We are always grateful for what the All Holy One is doing through and with us here at Bethlehem House! Your prayers and support are always greatly needed and deeply appreciated.
Here's what we've been up to:
On Saturday, September 16, 2023, Brother Jeremiah, along with 15 other members of his cohort, "graduated" from a 2-year program offered by the Cranaleith Spirituality Center in Philadelphia, PA which trained them to accompany others along their faith journey as Spiritual Directors. It was a 2-year journey packed with many opportunities for prayer, learning, reflection, contemplation, sharing, fellowshipping, and practicing the art of Spiritual Direction. Pray for Brother Jeremiah (along with the other 15 members of his class) as they incorporate this Spiritual Direction Training & Certification into their particular areas of ministry.
After a blessed morning at the Cranaleith Graduation Ceremony, Brother Jeremiah, on the afternoon of September 16th, had the honor of officiating over the sacramental marriage of a beautiful young couple, Christian Aksu and Amanda Hurd, at the Blue Bell Country Club. May the new Mr. & Mrs. Aksu enjoy many years of faithful and joy-filled married love.
On July 26, 2023, Brother Jeremiah traveled to Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison, Wisconsin to join his Companions on their Annual General Assembly. On July 28th, Brother J professed his vows of
Simplicity of Life
Purity of Heart
Obedience
Non-Violence
and
Universal Citizenship
for Life. His identity as a "Monk in the World" is what grounds the whole of his life and ministry. Congratulations to Brother Jeremiah on this momentous occasion.
On April 10, 2023, Brother Jeremiah underwent major surgery which involved the partial removal of his colon. His recovery wasn't an easy one but a few months after surgery, he is getting around, feeling better and recovering well. Brother J returned to his work as a Patient Advocate at Temple Hospital on June 6, 2023, as well as resuming his ministry with St. Miriam's Church in Flourtown and Bethlehem House Ministries. Brother Jeremiah is deeply grateful to all who carried him in their prayers and offered him much encouragement, love and support throughout his recovery. It's now time for Brother Jeremiah to get busy with the work of ministry once again!
In January of 2023, Brother Jeremiah joined the Ministry Team of St. Miriam Parish and Friary in Flourtown, PA. As an assisting priest, Brother Jeremiah (aka Fr. Jerry) assists with presiding over Worship Services, officiating at weddings along with other Sacraments, and strumming his guitar along with other other talented musicians while making a joyful noise unto the Lord at liturgical services. The Church of St. Miriam is a unique Old Catholic Church, independent of the Archdiocese, where EVERYONE, no matter who you are or where you've been, is welcome at the table of the Lord! No one is excluded! No one is rejected! No one is judged! No one is cast aside!
ALL ARE WELCOME!!!
On November 22nd, we embarked on a 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Journey to ready ourselves for the New Year 2023.
Operation Compassion is our latest project at Bethlehem House. Along with the work of continuing to mentor and support several young people in Africa, Bethlehem House Ministries is assisting one of our "adopted" young in fulfilling his desire to begin a new life here in the USA. Sadly, his first attempt to obtain a VISA was from the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria was denied on June 5, 2023. But we are committed to continue to support his efforts to make his dream come true. Please pray us through the successful completion of this project!
In November we have embarked on another 30 Day Challenge. 30 Days of Gratitude! Don't allow the day to end without naming at least 3 things for which we are grateful.
During the month of July we focused on the practice of meditation. We took on the challenge of meditating for 30 consecutive days. A few folks from that crew joined our weekly group meditation on Zoom.
In June of 2022, Brother Jeremiah joined his Companions from the Ecumenical Order of Charity on their annual General Assembly at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison, Wisconsin. On Friday, June 10th, Brother Jeremiah renewed his vows once again. The Vows of Simplicity of Life, Purity of Heart, Obedience, Non-Violence and Universal Citizenship define who and what this Community is all about! Please pray for our Community as each of us continues to do our part in bringing God's love and mercy to our corners of the world via our various ministries!
We are actively seeking good people who will become a part of our "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child" project and become a blessing to some special people in need. Hit us up for more information about this.
Brother Jeremiah has enrolled in a 2 year training program (which began in September of 2021) to become to become a "Spiritual Director." Spiritual Directors are dedicated to guiding people in their spiritual journey and helping them deepen their relationship with the Divine. This is a practice found in many faith traditions. Brother Jeremiah is presently in the practicum stage of the program and hopes to make this another area of Ministry at Bethlehem House. Please pray for him as he delves deeper in this new "work."
A Board of Directors for Bethlehem House Ministries has been established and will convene regularly to continue discussions about this ministry's purpose, vision and mission.
Our weekly Meditation / Centering Prayer Group meets once a week to share the power of stillness and silence together.
Our "It Takes A Village" Project is officially underway.
We have officially received our 501c3 status with the IRS.
