If the words “annual meeting” sound like a synonym for “boring,” then Bethany Presbyterian is trying to buck the norm! Our congregation gathered at 5:00 pm on Sun, Jan 28th to celebrate God’s goodness, have some fun, be a family and conduct a bit of business.

A celebratory worship time led by Kelly Pearson and the Ensemble was highlighted by a series of testimonies to God’s presence in a variety of ways and through a variety of voices. Ken & Rita Alexander, David Grieger, Brandon & Kristin Wilhite, Brett Ballbach and Mary Anne Thomas helped all of us draw closer to Christ by sharing tender stories of places the Lord met them in 2006. Two of our high school youth and two leaders taught us a new song “Let My Words Be Few.” We prayed, and were poignantly reminded of friends and family who died in the last year.

The worship time ended with what is becoming a tradition at the annual meeting, the singing of “Siyahamba” (“We are marching in the light of God”), and there was clear evidence of a large number of Presbyterians marching and dancing. The jury is still out on whether it was decent and in good order!

The meeting portion of the evening continued the celebration. Chuck McFarland gave the Clerk of Session’s report using a presidential press conference format. High Schoolers Zach Christensen, Spencer Wagner and intern Travis Wals walked us through a Monty Python skit! Dianne Ross received this year’s congregational “Thank You” for long-term ministry contributions. She was “crowned” for the tremendous accomplishment of leading 25 Vacation Bible Schools!

Steve Jones shared the news of the financial surplus from 2006, and highlighted the 2007 budget. Ordained pastors’ salaries were approved. After prayer and the singing of “Happy Birthday, Bethany,” we adjourned to the Fellowship Hall for a wonderful Doug Rutherford spaghetti feed and birthday cake.

The overwhelming feedback was that “annual meeting” is clearly not a synonym for “boring” at Bethany!