the church at 6pm
• This coming Sunday is World Communion Sunday, come enjoy many hymns that have a Hispanic flare to them. 
• Thank you to everyone for making my 2nd ordination anniversary special.  I really am blessed to be serving this great congregation.

Book of Faith Puzzler

The last weeks question was: What did God create on the 4^th day?  A)light B)animals C) sun, stars and moon, D) land     In Genesis starts with the creation story and 1:14-19 talk about the 4^th day in which sun, moon and stars were made.  Congratulations to Becky P for winning this week's puzzler. 
This week’s question:  How many visitors told Abraham that Sarah would have a son within a year?  Submit your answer to me by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing.

Yesterday's Sermon

If you missed it you can read it here.  And thank you to everyone who asked questions.  I will keep this list and refer to it for future sermons and hopefully help us explore the answers. What other questions do you have about faith, scripture, the afterlife, theology?

Serving this Sunday

The following people have signed up to serve in worship this Sunday.

Worship Assistant: Ellen G

Reader: Bob MC

Communion Assistant: Lillian J

Ushers: ________ & ________

Communion Set-up & clean up: __________

Bread baker/bringer:_________

Offering Counter: Nancy Land Dorothy H

Coffee Hour Host: Barbara C

If you are willing to serve in one of the ways that are currently free, please let me know

Sunday's Texts

The first reading is Isaiah 5:1-7.  The author writes a love song for the vineyard that he tended to but it yielded wild grapes.  Afterwards he let the vineyard be destroyed.  When have you felt tended/care for by God?  When have you felted left abandoned?  

The second lesson is Philippians 3:4b-14.  Paul writes of his religious heritage and but yet those things which were highly valued by his society don't matter to Christ.  It is his faith that matters.  What is one thing that you prize that probably does not matter to God?  Why do we put such stock into these earthly things?

The gospel is Matthew 21:33-46 the parable of the wicked tenants who kill the slaves and son of the vineyard owner.  When are we like the wicked tenants who mistreat God's messengers (and God's son)?  When have you also been a slave who has been mistreated when telling others about God?

Hope you have a great week and see you Sunday

~Pastor Becca

MMC: Great News!

Good Morning Bethlehem

I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful Monday morning.  

A Few Quick Announcements

• Join us this Friday for Family Fun Night.  If you are available at 4pm, meet at the church and we will go apple picking at Blue Jay Orchard in Bethel. If not come at 6:30 for a light dinner, and apple related fun: apple treats will be made and we will bob for apples and play Apples to Apples.
• Grow 2 Gather will be meeting on Sunday at 9am.  We will hear about the life of Abraham and then you can either play a game, participate in a small service project or help prepare the church grounds for fall.
• All men are invited for the first meeting of the men's group this coming Sunday at 6pm for a grill out.
• Thank you to everyone who donated items for the health kits.  All 50 kits were put together yesterday and will be shipped off shortly to Lutheran World Relief.

Book of Faith Puzzler

The last weeks question was: The first lesson starts after Joseph’s father had died.  Who was Joseph’s (from the Genesis) father?  A) Noah B) Isaac C) Jacob D) Joshua
Jacob, Joseph’s father, had 12 sons of which Joseph was the favored being the first born of his favorite wife, Rachel.  You can read about Jacob & Joseph’s lives in Genesis starting at the 37^th chapter.  Congratulations to Nancy Beck for winning this week's puzzler
This week’s question:  What did God create on the 4^th day?  A)light B)animals C) sun, stars and moon, D) land  If you know the answer, email me your answer by noon on Wednesday to be entered into this week's drawing.

A Personal Announcement

As Bob announced in worship yesterday, he has received a fellowship to study cuneiform math in a PhD program at University of Paris Diderot.  I am so proud of my husband and look forward to all that he will be able to accomplish.  However we are both committed to the ministry at Bethlehem, so I will be staying here in Connecticut and remain serving as Bethlehem's pastor but you can probably guess where I'll be taking my vacations.  

Serving this Sunday

The following people have signed up to help lead worship in the following ways this coming Sunday:

Worship Assistant: Ellen Grunsell

Reader: Paul Degener

Communion Assistant: _________

Usher: Bob Middeke-Conlin & ______

Bread Baker:____________

Offering Counter:__________

Communion set up & clean up:_______

Coffee Hour Host:  Apparently there is going to be some celebration for the 2nd anniversary of my ordination

If you would like to sign up for one of the areas currently blank, please let me know.

Sunday's Texts:

The first lesson is Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32.  Ezekiel challenges his hears who think that they cannot change to change because God is constantly inviting us to turn from our sin.  When have you done something that you thought you could not do?  Is there a certain sin that you would find especially hard to stop committing?  How can you use the first experience to help you find strength to stop sinning?

The second lesson is Philippians 2:1-13.  This reading includes one of the earliest Christian hymns (verses 6-11) which talks about Jesus humbling himself and being obedient to the point of death.  What can we learn from Christ's selflessness?  As of the result of Jesus' death, he was also exalted, when have you been praised for doing what is naturally in you to do?

The gospel lesson is Matthew 21:23-32.  The gospel starts with the religious leaders asking Jesus what authority he has for teaching and he turns it back on them by asking if John's baptism came from heaven or from human origin.  Answering questions with questions, is older than Socrates and can be quiet effective in getting people to think in a different mindset, but it can also be unnerving to others.  When have you been pushed to answer your own question?  Were you flustered like these religious leaders or were you able to answer yourself?  Jesus then tells a parable about 2 sons, one who tells his father he will not work but changes his mind and does, the other tells his father he will work but does not.  We all have been both sons at points in our lives.  When have you said one thing but done the opposite?  Why did you change your mind?

Hope you all have a great week and see you on Friday

~Pastor Becca