Bethany is a member of the ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
15460 TRISKETT ROAD, CLEVELAND OH 44111
Sunday Worship 8:30 and 11:00 am
Livestream www.bethanyenglish.org
The church office hours: 9am to 4pm Tuesday - Friday. You can call the office 216-941- 7880
Pastor’s Message
But What If It All Works Out?
In my last office I had a business card holder on my desk. I had several cards from a colleague and friend, Shelley Nelson-Bridger whom many of you know from the internship connection or her ability to fill in to lead worship at Bethany English from time to time. I used one of her cards to attach a post-it note from something I had seen and heard in more than one place. It was the phrase “what if it all works out?” This spoke to me, because sometimes I need to remind myself to be optimistic. Often it’s easier to envision a catastrophe once something happens that was not in our plans, but not always as easy to be optimistic.
But what if it all works out? Throughout my life I’ve had countless moments that made me anxious, hopeless, or felt defeated. And yet, looking back I can see that although there were hard times I would not want to go through again, there were countless times I would not have believed anyone if they told me it would all work out, or if someone told me that something better could come as well. As we encounter a variety of difficult times in our personal lives, our country, and the world- we have to look for, ask for, and be a part of the good whenever we can. We may not be able to create the exact world we would like to see, but we have the power to change the lives of those around us, and have more of an impact than we realize.
I hope that this new year brings us all the ability to create and dream about all the good things God empowers us to do for this church, community and world. As I cleaned out my last office, I took the business cards out of the holder and realized something. The post it asking “what if it all works out” was serendipitously attached to Pastor Shelley’s card, and she in fact had been called to be the next pastor in that church. It was a long interim, because of how the timing worked, but I was thrilled to know that she would be their next leader as I had come to know and appreciate that congregation and Pastor Shelley as a leader.
That post-it made me wonder about what else might be right in front of my eyes that I am missing. What is God trying to tell me that I can’t see because I’m too worried, or I have “too many tabs open in my brain?” (This is a reference to those of us who open an internet page and have so many “tabs” open with ideas, favorites, or unfinished work.) I share this phrase “What if it all works out?” with all of you in case you find it helpful. I imagine you have experiences and stories where things seemed scary in the moment, but looking back you could see God with you the whole time. Or times when you thought nothing good could happen after a trial, and yet some way, some how, it did. I know it isn’t always the case, but even in the most difficult scenarios, God promises to be there with us, and to love us and give us strength. We can hope there may be some good news.
Jesus brings us Good News each and every day. We are given a fresh start. There is an abundant, never ending amount of grace, mercy, and love that God wants to share with all of us. Each day I pray for the ability to see this, and I hope that you can see it too.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Laura Kuntz
New Member Information Session
A Gathering for any Guests and those interested in Membership! Sunday, March 9th 12:15pm Come and hear more about Bethany English! What brought you here and what do you appreciate about Bethany? What do you hope for in a church home? What questions do you have for us? How can we help you feel at home and have a place here? How can we connect you to ministries and service opportunities? Hear more about becoming a member if you are interested. Meet others from the church and hear about what activities and ministries bring them joy and help them learn and serve. All are welcome to join us after the 2nd service in the library Please RSVP to pastorlaurak@gmail.com or by calling the church office by Sunday March 3rd.
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WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF FAITH THAT HAS BEEN WORSHIPING, LEARNING, SERVING, AND SOCIALIZING FOR OVER 100 YEARS.
The beautiful stained glass window sanctuary is accessible to all, and we encourage children to worship there as well or utilize the professionally staffed nursery. Communion is an important part of all Sunday services, and all who believe are invited to partake in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Come back to our website often, as we are making updates weekly. For even more information you can download this month's Bethany News below.
Whether you are returning or visiting for the first time, we are excited to have you join us.
