Beginning January 4th and what will probably last until Summer, we will be having as part of our Discipleship Training on Wednesday evenings, a series on "How to Study your Bible". We will review topics such as how we got the Bible, an overview and context of the books, Bible study plans and methods, and especially techniques for improving your overall experience as you read, study, and mediate on God's Word. 

This is an excellent growth opportunity to take part in something unique, perhaps something you had never done before. The Lord has lead me to do this to help us all become better 'People of the Word'.

And what better resolution for 2012 than to make a committment to become more intimately familiar with God's Word! Wednesday evenings are fun, casual, and run from 7 - 8 pm. One hour per week is a good investment to know more about God's Word. Try it for 3 weeks and then see if it doesn't become a good habit!

God bless,

Pastor Tim

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

2012 is going to be an exciting year for Bethesda! For several reasons......

First let's talk about vision. Proverbs 29:18 says without vision, the people suffer. Praise God He has given us a clear vision for the future. Our core vision has not changed. "It is to be a sanctuary of hope and healing, and to be a light which leads others into eternal salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior." Please pray with me for many to be healed, delivered, and saved in 2012.

The Lord has also given us a vision for a Christian School. The timing is unknown but the vision is clear.

He has also given us a vision for a church and sanctuary expansion, which will provide additional restrooms, a foyer, a sanctuary capable of holding 200+, and allowing us to use our existing sanctuary space for both the school and Sunday school space. Again, the timing is unknown but the vision is clear.

We are well on the road to Emmaus with 9 adults completing the walks this year and 10 more signed up for the Spring walk! We also have some of our young people who will be attending a Youth Emmaus Walk. Praise the Lord!

All of the ministries are doing well. Why? Because of the Holy Spirit leading (and us listening), prayer, faithfulness, and dedication. Again, Praise the Lord! 

And the Lord is leading me to do a Sermon Series on 2 specific topics. They are the Word of God and Prayer.  Core subjects for God's people and core to seeing any vision realized. 

There are many church models, preaching styles, and church growth programs. Our church model comes from the book of Acts - that has been good to us over our first 7 years and should continue. The preaching (and please hold me accountable) will be from God's Word, and I will preach all of it, not just the ‘good’ parts. So what program(s) should we use for church growth? 

Something I have learned is this. Every N.T. church which grew did so because the Lord's hand was with them (through persistent and pleading prayer), and by the faithful preaching and teaching of God's Word - the people themselves being people of the Word. The church at Antioch (Acts 11:19-30) gives us this perfect example. 

So we will begin 2012 with a focus on prayer and being people of the Word. This will be emphasized in the Sunday morning Messages, the Wednesday night prayer and discipleship meetings, and additional prayer and outreach meetings. I am committing to be a better prayer warrior and be more in the Word than ever before. If the whole body of Bethesda will do the same, then certainly the Lord’s hand will be upon us! Then let us rejoice in praising God for what He will do in and through us in 2012. It’s going to be good!

God bless you and yours,

Pastor Tim

Thank you for visiting Bethesda Community Church online.  We would love for you and your family to worship with us this Sunday at 10:40 am.  Nursery and Children's church are provided for your convenience.  Take a good look around, we hope you find everything you are looking for.  If you have any questions about Bethesda Community Church, email our pastor at pastortim@bethesdacommunitychurch.org.  Thanks again for visiting and God Bless You!

The Lord is leading us into a new Sermon Series on the Word of God. Not like other Messages that are from the Word of God, but Messages that are from and about the Word of God. I have never been so led to do a Series like this before and am very excited about what the Lord is going to say to us through these Messages. As I shared in the Congregational letter dated 12/27/11, this Sermon series will be followed up by one on Prayer. The Sermon Series on the Word of God, will be, Lord willing and continuing to lead, as follows:

May His Hand be upon us. God bless you and yours,

Pastor Tim