Greetings, Bethesda family!

My name is Mif Grotnes, and I am honored to serve as the President of the Congregation this year. My wife, Barb, and I are grateful for this opportunity to be part of this community. We have two grown children and four grandchildren, and Barb is hoping for great-grandchildren so feel free to spread the word. Since moving to Ames and joining Bethesda in 2017, we have been blessed to meet and work alongside many dedicated individuals. I am committed to leading our congregation with integrity and dedication.

The council will be working on the following items during the next year:

Our biggest focus remains on calling an associate pastor. We continue to work closely with the synod office to find the right candidate who will meet our congregation's needs and help us grow in faith and service. While the process has taken longer than we hoped, we are committed to finding the right person for this vital role.

We will implement our five-year plan, ensuring that Bethesda remains a vibrant place of worship, fellowship, and outreach. This plan provides a road map for growth engagement, and sustainability in our ministry.

Our Commitment to serving the Ames Community remains strong through vital programs such as:

•The Community Food Pantry – Providing nourishment to those in need.
• The Community Clothing Closet – Offering clothing to individuals and families
• $aving Suds – A laundry ministry that helps ensure dignity and cleanliness for our neighbors. These efforts make a meaningful impact, and I encourage everyone to get involved in any way they can.

The fourth point the council is focusing on this year is sustaining church communication and engagement. One exciting improvement has been the installation of our new operational display in front of the church. Thanks to the hard work of the committee during the past year, this sign now highlights important events and keeps the congregation and community informed.

I am truly honored to serve in this role and look forward to continuing our mission together. Please keep our church, our
ministries, and the search for our associate pastor in your prayers.

Blessings,

Mif Grotnes