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Bethany is a member of the ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
15460 TRISKETT ROAD, CLEVELAND OH 44111
Bethanyenglish@sbcglobal.net
SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 and 11:00 am
11:00 am service Livestream www.bethanyenglish.org
WEDNESDAY EVENING LENTEN SERVICES 7:00 pm
March 12, 19, 26 & April 2, 9
HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SCHEDULE
April 13 – Palm Sunday 8:30 & 11:00am Procession with Palms and Holy Communion
April 17– Maundy Thursday 7:00pm Absolution, Communion, and Stripping the Altar
April 18– Good Friday 7:00pm Service of Darkness with special music by the choir
April 20– Easter 8:30 & 11:00am Festival Worship with Holy Communion
Ash Wednesday and Lenten services will also be livestreamed at bethanyenglish.org.
The church office hours: 9am to 4pm Tuesday - Friday. You can call the office 216-941- 7880
CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE
As we continue the search for our next full time Pastor, we will be communicating our progress in church at the services.
If you wish to share your feedback please email the Call Committee at bethanyenglishcall@gmail.com
Pastor’s Message
the Spirit helps us in our weakness
Romans 8:26-27 …the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
What do you need to hear? I think about this question most days of the week. I think about all of you sitting in the pews, the choir chairs, in your P.J’s on the couch when you participate in worship from home, or wherever you might find yourself as you hear scripture and the sermon each week. I wonder what you need to hear, and truthfully, as I study scripture and prepare to preach I think about what messages I need to hear for myself as well.I know that it is different for each person. Does anyone else hear words that speak directly to them during the service? Maybe it’s included in parts of the liturgy or prayers for that week, or a line of scripture or words from the sermon. Let’s not forget the power of music to speak to us as well! Sometimes the hymns have lines that are so well crafted and powerful, they speak through the ages into our hearts.
There are many anecdotal sayings about preaching. One is that a sermon should “comfort the afflicted” and “afflict the comforted.” I don’t think any of us are completely comfortable or completely conflicted in our lives. No one escapes the hardships of our world, and we hope that even those who have it hard have some glimpse of hope. All of us need to be comforted by the Good News of Jesus, and be reminded that God loves us unconditionally. We also need to hear Jesus’ words that we are called to love God and love our neighbors.
But what do you need to hear? I’d really love to hear from you! I’m asking because I want to know more about what brings you comfort, challenges, or is most meaningful in sermons? What gets you to engage more with scripture and ask more questions? I appreciate those of you that share feedback in various forms. Email me at pastorlaurak@gmail.com. Scratch a note on a piece of paper. Call the church office, or send me snail mail. I will reply to anyone who is able to take the time to answer the question “what do you need to hear” and tell me what it sounds like to you.
As we begin the season of Lent let us remember that God is always there for us with open arms. We are asked to “turn back” to God, and in doing so, remember that God never leaves us. God will not abandon us. Scripture tells us that we don’t have to have all of the right words to speak to God and teaches that the Holy Spirit will intercede for us with “sighs too deep for words.” This brings me comfort, and I pray it does for you as well. God hears us when we pray, even if we can’t find the words.
God’s Peace be with You,
Pastor Laura
New Member Information Session
A Gathering for any Guests and those interested in Membership! Sunday, March 9th 12:15pm Come and hear more about Bethany English! What brought you here and what do you appreciate about Bethany? What do you hope for in a church home? What questions do you have for us? How can we help you feel at home and have a place here? How can we connect you to ministries and service opportunities? Hear more about becoming a member if you are interested. Meet others from the church and hear about what activities and ministries bring them joy and help them learn and serve. All are welcome to join us after the 2nd service in the library Please RSVP to pastorlaurak@gmail.com or by calling the church office by Sunday March 3rd.
WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF FAITH THAT HAS BEEN WORSHIPING, LEARNING, SERVING, AND SOCIALIZING FOR OVER 100 YEARS.
The beautiful stained glass window sanctuary is accessible to all, and we encourage children to worship there as well or utilize the professionally staffed nursery. Communion is an important part of all Sunday services, and all who believe are invited to partake in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Come back to our website often, as we are making updates weekly. For even more information you can download this month's Bethany News below.
Whether you are returning or visiting for the first time, we are excited to have you join us.
Join us From Your Home
Bethany English Lutheran Church is proud to offer Live Sunday Service streaming at 11:00am each week.
God’s Work - Our Hands
There is good work to do and we need your help!
Committees have dedicated members who do so much but often need more hands. Together, with more help, we can do more
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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