A Word From The Pastor

Greetings Family,

Greetings Family
As we approach the Holiday season, I have found myself wandering what this year will be like for many across this nation. This season will be different for many due to the economic challenges that many are facing. This season is full of joy and it is also full of pain for many. As we enter the season called harvest time are we able to give thanks in the midst of hard times. How do we as Christians help others to experience a sense of thanks and gratitude as they deal with issues like job closings, loss of earnings, sense of long term economic uncertainty. We can look at many of our biblical ancestors and see how even in times of challenge and scarcity, they still gave thanks to God.

They seem to have an incredible faith that helped them to see God as a very present help in times of trouble. They seemed to be able to see the goodness of the Lord, even in the times that were not so good. I believe that they trusted that God would see them through the tough times.

I invite us to hold on to our faith in the God of the impossible. If we look around we are often reminded that we really are blessed to have a God who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. This season may feel a little different. It may be a little challenging. It may provide opportunities to help others focus on the everyday ways that God loves and provides for our spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. I want to challenge each of us to take time to look at the things that we have to be thankful for. Let’s not focus on what we may not have but celebrate what we do have through Christ. I am thankful that God has given me a second chance in several areas of my life. I’m thankful for Valerie, Nia, and Caleb, and my church family at Bethel. I am most thankful that Jesus died on the cross for me. I pray that we are all thankful for his demonstration of love for each of us. This season will be one in which I encourage us to remember that we can always count on the Love, Grace, Provisions, and Protection of God to see us through.

Regardless of what is going on around us we have much to be thankful for, if we only take time to see it. I pray and thank God for you daily.

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Lavell

A short note from the Youth Minister:

Growing up is hard. I know everyone can relate to that statement. Imagine growing up without a good spiritual background. The future of that youth is bleak. That youth will stumble around in the darkness as the writers of Proverbs points on many occasions. I like this verse, Ephesians 6:4 they following: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and in-struction of the Lord.” Youth need instructions from the Lord and that is not just for parents to hear. I and other adult leaders at Bethel in an imperfect fashion do our best to do that in the events that take place here at church.

I believe that it is extremely important for youth to be well rounded individuals. I also believe they will never even get close to that point without Christ at the center of their lives. If you think church attendance is optional, your argument is not with me but with Paul. Paul reminds us not to forsake the fellowship. It is my prayer that calendars are cleared out enough for God and that the stuff of Earth will take a back seat to eternal matters. I have a spread sheet of all the names of each youth that I have encountered since I have been at Bethel and some that I have never seen, but who have been in the past. Each night I pray for each of those students because God has placed me here to be their pastor. Please pray for me as I struggle with Illness and struggle to be the man God wants and needs me to be for the youth of this church.

I hope you all have a blessed week,
Joseph