May

From the Council "Reflect my love! And repeat my action!”

Dear Bethel Members,

May has finally arrived and, hopefully, spring along with it. As green returns to the landscape, we know it is a time of rebirth. Your Church Council is also looking toward our future. The council has approved an extension to Pastor Alan's intentional interim call here at Bethel and while we certainly appreciate his work with us, unfortunately, we know we have to look beyond his ministry. Our pastoral call committee reported back to council on four areas: the call process, finances, Bethel's ministry profile and working with the Synod. It was obvious that Lois, Cal, Tom and Sharon put a great deal of thought and effort into researching information to help the council understand the process and the parameters should we decide to put out a call for a new pastor. They will continue to work through May in defining what we need in a pastor and what we can comfortably afford.

The annual audit for 2013 was approved at the April meeting. A sincere thank you from the council is extended to Tom Terwilliger for his time, effort and expertise in preparing the audit, which he provides free of charge. If you would like to review the audit report, a copy is available in the church office. Additionally, council approved a contract with Time-Warner for internet and telephone services. Thanks to Bob Arrowsmith's research, we will save $40 per month for these services. The council also approved a quote from Austin Works of WNY to have the exterior doors rekeyed to provide better security for the building, our staff, and especially our students. This work should be completed in May and new keys issued to the appropriate members. A key policy was approved at our March meeting and new keys will be numbered so the church office knows where each key is.

We are looking for a few (or many) good Men Of Bethel to share fellowship on the first Saturday of each month beginning on May 3 at 9:00 a.m. in Gustafson Hall. This is the brainchild of Sean Kilmartin and the hope is that these one-hour get-togethers will lead to projects and activities to help Bethel and our community, as well as opportunities for the men of Bethel to grow in our faith through conversation and fellowship. We hope that you will join with your male partners here at Bethel.

It is time once again to begin planning for Vacation Bible School (VBS). Believe it or not, summer will be arriving soon. The four Lutheran churches of Jamestown will again work together to provide this program. Last year, VBS hosted 60-70 young people from our community. To provide such a wonderful program for so many children, we need help. Sharon Terwilliger is meeting with representatives from each church to begin the planning process. Lunch will be provided for the children and each church will be responsible for one day. If you are able to volunteer and/or support this program, please contact Sharon or any council member. Children are a big part of our mission here at Bethel so we hope that you will be able to participate in some manner.

As an extension of our mission, the council is still looking to create a plan to respond to an urgent need or emergency situation. Whether it is providing food and clothing to a family who lost their home in a fire, repairing a home for a senior or sending supplies and/or members to assist in flood relief, we hope to demonstrate the love of Jesus the Christ through our actions. If you are interested in participating should the need arise, please let a council member or Pastor Alan know.

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in Bethel's Lenten dinners and services. We appreciate all of those who provided food, set up and cleaning for the dinners. We also thank Pastor Alan and Rich Kimball for leading the Bible studies. Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday shared services were well attended and well received. These services and our Easter service aided us all in reminding us of Christ's sacrifice to atone for all our sins, so that all of us may have eternal life with Him. What comfort! What joy! What an incredible gift from God! We thank Him for our faith.

Sincerely,

Gregg Davis - President