These four words follow the familiar words of Psalm 51, verses 1-12.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and put a new and right spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,

and do not take your holy spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and sustain in me a willing spirit.”

Growing up in the church I heard these words from Psalm 51, verses 1-12, sung almost every Sunday after the Offering. I knew the words by heart, but it wasn’t until years later that I made the connection between the words of this song and Psalm 51. BUT TODAY I read something NEW in the Psalm I hadn’t caught before. If we read just one more verse, #13, we read, “Then I will teach . . .” This changes the entire tone of the song/Psalm. Once God has restored us, cleansed us, and given us a willing spirit we’re called to TEACH others about God’s love. God’s restoration isn’t just for us to feel better about ourselves. The psalmist understood God’s love should not be contained, but shared with everyone!

Peace,
Deacon Debra

Meet Stephanie Davy!

Tell us about yourself: My name is Stephanie Davy and I have been a member of Bethany for 45 years (I was baptized here!). My husband, Adam, and I have been married for 17 years – we were married at Bethany by Pastor Keith Swenson. We have two sons: Charlie (15) and Will (12). I am a stay-at-home mom and spend lots of time schlepping kids around and volunteering at my kids’ school. We also have a one-year old golden retriever named Hank, who demands a lot of attention! Tell us about what you do on your day off: My favorite thing to do when I have some free time is to play tennis. I play in a women’s league, and Adam and I have fun playing mixed doubles together. I also enjoy reading, skiing and spending time with friends.

Tell us the story of how you came to Bethany: As stated above, I was baptized at Bethany and spent my childhood with Bethany as my church home. I was confirmed at Bethany and was very involved in the HS Youth Group (shout out to Julie Luttinen-Miller and Scott Miller with whom I spent many hours at youth gatherings and on mission trips). I went to St. Olaf College in Minnesota, which is affiliated with the Lutheran church, and honestly only went to church when my choir was singing during a Sunday morning service. After graduation, I returned to Denver and joined the Bethany Chancel Choir with my best friend Lindsey Whitaker-Aquilina (also a St. Olaf grad and Bethany member). It just seemed natural to return to Bethany and over the years, in addition to Chancel Choir, I have served on the BECC Board and now serve on the Ministry Council as one of the Worship and Music representatives. I was also a member of the Bethany MOPS group for 7 years.

Tell us about your faith journey: I was baptized and raised in the Lutheran church so my faith has always been a big part of my life. In college, I was lucky enough to study abroad for a month in Italy and Germany for a class called “Catholic Rome, Lutheran Wittenburg.” As the class suggests, we studied all about Catholicism in Rome, and then traveled to Germany to study about the birth of Lutheranism. Even though I had gone through confirmation, it was in this class that I truly began to understand the importance of the Reformation and realized that I really did believe in the tenets of the Lutheran tradition. Having kids reinforced my faith – what a gift to bring two children into the world and be entrusted by God to raise them! Seeing the world through my children’s eyes allowed me to really see the wonders and beauty of creation, and the miracles constantly happening all around me. About 8 years ago, I joined Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), and that has taken my faith to a whole new level. To really dig in and study the bible was something I really hadn’t done before, and it has been fascinating to study both the Old and New Testaments. I see how God’s story unfolded in such a purposeful way, and appreciate God’s precious gift of Jesus for our salvation deep in my soul.

Tell us about your favorite experience or opportunity you’ve had at Bethany: There are so many, but the experience that has affected me most recently is my time with the Bethany MOPS group. While MOPS is an international ministry, Bethany has been supporting this group for 30+ years. After I had my kids, I stopped working outside the home and joining MOPS helped me find some of my most cherished friends. Looking at motherhood through the lens of Christianity really brought us together. We were in the same phase of life and were able to lean on and support each other in such meaningful ways. While my last MOPS meeting was over 6 years ago, four of us still gather for lunch once a month. Now we’re talking about driving permits and homecoming instead of diapers and potty training!

Tell us about how you are growing in your connection with God these days: Being a part of BSF keeps me connected to God through the Word. I also try to constantly look around and see how God is showing up in my life (a little gem I learned from one of my MOPS mentor moms). While it’s often not how I think it should happen (is it ever???), even in hard times, I look for God. Is it a friend’s phone call? My husband’s smile? My 15 year old’s hug? God is connecting with me all the time – it’s up to me to see it!

The Book of First Corinthians

“And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”

– 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

The church in Corinth is one that Paul started himself. The community there wrote a letter to Paul with some specific questions about various practices and ethical dilemmas. In response, Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian church where he encourages that community while also providing some warnings against some of the societal issues the Corinthians may have been facing in their cosmopolitan context.

In so many ways, 1 Corinthians is a practical text. It provides readers with a picture of the struggles 1^st Century churches faced as the wrestled with the world around them and the implications of the Gospel. Above all, the Apostle Paul continually speaks of the centrality of Jesus Christ. It’s a good message for us today as we face political divisions, economic struggles, and the sheer complexity of life in 2024. Our hope, our wisdom, our very life rests in the power of Jesus Christ. Amid the turmoil of our world, Jesus’ words and actions are where we ground our life.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger

The Book of Ruth

“Blessed by God, who has not left you this day without a Redeemer.” – Ruth 4:14

God can use ordinary and unexpected people to accomplish God’s mission in the world. The book of Ruth is the story of Naomi, a widow from Judah; Ruth, an outsider from Moab; and Boaz, a wealthy farmer. These three unlikely characters invite readers to rethink so much of our assumptions about the ways of God. In Ruth, family is redefined, a foreigner is shown to be in line with God’s mission, and women are shown to be agents of God’s will.

The book of Ruth invites us to challenge our assumptions about how God can work in the world. Ultimately, Boaz and Ruth marry and give birth to Obed, the grandfather of King David. The book of Ruth reminds us that God often chooses unlikely characters to accomplish God’s goals.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger

The Book of Romans

“God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” – Romans 3:25-26

The Book of Romans is a letter originally written to the Christians living in Rome by the Apostle Paul. It is the longest Pauline letter in the Bible as well as the most theological. Romans has played an immense role in the development of theological thought through the history of the Church. Augustine of Hippo in the 4^th Century, Martin Luther in the 16^th Century, John Wesley in the 18^th Century, and Karl Barth in the 19^th Century all framed large aspects of their theological thought around sections of Paul’s letter to the Romans.

As with all of Paul’s letters, there are many themes and specific situations that Paul seeks to address through his letter, but the overarching message throughout his words to the Romans is an articulation of the saving work of God in Christ. Paul focuses on helping the Romans really understand the radical work God has accomplished through Jesus and the implications for Jewish people and the Christian church alike.

The letter contains many powerful passages that reiterate the unworthiness of all people and yet the gracious action of God through Jesus to redeem and save us despite our sin.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger

Not surprisingly, February is recognized as American Heart Month where awareness is raised around the number one killer of Americans, heart disease. We have heard the benefits of a healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining a healthy weight, being aware of blood pressure, blood sugar & cholesterol numbers & treating if necessary. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week to help prevent heart disease.

Eating better, moving more & decreasing stress are all steps to a healthier lifestyle. Eating more whole foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish & lean meats and drinking water are ways to improve your diet. Finding an exercise pattern or activity that you can maintain and enjoy assists in increasing movement. Finding ways to manage stress such as yoga, meditation, centering prayer and certainly getting enough sleep along with connecting to others can assist in handling stress.

As Christians we can expand the definition of a healthy heart. We want our hearts open to give and receive love, to offer forgiveness and grace as well as receive them. Proverbs 4:23 says “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Keeping a “clean heart” and guarding what we allow into our hearts affects our spiritual life and our health. Just as with our physical heart, spiritual practices help to maintain the strength of our spiritual life. Spending time reading scripture, in prayer and attending worship are a few practices that can enhance our spiritual life. I encourage you to find what fills your heart spiritually and pray that it places your heart in a healthy space.

Peace,
Janet, Director of Pastoral Care

There’s a point in the scriptures when Jesus asks his disciples a very direct and provocative question. Jesus asks his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”

It’s a question that we’ve likely been asked before by a preacher or confirmation teacher, but it is nonetheless a helpful question to reengage periodically because the answer to this question doesn’t just reveal something about who Jesus is, but who we are as well.

Father Richard Rohr puts it beautifully: “Your image of God creates you.” Such a statement makes one wonder if the current climate of fear and hatred in our world is a product of Sunday school classes and Sunday morning sermons about an angry and vengeful god. I wonder, though, if the stories of Jesus the miracle worker, Jesus the teacher, and Jesus the transfigured and other stories of Jesus might alter our image of Jesus ever so slightly, and in so doing, change how we understand ourselves and our place in God’s grand story.

Take time today and consider this question for you personally. Who do you say Jesus is? And how does your answer to this question change the way you live each day?

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger

The Book of Judges

“I rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians. And I delivered you from the hand of all your oppressors; I drove them out before you and gave you their land.” – Judges 6:9

After arriving in the promised land, God appoints charismatic leaders, called judges, to guide the tribes of Israel as they face conflict with neighboring communities. The main call these judges issue to the people of Israel is a call for faithful obedience to God. The book of Judges details stories of the forgetfulness of the Israelite people and the ways that the judges remind them again and again of their covenant with God. Despite their unfaithfulness, God remains merciful and continually works to remind the Israelites of their promises to God and the ways that God has kept God’s promises.

Judges reminds us that of the abundant mercy of God. Despite our mistakes and wrong choices, God will always forgive and work to redirect us back towards a more faithful way of life.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger

January 25, 2024

Did you know that over 30,000 people in Denver are experiencing homelessness?

Many who are homeless suffer from some form of mental illness, still many others are veterans of wars, and during the pandemic many more have become housing insecure. Winter is an especially difficult time for those who do not have a home to sleep in at night.

This need for shelter is so basic and long-standing. Throughout the Bible God’s people are called to specifically care for those who are experiencing homelessness.

Today, we invite you to gather your extra scarves, hats, mittens and coats and donate them to Urban Peak, Denver Rescue Mission, or another local organization that cares for the homeless.

January 24, 2024

Over 26% of Americans suffer from a mental illness during a given year. But, mental illness effects not only an individual but their family and friends as well. Often times the road to recover is an extremely difficult and long process that can feel hopeless.

While mental illness is immensely complicated, as with all illnesses, sometimes messages of hope can provide great comfort and relief.

As we reflect on the difficulties of mental illness, take time to look at this website, and read some of the stories of those who are struggling or have struggled with mental illness. Pray for them as well as their family and friends who are affected, that all might find hope amidst their circumstances. https://www.nami.org/Personal-Stories

January 22, 2024

In our lives of faith, doubt is often characterized in a negative way, however the word ‘faith’ presupposes that some of this will be hard to believe and will need to be taken on ‘faith’. Rather than ignoring or denying our doubts, it can be very important to wrestle with our questions.

Take time to journal about doubts. Pray about it and refer back to it occasionally, see what God might be trying to teach you through these questions.

The Book of Acts

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” – Acts 4:42-47

The Book of Acts tells the story of the early Christian church; the events that take place immediately after Jesus’ ascension into heaven as the Holy Spirit compels the disciples to spread the Gospel of Jesus to different parts of the known world.

Acts provides readers with a unique perspective on what it originally meant to be the church. The focus of these early communities was clearly on caring for one another, reading and interpreting the scriptures together, and sharing the message of Jesus with all people.

Reading about the form and practice of the early Christian church provides us today with a helpful barometer for the work we currently do as the church today. While much has changed over the centuries, our call as Christ’s church has not changed. We too are inspired by the Holy Spirit to create communities of compassion, study, and witness.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger

January 19, 2024

There are so many needs in our world and becoming aware of all this pain and struggle can leave us feeling helpless and hopeless.

Take time today to remind yourself that God can be trusted, that God is in control. That while the world is filled with need, it is also filled with the presence and love of God.

Jan 16, 2024

I will occasionally hear that someone on campus on a Sunday morning saw a person that they did recognize. In an act of hospitality, they asked “Are you new here?” And then quickly fled when the person responded that they have been attending Bethany for the last 20 years. The initiator is so embarrassed that they vow to never engage a new person again.

Some people have asked me how I engage someone I do not recognize, realizing that even I may not realize that the person has been attending Bethany on campus for some time.

So, today, a practical tip on engagement.

I actually practiced this phrase out loud before using it. I spoke it over and over again so that when I used it in front of someone it would sound natural. I say, “I’m Pastor Gary. I don’t have a name and face connected with you.” The beauty of this phrase is that it works nine times out of ten. If I recognize the person, now I get a name connected. And, yes, even I may have to be reminded of the name several times before it gets locked in my brain. If someone responds with just a name, I am cued in that they likely have worshipped on campus multiple times, maybe even for years. More often than not the person will respond with, “Oh no, you wouldn’t, I am new here.” And now I have a new experience. I will then follow up with, “Is Denver new to you?” At this question the person will generally fill in information that is good to have.

There you have it. Nothing fancy. But no embarrassment either. As far as I know I have not made a regularly worshipper visibly upset by wanting to get the name and face connected. And, no new worshipper has been offended when I did not call them out for being new.

So, get out there and introduce yourself.

Joyfully serving Christ,
Pastor Gary