January 2022 Newsletter

Like many of you I have come into 2022 with some resolutions. Also, like many of us, they are unlikely to last long. We always hope that a new year will be amazing. But we also know that it probably will contain some wonderful things, and some difficult things, and that there will be a lot of routine in-between it all. That is the nature of life. Perhaps that is why Ephesians 4:1-6 always comes to mind when the calendar turns over. “Therefore, walk worthily of the calling to which you have been called…just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.” Whatever the new year brings and whatever we may be hoping for, we know that we have been called to be Christ’s witnesses. We have been called to glorify God and enjoy him forever.

Of course, in the new year there are lots of things that come up, and lots to be hopeful about. Our hope is grounded in Christ Jesus who will one come and make all things new. But that is risky as well. After all, we continue to live in a world that is all about the self. We talk a lot in our culture about self-improvement and that can be a fine thing when done in healthy ways. I would suggest that the risk we take that is necessary is finding self-improvement by removing needless suffering in the world.

We would like to think that there is no risk within the life of God. After all, God is infinite in power and majesty, grace and love. What risk could God possibly have to take? But of course, he does by being with us. God with us was not something anyone could handle. The disciples don’t get it, John the Baptist never really understands, people want things from Jesus (signs and evidence) when all he ever requires is faith. As Jesus goes through his ministry point always towards God’s kingdom, which has come near in him, he opens pathways for all of us to be closer to God and it doesn’t end well. At least that is what some would have you believe. So desperately does God want to be with us that he conquers death. That is the work of reconciliation.

We all risk losing something, when we seek pathways to be at peace with others, to be at peace with outcomes of situations where we feel helpless. We may lose our sense of being right, we may lose the one thing we believe is keeping us alive even. We may lose much, riches and power and influence, but we will gain life, by being a part of the lives of others and there is no better place to be a part of others’ lives than in the church.

Bethany Blood Drive - January 16
Participate in Bethany's Blood Drive with Vitalant.  Sessions will be available from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 16. Walk-ins are welcome or reserve your spot by visiting our website.

BYG Event: Snow Tubing - January 23
The BYG will be hitting the mountain on Sunday, January 23 for some winter fun. Join us for church at 10:45 and plan to leave right after church!  We will snow tube at Boyce Park from 12:30 to 2:30 and then return to Bethany. Advanced registration is required.