Bethany UCC

Pastor Rebecca started the year with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18: 1-5 that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, we’ve got to change and become like little kids — after everything we’ve learned and accomplished??? But the unself-conscious humility of children is, apparently, where it’s at. 

There were a lot of bells and whistles, and musicians, and candles, and decorations, and kids, and people, and shadow puppets* on Christmas Eve but the story is always the same: it’s about God’s embarrassing attachment to us, and the unnecessary lengths they’ll go to, out of love.

This week, Pastor Rebecca preached on Psalm 130, which isn’t a reading you typically hear on the 4th Sunday of Advent. But, with our worship this month centered on Keeping Watch, this reading reminds us that God is listening and God is on the way, as sure as the morning is coming.

In his sermon this week, Vince grapples with the privilege of being reliable, and what it means to let go of control and really wait on God.

On Sun, Dec 7, Pastor Rebecca preached about the obligations we may incur by keeping watch. She preached on Deuteronomy 22: 1 - 4 and referenced the poem Every Riven Thing by Christian Wiman. We hope you enjoy!