Congregational Update

Dear Congregation:

I wanted to follow up on the Bishop’s and District Superintendent’s announcements I made in Church on April 23.

I believe first and foremost the changes are reason to celebrate.  We hired Steve Lefebvre a few years ago as a Youth Director and his faith, with prayerful support from the congregation, lead him to finally act on God’s call to ministry.  That is a true blessing.  Likewise, we are seeing our beloved Felicia Kumar going on to be a senior pastor at another Church where she can share her faith and commitment to God with others.

And, let’s not forget, we are truly blessed to have Craig reappointed to Bethlehem!

I have been a Methodist my entire life and for a while struggled with the turnover in pastors, particularly when I was young.  I have now learned to take a broader view of God’s plan and am encouraged by the words of Bishop McAlilly that the appointments were made with “the mission of the Church as our first priority.”

Although we will miss Steve and Felicia, we should continue to celebrate what God has in store for them, their congregations and our own Church home, Bethlehem United Methodist Church.

Be assured that SPRC (Staff Parish Relations Committee) and staff are working to be sure that the ministries currently provided by Felicia and Steve continue without interruption.

Bo Turner, Chair

Staff Parish Relations Committee