From the Pastoral perspective:

Final Report of Interim Ministry
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
June 1, 2010

"Grace to you and peace from God, our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ" - special words for God's people of all times and places. These are words first spoken by St. Paul as he writes and greets the church in Rome. These are words for us, the people of Bethlehem, as we strive to be the community of faith and ministry that God has called us to be. These are words that are followed immediately in St. Paul’s letter to Rome by his giving thanks to God for them, for their faith and for their presence in Rome.

So, I also give thanks to God for you and your love and support as we continue to seek to be God's people of faith and ministry in Traverse City and as we look forward together to a new chapter in the history of Bethlehem.

It has been a little over two years since I accepted the position of Interim Pastor here at Bethlehem. Both Mary Lou and I continue to be honored and thankful to be here among you serving and worshipping and being part of this special and historic community of God's people in Traverse City.

Much has been accomplished in these past two years in restoring the health and stability of this community of faith. There had been a general decline in the participation of people in ministry, in worship attendance and in the financial stability of Bethlehem ever since the retirement of Pastor Dave Gabel, who served here faithfully for 17 years as Senior Pastor. It is my sense now that people generally feel proud to be a part of Bethlehem and eager to bring new life and vitality to both the worshipping community that feeds our faith and the community of ministry and outreach that God calls us to be. The reports of all the committees that are included in the Annual Report of the work of Bethlehem are evidence of this. Please take the time to read through them and ask yourself where God is calling you to be part of the ministry of this community.

We are certainly in a healthier position than we were two years ago. Many thanks are due to all of the people of Bethlehem who have made this possible by their participation and leadership. Our average worship attendance has greatly improved and our financial stewardship is on a much firmer foundation over these last two years.

I also believe that there is still much that we need to accomplish together in the coming years under the leadership of a new Pastor – particularly in the areas of Evangelism and Outreach Ministry and Youth and Education Ministry. I am encouraged by the enthusiasm and attitudes of forward-looking hope on the part of our Pastoral Call Committee. They have completed the self-study required by our church body before interviewing candidates for the position of Pastor. Hopefully, Bethlehem will be able to call a new Pastor and begin ministry together by this fall. I have made a commitment to remain here as your Pastor until that process is completed and a pastor has accepted your call to serve here at Bethlehem.

Again, thank you for your prayers and your love. We have been blessed to be able to be a part of the ministry and worship life here at Bethlehem. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or responses to this report. God's continued blessings in ministry and fellowship to each of you.

God's Peace,
Rev. Dan Deutsch, Pastor

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