Joyful noises enter our lives in myriad ways. We may find joy in the sound of a cooing infant or the first notes of a Mozart horn concerto.

We are busy preparing for one of the most fun and exciting weeks of the year: Vacation Bible School! This year’s theme, Snowball Mountain Challenge, is based on Philippians 4:13.

“If you know the Who, you can accept the what without ever knowing the why.”

How wonderful to begin our 50-day celebration of Easter with time to reflect on the awesome beauty of our church and our community as we revel in the message that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

This evening begins what is known as the Triduum, or the Three Great Days. Over the next 72 hours we collectively enter into the very heart of the Christian story, our story.

The fifth week of Lent rapidly approaches. This Sunday we’ll hear the story of Lazarus, raised from the dead – a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus’ resurrection to come.

“So, what are doing for Lent this year?” Not surprisingly, I get this question a lot this time of year.

Growing with Joy, our 2026 Annual Campaign, is Bethesda-by-the-Sea’s invitation to reflect on our blessings and think about your financial giving in the context of joy: joy in belonging, joy in giving, joy in deepening your connection to God and to one another.