BETHANY GARDENS WORK PARTY THIS SATURDAY FROM 1:00-3:00PM

We’ll re-build our compost pile, help clear out the food bank garden, and re-do the bed markers. Snacks provided. Looking forward to seeing you there! Any questions, contact Mariah Pepper at: mrosegp@gmail.com.

This Sunday, April 29th at 10:30AM following a wonderful Earth Day Sunday last week …

GOD’S PEOPLE WORKING IN THIS WORLD FOR SHALOM, WHOLENESS AND PEACE: A JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE OF WORSHIP LED by Rabbi Jim and Julie Mirel of the Jewish synagogue, Temple B’nai Torah, Pastor Angela Ying, Miho Takekawa, Naomi Finkelstein, Steve Gisel, Alison Cardinal and the Bethany Church community.

REMINDER! APRIL 27-29 PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING at the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco, WA.

COME OUT TO SUPPORT IMMIGRATION RIGHTS AND REFORM. THE SEATTLE ANNUAL MAY 1^ST MARCH — UNITING ALL WORKERS. Bethany Church joins El Comite and the Committee for Immigration Reform and Social Justice and the May 1^st Action Coalition and all sisters and brothers in this march. Rally starts at 3:30PM, and March at 5PM beginning at St. Mary’s Church, 611 20^th Avenue S, Seattle, 98144.  Seattle’s May 1^st March is one of largest marches of the year.

MOVIE NIGHTS AT BETHANY!!  EVERY 2^ND AND 4^TH FRIDAY @7PM.
MAY 4 WILL BE “FRESH”
FRESH began as a grassroots effort for a grassroots movement, and it’s been tremendously exciting to see the movie spread like wildfire. Within a month of our launch in April 2009, we received over 20,000 visitors and hundreds of screenings were organized. Today, FRESH is a community of over 100,000 advocates for healthier, more sustainable food, a film that’s used all over the world as a platform to raise awareness and connect people to solutions in their community. But that’s not good enough.

We want to make fresh food on every plate the norm, not the exception. We want to reach 1 million people: gardeners, doctors, politicians, teachers, eaters. Not just because that would be a nice boost to our ego (mine especially!), but because we believe that FRESH can truly help get us to a tipping point, when sustainable food will no longer be just a niche market.

SATURDAY, MAY 5^TH,  12:00PM-2:00PM COMMUNITY FORUM  “IT’S A JUNGLE IN THERE” Corporate tax-dodging, sweatshop working conditions, predatory business practices, and other secrets of Amazon.com.  Bethany Church, 6230 Beacon Avenue S, Seattle 98108 (corner of Beacon and Graham). Food will be provided.

MOVIE NIGHTS AT BETHANY!!  EVERY 2^ND AND 4^TH FRIDAY @7PM.
MAY 18TH WILL BE “MURDER, SPIES & VOTING LIES: THE CLINT CURTIS STORY”
The true story of computer programmer Clint Curtis who, in 2000, claims he was asked by future Congressman Tom Feeney (R,Fl.) to create vote-rigging software for Florida’s electronic voting machines. Join investigative journalist/blogger Brad Friedman as he pokes at the seamy side of our democracy in this riveting documentary. The high-tech scandal evolved into a real-life murder mystery. Written by Anonymous<http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Anonymous&view=simple&sort=alpha>

YUIR – YOUTH UNDOING INSTITUTIONAL RACISM, Thursdays from 4:30-6:30PM.  Specializing in the training of youth community organizers! For more information email Jenelle Forde at jjforde@gmail.com.

FOLLOW BETHANY ON TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/BethanyUCC

BETHANY UCC’S FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=648883743#!/pages/Bethany-United-Church-of-Christ/256782854332038

TONIGHT! APRIL 20,EARTH DAY WEEKEND — BETHANY COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT, 7:00PM FEATURE PRESENTATION: CRUDE
Sponsored by Bethany’s Community Engagement/Peace and Justice Team in partnership with Washington Toxics Coalition organizer, Jill Mangaliman  in the Olivet Room at Bethany United Church of Christ, beginning at 7:00PM.

Film Summary:
Three years in the making, this cinéma-vérité feature from acclaimed filmmaker Joe Berlinger is the epic story of one of the largest and most controversial environmental lawsuits on the planet.  An inside look at the infamous $27 billion “Amazon Chernobyl” case, CRUDE is a real-life high stakes legal drama set against a backdrop of the environmental movement, global politics, celebrity activism, human rights advocacy, the media, multinational corporate power, and rapidly-disappearing indigenous cultures. Presenting a complex situation from multiple viewpoints, the film examines a complicated situation from several angles while bringing a story of environmental peril and human suffering into focus. –Written by Crude Production

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 22ND CELEBRATE EARTH DAY AND EARTH DAY FAIR, 10:30AM

Third Sunday of Easter

“We Are All God’s Creation”

Come Share, Come Ready to Organize and Come Build Community in Bethany’s Vision as a Greening Congregation committed to Eco-Justice for All of God’s Creation with our friends from Ground Up Organics, NW Farm Bill Action Group, Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetland (part of Seattle Tilth), Got Green, Washington Toxics Coalition, Faith Action Network, Earth Ministry, Working Washington and more community partners in this special community gathering during worship at Bethany Church! Special Music with Miho Takekawa, marimba player; Darryl Barber, saxophonist; Frank Clayton, bassist; Saraswati Sunidyo, Sufi drummer.

Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Miho Takekawa, Darryl Barber, Frank Clayton, Suzanne Simmons, Steve Gisel, Alice Woldt, Michael Woo, Jill Mangaliman, Marni Sorin, Jordon Jobe, Rebecca Saldaña, and KL Shannon with the Bethany Church community. For more information and to get involved contact Steve Gisel at stevegisel@gmail.com

THIS WEEK Organizations from around the country will be meeting with more than 75 Congressional offices in D.C. and many more will be taking action locally. April 17, the Senate hosted its first hearing in 10 years on racial profiling. Momentum is growing and we need you to join the chorus demanding federal action to ban racial profiling.

Contact your Senators and Representatives to urge them to co-sponsor and pass the End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA) and to pressure the Department of Justice (DOJ) to strengthen its 2003 Guidance on racial profiling. See the link below to see how you can take action! http://www.rightsworkinggroup.org/AdvocacyWeek2012

APRIL 25, 5:30PM POTLUCK MEETING — BETHANY CHURCH PARTNERS WITH THE WING LUKE ASIAN MUSEUM IN PREPARING FOR EXHIBIT ON RACE AND RACISM WITH YOUTH VOICES AND INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATIONS IN 2013.

Organizing Meeting and Potluck on Wednesday, April 25, at 5:30PM at Bethany Church. Come be a part of this series of community discussions in partnership with Wing Luke, the Northwest African American Museum, Cultures Connecting , the YWCA and Bethany United Church of Christ.  Get involved and plan to be present at this April 25^th potluck and meeting at 5:30PM here at Bethany United Church of Christ, 6230 Beacon Avenue South, Seattle, 98108. Youth and adults as well as our young people in YUIR are welcome for this intergenerational organizing meeting. For more information, contact Pastor Angela Ying at the church at 206-725-7535.

APRIL 27-29 PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING at the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco, WA.

Registration forms are now available at church and early registration is on or before this Wednesday, April 4th, if you are interested in attending or in serving as a delegate in our connectional church conference annual meeting. Bing Tso, Paul Binneboese and Pastor Angela Ying are attending and there is always room for more from Bethany Church to attend.

APRIL 29^TH, 10:30AM, JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN WORSHIP AT BETHANY with Rabbi Jim and Julie Mirel from Temple B’nah Torah with Pastor Angela Ying, Miho Takekawa, Steve Gisel and the Bethany Worship and Music Team.

THE SEATTLE ANNUAL MAY 1^ST MARCH — UNITING ALL WORKERS. Bethany Church joins El Comite and the Committee for Immigration Reform and Social Justice and the May 1^st Action Coalition and all sisters and brothers in this march. We hope to have a Bethany Banner, so if you are interested in designing it, please contact Bruce Jackson at brucejackso@gmail.com.

YUIR – YOUTH UNDOING INSTITUTIONAL RACISM, Thursdays from 4:30-6:30PM.  Specializing in the training of youth community organizers! For more information email Jenelle Forde at jjforde@gmail.com.

FOLLOW BETHANY ON TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/BethanyUCC

BETHANY UCC’S FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=648883743#!/pages/Bethany-United-Church-of-Christ/256782854332038

THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 1 AT BETHANY BEGINS WITH HOLY WEEK WITH PALM AND PASSION SUNDAY

Mark 11:1-11 “Following the One Who Will Not Stop Loving”

Worship and the Sacrament of Holy Communion led by Pastor Angela Ying, Charley Rosenberry, Suzanne Simmons, Miho Takekawa, Diego Coy,  Jennifer Bundy, Thione and Gora Diop, our Senegalese Drummers, Mary Berhe and our children and youth in a parade of palms! Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week. Let us wave our Palm Branches in the spirit and joy of “Hosanna!”

 APRIL 5 MAUNDY THURSDAY, 7:00PM

Thursday Evening Vespers

This 45 minute quiet and meditative, intergenerational service allowing the gathered community to come in a lit sanctuary with candles. Following prayers, breaking bread and reading Mark 14 and Mark 15 together , the community is invited to walk in silence with the candles extinguished, reflecting on the cross, the love of God, and looking to the hope and resurrection of Easter Sunday.

 APRIL 6 GOOD FRIDAY, 12 NOON

The Bethany Church sanctuary will be open for quiet meditation, reflection and prayer on this holy day.

 APRIL 8 EASTER SUNDAY, 10:30 AM
A CELEBRATION OF RESURRECTION AND
NEW LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST!

Come Celebrate Resurrection and New Life and the Sacrament of Holy Communion! Invite Your Friends to Bethany for Easter! Mark 16 and Luke 24

Worship God on Easter Sunday with Pastor Angela Ying, Michele Storms and our Bethany Musicians including Miho Takekawa, Diego Coy, Darryl Barber, Miranda Taylor, Jennifer Bundy, Alison Cardinal and Corey Passons and the whole community of children, youth and adults at Bethany.

Easter Potluck — Bring something to share

Easter Egg Hunt — for the community will follow for all the children, youth and young at heart, who come to build community and celebrate LIFE!

“WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT TOGETHER!”: Celebrating and Teaching All Our Children, Youth and Adults to Grow in God’s Vision and Generosity – Stewardship 2012

We need everyone to participate this year!! As Bethany Church continues being and doing church, it will take each one of us in time, talent and financial resource to do ministry. Together with God’s help, Bethany can ride the waves, face the windstorms, and continue to build a vital cross-cultural, multi-racial, intergenerational community. Every dollar counts! Every dollar you give goes to ministry in our community, city and world. Please give generously each week as we all are receivers of God’s generosity. To learn more about pledging and the spiritual practice of generosity, contact Annaliza Torres: annanen@hotmail.com or Alison Cardinal: alisoncardinal@gmail.com. The 2012 Pledge cards are available in the church entrance or see a youth with a “fish” that is alive!

ALSO LATER IN THE MONTH OF APRIL …

APRIL 15 SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, 10:30 AM WORSHIP with featured musician, Christina Castello, viola player and student from Pacific Lutheran University. As part of our commitment to young people and cross-cultural ministry, each Third Sunday of the month, our Worship and Music Team seeks to invite growing musicians to come and share their gifts of music with the Bethany Church community. If you have a friend or buddy musician that would like to play at Bethany, please contact Miho Takekawa by calling the church office at 206-725-7535.

APRIL 20 EARTH DAY WEEKEND — BETHANY COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT, 7:00PM sponsored by Bethany’s Community Engagement/Peace and Justice Team in partnership with Washington Toxics Coalition organizer, Jill Mangaliman  in the Olivet Room at Bethany United Church of Christ, beginning at 7:00PM.

APRIL 22 EARTH DAY WEEKEND CONTINUES … EARTH DAY AND EARTH DAY CELEBRATION/EARTH DAY FAIR, 10:30AM

Celebrate God’s Good Earth and All of God’s Creation as Bethany Church reflects, shares, mobilizes and organizes together in ways to continue to be church with our work in food and economic justice. Friends and colleagues from Earth Ministry, Got Green, Washington Toxics Coalition, Ground Up Organics are confirmed to come, and we are hoping our friends from our food and eco-justice partners including Seattle Tilth, Community Alliance for Global Justice, Faith Action Network and the Church Council of Greater Seattle will also be present at Bethany on Earth Day, April 22 at 10:30AM. To get involved and help organize this Earth Day Fair and Celebration at Bethany, please contact the church office at 206-725-7535. This Earth Day Weekend is being put together by our Community Engagement/Peace and Justice Team, our Worship and Music Team and members of the Bethany Gardens.

APRIL 25, 5;30PM POTLUCK MEETING — BETHANY CHURCH PARTNERS WITH THE WING LUKE ASIAN MUSEUM IN PREPARING FOR EXHIBIT ON RACE AND RACISM WITH YOUTH VOICES AND INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATIONS IN 2013.

Organizing Meeting and Potluck on Wednesday, April 25 at 5:30PM at Bethany Church. Come be a part of this series of community discussions in partnership with Wing Luke, the Northwest African American Museum, Cultures Connecting , the YWCA and Bethany United Church of Christ.  Get involved and plan to be present at this April 25^th potluck and meeting at 5:30PM here at Bethany United Church of Christ, 6230 Beacon Avenue South, Seattle, 98108. Youth and adults as well as our young people in YUIR are welcome for this intergenerational organizing meeting. For more information, contact Pastor Angela Ying at the church at 206-725-7535.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING will be April 27-29 at the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco, WA.

Registration forms are now available at church and early registration is on or before this Wednesday, April 4th, if you are interested in attending or in serving as a delegate in our connectional church conference annual meeting. Bing Tso, Paul Binneboese and Pastor Angela Ying are attending and there is always room for more from Bethany Church to attend.

AND THEN LOOKING IN MAY…

THE SEATTLE ANNUAL MAY 1^ST MARCH — UNITING ALL WORKERS. Bethany Church joins El Comite and the Committee for Immigration Reform and Social Justice and the May 1^st Action Coalition and all sisters and brothers in this march. We hope to have a Bethany Banner, so if you are interested in designing it, please contact Bruce Jackson at brucejackso@gmail.com.

YUIR – YOUTH UNDOING INSTITUTIONAL RACISM, Thursdays from 4:30-6:30PM.  Specializing in the training of youth community organizers! For more information email Jenelle Forde at jjforde@gmail.com.

FOLLOW BETHANY ON TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/BethanyUCC

BETHANY UCC’S FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=648883743#!/pages/Bethany-United-Church-of-Christ/256782854332038

Journeying in Faith Together as God Builds Community at Bethany Church
The Lenten Season of Forty Days and Forty Nights to Holy Week

“WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT TOGETHER!”: Celebrating and Teaching All Our Children, Youth and Adults to Grow in God’s Vision and Generosity – Stewardship 2012

As Bethany Church continues being and doing church, it will take each one of us in time, talent and financial resource to do ministry! Together with God’s help, Bethany can ride the waves, face the windstorms, and continue to build a vital cross-cultural, multi-racial, intergenerational community. Every dollar you give goes to ministry in our community, city and world. Please give generously as we all are receivers of God’s generosity. To learn more about pledging and the spiritual practice of generosity, contact Annaliza Torres: annanen@hotmail.com or Alison Cardinal: alisoncardinal@gmail.com.

MARCH 18 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE LENTEN SEASON
9:00 AM to 9:30AM Prayer and Study of the Gospel of Mark
9:30AM to 10:20AM Growing Disciples and New Members’ Class
10:30AM Worship

“On the Road to Jerusalem and the Cross, There Is Still Room to Grow”

Mark 10:46-52
Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Magdaleno Rose-Avila, Annaliza Torres, Corey Passons, Jennifer Bundy and Dr. Saraswati Sunidyo, sharing Sufi drumming and singing.

There is a Community Engagement/Peace and Justice Organizing Meeting in the Olivet Room following the service. 

In preparation for Easter Sunday, April 8th, Bethany invites you to remember, honor and celebrate loved ones with filling our sanctuary and worship with Easter lilies and spring flowers. Please see attached form and return it with your check payable to: Bethany United Church of Christ before or on April 5th.  The names will be printed in the Easter Sunday worship bulletin and read during the service.

 MARCH 25 FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE LENTEN SEASON
9:00 AM to 9:30AM Prayer and Study of the Gospel of Mark
9:30AM to 10:20AM Growing Disciples and New Members’ Class
10:30AM Worship

 “Jesus’ Great Call and Commandment: Love God and Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”
Mark 12

Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Janet Gwilym, Corey Passons and the Miho Takekawa, Darryl Barber and Frank Clayton Jazz Trio.

In preparation for Easter Sunday, April 8th, Bethany invites you to remember, honor and celebrate loved ones with filling our sanctuary and worship with Easter lilies and spring flowers. Please see attached form and return it with your check payable to: Bethany United Church of Christ before or on April 5th. The names will be printed in the Easter Sunday worship bulletin and read during the service.

HOLY WEEK
APRIL 1 PALM AND PASSION SUNDAY

Mark 10:32-34, Mark 11 and Mark 14:1-31
Worship and the Sacrament of Holy Communion led by Pastor Angela Ying, Charley Rosenberry, Suzanne Simmons, Stephen Gituma, the Miho and Diego Duo, Thione and Gora Diop, our Senegalese Drummers, and our children and youth.

Wave your Palm Branches in the spirit and joy of “Hosanna!”

In preparation for Easter Sunday, April 8th, Bethany invites you to remember, honor and celebrate loved ones with filling our sanctuary and worship with Easter lilies and spring flowers. Please see attached form and return it with your check payable to: Bethany United Church of Christ before or on April 5th.  The names will be printed in the Easter Sunday worship bulletin and read during the service.

APRIL 5 MAUNDY THURSDAY
Mark 14 and Mark 15
Thursday Evening Vespers with the Stations of the Cross

The gathered community will begin in a lit sanctuary with candles and following the prayers, scriptures, breaking bread and meditations, will walk together in silence with the candles extinguished, looking to the hope of Easter Sunday.

APRIL 8 EASTER – RESURRECTION SUNDAY
Celebration of Holy Communion!!
Mark 16

Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Michele Storms, Stephen Gituma and Bethany Musicians including Miho Takekawa, Diego Coy, Darryl Barber, Miranda Taylor, Alison Cardinal and Corey Passons

Easter Potluck and an Easter Egg Hunt for the community following the service for all who celebrate LIFE! 

BETHANY CHURCH PARTNERS WITH THE WING LUKE ASIAN MUSEUM IN PREPARING FOR EXHIBIT ON RACE AND RACISM WITH YOUTH VOICES AND INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATIONS in 2013 on April 25, 5:30PM.

Organizing Meeting and Potluck on Wednesday, April 25 at 5:30PM at Bethany Church. Join this series of community discussions in partnership with Wing Luke, the Northwest African American Museum, Cultures Connecting and the YWCA. To get involved and participate, be present at the April 25th at 5:30PM here at Bethany United Church of Christ, 6230 Beacon Avenue South, Seattle, 98108.

OUR PASTOR ANGELA IN THE NEWS speaking out about the courthouse shootings seventeen years ago and against domestic violence. As our leader, she continues to give hope to people to work together in community to end violence, for as she believes, all violence is family violence!

http://www.king5.com/home/17-years-later-pain-still-lasts-but-message-found-142023043.html

Pacific Northwest United Church of Christ (UCC) Conference ANNUAL MEETING, April 27-29 at the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco, WA.  Registration forms are now available at church and early registration is on or before April 4th, if you are interested in attending or in serving as a delegate in our connectional church conference annual meeting.  

FOLLOW BETHANY ON TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/BethanyUCC

BETHANY UCC’S FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=648883743#!/pages/Bethany-United-Church-of-Christ/256782854332038.

Journeying in Faith Together as God Builds Community at Bethany Church
The Lenten Season of Forty Days and Forty Nights to Holy Week

MARCH 4 – SECOND SUNDAY OF THE LENTEN SEASON
Come See at Bethany!
9:00 AM to 9:30AM Prayer and Study of the Gospel of Mark
9:30AM to 10:20AM Growing Disciples and New Members’ Class
10:30AM Worship and Celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion

“O God, I Believe, Help My Unbelief!”
Mark 9:14-29

Worship is led by Pastor Angela Ying, Diego Coy, Miho Takekawa, Jennifer Bundy, Stephen Gituma, Philemon Gituma, Alison Cardinal and Mary Berhe.

AFTER WORSHIP STAY FOR THE BETHANY CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AND GATHERING “WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT!”

Come discuss our ministries, our 2012 budget/finances, and our building community together. Children, youth and adults are welcome to this community building meeting.

WELCOME HOME Alana Gwilym Tso! Daughter of Janet Gwilym and Bing Tso who returned from Guatemala and had a wonderful experience there.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 – THIRD SUNDAY OF THE LENTEN SEASON
9:00 AM to 9:30AM Prayer and Study of the Gospel of Mark
9:30AM to 10:20AM Growing Disciples and New Members’ Class
10:30AM Worship

“God’s Way of Life: We Work for a Giving”
Mark 9:33-41; Mark 10:13-45

Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Darryl Barber, saxophonist and Frank Clayton, bassist/drummer, Alison Cardinal, guitarist and Dan Kramlich, pianist.
Chorister: Suzanne Simmons

SUNDAY MARCH 11, 2012 | 7:30PM | BENAROYA HALL
Dr. Miho Takekawa, a member of the Bethany UCC Worship Team, invites the community to this March 11^th event marking the one-year anniversary of the Great Tohoku Earthquake-Tsunami. Remember this occasion by joining us at Winds For Hope: Tomodachi Through Music, a benefit concert presented in cooperation with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Japan America Society of the State of Washington and the Japanese Business Association of Seattle. Proceeds from the concert will go towards the purchase of musical instruments for Japanese children who are members of school bands affected by the disaster.

The concert of both classical and jazz music will feature appearances by Ko-Ichiro Yamamoto, principal trombone, Seattle Symphony; virtuoso trumpet player Eric Miyashiro; jazz legend composer/pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi; the University of Washington Wind Ensemble, Timothy Salzman, conductor; Lew Tabakin, flute and tenor saxophone; The Winds for Hope Jazz Orchestra, and many local jazz musicians. Famed wind composer Satoshi Yagisawa will contribute a new work to be premiered at the event. Contact Miho Takekawa at minotakekawa@gmail.com for more info.

MARCH 18 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE LENTEN SEASON
9:00 AM to 9:30AM Prayer and Study of the Gospel of Mark
9:30AM to 10:20AM Growing Disciples and New Members’ Class
10:30AM Worship

“On the Road to Jerusalem and the Cross, Jesus Still Heals Blind Bartimaeus”
Mark 10:46-52

Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying with Dr. Saraswati Sunidyo, sharing Sufi drumming and singing.
Chorister: Corey Passons

MARCH 25 FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE LENTEN SEASON
9:00 AM to 9:30AM Prayer and Study of the Gospel of Mark
9:30AM to 10:20AM Growing Disciples and New Members’ Class
10:30AM Worship

“The Great Call and Commandment: Love God and Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”
Mark 12

Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Miho Takekawa, Darryl Barber and Frank Clayton Jazz Trio.
Chorister: Suzanne Simmons

HOLY WEEK
APRIL 1 PALM AND PASSION SUNDAY

Mark 10:32-34, Mark 11 and Mark 14:1-31
Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Miho and Diego Duo with Thione and Gora Diop, Senegalese Drummers
Chorister: Suzanne Simmons

APRIL 5 MAUNDY THURSDAY
Mark 14 and Mark 15
Thursday Evening Vespers with the Stations of the Cross

The gathered community will begin in a lit sanctuary with candles and following the prayers, scriptures, breaking bread and meditations, will walk together in silence with the candles extinguished, looking to the hope of Easter Sunday.

APRIL 8 EASTER – RESURRECTION SUNDAY
Celebration of Holy Communion!!
Mark 16

Our Bethany Musicians
Choristers: Alison Cardinal and Corey Passons
Co-Celebrants: Angela Ying and Stephen Gituma

Ongoing events:
YUIR – YOUTH UNDOING INSTITUTIONAL RACISM, Thursdays from 4:30-6:30PM.  Specializing in the training of youth community organizers! For more information email Jenelle Forde at jjforde@gmail.com.

FOLLOW BETHANY ON TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/BethanyUCC

BETHANY UCC’S FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=648883743#!/pages/Bethany-United-Church-of-Christ/256782854332038.

PRAYER WALK! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24^TH, 6PM. PRAY FOR PEACE!
Two more shootings in the Rainier Beach area (our community!) Tuesday night in front of Mayas Restaurant. That is a total of 9 deaths by shootings in the last two months. Friday evening, there is an organized “prayer walk” down Rainier Avenue starting from Madison and 23rd down to Rainier Beach–7 miles total. Prayers of lament, intercession, and hope will be offered. Men, women, families are all encouraged to join. If you can’t do the whole walk, join in where possible. The most powerful activist is a praying one! Please join us! Pastor Jane Pauw, Rainier Beach Presbyterian will lead.

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT, FEBRUARY 26, 10:30AM
Come See at Bethany!
Worship, Celebrate and Grow with God in this cross-cultural community as Bethany continues to journey in faith in the study of the gospel of Mark. Scripture passage is Mark 5: 21-43 “With God Our Humanity Is Interconnected And Crosses Even The Biggest Barriers.” Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Suzanne Simmons, Miho Takekawa, Darryl Barber and Frank Clayton. With Bethany’s special jazz trio leading worship this first Sunday of the Lenten season and a time for prayer and the imposition of ashes marking the forty days and forty nights of the season of Lent leading up to Holy Week, let us come and worship God in building community!

CONGRATULATIONS and prayers to Tricia Vander Leest and Todd Burley and the birth of their new baby son, Micah! If you were at Bethany Church on Sunday, you saw the handsome boy and the newest addition to our community with his two happy, older brothers, Lucca and Vander!!!

CONGRATULATIONS and prayers to Alana Gwilym Tso, daughter of Janet Gwilym and Bing Tso who is serving in Guatemala this week with young people and adults and involved her home church, Bethany, in participating in her “Glasses for Guatemala” program.

BEGINNING ON SUNDAY, MARCH 4: BETHANY OFFERS TWO ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAITH FORMATION (4 WEEKS)

LENTEN PRAYER AND MEDITATION ON THE SCRIPTURES
EVERY SUNDAY March 4 to March 25, 9:00AM-9:30AM
GROWING DISCIPLES AND NEW MEMBERS’ CLASSES
EVERY SUNDAY March 4 to March 25, 9:30AM-10:20AM
Growing disciples of our Bethany Church community will be leading these classes along with Pastor Angela Ying and representatives and colleagues in our wider United Church of Christ denomination, including Jonathan Gans of the national United Church of Christ. 

SUNDAY MARCH 11, 2012 | 7:30PM | BENAROYA HALL
Dr. Miho Takekawa, a member of the Bethany UCC Worship Team, invites the community to this March 11^th event marking the one-year anniversary of the Great Tohoku Earthquake-Tsunami. Remember this occasion by joining us at Winds For Hope: Tomodachi Through Music, a benefit concert presented in cooperation with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Japan America Society of the State of Washington and the Japanese Business Association of Seattle. Proceeds from the concert will go towards the purchase of musical instruments for Japanese children who are members of school bands affected by the disaster.

The concert of both classical and jazz music will feature appearances by Ko-Ichiro Yamamoto, principal trombone, Seattle Symphony; virtuoso trumpet player Eric Miyashiro; jazz legend composer/pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi; the University of Washington Wind Ensemble, Timothy Salzman, conductor; Lew Tabakin, flute and tenor saxophone; The Winds for Hope Jazz Orchestra, and many local jazz musicians. Famed wind composer Satoshi Yagisawa will contribute a new work to be premiered at the event. Contact Miho Takekawa at minotakekawa@gmail.com for more info.

HONOR JOHN T. WILLIAMS:  SPONSOR A TILE TO ENABLE US TO MEET THE GOAL OF RAISING THE POLE IN HONOR OF JOHN T. WILLIAMS ON HIS BIRTHDAY!
Dear friends and supporters,
It is our vision to raise the John T Williams Totem Pole at the Seattle Center February 25th – 27th, 2012 – the birthday of the slain First Nations woodcarver. Your action and support will raise this 34’ symbol of hope, tradition, peace, and honor in our community. Visit http://thejtwproject.org/the-vision/ for a quick peek at the artist rendering. Make a $250 tax deductible contribution – a gift that will be recognized with a personalized engraved paver tile in the totem pole plaza.  Contact Jack Storms at jstorms59@gmail.com for more info on how to contribute.

John T Williams Totem Pole Mission Statement

In order to raise awareness of the traditions history and culture of the City of Seattle’s native populations, the John T Williams Totem Pole Project will finance, carve and raise a totem pole in the City of Seattle in 2012. The project will place a priority on education and outreach through public programming, extensive community access and documentation of the Totem pole carving process. The resulting gift to the city will be not simply an exquisite piece of public art, but an important symbol of community and healing.

YUIR – YOUTH UNDOING INSTITUTIONAL RACISM, Thursdays from 4:30-6:30PM.  Specializing in the training of youth community organizers! For more information email Jenelle Forde at jjforde@gmail.com.

FOLLOW BETHANY ON TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/BethanyUCC

BETHANY UCC’S FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=648883743#!/pages/Bethany-United-Church-of-Christ/256782854332038.

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Join the walk to Pray for Peace! If you can’t walk, pray with us where you are from 6pm – 8pm for the violence to stop with our youth especially. Know where your kids are at night and tell them to “Choose Life!”

Michelle Perry, Office Manager
Bethany UCC
6230 Beacon Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98108
206.725.7535

NEW WEBSITE DESIGN COMING IN MARCH!

THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 10:30AM
Come See at Bethany!
Worship, Celebrate and Grow with God in this cross-cultural community as Bethany continues to journey in faith in the study of the gospel of Mark. Scripture passage is Mark 4: 35-41 “With God Beside You Even In Deep Waters, What Could You Do If You Are Not Afraid.” Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Corey Passons, Mary Berhe and Jennifer Bundy with special music by Ahmad Reza Yousefbeigi, an inspiring and sought-after Kurdish Iranian percussionist whose nomadic folk songs of his native Kurdistan and lyrical rhythms of Persian classical music and poetry will transform our faith and worship in community. As a celebration of our diversity at Bethany, your new Worship and Music Team is hoping that the third Sunday of each month, Bethany Church welcomes a musician in our wider community that represents an international perspective and sees Bethany Church as his/her community of faith. Thanks be to God!  

SUNDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 19, 6:30PM POETRY AND MOTION: Love, Our History
Is there any coincidence that love and African American history are celebrated in the same month? In the newest Poetry+Motion, local dancers put motion to poems on love and African American history read by the local poets who wrote them.

Producers Lola Peters and Suzanne Simmons are pleased to present Poetry+Motion: Love, Our History on Sunday, February 19, 2012, 6:30 p.m., downstairs at Town Hall in Seattle. Information: (206) 861-2500 or email poetryplusmotion@aol.com.

A powerful, evocative combination of movement and words. Dancers create and perform works in response to words written and read live by the writers. Dynamic, thought-provoking, refreshing. Dancers include Erricka Turner Davis, Victoria Jacobs, Danny Long, Scott Bartell, and Sarah Lustbader. Featured poets include: Basheera Agyeman (youth poet), Marcel Davis, Karen Entrantt, Nation Holmes, Georgia S. McDade, Imani Sims, and Brenda Wright.  

Tickets: $20 In Advance, $25 At the door or 24/7 Ticket Hotline: 1-800-838-3006
Brown Paper Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/218506

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT, FEBRUARY 26, 10:30AM
Come See at Bethany!
Worship, Celebrate and Grow with God in this cross-cultural community as Bethany continues to journey in faith in the study of the gospel of Mark. Scripture passage is Mark 5: 21-43 “With God Our Humanity Is Interconnected And Crosses Even The Biggest Barriers.” Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Suzanne Simmons, Miho Takekawa, Darryl Barber and Frank Clayton. With Bethany’s special jazz trio leading worship this first Sunday of the Lenten season and a time for prayer and the imposition of ashes marking the forty days and forty nights of the season of Lent leading up to Holy Week, let us come and worship God in building community!

BEGINNING ON SUNDAY, MARCH 4: BETHANY OFFERS TWO ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAITH FORMATION (4 WEEKS)

LENTEN PRAYER AND MEDITATION ON THE SCRIPTURES
EVERY SUNDAY March 4 to March 25, 9:00AM-9:30AM

GROWING DISCIPLES AND NEW MEMBERS’ CLASSES
EVERY SUNDAY March 4 to March 25, 9:30AM-10:20AM

Growing disciples of our Bethany Church community will be leading these classes along with Pastor Angela Ying and representatives and colleagues in our wider United Church of Christ denomination, including Jonathan Gans of the national United Church of Christ. 

SUNDAY MARCH 11, 2012 | 7:30PM | BENAROYA HALL
Dr. Miho Takekawa, a member of the Bethany UCC Worship Team, invites the community to this March 11^th event marking the one-year anniversary of the Great Tohoku Earthquake-Tsunami. Remember this occasion by joining us at Winds For Hope: Tomodachi Through Music, a benefit concert presented in cooperation with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Japan America Society of the State of Washington and the Japanese Business Association of Seattle. Proceeds from the concert will go towards the purchase of musical instruments for Japanese children who are members of school bands affected by the disaster.

The concert of both classical and jazz music will feature appearances by Ko-Ichiro Yamamoto, principal trombone, Seattle Symphony; virtuoso trumpet player Eric Miyashiro; jazz legend composer/pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi; the University of Washington Wind Ensemble, Timothy Salzman, conductor; Lew Tabakin, flute and tenor saxophone; The Winds for Hope Jazz Orchestra, and many local jazz musicians. Famed wind composer Satoshi Yagisawa will contribute a new work to be premiered at the event. Contact Miho Takekawa at minotakekawa@gmail.com for more info.

HONOR JOHN T. WILLIAMS:  SPONSOR A TILE TO ENABLE US TO MEET THE GOAL OF RAISING THE POLE IN HONOR OF JOHN T. WILLIAMS ON HIS BIRTHDAY!

Dear friends and supporters,

It is our vision to raise the John T Williams Totem Pole at the Seattle Center February 25th – 27th, 2012 – the birthday of the slain First Nations woodcarver. Your action and support will raise this 34’ symbol of hope, tradition, peace, and honor in our community. Visit http://thejtwproject.org/the-vision/ for a quick peek at the artist rendering. Make a $250 tax deductible contribution – a gift that will be recognized with a personalized engraved paver tile in the totem pole plaza.  Contact Jack Storms at jstorms59@gmail.com for more info on how to contribute.

John T Williams Totem Pole Mission Statement

In order to raise awareness of the traditions history and culture of the City of Seattle’s native populations, the John T Williams Totem Pole Project will finance, carve and raise a totem pole in the City of Seattle in 2012. The project will place a priority on education and outreach through public programming, extensive community access and documentation of the Totem pole carving process. The resulting gift to the city will be not simply an exquisite piece of public art, but an important symbol of community and healing.

YUIR – YOUTH UNDOING INSTITUTIONAL RACISM, Thursdays from 4:30-6:30PM.  Specializing in the training of youth community organizers! For more information email Jenelle Forde at jjforde@gmail.com.

FOLLOW BETHANY ON TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/BethanyUCC

BETHANY UCC’S FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=648883743#!/pages/Bethany-United-Church-of-Christ/256782854332038.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS!

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 10:30AM
Come See at Bethany!
Worship, Celebrate and Grow with God in this cross-cultural community as Bethany continues to journey in faith in the study of the gospel of Mark. Scripture passage is Mark 4: 35-41 “With God Beside You Even In Deep Waters, What Could You Do If You Are Not Afraid.” Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Corey Passons, Mary Berhe and Jennifer Bundy with special music by Ahmad Reza Yousefbeigi, an inspiring and sought-after Kurdish Iranian percussionist whose nomadic folk songs of his native Kurdistan and lyrical rhythms of Persian classical music and poetry will transform our faith and worship in community. As a celebration of our diversity at Bethany, your new Worship and Music Team is hoping that the third Sunday of each month, Bethany Church welcomes a musician in our wider community that represents an international perspective and sees Bethany Church as his/her community of faith. Thanks be to God!  

SUNDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 19, 6:30PM POETRY AND MOTION: Love, Our History
Is there any coincidence that love and African American history are celebrated in the same month? In the newest Poetry+Motion, local dancers put motion to poems on love and African American history read by the local poets who wrote them.

Producers Lola Peters and Suzanne Simmons are pleased to present Poetry+Motion: Love, Our History on Sunday, February 19, 2012, 6:30 p.m., downstairs at Town Hall in Seattle. Information: (206) 861-2500 or email poetryplusmotion@aol.com.

A powerful, evocative combination of movement and words. Dancers create and perform works in response to words written and read live by the writers. Dynamic, thought-provoking, refreshing. Dancers include Erricka Turner Davis, Victoria Jacobs, Danny Long, Scott Bartell, and Sarah Lustbader. Featured poets include: Basheera Agyeman (youth poet), Marcel Davis, Karen Entrantt, Nation Holmes, Georgia S. McDade, Imani Sims, and Brenda Wright.  

Tickets: $20 In Advance, $25 At the door or 24/7 Ticket Hotline: 1-800-838-3006
Brown Paper Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/218506 

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT, FEBRUARY 26, 10:30AM
Come See at Bethany!
Worship, Celebrate and Grow with God in this cross-cultural community as Bethany continues to journey in faith in the study of the gospel of Mark. Scripture passage is Mark 5: 21-43 “With God Our Humanity Is Interconnected And Crosses Even The Biggest Barriers.” Worship led by Pastor Angela Ying, Suzanne Simmons, Miho Takekawa, Darryl Barber and Frank Clayton. With Bethany’s special jazz trio leading worship this first Sunday of the Lenten season and a time for prayer and the imposition of ashes marking the forty days and forty nights of the season of Lent leading up to Holy Week, let us come and worship God in building community!

BEGINNING ON SUNDAY, MARCH 4: BETHANY OFFERS TWO ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAITH FORMATION (4 WEEKS)

LENTEN PRAYER AND MEDITATION ON THE SCRIPTURES
EVERY SUNDAY March 4 to March 25, 9:00AM-9:30AM

GROWING DISCIPLES AND NEW MEMBERS’ CLASSES
EVERY SUNDAY March 4 to March 25, 9:30AM-10:20AM

Growing disciples of our Bethany Church community will be leading these classes along with Pastor Angela Ying and representatives and colleagues in our wider United Church of Christ denomination, including Jonathan Gans of the national United Church of Christ. 

YUIR – YOUTH UNDOING INSTITUTIONAL RACISM, Thursdays from 4:30-6:30PM.  Specializing in the training of youth community organizers! For more information email Jenelle Forde at jjforde@gmail.com.

FOLLOW BETHANY ON TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/BethanyUCC

BETHANY UCC’S FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=648883743#!/pages/Bethany-United-Church-of-Christ/256782854332038.

GLASSES FOR GUATEMALA
One of Bethany’s young people, Alana Gwilym Tso, a freshman at Cleveland High School, has been selected to travel with a group to Guatemala in February. One of the projects in preparation for this trip is to collect used prescription glasses. To support Alana in this cross-cultural experience, Bethany Church invites you to 1) bring your used prescription glasses to Bethany Church from now to February 12 that we can collect together with Alana and 2) come to the Sunday worship service on Feb 12 (can also be Feb 5 or Feb 19, Janet, whichever works for your family), when we will bless Alana before she travels to Guatemala. Upon Alana’s return, I hope you will join me as pastor in welcoming her home and inviting her to share her experiences with all of us. 

BUY SEEDS AND SUPPORT LETTUCE LINK!
It’s January, which means it’s time to start dreaming about gardening. And when you order seeds through our fundraiser, you help Lettuce Link ensure that everyone has access to fresh, healthy food.

Lettuce Link, a program of Solid Ground, envisions a city where people have equal access to healthy and culturally appropriate food. We run two urban farms, harvest fruit from backyards to donate to food banks, support low income gardeners with seeds and gardening information, and much more. Mariah Pepper has been working with Lettuce Link as an AmeriCorps volunteer this year and would appreciate your help in supporting this amazing program.

High Mowing Seed Company is offering 25 varieties for $3 each, and a portion of that money goes to Lettuce Link. The list of varieties will be printed out. The order form will be available at church throughout the month. You can also contact Mariah by email for an electronic copy: mrosegp@gmail.com.  

Ongoing Events and News of Bethany!
YUIR – YOUTH UNDOING INSTITUTIONAL RACISM, Thursdays from 4:30-6:30PM.  Specializing in the training of youth community organizers! We hope all our high school age youth will choose to participate. For more information email Jenelle Forde at jjforde@gmail.com.

FOLLOW BETHANY ON TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/BethanyUCC

BETHANY UCC’S FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=648883743#!/pages/Bethany-United-Church-of-Christ/256782854332038 . If you have any posts, news or comments, please contact the administrator Michelle Perry at michelle@bethanyseattle.org.

The Reverend Angela L. Ying

Bethany United Church of Christ

Prophet

Preparation

Praise

Presence

Promise

What do all these words have in common?

Answer: A Peasant

And more specifically, on this fourth Sunday in Advent, the young peasant, Mary, mother of Jesus, who I believe is the most radical of prophets.

“She is so certain about God’s promised future, that Mary sings about it in the past tense!”

Look with me, for what we will find true in life is also true in scripture — the active verbs come alive and through the written pages.

It’s what we do and do not do, as people that concerns humanity.

And as friend and colleague, Anna Carter Florence says, “It is the verbs we cannot imagine for ourselves (live, liberate, forgive, resurrect) that the church offers, and that we reach for week after week.”

In world of divide and conquer — which we see again in the headlines with war, violence and police brutality and profiling —, God dares to prepare for birth.

You heard me correctly …

For Birth.

Amidst and please note: not without the need for forgiving, grieving and healing in community — God still dares to prepare us for birth, for birthing and for re-birth.

God did it when Elizabeth, cousin of Mary who gave birth to John the Baptist, felt barren and isolated.

God did it when Zechariah, faithful priest was in the sanctuary, and went speechless.

God did it when Joseph, humble carpenter, had a plan that needed redirecting so God could live out God’s dream through human beings, such as Joseph.

God did it when the empire and kings thought they were the ones in control.

What kind of God is this, who in a world of divide and conquer, dares to prepare you and me for birth, for birthing and for rebirth?

One whom Mary proclaims, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Mary said “Yes, to God”

And because of one affirmative yes to God — everything changes.

You may think in this season, your voice and presence is insignificant.

Let me tell you — God created you special and sacred.

God enjoys you.

God loves to forgive you and longs for you to know that you are forgiven.

God calls you into holy partnership to help God heal this broken world.”

“The temptation in all temptations —- remember the prayer Jesus teaches his followers known as the Lord’s Prayer — “lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil” —- is to get us to doubt our deepest identity as Beloved.”

You may, at times, think God has no need of you in this community, and yet, that does not change the fact that you are God’s Beloved and called in building this community.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, in her song, confirms it.

Anyone want to say “Amen” to that?

Amen!

Look at the active verbs in Mary’s song of praise.

Call them out! [The congregation calls them out.]

Magnifies

Rejoices

Looked with favor

Blessed and not just blessed “Call me (yes, you!), us blessed”

Mercy for those who fear God (and God alone).

Do you know the blessing “ …May you fear God enough that you need fear nothing else at all.”

Shown strength

Scattered the proud (in the thoughts of their hearts)

Brought down the powerful (from their thrones)

Lifted up the lowly

Filled the hungry with good things — does not just say feed — it says fill with good things!

Sent the rich away empty — now that is a great spiritual practice of generosity and stewardship in creating good stewards.

What would happen to the rich if they were sent away empty — could they join the rest of the 99% in new birth?!

Imagine!

You think this is possible or does Mary need to be sent to a mental institution at this point.

For here is the thing, dear people — if we can imagine it, as the young peasant, Mary does — that nothing will be impossible for God!

And this fourth Sunday of Advent, we need each another in community to help one another re-imagine —- to actually see that this possible.

To see that in a world of divide and conquer, God dares to prepare us for birth, birthing and re-birth

By God thinking of the toughest vision for a humble south end church to carry through and bring to birth each day and praying that we dare to do it.

For to be, truly be cross-cultural, multi-racial, intergenerational, open and affirming and anti-racist, we cannot see Mary’s song as a nice lullaby.

We need to see it as a wake up call of God continually wanting to set things right for this broken world of divide and conquer.

And God does it through, not kings and queens and definitely not the military.

God does it time and time again with people, as you and me, who hear God’s call, dare to say “Yes” to God amidst our doubts and fears and will do it, because WE CAN SEE IT — AS MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS, SEES IT!

If you ever wonder why this vision – why here at Bethany — and how we could not have chosen a harder vision to carry out with God in bringing together and building community with people of different races, cultures, ages and backgrounds — Be not afraid — faithful people before us had to struggle with the same faith and hope in God too.

If you ever feel discouraged here at Bethany and ask what in the world we are doing and where is God in all of this, when it is so much easier (at least initially) to simply fit into a world of divide and conquer — go back to Mary’s prophetic song.

For Mary, as you and I are not called to fit in. We are called by faith in the love of God to stand out.

So God can remind us as people of faith who we are and whose we are as God

Magnifies

Rejoices

Looks with favor

Call you blessed

Does great things

Has mercy on those who fear God

Show strength

Scatters the proud

Brings down the powerful

Lifts up the lowly

Fills the hungry with good things

Sends the rich away empty

Continues to keep God’s promise to all people that goes back generations beginning with Abraham, Sarah and Hagar.

We will find the strength to sing God’s song.

We will be given the courage to say “Yes!” to Jesus.

And for all those times that you and I feel weak and fearful, rather than strong with courage, God dares to prepare us for birth by standing with us, not just alone, but in building community — right here.

For there are things we will do in community, for the sake of building God’s community that we could not and yes, would not do by and for ourselves.

I realize that we, here, at Bethany Church are twelve years old now.

No longer a babe or an infant. Not even a toddler or preschooler.

A twelve years old — aka: approaching teenager!!!

And with this, I am reminded that at twelve, and not at three or six or even ten, I was invited by the church youth, with my younger sister to go to Six Flags — an amusement park. To remind each youth to have fun in being a youth.

And at that amusement park, there was not just one, but many roller coasters.

In hindsight, that may be why they call it Six Flags — there was at least one red flag!

I do not like or enjoy roller coasters.

I do not like them with green eggs and hams, Bethany.

I do not like them with a fox, near a house, with a mouse.

I do not like riding roller coasters.

There were plenty of other attractions and activities to keep me comfortable all day.

UNTIL …

Yes, did I tell you my younger sister also came on the church outing of having fun being a youth.

My younger sister loves and enjoys roller coasters.

My younger sister likes them with a fox, near a house, with a mouse.

My younger sister likes riding roller coasters.

BUT …

She was not tall enough to go on the rollercoaster by herself without another who was above the Yogi Bear line …

And though I stand today a petite 5 feet 3 — God somehow made me tall enough for the Yogi Bear line — at the park, that day.

“Oh, will you please go with me on the rollercoaster. They will not let me go alone?” my younger sister asked.

One of my first lessons in life in learning the importance of building community — which, mind you, begins at home with the family.

Reluctantly, I said, “Yes!”

As Mary, I am certain, I also wondered what in the world I had gotten myself into.

Because the line was long and the rollercoaster was right in front of me — I had plenty of time to think about it, to get out of it, to withdraw myself, to hide.

BUT …

By the time I could actually feel my fears — my younger sister and I were at the front of the line.

The attendant belted us in and pulled the thick mental bar in front of us.

My first sign that this was not going to be a secure and comfortable ride.

I held tightly to the mental bar and began to close my eyes in fear.

My younger sister on the other hand, seemed clueless as to what was about to happen to both of us.

She actually looked excited — as if she would enjoy it.

As I heard the car go up the creaky rails — click, click, clickety-click — higher and higher — I held tighter and tighter and braced myself for what was about to happen.

My younger sister looked at me as if I was out of control.

I was!

“What are you doing, she asked?”

“Figuring out the best way to tolerate this ride praying that it ends very soon.”

“What?” My sister responded, “You are going to be miserable holding on so tightly that way.”

“I know.”

“Well, why don’t you let go!”

“What do you mean?”

Now I was the one feeling as if I was the one being clueless.

“Let go of the bar and open your arms, my sister said.”

“Yeah, right — what good will that do?”

“Why everything changes!”

After many bumps and stomach pains of holding tighter and tighter to the bar — something or perhaps, someone got me to let go and open my hands, throw my hands up  and okay, SCREAM!

… And it was good!

Mary sang her song.

Chances are big that she did not do it by or for herself.

She needed a sense of meaning and in building community.

And by God’s help — God came. God in Jesus, comes!

If you will not be build community by yourself, for yourself, then as Mary, do it with God, in daring to build up and in building community.

And as you dare to do so, let your soul magnify the Lord with your life — a life of open eyes and open arms!

And the people said, “Amen!”