Church Office Now at Bethel Haven

We are excited to share that our church office has successfully moved across the street to Bethel Haven.

This marks a major step forward in the Growing in Faith campaign and reflects the steady progress being made across our campus.

What Has Been Accomplished

Our Transition Team has completed the move by:

• Clearing out and preparing the new space
• Relocating office furniture, desks, and equipment
• Moving computers, books, and ministry resources
• Setting up staff workspaces for daily ministry

The new office is now active and supporting the ongoing work of the church.

Continuing to Improve the Space

While the move is complete, work continues to make the space even more effective and welcoming:

• Adding décor and artwork
• Enhancing acoustics with sound-dampening elements
• Fine-tuning organization and functionality

Looking Ahead

We are also beginning to evaluate and plan for exterior improvements, including:

• Entryways and gathering areas
• Porches, windows, and railings
• General cleaning, repair, and upkeep

Moving Forward Together

The transition to Bethel Haven allows us to continue moving ahead with construction and renovation while keeping ministry strong and uninterrupted.

Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and support as we move forward together.

Fundraising Progress as of March 1^st.

As we continue this journey together, we want to keep everyone informed on where we stand, and more importantly, what God is already doing through your generosity.

Where We Are

Pledges Collected: $2,347,823

• Other Contributions: $823,826
• Total Cash Collected: $3,192,805

(Total cash includes interest earned on campaign funds.)

What This Means

We have now crossed the $3.19 million mark in collected funds, which is a strong and encouraging milestone for our campaign.

This reflects:

• Faithful follow-through on commitments
• Generosity beyond pledges
• Wise stewardship through earned interest

That combination matters, it strengthens our position as we move forward and helps reduce the amount we may ultimately need to finance.

Why It Matters Now

Every dollar given before and during construction directly impacts the size of the future loan. Simply put: The more we give now, the more freedom Bethel has later.

Thank You

If you’ve been giving—keep going.
If you’ve made a pledge—stay faithful.
If you haven’t yet participated—you can pledge and give online at any time.

This campaign is about creating space for ministry, connection, and future generations to encounter Christ at Bethel.

And you are helping make that possible, thank you!

Dear Bethel Friends and Covenant Partners,

Sunday afternoon’s congregational meeting marked the beginning of a new chapter in the life of our church. We give thanks to God for His faithfulness and for the spirit of prayer, thoughtfulness, and unity that has guided Bethel throughout the Growing in Faith campaign.

For those who were unable to attend, the congregation gathered to hear a recommendation from the Session to approve two motions related to the funding and future of the Growing in Faith renovation project. The motions were:

1. To approve a line of credit/loan of up to $8.5 million to finance the building project, secured by a deed of trust on church property.
2. To approve the marketing and sale of our property across the street, including Bethel Haven and the Blaze building, with proceeds used to help service the loan for the project.

There were 209 Covenant Partners present at the meeting. After hearing from nineteen voices in support and none in opposition, the congregation proceeded to vote. The ballots were collected by the appointed tellers—Roxanne Hudson, Jim Mohr, Allen Hauser, and Derek Pastwick—and counted in a separate room.

The results were as follows:

• Motion 1 passed with 163 votes in favor (79%), exceeding the required 67%.
• Motion 2 passed with 162 votes in favor (79%), exceeding the required 51%.

We are deeply grateful for the prayerful engagement of our congregation in this important moment. At the same time, we recognize that some members of our church family had reservations regarding the project, its funding, or the direction it represents. These brothers and sisters remain a valued and loved part of our church family. Even when we see things differently, we remain united in Christ.

As we move forward, we are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for His people in John 17:20–23, that we would be one as He and the Father are one. Our hope and prayer is that Bethel would continue to live into that unity, trusting that our shared witness to the gospel will point others to Christ. As the project moves ahead, there are several upcoming milestones to note:

• The Transition Team, led by Luis Ferreiro, has set April 9 as the planned date for relocating church offices to the Bethel Haven house.
• Beginning Monday, April 13, church ministry offices will operate from Bethel Haven.
• Sunday School classes will continue meeting in their current locations until construction begins. When that time comes, the Transition Team and Christian Education Committee will communicate new locations to teachers and volunteers.

The Build Team will continue finalizing plans and permits for Phase One of the renovation, which includes the Children’s Ministry Wing below the gym, along with improvements to the gym and lobby areas of the Family Life Center. Construction is tentatively expected to begin in May, with the hope that the Children’s Ministry Wing will be completed in time for the second semester of Preschool classes.

For those who would still like to participate in the Growing in Faith campaign, you can make a pledge or contribution by filling out a pledge card available in the church office or in the narthex of either worship space. You may also pledge or give online by visiting the campaign page and selecting the “GIVE” button: https://bethellkn.org/grow

Finally, we want to express heartfelt gratitude to the many people who have served faithfully to bring Bethel to this moment. Thank you to the Build Team—Joe Roy, Randy Ford, Martha Landis, Beth Lester, and Olen Persons—for your countless hours, wisdom, and dedication.

Thank you to our Capital Campaign Chairs, David and Karen Beard, and Mark and Tina Ariail, for your leadership, organization, and encouragement of the many volunteers who made this campaign possible.

And thank you to the more than 130 households who have already pledged or contributed toward this vision. Your generosity and faith are a tremendous encouragement and a vital part of what God is doing among us.

Above all, we give thanks to God, who has faithfully led Bethel every step of the way. As we step into this next season, we do so with humility, prayer, and gratitude, trusting His continued guidance.

As Scripture reminds us: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.”

With gratitude and hope,

Pastor Aaron

The Build Team has been hard at work, carefully price engineering each element of the renovation project to ensure construction is completed in the most cost-effective and responsible way possible. Designs, materials, and systems continue to be refined in close coordination with partners so that we are stewarding resources wisely while preserving the Growing in Faith vision.

The Children’s Ministry Wing plans are complete and construction-ready, and the Gathering Area and Sanctuary renovation plans are in their final stages of preparation. As the session and Finance Team work towards next steps, our team is ensuring these plans will be ready to be executed.

Last week, Campaign co-chair David Beard shared an update with the Session, focusing on ways covenant partners can stay informed and engaged as we move toward a congregational vote. He highlighted that Bethel’s website has been updated with a wide range of helpful information and will continue to be refreshed as new details become available. Covenant partners are encouraged to explore the Growing in Faith webpage and to share information through conversations.

The Building Committee also provided a report to the Session. They expect to receive the final cost for the Children’s Educational Wing on February 6. In parallel, Randy Ford continues conversations with banks to gather information on potential loan options. As a reminder, the role of the Financing Team (comprised of Mark Ariail, Randy Ford, Marcus Lee, and Jim Mohr) is to develop borrowing assumptions, explore lending options, and identify financial risks for Session’s consideration. Session remains responsible for determining whether and how much to borrow, communicating risks to the congregation, approving a repayment plan that protects Bethel’s ministry and mission, and ultimately bringing a recommendation to the congregation for a vote.

Looking ahead, Session will meet on February 10 at 7:00 PM to review loan options, and to discuss the details and timing of the congregational meeting.

The renovations ahead represent a significant investment in Bethel’s long-term ministry, mission, and future. Because of this, the Campaign Team and Session are committed to moving forward with clarity, care, and trust—not speed. Our focus remains on sound financial assumptions, responsible borrowing strategies, protection of the church’s ministry and mission, and clear, honest communication with the congregation.

To support this work, Session has appointed a Financing Team made up of pastoral leadership, Session representatives, and experienced members of the Finance and Stewardship teams. The team consists of: Mark Ariail, Randy Ford, Marcus Lee, and Jim Mohr.

This team is tasked with evaluating and preparing for a potential loan. Their responsibilities include developing borrowing assumptions and financial modeling, exploring available lending options, and identifying risks related to borrowing.

At this stage, the team is working to explain why borrowing is necessary, what borrowing range could be realistic given project costs and timing, how financing could be structured, and what risks should be considered. Session will use this work to determine what amount (if any) to recommend, communicate the risks to the congregation, and approve a repayment plan that protects Bethel’s ministry and mission.

Session has charged the team with securing proposed loan terms and expects to share detailed information with the congregation in February. In keeping with ECO polity, a congregational vote will be required to authorize borrowing before construction can begin. This vote would establish Bethel’s capacity to borrow; it would not commit the church to a specific loan or lender. Session will discuss the details and timing of the congregational meeting and vote at its January 27 meeting.

We remain committed to leading with transparency, unity, and faithful stewardship as we discern the next steps together.

We’re grateful for the steady progress being made as we move toward the next phase of Bethel’s Building Campaign. Over the next several weeks, Randy Ford will be meeting with several lending institutions to explore financing options that best support the scope and long-term sustainability of the project.

 Once those conversations are complete, the Finance Committee will review the information, compare the options, and prepare a recommendation. Their goal is to identify a path that reflects both sound stewardship and our shared vision for ministry growth.

The Finance Committee’s recommendation will then be brought to the Session for discussion and approval. After the Session discerns the best way forward, the proposed plan will be presented to the congregation for your consideration and approval.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we move forward together.

Thanks,

David

Dear Bethel Family,

What a special day we shared two weeks ago coming together in worship, offering thanks for God’s faithfulness, and enjoying a wonderful time of fellowship. Our hearts are full of gratitude as we celebrate how God continues to move through our congregation. Thank you for your generosity and your commitment to Growing in Faith. We are thrilled to share that the total pledged was $8,453,617.00, and we praise God for every gift and every step of faith represented.

What’s next?
Because pledges will be fulfilled over the next three years, Session and the Finance Committee will now begin working through financing options. The Finance Team will meet with banks to discuss terms and loan possibilities, after which Session will develop a recommendation for how to move forward. We expect to have all the details for you in January at which time they will be shared with the congregation for approval. In the meantime, the Build Team will continue refining pricing for Phase 1, and the Campaign Team will shift into the R.E.A.C.H. phase – focused on ongoing communication, encouragement, and engagement over the coming months and years.

Can I still pledge?
Yes! If you haven’t yet participated, you can still complete your pledge, or make a gift, through our website. Paper commitment cards are also available in the church office and may be returned to Allen Hauser.

Stay informed…
Please continue to check the Growing in Faith portion of our website for the latest updates, FAQs, and resources. 

Thank you again for your prayers, your generosity, and your faithfulness. It is truly exciting to witness how God is at work at Bethel, and we look forward to all He will continue to do in the days ahead.

With gratitude,
The Growing in Faith Campaign Team

The Campaign Leadership Team met this week and continues to be encouraged by the great momentum and engagement across our church family. The meeting began with a devotion from Romans 12, reminding us to serve faithfully and joyfully as one body. The team reviewed all the updated campaign resources now available on Bethel’s website—including key dates, Faith Stories, FAQs, and the online Commitment Card—with more content coming soon. Excitement is building for the upcoming milestone dates: Commitment Sunday on November 16 and Celebration Sunday on November 23, when we’ll gather for one service followed by a covered-dish luncheon.

Each team shared positive progress—Affinity Groups have met with most of their groups, the Build Team is finalizing plans for the Children’s Ministry Wing, and the Prayer Team is preparing for the 24-hour Prayer Vigil. Meanwhile, children, youth, and preschool ministries are joyfully engaging in campaign-related lessons and activities, and the Gratitude and Celebration Teams are helping us remember and celebrate how God has worked through Bethel’s people across generations. Thank you for your continued prayers and participation as we keep Growing in Faith together!

Happening Now

The Gratitude Sermon Series continues through November—Week 3 on November 2, Week 4 on November 9, and Week 5 on November 16, which is also Commitment Sunday.

Up Next

On November 23, the congregation will gather for Celebration and Announcement Sunday, followed by a covered dish lunch.

Later in November and into early December, the Session and Finance Teams will review funding plans based on the commitments received. If needed, a congregational meeting to vote on these plans will be scheduled between mid-December and early January.

Looking Forward

Construction on the Children’s Ministry Wing is expected to begin in February or March, with the congregation contributing financially through 2028 according to their commitments.