Everything That Has Breath
God in fur, feather, and leaf
In every season, the presence of God pulses through the veins of creation: rivulets of water, magma, blood, sap. But this season is both spring and Eastertide: a perfect time to consider all things growing, sprouting, being born. A time to ask how and why it is that so many people feel connected to God in nature. A time to wonder what we can learn by seeking God in the beauty and details of the natural world —
tiny pores on the underside of leaves that allow plants to breath
minuscule hyphae that allow mushrooms to communicate and move nutrients across the forest floor
pockets of safety in the micro climates where mosses grow
— not to mention the big showstoppers like sunsets, storms, meteor showers, murmurations, and eclipses!
All creation sings God's praise. This month, we're taking a deep breath and joining the chorus.
Find us Sundays mornings at 10:30am in the sanctuary or online!
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Two Ways To Support Black, Queer Equity
Saturday May 11th
Lighthouse Foundation (of which Bethany is a member congregation) is hosting its second annual Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI) Soul Food Brunch, a free gathering at Wilson Abbey (935 W Wilson) featuring live music, free soul food, and two lively panel discussions about the importance of Black Queer Equity.
Help out in one of two ways:
Option 1: support the work by attending, learning, and celebrating. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Option 2: support the work by volunteering! Rebecca is planning on it, so you'll know at least one person. Slots start at 9:30 a.m.
Register to attend (free!) here. Volunteer by emailing Marcus at mpayne@lightfoundchi.org. Hope to see you there!
Chamber Music @ Bethany Presents: George Crumb’s Black Angels
Sunday May 5th at 2pm
Violinists MingHuan Xu (Roosevelt University) and Emily Boone (Present Music), violist Doyle Armbrust (founding violist of Spektral) and cellist Nick Photinos present Black Angels, featuring George Crumb’s iconic and eponymous work, among the 20th century’s most famous chamber works. Mark your calendars for the chance to hear this unique and striking piece written for an "electric string quartet".
This will be our last Chamber Music At Bethany concert, and we hope to go out with a bang! Please come out and celebrate this amazing series we've been able to enjoy for the past several years. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Congregational Retreat
Saturday May 18th 9am-1pm
You’re invited to a half-day, all-congregation retreat on Saturday May 18th, from 9am-1pm. We’ll provide childcare and lunch from Potbellies, and we’ll have a morning full of activities and conversation about what God is calling us to as a community. Mark your calendars and please sign up here if you’re able to attend!
