Connected

Most of us are connected in multiple ways.  Even the church is connected to the world and to each other in so many, many ways.  The first picture you see here is a welcome luncheon for new Rochester Chamber of Commerce members.  While I have been an individual member for over five years, recently the chamber made it affordable for the church to join as a business member.  We are able to make connections in new ways with a cross section of our community.  In some ways, Bethel is a business and has to be run like a business.  If we do not meet our monthly obligations, like all businesses, we would have to close the doors.  We need to be smart in our use of technology and in using media (like this blog?) to reach out to people.  Being connected in a chamber of commerce is one way to extend our reach.

The second picture is even more exciting.  On the same day of the luncheon our normal confirmation group came together in Bethel Hall.  More than 110 students.  Some 16-20 adult leaders who serve as small group leaders at the tables.  Four to five staff
members who devote their time so that our confirmation students are

afforded the best possible confirmation program. 

Have you ever been in a room with 110 excited 7th, 8th, and 9th graders?  The energy, even at 6pm, is palpable.  They may have just spent a long day at school, and they might have been to a sports practice or music group in the late afternoon.  Yet they show up faithfully, Wednesday after Wednesday, to learn about God's great love for them and our response in love to God.

The students are connecting, and they are connected.  This is just one of the programs the church offers to ensure that youth know they belong, that they are loved by God.

They are connected because you have helped to connect them.  You promised that you would support them in baptism.  You are making the promises come true.  I pray for you the connection that these youth feel week after week.  There is a God who wants to connect with you and offer his best.  We are the body of Christ.  Connected from head to toe.