[newsletter] Bethel Newsletter Nov 1
The Cutting Edge
This is a reprint from a article by Al Mohler, In this article he and Mark Dever were discussing the question of what is more important for a church to be; faithful or relevant?
I recall as a seminary student reading an article by Richard John Neuhaus (he was still a Lutheran then) on the issue of relevance in ministry. In essence, Neuhaus argued that the churches determined to be relevant at all costs were destined to be the least relevant of all. Making an idol of relevance is a form of self delusion. Authentic relevance is represented by the transforming gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the faithful witness of the church throughout time.
Among evangelical pastors today there are those who pursue faithfulness (assuming that faithfulness will produce relevance) and those who pursue relevance (hoping that faithfulness will emerge out of that quest).
So many of the issues we deal with today seem to focus on those who, in their own way, argue that we should pursue relevance by taking our churches to the “cutting edge” of ministry. If going to the cutting edge of ministry means taking every opportunity to extend a faithful witness and ministry in the name of Christ, then count me in.
Regrettably, ministering on the edge often becomes a rationale for doing something very different. Repeating that slogan, many pastors and churches, along with an array of parachurch ministries, push themselves into modes of ministry that are based more on cultural analysis and pragmatism than on a clear biblical and theological understanding of the nature and purpose of the church ----and the integrity of the gospel.
The other problem with the “cutting edge” is that it really has no edge. The culture is moving at warp speed in so many different directions that absolute relevance is a mirage. Faithfulness to the gospel produces the only relevance that matters. Of course, we use forms of language and mechanisms of communication that others can understand, but the basic structure of our ministry and the substance of our beliefs are unchanged and unchanging----and still ever relevant.
Those who push themselves ever onward toward the cutting edge will find themselves falling off the edge.
Some things never change. Grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone. Thank you Pastor Dave and Pastor Rob for standing firm in preaching the faithful, relevant Gospel of Jesus Christ. To Him be all Glory and Honor.
This Sunday
How would the Lord use us to bring each other into His freedom, rather than further bondage? On November 5 David Shelley will continue the lessons from Jesus’ conversation in John 9, along with testimonies from Christy Aldridge,
Jenny Merry, and Dean Tuttle.
Upcoming schedule
The next Bethel Community members’ meeting will be November 19, 10:30 a.m., combining all Bible communities.
The children’s Christmas program will be December 17, 10:30 a.m., during the first half of the class hour.
The Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be Sunday, December 24, 5:00 p.m.
On December 24 and 31, the service will be at 9 a.m. as usual, but regular classes will not be scheduled.
Budgeting Process
As we go through the annual budgeting process this year, the board is proposing significant cuts to bring the budget more in line with actual income and costs of recent years. Rationale will be presented at upcoming meetings, but the deacons and elders would welcome questions at any time.
Pray . . .
For physical healing: Mary-Lynne Cochrane, Opal Osborne, Joan Worthington.
Thank the Lord for His continue financial provision for our ministries.
A growing number of UNC students is praying for the Lord’s work on the campus; please join in praying for spiritual awakening there.
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.
Week-end worship attendance……………...231
Special funds…..…………..…….…..…….$220
Weekly budget needed…………………..$7,553
Giving towards budget…………..………$5,818
YTD giving toward budget……….…..$276,262
YTD expenses…………………….…..$268,184
YTD budgeted amount……………….$332.332
Next level giving……………………………$35
Next Level TD………………………..$181,201
Coming Events . . .
Nov. 9 Bethel Women’s Fellowship potluck in the Fellowship Hall
Nov. 11 10:00 a.m. Craft Morning
Nov. 19 10:30 a.m. Member’s meeting
Children’s Ministry News:
“LEAPIN’ LIZARDS” library needs you to return all checked out items: Books, CD’s, Videos, DVD’s – as soon as possible, so we can record our inventory. Thank you for your immediate response and we apologize for any inconvenience this gives you.
*************************************************
Weekly Praise Factory Highlight:
The Big Idea #65: God’s People Delight in His Glory.
Week 3 story: “Giving God Greater Glory – Acts 6:7
Memory Verse for Big Idea #65—Psalm 66:1-2, 5
BIBLE BLITZ REMINDER: our memory verse for the week is Romans 10:9. Gary & Pam Kessler will be our leaders this week.
Congratulations to the Buettel family, they won a Bible Blitz CD for doing the weekly family challenges.
*************************************************
“LIVE from BETHLEHEM”
Our Children’s Christmas Program
Sunday, December 17th @ 10:30 a.m.
*More information will be in next weeks newsletter regarding actors & actresses needed and practice times.*
PRAYER CHAIN NOTICE:
Prayer Warriors on our Prayer Chain,
There is a revised list for the Prayer Chain in your folder in the foyer.
This is just temporary until I get more people to participate. As of this week Arlysse Buettel has graciously offered to lead the prayer chain temporarily until I’m back on my feet again.
Also, anyone with a prayer request, please call the church office or Arlysse Buettel 587-9822.
Thank you and Blessings to all,
Mary Lynne Cochrane
********************************************
MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS
Young women, single or married, would you like to talk with someone regarding being a Christian, relationships, marriage or children? We have older women available to meet with you, please contact
Christie Roberts – 339-5348.
Try the next generation of search with Windows Live™ Search today! Try it!
This is a reprint from a article by Al Mohler, In this article he and Mark Dever were discussing the question of what is more important for a church to be; faithful or relevant?
I recall as a seminary student reading an article by Richard John Neuhaus (he was still a Lutheran then) on the issue of relevance in ministry. In essence, Neuhaus argued that the churches determined to be relevant at all costs were destined to be the least relevant of all. Making an idol of relevance is a form of self delusion. Authentic relevance is represented by the transforming gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the faithful witness of the church throughout time.
Among evangelical pastors today there are those who pursue faithfulness (assuming that faithfulness will produce relevance) and those who pursue relevance (hoping that faithfulness will emerge out of that quest).
So many of the issues we deal with today seem to focus on those who, in their own way, argue that we should pursue relevance by taking our churches to the “cutting edge” of ministry. If going to the cutting edge of ministry means taking every opportunity to extend a faithful witness and ministry in the name of Christ, then count me in.
Regrettably, ministering on the edge often becomes a rationale for doing something very different. Repeating that slogan, many pastors and churches, along with an array of parachurch ministries, push themselves into modes of ministry that are based more on cultural analysis and pragmatism than on a clear biblical and theological understanding of the nature and purpose of the church ----and the integrity of the gospel.
The other problem with the “cutting edge” is that it really has no edge. The culture is moving at warp speed in so many different directions that absolute relevance is a mirage. Faithfulness to the gospel produces the only relevance that matters. Of course, we use forms of language and mechanisms of communication that others can understand, but the basic structure of our ministry and the substance of our beliefs are unchanged and unchanging----and still ever relevant.
Those who push themselves ever onward toward the cutting edge will find themselves falling off the edge.
Some things never change. Grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone. Thank you Pastor Dave and Pastor Rob for standing firm in preaching the faithful, relevant Gospel of Jesus Christ. To Him be all Glory and Honor.
Bill Willcutts
This Sunday
How would the Lord use us to bring each other into His freedom, rather than further bondage? On November 5 David Shelley will continue the lessons from Jesus’ conversation in John 9, along with testimonies from Christy Aldridge,
Jenny Merry, and Dean Tuttle.
Upcoming schedule
The next Bethel Community members’ meeting will be November 19, 10:30 a.m., combining all Bible communities.
The children’s Christmas program will be December 17, 10:30 a.m., during the first half of the class hour.
The Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be Sunday, December 24, 5:00 p.m.
On December 24 and 31, the service will be at 9 a.m. as usual, but regular classes will not be scheduled.
Budgeting Process
As we go through the annual budgeting process this year, the board is proposing significant cuts to bring the budget more in line with actual income and costs of recent years. Rationale will be presented at upcoming meetings, but the deacons and elders would welcome questions at any time.
Pray . . .
For physical healing: Mary-Lynne Cochrane, Opal Osborne, Joan Worthington.
Thank the Lord for His continue financial provision for our ministries.
A growing number of UNC students is praying for the Lord’s work on the campus; please join in praying for spiritual awakening there.
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.
Week-end worship attendance……………...231
Special funds…..…………..…….…..…….$220
Weekly budget needed…………………..$7,553
Giving towards budget…………..………$5,818
YTD giving toward budget……….…..$276,262
YTD expenses…………………….…..$268,184
YTD budgeted amount……………….$332.332
Next level giving……………………………$35
Next Level TD………………………..$181,201
Coming Events . . .
Nov. 9 Bethel Women’s Fellowship potluck in the Fellowship Hall
Nov. 11 10:00 a.m. Craft Morning
Nov. 19 10:30 a.m. Member’s meeting
Children’s Ministry News:
“LEAPIN’ LIZARDS” library needs you to return all checked out items: Books, CD’s, Videos, DVD’s – as soon as possible, so we can record our inventory. Thank you for your immediate response and we apologize for any inconvenience this gives you.
*************************************************
Weekly Praise Factory Highlight:
The Big Idea #65: God’s People Delight in His Glory.
Week 3 story: “Giving God Greater Glory – Acts 6:7
Memory Verse for Big Idea #65—Psalm 66:1-2, 5
BIBLE BLITZ REMINDER: our memory verse for the week is Romans 10:9. Gary & Pam Kessler will be our leaders this week.
Congratulations to the Buettel family, they won a Bible Blitz CD for doing the weekly family challenges.
*************************************************
“LIVE from BETHLEHEM”
Our Children’s Christmas Program
Sunday, December 17th @ 10:30 a.m.
*More information will be in next weeks newsletter regarding actors & actresses needed and practice times.*
PRAYER CHAIN NOTICE:
Prayer Warriors on our Prayer Chain,
There is a revised list for the Prayer Chain in your folder in the foyer.
This is just temporary until I get more people to participate. As of this week Arlysse Buettel has graciously offered to lead the prayer chain temporarily until I’m back on my feet again.
Also, anyone with a prayer request, please call the church office or Arlysse Buettel 587-9822.
Thank you and Blessings to all,
Mary Lynne Cochrane
********************************************
MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS
Young women, single or married, would you like to talk with someone regarding being a Christian, relationships, marriage or children? We have older women available to meet with you, please contact
Christie Roberts – 339-5348.
Try the next generation of search with Windows Live™ Search today! Try it!
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