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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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Pastor Paul: Here are instructions for Holy Week worship

Dear Bethanians,

Bethany Lutheran Church is sending its membership a Care Package in the next few days. You will receive it either by email, by US Postal Service, or for a select few, a package on your porch (placed there with great attention to cleanliness).  It will include such things as the April newsletter, the compilation of Holy Week Worship materials to accompany the online worship, an updated directory, and a reminder of the importance of financial support for Bethany through this coronavirus time.  For those home deliveries, there may even be a Palm Sunday extra gift … if not, we have palms at Bethany we can make available to you if you give us a call. 

We are distributing the folder of bulletins in advance of Holy Week (yes, this Sunday is Palm Sunday already).  The worship services for all of Holy Week will be available online.  Please go to bethanyofbainbridge.org  and click on the online worship services button and it should direct you there.  These services will be available online for viewing once they are posted: on Palm Sunday (8:30 and 11am), Maundy Thursday (7pm), Good Friday (7pm), and Easter Sunday (8:30 and 11am). Blessings to each of you.

Pastor Paul

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