Devotions
Let Bethany Move On
By Pastor Harsha Kotian
Pastors come and go, but the church continues. Pastors are part of the changes that take place in life while the church is founded on the unchanging God, who continues to be the same, always. For the past few years, Bethany continued in uncertainty, ambiguity and insecurity regarding the church's future; it was a faith testing time. Although some events can dishearten and shake a church's existance, God can transform fear into strength. I admire Bethany for staying strong in faith and perservering forward, always keeping hope alive. I see every part of the church becoming stronger year after year as it grows in number, and in love and service of others. Bethany moves on with God. When Elijah was running for life out of fear of his opponents, exhausted and broken, God's angel woke him up from sleep saying, get up and eat, you have a long journey ahead of you. Bethany should always keep God's encouraging words in their hearts: do not give up; keep moving on. I am amazed how some our members are passionate about volunteering week after week. My amazement is not about the amount of work they do, but their pasison, joy and the sense of fulfillment they show through doing things in God's house. As Jacob found his resting place along his journey at a place with a ladder to heaven (Gen. 28), many experience Bethany as a place they need to be at Sunday after Sunday to approach a ladder to the spiritual world amidst their everyday lives. Bethany gives strength, direction and purpose to all our lives. Bethany moves on with God. After I bacame pastor in 2004, I witnessed some unexpected changes in the life of Bethany. A good number of people moved away and a few reamined homebound due to continued illness while others were permanently confined to nursing homes. Some even left us to eternity, finishing their earthly race. But on the other hand, we also grew as new members came in one by one, balancing the group in its forward journey. We also added new programs, such as coffee hour and the senior citizen luncheon. The church looks more energetic in spirit than before. What is really intriguing is that such a small church is thinking and planning big things like a contemporary service and worship with pets, thus keeping faith strong and active. Bethany moves on with God. Even though I'll be leaving Bethany, Bethany cannot leave me. The unique fellowship of friends and exciting memories of Bethnay continue to go with me in my forward journey. I cannot forget people's enthusiasm in worship and sacrament in spite of their disabilities. I cannot forget the sweet smiles, fun and laughter; their spirit of welcoming guests who enter the church doors. I cannot forget the inspirational organ mustic that brings a celestial climate to worship and the choir that elevates peoples' spirits in songs and priases. I cannot even forget such an exciting time of spiritual stimulus in Bible Class, a refreshing moment for hearts and minds. Bethany moves on with God. I cherish the love of many in Bethany in my heart: responsible and devout preisdent Richard Tank; an intimate friend, Gary Johnson; blessed musician Marvin Marx; trustworthy trustee Barbara Littwin; a relentless inquirer in Bible Class, Harry Gabriel; a helpful tutor, Lelia Raab; treasures of God, Bill and Marilyn Anderson; a caring friend, Pat Strauss; a remote companion, Frances Hastings; an enthusiastic helper, Linda Heacox; good neighbors Lori and Richard Winkleman; devout members Barbara Rupholdt, Amber and Matt Carroll, Lisa Stohs, Marjorie Hawk, Shirley Hass, Rudy Ohring, George Peter Sr., Annie, Phyllis King, Donna Manning, Shirley Rakstang, Alletta Kovalchek, Albert Anderson, Rita Kraulis, Evelyn Stone, Marianne Wrucke, Hazel Spaulding and others--the beloved people of God in the vineyard of Bethany church. It is difficult for me to forgo the memories of such a great cloud of witnesses of faith from my heart. I could not even forget the fragrance of love of Audrey Casson and Bill Parr, who returned to our eternal home ahead of us. Bethany moves on with God. I sincerely wish that Bethany may continue to be a spiritual home for many and a blessing to many others in the days and years to come. Let us continue to grow in spirit and love as God's beloved family. Our Lord Jesus, the good shepherd, may continue to lead his flock into green pastures and cool waters. Bethany moves on . . .