Sunday, January 23

Parables of Luke | January 16 through February 27 | 9:45 a.m. | Parish Hall

A parable has been called “a nice little story that challenges you to the core.” Parables begin as windows through which we see the world, and turn into mirrors in which we see ourselves. They were the primary teaching method of Jesus, and the Gospel of Luke contains several of the most compelling.

During the Season of Epiphany, Bob Dannals, Susan Beebe and Jeff Beebe will explore six of the parables in Luke. Join us.

Community Supper | 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.

The supper will be outside weather permitting. Please be aware if we need to move inside there will be no social distancing. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12; $25 family max (payable at the door). Kindly RSVP before noon on Monday by calling the church office at (561) 655-4554 or filling out the online form here.

Liturgical Beauty | January 26 & February 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Church

Over this two week cycle, representatives from the Bethesda Altar Guild and Flower Guild will lead a conversation about how the beauty of the altar draws us deeper into our worship of God.  Worship is a sensory act.  We engage all of our senses of taste, touch, smell, hearing, and maybe most especially sight.  Join us as we explore how our surroundings lead us into a deeper relationship with the divine.

Unpacking the Nicene Creed | January 26 through March 23 | 6:30 p.m. |
Parish Hall

Have you ever “crossed your fingers” when you say the Nicene Creed? Should the Creed be understood literally? Is God a “Father”? Does God have a “right hand” at which the Resurrected Jesus sits? What theological understandings are in each phrase in the Creed? Have these understandings always been the same, or have they evolved since the 4^th Century? Unpacking the Nicene Creed, taught by Tom O’Brien, gives us a deeper understanding of our Christian Faith through exploration and discussion. The class will be a “safe place” to express doubts and concerns about traditional (and non-traditional) ways our beliefs are explained. Tom has written a  Study Guide on the Creed that raises questions and also gives some possible answers we will discuss in class. Participants will read five or six pages each week. If you have questions about the course or would like the Study Guide in advance click here for the Study Guide PDF or email Tom O’Brien at tgobrien@comcast.net.

Newcomers Class | January 12 through February 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Library

For all those who are new to the Bethesda community, our Newcomers Class offers a chance to learn more about the history of our church, explore the various ministries that we offer, and allows participants a chance to meet the clergy and parish leadership. We honor all those who find their way through our doors seeking to deepen their connection to God and this class is a wonderful opportunity to meet others who are taking that journey as well.

Recurring Classes

Yoga | Begins January 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Parish Hall West

Emily Large is back to lead our ongoing Bethesda Yoga Class.  This offering is open to people of all ages and skill levels.  We use breathing and physical postures to draw us into a more intentional and mindful engagement with the divine.

Bethesda Youth Group | 6:30 to 7:40 p.m. | Youth Room

Emily Large is back to lead our ongoing Bethesda Yoga Class.  This offering is open to people of all ages and skill levels.  We use breathing and physical postures to draw us into a more intentional and mindful engagement with the divine.

Little Way | 6:30 to 7:40 p.m. | Sunday School Hall

For all K – 5th grade kids with a curiosity for what we do at Bethesda and why. Crafts, cooking, learning games, and playful fellowship will help your little ones learn about Bethesda’s traditions and have a little fun along the way.

Compline | 7:45 to 8:00 p.m. | Church

Compline offers a peaceful and meditative sacred time as well as a beautiful conclusion to our Wednesday evenings together.

Previewing the Lectionary | Monday’s | 11:00 a.m. | Zoom

Want to learn more about the Bible? Join Tom O’Brien’s “Previewing the Lectionary” Course that examines the meanings and background of the readings for each upcoming Sunday.

This one-hour Zoom class will meet each Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Please join us by using the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86058259817

Sunrise Bible Study | Tuesdays | 8:00 a.m. | Guild Room

The Sunrise Bible Study is open to ALL AGES and is a chance to dig deeper into one book of the bible at a time. Greg Knight will lead this group discussion of scripture beginning with the Book of Mark beginning Tuesday, January 18. You can bring your own bible or use one of ours. This is a great way to study scripture, engage in fellowship with fellow Bethesda parishioners, and foster a spirit of life-long learning in community.

Theology in Film – GOOD WILL HUNTING | Tuesday, January 18 | 7:00 p.m. | Zoom

Theology in Film continues with a discussion of Luke 4:21-30: Overcoming Rejection on January 25.  At first, Jesus won the approval of all.  Then those who thought they knew him best rejected him and ousted him from Nazareth.  We will pair this scripture with the movie GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997): Will Hunting has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau, who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire.

Please join us by using the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86058259817.

Ladies Bible Study | Wednesdays | 10:00 a.m. | Guild Room

This Ladies’ Bible Study meets in the Guild Room Wednesday mornings, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., during the academic year, with breaks that coincide with school vacations. Participants are primarily ladies with school-age families. We use video-based topical studies with ample time for group discussion – but we also change up our format from time to time! Themes we’ve covered in the past: God’s Grace, Using Words Wisely, The Miracles of Jesus, Ruth, Philippians, “Bible 101.”

All levels of biblical literacy are welcome. We participate in at least two outreach events every year, such as the Easter Homebound Luncheon and Angel Tree project.

Upcoming Theology in Film

THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES | February 1 | 7:00 p.m. | Zoom

Theology in Film continues with a discussion of Luke 5:1-11: A Call and Its Consequences on February 1. Today we listen to the call of Isaiah and to the call of Peter. We will pair this scripture with the movie THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES (1976): After avenging his family’s brutal murder, Wales is pursued by a pack of soldiers. He prefers to travel alone, but ragtag outcasts are drawn to him – and Wales can’t bring himself to leave them unprotected.

SHINE | February 8 | 7:00 p.m. | Zoom

Theology in Film continues with a discussion of Luke 6:17-26: Ultimately Blessed on February 8. The scriptures today contrast the difference between a blessing and a curse. We will pair this scripture with the movie SHINE (1996): Pianist David Helfgott, driven by his father and teachers, has a breakdown. Years later he returns to the piano, to popular if not critical acclaim.

AS GOOD AS IT GETS | February 15 | 7:00 p.m. | Zoom

Theology in Film continues with a discussion of Luke 6:27-38: Compassion Is Possible on February 15. Jesus’ sermon about loving enemies presents a high ideal, one that sometimes seems too difficult to live up to. We will pair this scripture with the movie AS GOOD AS IT GETS (1997): Melvin Udall, a cranky, bigoted, obsessive-compulsive writer, finds his life turned upside down when neighboring gay artist Simon is hospitalized and his dog is entrusted to Melvin. In addition, Carol, the only waitress who will tolerate him, must leave work to care for her sick son, making it impossible for Melvin to eat breakfast.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND | February 22 | 7:00 p.m. | Zoom

Theology in Film continues with a discussion of Luke 9:28-36: Glory on a Mountain on February 22. Peter, James, and John are invited by Jesus to go up the mountain and experience a “close encounter” with God. We will pair this scripture with the movie CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977): After an encounter with UFOs, a line worker feels undeniably drawn to an isolated area in the wilderness where something spectacular is about to happen.

Please join us by using the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86058259817.

For information about our weekly children & youth activities visit the Childern and Youth page.