Our readings for November 1, All Saints Sunday were: Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; 1 John 3:1-3; and Matthew 5:1-12.

All Saints celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord’s table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem.

Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:
• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to office@blctempleton.org.
• Donate for ministry.
• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.
• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our call to worship for Sunday, Oct. 4, the 19th after Pentecost, was Psalm 80:7-15. The other texts we used were Isaiah 5:1-7; Philippians 3:4b-14; and Matthew 21:33-46.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells a vineyard parable, which serves as an image of Israel, the prophets’ mission, and Christ’s death. For Christians, the vineyard also speaks of God’s love poured out in the blood of Christ, given to us for the forgiveness of sin. Grafted onto Christ the vine at baptism, we are nourished with wine and bread so that we may share Christ’s sufferings and know the power of his resurrection.

Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:
• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to office@blctempleton.org.
• Donate for ministry.
• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.
• Web site: www.blctempleton.org

Our texts for Sunday, October 18 are: Isaiah 45:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; and Matthew 22:15-22.

Do we worship and love "Caesar"--that is, wealth, power, the powerful-or do we love and worship God? Worshipping money, wealth and power leads to fear and to control, but loving God brings joy and mercy.

Connect with Bethel Lutheran Church:
• To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to office@blctempleton.org.
• Donate for ministry.
• Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California.
• Web site: www.blctempleton.org