I was reminded the other day about what makes a new year "happy." It is not the new things we might acquire in the months ahead. Nor is it the New Year's resolutions actually kept for a while. And it isn't so much about the dreams we have for the unfolding future coming true (though all of that certainly represents blessings)!
A long process of prayerful and thoughtful consultation is coming to a conclusion at the beginning of 2025.
It is now time for the members to indicate their preference for a pathway to pursue—knowing that brothers and sisters in the presbytery stand with you in whatever choice is made.
As we have described in our December 15th presentation, and published in the summary document that you have seen, there are three pathways to choose from.
in our capacity as the Bethany Session we have called a congregational meeting for Sunday, January 12th,to meet in the sanctuary immediately following worship, for the purpose of determining the preference of Bethany members for one of the available pathways forward.
Last Sunday the Administrative Commission shared its findings and recommendations for the future of this beloved church fellowship.
Many had feared that the Presbytery intended to close the church, but the substance of the AC report was quite the opposite. While a variety of factors have contributed to the decline of the church over many years, and at this moment the church is not sustainable under present conditions, it is not necessary to close.
And, in fact, there is a model of how to be a vital small church. Churches adopting this model have made healthy changes by streamlining programs, simplifying operating systems, reducing property and financial burdens, and focusing on the aspects of ministry and mission that are manageable for very small groups of workers.
The Administrative Commission is approaching the conclusion of its collaboration with the leaders and members of Bethany Presbyterian Church.
Your partnership in the ongoing discernment process, and the friendships we have developed together mean a great deal to us, and we would like to share our hearts and thoughts and our upcoming Presbytery Report with you.
You are invited to join us in the fellowship hall immediately after worship on Sunday, December 15th to receive a summary of our final report.
Notes from the August 28th Stated Meeting of the AC/Session.
"Take it from someone with over 50 years' experience working with elders all across our denomination, you have a really good Session. The five elders who are serving right now as 'Elder Shepherds' come together with good hearts, positive hopes, good skill sets, and forward-looking perspectives."
On behalf of the Administrative Commission let me share a word of encouragement. You remain very much in our prayers as you think and talk together about God's plans for the future of the fellowship, and of Bethany's ministry life. As you think about the future, I'd like to speak three hopeful thoughts.
