24 February 2010

Thank you Bethel Bloggers!

Thanks to all who have joined us on the Bethel Blog! As we grow we will always remember Mike, Jennifer, Ella, Pamela, Whitley and Tori !

17 February 2010

Preaching and Singing

"I will declare thy name unto my brethren in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee" Hebrews 2:12

I am in the midst of my annual visits to our local churches. I have been blessed to declare the name of our Lord unto my brethren. It has been a blessing and a priviledge to join you in singing praise unto Him! I once expressed a desire for "General Conference" type services in every church every Sunday. The last two Sundays have given evidence that my hope might become reality. Thank you for making each Sunday Service all it should be for Him. I cannot wait until we fill the house with preaching and singing in the Hill Country April 22-24!

10 February 2010

General Conference Information

Bethel Methodist General Conference 2010
Accommodations Suggestions

Greetings, and we pray this email finds you all well as we count down the days to General Conference in April.  We wanted to remind you of the dates of General Conference (April 22-24) and provide you with some accommodation suggestions as you begin your planning.  We look forward to great food, fellowship, and most importantly, for the Lord to meet with us as we worship and conduct the business of Bethel.

Listed below are some suggestions with negotiated rates and easy access/close proximity to the church.  Maps from these locations to the church will soon follow.  If you are interested in other hotel chains, bed and breakfasts, RV sites, etc., please do not hesitate to email Andrew Sedlacek.

Microtel Inn & Suites, New Braunfels, TX:
            -     Rate:  $65.00 per night
            -     For reservations:  Contact the local hotel at 830-557-4409 and mention
                   “Bethel Methodist Conference” rate.
            -     Deadline:  Reserve by March 22, 2010 to guarantee rate.
            -     Hotel info:  visit www.microtelinn-nb.com
New hotel as of August 2009.  Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, Coffee available 24 hrs. a day, Outdoor pool, Within one block of local restaurants and Walgreens, Located on Hwy 46 (30 minutes from church) one block away from I-35.  If desired, be sure to request a room with fridge and microwave.

LaQuinta Inns & Suites, New Braunfels, TX:
-          Rate:  $85.00 per night
-          For reservations:  Contact the local hotel at 830-627-3333 and mention “Bethel Methodist Conference rate.
-          Deadline:  Reserve by April 5, 2010 to guarantee rate.
-          Hotel info:  visit www.lq.com
Remodeled December 2009.  Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, coffee available 24 hrs. a day, outdoor pool, within one block of local restaurants, Located on I-35 and Hwy 46 (30-35 minutes from church).  All rooms have fridge and microwave.

Creek Hollow RV Park (near the Hill Country Church):
-          RV sites and cabins available
-          Rates: vary depending on site and cabin choice (RV: $25+, Cabins:  $60-165)
-          Property info:  visit www.creekhollowrv.com
Less than 5 minutes from the church (just north of church on FM 3159)

We also have 2 hookups on the church property and room for more campers/trailers.  These will be a first email/first serve basis.

Something for Nothing

A few months ago (ok, last summer) I read a news article that told the story of children who had received e-mails after playing on a popular online game site. The e-mail told the children that if they were to click on the attached link they would receive a free upgrade to the game they had just played. But when that link was clicked a virus was downloaded which allowed the hacker full access to all of the information on the family computer. Not only was the child disappointed, the parents were shocked at the theft of their identity!

Oh, the promise of something for nothing! This attitude of taking a shortcut to a desired outcome is running rampant in our world, and in the Church. We want eternity with God but are not willing to count the true cost of walking daily with Him. What did Jesus say? "Come, take up your cross and follow Me." Yes, salvation full and free, based on grace and not our merits or works, for all who are believing. There's the cost, the committment, that is required: "Follow Me." The daily choice to follow and believe, to receive God's grace by faith and be shaped into His moral image is a price that is worth it all!

05 February 2010

Days like this....

A few weeks ago I was driving to Temple to visit my dad in the VA hospital. My step-mom had already signed the papers to admit him into the hospice program. As I was driving and praying, I was reminded that God's faithfulness far exceeds anything that this world can offer. I've been praying for my dad for years, that he would fully commit to Christ. Now the time seemed even more desperate.


Funny thing: Dad didn't qualify for hospice! It wasn't a money issue, but a health issue. He wasn't sick enough! So they moved him to the Waco VA's long-term care facility.


Another funny (!) thing: I found out today that he is MUCH sicker than originally supposed. His doctor talked about making him comfortable in his last days. I've known this time was coming, and yet it still kinda caught me by surprise.


Let me go back to that previous statement: "God's faithfulness far exceeds anything this world has to offer." I know that God can work in my dad's spirit, and I know that God can provide a level of spiritual healing that no doctor can ever bring to Dad's body. That's what I'm praying for. And I want to ask each of you to pray also. If you want to pray for his healing, or relief from his constant pain, that's great. I'm asking that you join me in praying for my dad's eternal salvation. God is faithful, and I am trusting Him.

Bethel Blast 2-5-10

The Winter Retreat at Bellville was well-attended and very successful.
Tom Hogan offers a brief report:

"39 youth and adults attended the winter youth retreat in Bellville, Near Houston. It was our first event at Camp Woodmen, and we enjoyed the lake and spacious kitchen facilities. Reverend Jerry Freedman preached on Elijah, and standing with God even when it means standing alone. The Hill Country church provided food, including delicious homemade enchiladas and salsa. If this is any indication, we are all in for a treat at General Conference."


Rev. Tim Hicke and Rev. Curtis Morton will be officiating at the funeral for Kevin Berry, son of Tommy and Beautonne Berry from the Irving church. Kevin lost a long and difficult battle on Sunday. Also, Beautonne's brother out of state died on the same day, and Beautonne has been ill much of this difficult week. Please be in prayer for God's help in the services in Dallas at 2 P.M. today (Friday). And please remember the Berry family during this time of multiple loss.


Sara Shinn says a new feature has been added to the Bethel Blog. If you subscribe (no charge) and become a "follower" of the blog, you'll be notified every time a new message is posted, including the Bethel Blast. Please don't forget to visit your local church website and the denominational website to keep the search-engines busy. It takes only a minute, but if we all do our part, it will make our message easier for visitors to find on the internet.


Local church news: The Southlake church received city approval to keep its portable building on its rental property for another year although one neighbor objected. Meanwhile, Southlake is still waiting for TxDot to rule on a request for a driveway on 1709.
Interchurch Council meeting is scheduled Saturday, February 20 at the Brazos Center in Bryan.
General Conference will be April 22-24 in the Hill Country. Expect more information on accomodations soon.
Please do all you can to support the services and activities of your local church and denomination. We all need each other.

04 February 2010

Hill Country First

This Sunday will be the first local conference of the Bethel Methodist Church of the Hill Country since emerging from the "mission church" designation! For the first time ever the congregation will be voting on their pastor and at the General Conference (hosted by the Hill Country Church) they will seat delegates. As we come to this historical place we rejoice with our new mission church in Fredericksburg that has just begun that joyous journey. Keep praying, the gospel is spreading!