From the Pastor’s Desk . . . . . . . .
Dear Friends:
As we enter this Fall of 2013 Bethel is in a very good place. We have spent the last 18 months or more, doing some deep soul-searching as a congregation. Church leaders and groups have prayed and studied and talked about all aspects of Bethel’s life and ministry. Bethel finds itself in a clearer and more defined way forward. Here is why I say this.
Bethel’s PNC after only 3 months since its election has done the preparation work needed to gain approval to start seeking your new pastor. Even as you read this, procedures are in place to start sorting through the applicants that are coming their way. This will take a while, BUT the search is under way!
Hard work and choices have gotten the 21st Century Renovation Committee to the point where we will be seeing some activity toward the restoration of our facility. Your demonstrated and continued financial support will make this happen. Look in this Tower (page 7) for a report on how far along we are in reaching our $235,000 Goal.
Church Committees are having regular and active and creative planning sessions to continue good programs and ministry and coming up with strategies to address our shortcomings. This “can do” attitude is also evident in groups from PW to Mission Efforts to Music, Youth, Sunday School, Worship, Bethel Preschool and Fellowship. It also includes a renewed effort to reach out in Christ’s name to our community.
Program and budgetary challenges are still with us. But Bethel is well positioned toward the future.
See you in church.
Phil Sommer
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