This Sunday: July 23, 2023

Theme: Stairway from Heaven

God finds us and we find God in familiar and unexpected places. We may encounter a place in which we spiritually, emotionally, and even physically feel the decades and centuries of prayer and devotion; and we know that God draws near. Or perhaps we experience God's presence in the natural world when we pause to take in a sunset, marvel at a newborn baby, or stand on the rim of a place like the Grand Canyon. We might also meet God while sitting in the corner of our living room, watching a movie, or embracing a friend -- and suddenly we feel the Spirit flowing and we are filled with God's peace and grace. The ways to see the stairway to and from heaven are countless when we pay attention. And these holy places are about relationship: our relationship with God, to one another, and even to the world. Whether we feel God's presence in our backyard, or in a long-respected holy place, God refreshes and empowers us as gifts to the world. And then, we are recharged, and we grow -- like lush, green grass in a spring meadow. Come prepared to share, if you will, a place where you have met God, and been refreshed or made new.

Please read Genesis 28: 10-19a to prepare.

Pastor Paula Ulrich

Office News Update!

Staff Relations committee is delighted to announce that Alexis Shoda has accepted the position of Office Manager for Beacon Heights, starting July 24. We are sure that all of you join us in thanking Melinda Long for her years of dedicated service and wish her well in her new position at Merry Lea Environmental Center. We ask your patience and understanding during the next few weeks as we move through this transition. Until the transition is complete, office hours for the church may be somewhat fluid, so please bear with us. Again, welcome aboard, Alexis!

Bill Hollenberg
Staff Relations Chair

Beacon Heights at FORT WAYNE PRIDE

On Saturday, July 22nd Beacon Heights will have a booth at Fort Wayne PRIDE from noon to 6pm. If you've already volunteered, thank you! Would you be willing to bring a few cases of water, from the church, with you that day, and freezing what you can? We use the frozen ones to keep the others cool in coolers. We need large coolers too if you have any.

PARADE:  This year the parade is at 2pm on Saturday, if the congregation would like to walk in the parade, please meet outside the vendor area close to Clinton Street at 1:45pm.

QUESTIONS: Please text Thom at 341.5064

Meet & Eat This Week

Come and hear the Shoda family share about their recent trip to Europe. Greet our incoming Office Manager while you are here!

Exchange Hosting Opportunity

Are you interested in hosting an exchange student for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year? Kyle, a transgender young man from Germany, is looking for a home. Here's his letter:

Kyle also writes: I live with my mom, near the center of the city, my older sister moved out already. I visit my dad every second weekend, he’s living with his partner, my younger sister and our dog. A big part of my life is my transition, I am transgender. I was born in a female body but I don’t identify as a woman. I felt like a boy ever since I was a toddler and told my parents early. They’ve never had a problem with that and support me where they can. I am currently doing my hormonal therapy, meaning I take testosterone to experience male puberty.

If you are interested, please contact Tim Beals, the local coordinator for Indiana for the STS Foundation at 317-440-5170. 
ststimb@gmail.com   |   www.stsfoundation.org   |   STS Foundation | Facebook
Open your home to the world, host an exchange student.

Next Sunday: July 30, 2023

Theme: Responding in Love to the Needs of Others

Come next Sunday to hear Deanna Brown’s Annual Conference sermon based upon the parable of the Good Samaritan. Her fresh and insightful message is what we all need to hear and be moved to action by.

Please read Luke 10:25-37 and 1 John 3:16-24 to prepare.

Deanna Brown
Originally shared at Annual Conference

Published by Beacon Heights
Church of the Brethren

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