Bethesda is a special place to be!

There have been countless times over the past few months where I've been honored to be a part of this community. Each one of you has made this journey special and I'm grateful for your presence.

I want to start by expressing our collective gratitude to the group of generous members who donated time and money to bring the new electronic sign to fruition. This sign, a beacon of our community's progress, now stands as a more inviting and effective communicator of Bethesda's important work. I'm thrilled to see how these messages will enhance our connection to the community. This achievement is a testament to the vision and commitment of our members. Thank you for making this possible!

The Stewardship Dinner was a wonderful celebration of giving. I love the interactions that are fostered from bringing all of our members together. Randi and Steve Peters did an incredible job sharing their stories and specifically why philanthropy is important to them. I'm regularly amazed at what we can accomplish by working together – both within and outside the walls of Bethesda!

Another impactful event was the highly successful Scandinavian Coffee! The sheer quantity of volunteers that contributed to its success is a testament to our community's strength. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to offer this event to the community again. The positive feedback from attendees was overwhelming. In a world often divided, witnessing people come together, enjoy fellowship, and create connections was truly inspiring. This success is a reflection of our collective efforts and commitment to our community.

The last item I want to highlight is our Living Water Wednesday programming. This is not just a service, but a community of support and growth. With dozens of amazing volunteers offering the programming, it's a true testament to our community's spirit. Whether you're preparing a meal, participating in the worship, or serving as a children's church facilitator, your contribution is invaluable. If you haven't had a chance to participate in the intergenerational worship on Wednesdays, I strongly encourage you to try it out. It is truly for all ages! For me personally, it's a time to reset, reflect, and be renewed. I leave every service with my spirits lifted and feeling fulfilled, and I hope you can experience the same sense of belonging and support.

As we enter the Advent season, I hope that you experience anticipation for the incredible gift of love and grace that was given to all of us through Jesus. I also look forward to the upcoming events and initiatives that will further strengthen our community bonds. I wish all of you and your families peace, health, and lots of happiness!

Chelsey Asienbrey