Bob’s thoughts:
Back to Bethany to hear Hetz Marsh preach. So much thought and planning went into the extensive remodel of Bethany that it is always a pleasure to visit. I was especially glad since the website start time was not updated and we were an hour early.
Can’t remember any service that had more extras added in. One that I enjoyed was a report on Vietnam ministry which included a story I hadn’t heard before, that to be a minister in Vietnam requires two things: a call from God to serve and that you have been imprisoned for your faith. Sort of weeds out the less committed candidate.
There was a presentation by the Evangelism Committee – some very nice door hangers were made up. I do hope they also plan to knock on the door.
I would have enjoyed the chili tasting after the service, but due to a prior engagement I couldn’t try to sneak in a taste of chili…besides it’s no longer on my diet.
Hetz delivered an impassioned message; it is always so much easier to believe when the speaker lets his/her passion show.
I was disappointed that the offering was taken before the Word was preached, but very pleased with the mission involvement evidenced by the bulletin board postings. There was also some good literature available, though some needs updated.
Jan’s thoughts:
It’s been a while since we visited Bethany, and since a friend was filling the pulpit today it seemed like a good time to return.
The facility has been very well kept, clean, with great signage. From the moment we walked in the door there were signs pointing the direction toward every possible destination. Right outside the Sanctuary is a welcoming area with café seating and a well-supplied coffee bar.
Only a few people spoke to us, but the ones who did were very friendly and helpful, giving us plenty of new member information.
The service was jam-packed with the usual substance of worship as well as the Logos staff commissioning, a Moment for Mission, and a report from a seminary student who had participated in a mission trip to Vietnam.
A couple of comments about the bulletin (can’t help it…I’m a former church secretary): It contains color, which is a marvelous thing, it’s well laid out, easy to read, and contains much more information than it’s possible to digest in that brief amount of time. However, it was cumbersome. Early on, after finding an empty spot to make a note to myself, it took some time to figure out what was what again. I'd suggest keeping the Order of Worship on the one folded page and including the rest in the form of unfolded inserts. That way when the bulletin is folded for use during worship it's possible to insert everything inside that's not worship-related and still follow the service. Just a thought, for what it's worth.
The message, entitled “If You Are Happy and You Know It…”, was given by Hetz Marsh. I had not heard him preach before, but found his style animated and engaging. As the title suggests, the topic was happiness, and for once a sermon on that subject did not wander into the issue of “happiness vs. joy,” instead focusing on happiness as blessedness based on the Beatitudes, and concluding with what, in the end, makes for a truly happy life is that it is a life committed to God’s ideals. As I seek to learn God’s intention for my life I’ll be pondering that idea as a starting place.
2 comments:
Thank you for your comments on our church. As a member of the Worship Team, it is always good to hear criticism. I will take your comments to our team. One correction though, in case some of your other friends would like to learn more about Bethany. Our web site is actually www.bethanypresby.org. Thank you for visiting. We hope to see you again some time!
David - Thank you for reading our blog and for taking the time to respond. I've corrected the church's web address - thanks so much for pointing out the typo! Wishing you and Bethany God's blessings in your ministries, Bob & Jan
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