Posts with the category “faith-life”

Marks of Discipleship - Created for Community

by Pastor Nate on July 4th, 2025

People will not always behave how you hope or expect, but in the same sense there is almost no greater joy than the joy that is found through relationships  Read More

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Sabbatical Reflections - Come Down

by Pastor Gary on July 3rd, 2025

But today there would be not just a sighting for him, but an entire encounter. Our task may be to not wait.  Read More

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We are the Church

by Pastor Nate on July 2nd, 2025

My experience with the church and with matters of faith have lead me to believe that community is essential for development  Read More

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Renewed Opportunity

by Janet Mortinsen on July 1st, 2025

When we go astray or fall short, we have a God who continues to love us and give us another chance to improve or change our path.  Read More

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God of the Voiceless

by Deacon Debra on June 30th, 2025

An inmate, from the state penitentiary, had written on a poster board a message that was created to offer the retreat participants encouragement. The verse, scrawled inside a crayoned heart, was Proverbs 31:8-9. “Speak out!”  Read More

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Sabbatical Reflections - Winding Paths

by Pastor Gary on June 26th, 2025

Somehow God will be there in all of it. Ultimately, as the road winds, we will find our destination. God’s promises will prevail.  Read More

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This We Believe - Creation Part 2

by Pastor Nate on June 24th, 2025

God has been present since the very beginning of time itself and somehow exists eternally into the future, even beyond the point when time comes to an end.  Read More

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This We Believe - Creation Part 1

by Pastor Nate on June 23rd, 2025

If God is a creating force and all of life is the product of God’s creative action than everything is deserving of our inherent respect and reverence.  Read More

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Sabbatical Reflections - Packing

by Pastor Gary on June 19th, 2025

Lord, remind me to use the gifts that are right here for me.   Read More

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This We Believe - Baptism Part 3

by Pastor Nate on June 18th, 2025

In baptism we are marked as Children of God; we are connected to the ongoing story of the Christian Church; we are forever labeled as the beloved of God. There are so many other voices in our world and in our life that try to tell us different stories.  Read More

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This We Believe - Baptism Part 2

by Pastor Nate on June 17th, 2025

The ritual of baptism that we still practice today is the continuation of these stories. It is another example of God using water to bring salvation to an individual.  Read More

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This We Believe - Baptism Part 1

by Pastor Nate on June 16th, 2025

Our life of faith begins, not when we finally figure out what it means to believe in God, but rather with a claiming action by God.   Read More

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Marks of Discipleship - Your Child of God Self

by Pastor Nate on June 13th, 2025

In our world of societal pressure, it can be easy to forget what God has already said about us. We waste so much time in our lives trying on different identities and personalities and trends and so often are left feeling empty inside as a result.   Read More

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Sabbatical Reflections - Preparations

by Pastor Gary on June 12th, 2025

I encourage to you put some plan in place. It might be something very simple. It may lead you into a new place, and new understanding of your relationship with God.   Read More

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Nature is the Art of God

by Paige Fenner on June 11th, 2025

Consider the beauty of the world around us. How each organism is made of cells, how each cell is made of elements and each element; atoms. And how they work as a system to make the world we see around us.   Read More

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Julian of Norwich

by Kate Souther on June 10th, 2025

I pray that today, we can all embody the spirit of Julian and understand both the simplicity and complexity of our faith.  Read More

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Pentecost Sunday

by Pastor Gary on June 8th, 2025

Today is Pentecost SundayWe invite you to worship together with Bethany today either in person orthrough our livestream.  For an additional devotional reflection, listen to Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate's dialogue sermon from Pentecost Sunday 2023....  Read More

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What Would Jesus Think

by Pastor Gary on June 1st, 2025

What would Jesus think?  Read More

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Take a Nap - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 29th, 2025

Give yourself the gift of a peaceful rest today, don't feel guilty about it, really enjoy the time to rest.  Read More

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For Aging Gracefully

by Janet Mortinsen on May 19th, 2025

Blessed are you who have reached a new age – even if it doesn’t seem to fit. It may feel too big.   Read More

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Call a Friend - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 16th, 2025

Human connection and relationships are so valuable and important and yet we can become so busy that we fail to attend to this essential element of our life.  Read More

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Walk or Run - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 15th, 2025

Walk or run. Get your heart rate up a little bit and give thanks to God for the life that is in your body.   Read More

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Create - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 14th, 2025

Create a work of art. Give praise to God the Creator for the ways that creation and creativity continue.   Read More

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Read - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 13th, 2025

The power and wonder of story unites cultures and people and fills us with wonder.  Read More

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Breathe - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 12th, 2025

We often do not breath deeply enough but get into the habit of quick, shallow breathing and yet proper breathing has been shown to have tremendous health benefits.  Read More

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Stretch - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 9th, 2025

Take a moment to stretch and to feel your body growing and strengthening through this simple practice.   Read More

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Watch a Sunset - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 8th, 2025

The beauty of nature is all around us and speaks to God's handiwork, yet we rarely take time to stop and enjoy it.   Read More

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Drink Water - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 7th, 2025

Throughout the scriptures God uses water to bring salvation. As you drink your glass of water reflect on this simple, live-giving substance.  Read More

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Laughter Helps

by Janet Mortinsen on May 6th, 2025

Suffering and loss are the words that come to my mind when thinking of the book of Job. And yet Job 8:21 speaks of laughter and joy. This suggests to me that even during difficulty, God provides hope for future joy.  Read More

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Appreciate Art - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 5th, 2025

Take a long time to notice the details of a piece of art and let it be an avenue into prayer.  Read More

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Worship - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 4th, 2025

The time for weekly worship connects us with the promises of Christ's resurrection in a consistent and unique way.   Read More

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Listen to Music - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 2nd, 2025

Music is able to move us in ways we can't fully describe.   Read More

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Enjoy a Good Meal - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on May 1st, 2025

Throughout the history of the Christian faith, the Sacred Meal of Holy Communion has been a reminder of Christ's Resurrection.   Read More

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Care for a friend - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on April 30th, 2025

Care for a friend in need. We all know someone who might need a listening ear or additional attention. Sometimes, the simple kindness of another can bring hope in completely unexpected ways.   Read More

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Forgive Yourself - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on April 29th, 2025

Forgive yourself. We all can be so hard on ourselves; clinging to past mistakes, past shame, past guilt. We read in John's Gospel, "if the Son sets you free, then you are free indeed." Allow yourself to experience the freedom Christ makes possible today and always.  Read More

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Plant - Practice Resurrection

by Pastor Nate on April 28th, 2025

Plant something today. Every spring, new life bursts forth from the ground and the trees around us, a visual, physical reminder of God's resurrection power.  Read More

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Give Thanks - Practice Resurrection

by Nate Preisinger on April 25th, 2025

Write your gratitude. Take out a piece of paper or a journal and write down your blessings.  What fills your heart with gratitude? Where has God been working in your life? ...  Read More

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Grieve - Practice Resurrection

by Nate Preisinger on April 24th, 2025

Grieve. While grief can often feel like something negative, the process of grieving can be deeply healing. Allow yourself to grieve a loss in your life and invite God to bring healing and hope to your pain. ...  Read More

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Do a Good Deed - Practice Resurrection

by Nate Preisinger on April 23rd, 2025

Do a good deed. This can be anything!  Simply find a small action you can take to brighten someone's day. ...  Read More

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Clean - Practice Resurrection

by Nate Preisinger on April 22nd, 2025

Clean up. Take time today to clean a room in your house or clean up a local park or public space. When you have completed your work, take a step back and appreciate the new life brought to that space. ...  Read More

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