A Note from the Pastor...

       Where has the summer gone? Many people have commented to me that this summer came and went faster than usual. I trust it has been a time of rest and relaxation for you and for your family. As we gear up for the fall, exciting days are ahead for New Bethesda!

       School marks the end of carefree summer days and the beginning of a more disciplined schedule for most of us. For some, it will be the first steps into the world of education as they enter kindergarten. For others, it will be a nervous step into middle school or high school. For still others, it will be an exciting (perhaps scary) step into the world of college. These first steps are important; they set the tone for the future.

       Our deacons have just completed a first step that I want to share with you. We just concluded a deacon retreat,the first of its kind (at least in recent history) of our church. Wayne Smith, Associate Pastor of Cool Spring Baptist Church, led us on a journey to help us discoer our spiritual gifts, based on a study entitled, Living Beyond Myself. We also took a good look at the concept of “team based ministry,” a strategy implemented by many churches to increase the participation of members of the congregation in the life of the church. This strategy has been introduced to us before by our vision team; perhaps now is the time to take our first steps to put it in place at New Bethesda. The deacons who attended the retreat saw the need to continue this process. It will begin by helping everyone who is interested in assessing their own spiritual gifts. We will offer this in a variety of ways to include as many members of our congregation as possible. The next step will be to help each participant take a “first step” approach to church involvement, based on their spiritual gifts. During this process, it is critical that we continue to support the work of our nominating committee as they seek to fill positions for the new church year. Please consider your place of service at New Bethesda and let it be known!

       In the midst of all this, we have the wonderful opportunity to share in Homecoming at New Bethesda on Sunday, September 24th! Jeff Higgins, a former Interim Pastor, plans to be with us to share in the morning service. After a delicious covered dish meal, a wonderful celebration of music is scheduled. Please plan to be a part of this special time of homecoming!

See you Sunday,