Weekly Greeting - November 17th, 2023
Dear Bethlehem Family,
This is a busy and exciting time of the year here at Bethlehem. We have recently observed All Saint’s Sunday and Laity Sunday, held Charge Conference, packed three thousand pounds of rice and beans, and sorted tons of food for Share the Feast as we gear up for shipping out Operation Christmas Child boxes and celebrating Advent and Christmas. We are definitely living up to our reputation and tradition as a mission oriented congregation!
The theme of our Tuesday afternoon Disciple Bible study this week refers to the importance of responding to Jesus’ call to a new relationship with tradition. Traditions are meaningful and an important part of our faith. However, it is essential we reflect on the true purpose of the traditions we observe.
Theologian and church historian Jaroslav Pelikan makes a distinction between “tradition” and “traditionalism.” “Tradition,” he says, “is the living faith of the dead. Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.” Tradition is understood as the living faith of the dead refers to the dynamic and life-changing Christian faith of those who have gone on before us, and which we remember through certain meaningful traditions. Traditionalism as the dead faith of the living refers to those who go through the motions of certain traditions without reflecting on their meaning or demonstrating any significant life-changing faith.
Jesus does challenge us to reflect on why we do the things we do. I am grateful to be part of a congregation committed to expressing God’s love through acts of service. I am honored to be a part of a long lasting tradition as we take part of the “living faith of the dead.” God’s kingdom is forever. We are eternally connected to those who have gone before us as we seek to pass on our faith and traditions to those who will make up the Bethlehem of the future. What an exciting time to see God at work and to have a part in what God is doing in our world!
Blessings,
Craig
We continue our worship series this week, Good Grief: Facing Loss with Resurrection Hope. Our text will be Psalm 90, a powerful prayer attributed to Moses as he looks back over his life. Moses certainly experienced times of incredible success as he rescued God’s people from the mighty Pharaoh of Egypt; yet he also knew what it meant to face loss as the people he led did not always follow the path God had for them. Ultimately, Moses died with a vision of the Promised Land and with faith that one day the people would make it across to the land God had for them. Take time to read Psalm 90 as you prepare for worship this Sunday and prayerfully reflect on your own spiritual journey. See you in church on Sunday!