2004 Annual Report – Pastor Rick Sherrill

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:3

I remember well the year when U2 released the song “40,” a modern rock rendition of Psalm 40. It was 1983. The album was entitled “War.” I was enamored by the fact that one of my favorite bands was singing praises to God. Bono would belt out, “I will sing, sing a new song!” and my heart would leap.

Now we sing a new song at Bethel as we move forward under the guidance and leadership of Pastor Randy Pabst. 2004 was a year of transition. 2005 is a year of coming together around a common vision and taking the first steps toward making that vision a reality in this place. I look forward to working with Pastor Randy and alongside all of you. Bethel has always been an exciting place to do ministry, maybe too exciting at times. My hope is that we will continue to build a prevailing church in the midst of a skeptical culture, a church that takes seriously God’s constant desire to put new songs in our mouths.

That being said, here are my highlights of 2004:

§ 37 sermons composed (24 preaching Sundays, 4 seasonal services, 3 memorial services, 6 weddings) – a total of 82 preaching opportunities

§ Performed 13 baptisms

§ Participated in the team planning process for 140 worship services

§ Provided increased support to the nominating committee, the church council and the executive committee during the transition

§ Helped formulate 2004-2005 budget including staff reorganization

§ Continued primary responsibility for confirmation/Junior High ministry

§ Provided overall leadership for children’s ministry

§ Served as primary pastor to Bethel School

§ Planned and implemented a week of youth adventure camp and four youth retreats

§ Developed and implemented a revised new member process

§ Planned and taught first communion classes

§ Provided leadership to the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign, including development of small group leaders training

§ Participated in over 100 pastoral counseling sessions

§ Completed 3-year term on the Mt. Cross Board of Directors

§ Much, much more

Here’s what I’m looking forward to in 2005:

§ Equip you to impact more and more people for Jesus Christ

Thank you for your love and support this past year. My special thanks to our church staff - you have thrived despite not having a raise in nearly three years and I appreciate your amazing hearts for God and others. We have come a long way together and I look forward to traveling together long into the future. Here’s to a year filled with the one-of-a-kind inspiration that comes from being in contact with the God of new songs.