September 2022 News
Date Published: September 8, 2022

September 2022

Dear Friends of Bethesda Church,

The month of September has traditionally been a time of ‘returning’.  Families return from vacation to work and home routines; young people return to school and college; and for some of us, we return to church. If you’ve been away, I look forward to welcoming you back to Sunday worship.

This summer, the pace of life at Bethesda has remained steady.  With the church roof nearing completion, we now are focused on the installation of a new fire exit, a new slate roof on the bell tower, and the restoration of the clerestory windows.  After years of service, our air-conditioning system recently ‘gave up the ghost’ in the midst of a particularly warm stretch of weather.  The Vestry has approved a proposal to install a new chiller and to replace the circulation units in the nave.  This work will begin in early 2023.  Despite these ongoing building projects, we continue to offer worship, education programmes and opportunities for fellowship.

Sunday.  There are two services every Sunday morning.  There is a said celebration of Holy Communion at 8am.  This service is 35 to 40 minutes.  The 10am service is a Sung Eucharist with a sermon.  This service runs 50 – 60 minutes in length.  Following the 10am service, there is normally a time of fellowship with refreshments.

Outdoor Work Day. Volunteers are needed this Saturday, 10 September, from 9.00-11.00 for weeding and clearing of brush around the church. If possible, bring a pair of work gloves and clippers. Long sleeves are strongly recommended.

Bible Study.  Beginning this Sunday, 11 September, Dr Blaine Edele offers a weekly Bible study at Bethesda.  These 30-minute sessions begin at 9.20am and take place in the church.  We are currently studying the Book of Genesis.

The Choir returns on Sunday, 2 October, for our Feast of Dedication. The Reverend Derik Roy, Rector of Christ Church, Ballston Spa, will be the guest preacher.  The choir is also in need of additional singers.  If you are interested, or know someone who might be, contact Dr Slezak at the office number.

Study Group: The Importance of Friendship in a Season of Loss. On Thursday, 20 October, at 1pm, Bethesda welcomes the Reverend Dr Victor Austin for a talk on bereavement and loss. Father Austin will also offer some thoughts on how a congregation can be a place where we are schooled in the gift of friendship.

Bethesda Book Club will discuss the novel, Cathedral, by British film director and author, Ben Hopkins. This epic tale tells the stories of some of the colorful characters involved in the construction an imagined cathedral in 13th-century Germany. We will meet on Thursday, 8 December. Time TBD.  You can purchase the book online or from your local bookstore.

As we return to our many routines, I encourage you to set aside time each week for common prayer, which equips us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world around us.

See you in church!

With very best wishes,

Fr Charles Wallace

Priest-in-Charge