Bethany Renew
Midweek Email Devotion
29 October 2015  
Greetings!

WELCOME!  
I welcome you to Bethany Renew! This is our church's weekly online connection on the topic of spiritual renewal.  
Every midweek, you will receive a devotion, a prayer, or an essay that are intended to stir up conversations and ideas of how we will proceed on the path of renewal. Feel free to forward this email to anyone who you think will be interested in receiving these readings.  You are welcome to respond or make comments, or otherwise just sit back and enjoy your weekly readings and reflections!  

NOV 1, DAILY SAVING TIME
Don't forget to turn backward your clock. Avoid the "horror" of arriving early in church!  
 
    
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
EVERY SUNDAY
10:00 a.m.
 A lectionary-based study on our weekly scripture lesson. 
THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT:  
Mark 12:28-34
 


Nov. 1, This Sunday 
"All Saints Day"
There is a  portion in the worship service that we will remember our loved ones who have gone before us.  
 

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
Nov. 8 & 15,
Pledge Card, on the 22nd.
A Stewardship Letter will be sent next week encouraging us to pray and participate in our Stewardship 2015!
FEAR

Fear is real. It destroys lives, shatters households, it consumes nations.
Fear is utilize to intimidate the powerless, or to advance a political cause. Fear, very fittingly right now, will be marketed in costumes, candies and and some chilling entertainment this Halloween weekend.
Fear is real. But most of the things we fear are not! They are illusions.
We fear things that are not real, not yet, not likely.
 
Why do we let fear steal our joy away? Why do we allow fear to fill us with worry? From a place of trust and delight, fear would sometimes drag us to a dark corner of dread and indecision. And we all know that is not healthy.
 
But to be "fear-less" they say, we must acknowledge our fear. That we will never learn courage unless we admit that we are frightened. Most importantly, we should not "fear" to feel afraid. Because the highest expression of courage is not the lack of fear but the willingness to act in spite of it.
 
I found in life that the most valuable things are found in places and conditions that we fear most. Hidden there are gifts we have not seen yet because we have avoided those roads all our lives.
 
Furthermore, when we confront that which we fear most, it releases us from the bondage of limitation. It touches our weak points and transforms them into strengths. It not only changes us, it frees us!
 
So, face that problem; send another application form; talk to that antagonist; write that note of apology; obey that calling; share that vision to others. Whatever you do, do not avoid that which hinders you from living a full life of freedom and discovering your best God- given potentials!
 
Lastly, we can experience courage because we are not to face the battle alone. God encourages us, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10)
 
So, have no fear. Or maybe better, "have fun with fear" this weekend. That will show fear that you will not be intimidated. That God's courage reign in your heart and will eventually overcome!  Amen to that! 


FACEBOOK AND WEBSITE
Please like our new Facebook Page at Bethany United Methodist Church.
Please click here.
Visit our website for other church info, and you can listen to sermons: bethanytacoma.com
 
Pastor Ferdie Llenado
Bethany United Methodist Church
personal email: ferdiellenado@hotmail.com
new church email: bethanytacomaumc@gmail.com
visit us at bethanytacoma.com