2018 ANNUAL REPORT

To glorify God by helping more people

know and serve Him

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH 1781 West 38th Street

Erie PA 16508

Associate Pastor Tim George Care Pastor Jerry Davis

Associate Pastor’s Annual Report - 2018

Sometimes you reach the end of the year and the Administrative Assistant reminds you that it’s time for annual reports and

you think, “It can’t possibly have been a year already!” Well, it has been. And it is good that we take time to look back

over the year and thank and praise God for what He has done.

At the beginning of the year, as a church, we finished our sermon series studying the book of Galatians. We then spent the

Spring in a series studying the Core Values of Bethel, the things that drive us as a church, that affect our decisions and

choices, and that are a part of who we are as a church. Over the Summer we revisited 12 of the most well known

“children’s” Bible stories and studied them with fresh eyes. In the Fall we began an exegetical series in the book of 1 Peter,

which is continuing on into the beginning of 2019, though we took a break in December for an advent series on the lineage

and family of Jesus. The goal with each sermon and series, as those who regularly attend know, is that we would each walk

out the doors on Sunday different than when we came in.

Through generous donations and partnership with Bethel Christian School, God provided the funds this Summer to finally be

able to remove and replace the carpet in the Ministry Center with a composite floor that will meet the various needs of a

multipurpose room. We were also able to repaint the entire Ministry Center and add the church logo on the North wall. The

new look and updates have been a huge refreshment and encouragement, specifically because we were able to watch

God provide the funds and opportunity to make the improvements.

Over the last year, we continued in our emphasis on reaching out in relationship to our community, and specifically to our

daycare families. In February we held our first “Belate Your Date” babysitting day to give our daycare parents a break and

a night out. Our 4th Annual Summer Block Party saw over 300 guests from the community and we were able to generously

give away over $1,000 in gift cards. As always, our Trunk or Treat outreach had a great turnout, so much so that nearly

everyone ran out of candy. We held our second free babysitting “Shopping Day” in December for daycare parents, as well

as a handful of “free coffee” mornings, handing out Tim Horton’s coffee during drop-off.

This year we had our first (hopefully annual) Christmas at Bethel Party: Flapjacks and Flannel. It was a great time to spend

together as a church family in a casual setting, something we don’t do often enough.

God continues to bring more people through our doors. In 2018 we averaged nearly 4 guests every Sunday. Of those

guests, at least 58 of them were local first time attenders. We are excited that a handful of those guests have turned into

regular attenders, and Pastor Jerry is invaluable in helping them get connected. However, it remains our burden and

prayer to see more of those guests make Bethel their home so that we can partner with them in what the gospel is doing in

their lives. We did see the addition of one (1) new member this year. In 2018, our average attendance was 113.

The year ended on a very exciting note, as our last service of the year was a baptism service that saw four (4) people

publically declaring their commitment to follow God with their lives!

In everything that we do, our mission at Bethel is to help more people know and serve God more. We want to glorify God

by making more and better disciples. As we look back on 2018, the question we should ask is, how did we do in pursuing

and accomplishing that mission? It’s easy to lose sight of that while we “do church” throughout the year, but we can’t let

ourselves. The stakes are too high for those who are close to us, but far from God. Looking forward on 2019, my prayer is

that we grow in our partnership together so that you know and serve God more and that more people through us come to

know and serve God. Wouldn’t it be awesome, and incredible, if each of us who are members or regularly attend just

reached one person who gave their life to God in the next two years?

I am so thankful for all of you partners in our ministry here at Bethel. We are the church, together, and it is so enjoyable to

work alongside you all: deacons, officers, staff, all you volunteers. Thank you all for your support, encouragement, and

dedication. I thank God for each of you.

I can’t wait to see how God continues to bless and lead in 2019,

Pastor Tim

James 4:13-15

Bethel Cares (CARE is a ministry of Bethel Baptist Church)

Pastor Jerry Davis

Luke 10:34 says: “He went to him and bandaged the wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his

own donkey, brought him to the inn, and took care of him.” Jesus told about a man that saw another with a need and

“took care of him”. This is what I see the CARE ministry at Bethel doing. My philosophy has always been from the

beginning, that I should extend my Christian life into a course of action, by striving to let my light shine before

others, and letting them know that we care---because Jesus cares!

This year has been a year filled with many challenges and a vast array of opportunities. God has richly blessed my

life in this service to Him here at Bethel. I consider the following as blessings from the Lord through this CARE

program:

1. I have visited in many homes and with many people through the year. Many

new contacts have been made and new friendships are being developed.

2. Our shut-ins have received proper attention, as I have visited them several times

during the year. We have shared stories and reflections of the past. Eight gift

baskets were delivered by several of our church family to shut-ins at Christmas.

3. The Prayer Ministry has been a focal point as I work to keep our Wednesday night

Attendees service informed of current needs. Prayer is an integral part of my efforts as I share requests with

others. Our staff starts every new week with prayer for the needs and concerns of our church.

4. I have had many opportunities to visit our church family when hospitalized. We

usually have good conversations, Scripture reading, and prayer.

5. Several new programs were introduced: “Care and Share” counselling, new gospel

tracts, and a new questionnaire entitled “Are You a Christian?”.

6. I have taught the “Information and Membership” class twice during 2018.

7. I am working with Pastor Tim as he continues to develop as a pastor. He and I work

together on many fronts to help each other. Most everything I do has been discussed

with Pastor Tim, and Kerry as needed.

8. I have counselled with several families and individuals regarding their concerns and needs.

9. Many people have heard of our CARE program and have contacted me for a variety of

needs. My concern is always to be available so that I will have a chance to share

Jesus to those who may not know the Savior.

10. There may be other parts of this ministry that are ongoing. Suggestions are welcomed!

As I reflect on what has been done, I have a positive assessment of this past year’s accomplishments. However, I

believe there is more to do, and I look forward to seeing more of our church family engaged in this ministry.

Someone once said, “God has chosen us to help one another.”

In Christian Love

Pastor Jerry

Annual Deacon Report for 2018

God has been good to Bethel Baptist Church. We look back at 2018 and see His work in many areas. God has provided help in spiritual matters, in building matters, and financial matters. Spiritually, God has blessed us with two associate pastors. Both Pastor Tim and Pastor Jerry have worked diligently to provide spiritual guidance and care for the flock here at Bethel. The building has been well cared for by Mike Myers’ leadership. As both deacon and Maintenance Chairman, Mike has spent hours keeping the building in repair as well as leading the floor replacement project in the ministry center. Jon Anderson has served as both a deacon and Media Chairman, seeing to it that technology is working well in our building. Rob Hess has served as the deacon liaison to transportation needs in the church. Rob made sure that the van has been cared for throughout the year. John Gribbin has served as deacon liaison to the Christian Education Committee. This has been John’s first full year as an elected deacon. Tom Gribbin has served as deacon chairman and treasurer of the church. His responsibility is to see that all funds of the church are spent with the approval of the deacons. God has abundantly provided for Bethel. Several costly projects remain to be done in 2019. Specifically, the two parking lot entrances off 38th street need to be redone. Acoustic improvements need to be made in the ministry center, as well as sound equipment updates. Please be praying that God will lead us to accomplish these projects with the funds on hand. Also, keep praying about the vote mid-year that concerns the calling of Pastor Tim, should the deacons make such a recommendation. In Christ’s name, Tom Gribbin, Chairman

2018 Bethel Baptist Church Statistics Baptisms (these 4 were baptized Dec 30th) Samantha Eberlin Sarah Eberlin Karis Fenton Kelcie Fenton

Births Amelia Eve George April 4th Liana Hope Fenton August 20 Deaths Jean Nicewonger Feb. 9th

Harvey McClure July 28

Vonnie Hall September 14th

New Members Margaret Vandy

Members Dismissed David Clausen Carolyn Davis Katie DePew Roger Dougan Cindy Dougan Jennifer Dougan Emily Gleason Molly Kennedy (Davies) Melanie McLallen Covert Nathan McLallen Phillip McLallen David Miles Kristen Miles Ruth Peters Northcutt Garry Shultz Dawn Shultz Amanda Shultz Nicole Shultz (the above names were voted on January 21st) Marcia Gribbin, Church Clerk

MISSIONARY REPORT 2018

It is always encouraging to hear our missionaries echo Habakkuk's faith: "Though the fig tree does not bud and

there are no grapes on the vines... and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in God my Saviour. The Sovereign Lord is

my strength...." Such faith in God's power, direction and provision during difficult and discouraging times gives us

examples of godly, humble men and women worshipping our wise and holy and loving God. May we consistently

remember, when we are put through the "Refiner's fire", it is to reflect His glory and grace.

Such was the emphasis that Bart and Emily Allen, our missionaries to Papua New Guinea, who visited Bethel

Baptist in December, gave as they talked about the natives that they have been working with for the last nine years. The

difficulties, discouragement and resistance they have encountered as they are trying to learn and translate the Bible into

the tribal language of a people that believe in sorcery and witchcraft as the path to "success" has been traumatic. But,

as they are bringing the light of Christ to this group of needy people, Bart and Emily are learning daily the value of

suffering for Christ and dying to themselves. As they see how fragile and broken they are, they realize that Christ's

power will be shown more clearly through their weaknesses ( II Cor. 4:10-11).

Greg Frank, Director of Bethany Camp, visited our church in January 2018, and also gave us a similar challenge to

follow Daniel's commitment to pray and stand for the Lord regardless of bleak circumstances or persecution. Certainly

in the 66 years that Camp Bethany has been in existence, there have been multiple times when spiritual blindness,

finances, building projects, government restrictions , family tragedies, etc. have made their efforts look hopeless, yet

Greg, the staff as well as all the leaders and board members from the present and the past have looked to the Lord to

meet each and every need. To hear Greg talk about the 4,000 campers that participated in 2017 and the staff that the

Lord brought to help minister, to help reach the campers' hearts through the message of the Cross and to encourage

spiritual growth, is heart-warming and reflective of the Holy Spirit's work and blessing.

So our visit with Becky McGregor in August of 2018 was also a powerful testimony to the presence and guidance

of our Lord. From her 9th grade decision here at Bethel Baptist Church to be a missionary nurse, to her experience of

working with children at camp, to providing financial support, to also teaching English, her 40 years of work in

Bangladesh and Mongolia has been a lifetime of learning to trust Christ. Her walk with the Lord has been a joy as she

saw God meet her physical and spiritual needs. The Lord has directed Becky to retire at the end of 2018. She continues

to look to her Heavenly Father for protection and provision.

What powerful testimonies to the strength and working of our God through weak and broken vessels.

For His Glory,

Paul Meeker

Our mission, as Bethel Baptist church, is to glorify

God by helping more people know and serve Him.

The goal, of FUSE youth ministry, is to focus that

mission on teens. Based on that goal, the

purpose of FUSE, is to help unite teens with God’s

purposes to create whole disciples.

We don’t want to just repeat the rules of being a

Christian and teach teens how to “do

Christianity.” Our desire is to help teens

understand how the Bible fits in their own life, and can see that they are free to define their own relationship with God.

We want them to know God on a personal level and serve him with every aspect of their life.

Our numbers have been low over the last year, as families with teenage kids are at premium right now at Bethel. The

groups has more of a “small group” feel to it. So after we finished out “A Wise Man Once Said” series on the wisdom in

Proverbs, we began a group Bible study called G Force which leads us in independent Bible study throughout the week

which begins with a valuable group discussion together. The study is about discovering a deeper relationship with God,

together.

Our teens have also had the opportunity to grow in other environments as well this year. They’ve participated in the

Bethany Camp’s summer camp, The Bethany Camp Blizzard, the Bethel Block Party, Trunk or Treat, as well as our own

unique and special FUSE events like our New Years Eve party.

I’m excited to see what God is going to do in the lives of our teens this next year!

Pastor Tim

Equip and Children’s Ministries

Do you ever go down the children’s wing on a Sunday morning? If not, you might not have any idea

what goes on down there. A lot goes on! On an average Sunday morning we have at least 10

children under the age of 4 that are being taught and cared for, and usually 10-14 children ages 5 –

3rd grade in the small gym having their KidsWorship service. The children get checked in, have some

play time, and then are learning important truths about God and worshipping Him in an age-

appropriate way every week. To make this happen, every single Sunday there are 6 teens and adults

that are serving in those ministries, along with 3 others involved in the checking-in process. That is just

during the worship service, and doesn’t include what happens during the Equip hour! We are so

thankful for the volunteers we have that are willing to be used by God in this important ministry.

During the Equip hour there are classes available for children of all ages, as well as three classes

available for teens and adults. Over the summer we had a short five week break, and then resumed

in August.

Equip Average Attendance for 2018 was as follows:

January: 62 May: 57 September: 57

February: 59 June: 63 October: 59

March: 54 July: On Break November: 59

April: 60 August: 59 December: 65

Thanks to all who serve in our Children’s and Equip Ministries!

– Tamim Fenton

2018 Maintenance Committee Annual Report

The expression “If I knew then what I know now…” could describe my perspective as I look back over 2018. Being a

‘rookie’ at this position, I’m not sure if I was totally prepared for the amount of time it takes to keep up with the

maintenance issues of Bethel. My experiences this year have deepened my appreciation for others who have held this

position. I am so very thankful for the great team of co-laborers who were with me all year long. They always listened

to my ideas, no matter how crazy, and responded with wisdom and support. The Maintenance Committee members for

2018 were: Kerry Gleason, Bonnie Hess, Rob Hess, Bethany Kaufman, Matt Kennedy and Sharon Trevino. All Bethel

members and attenders should join me in thanking these talented individuals for their commitment to Bethel.

Coming into 2018, we had some goals for improvement to the facility. But before we could get started on those, we

faced some immediate needs. First, ‘snow-megedon’ destroyed our old snow blower. The churched voted to approve

spending $2200.00 toward the purchase of a new Honda snow blower from Miller Brothers. It proved to be a

worthwhile purchase considering the large amount of snow last winter. Next, there were some major issues with our

boiler system. All in all, after installing a new control system, infusion pump, and other parts and labor, repair costs

exceeded $6000.00. Praise the Lord for His provision – and faithful supporters of the ministry.

The Maintenance committee met in February to begin planning for 2018 goals. Most of our planning focused on

updating the ministry center. Giving towards the flooring project exceeded expectations; between Bethel and BCS over

$16,000.00 was raised, which cut our cost of the total project in half. With the necessary funds in place, the committee

met to select the flooring color and set a timeline for the project. In June, we started by investing some ‘sweat equity’ of

our own – removing the carpet and glue. A wonderful collection of volunteers showed up on a Friday night and

Saturday to cut out the carpet and load it in the dumpster, then scrape and scrub the glue off the floor. Their efforts

saved about $4000.00. Praise the Lord for His provision – and faithful supporters of the ministry.

In July, Cornerstone Construction began installing the flooring, which took about a month. I’m grateful for the

opportunity to work with Gene Seip, a fellow believers, on this project. Gene and his crew were great to work with.

Gene was even kind enough to tithe a portion of the project back to Bethel. I’m confident that installing new laminate

flooring in the ministry center will benefit us for years to come.

After the flooring project was complete, the committee set their sights on further improvements in the ministry center.

It had been 20 years since the ministry center was painted, so a fresh coat was long overdue. The church graciously

voted to spend $7,300.00 to add a fresh coat of paint to the ministry center. Praise the Lord for His provision – and

faithful supporters of the ministry.

The final piece of the flooring project was added in December. In a joint effort with Bethel Christian School, the church

voted to spend $2700.00 toward the purchase of a new floor cleaner for the ministry center. Again, it was great to work

with fellow believers Jason and Scott at Sanford Supply, who went above and beyond to find us the right machine for the

job.

When you consider the whole, Bethel is a large ministry. The building is bustling every day of the week. I can’t imagine

managing it without the support of Bethel Christian School, particularly the school board and administrator, Kathe

Gleason. It’s a blessing to partner with people who share the same commitment to ministry. Thank you for the

encouragement, wisdom, and prayer support you offer.

What a great time to be involved at Bethel – not just because of what was improved with the facility this year, but

because of the people we are able to minister with. I can’t begin to name all of you, but thank you for all of your prayer,

support, time and talents. I thank God for our Bethel family. I hope you all have a blessed and wonderful 2019.

In His Service,

Mike Myers, Maintenance Committee Chair

Bethel Christian School Report

God’s goodness! We want to share what God is doing in our midst at BCS.

We kicked off the year with some major changes to our elementary program.

God has blessed with great results as we have ended this first quarter.

Students are engaged, teachers are enjoying the added time for each subject.

God’s provision; with the additional students this year we have been able to

add staff and broaden our curriculum.

Keyboarding, learning to use Microsoft Suite, and Coding classes have been

added to our elementary and high school curriculum.

BCS has received a facelift recently in our High School Science Lab. Our STEM

Lab is continuing to grow as we are adding supplies and new furniture. And for

the funds to continue to upgrade areas of the campus.

Word of Life’s Revive Team came to lead our students in a Spiritual Emphasis

Week. They brought a great mix of games, team building activities, and

challenges from God’s word. They led small groups to discuss the spiritual

topics and challenges allowing our students the opportunity to respond to the

Lord’s leading. Donikowski’s hosted a bonfire at their home which provided a

great night for the students to enjoy a time with the Revive Team and each

other.

Students have come forward initiating Student Led Bible Studies for our 7-12

grades. It is such a praise to see our students growing our school culture.

Praising the Lord for you our parents and partners in our efforts.

Praise the Lord for increased attendance this year.

Praising the Lord for the ministry of Bethel Baptist Church and their heart to

continue their investment in the Ministry of Bethel Christian School.

Praise the Lord for the heart of our student body K-12. We have an amazing

group of students to invest in.

Praise the Lord for 490+ family and friends that enjoyed a beautiful evening of

music at our Annual Christmas Concert. It was a great presentation of the

gospel and a blessing to see our children singing with all their hearts.

Praise the Lord for our students hearts as they put together student led drives

to raise money to help baby Lyla Anthony as the family walks through Cancer

treatments. The Student Council led our 2nd Annual Stuff the Van event and

gathered a large amount of new and gently used coats, winter wear, bedding,

and other house hold items for EUMA.

Praising the Lord for His provision as we continue to partner with families to

raise children for the King.

Serving Him,

Kathe Gleason

Bethel Baptist Church

Church Officers Elected for 2019

Financial Secretary – Bob Miller

Treasurer – James T. Gribbin

Sunday School Superintendent – Tamim Fenton

Church Clerk – Marcia Gribbin

Maintenance Committee Chair – Mike Myers

Music Committee – Sharon Trevino

Missionary Committee Chair – Sandy Henneman

Usher – Ron Gromacki

Technology Committee Chair – Jon Anderson

Deacon – Rob Hess, Mike Myers, James T. Gribbin

Bethel Christian School Board - Erika Trevino

2019 Bethel Baptist Church

Deacons

Jonathan Anderson – secretary

James T Gribbin – chairman

John Gribbin

Robert Hess

Michael Myers

2019 Bethel Christian School

Board Members

Andrew Gribbin

Scott Kaufman – vice chairman

Melinda Myers – secretary

Michael Myers

Audra Neumann – chairwoman

Mark Pavkov

Lisa Sanchez – treasurer

Erika Trevino