Letter from Pastor Terry

 

In 2002 a group of 15 individuals traveled to Papua New Guinea as part of a short term mission trip with Habitat for Humanity. It was my second trip to PNG as I had gone earlier in 1997. On this particular trip I was blessed to bring my whole family and we shared in one of those once in a lifetime trips. In fact we just shared an email last week that included pictures from PNG and all the memories came flooding back. 

One of those key memories that stands out in my mind was a moment we shared with my good friend and now retired Bishop Gary Hansen. We had come together as a group and were sharing some of our discoveries from the trip and Gary said, “I have discovered through this trip, that it is better (more meaningful to me) to be a builder than being a bishop.” Now I want you all to understand that I have great respect for Gary, both as a friend and as a bishop. In fact he ranks as one of the best bishops I have ever known. So for me to hear him say this so plainly . . . let’s just say, I was struck by his comment and it is still important to me today.   

As we are about building and renovation here at Bethesda, I have been thinking again about Bishop Gary’s comment. And there are several things that I want to say to all of you. 

o        I enjoy getting my hands dirty and seeing a project through to completion.

o        I love collaborating with people like Chris Orpen, Dave Hohle, Gene Stanefski, Dave Johnson and others as together we try to create something that will be meaningful and worshipful for others. 

o        Clearly there are many physical changes happening to the building itself.   Just take a moment to identify some of those changes . .

§         The Elevator: it is now almost finished) (consider what doors it opens for us).

§         The Chapel: with its new Stained Glass Window—including a clear window cross through which we look out to a world in need. Also note that surrounding the cross is a beautiful vibrant blue version of the Pool of Bethesda! From the cross pours forth the healing waters of Bethesda!

§         A Usable and Accessible Cry Room: for families with infant children to still feel connected in worship.

§         A Handicap Accessible Restroom: making it easier for people of all abilities/needs to still join us for worship and other events.

§         Two New Classrooms: including an art room—so that youth of all ages can learn and grow in their faith.

I can say with great certainty, that this building process has many connections to the season of Lent, with all of its struggles and heartaches. Even more so, it is tied to the message of Easter as a reflection of the ongoing work of God in Building the Kingdom for a world in need. As the process now intensifies in order to be finished by Easter, let us also remember the blessings of all that is taking place. Remember that this building is not just about us, or even for us. It is to help us reach out in the name of the one who is Building Lives in Christ! 

With joy and thanksgiving for all that we are able to do together in Christ’s name,

 

Pastor Terry

 P.S. I am including the words from a song written in PNG as a reflection of what people of different countries, but who share faith in Christ, can do together! 

SONG: By Franky Runapo (PNG)

Surrounded by God’s Grace,

In Christ We Have Been Freed.

United together we are the family of God.