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