A MESSAGE FROM REV. KAREN KINNEY: INTENTIONS AND ACTIONS
Grace and peace to you,
I’m on day 14 and what an amazing time it has been already! From meeting and talking with so many of you (and planning more conversations), to attending committee meetings, to worshiping with you to feeling the Spirit move in this place, I have found a warm welcome, loving embrace and a sense that this community of faith is on the move and deepening its trust in the work of the Holy Spirit! I find myself asking the same question – where is God guiding us in this time and place? Where are we finding hope and love and mercy? Where are we living love and grace?
I found the Ash Wednesday setting of intentions 
and actions such a meaningful practice. The intentions and actions set that evening (they can be found, attached to this newsletter) are a powerful witness to the depth of faith and trust building here in this place. They are a powerful witness to the desire to listen more, to build bridges, to engage in spiritual practices, and to take that witness out into the world in service.
If you weren’t here on Ash Wednesday but want to set up your own intentions and actions, materials to do so can be found in the North Link. Make one for yourself and tape one to the board. (You can also send it to us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or call the church office at 610-867-5865 and we’ll make it for you.)
The intentions and actions are also the perfect lead-in to this Sunday’s Scripture focus: the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Who has the better portion in this narrative of two sisters: one focused on ministry (acts of service towards others) and one focused on a faith formation intent on knowing Jesus and God better.
Is that the right question? Or is it that we need both in our lives? Certainly the intentions and actions expressed in our Ash Wednesday service indicate folks are thinking we need both in order to live a life of faith that moves us toward good works. Come and explore this story at either the 9 a.m. Holy Ground service or the 11:15 a.m. Traditional service. Come and see!
Blessings,
Pastor Karen