| From Pastor Kent: |
Staff and Leadership
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Seasons of the Church and Our Ministry Together
Since arriving at Bethesda and Alexandria November 9, it occurs to
me I have been with you through “three seasons” – none of which have
to do with weather. The three have to do with seasons in the life of the
church:
1. Stewardship
2. Christmas
3. Budget
Fortunately, the “un-fun” but crucial seasons of stewardship and budget
were separated by the festival and celebration of God’s entry into the
world through Jesus. What a highlight in my ministry with you were the
Christmas worship services – filled with music, Scripture and family
and friends! I can only say, “Thank you, God, and well done people of
Bethesda!”
What follows are some things leadership has been praying and talking
and thinking about. Some of these will happen right away and some
will take years. But we continue to seek God’s leading and working
together for the ministry future of Bethesda.
• Annual meeting and elections are crucial for positioning the
ministry for the coming years. How well we do now can put us either
on firm or on shaky ground for the future.
• Possibilities of committee night, where all committees meet on
the same night and open together with prayer and Scripture and report
back at the end, is being worked on with committees and Church
Council.
• Karen Fieldhammer’s resignation as Children and Youth Director
is a major impact and a big loss for the congregation. Valuing our
children and continuing to teach the faith is a high priority for
Bethesda. We thank Karen for her passionate hard work with our kids.
• Office updates are progressing nicely, and soon you will be
seeing new carpet throughout the church. This is happening because
of generous giving to the Capital Fund Drive and through the hard work
of many volunteer re-modelers. Thank you!
• A new worship liturgy has been composed by Bethesda’s music
leader, Mark Graf. The choir is assisting the congregation in learning
the music. Good job, people!
• At a recent Parish Ed and Personnel meeting, the conversation
took place again of how to use the educational wing for ministry growth
with children. In the months to come, we will develop a task force,
charged with the task to explore possibilities for use of the building for
additional ministry.
