IT’S ALL ABOUT GROWTH

IT’S ALL ABOUT GROWTH
 
Today (Sunday) we start a new church year with all its familiar patterns.  From now on we will be meeting in two Sunday services, instead of one, and our various programs will find their customary places in our weekly calendar.
 
But there are some new things that will be joining the familiar things. We have a new logo, a new set of Core Commitments, and a new Growth Track. 

Our new logo features three leaves coming from a single stem.  Created by one of our own Bethel members, the logo captures the idea of growth and symbolizes the three areas for growth described by our Core Commitments. The Logo is now on our back wall, our stationery, and our written materials.

Our Core Commitments are:  Communion (Walking with Christ), Community (Loving one another), and Calling (Impacting the world).  These commitments are ways of expressing the “within,” “among,” and “outside” dimensions of a full-orbed Christian faith. 

Our Growth Track is described in a brochure being distributed in the Sunday morning worship folder and on Bethel’s website (www.discoverbethel.com/grow). The Growth Track is a way for us to stay “on track” as followers of Christ.  Three courses will be offered to new members--one for each Core Commitment--and all of our ministries will be categorized according to the Core Commitment they help to nurture.  The Growth Track gives us a clear understanding of how we can challenge ourselves in all dimensions of the Christian life, so that we can become fully developed followers of Jesus. 
 
Did you notice a pattern in what you have just read?  All these things center on growth.  As a church we want to be growth-focused, as the Bible says we should be.  As a matter of fact, GROW is the title of the new series of messages that starts today. 
 
Growth is what God wants for you and for me.  It is God’s wonderful invitation and gift; so, this year, let us embrace the Apostle Paul’s words: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13).  –Pastor Tom
 
 
 
 

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