From the Congregation
All of us at Bethlehem are in agreement with one thing. We have been truly blessed to have Pastor John as our interim pastor. Pastor John has blessed us with one full year of service which is an amazing gift. He ministered to our congregation through the Covid-19 pandemic which included Vimeo, parking lot services and finally in person worship as we have now. During this time, we continued to receive His Word for our lives and celebrated the Sacraments. We made plans for our ministry and preparations to receive a new pastor, Pastor Brian Weinberger and his family. With conflicted sad and happy hearts, it is time to say a “temporary” goodbye to Pastor John and Chris.
Even though we didn’t have another potluck per Pastor John’s request, there was a captivating presentation from the Welcoming Committee last Sunday. Audrey Anderson started the presentation based on Galatians 5:22-26. Each committee member shared a word from this scripture. The second part of Audrey’s presentation recognized Chris and how supportive she has been to her husband. Following Audrey, Avis Peterson presented a heartfelt, comical message to both Pastor John and Chris. Pastor John was given a “fish bouquet” while Chris was given a dozen roses. Then they were given a bag containing cards and gifts from the congregation. David Geffert ended the presentation
with the “Order of Farewell for the Interim Pastor.” Several members of the congregation expressed their appreciation to both of them as well. Once all of the heartfelt messages were received, David presented Pastor John a plaque from the congregation. The presentation ended with a prayer and a huge “Thank You So Much for Sharing Your Lives with All of Us.”
As you have led this body of Christ over the past year, Pastor John and Chris you have given of yourselves in ways that we have appreciated and will miss. We ask God’s blessing upon you as we lift our hearts in prayer. Let us pray.
Blessed are you, O God,
for you have created the wide and wonderful world in which we live.
We praise you for your constant care
for those who have trusted you in ages past,
who journeyed in faith to new lands of promise.
We trust that now you will hold Pastor John and Chris
securely in your hands as they, too,
follow your call to a new place called retirement.
May they take with them
hearts filled with your love and grace,
that those with whom they live and visit
may see in them the face of Jesus Christ.
Bless them that they may be a blessing.
Guide and return them safely to Bethlehem,
where they may continue to grow
in grace, in Spirit, and in truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
We are a home to share God’s love and grace.