Bethlehem is on the brink of major decisions. This fall will be historic. The Site Development Task Force is gathering data. We will need a lot of input from the congregation before a course is set. We will seek that input throughout the fall.

Bethlehem is growing. People are fighting the fight of faith in worship and nurture and witness with greater zeal and power. There is a distinctive God-centeredness about our life together that is drawing hungry people our way. Average Sunday morning attendance over the first six months of this year (750) was up over 17% from last year. Sunday School attendance over the last five Sundays is 26% greater than a year ago. We are still waiting for the summer slump. It appears that it will not be as low this year.

The question I will be wrestling with on vacation is how we should grow. It is not a question of should we or will we. Experience confirms the will. But what form should it take? That is the big question. Please begin to think and pray about this so we can discuss it thoroughly this fall. Should we multiply services, possibly 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 with two concurrent Sunday Schools? And when we outgrow that? Should we build to expand educational and worship space? Should we plant satellite churches and send groups of members to them with ministers who have been equipped in our home base? Or do you see other options for a growing church?

Moving the “White House” and expanding our parking beside the church is part of the reason for why we are not experiencing the same kind of summer slump as before. There are people who want to visit our church—and will visit if there is room for them. You are helping make room with Operation: White House. We have not had to borrow money because of your giving. You have saved the interest! Now we can wipe out the entire cost by next February if we all pray and seek God’s will regarding our weekly contribution to the Building Fund. Something over and above each week from all of us for seven months will clean the slate on our parking expense.

You received a detailed explanation in the mail. Now here is a reminder. Let’s do it together. Some of us should give more than $25.00 a week. Stretch with me and Noël.

Operation White House
30 Week Payment Schedule
July 8, 1984 to February 1, 1985

Growing with you,

Pastor John