When I began blogging in June, I had decided that it would be a great spiritual discipline for me. I made a plan to blog weekly. Actually twice a month was the best I did. Now I've gone since the end of December without a blog post, so here I go beginning again. Maybe I've turned over a new leaf. We'll see.

Since my last post, I have been especially impressed with the Session at the church. I have such a wonderful bunch of folks working with me as we seek to follow God together. In January we had three wonderful women join the Board, adding their great gifts for ministry to those already present. We have such a great group.

As a pastor it is a pleasure to see people truly enjoying their journey in faith and in life and that is what I have been experiencing. People who are happy to serve, learning new things as they grow and seeking ways to build up the body of Christ and our local congregation.

Just since January began we have begun three new ministry groups -- Membership, Mission and Evangelism -- as well as the Fundraising Team. For many years, possibly 10, we have gotten by without Membership, Mission and Evangelism. However, I have always believed that we don't grow as a church if we are not concentrating in these areas.

When I asked our brand new Session members to lead these new ministries, I am sure some were not sure if they had the skills needed for such a task. Some weren't sure what to do while others were able to look back and see things they would like to begin again.

I am so pleased that within the first 60 days these three teams are finding their way. The Evangelism Team is beginning a study on the book "Unbinding the Gospel" and will be accompanied by the membership chair and myself. This study will be led by the Associate for Healthy Congregations, Elder Nan Best.

Membership has the beginnings of their team and many ideas from the congregation for connection and growth and Mission has already begun their work both in local and worldwide mission opportunities.

Also the Fundraising Team within the first 30 days has gathered their team, planned out the fundraisers for the year and developed the plan to pay for the repair of our pipe organ.

I am in complete awe! The leaders of Bethany are working so well together to follow their calling as followers of Christ. And it is such a pleasure to have one of our Elder's, Elder Judy Maier, volunteer to preach next Sunday while I am away at a Conference.

My dreams are coming true before my eyes. The members of the church are leading this congregation in a way of integrity, using their gifts in the name of Jesus Christ, and seeing a glimpse of our future as a church.

Praise be to God that I can be here to see it and celebrate it!