Bethany United Church

Generous Acts 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.... FaceBook works best when people who view posts, are generous with their likes, comments, on or especially sharing something from our page. The more screens a post pops up on, the more greater chance for people to stumble across our services and posts through their scrolling. Please help us extend our sharing nature into the community by engaging with the posts we share with you. If you are comfortable, share them to your own personal page. Or just like and comment on things that get posted. Your support and cheerful giving in this manner is received with much gratitude.

Bethany is ready to open up to in-person worship on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. After 10 long months we are back together. Thanks be to God. All in attendance will be required to register through the church office by 6pm the Thursday prior, complete an online informed consent form, practice frequent hand cleaning, social distance (2 metres), wear a face mask properly (nose and mouth covered), and sit in assigned seating. This is in accordance with Nova Scotia Public Health regulations for care and compassion in response to precautions necessary to reduce the spread of Covid-19. With gratitude to our community of faith. More information to be found on our website: www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca

The older I get the more home is fluid, ever changing, places where I feel connected; to land, to people, to God. I feel at home when I am with my family, I feel at home when I walk and talk with God, I feel at home when I am doing mission, I feel at home when I am thinking deeply and I feel at home when I am aware of the diversity that is this strange, marvelous, and constantly changing world we live in. I am not anxious about that. I know Jesus goes to prepare a place for you, for me, for us all. And I keep looking to see where this place is, where it is being opened up to me, to others, and giving thanks for that open door, that welcome sign to the right, that glass of cool life-giving water on the left. May we all find our way home. And may it be spacious enough for our company. <>< Peace Kevin

Our Sunday School is going virtual. Louisa has everything ready to go, all she needs are students. If you know anyone with children who would like to participate please read below. Louisa designs a terrific Sunday School experience, please recommend it to your friends and family. From Louisa: If you are part of our Sunday School or know someone who would like to be, this is for you! We are working to implement a Zoom Sunday School class by the end of this month. You will rec...eive lesson plans and activity sheets each week, along with two Zoom links. At the moment, we are planning to offer Zoom Sunday School on Sunday mornings at 10:30, and on Wednesday afternoons at 4 PM. Classes will be about 40 minutes in length, as they would be if we were in person. You will print out the activity sheets for your child so that they can complete the activities as we work. We will have two to three teachers on the meetings at a time so that we can break into groups to work on specific activities in different age groups. We will be working out the details over the next couple of weeks, and I will let you know when we’re ready to go. In the meantime, could you let me know, please, which of the two meeting times would work best for your family? You can reach me at [email protected] You’ll also continue to receive the full lesson package each week so that you can work through the lesson at another time if that works better for your family. We’re looking forward to seeing our Sunday School students again! See more

We pray you find this Epiphany service meaningful. https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/ Dare to listen and share with the other and then go to our own community, by another road? Are we strong enough, confident enough, humble enough, to listen to other points of view, by persons who demonstrate love and justice, and not expect them or us to pull up stakes and convert or become like us? I hope so. ... There is a strange contradiction to our time; we are more diverse, intentionally inclusive, multi-cultural, multi-religious, than at almost any other time in world history. And yetwe also are alive to a moment when people, based largely on their own personal experience, assume they know and others do not. How odd. I am looking forward to learning with you, from you, and from the other. Peace, Kevin <><

Thank you for embracing this weekly connection. It has brought contentment and joy to the work since this summer. May the year ahead be full of contentment and joy.

We are moving forward this morning at 10:30am with our first in-person worship service since March 2020. To attend in person services at this time telephone register with the office weekly by 6pm the Thursday prior. A digital recording of the service will be shared on our YouTube channel and website thereafter.

MAY YOU SHINE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST IN THE NEW YEAR!

Did you miss our Zoom service this morning? Here it is: We are thankful to be here this morning. We are blessed to know the spirit of resurrection and new life in Jesus, in Creation and in each other. In the spirit of knowing and respecting each other we acknowledge with respect the history, spirituality and culture of the Mi'kmaq people. May we live with respect on this land that was first theirs and live together in peace. Simeon’s Song: With certitude Simeon opened ancie...nt arms to infant light. Decades before the cross, the tomb and the new life, he knew new life. What depth of faith he drew on, turning illumined towards deep night. Opening Prayer Most wonderful God, you placed your Son Jesus in family, that he might learn and grow towards the fullness of his destiny. Please bless every family of which we are a part, that together we may learn the graces that cannot be found in isolation, and become capable of sharing in the healing of the world of the world family. Through Jesus our Saviour. Amen! Bible Reading ~ Luke 2:25-33 Benediction (by Roddy Hamilton) May all wonder find a place in your soul and dance with you unexpected steps; May all joy be at home within your heart and weave a sacred rhythm throughout this life and all to come; May unsolved mysteries make your life an adventure and pull you towards unknown places waiting for you since the very beginning; May blessing be your forever-companion and cradle you, strengthen you and love you always; May all stillness snuggle into your soul forging a peace that gives to all things a place; May the ebb and flow of life be a daily gift offering times of pain and celebration and healing; and may God let you see what others miss: promise cradled in every wonder; the flow of life shaping a sacred story where love, and you, dance together daily. And when eyes that have seen all living draw into focus salvation’s intent, may they recognise at days end a promise, a deed, a gift fresh born in the world. Amen!

The Community Spirit - 23rd edition!

Let joy and festivities of this Christmas radiate Gods’ love. Love in your life with joy and jubilation unforgettable. Merry Christmas! Two Virtual Christmas Eve Services are available on our website at www.bethanyunitedchuch.ca. On December 27th, a ZOOM service will be happening. This will be an online format please reach out to for the invite to participate. This will be prayer and reflection, no music ministry being offered at this time.

As lovely as the holidays can be, they can also make people feel down and stressed. We know this can be a difficult time of year, and we want all in our community of faith, their circles of care, and the world around us to know that you’re not alone. We’re sending you our warmest Christmas greetings and may joy find a way to settle in your bubble as you remember. Here is the link to last week’s Zoom service. The recording is imperfectly perfect and edited to fit an online viewership. https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/

Blessed is the beautiful season which conspires the world in love. Wishing Happy Winter Solstice.

Join us for the last Sunday of advent. The focus today is the love that comes in song when something God-given is welling up inside us, something that needs to be expressed. In these challenging times, in our shared listening, what songs are we helping others to sing? Love songs are often born of supportive relationship. Please share with me whatever song you are ready to sing.... https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/

A message of gratitude. <><

Looking to make a special gift this season... Camp Kidston is a good choice.

This week at Bethany... come grab your collection boxes for 2021! Check out our website for office hours. www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca Having a collection box or joining PAR and becoming a regular contributor to our ministry is the gift that keeps on giving. Contact our Finance Officer or Treasurer for more information.

Advent 3 - our focus is on joy... Come be with us online in our renovated sacred space... https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca We also invite you to join our Sunday School Ministry as a family: https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/childrenandyouth.

We hope this post finds you well as you prepare for a "different" Christmas. 2020 has been a year filled with courage as we all manage the challenges we have been facing. Perhaps you have been finding it more difficult to be as welcoming at this time. Advent calls us to be open to the welcome of Christ into our lives. When Christ was born, it was far from an easy time. The whole story is filled with unknowns. Anxiety and fear would have been a large part of living at this time. And yet in an unexpected time and place, hope was born, peace came, joy erupted and love was embraced. Take a read of our most recent newsletter. Joyfully yours. <><

To our neighbours, Blessings be with you This festival of lights And always Happy Chanukah!

This is an Advent like no other. In previous Advent seasons we would offer an intimate Blue Christmas gathering in the MacKinnon Chapel for those feeling the weight of loss, grief and disappointment, yet wanting to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. There is a common misunderstanding of Blue Christmas services, that the overall tone and spirit is one of sadness. There is sadness in a Blue Christmas service but the presence of Emmanuel God, God-with-us, is always present, alw...ays affirmed. As the United Church Creed proclaims, We are not alone. The Blue Christmas service is for those who find the need to acknowledge the darkness as they see and celebrate the light. I invite you to join me on Wednesday, December 16th at 7 pm as we Seek Joy in Times of Loss and Healing, a Blue Christmas service on Zoom. Reach out and connect to me for an invitation <>< Peace Kevin

Last night at Brunswick St. United Church, I asked the mother of five who created our beautiful canvas for this evening’s Zoom worship to add any other words of peace from the wilderness she shared these: Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 May the Lord give strength to the people! May the Lord bless the people with peace! Ps...alm 29:11 Peace be with you all as we enter into this second week of Advent. <>< Kevin (Kevin is also the minister for this small in numbers but large in spirit community of faith, in downtown Halifax, which shares space with Brunswick St. Mission)

Watch with anticipation. https://youtu.be/4y9rNSKuk3I

Thank you for supporting the Legacy X-mas Tree Lot. 2020 Season: SOLD OUT!

Sometimes the norm just ceases to yield much peace. Sometimes we need to listen to someone or something new. This will be an Advent like none we have experienced before. But I believe God is ready to share some unexpected peace with us. In the wilderness. Peace, Kevin Join us for our virtual Advent 2 service and take a look though this week’s Community Spirit. https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/

Local outreach and our community engagement ministries have been busy the past two weeks collecting donations of stocking stuffers for Phoenix House; warm accessories and undergarments for St. Andrew’s Supper and Brunswick St. Mission; toys for the Angel Wish Tree coordinated by the Salvation Army; and Christmas cards for the residents of Northwood. Tomorrow would have been White Gift Sunday, so we encourage you to make a donation to a local food bank in your community. Ther...e are many programs struggling to meet the needs of many at this time and all times throughout the year. Our Youth Group at Bethany have our last meeting of 2020 tomorrow night via Zoom, and we will be baking together a Christmas sweet treat. Ann and Dana did a Secret Santa Sock Drop to each of our current participants. These small cheerful packages contained a pair of Christmas socks, candy cane and note that encourages them to get their feet into action this season and to offer their goodness to the world.

Spreading the good news...

Give a gift that is meaningful. To order gifts, be inspired, or learn more, visit GiftsWithVision.ca today!

Embrace the gift of God’s presence and rejoice. <><

Perhaps a new advent tradition for your family or you?

So stay awake! Be alert! Why are we not alert? Because we get distracted by so many things: by our own insecurities, by our own passivity, by our own grievances and resentments, by our own pride and selfishness. And we are just human! How can God expect us to be alert and to keep watch? In those audacious moments when the light breaks into our darkness and the glare so strong we can only give thanks! Be vigilant and stay awake, welcome Jesus in to our hearts and homes! Amen. Join us for a pre-recorded virtual service tomorrow, First Sunday of Advent. A worship focused on hope. The video will be uploaded to our website in the morning: https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/

We are happy to welcome back the tree lot, serving our community for over 20 years. Opening today , in memory of Al Bolivar at our 2669 Joseph Howe Drive parking lot.

If you have not received a congregational letter by regular mail regarding plans for the resumption of in-person Sunday services at Bethany United Church, you will soon. Please be informed that the contents of that letter are no longer applicable for the near future at least for the reason outlined below. Since that letter was mailed just a few days ago, circumstances have changed significantly due to the upsurge in coronavirus cases in the Halifax region. Dr. Robert Strang, ...Chief Medical Officer for the Province of Nova Scotia, announced an increase in cases and a new set of restrictions designed to mitigate the spread of the virus within and beyond the Halifax Regional Municipality area. Among these restrictions for a two-week period at least is a limit of five (5) persons for faith-based gatherings. Confirmation of this new restriction has come from multiple reliable sources including Regional Council 15. Rev. Little and I have discussed this matter at length and have come to the following, inevitable conclusion. In-person services at Bethany planned for November 29th and December 6th, 2020 have been cancelled. In light of the ongoing pandemic, and with top priority placed on the health and welfare of all members of the Bethany family, this is the only reasonable decision to take and it is a decision mandated by the province with our collective welfare in mind. We will keep you posted of possibilities beyond December 6th in respect to in-person services as new information becomes available. Every decision we take these days seems to be provisional in nature given changing circumstances week by week and even day by day in respect to the pandemic. Those of you who were looking forward to the resumption of in-person services on November 29th may well be disappointed. We pray for your patience and your continued understanding and support for our precious Bethany community moving forward.

Christmas is! Live love.

Support our friends at Brunswick St. Mission.

For everything there is a season. Wait and prepare. We have to move one step at a time without fear, without worry. Because God is here, with us. God is with all of this wounded world. <><

In the season of Autumn we see leaves covering the ground. Eventually they become part of the life-giving soil beneath our feet and new life will emerge. Likewise when those we love die and we keep their memory alive in conversation, daily practice and life-lessons expressed with thanksgiving, we bring light and life to our grief. We find a redemptive means to give meaning to loss and in doing so find hope. Please join us this Sunday online via our website... www.bethanyunit...edchurch.ca Be well. Be safe. Peace, Kevin PS This fall photo is a gift from Brian Williams.

<. Philippians 2:4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Love is one of the most pressing and important issues discussed in the Bible, so it comes as no surprise that the Old and New Testaments are filled with verses about caring for others scriptures that encourage people to help our neighbours and inspire us to show love to people around us and to be good and caring friends.... #focusonothers

The likely date for our first in-person worship service since March 2020 is November 29th 2020. I confess I am not taking that prediction as anything more than a prediction, albeit one we all need to plan. People often tilt to the literal, to rules, to certainty. It makes us feel better. But often it is a false reality, a fantasy, we can’t really predict the outcome of anything. We can only guess. I am all for guessing. I love to suggest, share my experience, ask others’ for their opinion. Scripture says, For now we see in a mirror, dimly. We will make our way, with mistakes, corrections and adjustments. Be patient. But know we’ve had a lot of help along the way. Peace, Kevin

Happy Diwali to our neighbours and friends.

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, kin. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. God’s gift of free will not only allow you to make beneficial choices, but also to do good and be kind to others. Having free will is a reminder that kindness, no matter how big or small the effort, is a choice. #worldkindnessday2020

Finally, I share the words of Pastor Niemöller, who included this credo in all his speeches from 1946 to 1979. There are many different versions as he changed his address based on whom were the groups disliked by the majority at that time. Pastor Niemöller was imprisoned in Dachau, those who shared that experience were Jews, gays and lesbians, Jehovah Witnesses, trade unionists, and Communists. Niemöller wanted to remind his audiences that friends are not just people we kno...w, people whom we have affection for, people of our nationality, religion or ideology. For Jesus, for Pastor Niemöller, our connection to one another goes deeper than that. Thus we are called to speak out for more than just our own. In a very profound way we are all our own because we are all God’s own children. I am thinking of those who laid down their lives for their friends this day. In peace and friendship, Kevin

So many great opportunities to be involved in good conversations.

Join us online tomorrow,Sunday, November 8th, 2020, for a special worship service uniting the themes of remembrance, duty and promises. https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/

Hebrews 13:16 - Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Concerned about the Climate? Want to learn more? Mark your calendars and plan to attend these Canada-wide Climate Justice online forums each Monday in November.... For the Love of Creation is an initiative of more than 30 national churches and faith based organizations, including The United Church of Canada. Monday, November 9 is on Advocating for Climate Justice to include our very own Sara Stratton as one of the presenters. Register via link http://bit.ly/flcforum2020 See more

If you have the chance today, tomorrow, this week, take some time to sleep in the midday sun. God is present, God is waiting, Creation heals, restores and playfully gives life. Peace, Kevin PS Photo offered by Brian Williams, an invitation to sleep in the midday sun.... Catch up on this week’s Minister Musings daily blogs: https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/ministers-blog

A snowflake is one of God’s most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together. Be kind and cover the world with beauty. <><

It seems fitting to celebrate All Saints Day with a service that focuses on humility and prayer. It seems to me that prayer is one of the most profound acts of humility; kneeling, sitting, standing with arms outstretched, hands with palms up, any posture our bodies take that opens us up to the Spirit. We need that Spirit. Our bodies are not machines, they are Divine creations that are attuned to the Spirit. Too often when we pray we contort our bodies, giving us a closed posture, not an open one. One way to experience the Spirit anew is to use postures in prayer that allow our bodies to be channel of your peace (as the Prayer of St. Francis proclaims). Give some thought this week to how you might use your body to express and receive the power of God’s Spirit to enliven you. Our bodies are made for prayer. <>< Peace, Kevin

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Join us today online for our virtual worship service and check out our Sunday School for this week’s faith lesson. www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca... We focus our attention on the words and actions of Jesus. <><

Happy HALLELUJAHEEN! Live as children of light. ~ Ephesians 5:8 Well if 2020 wasn’t scary enough, the tradition of Halloween is just two nights away.... To trick or treat, or not to trick or treat, that is the question? Dr. Strang and his ghoulish gang at Public Health put this resource together to assist with your plan making to keep things safe and reduce the risk of spreading germs this Saturday. Take a look: https://novascotia.ca/protect-yourself-and-others-from-c// Eat as much Halloween candy as you want we won't say boo. We hope this week’s Community Spirit, our 15th edition, finds you surrounded, at a safe physical distance, with happy souls and touched by the Holy Spirit.

<>< Peace Be well. Be safe.

Wela'lin... <><

It’s why I prefer We’re all in this together to Nova Scotia Strong. It’s OK to feel broken but it is also OK to be reminded we are here for one another. It is true that sometimes in our fear, sadness and anger we can lash out and blame others, sometimes with merit, at other times when we are feeling helpless and need a target for these feelings. It’s not my place or wisdom to know the ins and outs of how this pain has come to the other but it is in my power to listen, off...er support and when asked share my own perspective (only when asked). Is it healthy to always be negative? No. But is it healthy to always be positive. Also no. It seems to me the key is knowing when you need to vent and emote and when you need to be washed over with joy. As the Book of Ecclesiastes says, For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Amen to that. <>< Peace, Kevin

Bethany’s Youth Group is back in action! This past Sunday we recognized World Food Day with a Worship Service in the Chapel. The youth participated by sharing scripture, prayers, a short play for the sermon and music making with a theme focused on hunger, food sovereignty and justice. Each youth donated a Sobeys Gift Card as their offering in support of the Food Bank at the Brunswick Street Mission. We were pleased to deliver more than $200 worth of Gift Cards to the Mission this week.

God’s endless generosity to us encourages our own response to contribute in many ways to God’s mission in God’s world. World Food Sunday Live with generousity and gratitude and you will share with others a giving heart.

I have been especially touched so many of you trusted me to care for your friends and family when you asked me to call on them during the pandemic....There has not been a day in these last seven months when I was not on a phone or exchanging email with someone in the midst of some challenge. And in all of those interactions I have felt your prayers. Peace, Kevin

Weekly Edition #13 The Community Spirit... may you find the presence of a reconciling spirit.

Online virtual faith study beginning in a couple weeks... register today... book order going in Friday, October 16, 2020. Get yourself grounded and you can navigate even the stormiest roads in peace. ~ Steve Goodier

During the week, Bethany’s spirit is reawakening to a new normal in response to COVID-19. Until the reconstruction of our sanctuary is complete, our worship services will remain virtual. God came into the world to reawaken the thirst of great things in us. This thirst is present in our online ministry and will be in person when we can. Gratitude for your patience and continued presence in our community of faith, not confined by walls, but connected through love.

THANKSGIVING PRAYER of the LONGHOUSE PEOPLE In traditional First Nations culture, Thanksgiving is not an annual event, but rather a way of life. The following verse is from a traditional Iroquoian Thanksgiving address, which would be used to open a ceremony or gathering. THE WATER... We give thanks to the water for our well-being You quench your thirst, you give strength for plants and animals, and for many medicines. THE CREATOR We give thanks to the Creator. You have prepared all these things on Mother Earth For peace of mind. We see that all things are following your teachings. All together, we give thanks that this is true. THE PEOPLE We have been given the duty To live in harmony with one another And with other living things. We give thanks that this is true. MOTHER EARTH We give thanks to our Mother Earth All that makes us strong and alive, comes from you. We are like children as we walk upon you. You nourish us and all living things. THE PLANTS We give thanks to the plant life. Within you is the energy that sustains many life forms. You give us food, medicine, and beauty. THE BIRDS We give thanks to the winged creatures. You remind us to enjoy our life cycle. THE FOUR WINDS We give thanks to the four winds. We listen, and hear your voices as you blow over our heads. Always you bring us strength. You come from the four directions. Come together in thanksgiving as cheerful givers. <>< Peace, Kevin Online worship service: https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/

At Bethany we sort of are thankful for Covid-19 for allowing us this extra time to give our building some required TLC. We are also thankful for the wonderful contract workers sharing their gifts, talents and time. Hebrews 3:4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. ... May every person a part of this renovation project be thought of with gratitude. <><

Still time to get your seat at this hilarious table... for a good cause.

Edition #12 of The Community Spirit Wishing you the gift of faith and the blessing of hope this thanksgiving weekend! <><

Just a friendly reminder that staying apart has helped us all to be together now. When you do gather: register to attend, wash your hands, complete the Covid-19 screen for contact tracing at our entrance, physical distant (6ft.) and masks are mandatory within our indoor common spaces. Continue to limit your time with others and minimize risks of being in large groups. Be well. Be safe. <>< Peace

Putting a plug out there for our neighbours at Brunswick St.Mission... As their poster states, What a year! And who better to look at our 2020 then Ron James! All ticket sales support Brunswick St. Mission programs. <><

All communities come together on Turtle Island to understand yesterday and it’s impact on today, to build a better tomorrow. #orangeshirtday #everychildmatters

Don’t forget... https://www.facebook.com//a.4260484120/10157516058387057/

Spiritual Strengthening is a set of beliefs, principles or values that sustain an individual's sense of well-being and purpose. Spiritual fitness is about having a sense of purpose and meaning in your life. It's essential to an individual's resiliency. Take the challenge this month! ... but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

At Bethany our children and youth are vital threads in the fabric of our community of faith. We have many ways to enrich the spiritual development of our younger generations to inspire them to become messengers of God’s love in this world. #seekengagementinourcommunity For more information: https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/childrenandyouth... <><

Come and gather wherever you may be. Our virtual service is available online... https://www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca The church is constituted as a new people who have been gathered from the nations to remind the world that we are in fact one people. Gathering, therefore, is a profoundly spiritual act. ~ Stanley Hauerwas

Praise be to God. Keep doing you... and spread love unconditionally.