General Conference Update

Greetings from the Hill Country!  As we approach General Conference (how exciting), we would like to send you an update with some helpful information.

Denominational Reports:

If at all possible, we would like to have any Denominational reports that you would like to have included in the conference booklet emailed by Friday, April 2, 2010.

Google Map

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=117620035724713435965.00047fd2614c77d2ec717&ll=29.800135,-98.197861&spn=0.259192,0.694199&z=11&iwloc=00048169fd2384a1c6257

By clicking on the link above (or pasting it in your address bar), you will be able to load a Google map for General Conference.  Included in this map are the local accommodations, directions, and other items that may be helpful during your stay in the Hill Country.  You may also, for example, click on the church icon, and from there you can search for places of interest nearby, as well as get directions from/to a hotel that is not listed on this map.

Hotel Discount Rates

We would like to remind you that the discounted rates for the La Quinta Inn and Microtel are only available if you book before April 5.  This deadline was given to us by the hotel properties in order to set aside a block of rooms for possible Bethel Methodist visitors.

Abbreviated Agenda

Listed below are the highlights of the General Conference Agenda.  A more detailed agenda will be included in the conference booklets available upon registration.

Thursday

 Evening worship service:  7:30 p.m.

Friday

-        Conference business:  9:00 a.m.

-        Denominational Choir practice:  5:45 p.m.

-        Evening Worship Service:  7:00 p.m.

Saturday

Conference business:  9:00 a.m.

We are truly looking forward to General Conference hope each and every one of you is able to attend.  If you have any questions or are in need of any further information, please do not hesitate to email Andrew.

Why Am I Sad?

I could ask, "why am I down?" or "why am I depressed?". I personally choose not to use the word "depressed" because of its clinical meaning of "feelings of hopelessness". The individual who is abiding in Jesus Christ by faith is never without hope! Yes, many, if not all, have various psychological needs and suppressed hurts that God helps deal with as we grow and are ready to face those difficult realities. Even the christian with the deepest wounds is never without hope. Do we have times of real sadness? There is a universal "yes". Psalm 43 is a beautiful example of those feelings that come and the very real and effective answer to those dark days. "Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man..." Here the Psalmist is pleading for help in an unjust and even deceitful world. The first step is to express to God what is going on and how you feel. Psalm 43 goes on..."For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" Here is an honest question about these feelings. Why do I feel "down"? Why am I not feeling anything from God at this moment? Why do I let these things get me? The Psalmist gives these feelings and what a blessing the answer is as the Psalm continues! "O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me...". Let your truth, your light be what leads me, not my feelings! "...let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God". I love the honesty of this Psalm and the real answer that works for me every time! I hope this Psalm will help when you are feeling low! God bless you all for abiding in Christ and being lovers of truth when so many love only themselves!

Please Pray...

for Sandra Kirchner. She will be having knee replacement surgery on Wednesday, March 17th.

A brief devotional...I recall a local pastor's report of a few years ago that stated, "God is Awesome." Is He? I know you would all agree with me that He is and forever shall be! Consider that statement and let the Holy Spirt speak to your heart. It is amazing to me that something so seemingly simple can be so wonderfully powerful...God bless you all!

Ken's sign suggestion

Following the last Inter Church Council meeting, Ken Tindell approached me with an interesting idea. Ken commented to me that many people in our communities would never pull into the parking lot of our church, but may be able to access our message another way. Here's Ken's idea:

2/21/10

Greetings to my Bethel family
I’m convinced that the Bethel Methodist message is the best presentation of the Gospel available today. Unfortunately, a God centered message is not very popular in a world that has been immersed in man centered theology for two or three generations. We have a passion to get our message to a world that desperately needs it. That passion has born lots of conversation about changing our name. I have prayerfully considered alternatives to no avail. Our roots are entwined in the teachings of Arminius, the Wesleys and Adam Clark.  The Bethel churches are each uniquely different in personality and urban setting, which is why we all do business differently. I propose that instead of changing our name, each church should have the option of removing the denomination name, replacing it with their web address. People who would never be motivated to enter our churches may very well take the time to browse our websites. Our message has the power to move hungry hearts. Please consider this idea and may God enlighten and empower us to do His will.
Ken Tindell
Bethel Methodist church of Robinson

Thanking God

I have finished my tour of churches for the annual conferences, it was good seeing you all. I am very confident and excited by your qualification and availability for our Lord. It was a blessing seeing what God has done in each church. I have now listened to every sermon that was preached in the Hill Country in my absence. I can say without reservation or hesitation that the people in my local church were well cared for. In fact, I'm feeling the pressure now as I get back home. You guys may have done too well! Pray for me.