September

Dear Bethel Members,

This week, we are very pleased to welcome Pastor Alan Anderson as our Intentional Interim Pastor. We are looking forward to worshipping with him. I believe that God has sent us just what we need in Pastor Alan to work with us over the next year or so. Pastor Alan will be joining the TIM group this week to bring himself up to speed on the group's work this summer. We appreciate his dedication in joining TIM even before he starts as our pastor.

Pastor Alan's first service at Bethel will be September 1, 2013. Your Church Council has listened to your concerns over worship times and has scheduled Sunday services at 10:00 a.m. Please note that the 10:00 a.m. service begins on September 1, 2013! We hope you will join us to welcome Pastor Alan. Sunday School will be held at 9:15, starting with All Atar choir rehearsal, beginning on Rally Day on September 8, 2013. Sunday School will be scheduled for two 10-12 week sessions. The first session will run from September 9 until Advent. The second session will begin in January and continue to the Easter Season. We desperately need Sunday School teachers. We voted ot eliminate the Christian Ed. Director position and we need our members to help continue our mission to raise our children in the Faith. If you can commit to one session or even share a session with another member, it would be greatly appreciated. I guarantee it will be a rewarding experience to share your faith with others.

Paul Gutzmer and Chris Prinzi presented a draft PowerPoint presentation from the TIM group to be presented to the congregation in September as an overview of their work. The Council provided feedback to Paul and Chris to take back to TIM as the group finalizes their presentation. Please take a moment to thank Paul and Chris for their time, effort and commitment to this arduous process. We greatly appreciate their representation of Bethel at the table.

Thank you to everyone who participated in Bethel's Vacation Bible School 2013, as well as those who donated items and helped in set-up and clean-up. This was a great experience for the many young people who participated in the week-long program. The 2013 Rummage Sale was also a success. The Council thanks all those who donated items, assisted with setting up and helping run the sale. There is a great deal of behind-the-scenes work that ensures the success of these activities and models our Christian faith to those with whom they come in contact. Please know that your efforts are noted and greatly appreciated.

I look forward to beginning a new year of worship and Christian Education here at Bethel. I would like to recognize Lawana for her help, patience and kind words during this transition over the past two months. I know that it's folks like Lawana who keep an organization going. With your help and fellowship, it is going to be a great year.

Respectfully yours,

Gregg Davis - President