“From him (Christ) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting
ligament grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Ephesians 4:16
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I was looking at Aesop’s Fables the other day and fell upon “The Hare and the Tortoise”. The Hare was making fun of the Tortoise for being so slow, mocking him and pushing him. A race was set and as the Hare felt like he had it over on the Tortoise he decided to take a nap along the way, but the Tortoise kept going “slowly but steadily, and after a time, passed the place where the Hare was sleeping.”
We all know the ending to the story, right? The Hare loses and the Tortoise, slow but sure, makes his way to the finish line. Slow but sure! Opportunities are opening up all around us, for worship, Bible study, fellowship, mission and service. I know we may not be opening as fast as some want, but God is still at work and we are on the move.
Now, all we need is your willingness to be a part of the next step in the life of Christ’s ministry at Bethel. I ask that you pray about where you can reach others for Christ! In the newsletter you will read about SWAT teams, Servant Willing Although Temporary. You can sign up to help with a “short term” commitment . We now have a place on our website, BethelAurora.org, under EVENTS where you will be able to find places for limited service. In addition to SWAT opportunities your help is needed on our ministry teams. Pray for God’s direction.
I am thankful for ALL of you! You will see a thank you page in this Newsletter for those who served us during Lent and Easter! We will be more proactive in our thanks for your service to Christ at Bethel, as this ministry does not exist without you! Thank you!
In Ephesians 4:11-12, we read that “Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” You are called to be equipped so the body of Christ can be built up. Jesus puts you and me in the mix to do his work. We don’t take a pass, but find where we fit. Things have changed and yet, we are in a slow and steady move to be better than we have been at Bethel for a long time, however, we don’t want you to think or “believe” you are not needed. If you cannot physically participate you can PRAY!
Besides our in person worship, remember you can worship with us as we livestream on Facebook OR on our YouTube channel, Bethel Lutheran Aurora. Invite your family and friends to join us! You are being equipped!
We have two ZOOM Bible study opportunities on Tuesdays at 1:00 P.M. and 6:30 P.M. You are being equipped!
We have an in person Bible study on Thursdays at 1:00 P.M. You are being equipped!
We have service opportunities through Missions! You are being equipped!
We have fellowship opportunities that will be starting up again! You are being equipped!
We have three different sermon series planned for this summer beginning with June’s series, “We are Gathered Here”! You are being equipped!
It is all up to you to be part of our slow but steady reopening…remember who will win the race…and don’t say the Tortoise…it is Christ! Join us!
In Christ,
Pastor Barb
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