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 by Pastor Heidi Husted Armstrong
I have a number of things I want to share with you, so once again I will take the potpourri approach for this column…
Hopefully, by now, you have heard the great news that we ended 2011 in the black! You may recall that, by mid-year, the finances were looking a little dicey. After a thorough, prayerful budget review, Session made some painful budget cuts in October. And then a couple of amazing things happened... First, the staff took the initiative to pull back on their program spending (in addition to already graciously accepting their furlough hours). By year’s end, this resulted in the 2011 budget being underspent by $33,000. In addition, the people of Bethany generously gave $17,000 over what was needed to make budget.
When Session heard the news of this surplus at our January Session meeting, I suggested perhaps we should sing the Doxology in praise to God for His provision. But one elder, who shall remain unnamed (but his initials are Mark Russo), said, “I think that’s kind of lame!” (with all due respect, of course!) So I said, “Well, what do you think we should do?” And Mark said, “I think we should dance!” And I said, “Well, I’m not sure I can start that – but if you do it, I’ll join you!” And in a flash, Mark was up on his feet jumping for joy! A split second later, the entire Session was on their feet with shouts of joy, jumping in the air, clapping, high-fiving, some doing a little jig, a few dosee-doe-ing! Yehaw!
Can I just say that, in my nearly 30 years of ordained ministry (uh, actually, in my entire life!) I have never seen a Session dance with joy before the Lord! What a wonder to behold! It was just so…Bethany! A holy, holy moment, indeed.
So hopefully, by now, you have also heard that the surplus will be used to restore some of the 2011 cuts (staff pension and education), some global/regional and local outreach funds, make a contribution to the manse fund, and to create a small cash flow reserve (for use during the sometimes “leaner” summer months).
February 12, 5:00 pm
Soooo….let’s celebrate! Plan on joining us for the Annual Congregational Meeting – a time of inspiring worship, including some personal testimonies, in addition to an annual “business” meeting (think fun!), followed by a delicious dinner prepared by the “Party Team” in the Fellowship Hall.
By the time you receive this newsletter, copies of the 2012 budget should be available for your prayerful perusal (at the Annual Congregational Meeting, the congregation will be asked to “receive” the budget that Session has approved). If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a Session member.
Also, Session is proposing some changes to the Bylaws – mostly just “cleaning them up,” in anticipation of a new pastor arriving at some point (so they accurately reflect how things are done at Bethany. I guarantee you the new pastor will bless you for this!). Again, if you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact a Session member.
As we anticipate Lent beginning with a worship service on Ash Wednesday (February 22, 7:00 pm, in the Sanctuary), I’d like to encourage you to enter into Lent, not simply as a time to give up some (relatively innocuous) item or practice, but a time to enter into an intentional spiritual exercise. Of course, the point in doing so is not to try and get God’s attention (Hey, YOU, notice me...I’m being spiritual – aren’t you impressed?), but so that we may notice God! By all means, feel free to cut something out of your life – in order to free up some time, to refocus, to pay attention to God. This is what some of the saints called “practicing the presence.” Lent is a time to do just that, day by day, for maybe even just 10 minutes at a time, then ten more, and ten more…
We’ve reached an important milestone…the “CIF” (Church Information Form) is completed, and now posted online. I predict the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) will be inundated with “PIFs” (Personal Information Forms) from prospective candidates. Bethany is an absolutely wonderful church, and there are more pastors than ever looking for a call… So be praying for the PNC in the months ahead, that the Spirit would help them with discerning who might make a good match for this congregation…
Praying with you and for you!
Pastor Heidi
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BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH