“Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
~ Mark 12:28-31
We’ve got a great church! You know I’m talking about the people, right? You might remember the song “We are the Church”? The refrain is:
I am the church! You are the church!
We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus, all around the world!
Yes, we’re the church together!
We are the church, and we are the church together. Without Christ, what are we? Without each other, what are we?
Last year, our annual theme, “All God’s Children Have a Place,” helped us focus on children and it stretched us to involve children in the life of the church. The church is not just about adults, but it is about children and youth. They are not just the future of the church; they are also very much a part of the present of the church. As we move on to a new theme that will guide us through the next year (August 2018 – July 2019), we continue making sure All of God’s Children Have a Place at Bethel.
Our theme this year is “Growing Connections: Building Relationships with God and Neighbor.” It emphasizes relationships and that we are part of God’s mission together. Churches are fundamentally about relationships and participating with God in what God is doing in our community and in our world. We want those relationships to be strong and healthy – and we will do this together. Bethel’s ministry is much more than filling slots with warm bodies to accomplish tasks. For example, we have people working together for the Fall Festival (October 6). The Building Bethel team has met together many times to host what is now its 5th annual event! They often comment how much they truly enjoy being together and accomplishing something really important for the good of the church. Together, they’ve helped us raise over $30,000 that provides matching funds to accomplish the 7 BFCAT recommendations (more on that in the president’s article). The Building Bethel team has not only accomplished tasks, but they’ve grown connections with each other and others in the congregation.
You will hear more about this theme throughout this year. For now, I invite your prayers for Bethel and for yourself asking God to guide us as we Grow Connections with God and our neighbor.
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Epicurious Lutheran 