The Irresistible Clamor of the Still, Small Voice
Last Sunday, I was bragging how my friend Jeff counseled a couple guys we’d taken to a youth conference. The previous night, we’d laid into three of them about their snooty attitudes. Pretty tough conversation. But the next morning I noticed Jeff talking with two of the guys at breakfast. They were working through their stuff with him, and I was pleased… and jealous. Pleased they were working it through, but wishing I could be the guy having this breakthrough with them.
That story has always been an example to me of the importance and beauty of team ministry. He could do what I couldn’t, which was awesome. However, when I mentioned to Jeff that I’d told it again, he added a detail I’d not heard. He said that when he saw them in the cafeteria, he was so irritated with them, he had no intention of sitting with them. But he felt a prompting from the Spirit to join them. So, he did.
I was taken aback. I so often think of him as having right motivations that it stunned me. But it also reminded me that what makes us good is God. We’ll not always have the right attitude. That’s just being human. Listening to God, even when we ‘d rather not, is a mark of a disciple. And when we experience the work of the Spirit (Zechariah 4:6), that builds our faith even more. Keep listening. You never know when He might use you to help transform a life.
Pastor Rick
CHURCH NEWS
*** If you have a need or know of someone in need, please call Janet Hanlin (920-535-0021), who represents Bethel’s Deacons. We can help!
*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.
*** Sunday School: Mike Thielke continues his study, “Acknowledging God” at 9:30 a.m.
*** Sunday Service at 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Pastor Rick finishes his study of Paul’s epistle to Philemon.
*** Potluck after Sunday service March 3rd at noon in Memorial Hall. Bring a dish to pass and friends to enjoy this special Island fellowship. If you find yourself too busy (or forget) to prepare a dish, don’t fret, be our guest and bless us with your presence. There is always an abundance of food.
*** Bethel Youth Group: Middle School students (grades 5-8) will meet Mondays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at church. Any questions please ask Leila Nehlsen or Hannah Dusik.
*** Senior High Youth Group will meet Sundays at 4:00 p.m. at Tom and Michele Jordan’s,1481 Main Road.
*** UPDATE Ladies’ Evening Bible study will meet Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. We will be going through a series by Ann Graham Lotz on Revelation. Please contact Michelle Griggs regarding interest and information at 317-696-0997.
*** Ladies’ Afternoon Bible study Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. The study is on Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkins. Please contact Betty Lou at 920-396-0267 regarding interest and information.
*** Men’s Bible Study: Doug Hansen is hosting this study at his place at 7:00 a.m. Tuesdays. Address: 1258 Deer Run.
*** Leadership Council meeting, Monday March 4th at 7:00 p.m. Please plan on attending if you’re leading one of the ministry groups. Your input is valuable.
*** Men’s Breakfast: Saturday March 9th at 8:00 a.m. Bring a buddy and enjoy some great food and fellowship. Pastor Rick will enrich us with a message geared to guys.
*** Book Club read: The next discussion will be March 18th at 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The book is “The Outside Boy” by Jeanine Cummins. If you are interested in reading this book, please contact Laura at the Library. Men are welcome to join us.
*** Bethel Builders meeting, Monday March 4th at 2:00 p.m. Bethel Church Memorial Hall. We’ll be working on our final plans for Chicken Trivia Night. Also we’ll be planning for the Mother Daughter Banquet.
*** Chicken Trivia Night: Monday, March 11th at 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall, Bethel Church will host a Ladies’ Night Out. This means, All Things Chicken!! There will be food and games. Invite a friend to join you for a fun evening of fellowship.
*** Ladies’ breakfast: on Saturday, April 6th. More details to follow.
*** Prayer and Worship evening on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Next one is Sunday March 17th starting at 7:00 p.m.
*** Giving Opportunity: We need to replace the furnace in Memorial Hall for an estimated $4000.00 and the two Bell Tower doors for an estimated $2000.00. We are grateful for your generosity!
*** Volunteers interested in working with the VBS committee to bring this incredible program to our Island youth should plan on attending our first meeting on Wednesday March 20th.
*** Thank you to the following people for their generous contribution to Bethel Church in honor of Donna Lundberg: Cindra Hokkanen and Mr. Deaton
*** Thank you to the following people for their generous contribution to Bethel Church in honor of Lisa Munao: James Sporrer, Bruce McClaren, Dave & Carolyn Foss, Andy & Bonnie Munao, Cathy Meader, Christine Andersen, Margaret Nikolia, Herb & Marianna Gibson, and Judith Nelson.
*** If you’re interested in becoming a member of Bethel Church, let Pastor Rick, or any of the Elders know. The process is simple: an application, meet with the Elder Board and confess your faith in Jesus.
Bethel Tidings 