State of the Church 2008

Submitted by Beech Grove Lay Leader Marty Rintamaki

     What a year we have had at Beech Grove!  God has moved among us in powerful ways. This is evidenced by the destruction of the tornado here in Driver and in the quiet tears shed for the loss of many who were near and dear to our hearts.

     We had a wonderful way of showing God’s love as so many people were served by our congregation when the disaster hit so close to our front door.  He even arranged for there to be a very large amount of homemade chicken salad available to feed the masses.  Forget about loaves and fishes, how many people can a chicken feed in the hands of United Methodist Women?  Though it was stressful especially to those living and working in Driver, it was the perfect opportunity for Beech Grove to show what a group of faithful followers can do.  We saw evidence of this even when we went camping and were chatting with a couple parked next to us from northern Virginia. When we mentioned we were from the Driver area they immediately knew our church because their daughter who lives in Chesapeake had brought food here to help out and returned several times to be of assistance.  We never know the power of one small act of kindness and how it can multiply.

We have also cried many tears this year.  We shed tears of joy for
those of our flock who were going to their deserved rest but tears of
sadness that we indeed will miss their faces here at Beech Grove. 
They ranged in age from people in their 80s to a child of 9.  Our church
family was an amazing help to their families as our final tribute to their
lives of service.     

     We have seen a leveling off of membership with many new persons
coming in the doors and new programs instituted for follow up and tracking of attendance has made a difference in the retention of new prospective members.  Our challenge as set out by the Joshua committee is to get these people involved in some small group activity or service so that they will connect to others and quickly feel at home here.  I think the e-mail we received from one of the new visitors this year spoke to the heart of the wonderful job we do in opening our doors and arms to people.  He was so pleased with the greeting they received here and the follow-up visit from the Wrays, that this couple who hadn’t been to church in 20 years found they were immediately accepted and at home.  They felt at home so much that they didn’t feel the need to look any further for a church family and have been back every week since.  That, my friends, is the validation that we indeed are alive and well.

     As we pay off the loan on our property behind us, we are looking to the future with anticipation and angst. Joy in having the opportunity we have to grow when so many churches are closing their doors due to drastically dwindling numbers. Angst at meeting the future needs of our church and planning to spend a great amount of money to do so. Many decisions need to be made as to how best to use the wonderful chance we have been given to grow.  Pray for your church and its leaders that they make the best plans with prayerful consideration as we grow and change.

     I have been fortunate to serve our God and His church as your Lay Leader for three years now.  I thank you for the opportunity to grow and develop spiritually through that service.  Now it is time to move on to another growing time as I pursue my master’s degree.  I will still be here every Sunday I possibly can and look forward to seeing where God will lead me to serve next.  Thanks for your love and support.
    
     May God be with our little church as we face the future of service and love.

In His name, Marty