Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?

~ 2 Corinthians 13:5

Socrates is known to have said “the unexamined life is not worth living.”

At this time of year, our Ministry Teams are beginning to reflect on what they have done over the past year.  Some of their accomplishments have involved careful planning while others are more serendipitous.  Then we also look forward to the next program year (September – June).  In other words, we reflect.  How well have we listened to and responded to God’s call for us?  We reflect on the ministries of the church, but our own lives too.

The fruit of all this reflection will be borne out in a calendar planning and coordination workshop involving ministry leaders on June 4.  At this workshop, we’ll consider how the calendar fits together – how it tells the story of Jesus Christ in the midst of our own personal stories.  We will also look for areas where our ministry teams can work together.  This reflection will also bring about an annual report that we hope to publish by the end of June

This month, rather than sharing my thoughts, I invite you to a time of prayer and reflection about Bethel’s ministry as well as your own.

• What was accomplished both in the congregation and in your life?
  • How have you grown in faith over the last year?
  • Of these accomplishments, what was planned and what was spontaneous?
• Where do you see life and energy in the ministry at Bethel?
  • Where do life and energy seem drained?
• Where are we proud of what we’re doing?
  • Where do you think we need some work?
• Are there opportunities you see that we may not be taking advantage of?
• Are there gifts or abilities that you have that you would like to use in the church, but aren’t quite sure how?

I would really like to hear what you come up with!  Feel free to share in the line after worship, phone, e-mail, and I’m always up for coffee 🙂

In Christ,

Pastor Jeff