February

Dear Bethel Members,

The Council has worked diligently through 2013 to address the needs that have been identified and to discern God’s plan for Bethel. Despite the difficult financial concerns presented at the annual meeting one year ago, 2013 demonstrated many positives - our choir loft is full, the bell choir well-represented, a two-minute blessing is heard each Sunday, and the budget deficit is reduced, to name a few. Additionally, while we were sad to lose Pastor Adam, we have been blessed with Pastor Alan joining us to lead worship as our intentional interim pastor. The Council has felt the prayers and support from our fellow parishioners and I assure you that we are all tremendously grateful. We shared fellowship through our Lenten Services, and, thanks to our Outreach Committee, Bethel hosted a very successful Harvest Dinner this fall featuring the St. Susan’s Center. Most of all, I think we as a congregation have grown closer. We also have a wonderful new photo directory and a complete history of our church (despite the flood).

There have been some changes as a result of budget cuts that were made to reduce the financial shortfall in 2013 and to mitigate the gap in the 2014 budget. These reductions included:

· Elimination of the lay ministry position

· Conversion of the treasurer and financial secretary to volunteer positions

· Reduction of the church secretary position to 4 days

· Transfer of custodial services to The Resource Center

· Reduction of our Synod benevolence by 20%

These were not easy decisions but the Council heard the message delivered by you at our annual meeting in January 2013 to address the budget concerns and to move Bethel forward. The Council has worked diligently to attend to these mandates and to meet promised deadlines.

Your voice was heard once again through the survey completed by you in October 2013 and the Council will be presenting our recommendations for 2014 and beyond as we continue to search for God’s plan for Bethel, the Lutheran community in Jamestown and Christ’s church in this world. Bethel will continue its missions to provide an enriched learning environment for preschool students, to feed our neighbors through the food pantry, to provide for our brothers and sisters in Africa and to minister to those in need.

I look forward to serving a thriving, viable church here at Bethel in 2014, enjoying the fellowship with the wonderful members and friends, enjoying the wonderful music that Jim and Judy provide for us and the spiritual leadership given to us by Pastor Alan. This is a beautiful church that provides a gathering place for us to share our faith in Jesus Christ and our daily efforts to demonstrate His Spirit as we go about our lives. May God bless you all and those whose lives you touch every day.

Your servant in Christ,

Gregg Davis- Council President

Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives, and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. – Mathew 7:7-8