Promises, Promises
You’ve done it. I’ve done it. Sometimes, in the moment, we can’t help ourselves from promising something we don’t follow through on. It is, at the very least disappointing and leads to unflattering conclusions of one’s word and character. This week, after 20 years, an old friend from Arizona made good on a promise to visit us. It was a joy to share Island life with him. I think he felt relieved he was finally as good as his word.
In the midst of giving a farewell address to his disciples (John 14), Jesus made them a bunch of promises. He told them he was preparing a place for them in his Father’s house (14:1-2), was coming back, would take them with him (14:3), and was sending an Advocate (the Spirit) to help them after he was gone (14:16-20, 26). His intent was to assure them that they would be okay despite what was about the happen (his arrest, flogging, and crucifixion). While the events leading to Jesus’ death would have challenged anyone’s confidence, his resurrection demonstrated his capacity to fulfill his promises.
Faith is no small thing. Believing in God, an afterlife and heaven seem so foreign to our physical senses. But in the descriptions of who Jesus was, what he said God’s kingdom is all about, we have some factors to consider. Jesus’ disciples found these factors reliable enough to dedicate their lives to following. How about you? Have you considered the promises of Jesus?
Pastor Rick
CHURCH NEWS
*** If you have a need or know of someone in need, please call Janet Hanlin (920-535-0021), who represents Bethel’s Deacons. We can help!
*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.
*** Sunday School: Scott Johnson continues his series on “The Gospel Through the Old Testament: the Pentateuch”.
*** Sunday Service at 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his study of the Gospel of John.
*** Tuesday night Adult Connect: will be meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage. We are doing a video series entitled, “Death and Resurrection of the Messiah” with Ray Vander Laan.
*** UPDATE Bethel Youth Group: Will meet Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through June. For information or to volunteer (even if for once or twice a month), contact Michelle Jordan for details 920-535-0081.
*** UPDATE Memorial Day Service: Begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 29th at Bethel Church and then heads to the cemetery.
*** Ladies’ Bible Study Book Discussion: we will be discussing Mark Buchanan’s book, “The Holy Wild” on June 1st at 2:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
*** Dee Brestin will be at the Kress Center in Egg Harbor giving her presentation on the “Friendships of Women” Fridays, June 2nd, 9th, and 16th at 10:00- noon. Her presentation is FREE. Dee is a well-known Christian speaker and author. Plan on attending ladies.
*** Gordon Jaeger’s memorial service will take place at Bethel Evangelical Free Church, on Saturday, June 3, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in the name of Gordon Jaeger, to the Washington Island Music Festival at: https://www.washingtonislandmusicfestival.com/support-us
*** UPDATE: The next Praise and Prayer service will meet Sunday June 4th beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
*** Ladies Book Club book for June is Bill Bryson’s, “The Mother Tongue”. We will meet in Memorial Hall on June 5th at 6:00 p.m.
*** Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be June 19th through the 24th. If you’d like to volunteer or attend, contact Betty Lou Smith.
*** VBS Planning meetings will meet every Thursday night through June 15th at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
*** We extend our condolences to the Paul Ellefson family in his passing. We’ll include his obituary soon.*** If you’re interested in becoming a member of Bethel Church, let Pastor Rick, or any of the Elders know. The process is simple: an application, meet with the Elder Board and confess your faith in Jesus.
COMMUNITY NEWS
*** WICHP Hours are Tue. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wed. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Fridays 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. WICHP at 920-847-2108
*** “Rock the Raft Concert” will be held at Schoolhouse Beach Saturday May 27th. This FREE concert is from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and is sponsored by the TPAC. Musicians will be performing from the raft, whether on land or sea or foam. Donations will be accepted and are greatly appreciated. Come out and enjoy the talent and kick off the summer in style. Locals can enjoy the festivities before they get too busy with the season.
*** Blood Pressure Clinic: Sunday May 28th 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. in Trinity Library.
*** Blood Pressure Clinic: Sunday May 28th 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bethel Church lobby.
*** Graduation for this year’s high school seniors is June 2nd.
*** Little League Home games: May 29th (2:00 p.m.), June 2nd, June 16th, and June 23rd.
*** Washington Island baseball team played at Sister Bay on Sunday. The Islanders lost 5-6. On Sunday, May 28th the Islanders face Maplewood at home.