From the President of our Congregation:

President's Message - June, 2010 Annual Report

Dear Members of Bethlehem:

It has been my privilege to serve as your president this past year. It has been a humbling experience because our work is so important. What could be more important than serving our Lord? That is what we are about and I am honored to be one of your leaders.

The church council is totally dedicated to serving our Lord. Their devotion to God and to Bethlehem is evidenced by the sacrifices they make to carry out their responsibilities on council and on whatever committee they serve. During this past year there were five vacancies on the council. We began the year with one vacancy and for various reasons during the year four persons resigned from council. As the vacancies occurred there was always someone ready to take their place. Thanks be to God! The council first appointed Fred Hoisington to fill the vacancy as the council year started. Then through the year, Karen Feahr, Cheryl Wegener, John Stretlien and Judy Strickland all were appointed. Their service was exemplary and much appreciated at a time when it was especially important that we have a full council. To remain on council each of these appointed persons has to stand for election at the annual meeting. Only Cheryl and Judy have decided to seek election. We thank all of them for their service.

As of this annual meeting three persons are also completing their three year term on council. They are Barbara Graf, Dan Morley and Jim Monroe. We are thankful for the special talents they brought to the table and Bethlehem is much better for their service. Of these three only Barbara Graf is seeking reelection.

Helping Bethlehem greatly during this past year is the leadership provided by Pastor Dan and Mary Lou. Is there any question that the Lord provides? We need only to put our trust in Him. It is reassuring that Pastor Dan has committed to stay as our pastor until a new pastor has been called and ready to assume leadership. I am expecting and trusting that there will be as smooth transition and I don’t think Bethlehem will even miss a beat in its ministry.

We should all be thankful for the staff that serves Bethlehem so well. They too are a blessing. They do their jobs well, not just to serve us but to serve our Lord.

In February council appointed twelve persons to the Call Committee. They have worked hard and at the time of this writing have nearly completed the required Ministry Site Profile, a fourteen page document. Upon completion it will be sent to the Bishop and hopefully he will soon provide pastoral candidates for interviews. This committee also deserves our thanks.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who participates in the ministry of our Lord at Bethlehem. Bethlehem is YOU and it is you who gives life to Bethlehem’s ministry.

Trusting our Lord,
Carl Lehto, Council President