3104 West Liberty Ave.
Dormont, PA 15216
412-531-9363
MAY NEWSLETTER 2025
“Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18: 19-20
Working in UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore hospitals the last four months has been full of joys, sorrows, challenges, obstacles and endless God sightings. I have met with patients from many different faiths including Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA, and NALC), Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Judaism, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Non-denominational, and even Jehovah’s Witness, Mormons, and patients who claim they have no faith in God.
For the most part I was welcomed when I visited, but I was also challenged as I sat and listened to a Jehovah Witness preach, pray, and read their version of the Bible to me. Another one told me they liked Lutherans “as long as they stayed in their place”; and one person flat out said “they don’t need God or anyone praying for them”. Of course, I did pray for them, right outside the door of their room.
What I have come to appreciate is how much all those faiths (for the most part) worship the same God I do. When we are faced with life’s hard knocks that land us in places no one wants to be, all of the theological differences in how we worship, when we worship, or what church rules dictate goes away. We are left with believing and worshipping the only One who heals, the only One who gives peace, the only One who never abandons us, and the One who answers all our prayers.
We may all look different, worship in different ways, and have different life experiences, but we have one God. When we can put aside our differences, and really listen to each other, listen with our ears and our hearts, we find we have a lot in common.
A Missouri Synod organist and I talked for an hour about the importance of music in worship, after which she allowed me to pray and read scripture for her, and another Missouri Synod woman allowed me to give her communion after I had visited her a few times. Three Roman Catholic women said, “your Lutheran prayers are wonderful; you can come back and pray with us any time.” A Vietnam veteran held my hand tightly and sobbed upon hearing how God never abandoned him, even when he was in the throes of hell on earth while at war. And a patient who was a prisoner shackled to the bed, wanted communion because he had become a changed person, and cried when he was reminded that when repentance comes from the heart, anything can be forgiven.
My experience was a stark reminder of how little truly separates us in this vast, diverse world where we live. May we all be reminded that when we strip away the “human-made divisions”, we are all beloved children of God. God didn’t divide us, we divided ourselves. May we remember to whom everyone on this earth belongs – our Creator, our Redeemer, our Lord.
He is Risen!
Vicar Janet Craig
“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” Psalm 133: 1
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BETHANY NEWS
MAY BIRTHDAYS
5/3: ZACHARY HUTCHISON 5/18: TARA WILLIAMS
5/5: MATTHEW WILLIAMS 5/20: PASTOR BETH SIEFERT
5/12: CHARLENE MILLER 5/27: CHASE PINDEL
5/14: PASTOR JOHN GROPP 5/28: PASTOR PAUL KOCH
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!
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LET US REMEMBER IN OUR PRAYERS
OUR MILITARY: Matt, Josh, Lee, Chase, Cameron, Michael, Bryan and Jake.
THOSE WHO PROTECT & SERVE: Craig and Jaco, Sean, Michael, Zach, Tom, John and Bradley
OUR SHUT INS: Mary, Jeanne, Jan, Jean and Nancy.
THOSE WHO ARE ILL: Caitlin, Ed, John, Carol, Janet, Karen, Sharon, Tom, Carol, Ann, Colleen, Alan, Rose, Ryan, Mary, Bud, Joanne, Patty, David, Liz, Vince, Linda, Jim, Ed, Bill, Eric, Paul, Naziario, Ardith, Debbie, Joe, Heather, Logan, Jessica, Harvey, Ashley, Beth, Teagen, Charlie & Kelsey.
THE CHURCHES OF PLUM THE DORMONT COMMUNITY
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The Church Office will be closed on Monday, May 26TH in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe Holiday!
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bETHANY council meeting
Bethany’s next Church Council Meeting will be on Monday, June 16th at 7:00pm. We will be using the ZOOM format. All Council members are asked to attend. Thank you.
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BROTHERHOOD
The Brotherhood Dinner will be held on Friday, May 2nd, at 6:30pm here at Bethany. Join us for good food and fellowship ▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
KANE GROUP
The Kane Group will meet on Monday, May 5, 2025, at around 10am. All are welcome to join us as we make items to share with the residents at Kane Hospital and enjoy our lunch and each other.
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BETHANY’S COMMUNITY CUPBOARD
Bethany’s Community Cupboard is regularly visited by our community. Some of our neighbors have assisted us by leaving items to share with their neighbors as well. The cupboard is replenished at least three times a week. If you would like to donate items, you can drop them off on Sunday during worship services or call the office to schedule a specific time. Items to consider include any non-perishables, canned food items, paper products, health and beauty aids, soap and detergent and gently used clothing or shoes and toys in good condition. Please, no expired food items. Thank you in advance for supporting this community ministry.
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SUMMER WORSHIP
Weekly Sunday Worship will move to the Social Hall on Sunday, June 15, 2025. There we will be able to enjoy a cooler space and worship in a more relaxed environment.
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Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms and to all the women who have been a motherly influence in our lives!
5/11/2025
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A THANK YOU FROM KANE HOSPITAL
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PLUM NEWS
PLUM WORSHIP AND MEETINGS VIA ZOOM
We continue to gather as a combined congregation through PLUM’s ZOOM site. Sunday Worship, meetings, bible studies and fellowship are all available on the ZOOM format. Just use the information below and you can be a part of all we are currently doing.
Zoom online: https://zoom.us/j/401596541
Zoom by phone: (646) 876-9923 Meeting ID: 401 596 541