" Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you"
Luke 6:38
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I want to first thank those who served on the SLT over this last year. Our President, RicH Walker - Vice President, Ron Funk - Treasurer, Lark Eriksen - Secretary, Diane Fischer - Erin Baschal, James Orth and Reggie Usher, all members at large, have served well. Your commitment to Christ is appreciated.
This year your leadership is resting in the hands of the following:
President: Tiffany Brooks
Vice President: Rich Walker
Secretary: Willi Sanow
Treasurer: Lark Eriksen
At large members: Diane Fischer, James Orth & Reggie Usher
Please support and pray for the leadership of Bethel Lutheran Church and Christian School. You are part and parcel of the ministry here in this place and Christ needs all of us to pull together the ministry in such a way that others come to know Him.
I would ask that you take time, since it is the beginning of the year, to honestly evaluate how it is you support the ministry at Bethel. We, as the people of God, are to offer up to God our time, talent and treasures. This is our response to God, who has so graciously blessed us. However, there are many times that we, as the people of God, fail to consciously evaluate our lives. How is it that we spend our time, talent and treasures? How do we make decisions on returning our gifts to God? What is necessary financially for our congregation to do the ministry of Christ and are we committed to making the ministry happen?
I would venture to guess that the majority of people want to do for Christ, yet don't take the time to consciously think through what it takes and what it is they need to do to make things happen. Christ does need the people of Bethel to give their "time and talents" for the hands on ministry of the church! However, Christ also needs us to evaluate how we financially support the ministry and upkeep of the church.
In these next few months take moments to pray about how it is you can make the ministry more vibrant by your commitment. Pray about how to evaluate your giving of your offerings. Seriously look at what you have and pray about what God might lead you to do.
Remember, that all we do as individual Christians and as a congregation is to be in honor of Christ......for it is about HIM! Join in the ministry!
In Christ,
Pastor Barb
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January
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We embark on a new year wondering what will come upon us, both as individuals and as a nation. Every year we make resolutions only to break them. Every year we gather together with our friends to "celebrate" the end of the year that has been and look forward to the year that is to come. Every year we are amazed at how quickly the last year passed by us. Are we ready for all the "every years" again? Maybe? Maybe not?
The question should be asked is, "Is the 'every year' stuff good enough?" I would guess that it isn't. We promise ourselves things that we get discouraged over and the year may have been good, but not good enough. Those things that truly can make a difference for us go by the wayside and we are still lacking. We work towards the things we hope will make a difference for us and........you fill in the line. Sometimes we feel great about what "we've" accomplished and yet, most of the time, we recognize that our "accomplishments' are not lasting.
Paul writes that we need to "stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." As individuals and a congregation we need to follow Paul's admonishment to the Corinthians, however, we don't. Often it is one of those regrets when it comes to the "new year". But....this is a "new year" and we can all think about "giving ourselves to the work of the Lord' in many different ways. What can change? What needs to change? What will make the biggest impact?
Begin this year with a prayer of commitment. Make God your resolution and then evaluate your serving inside and outside the church. Ask yourself what God might need from you and not so much what it is you need from God. Look for new insights...new eyes...what does God want you to see? What does God want you to labor for?
On January 24th, we ask that you come to the Annual Meeting to help us look ahead to the "new year." Join in the potluck and hear what has happened and question with us what is next. You are vital to the mission and ministry of Bethel Lutheran Church, "because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
In Christ,
Pastor Barb
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