President's Report, January 2003

2002. What a ride. I don't think I'll ever forget this one. Just when you think it is safe to unbuckle and step out of the cart, the horn sounds and the coaster takes off for another round of twists and turns, and when it'll stop, you're not quite sure. Yes, 2002 had many moments of dealing with change, managing conflict, and resolving difficult situations that needed to be dealt with. Thanks to God's strength and many encouraging words from the congregation I really felt that I met the challenge, and served you well as President.

The year in review:

With the new council and ministry structure proposal approved, we began operating in our new mode – separate Council and Ministry nights. Overall it is a success, there are some adjustments to make, but I can't imagine going back to the old system (see separate report on the new structure). Super work by Robyn Winegardner in driving Ministry Night, she's made it fun, functional, and filling.

Bethel leaders had a session with the Architect of the Network Discovery Seminars, Bruce Bugbee, giving us a better understanding of what this dynamic program can do, especially in regards to what takes place after people go through the sessions. It is clear to me that we as a congregation need to get more people through this program and better communicate its value.

Financial concerns were a focus of the council. We did end the year below our projected giving, but there were significant expense reductions that allowed us to end the year in the black, and undo the staff salary constraints put into place the previous calendar year. The council made some key financial decisions after much deliberation – to designate the overage towards “Visual Connection” and to step forward and hire Laura Leonard as the Children's Ministry Coordinator ahead of original schedule.

I could probably do another three pages about the Sunday Morning Schedule change process. Was it perfect? No. Suffice to say, it was a learning experience for all of us. Although difficult at times, I think the passion that people have about worship style can be harnessed and used to make our current worship offerings stronger. I want to especially thank fellow council member Rich Pierson for his help in dealing with impacts of the changes.

Bethel’s new logo was introduced, incorporating the mission statement and our theme verse. The logo was used on cups, bottles, and magnets, tools for outreach and first time visitor gifts. The logo appears on a stylish array of shirts and caps, great “evangelism conversation starters” for members to wear around town.

The council spent a session reviewing and updating our Constitution. It is finally an accurate representation of our organizational structure. Many council thank you’s to Dietrich Kuhlmann, who crafted the constitution change details based on direction from Pastor Jim and council.

We began using our website and email communication in ways we have not before. Thanks to Tom Barbaro, Chris Christensen, and especially Davis Fields for adding functionality and content to take the website to a level it has not seen before.

We had some new “ministry firsts”. We held a neighborhood Carnival, if you were there you had fun! The Octoberfest featured great food, fellowship and a bake-off. Neighbor relations with the Brookdale homeowners association were dramatically improved, the new Bethel Co-ed softball team won their first game (after many tries!), and Bethel hosted the Western States Youth Gathering's Servant Corps team. Although not a “first”, our new Kid Connection Children's Sunday school curriculum is in place, and we are seeing an attendance growth of almost 100%; in November we averaged 68 kids in the K-6 program.

Our Pastors had some exciting times as well. Pastor Jim and son Paul visited Australia to watch daughter Kristin participate in a volleyball tournament. We celebrated along with Pastor Rick and wife Angela as they welcomed their daughter Madison Eileen Sherrill into the world!

Moving forward in times of change

The changes to the council structure, the update to the Sunday morning schedule, new music staff coming on board, and many long time members moving out of the area are all examples of how 2002 was a year of change for Bethel. As a congregation, we must continue to change to strengthen and grow.

There are many things we “ought to do” to improve our Church environment, and I am sure there may be differing opinions, but after two years in the President role, I wanted to give you my thoughts on some things the Council and Congregation should focus on in 2003:

Strengthening our reputation as a welcoming church should be a concerted effort. Our worship attendance is trending downwards (along with those of many other “mainstream Christian faiths”.) Let's continue to make improvements to our inactive member outreach, visitor follow-up program, and ministry of welcome. We do need a person or persons to fill the role of Evangelism Ministry lead and bring fresh ideas to Ministry Night so that evangelism becomes a facet of all ministries.

We have made improvements to our electronic communication. More can be done to reduce paper and mail costs by leveraging web and email. Scheduling and coordinating between different ministry areas has improved due to the existence of Ministry Night, but more is needed.

We are launching Visual Connection to add projection capability to our sanctuary. I am personally very excited about the opportunities this will give us to reach members in new ways. I encourage everyone to find out as much as they can about this effort and participate financially or by helping develop visual content.

We now have a third service style in the morning, that being “blended”. Let us always remember that we are one congregation with three styles, and be proactive to make changes to enhance all three styles of worship.

Thanks, thanks, and more thanks.

We had a great council this year. I thank all of them for their contributions, both individually in their specialties and as a whole as we had some long evenings together. Thanks to exiting council members Dale Jones and Jenny Rowen for their contributions to the offsite, constitution, and pastoral review process. I want to especially recognize and thank Garry Gillette for his dedication to Bethel. Garry just completed his term as Treasurer after serving two years as President, these roles following a previous stint as Treasurer. Wow, six consecutive years! Thanks Garry, for being my mentor and for all your tireless work!

We formed a finance team to recommend a budget to the council this year. It worked out great, special thanks to Dave Larsen, Joan Christensen, Garry Gillette, and especially John Lemons for their dedication to this task!

Thanks to our Audit Committee, another great job, as we asked them to meet more often and cover additional responsibilities. Thanks to Suzanne Wolf, Euo Menezes, and Dave Larsen.

Thanks to Joan Christensen, for excellent council support. She was always there with the information we needed, and was our liaison into the staff.

I want to thank our Pastors for their continued desire to take Bethel forward, and for continued care of the congregation. They have both been through some tough emotional experiences this year, all the while helping to lift our spirits. Let’s remember to give them our support and encouragement. Have you hugged a Pastor today?

As I did last year, I must thank my family - Joy, Melody, and MacKenzie for sharing me with the demands that this role brings.

Well, it looks like the President ride is about over for me. Conventional wisdom says I should go park myself on a nice slow ferris wheel, but knowing me, I'll be off on the Tilt-a-Whirl before you know it.

Thanks to the Lord for his continued blessings in all of our lives.

In Christ's service,

Ralph Miller