Thanks to the congregations who took the survey last Sunday regarding the possibility of re-scheduling the Sunday Service. 34% voted against and 63% voted in favour of the change. Since we did not have 80% support, we will wait until the majority see the needs. And we will discuss it further and deeper at the Family Forum on Jan 21, 2024.
To prepare for possible weather conditions in the winter season, the Board has approved an Inclement Weather Policy. Brothers and sisters may review the full policy for details, a copy of which will be posted on the bulletin board in the church office and on the church website. If Bethel decides to cancel in-person Sunday services at church, an announcement will be posted on our church website (www.bethelmb.org) on or before 6:30 a.m. in the morning.
On Sunday, December 10, 2023, the Board of Deacons and the Pastoral Team received a formal resignation from Sarah Lok to step down from her leadership duties as a Deacon effective January 1, 2024. On behalf of the Church and the Pastoral Staff, the Deacons have motioned and respectfully accepted Deacon Sarah's resignation. Bethel has been blessed by her faithfulness and devotion to serve and lead the Church. A by-election shall be called in accordance with Bethel's Bylaw. Details of the by-election will be announced soon. May we continue to walk in unity and bond in Jesus' love. May we continue to be faithful during this time of change.
Christmas lunch will start after service at 12:00 PM in the basement. For those who have already purchased tickets, please join us in sharing delicacies to celebrate Christmas together. We will have Christmas Celebration @1:30 PM in the main sanctuary.
Next Sunday (Dec. 24) will have Joint Christmas Service @ 10:00 AM in the main sanctuary. After service, Chinese Prayer Meeting will be held @11:30 AM in the main sanctuary. Also, there will be Christmas Caroling @12:30-2:00 PM around church.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held on December 24 at 7:00 PM in the main sanctuary. Let us celebrate and remember the birth and coming of Jesus together!
Christmas and New Year events, please join us to celebrate and count God's blessings!
Dec. 31: Year-end Thanksgiving Prayer Meeting @11: 30am in the main sanctuary.
Jan. 7, 2024: Deacons' Installation Joint Service @10am in the main sanctuary.
Missions Fund Update: Our Missions Fund Budget (From January to December 2023) is $72,300. Approximate $6,025 a month. The fiscal year of Mission Fund ends at the end of December. However, as of November 26, 2023, the Missions Fund offering received only $41,776.36. We are still short $30,523.64. Please continue to pray and support our Mission Ministry.
Thanks be to God for generous sisters' & brothers' offerings this year! To make sure your donations count towards your 2023 donation receipt, please submit your offering in person by the end of service on Sunday, December 31 OR online through e-Transfer by December 29, 2023, at noon.
Financial Report (unaudited): June 1, 2023 - Aug 31, 2023 (First Quarter)
General Contribution $56,980.40
Other Income $1,558.13
Total Revenue $58,538.53
Total Expenses $90,417.04
Deficit (-) -31,878.51 Please pray for the deficit and continue to financial support.
Rev. Alice will be on leave on Dec 21.
2024 Church calendar is ready for pick up. One for each family, feel free to pick up extra copies for non-Christian friends as gifts to share the good news.Pastor Peter Chong has written the English Ministry Pastoral Corner. The purpose is to establish transparency and communicate how EM leadership will lead the EM congregation. It has been posted on the Bulletin Board outside of EM Chapel and new updates will be posted monthly. Chinese translation is also made available for CM and MM.