June 12, 2011

Dear Friends and Associates,
    Lynn and I have been active members of this congregation for many years. At the time we joined, we were searching for a new church with heart and enthusiasm. On our first Sunday at Mt. Bethel, we met the then senior pastor, Ed Tomlinson, before the service and he greeted us and our two young children by name at its conclusion. For many of the same reasons as you, we very quickly came to know that Mt. Bethel would be our home.
    I have been afforded opportunities to serve on the Staff Parish Relations and Finance Committees, Ushers, Habitat for Humanity and Administrative Council. I have seen the face of God in the lives of the faithful in Kenya and Peru. I have observed what power this Church has and all the good things that have come from within its influence.
    We have proudly watched Mt. Bethel grow to the large physical facility and education center we have today. Our early congregations have multiplied and impacted so many lives in a most positive manner. Each Sunday I attend, the talented personnel resources of our church staff humble me. The commitment and caring exhibited by parishioners is unparalleled. The music program afforded attendees will rival the best anywhere. The sermons from our pulpit are enlightening, encouraging, inspirational and pertinent to the ever-present situations in our daily lives. Like you, I am trying to find the right balance in my life between what I do to make a living and what I do to make life more meaningful.
    As many of you know, I usually sit on the first row. You can see and hear better there. It usually is the best seat in the house. But I have to tell you, if you stand close to the fire, you will occasionally get burned. Our ministerial staff is charged with being good for us, not necessarily to us. By that, I mean they are supposed to teach us how to be better Christians, teachers and followers in this changing world. In doing so, they sometimes step on our toes and hurt our feelings. The pastors will make us uncomfortable with status quo. They see things, as they can be, not necessarily how they are. I certainly have many opportunities for personal improvement and the altar location also presents many heartthrob connections. Another benefit of sitting on the first row is that the people behind you cannot see the emotion that may flow when your heart takes a direct hit.
    This past Sunday, Randy pointed out how important our stewardship is to the prosperity of our church. We must make plans for the next year and those decisions are heavily dependent on the members - us. In many ways, it's not about us - it is about those who depend on us. It is true that to whom many talents are given, much is expected.
    Through the school years of my children, I was asked to raise money for various school projects. I have to admit that it's not easy for me to ask others for charitable contributions for even the most worthwhile enterprises. So I would just buy the magazine subscriptions or donate the funds being sought, rather than go out and face the rejection. No one person or small group can make up the amounts needed to fund our budget.
    We need everyone participating to carry the total load, if we are to continue the progress we have made and grow on our achievements. For the most part unfortunately, raising money is a major part of a minister's job, especially in today's economy. There is more need than availability of funds. The priority is too high for our ministers to neglect.    
    On behalf of our church, I would like you to prayerfully consider our current situation. If you have not done so, please return your commitment pledge card now so that we can plan our budget for next year. We operate our finances conservatively. In other words, we do not plan expense budgets in excess of what we believe will be our receipts. Therefore, until we have the commitment cards, we wait and pray. And our progress waits on the same schedule. If you cannot pledge, please let us know that also. The word "caring" is not a slogan - it is reality at Mt. Bethel. We want to be part of your solution and we cannot help if we do not know. If you have already returned your pledge card, thank you. If you could possibly see your way to increase your previous commitment in view of our finances, please do so. There is currently not enough money to fund the entire year ahead.
    While we look to the future, on behalf of our church, thank you for what you have done for our church. Everything we enjoy today is based on the hard work and dedicated work of everyone in this church, both members and staff. The record is enviable and speaks for itself. As has always been the case, Mt. Bethel and our steadfast faith will be the solution to whatever problems arise. Please help us to help you. God Bless,
                    Most respectfully,
                    Ed Strickland