Welcome to the First Presbyterian Church of Bedford Indiana.

Established 1819

     The First Presbyterian Church of Bedford is a community of believers in Jesus Christ who seek to know God's will through worship, scripture, and prayer, and who feel called to share God's love through community and global ministry.  We are committed to providing a caring, welcoming and inclusive environment to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Please join us for worship at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday morning.  You are also welcome to come at 9:30 for a Spiritual Formation Opportunity in the church library.
And if you can't come, watch our livestream!:  www.youtube.com/@churchoffice366 

Friday Email, April 10

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with yuu." After he said this he showed his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me. soI  send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained....

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

John 20.19-23, 30-31

To the Saints engaged in God's mission in the world through the Bedford First Presbyterian Church, greetings;

May 12th marks the second Sunday of Easter, a fifty-day season that began with Easter and will end with Pentecost (May 24th this year). We return to John 20 where we heard of the dialogue between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. As the chapter continues, it is later that day--in the evening--when Jesus appeared to the disciples in Jerusalem, and we have this text as a reflection on not only the visit, but of the importance of the visit.

The close of the chapter: "Now Jesus....have life in his name" has similarities with the closing of Chapter 21. Many scholars suggest that in its original version, Chapter 20 concluded the Gospel and Chapter 21 was a later addition. The purpose of the Gospel is stated: that those who read and reflect on the stories contained within its bounds is for "you" may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Verses 19-23 share a number of interesting details about the story. First, the disciples were behind locked doors out of fear. Second, Jesus appears and offers those gathered Shalom, "Peace be with you". Third, Jesus shows those gathered his wounds (which is the basis for the interaction with Thomas one week later (verses- ). Fourth, the disciples are being "sent" by Jesus. Fifth, Jesus bestows the gift of the Holy Spirit among those who are gathered, with the purpose of equipping them to forgive sins of "any".

Questions to ponder: Which of the five details catches your attention, connects with you? Why do you think this story is set "in the evening", what might John (the Gospel writer) be trying to say? Jesus had told Mary Magdalene not to "hold onto him" earlier that day and now he shows the disciples his wounds. What do you make of this apparent different appearance of Jesus? When is a time you have experienced deep peace--deep wellness--in your life?

The text provides much in the way of remembering God's act in the person of Jesus and you are invited by God to join us in worship at 10.30am this Sunday morning in person or online (www.youtube.com/@officechurch366) as we listen for the Spirit's teaching of the text.

THIS WEEK AT BFPC AND BEYOND:

     A Spiritual Formation opportunity will be offered Sunday mornings at 9.30am in the Library during the Season of Easter. We will be reading and reflecting on the Acts of the Apostles.

     The Session will meet on Tuesday, April 14th at 5.30pm in the Library.

     There is a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall asking for your help with Communion Preparation during 2026. Your willingness to help with this significant worship leadership role is appreciated!

     There is an opportunity to share with the Session what you believe the Holy Spirit is calling us as a congregation to focus on during 2026. Your comments can be placed on the easel in the Fellowship Hall.

     There are a number of lilies in the Fellowship Hall. Please take one and give it a good home!

Timm his enrolled in a stained glass class on Thursdays during the month of April  from 10am-2pm, and will be out of the study during that time.

Timm's contact information: timm.high27@gmail.com; 814.873.1910; home address: 812 24th Street, Bedford, IN 47421. And, if you have questions regarding my leadership, please ask me!

I apologize for the wrong number listed for the home address listed last week and thank Mike Alexander for pointing out that I had not shared the online worship link correctly. And thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement in the process of purchasing and inhabiting my new home. I'm very grateful.

May these days of April find you doing the best you can in all you do with all you have, given God's help, amidst the challenges and comforts that come your way. Thank you for participation in the life of the Bedford First Presbyterian Church faith community.

Blessings and Be Well...

Timm

Contact Information      First Presbyterian Church of Bedford,   1504 L Street, Bedford, IN 47421

 Phone: 812-275-5853

 YouTube Livestream:  www.youtube.com/@officechurch336 

Email: office@bedfordpresby.org

 Clerks of Session:  Betsey Makximenko, vbat62@comcast.net

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstPresbyBedford/  Be sure to like us!