President’s Report January 2005

Having been a member of Bethel since 1961, I have seen ups and downs, sadness and joy, broken relationships and healed lives, financial windfalls and staff cuts/reductions, wonderful missions and human failings. Yet, through all of this, one thing has remained forever constant. The God of Love, the God of Hope and the God of Forgiveness has been with us each step of the way.

As president of the congregation I can do nothing less then praise God for the leadership provided by Pastor Ken, our interim lead pastor, by Pastor Rick, who carried a much increased responsibility, and by a church staff that moved Bethel ever onward. During our more recent history Pastor Place and Pastor Jim had provided a somewhat consistent focus and direction. Suddenly gone! A booming economy was replaced in a few short years with unemployment, reduced wages and families moving to less depressed areas. Dwindling reserves and financial pressures required hard choices and the church council struggled with difficult decisions.

Yet, The God of Love, the God of Hope and the God of Forgiveness somehow inspired our pastors, the staff and some tremendously gifted lay leaders to move on and prepare for the future. Bethel did not stop. Bethel did not even slow down. To God alone the glory, with praise to those workers here on earth.

In reviewing the year, several things stand out quite quickly. The dedicated and wonderful work of the Call Committee, their profile of the church and their involving people in setting priorities and goals. Wow – Jim Hooper and his committee established a process that is being copied by Lutheran church committees all over the country.

The Welcome Zone and Visual Connection not only created a new concept of “visualizing” our message and making Bethel a more welcoming place, it created relationships and “community” among those who participated in the work.

I could continue with examples of Kid Connection, Our Bethel School, The Quilters, V.B.S., 40 Days of Purpose and many, many other ministries. Twice during this year the council held a combined dinner meeting with staff, ministry leaders and other key groups (i.e. Call Committee) to identify our ministries. The programs, activities and services seemed almost endless. I suggest that you review the new Ministry Opportunity Guide, “Created to Serve” that now lists these things. Find one or two where you can apply some of your God-given talents. Did you discover some during The 40 Days of Purpose?

At this time I wish to thank especially the out-going council members and ministry leads. Your efforts were so appreciated by all of us. We know that you will continue to be an active participant and thank you in advance for your continued service. I also wish to thank all of you who gave me insight into different situations, held me and the council up in prayer and supported us when difficult decisions needed to be made.

It is clear that we have been blessed as a congregation and to paraphrase the Bible, ---“To whom much is given, much is expected.” What a wonderful and exciting time to welcome Pastor Randy, start a new year and seek our direction.

May we step out in faith and “Focus on the Future.”

In His service,

Bill Hanson