Posts with the category “holidays-seasons”

While this the long months of Pentecost may not always seem exciting, the truth is that when we intentional spend these long stretches with God it inherently brings growth.  Read More

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

Easter is also a time when we are invited to become conduits of God’s resurrection power.   Read More

Volunteer. Find an opportunity to volunteer your time and use your gifts and abilities to bring life and possibility to a cause.  Read More

Re-watch a favorite movie. Allow yourself to experience a favorite story anew and embrace the delight of witnessing this movie again.  Read More

Listen to the birds. Enjoy the sounds of spring and take time to notice the signs of new life that are bursting from the winter slumber all around you.  Read More

Cook something and give it to a friend or neighbor. Food has a powerful way of creating community and fostering friendships. Today, make something for others and rejoice in the ways that this unexpected gift can bring joy to someone else's life.   Read More

Give away a bag of unneeded items. We often have far more stuff than we need. Take time today to fill a bag with unwanted clothes or other items and donate them to an organization that can use them to bless others.   Read More

Slowly drink a favorite beverage. Slow down and really enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or other favorite beverage. Enjoy the wonders of taste and the simple blessings of life.   Read More

Make a fire or light a candle. Gathering around a fire has long been a space for communities to gather, tell stories, and think deeply. Today, either with others or alone, take time in front of a fire to consider the gifts of God and the promises of the resurrection.   Read More

Write your representatives. research who your government representatives are and take time to write them an email about a subject you care about.   Read More

Explore. Go on a walk or take a drive on a new path. The thrill and excitement of discovery reminds us that God has promised to make all things new.  Read More

Wash your face. Splash water on your face 3 times and remember the promises that God makes to us at our baptism - you are God's Beloved Child and nothing that happens today can take that away from you.  Read More

Learn something new. Our minds are a gift from God and the ability to learn is a possibility each and every day of our life.   Read More

Forgive someone else. Challenge yourself to let go of a grudge or some anger. Let God's promises of resurrection and new life take hold in you through the reconciliation of your relationship with another.  Read More

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

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

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

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

Sing a song. Sing loud! Sing with joy! Enjoy the opportunity to use your voice to bring music and vibrancy to your day. ...  Read More

Why is it that humans are always so focused on saving themselves?   Read More

Jesus never said it, but actions speak louder than words This is how you were created to live: Love, serve, give.  Read More

sometimes hope is able to discern What your mind can’t yet comprehend.  Read More

In many ways, this mirrors Lent. It is a journey that invites us to enter a wilderness to explore and test and question. We can use this time to learn and grow in our faith.  Read More

Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen. Acts 28:28   Read More

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” - 1 John 3:18   Read More

“ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12  Read More

Father Richard Rohr puts it beautifully: “Your image of God creates you.”  Read More

God was human, God's been there and done that. And in that reality there is more peace then we could ever imagine.   Read More

"It's not the end of the world." What a great phrase.  We toss these words around during those moments when things just aren't going our way. "It's not the end of the world" is what I said when I received my summons for jury duty."It's not the end of the world" is what I said when accidentally booked a flight with a 15 hour layover,  "Its not the end of the world" is what I said several years ago ...  Read More