Order of Worship
PRELUDE Baba O’Riley by The Who (released 1971; theme on CBS’s CSI: New York 2004–2013)
GATHERING MUSIC Gathered Here in the Mystery of This Hour
Gathered here in the mystery of the hour.
Gathered here in one strong body.
Gathered here in the struggle and the power.
Spirit, draw near.
WELCOME
* OPENING SONG I Don’t Want to Wait by Paula Cole (released 1996; theme on The WB’s Dawson’s Creek 1998–2003)
So open up your morning light
And say a little prayer for I
You know that if we are to stay alive
Then see the peace in every eye
Doo doo doo doooo
Doo doo doo doooo
Doo doo doo doo doooo
She had two babies, one was six months, one was three
In the war of '44
Every telephone ring, every heartbeat stinging
When she thought it was God calling her
Oh, would her son grow to know his father?
[Chorus]
I don't wanna wait for our lives to be over
I want to know right now, what will it be?
I don't wanna wait for our lives to be over
Will it be yes or will it be
Sorry
Doo doo doo doooo
Doo doo doo doooo
Doo doo doo doo doooo
He showed up all wet on the rainy front step
Wearing shrapnel in his skin
And the war he saw lives inside him still
It's so hard to be gentle and warm
The years pass by and now he has granddaughters
[Chorus]
Ohhh, so look at me from across the room
You're wearing your anguish again
Believe me, I know the feeling
It sucks you into the jaws of anger
Ohh, so breathe a little more deeply
All we have is this very moment
And I don't wanna do what his father
And his father, and his father did
I wanna be here now
So open up your morning light
And say a little prayer for I
You know that if we are to stay alive
Then see the peace in every eye
[Chorus]
So open up your morning light
And say a little prayer for I
You know that if we are to stay alive
Then see the love in every eye
OPENING PRAYER
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Peace be with you… ...and also with you
* SONG Low Rider by War (released 1975; theme on ABC’s The George Lopez Show 2002–2007)
All my friends know the low rider
The low rider is a little higher
The low rider drives a little slower
Low rider is a real goer
Low rider knows every street, yeah
Low rider is the one to meet, yeah
Low rider don't use no gas now
The low rider don't drive too fast
Take a little trip, take a little trip
Take a little trip and see
Take a little trip, take a little trip
Take a little trip with me
SCRIPTURE Luke 4:14-21 reader, Charlotte Long
SONG OF PREPARATION Let’s Live for Today by The Grass Roots (released 1967; theme on Apple TV+’s Pachinko 2022–2024)
When I think of all the worries people seem to find
And how they're in a hurry to complicate their minds
By chasing after money and dreams that can't come true
I'm glad that we are different, we've better things to do
May others plan their future, I'm busy loving you
One, two, three, four
[Chorus]
Sha-la, la-la-la-la, live for today
Sha-la, la-la-la-la, live for today
And don't worry 'bout tomorrow, hey
Sha-la, la-la-la-la, live for today
Live for today
We were never meant to worry the way that people do
And I don't need to hurry, as long as I'm with you
We'll take it nice and easy and use my simple plan
You'll be my lovin' woman, I'll be your lovin' man
We'll take the most from living, have pleasure while we can
Two, three, four
[Chorus]
SERMON
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS led by Jen Pope
When in the past week did you see God at work?
What concerns would you like to turn over to God’s care?
PASTORAL PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father/Creator/Parent, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen
GIVE, SERVE, SHARE: Announcements
* DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below.
Praise God above ye heavenly host,
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
* CLOSING SONG - Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold (released 1978; theme on NBC’s The Golden Girls 1985–1992)
Thank you for being a friend
Traveled down the road and back again
Your heart is true
You're a pal and a confidant
I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way
My hat is off
Won't you stand up and take a bow
And if you threw a party
Invited everyone you knew
You would see
The biggest gift would be from me
And the card attached would say
"Thank you for being a friend."
Thank you for being a friend
Thank you for being a friend
Thank you for being a friend
If it's a car you lack
I'd surely buy you a Cadillac
Whatever you need
Anytime of the day or night
I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way
My hat is off
Won't you stand up and take a bow
And when we both get older
With walking canes and hair of gray
Have no fear, even though it's hard to hear
I will stand real close and say
Thank you for being a friend
I want to thank you
Thank you for being a friend
(repeat)
And when we die and float away
Into the night, the Milky Way
You'll hear me call, as we ascend
I'll see you there, then once again
Thank you for being a friend
I want to thank you
Thank you for being a friend
(repeat)
* BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Closer to Free by BoDeans (released 1993; theme on Fox’s Party of Five 1994–2000)
* * *
Announcements
Welcome (back) to our new Children and Families Minister: Xander King!
We are excited to announce that Bethany has hired Xander King for our Director of Children and Families Ministry position! While Xander is well-known at Bethany, the committee received 23 applicants and interviewed 7 candidates over three rounds of interviews! We are grateful for all the hard work they put in and very excited for Xander to begin this new position.
Congratulate him when you see him, and start thinking about how you would like to support Children's Ministry at Bethany in the coming year!
Many Thanks to Chamber Music at Bethany!
Chamber Music at Bethany was a dream made reality by music director Yasuko Oura and regular guest cellist Nick Photinos. Beginning in 2017, they brought yet more world-class music to our neighborhood setting. On Sunday, Yasuko shared both that CM@B is now officially closed as a non-profit (the decision happened a while ago) and her gratitude for Bethany’s appreciation of classical and new music.
And then:
Yasuko surprised everyone during the prayers by giving Bethany a generous donation from the CM@B coffers. We are beyond grateful for the gift, all the beautiful music we got to host, and the way she, Nick, and so many others we know through them lead us in worship. Thank you, Yasuko and Nick!
Celebrate Robert David’s Birthday - June 20th
Join us here at Bethany on June 20th from 4pm -7pm to celebrate our very own Robert David’s 50th birthday! In lieu of gifts, Robert David is asking for donations to Red Line Service as a present.
Reach out to Robert David for more info or to RSVP: dscott.chi@gmail.com
Group Dinner at The Crib - June 20th
The Crib is an overnight space for 21 young people, ages 18-24, to eat good food, get a good night’s sleep, be part of a community, shower, do laundry, and share safe and affirming space together. Volunteer groups will prepare the meal at the CRIB, serve and clean up! Volunteers will be contacted with meal details after sign-up for what to bring and details. Not able to bring item for dinner and just want to cook? - sign up! Trust the process. If you have any questions regarding the sign-up, logistics or helpful hints email Johnny.buranosky@gmail.com. Sign up here!
Lighthouse Foundation Beach Day - June 27th
Join Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland for the third annual Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day, a vibrant summer celebration of joy, visibility, and community for Black LGBTQ+ individuals across Chicagoland!
Attend as participant or show up as a volunteer! The event runs from 2 - 7 and Pastor Marcus would love help any window between noon and 8, Saturday, June 27th, between 12 - 8pm, at 63rd St Beach. Pastor Marcus admits that he is not beachy. But if you are, it’s a great reasons and way to soak up some sun. Help direct people to the party and be a welcoming face.
Read more about the event, then volunteer or reserve a spot and get more info at the green buttons!
Whether you’re coming to celebrate, connect, or support, Black LGBTQ+ Beach Day 2026 is a powerful expression of community care, resilience, and joy — and a growing tradition you won’t want to miss.
Email mpayne@lightfoundchi.org to volunteer!
Celebrate Pride Together - June 28th
Bethany’s going back to the Parade! Due to changes by organizers, fewer of us can march but we still want to show up. We know that we can send 4 people — and one of those spots is spoken for. Want to march? Email Nathan.
Have a plan for another way to celebrate? Want to host a brunch? Attend the Parade or another event? Let Rebecca know!
Book Group Reads Once There Were Wolves - July 1st
Join us for our next Book Group on July 1st. We’ll be reading Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy:
Once There Were Wolves is a mystery thriller, set in a distant village in the Scottish Highlands. Our main character, Inti Flynn, is there with a team of biologists and her twin sister Aggie. They seek to reintroduce wolves to the Highlands in hopes of heal the dying landscape, but the village is not making it easy. For every step they take, there is violent pushback. She had hoped for an easier integration. For both the wolves sakes, and her sister’s, who was in desperate need of healing, herself. Despite it all, Inti finds herself making friends (and lovers) in unlikely places, only to have those relationships torn apart when a murder rocks the small town. The most obvious suspect are her beloved wolves—but Inti knows it couldn’t have been them. So who was it?
Sign up here if you plan on reading with us!
Back Bay Mission Sign Up - Deadline July 1st
Interested in joining us on the Back Bay Mission trip this year? Please remember to sign up by contacting Paul Monzella at pmonzella@gmail.com by July 1st.
Missed the information session or need more information? Please click here.
Hope you can join us!
Help Make Worship Happen
For the next couple months, our pastors will be flying solo, which means we could use your help now more than ever! Please sign up here if you’re able to help.
Summer Pastoral Calendar
As part of their part-time schedules, Rebecca and Vince each have 10 weeks off a year for pursuing their other work of storytelling and pilgrimage leading (or for whatever else they choose). While one of them is away for this leave, the other works full-time so that there is always full-time pastoral coverage. Here's a look at this summer's schedule:
June 1-28: Vince off, Rebecca working full-time, Sunday-Thursday
June 29-July 5: Both on, working part-time
July 6-July 26: Rebecca off, Vince working full time
July 27-Aug 1: Rebecca off, Vince working part-time
Aug 2-Aug 16: Both on, working part-time
August 17-30: Vince off, Rebecca working full-time, Sunday-Thursday
We also list current pastoral hours in the weekly email and bulletins.
Subscribe to Bethany’s Google Calendar (a work in progress!)
