Dear Bethesda Family:
On March 13, which seems eons ago, I wrote to inform you that we were suspending all our in‐person services and meetings. That was a strange and difficult letter to write in response to something that had never occurred in our lifetimes. Our response as a church was in submission to our governing authorities and with keeping the safety and wellbeing of our church family as a top priority.
As we moved to online services and ministries, sent many emails, relied more on phone conversations and handwritten notes, you expressed overwhelming care and support for the church leadership and for each other. We were all moved to deeper prayer and continued fasting. Some in our congregation contracted the virus, others lost loved ones. Through those difficulties and hardships, the body of Bethesda responded with an outpouring of love and prayer.
Moving into the future weeks we will continue to honor the Lord first, and then those who he has put in authority over us. Peter wrote to the first century church, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors…” [1 Peter 2:13‐14] Michigan’s governor has begun to lift restrictions and our president has called for churches to safely reopen.
Considering our governor’s latest order which does include exemptions for churches and the recent declaration by our president, we are planning to Bethesda’s sanctuary for Sunday services beginning Sunday, May 31. Bethesda, we are one, and our leadership remains committed to all whether they attend a live service or join online. We understand that as we resume in‐house services, some must continue to remain in their homes. Our services will embrace and engage the entire congregation—those in the building and the congregation at large!
We are gradually reopening. For now, the Sunday morning service at 10am will be our only in‐person service. All other services and meetings during the week continue to be suspended. As we resume the Sunday morning service, we do so with deliberation and precautions in place. For those of you who plan to attend a Sunday morning service, here is what we are doing and what is expected:
Download the entire letter from Pastor Pat here:
Open Letter From Pastor Pat Visger- Updated 5/25/20
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Your Generosity
With your partnership through generosity, Bethesda supports missionaries and ministries, all aimed at spreading the good news of Jesus Christ in our community and the world. At times like this, there is a lot to be done. Online giving is secure, easy, and a great way to continue supporting the mission during this period.
Life Groups
Our singles, widows, and young adults may not be able to meet up in person, but they are still going strong with online meetups. Are you looking to connect with one of these groups? Send us an email below to get started.