Bethany Presbyterian Church

Cultivating mercy. Letting go of keeping score. 

Cultivating Change. Letting Go of Complacency. 

Feminine image of God. Cultivating kindness, letting go of scheming. 

What do you want to cultivate in your life? What do you want to let go of? 

Tunnel Vision. 

This week our very own Rev. Carol Rawlings brought us a message from Exodus 34: 29-35 and Luke 9: 28-36. 

We were also blessed to hear a wonderful piece played by our amazing pianist, Brenda Miller. 

Hear both on this podcast, and read some background on Brenda's piece below. 

Troubled Water, Margaret Bonds

Margaret Bonds was one of the first black composers and performers to be recognized in the United States, known for her collaborations with Langston Hughes. Troubled Water is Bonds's adaptation of the African American spiritual Wade in the Water, which has the following text:

"wade in the water, children,

wade in the water, God’s a gonna trouble the water."

This spiritual is believed to have been one of the songs containing instructions for slaves trying to escape via the Underground Railroad. Troubled Water takes this melody and transforms it with various tones and colors, but the melody remains present throughout. In its last moments, the notes become stark and simplified in favor of the piece turning very rhythmic and percussive, as if abandoning its old form and transforming into uninhibited spirit.

Love your enemies. But, how?

Not alone, gathered into community

Love. Who doesn't love love? But actually loving someone is tough. Thoughts on how to love in real life.

The Good News: The Kingdom of God is among us!

Out with the old! In with the new! How do we shake loose of old ideas and make room for newness in our lives?