A Life That Matters - November 2021 Newsletter

 

A LIFE THAT MATTERS

    In thinking about All Saints Day on November 1st, we remember those who have come before us, so it may be time to begin a bit of reflection. What were the joys over the last 12 months, where were we unsure? Our church has been through a lot, namely a change in many parts of the leadership, even me. A year ago, I was just praying for a church to be open to my service, that I could use my strengths to the benefit of the Lord, however that looked. I have learned many things in especially the last four months. 

    Looking ahead, the church is in a great position. We have had a fantastic year, reaching out to more people than ever in new and wonderful ways. And that innovation needs to continue on, because as much as we don’t like the ideas that change is happening, the church of yesterday may not be the church tomorrow needs. 

    This month’s theme is about STEWARDSHIP. Stewards, in the ancient sense, are officials who are appointed by a monarch to represent them in official business. So if we present as stewards of the church, we have been called to represent Jesus Christ in official business of the church. That seems like a big task, and it is. Also as representatives, we are disciples. We are appointed by God to be his hands and feet in mission with the community so that we can bring the light and freedom of the Good News to those who need faith, hope, and love in their lives. 

    Stewardship month is often confused with tithing, and how much money are you or others giving in the next year to support the church. Don’t get me wrong, that needs to happen. We have a lot of great work we’d like to do in the next year. But in creating budgets and other financial documents, what is the story that we are going to tell in 2022? Are we going to be telling the story of Bethany Church, who in the face of dwindling resources and diminished attendance, gave up? Budgets are documents that tell the stories of the values of an organization. If we are putting our time, money, sweat, and other resources into this church, where are they going to that will lift Bethany Church and give us joy? In giving, we always want to remember that we present, not because the Lord told us or that it’s required, but we give out of His abundance. We give out of a spirit of joy, that we are returning a portion of what has been graciously given to us to do the work of His stewards. 

PASTOR’S PICKS

LISTEN: Interrobang by Switchfoot 

One of my favorite bands, who keep coming back with good melodies and lyrics that can be taken on many levels. Written this last year during the pandemic, those themes come throughout the whole album. Favorite song: “if I were you”

WATCH:  “Free Guy” [PG-13] 

In the vein of Groundhog Day, and the LEGO Movie comes a funny yet deep movie about a man who finds himself as a video game character, but a non-playable character. He becomes an unlikely hero, and rewrites the story of the game.

READ: “Your Future Self Will Thank You” by Drew Dyck

This book is kind of amazing in the fact that it pairs Biblical wisdom with brain science to help people become who God wants them to be. Have I finally self-actualized after reading this book? No, but with it and God, I am just a little closer.