Bits from Beth

April 29, 2026

 

Dear Friends,

This was the Prayer of Yearning in bulletin for Sunday, April 26th:

Prayer of Yearning,

O God, our refuge, cover us now.

Protect us from the glaring sun, the blasting rain, and the galelike winds.

Forgive us for the many times we stray from your foundation, and wander from the cover of your love.

Forgive us when we build our lives on beliefs that shift, and on priorities that are like quick sand.

Offer your saving hand, that we may walk away from the treacherous places and live in the safety of your love.

Help us trust the foundations of your ways, and that love will survive even the stormiest waters of life.

In the name of Christ, the rock of our faith, we pray.

Amen.

 

Our Gospel Lesson was the last section from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:21-29. When the worship was planned three weeks ago, we had no idea that a powerful storm would hit Camden that morning around 1:00am. The new pavilion the County build across the street from our Sanctuary collapse. A tree fell on Patsy’s carport and the Hardwick had trees down all over their yard. Many in the congregation were without electricity. We are working to get a VIM/UMCOR chainsaw team in this week to help clear trees. If you need help, please call the church office.

 

Amidst all the chaos, there is always good news! We are so excited to welcome Pastor Ryan Bachuss and his family, Lyndsey and Emerson to Camden or should I say, back to Camden. We will have more information on the transition as our Leadership Team works with Pastor Ryan. You will love this family! I worked with Ryan and Lyndsey at the Wesley Foundation at SAU. They are delightful! My UHaul pods will arrived this week to get all my furniture and most of my belongings out of the parsonage. The Parsonage Committee is hoping to update the kitchen before the end of June when the Bachuss family arrives.

 

Grace and peace,

Beth