Pastor Brian is Here!

From the Welcoming Committee

Before worship began, David Geffert, chairman of the Mission and Ministry Task Force as well as the Welcoming Committee, introduced Pastor Brian Weinberger. What a warm reception you gave to Pastor Brian and his family on September 5! Now I challenge each and every one of you again. It was so wonderful for Bethlehem to have a full parking lot last Sunday and to have 59 congregants in attendance and four children. Bethlehem needs the parking lot full every Sunday. If you want to continue to give Pastor Brian, Bekkah, Aubreigh and Madisyn another warm welcome, you absolutely need to be in attendance. As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” Before you enter the sanctuary, be sure to remember to put on your name tag so Pastor Brian can

learn names easily and quickly. It would also be helpful to Bekkah as well.

Pastor Brian started his new ministry at Bethlehem on August 30; however, his first Sunday leading the congregation in worship was last Sunday, September 5. After the service ended, there was a presentation of gifts to Pastor Brian and his family. The gifts are all contributions you have made to Pastor Brian and his family. Every ministry at Bethlehem was involved in some way with this presentation.

In case you missed worship and the presentation, here is a brief summary. David called the Welcoming Committee as well as Marilyn Bieter and Kathy Stasko to the front. David presented Pastor Brian with a Welcome Book that has all kinds of establishments included – businesses, government agencies, restaurants, etc. and where would we be without the wineries. Avis Peterson presented welcoming cards and gifts to Pastor as well as a shawl created by JoAnne McComb. Since it is difficult for Kathy to walk, Sharon presented the shawl to Bekkah that Kathy created. Marilyn Bieter presented her ponchos to Aubreigh and Madisyn. Both of the girls seemed thrilled with their ponchos, Madisyn dancing all around with hers. Ellie Thompson spoke for Harvest of Hope comparing the growth of his ministry to that of a mustard seed. Ellie then presented Pastor with a pothos plant decorated with an “Amazing Grace” cross. Anna Marie Freeman explained the prayer chains that hung so gracefully from two different walls. Jill Majestic, Director of Noah’s Ark, pointed out to Pastor the banner that all of the children created for him and his family. Sharon Odden ended the presentation with prayer.

Watch Pastor Brian’s Welcome Video Here<<<

Pastor Brian and his family still need our prayers and support. If you have any time or a particular talent that you would like to share with Pastor Brian and his family, please call Jim Thompson @ 602-751-9194 or Ellie Thompson @ 602-796-6213 and let them know what kind of blessings you have to offer to our new Pastoral family. Let’s show our new Pastoral family that “We are a home to share God’s love and grace.”