[newsletter] bcnews10/18/06
What is going on with Bethel’s finances?
Years ago one of my professors said, “Much as you would like to, you can’t separate money from ministry. Pursue God’s calling and inevitably you will have to deal with money.” So what is the latest on Bethel’s financial situation?
What is happening with the budget?
Over the years, we have set annual budgets for Bethel’s ministries, and income has been less than the budget. As a rule, we have not spent more than our income, so we have rarely slipped into the red. In other words, we live within our means.
But the purpose of a budget is to guide how money is spent. If the real funds do not correspond to the budget, the budget cannot serve its purpose. It cannot guide ministry spending because it doesn’t represent real funds.
The goal of this year’s budget reformation process is to budget in a way that represents real funds, by having a budget more in line with actual income over the past three years. So far the deacon board has pared roughly $30,000 out of the 2007 budget proposal----led by the lowering of funds previously allocated to internships and youth ministries. Further cuts, however, would amount to cutting ministries, and the board is reluctant to cut any ministries.
That means that, as of today, the board is preparing to bring a 2007 budget proposal that would be significantly closer to actual income, but still not representative of the kind of funds we have had in recent years.
It’s like seven children, each requiring a sixth of the pie. We need either more pie, or some children are going to have to sacrifice their share.
If we approve such a budget, we must either pray fervently for increased income, or make ministry cuts.
How does the building fund fit into this?
Negotiations are continuing with the city over Bethel’s proposed building on the south lot of the campus. At the earliest, work would begin around mid-November. Continue to pray for David Hunt and Don Brazelton in their work with the city.
Funds for this building----which would, among other things, replace our use of the leased property on 8th avenue----have been set aside in a building fund from sale of previous property and designated gifts to the Next Level Fund, although we will probably need a few thousand dollars more to finish the project.
The Next Level Fund is made up of special funds given from 2004 to 2006. The Next Level Fund has been portioned out for retirement of the existing debt, National and international missions, short-term missions, and the building fund.
Neither the Next Level Fund nor the building fund are in the ministry budget. They are comprised of designated gifts and special funds. So when we talk of the ministry budget, we are not talking about the building fund.
The Next Level Fund will have completed its three-year commitment at the end of this calendar year. After 2006, designated gifts to the building fund may still be given.
What does God want us to give?
The Lord does NOT call us to give out of greed or out of guilt. The Bible does not teach poverty theology not prosperity theology. The Bible teaches stewardship theology. Stewardship means that all that we are and all that we have is the Lord’s, and He wisely and purposefully directs us in applying ourselves and the resources He provides. We give not reluctantly or under compulsion, but lovingly and generously, as expressions of our love our and trust in the Lord.
“It will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. Remember, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart
to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2Corinthians 9:5-8).
Bethel people generously support not only our ministries but many others. Pray for the Lord’s wisdom and provision in this process. Call or e-mail the office if you have questions.
David Shelley
What’s Happening?
Our sympathy
to Jan Edwards and her family on the loss of her mother. Her life and faith in Christ were remembered at a service in Fort Morgan last Monday.
This Sunday
How important is it to us that God loves God? On October 22, Rob Crust will teach from
John 5.
Pray . . .
Joan Worthington required further surgery this week.
Shawna & Helen McClain are back from the two-month clinic in Baltimore.
Thank the Lord for financial provision. We are operating week-to-week, but the Lord has provided these past two weeks. Many in the church family are struggling with tremendous challenges and stress.
Remember to uphold each other in prayer. Thank the Lord: Many are interacting with pre-believers about the Lord and His gospel; pray for open hearts to receive salvation.
Vote
The National Association of Evangelicals
Encourages you to register and vote. Among
important things on the ballot next month:
Initiative #43 is a simple amendment that
would secure in the Colorado Constitution
that marriage is a union between one man
and one woman.
Wheels of Love
A notice has come that Medicare recipients may now be eligible to receive a power wheelchair if they suffer from conditions such as arthritis, respiratory disorders, cardiovascular disease and so forth.
Info at 1-866-631-3022.
Week-end worship attendance……………...221
Special funds…..…………..…….…..…….$70
Weekly budget needed………………….$7,553
Giving towards budget…………..………$5,080
YTD giving toward budget……….…..$260,919
YTD expenses…………………….…..$266,946
YTD budgeted amount…………….…$317,226
Next level giving…………..…..………...$1,025
Next Level TD….....…...……………..$181,066
Coming Events . . .
Oct. 22 2:30 p.m. Baby Shower for Jessica Lyle at Hospitality House
Oct. 24 Jr. High trip to Corn Maze
Oct. 25 Sr. High trip to Corn Maze
Oct. 27 6 p.m. Berean Class Potluck at the Asmus’.
Nov. 29 11:45 a.m. Volunteer Meeting for Heroes Unmasked in Fellowship Hall
Nov. 1 Heroes Unmasked Fall Festival
Children’s Ministry News:
Nursery News
* We are in need of one teacher’s helper for the Preschool Sunday School Class at 10:30 every other week.
→ Please contact Christy Aldridge, 356-5858 if you are interested.
* We are in need of the following items for our nurseries: boppy billow covers, a clothes dresser, shelves for the wall, cabinet with shelves for the wall, play food items, play shopping cart, batteries, latex gloves, tissues, paper towels, snacks, baby wipes, and sippy cups.
If you have any of these items to donate, Christy Aldridge at 356-5858.
HEROES UNMASKED our fall festival will be Wednesday, November 1st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will again be coupled with our MEN'S CHILI COOK-OFF AND WOMEN'S CINNAMON ROLL BAKE-OFF. Sign-up for the Chili Cook-off & Cinnamon roll bake-off will be in the foyer.
Needed immediately! Candy and trinkets are needed for the fall festival. Please put in box in foyer. Contact Kristi Weimer at 304-1749.
***There will be a brief meeting (11:45-12:15)in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, October 29 for all volunteers who are helping with the Heroes Unmasked Fall Festival.
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Weekly Praise Factory Highlight:
The Big Idea #65: God’s People Delight in His Glory.
Week 1 story: “Worth More than Riches of Five Kingdoms” – Genesis 12 - 14
Memory Verse for Big Idea #65—Psalm 66:1-2, 5
BIBLE BLITZ REMINDER: our memory verse for the week is John 3:16. Joe & Laura Collins will be our leaders this week.
Congratulations to Katie Sutton and her family for winning the Bible Blitz challenges. She won a Bible Blitz CD.
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Ladies---You are invited to a “Baby Shower” for Jessica Lyle on Sunday,
October 22At 2:30 p.m. Contact Kelli Harry with questions.
Jessica is registered at Target.
MISSIONS CORNER
From the Pregnancy Resource Center:
I thought you might want a quick list of some of the auction items you’ll find at the Pumpkin Patch Boogie, Saturday, October 21st!
Remember: The Boogie is designed to make the Weld County community aware of the Pregnancy Resource Center and the services we offer!
We also are working to raise money to keep the doors open. Currently the monthly expenses run $16,000 so you can see the need to raise the funds is substantial! We figure since we have to raise money we might as well have fun at the same time!
Here are some of the items you might enjoy:
Avalanche Tickets Club House Level – 2 sets of 4
Rockies Tickets Club House level – 2 sets of 4
Gorgeous Hand crafted Christmas Quilt
Colorful wooden chair for child – personalized
Old Fashion Christmas Wreath
Pumpkin Gourd Wreath
Live Pine Tree
Antique Herb Garden
Many Gift Baskets
Overnight stay at Aspen Wind in Estes Park
Two night stay at Misty Mountain Lodge in Estes
1000 sq. ft. of Sod
50 pounds of Hamburger
Autographed Plaques of Jake Plummer, Jason
Jennings, Todd Helton, & Joe Sakic.
WHEN: Saturday, October 21st
TIME: 5 PM to 8 PM
WHERE: 34283 WCR 33
TICKETS: $5/person or $20/family
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The audio sermons are will be available online at the Bethel website. On Oct.15 copies will again be available in the foyer.
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Thank You
We are so thankful for our Bethel family.
Your prayers regarding Jerry’s heart surgery were answered
and we praise God for each of you.
Thank you for your cards and phone calls they really were appreciated.
Love in Christ
Jerry, Jeannie, Jeanette & Anita
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More Thank You’s to the painting crew:
Mike Chandler Austin Cunliffe
Patti Jacobson Annie Atwood
Dave Roberts Alyssa Hirsch
Dan Lee Chuck Cunliffe
Kendra Daniels Mary Lynn Cochrane
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