This Sunday: June 11, 2023

Theme: You’re never too old.

You’re never too old! We will explore Abraham’s response to God’s big ask – that he and Sarah leave the home of their kin to go to the land that God will show them, despite their age! Paul tells us that Abraham never wavers, even though he is “as good as dead,” given his age, and Sarah is barren and beyond child-bearing age. What a journey they took as they lived into God’s promises with blind faith. What kind of journey might God want us to take, despite the things we view as weaknesses or problems? Are we willing to leave our “kin,” the familiar and comfortable things, to explore new lands and meet new people? Are we willing to face the changes that the journey might require? And if we do, what promises from God might we carry with us?

Please read Genesis 12: 1-9 to prepare.

Pastor Paula Ulrich

For those interested in membership:

This Sunday (June 11), and again on June 18, we will be hosting a luncheon to share a conversation about what it means to become a member of Beacon Heights Church. Those who are interested in membership (even if you're just curious) should attend both luncheons. Bring something you like to eat (for yourself or to share). Connect with Dave Wysong or a Pastor if you have any questions.

Ladies’ Birthday Luncheon, June 14, 12:30 p.m.

It is time to gather again and celebrate the birthdays of the month. All are welcome!

Beacon Intergenerational Cycling (Yes, Cycling!) League of Enthusiasts (BICYCLE) Ride

A BICYCLE ride is scheduled for Saturday, June 24 starting a 11 AM.  We will be riding the Fishing Line trail and will leave from the parking lot on Sawyer Road located several hundred yards north of Highway 6.  Sawyer road is directly across from the entrance to Parkview Noble Hospital on highway 6.  The total ride is about 12 miles with a lunch/ice cream in the middle.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Hoper you can join us!

Brian Zehr,  433-6244   bkzehr@yahoo.com

Save the Date: July 22nd
Fort Wayne Pride Fest!

Pride Fest is coming up, and we’re starting to get organized! As in past years, we will have a table/booth in the non-profit area at the festival, in Headwaters Park East. We are seeking volunteers to staff our booth, which we will have set up from 12 noon to around 7pm, on July 22nd. It was fairly busy last year, so we’re hoping to have 3 or more people present at all times. Please connect with Beth Crook or Thom Quinlan if you would like to assist at the Beacon Heights booth!

We are also seeking donations of cases of water bottles. Bring them to church any time (marked clearly for Pride Fest), and we can put the labels on them during the Meet & Eat time in the morning before church, as they arrive. We actually ran out of water last year.

Note these Pride March changes for 2023: Due to heavy construction in the area as well as a large amount of participants, the Pride March will kick off on Saturday, July 22nd at 2pm to the north of the Headwaters East festival plaza (near the Headwaters fountain).
The March is open to all Pride supporters.

The 2023 Song and Story Fest family camp co-sponsored by On Earth Peace will be hosted at Camp Peaceful Pines, in California, on July 29-Aug. 4.

The theme for this year’s Sierra Wildfire Song and Story Fest is “After the Fire…” (Psalm 19:1-3). The event is billed as an intergenerational camp for all ages, individuals, and families.

Director Ken Kline Smeltzer says, “This is the twenty-seventh summer in a row for these Song and Story Fests and marks our return to the place where we started, Camp Peaceful Pines.

“Just five years ago, the surrounding area was devastated by a raging wildfire, but Camp Peaceful Pines survived due to some prudent thinning of dead trees and the hard work of smoke-jumpers that came to the rescue! So, this Fest will be one of celebration, but also of contemplation, in a world littered with the scars of many fires.”

The schedule includes, in the mornings, intergenerational gatherings and worship followed by workshops for adults, children, and youth; in the afternoons, family time, recreation, story swaps, and music-making; and in the evenings, campfires, snacks, and concerts or a folk dance.

Registration includes all meals, on-site facilities, and leadership, and is based upon age–adults $370, teens $240, children age 5 to 12 $150, children 4 and under free–with a maximum fee per family of $1,000. Daily fees are available. Registrations after July 1 add 10 percent as a late fee. Register online at http://onearthpeace.org/song_and_story_fest_2023. Contact Rachel Long at raquellita.long@gmail.com if you need financial help. Additional information about Song and Story Fest can be found here: https://www.onearthpeace.org/song_and_story_fest_2023. More information about the camp can be found at www.camppeacefulpines.org. For questions contact Ken Kline Smeltzer, director, at 814-571-0495 or bksmeltz@comcast.net, or SongandStoryFest@gmail.com

Next Sunday: June 18, 2023

Theme: Air Traffic Control

And I will raise you up, on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn! we sing. When God bids us into the air currents (metaphorically speaking) we travel not only to beautiful vistas, but to places of great need. In this story, the Israelites heard their special call through Moses. What is Beacon Heights’ special call? Through whom do we hear it?

Please read Exodus 19:2-8a to prepare.

Pastor Anna Lisa Gross

Published by Beacon Heights
Church of the Brethren

Editor: Melinda Long
Phone: (260) 482-8595
Email: office@beaconheights.net