After Church this Sunday - a note from the organizer of our Cherokee Marsh walk…

Our afternoon at Cherokee Marsh is approaching! Here’s what I have in mind. Whoever wants to carpool can just meet after church in the sanctuary. From church we will meet at the entrance of Cherokee Marsh. You get there by taking Sherman Avenue (from church go to first street, then cross East Washington, and turn left on Johnson. From there Sherman is on the right). It is at the very end of Sherman Ave. You take it all the way to a gravel road and go down the road until you reach the parking lot.
   I thought it would be best if everyone packs a lunch. Shane and I will bring some sort of fall beverage (apple cider, chai, or hot chocolate). From there we will hit the trails and enjoy each other and our surroundings.
   Dress according to the weather. I don’t think hiking shoes are necessary but it is a dirt path so wear shoes suitable for walking.
Join us!

the Pastor’s column from the Riverside Journal:

Bethany is a multi-lingual congregation.  Sometimes I share the same Bible passage with different language groups.  That is a challenge.  Here in Wisconsin, preachers are used to using football illustrations.  But for many “football” means soccer!
            I am often reminded how much we are influenced in our thinking our culture. If that is a bad thing we would be in trouble.  We can not escape culture.
            I think it is a good thing to find ways to see and hear through the eyes and ears of another culture.  One way is to simply read books from other eras, or books in translation from other cultures.  
            Another way is to get to know people who are from another country, ethnicity or language.  Listen and observe.  Notice the differences and see what you can learn from them.
            My Spanish speaking brothers and sisters use the expression “for the love of Lord” much more frequently that we do in English.  I like that expression.  I have noticed an attitude of quiet reverence with our Chinese brothers and sisters.  My Lao friends remind me that people are more important than the clock.  Even being with the 20s & 30s group helps me see that  30 years of culture, TV, Internet, Face book, You Tube and i-Pod, has created another culture.
            The saying goes, that is why we have two ears and only one mouth.  Culture is good.  The more you are open to learning from others, the better you are.  We will not be served well by taking on the posture of the Ostrich, with our heads in the cultural sands.