More Than Dust In The Wind
My music tastes were cultivated by two main sources: 1970’s and 80’s radio and playing trumpet in concert band. The concert band part leads me to listen to music’s sound over words. So weirdly, one of my favorite songs is “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas (1977). Weird because, while the music is beautiful, the words are horribly depressing. “Don’t hang on”, it says. “Nothing lasts forever …”
That message does not reflect my faith and confidence in God through Jesus. I’ve discovered, however, that the writer, Kerry Livgren, came to faith in Jesus a couple years after writing the song. About the same time as me. So now, when I hear the opening of my favorite depressing song, all those details come to mind. Desperation gave way to hope.
Jesus makes a similar connection in some of his last words. In Matthew 27:46, He cries out, “My God, My God! Why have you forsaken me?” Jesus was literally in excruciating pain. He was also experiencing the effects of taking the guilt of mankind’s sin and separation from the Father. So, he cries out.
Those words are actually the first line of a song we know of as Psalm 22. And while the song begins with feeling abandoned, it ends with confidence in God’s accomplishment (Psalm 22:22-31). The whole message is important. It was a bad spot, but God wasn’t finished. We too will feel abandoned, but God is nearer than it feels. You are not dust, but a special creation of God.
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: Mike Thielke continues his study, “Acknowledging God” at 9:30 a.m.
*** Sunday Service at 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his study of “The Last Words of Christ”.
*** Good Friday Service: Friday,March 29th at 7:00 p.m.
*** Easter Sunrise service begins at 6:15 a.m. at Percy Johnson Park, Sunday March 31st.
*** Bethel Youth Group: Middle School students (grades 5-8) will meet on Mondays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at church. Any questions please ask Leila Nehlsen or Hannah Dusik.
*** UPDATE: NO Senior High Youth Group for the next two weeks.
*** Ladies’ Evening Bible study will meet Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. We will be going through a series by Ann Graham Lotz on Revelation. Please contact Michelle Griggs regarding interest and information at 317-696-0997.
*** Ladies’ Afternoon Bible study Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. The study is on Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkins. Please contact Betty Lou at 920-396-0267 regarding interest and information.
*** Men’s Bible Study: Doug Hansen is hosting this study at his place at 7:00 a.m. Tuesdays. Address: 1258 Deer Run.
*** UPDATE: Ladies’ breakfast April 6th is CANCELLED due to Lonnie Johnson’s funeral that day.
*** Prayer and Worship evening on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Next one is Sunday April 21st starting at 7:00 p.m.
*** Memorial Service for Jim Esperson will be held on Saturday, April 13th at 10:30 a.m. Details will be announced 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.
*** Thank you for the generous gift from William Schult in memory of Lisa Munao.
*** Our condolences to the family of Cliff Mills who went to be with the Lord on March 14th. Bethel Church has supported Cliff and Marsha (Roberts) Mills for over 20 years as missionaries serving with Campus Crusade for Christ, and other missionary organizations.
*** From the October 4th, 1877, Door County Advocate: “Two Scandinavian ministers came to Bethel Church yesterday to minister to their fellow-countrymen—a worthy class of people, who have been sadly neglected here in a spiritual sense. They held a service last evening in our Bethel church.”
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.
*** Blood Pressure Clinic: Sunday March 24th 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Trinity Library.
*** Blood Pressure Clinic: Sunday March 24th from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Bethel Church Lobby.
*** Blood Pressure Clinic: Tuesday March 26th 10:00 a.m. to Noon in the Trinity Fellowship Hall.
*** Lions Club is selling Roses this Spring. $16.00 a dozen. The last date to order is March 28th. Delivery April 19th and 20th.
*** From the October 9th, 1885, The Expositor: “Before Washington Island was settled, Rock Island was inhabited by fishermen, and traces of their occupancy may still be found in little clearings, evidently for gardens, and many other indications that at some time a thrifty settlement existed there. At present there are three houses on the island. The shore is reached by small boats there being no pier, and is low lying on one side, with a gradual rise to the other side of the island, where the lighthouse is situated.
Bethel Tidings 