Bethlehem Connect January 2018 | Page 3

COUNCIL REFLECTIONS by Gail Conroy As the hectic pace of Christmas and the New Year season begins to fade and the winter months settle in, it seems like an easy time to hibernate. The thought of warm fires and lounging leisurely at home feels appropriate for the cold months upon us. One thing that will keep me from cloistering myself at home this winter is the chance that I took to become an active participant at both Bethlehem campuses. It has been a wonderful experience to not only expand my faith, but to also meet and become close to the people of our Bethlehem community. It isn’t easy to venture out and take the plunge into new groups and new relationships, since without trying, I would hibernate (maybe beyond the winter too). We are blessed with two campuses that are alive with opportunity! After finishing a Bible study (led by Ingrid LeMonyon and Deb Conover) focused on the windows at the Minnetonka campus, they both asked for input on new studies. I commented that I’d enjoy a more focused study on prayer. I said that sometimes it feels as though prayer is more of a statement than an action to me. As a result, a very small group has begun to meet and pray together each week. I feel blessed beyond compare and I am proud of people that step up, listen to requests, act as leaders and create these opportunities. We all have busy lives, seemingly full, but I urge everyone to raise their hand, try a new group, or make a new connection. Our church needs us, people need us and we need each other. YOUR GIVING MAKES A DIFFERENCE by Pastor Bob Wertz, Pastor of Stewardship and Planned Giving Seven and one-half months into our three-year Opening New Doors mission appeal, we continue to invite and encourage all members to support the critical ministries that are taking place on both campuses. Thank you to those who have already committed, and thanks in advance to those who are prayerfully considering it! Co-chairs Kathryn and Gary Schmidt share, below, a status r eport on our progress to date. Questions about the appeal? Please contact Pastor Bob Wertz at bwertz@ bethlehem-church.org. Thank you! At the end of every calendar year, many take stock of what has been accomplished, as well as looking forward to what is to come in the new year. The Opening New Doors campaign looks back on a productive first year of the three year plan. Many of you have contributed and we appreciate your generosity! Your contributions have enabled progress on plans at both campuses to improve structural issues as well as complete some cosmetic improvements at the Minnetonka campus, as well as air conditioning in the sanctuary. Looking ahead to 2018, projects will continue, as well as giving 15% to mission needs. Here are a few specifics being worked on. In Minnetonka: • • The Facilities Task Force is currently receiving recommendations from a commercial lighting consultant to improve both sanctuary and narthex lighting. A decision will soon be made to either have the Fellowship Hall carpeting replaced free of charge due to a manufacturing imperfection of the product, or leave it in place and receive money from the vendor. In Minneapolis: • • • Langemo Lounge will be renovated immediately after Christmas with new wall coverings, media cabinetry, lighting, and painting. The space will be usable on Sundays throughout the 4-5 week project. Despite cold weather, new slate roofing is in the process of being installed, with work on the southern part of the South Hall being addressed first. With the coordinating help of our owner’s rep, Watershed Partners, a decision will soon be made to hire an architect to deliver a final architectural design and drawings for the choir room area, with work anticipated to begin in late May, and be completed in early September 2018. There will be more to come! We invite everyone to continue generous giving or join in now with contributions, to be part of this exciting chapter of our congregation! 3