November at New Bethel: Sermons, Service, and Fellowship

Zoe Willows

Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of What’s Up NBBC! I’m Zoe, here with my fabulous co-host Samuel. We’re super excited to dive into all the good stuff happening this November at New Bethel Baptist Church. Samuel, I gotta say, these sermon topics this month are really something, huh?

Samuel Rivers

Oh, absolutely, Zoe. Pastor Dianna always manages to keep things fresh but still rooted, you know what I mean? She’s kicking off November with “No Hiding Place,” using Luke 19:1-10. That’s the Zacchaeus story—climbing up the sycamore tree and all, hoping Jesus won’t spot him, but of course, that’s not how it goes. There’s just something so relatable about that—trying to go unnoticed, but still hoping for some grace.

Zoe Willows

Oh, totally! I feel like “No Hiding Place” could honestly be the tagline for my life some days. And then she’s jumping to “Marriage” the next week with Luke 20:27-38, right? That passage kinda deals with all those complicated questions, I think. Relationships, faith, trying to figure out what really matters once you get past all the surface stuff.

Samuel Rivers

Yeah, exactly. And then on November 19th, she goes into Isaiah 65:17-25—a little sneak peek of what new creation could look like. But I gotta give a shoutout to her “Hopeful Pessimism” sermon on Isaiah 2:1-5, ‘cause, man, end of the month, she’s already pointing us toward Advent and how hope and realism somehow walk together. I really like that she’s prepping us for Advent at the end of November. Gives the whole month a sense of buildup, you know?

Zoe Willows

Yeah! And the last Sunday in November is when Advent season kicks off—just when everyone’s finally figuring out the clocks. I love how there’s this feeling like the church is moving with the seasons, and Pastor Dianna’s sermons always kinda build up to that. You know, Samuel, you mentioned last week that she had a sermon on forgiveness that stuck with you, right?

Samuel Rivers

Oh, that’s right! It was probably a few months back now. She spoke about forgiveness—might’ve been one of those parable Sundays. Anyway, I ended up sitting next to this older gentleman at our potluck, and we just started talking about how hard it is to let go sometimes. It was one of those real conversations, you know, completely unplanned. He told me how that morning’s message made him pick up the phone and call his sister after years of silence. Stories like that are what make all of this feel so alive for me. And honestly, I can see this month’s series sparking more talks like that during coffee hour or even in the parking lot.

Zoe Willows

That’s so heartwarming. And it makes me think about how these themes—like “Hopeful Pessimism”—weave into real life, not just theory. So much to watch for this month, and I can tell Advent’s already peeking over the horizon.

Samuel Rivers

Speaking of coming together, Zoe, we can’t forget about service and outreach, which, you know, are kinda woven through everything NBBC does. The next big one is the community breakfast—mark your calendars! December 6th, Saturday morning, from eight to eleven. Open to everyone, whether you flip pancakes or just wanna chat over coffee. No experience required, just a willingness to show up.

Zoe Willows

I love that! And I noticed communion Sunday falls on November 2nd, so if you come that morning for service, you’re already set for a little fellowship lunch right afterward. Oh! And don’t forget—The Forge Bible study with Pastor Dianna wraps up on November 6th. It’s kinda bittersweet, like saying goodbye to your favorite TV season finale.

Samuel Rivers

Ha! Exactly. But you know, another biggie at NBBC is God’s Bounty. They take donations each Wednesday at six-thirty in the evening, and then they serve the community on Thursdays starting at one p.m. What I always appreciate is, NBBC’s got their regular volunteer slot—first Thursday of each month—so it’s not just one-off volunteering. It’s about being steady and reliable, which means a lot to folks who depend on the pantry. If you’re new or nervous, you can reach out to Paul Young. He’ll get you set up in no time.

Zoe Willows

This all kinda reminds me of back in New York—I used to volunteer at a little food pantry in the East Village, and honestly, there’s nothing like it. It wasn’t just the giving part, but the unexpected camaraderie—one day you’re stacking cans, next thing you know, someone’s teaching you their grandma’s secret chili recipe in the storage room. That sense of “we’re all in this together,” I found that same vibe at NBBC’s outreach days. There’s real warmth there—plus, if you stick around, you might come out with a few new friends and a recipe or two!

Samuel Rivers

I know exactly what you mean. Service here isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to belong, whether you’re there for the first time or you’ve been volunteering for years. And if anybody listening wants those details, just rewind about twenty seconds or check with Paul. You’re always welcome, no matter where you’re coming from.

Zoe Willows

Let’s talk about all the different ways to plug in around here, besides Sunday mornings. I think this is my favorite part, Samuel. Like, Book Club with Janie Bryant—it meets Wednesdays at eleven a.m. on Zoom, so even if you’re curled up in your slippers, you can join in. Just drop Janie a line if you’re interested.

Samuel Rivers

That’s right. There’s something for everybody. Euchre Club, for one, meets at one p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays, down in the Judson Room—Janet Fiddler leads the pack there. And let me tell you, my first Midwestern game night, Zoe, I had no idea what I was walking into. Folks get competitive, but it’s always all in good fun. There’s this friendly rivalry, and believe me, Janet keeps everyone on their toes! Even as a newcomer, I felt right at home, even though I barely knew my way around the deck at first.

Zoe Willows

That sounds like such a Midwest thing—and honestly, I wanna check it out someday… but let’s not forget yoga! Saturday mornings at 9:30 in the Judson Room, free as air, just bring your mat and comfy pants. Barb Fengya’s your go-to if you want more info. I love that it’s totally open—no pressure, just come as you are and enjoy stretching with friends. Yoga at a church is definitely one of those “this could only happen at NBBC” moments for me.

Samuel Rivers

It’s true—we’re not just a Sunday thing. And if you wanna join any of these clubs or groups, just reach out to the contact folks we mentioned. They’ll help you get started, no questions asked. I mean, whether you’re looking for a novel to read, a new recipe to swap, or just a reason to laugh—there’s a place for you here.

Zoe Willows

Absolutely! So whether you’re a curious newcomer or a longtime member, dive in. Try something new. You never know what door will open or who you’ll meet. I think that’s what makes NBBC special—it’s not just about events, but about genuine connection and space for everyone. That wraps it up for this episode—Samuel, this was such a blast as always.

Samuel Rivers

Loved it, Zoe. Grateful for everyone tuning in. If you’ve got questions or stories you want us to share, send them our way! See you next time and, y’all, don’t be strangers.

Zoe Willows

Hope to see everyone at church or around the breakfast table soon. Until then, take care and keep looking up. Bye, Samuel!

Samuel Rivers

Catch y’all later, Zoe. Bye everybody!