Keep Church Weird
Almost since the beginning, Christians have faced the temptation to fit in. From the Apostle Paul’s tacit assurances to the Roman Empire (“don’t worry; we’re not preaching a new social order or anything!”¹) to church lobbies that seem designed to look familiar as a Starbucks in a convention center², from Nicodemus’ first visit to Jesus under the cover of darkness³ to the friends at parties who seem like they’re trying to let someone off the hook: “I mean, you’re not that kind of Christian, right?”⁴
But you can’t hide it: church is weird. Now more than ever:
Forgiveness — at a time like this?
Turn the other cheek — when so many in power are taking wild swings and punching down??
Love your enemies??? Jesus never met these enemies.
Not to mention the weirdness of gathering for church: who sings together anymore? what’s up with communion? and the awkward vocabulary?⁵ Just act normal, for crying out loud.
Well: good news, bad news. From the beginning, church has been weird. We are, indeed, preaching a new social order. And the core beliefs are counter-cultural, in every age. And gathering once a week to worship isn’t ever gonna be something that just happens organically: it takes meetings, and planning, and getting up and out of the house when the appealing norm is to sleep in and have brunch. Weird.
But in the new world order: the last are first.
The powerful are humbled.
And mourning turns to joy.
This September at Bethany, let’s keep church weird. Sticking out for love is so worth it.
¹ See: Ephesians 5:21 – 6:9
² No shade if you love a convention center Starbucks!
³ See: John 3, although he ended up coming out about his belief in Jesus
⁴ To which I (Pastor Rebecca) enjoy replying, “Oh, I believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ, so…”
⁵ The only time you’ll ever hear the word “midst” is from a pastor
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Back Bay Supply Drive
Bethany is returning to Back Bay in Biloxi, Mississippi in October and we need your help. Part of their mission is to help the homeless in their community. There are no overnight shelters in Biloxi. Please bring 1 or more items for hygiene kits that we will deliver to the mission.
Requested Items:
hand towel s(approximately 16" x 28")
wash cloths
wide tooth combs
toothbrushes
toothpaste
bars of soap (bath size, in wrapper)
plastic soap containers
deodorant (men or women)
razors (men or women)
combs or brushes
menstrual products
Sunday School!
Sunday school is now back in session! We are so excited to continue our year diving into the Fruits of the Spirit from now through May.
We can’t wait to sing worship songs, explore Biblical stories, and engage activities together in our k-2nd and 3rd-6th grade classes.
You can sign the Sunday School check in form when you join for worship. The kids will go to their classes after passing of the peace and you can pick them up downstairs after worship. If you want to learn more about what we talked about in Sunday School, check out the “This Week in Sunday School” flier outside the Fellowship Hall!
Haunted House
October 31st
Bethany is hosting a Haunted House this Halloween from 5-8pm! We need people willing to dress up to help us make the event the best it can be! If you would be interested in helping Aaron and Xander create this experience for the neighborhood, please let Xander know by email, text, or at coffee hour!
