Greetings to the New Bethel Family!
We’ve entered 2018 with a mandate that this is “The Year of BUILDING!” I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to see another year and I’m excited because I know that we will be building, both collectively & individually, the dreams of God for our lives. With all God allowed us to experience in 2017 being the year of “abundance,” I can’t wait to see what’s coming our way. For Bethel, this year promises to continue a season of favor and certainly we want to experience all that the Lord has destined for us. Last year we added nearly 100 new & returning members to our church family! God is yet smiling on us!
Vision Weekend
On the last weekend of this month, January 26-28, we will have our annual Vision Weekend. It’s going to be a glorious time! The entire weekend will be devoted to sharing & preparing us with the vision for the church in 2018. It will begin on that Friday (Jan 26th) at 7:15pm in the sanctuary with our special guest, Pastor Valerie Crumpton of Dallas, TX, who will be with us the entire weekend. She is one of the top assistants to Bishop T.D. Jakes of the Potter’s House and is a sought after speaker throughout the country. Her leadership and spiritual wisdom will bring enlightenment and empowerment that will be a blessing to the church!
Then on Saturday (Jan 27th) at 1:00pm we will return to the sanctuary for our annual church Vision Casting session. We will share the financial results of the ministry for 2017 as well as project the budget for 2018. In addition we will share the important events and programs being planned this year. But since there is no breakfast, you will not need to purchase a ticket. I’m requesting then that you would be prepared to give a special offering because on that Saturday we will be having the “Groundbreaking Ceremony” to begin construction of our new $2million family life/multi-purpose center. I will also be announcing our next major campaign for 2018, “The Building Equipment Campaign” (BEC), to secure funds needed to purchase new equipment & furniture for the facility.
The “Groundbreaking Ceremony” will begin at approximately 2:30pm and will not be long. Afterwards there will be a reception in the Haven Center for a time of fellowship as we celebrate this great accomplishment! Our exciting Auxiliary & Ministry Department Fair will occur this year in February. Listen for more details.
Then on Vision Sunday (Jan 28th) there will be a Word from God to culminate our weekend. We are so blessed and honored that Pastor Crumpton has agreed to stay over and minister the Word to us for this event. Please note that there will only be one service at 10:45am for this Sunday.
It is my hope and expectation that every member of New Bethel will be in attendance throughout the entire weekend. This will be a glorious & epic time in the history of the church; please make every effort to attend and bring someone with you.
As you can see, there are many exciting things planned… and this is just the beginning! Next month in February we will be going on a 2-week Special Fast that will culminate with a special consecration on Sunday, March 4th, along with our “Auxiliary & Ministry Department Fair.” The church’s Spring Consecration will be March 20-25th and we will be serving Holy Communion on that Friday. Also coming in July, we will be celebrating our 70th Church Anniversary! More details and additional information for all these impacting events will be forthcoming. You see, the Lord declared this is “The Year for Building!”
- I’m asking this year for you to commit to win someone to Christ! Just think… as I’ve stated before, if each of us won just one person to the Lord this year, the church membership would double! Just as someone shared the good news and you were invited to Bethel, please do the same and bring someone with you to the services.
Even though we will be in construction for our new building, you will be noticing we are still constantly upgrading our current facility to improve the quality of our ministry service as well as to enhance your worship experience. I need you to commit to honoring the scriptures by regularly tithing and giving of offering so we can continue to invest in the ministry. We are believing God for great things in 2018.
- Don’t forget, (especially to our newer members), if you haven’t made that appointment to meet with me personally, I hope you’ll do so soon. I want to get to know you face-to-face so that we can discuss your spiritual needs and future at New Bethel!
Finally, I can’t express how honored Lady Angela and I are to have you as part of the church ministry. I feel blessed to be able to serve as your pastor! But… we need you… Bethel needs you! There is special gifting you possess that must be used for the Kingdom of God. Follow your passion and know you are special!
Be blessed and while I’m praying for you, I need your prayers as well. We need each other! Looking forward to seeing you this weekend. I remain,
The Master’s Vessel,
Pastor A. Glenn Brady