March

Dear Bethel Members,

The Council was pleased to introduce our newest members for 2014- Rob Benson, Rich Kimball, Lois Lindell and Cecile Wilson. Their valuable insight and input is greatly appreciated and the Council looks forward to serving Bethel and God to serve our congregation and our community. Additionally, the Council elected officers for 2014:

Gregg Davis- President

Rich Kimball- Vice President

Rob Benson- Secretary

In our quest to best serve you and God, Council has scheduled a work session on Sunday, March 16 to be trained in “How a Congregational Council Works,” facilitated by Pastor Alan. Thanks to Sharon Riggs, Council has created an Action Item List, which identifies the task, who is responsible and completion date. This will help us to monitor our progress in achieving our objectives. Two priorities will be the focus of our next meeting (1) identifying Bethel’s mission/focus for 2014 and to explore ideas to increase revenue. (The Finance Committee reported that the average weekly deposits for the first six weeks of 2014 were $3,292, an increase over last year.)

In keeping with our resolution at the congregational meeting to continue shared activities with the Jamestown Area Lutheran churches, Bethel will be hosting the Ash Wednesday service, followed by Maundy Thursday and Good Friday at First Lutheran and Tree of Life. Council encourages you to support these shared services to demonstrate our Lutheran Community’s faith and salvation in Jesus Christ. Other activities being considered are joint bible studies, the Thanksgiving dinner, hot dog event and a possible Easter meal. Lenten dinners will be held at Bethel on Wednesday evenings. An offering of $6 for adults and $3 for children is suggested. Pastor Alan will be focusing on the Gospel of Matthew. We look forward to this program: Acting Out Matthew’s Message: Lenten Dialogues Exploring the Gospel of Matthew.

Bethel is filled with new hope and has come together to celebrate our faith in God, focusing on how we can demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ through our missions and ministries, as are highlighted by the Two-Minute Blessing heard each Sunday. Thank you to everyone who has participated in these acts of faith, including those of our children. Though small, our Sunday school is an intimate setting to help the children learn and participate in Jesus’ work. Thank you Tom, Chris and Diane for your time and dedication. The children are moving ever closer to achieving their goal of purchasing a cow for their friends in Africa.

As the Council looks forward, we still need your input, support and prayers. If you have ideas, thoughts or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact any of us. Remember to visit our website and Facebook page to keep current with what is happening at Bethel. May God bless you all and thank you for the kindness you show to others every day.

Sincerely,

Gregg Davis- President