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Pastor Paul: Children's messages here daily

Dear Bethanians,

We are discovering ever new ways to be the church in these coronavirus days. Of course, there is a deep sense of loss and sadness that comes over us, a pall that descends when we remember that we are unable to physically gather. I actually think this can be a healthy thing, to experience this absence for a bit, as we anticipate the day when we again will be able to worship in the same space.

It also is a time of innovation and doing new things. We have filmed our Holy Week worship services, and this morning, with Rachel’s help, we are producing daily “Holy Week at Home” videos/children’s messages. These will be posted on this blog, on the Bethany of Bainbridge website each day, as we walk together the path through Holy Week. The first one, tomorrow, on Palm Sunday, involves having a Palm Sunday parade (processional) with no one around.

Just a reminder that our worship will be posted tomorrow morning at 8:30am and 11:00am. Blessings to each of you in the Holy Week that is to come.

Pastor Paul

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Pastor Paul: At your doorstep, a prayer

Dear Bethanians,

Today I complete my home deliveries of the packets (bulletins, newsletter, financial statements, directory, palms), something that I have enjoyed quite a bit.  Each day the sun has shined for at least some time, which has given me an extra pleasant window of opportunity for a stroll.  These deliveries have been limited to more densely populated areas, so I apologize that not every home has been visited.  Until yesterday I had successfully delivered each packet without seeing anyone from the house, which was my desire, to honor the social distancing practice.  But then I went to the Howard/Lindquist home, where the residents are so friendly that social distancing is a challenge.  We laughed together from eight feet spacing.

What I want to mention is that while the packets containing the paper materials are the reason for the deliveries, what accompanies them is perhaps even more important.  A part of my delivery routine is to think about and pray for each household I approach.  Perhaps you can do so remotely, by using your directory and randomly selecting a household each day for whom to pray.  I found in doing so on my rounds that it put a bounce in my step as I thought about everyone; perhaps you will experience that bounce as well.

I mentioned that I have been delivering palms to these fifty or so households.  If you would like a palm, come to the Bethany property (on your way to the store, pharmacy, etc.).  Gail Christensen is arranging the remaining palms on the corners of our property, by the signs (if I understood correctly).  Feel free to take a palm or two to help you celebrate Palm Sunday.

Pastor Paul

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