From the Welcoming Committee
I don’t even think all of us can count all the blessings that have been bestowed
on Bethlehem since last year. First of all, we had an outstanding team on the Ministry and Mission Task Force. Then there was the awesome Call Committee steered by Jim Thompson which was guided by Pastor Pat Reed, Grand Canyon Synod Transition Coach. And last, but not least, we have been so blessed to have Pastor John as our shepherd during this transition. We can’t even begin to list all the ministries and all the ways that Pastor John kept Bethlehem alive and well.
However, none of these blessings could have happened without the congregation of Bethlehem continually praying. Your faithfulness and your consistent prayers helped all of these teams with the call process. Your prayers led us to a new shepherd for Bethlehem, Pastor Brian Weinberger. Your unanimous vote of 51-0 said it all! For those of you who may not know the difficulties of the housing market, another prayer was answered last Saturday when several congregants were notified that Pastor Brian and his family now have a home in Mesa.
All of you should have received mail from the Welcoming Committee. Isn’t that exciting? Do you remember when you were a child and did paper chain links? I am sure that most of you either did them in your elementary years or for your family Christmas tree. Our paper chain links represent prayer. If you want to address a prayer to Bekkah, Aubreigh or Madisyn, we are confident that they would appreciate it.
Please adhere to the following instructions. Pray, pray, pray. Then write heartfelt words on your green strip. It can be specific prayer requests for Pastor Brian and his family, our church, Noah’s Ark, a particular Bible verse, etc. If you want to create your own links with different colors, we encourage you to do so. Your prayer chain links (all colors) are due by August 15. The prayer chain link basket is located in the narthex beside the baskets for Pastor John and Pastor Brian where you may place your own special congratulatory cards and gifts of thanks and welcome. Once all of the prayer links are
gathered, a huge prayer chain link will be draped in the sanctuary for all of us, but particularly Pastor Brian and his family. What an outward expression of prayer! A huge thank you is sent to each one of you for all of your prayers, support financially and spiritually, etc. Bethlehem Lutheran Church could not have done it without YOU!
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is
God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
We are a home to share God’s love and grace.
