On the first Sunday of each New Year, Pastor Hoekstra personally invites members of the congregation to join in Bethany’s daily spiritual discipline, “I Give You Pause.” Members and friends are invited to commit themselves to spend time each day deepening a relationship with God.

Henry Nouwen writes, “We simply need quiet time in the presence of God… Slowly, very slowly, we discover that the silent time makes us quiet and deepens our awareness of ourselves and God.”

The Daily Discipline includes setting aside a few minutes each day for thoughtful, prayerful reflection, reading and pondering the suggested Biblical text for the day.

This daily devotional discipline invites members and friends to commit to being a passionate follower of Jesus Christ who:

• Prays daily
• Worships weekly
• Reads the Bible daily
• Serves at and beyond Bethany
• Relates with others to encourage spiritual growth

Daily readings are listed in the Bethany Today Newsletter each month.

For additional information please visit the ELCA's Devotions page.