[Bslc-dist] Pastorgr@m

[Mark Bertermann]

Hello brothers & sisters in the Lord,

Well, it was quite an experience Sunday making the announcement regarding
the call to Kennewick.  I was talking to a pastor friend about it (he had
gone through a similar experience); he likened it to being at your own
funeral.  Strangely true.  If you're interested in Bethlehem, Kennewick, its
website is http://blcbls.org .  I think of the song of several years ago:
"I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God."  You are, have been, and will
be such a blessing to me.

This Saturday  is our Thanksgiving Prayer Vigil.  If you haven't signed up,
that's OK; just show up on the hour between 9 & 9 and plug into a group that
starts at that time.

Next Sunday we continue to focus on our vision and goals for the future.  To
prepare your hear, spend some time with...
* Matt. 5.43-47
* Acts 1.1-8
* Heb. 13.11-14
If asked, would you be able to tell someone what our three goals are for the
next four years?  How about our vision statement?

Sunday is also...
* The kick-off for Project Angel Tree.  Patty tells me we have 82 kids from
42 families to focus our love upon.
* The day to bring in your Operation Christmas Child shoebox.  What a
delight to see so many piling up!
* Great day to sign up to help with Create-a-Gift 2004.  Check out the
display and table.
* Last chance to sign up for the Men's Thanksgiving Breakfast.
* Last chance to sign up for the Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday the 23rd.

Plan now to attend our Thanksgiving Worship Wednesday evening, the 24th, at
7 pm.

Something to think about from Run with the Horses by EH Peterson...

"We underestimate God and we overestimate evil.  We don't see what God is
doing and conclude that his is doing nothing...  We see everything that evil
is doing and think it is in control of everyone....If we are going to live
in God's image, alive to all that is God, open and responsive to all he is
doing, we must trust in his word, trust what we do not see.  And if we are
going to live in the world, attentive to each particularity, loving it
through all the bad times without being repelled by it or afraid of it or
conformed to it, we are going to have to face its immense evil, but know at
the same time that it is a limited and controlled evil."

In His love,
Pastor Mark