Just think … You’re here not by chance, but by God’s choosing.
His hand formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else—you are one of a kind. You lack nothing that His grace can’t give you. He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation.
-Roy Lessin-
In the beginning We were thrilled to welcome you to Tillsonburg in January—and even more excited when the whole family moved to town in May.
2011
Welcome to Tillsonburg and Bethel Temple
Relay for Life
Dear Pastor Brent and family, Thank you for the nice smiles you gave me on Sunday. Paige’s happy smile reminded me of the days when she was sick and I made some angel cakes for her. I’ll miss you all and may God’s richest blessing be always with you in the days ahead. When you are sad and feeling blue remember the Lord is still with you. Psalms 23:3 He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name sake.
Love and God bless, Marilyn McQueen
Celebrating Christmas together
Summer picnic
Pastor Sarabeth arrives
Celebrating 75 years This year we honoured our past and started dreaming of the future. We packed the house, made some updates to the building and introduced Family Day to the community.
2012
Pack the House
Ladies’ Weekend
I am sad that you are leaving our church family, I will miss you all very much. I have watched the girls grow up in the church. I remember when you all came around ten years ago. The girls would have their lovely dresses on each Sunday. How they have grown over the years into lovely young ladies thanks to you and Laura. I have been blessed with you in my life and only wish the very best for you, Laura and the girls. Lots of love always, Winnie Dyer
Broadcasting on Rogers Cable 13
Family Day is born!
It is with great sadness that you have decided to resign as pastor of Bethel Pentecostal Church here in Tillsonburg. I always appreciated you as our pastor. You have done such a great and loving job ministering to us, encouraging us to walk closer with the Lord. I am sure many souls have been won to Jesus. You provided amazing leadership and did a wonderful job during our building program. You and the board spent many hours getting the job done right. Everything turned out so beautifully. I appreciated you during a time when I needed prayer and pastoral support when Betty was sick. I know you will forever remember the “sweetie situation”—what a wonderful memory of the amazing, loving wife I had. The Lord bless you, your future, and your wonderful family. You will always be remembered as a great pastor. God Bless, Don Hutchison
Fun with children and youth
I learned early on that Pastor Brent likes raisins in his carrot cake (just like his Mom makes it). Best wishes for a smooth move. You’re always welcome to come for a visit. Shirley Burwell
Thanks for encouraging me in things I never thought I could do (and mostly still don’t). I loved your vision to GO BIG and will never forget it. Pam Papadakos
Family Picnic in Coronation Park
Relay for Life
Taking steps of faith
Family fun on Sundays
Time for a facelift
75th Anniversary Celebrations
A fresh look
Celebrating Christmas together
Sonbeam Christian Day Care
As some people journey through life they leave footprints of kindness and love, courage and compassion, joy and faith. Even when they’re gone, the trail they’ve left behind continues to inspire us. Pastor Brent and Laura, I thank you for your ministry to us. Praying that our Lord Jesus will continue to lead and guide you for your future in a ministry that
He will need you in. God Bless You All! Louise Leadsom
The joy of the season
Christmas at Command Centre
A year for firsts This year was all about firsts. We had our first mens’ and kids’ retreats, we joined the Turtlefest Block Party, hosted our first daycamp and began our Best of Bethel summit series.
2013
We added a pancake breakfast to Family Day
Sorry to see you go. It was nice to know you. You were great with us and we are going to miss you greatly. We hope your endeavours are better than you expect. Gus and Bonnie Papadakos
We wish you all the best in future endeavours. May God be with you. George, Nikko, Zan and Zoey Papadakos
Good times with students
Manafest concert at Glendale
I can’t say it was a major surprise when you informed us that you are moving on to new adventures. We know that it will be exciting for you heading into another part of our province, meeting new friends, and obviously engaging in a new church in some way. The last number of years have been a blessing getting to know you all and watching the girls grow into beautiful young ladies and doing the Lords work together. A day on the water was neat as well, even though you caught 40 winks all bundled up in the front of the cruise ship. We thank you so much for all your efforts in helping to expose Bethel to Tillsonburg in ways that hadn’t been done before. We have all grown in the Lord through your leadership, training and enthusiasm. We will miss you all greatly however, will cherish the memories created together. We look forward to hearing from you from time to time with highlights of what’s happening in your lives. God bless you Brent, Laura, Paige, Avery and Julia. Jan and Al Peardon
Bounce Kids Retreat at Braeside Camp
Sugar rush!
Turtlefest Downtown Block Party
Awards Night
Sunday moments and memories
Thank you and God’s blessings on your life path! Sandra Jakob
Sorry to see you go. Good luck in all your future endeavours. Dimitri & Liane Papadakos
Memories at Day Camp
As you leave... My faith has been made stronger because of our connection.
And even though I don’t want you to go, I know that many others will be blessed to know you, just as I have been. Thank you for being there for me and my family. I will cherish these memories. Donna Charters
Movember
Best of Bethel
Mi Hermano! I can’t begin to tell you how much you mean to me. You have coached me, stretched me and pushed me to where I never thought I could go and for that I am eternally grateful. You have been a friend and confidant as I worked through the passing of Dad. I pray and will continue to pray for God’s continued blessing on you and your family. I am excited for what God has in store for you…get it… in store! All I can really say is THANK YOU! Chris Burwell
Men’s Retreat at Chesley Lake
A year of growth This year our relationships grew deeper, our congregation grew larger and we expanded Family Day through a new partnership with the Town of Tillsonburg. We also renovated the stage for the Victory for Today program.
2014
So many families enjoyed the expanded Family Day activities
We are very thankful for your family. Bethel has been truly blessed with your ministry. We thank you for all your prayers and also for the visits while I spent time in hospital. We know you will be missed dearly, but God has great things in store for you all. You will love Orono and Bowmanville as you make your new home there and they will love you. We will be praying for your family as you make this transition. We hope to see you on one of our visits to Bowmanville. God Bless. Keep well & safe! Bill & Linda McDowell
Good Friday
Women’s events
Special Sundays
Youth
I can’t believe how fast 10 years has gone! I have enjoyed seeing your family grow. There have been so many fun times—sledding down our hill, the girls driving our golf cart, women’s retreats, kids activities, Breakfast in Bethlehem, church planning… too many to list! Pastor Brent, I want to thank-you for helping me through the time leading up to my aunt and dad’s death. You helped me with both eulogies which I could not have done as well without you. I was so surprised when you showed up at my Aunt’s funeral and you didn’t even know her. You did it to support me and I will not forget it. Your visits to the hospital when Dad was near passing and praying with us meant the world to me. At the cemetery you told me how proud you were of me for doing his eulogy. I don’t know if you realize how powerful it was to me to hear my pastor say that. Thank-you for your encouragement—even times when I was not good at accepting it. Laura and girls, you need to know how much we have appreciated the time you have sacrificed with your husband and dad when he has been needed for meetings, appointments and to care, pray and cry for people when needed (after office hours). We remember this the evening Archie passed. Julia, you may not remember or even have known that your birthday party got moved to later in the day so your Mom and Dad could sing at my Father’s funeral. I appreciated the love that it demonstrated to me so thanks Laura and Julia! Your smile is contagious Julia! Paige, I have loved seeing you act in a couple skits. It seemed apparent that you loved it and did a great job! I believe you have many talents such as doing hair, music and art. Develop them! Avery, you are talented academically. I remember reading a story you wrote and I was impressed at your writing skills at a young age. (at old church) Doing French immersion is quite an accomplishment. I have witnessed little glimpses that you girls are all talented musically and artistically—wish I would be around to see more! Most of all, follow the example of your parents of being great loving and caring people. Each person that you influence will be enriched because of your love! My family certainly was.
Love you Shepherd family, Leanne Burwell
Bounce Kids’ Retreat at Braeside Camp
It has been my pleasure to be under your ministry in word and song the last ten years and to watch your children grow. God has been with us in all the projects you have taken on. May you go in peace and blessings, and if the future seems uncertain I have a scripture that is a great comfort to me. Isaiah 41:10— “Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Yours in Christ, Blenda Olson
Happy families at the Turtlefest Block Party
In every thing give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Words cannot express our gratitude! We have always enjoyed you and your family. Thank you for the challenges you have brought from the pulpit and for Laura’s music ministry. We enjoyed seeing the girls grow from little splashes in the pool to big waves. Wishing you all the best for what God has in store for you in the future. Don & Marg Spence
Food and fellowship at the Family Picnic
I just want to try and express how much you will be missed. We can’t always express in he short time we have at church to say what we want. I would probably cry and I wouldn’t want to make you cry. I remember when I came to Bethel about a year after you and knew that this was where God wanted me to be. I thank you for your years of dedication to Bethel and the insights you brought that helped me to grow in the Lord. I remember the day you married Alan and I. I was so blessed that day. I am reminded of Nehemiah who was so dedicated to prayer; how when he needed guidance, strength, protection, and provision his first response was prayer. I thank you for helping us all come closer to Our Lord thru prayer. To seek God first. I am truly grateful, also for the bible study and online church during this COVID pandemic. Tremendous dedication. I know this can’t be easy for you but I know that God will continue to guide you and bless you. I pray God’s blessing over you and his provision in every aspect of this new season in your life, and the life of your family. You are in our prayers. Theresa and Alan Wentzell
Memories at Day Camp
Thank you Pastor Brent for your prayers and messages. I have enjoyed the messages on “Kindness” and “Strength” and look forward to the next ones. Also thanks to Laura for her beautiful voice and music. You will all be greatly missed. Love to you all, and prayers for the future. Marie Smith
Stage renovations
Christmas
Digging in We continued to focus on ministry in 2015 while moving forward with plans for the new facility. We hosted workshops for the junior highs to learn more about ministry opportunities at Bethel, including worship team.
2015
So many families enjoyed the expanded Family Day activities
Learning together on Sundays
Worship workshops
Larry and I and all that knew you will miss you lots. Three and a half years ago I was told, —well not me, cause I never knew what was happening, but the doctor told Larry and my children—that I would not make it through. Larry asked if you could come pray for me, and you asked the church to also pray, and God heard all of your prayers and my life was once more saved. Pastor Brent, I always knew you were a child of God and God knows your heart. I pray He blesses you and your family. In Jesus, we ask to see you on a different path. Doris and Larry Byers
Good times at Day Camp
Celebrating Christmas together
Groundbreaking ceremony for new building at 269 Quarter Town Line
Brent, Laura & family, All the best to you and your family may Jesus, continue to guide you and the family in
following your dreams. Nandarie Victorino
Getting settled Construction began on the new building and we counted the days until our move. In August, we officially said goodbye to Bidwell, and settled into our new home on Quarter Town Line.
2016
A full house for Tillsonburg Family Day
Kids and youth
God bless you on your move in the future and where it takes you. Fred & Shirley Rule
wir wünschen Dir lieber Pas- tor Brent und Deiner ganzen Familie, Gotles reichen Segen und alles gute fur die zukunft Ruth and Ruedi Thalmann
Sunday memories
Turtlefest Block Party
Laying the foundation
Getting close
Getting a sneak peek
Moving day
First service
A new home
Better than Bidwell!
Oops!
Dedication Service
Pastor Brent, Laura & girls, My words may seem so very few, but my thoughts, prayers and feelings are with you and your beautiful family. God’s love, prayers, and God’s Blessings on you.
You will be missed, Barb (& Jim) Morris
Christmas celebrations
Open to possibilities Our new space provided great opportunities to facilitate ministry. We began a partnership with Tillsonburg Alliance and offered the Collective Youth for junior and senior high students. We created a first-century marketplace to invite our community to enjoy Breakfast in Bethlehem.
2017
Children and youth activities
May you always believe in your special gifts and share them with those around you, and may God continue to bless you with all the good things you deserve. Congratulations on all that the Lord has accomplished through your love and service for Him in Tillsonburg. Praying our Father’s blessing and guidance with His peace and the grace of Jesus. Peter and May Black
Clean up day at the church
Breakfast in Bethlehem
The whole Paredes family would like to express our deepest gratitude for making Bethel Pentecostal our home church here at Tillsonburg. We didn’t expect the warm welcome we received. You made us feel at home surrounded by a community of believers and we felt the whole family of Bethel Pentecostal was behind us all the way. We really appreciate the weekly call we received especially during this pandemic. We feel strong and secure because of this church. We are sad that Pastor Brent and his family are leaving but we wish them all the best for what God is leading them too. We always believe God has a plan and that the plan is always good. The Paredes Family
Breakfast in Bethlehem
Making connections We continued to reach out to the community and make connections—from Family Day to Day Camp. We also deepened relationships within our congregational family.
2018
Children and youth activities
Dear Pastor Brent, I would like to wish you the very best in all you will do and accomplish in your present and future goals. Life is an adventure and God can guide and direct us in a way like no one. It was a pleasure getting to know you and I will remember all the blessings you have brought into my life. God bless you and your beautiful family. Diane Nicholson You are enormously thanked and endlessly appreciated. There are a few absolute gems in this world. They are the people who make a tremendous difference in other people’s lives…with the smiles they give, the blessings they share, and the way they warm the hearts of everyone around them.These rare and remarkable people are so deserving of every hope and happiness. They are the people who are incredibly unique, enormously thanked, and endlessly appreciated for everything they do. And one of those wonderful, deserving, and one-of-a-kind people is most definitely…you.
—Collin McCarty—
Sundays
Jesus tells us “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me,” (Matthew 25:40). Compassion amid COVID-19 is alive and well in our world. The news doesn’t always report it and people around us may be too scared to see it, however, compassion, care, grace, and giving exist, and we as Christians are called on to show the love and grace of Christ. I’m honored and humbled to be one of Jesus’ followers. Thank you Pastor Brent for teaching and being true to the word (2 Timothy 4:2), for reflecting Jesus through your actions and care for others (Matthew 5:16), and for being a blessing to our congregation and families (Genesis 12:2). I have truly appreciated your guidance, continued transparency and genuine care throughout the years. Brent and Laura, you have both inspired my personal growth and relationship with Jesus. Thank you for your many prayers and sincere care for my family and myself over the years. As a pastoral family you have always made my family feel welcomed and cared for. This has meant so very much to Harold, Kala and myself. Thank you so very much for all that you do to “help people follow Jesus”. Your family is a true blessing to many and will be missed. I would like to wish you and your family many blessings on your new path. I am sure that God has much in store for your family and your ministry to others. Your family will be in my prayers always. Laurie Wood
Day Camp
We wish to thank Pastor Brent and Laura for their dedication to Christ and Bethel. The first thing that Terry and I were impressed with was his sincerity and humility in serving Jesus. He has the same call as the Apostle Paul – to do everything he can to reach out and save souls. He made us feel so welcome and at home when we first arrived in Tillsonburg that we immediately joined the congregation. The other thing that we were very pleased about was his desire to reach out and be part of the community by starting Family Day, having a float in the Christmas parade, providing interactive games at Turtlefest and joining with other evangelical pastors to support and pray for each other and the city. So often the churches we were a part of seemed to only focus on the churches they led. Also, when I discussed a weekly prayer group for the needs of the church he was on board immediately; when I talked to him about starting a prayer team to help with prayer for altar calls, he developed one. The purpose of Bethel Church, “To help people follow Jesus,” is the purpose of his life and it showed. Thanks again, and all the best to you and your family. Susan & Terry Fraser
Breakfast in Bethlehem
Dinner Theatre - Who Done It?
Your time in Tillsonburg may seem long, but to us—Bob, Myra and Darryl—it really just got started. With Bob’s death in July you were our loyal supporter and a great comfort. Our lifetime at Bethel has seen many pastors begin their pastorate, and then God has a new plan for them. May God give you a healthy and prosperous future. Myra Claringbold
Christmas memories
Christmas delegating
Taking steps of faith Our focus this year was on relationships that support spiritual development. We also took a big step by purchasing water filters for Honduras—and sending a team to install them.
2019
Sundays
We have been attending Bethel Pentecostal for one year now and from the moment we walked in we were embraced with hugs and handshakes. Dwain and I have never felt out of place but always welcome and comfortable and that’s because you have also embraced us and made us feel like a part of Bethel. Thank you for being our pastor and most of all for being honest and so true to God’s words. You have given of yourself to us which seems so natural for you and for that we are very grateful. Thank you for the many hours you spent studying the Word so you can pour into the hearts of the people, but most of all we thank you for being an example of God’s love. It is time for you to make a life changing move, and God’s plan and timing is not the same as ours. God has a plan for you and your family and you must continue to be obedient to His voice. As you continue on your journey, I pray the love and peace of God be with you and your family and that this move is a smooth transition. God’s Word says “He will never leave us or forsake us” so continue to hold on to Him. All the best Shepard family. We love you. Goodbyes are not forever; it simply means we will miss you all. God bless you and your household. Dwain Finley and Claudette White
Sundays
Family Day
Dear Pastor Brent, I am going to miss you so much! You are the reason I went back to church and the reason why I wanted to be closer to Jesus! Laura, your voice is beautiful. I will miss the sound of your notes. Thank you for everything! You truly are an amazing family—a beautiful blessing and gift from God. I pray for your family and your new adventure. Love, Cornilius and Nikkie Valcke
Building Improvements
Dear Pastor Brent, It is sad to say goodbye to you and your family, especially at this time. I’d like to commend you for the work you have done since I’ve been at Bethel. In my lifetime you have been one of three pastors that I can truly say have changed my life and continue to inspire me in every way. I thank you for the past two years that I have been in Tillsonburg. I’ll truly miss you. May God continue to guide and protect you and your family in every way possible. With sincere best wishes in your new endeavours, Theodora Davis
Finishing touches
Supportive Relationship Network
Pastor Brent, Laura & girls, I want to express my gratitude for all your love and patience with me and my family. You are so kind and good Pastor. I attach a picture from Pamela’s marriage. This is the result from your counselling and your advice. Thanks for your time, your prayer, your sacrifice for the church. And I know God have a special design to be a different way to be a pastor. Dios lo Bendiga Olga Lopez
Our lives are a book, each page being a new day, a new beginning with new adventures. Dee and I were privileged to be on many of the pages of yours. We enjoyed watching and, when able, to be part of your story! We were privileged to see you and Laura come together as husband and wife, then watched as you became a family and then how our Lord has blessed and used you in ministry. Now as I watch the next page of your story, I know our Lord will continue to bless and use you all. I pray that I will appear on more of the pages of your story. My love to you, Laura, Paige, Avery and Julia. Bob Barclay
Helping people follow Jesus in Honduras
We just wanted to take a moment to let you know how very much we appreciate you, Pastor Brent. You preach the Word with wisdom and integrity. Your wit and transparency (and corny jokes) make the truth of God’s word relatable, applicable and alive. Every week you offer an opportunity to respond as the Holy Spirit leads, which is so appreciated and allows us to be obedient to His Word. Your sincere care for everyone in our church is so evident and your life reflects Christ in you. Laura, you are such a beautiful person, inside and out. It has been so nice getting to know you. You are authentic, fun and hospitable, always welcoming and connecting with people. You do such a beautiful job leading us in worship and offering encouragement to really focus our attention on the words we are declaring. You are very gifted. Thank you both for always being so welcoming and kind to us. When we were new to the church, you made a point to greet us, be friendly and lighthearted to our kids, and make us feel like we could actually bring our feral daughter without being judged. You’ve opened your home and cottage to us (and we’ll always have a Braeside story to tell thanks to Jaden) and your lives exemplify Jesus and point us towards Him. It takes unwavering devotion, strength of character, sacrifice, integrity, boldness and so many more qualities to be a light in our culture and to stand for truth. You both possess these qualities as you lead our church. Thank you both for being you! You are truly a treasure that not every church is so blessed with. Love, Joost, Christine, Caleb, Jaden & Hailey Buruma
Pastor Appreciation
Thank you, Brent and Laura, for guiding us through our walk. You have both been so gracious and inviting to the church. Our family has been forever changed by your teachings and worship. We are so excited to see what God is going to do next in your life and we are praying for your next steps. May you find an abundance of joy where Christ leads your family! And to the girls, you have all been so kind and we will miss your friendship dearly. Paige, to watch you continue to grow into a wise young woman of faith is inspiring. Keep on shining! Your humour and light spirit is something we will always admire of you. Avery, you are going to bloom so beautifully wherever you go! Lastly, to the sweetest soul, Julia, keeping stepping out in confidence because we serve a God who will always be with you! Lots of love and prayers, Paulette and Lilly
Picnic
Pastor Brent, Nancy and I will always be grateful for your leadership and encouragement. We will pray for you and your family as you have prayed for us, for God to show us how to live our lives sharing the gospel. Thank you for helping us find our church home. The Shepherd family will be missed but not forgotten.
Deb Hodgkinson and Nancy Kuney
Christmas Dinner and Play
Christmas Dinner
Pastor Brent, Lucille and I wish you and your family the best in your new adventures ahead. We can truly say that we have enjoyed your ministry since we came to bethel almost 4 years ago. Over the next few months we hope you have a chance to rest and we pray that before long you will be back in the ministry full time as you both have so much to offer a church. We will remember you in our prayers. Richard and Lucille Fenn
Pastor Brent and family, We will miss you all so much. We have made so many memories over the years—from going to youth conferences to you marrying Derek and I. It has been a privilege seeing the Shepherd family grow. Have fun on this new adventure. I hope we will see each other again soon! Derek and Emily Smyth
Breakfast in Bethlehem
We are going to miss you! It has been great to get to know you better over the past 5 years and to spend time making some memories. Pastor Brent, you have been a caring pastor who obviously cares so much about others. You have challenged us to do the same. Laura, we have enjoyed your leadership in worship and will miss your beautiful musical skills. We also are so thankful for your friendship as a family and have great memories of visits to each other’s homes (Canada Day Fireworks, visiting the goats and baby chicks, card games, kittens, and even a pinata!). You are wonderful friends to us all and we hope that we will keep in touch! We are excited for you and your new adventure and wish you many blessings! We will be praying for you all! 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with all of you! Love, The Thalmann Family
Christmas
Julian and I were so blessed that first January in 2013 by hearing you preach at Bethel as suggested by your Dad when he was helping at Calvary in Simcoe. We never looked back. We found acceptance and love from you, your family and our church family. Praise the Lord! Thank you Pastor Brent for all you did to feed us in God’s word. You and the board worked so hard to plan and bring about our new church building. Thank you Laura for all the hours you put in to provide us with music to sing unto our Lord. Thank you Paige, Avery and Julia for the many times you helped in services, and for being so friendly to all the congregation. Your family was our family. We enjoyed watching you grow from pretty little girls to maturing young ladies in the Lord. Pastor Brent, thank you for all the work you, Sarabeth and others went through to give us church online so we could continue to hear the Word and connect. No one can know all the hours you and your family have devoted to Bethel over the years. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you too for all the visits with Julian in the hospital and nursing home, lifting our hearts with your presence, humour, prayers, and true caring. Julian and I so looked forward to your visits. Your family blessed us over and over. I know wherever you go you will continue to serve the Lord and bless more people, bringing glory to God. Sandy (& Julian) Burggraeve
Chirstmas Eve Service
A big challenge We started the year with a different format each week of the month. When COVID-19 shut us down, we embarked on a new online ministry adventure. Thankfully God opened the door for us to resume in-person services before we had to say our goodbyes.
2020
Mainstream Sundays
Family Sundays
Next Gen Sundays
We have always enjoyed having you and your family as a part of Bethel Pentecostal Church. One of my first memories of meeting your family was when Julia decided to climb me all the way up to my shoulders and asked to go higher. I enjoyed working with you Brent, doing demonstrations for sermons and helping out with youth. Jadziah and I both enjoyed working with Laura on the worship team and Ziah remembers fondly you, Pastor Brent baptizing her and having her baby sit your children. We both love the fact that you were here to dedicate Eleanor and find it is so amazing how Jadziah was babysitting your children and now your children can babysit our child. But the times we think upon the most is getting to know Pastor Brent more, when he guided us through our pre-marriage counseling. PB, you taught us a lot of lessons that have saved and will continue to save us from many explosive arguments. Now we live in the dream team zone, also known as Gold Sticker Heaven ;) We will miss you all and pray the LORD will bless you wherever you go and whatever you do. We will miss seeing all of your friendly faces, at Bethel or in town. Lots of love, The Prebbles
Legacy Sundays
Arlyne and I want to say thank you for the love and support you have shown us during our time at Bethel. As you know, Arlyne did not attend church before coming here but your acceptance and non-judgmental attitude impressed him. You truly exemplify Christian love and the church’s vision statement “helping people follow Jesus” and for that I am eternally grateful. We are sorry to see you go but wish you every success in your new endeavor. May God continue to bless you and your family. Terry & Arlyne Williams P.S. Arlyne enjoyed your jokes. (Must be a Dad thing!)
COVID-19: Church at Home
COVID-19: Zoom Meetings
We have so appreciated not only your ministry and your heart for our church and community, but also your friendship. It has been so great to get to know you over the years and our kids have come to love you as well. We will miss your godly character, fun demeanor, kindness, and authenticity. You have truly impacted each of us. We are so excited for your adventure ahead and will continue to pray for you and hope to keep in touch! Love, Joost, Christine, Caleb, Jaden and Hailey Buruma
Resuming in-person gatherings
When we walked into Bethel 9 years ago, we were welcomed with open arms. During those years you have baptized us, pre-marriage counseled Ben as well as Jadziah and their spouses, been witness to Jadziah’s miraculous healing, helped Jillian grow as a drummer and musician, had to put up with Phil and then Juley on the Board, celebrated New Year’s with us, and have had a fun friendship along the way. It has been our honour to see the girls grow. God has blessed your family and it has been awesome to have been a part of that over the years. We will miss Laura’s music, sense of humour and her awesome imitations! Phil will miss the bad dad jokes, but Juley will not (just kidding!). Phil always appreciates a good bad dad joke—if that even exists! We will always remember that Laura caught the biggest fish. No worries though, Brent, you are still slap ninja king! So many memories... We pray for many blessings on your new endeavour and fresh start on the other side of the big T.O. We know you will all be a blessing to the many people you will meet as you have been to us. No matter where God places us in this life, there is one thing that will never change: that we will always remain brothers and sisters in Christ. Love, Phil, Juley, Jillian Van Daalen P.S. What is a fish’s favourite musical instrument? A bass drum!
Farewell Open House COVID-style
There’s so much I want to say, I feel like I could have filled a book myself. Brent and Laura, you both are such good friends. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. I appreciate your heart for others and desire for them to know Jesus. You have taught me so much! Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you and learn from you. Your leadership has been a blessing. You’ve helped me through some of my darkest nights recently Thank you for sharing your lives and family with me over the past 9 years. Paige, you are an intelligent beautiful young lady. You’ve faced big things in your life, and you are strong. I pray you continue to seek God for the strength you need each day. I look forward to hearing how God is going to direct you as you help people follow Jesus. Avery, you are so grown up! Your gift for organizing and creativity will provide you with opportunities to help so many people. I pray that you will keep developing your many gifts. I look forward to hearing how God is going to direct you as you help people follow Jesus. Julia, you were barely talking when I met you! You have so many abilities, one of which is to make people laugh. I pray you will see how you can share your gifts and abilities with others. I look forward to hearing how God is going to direct you as you help people follow Jesus. You have all become family to me and I’m so thankful to know you. I love you all and am going to miss you more than you know! Love, Sarabeth
Final Sunday Service
Prayer and Blessing
Expressions of Thanks
Goodbyes
Through many seasons We’ve listened to you Worshipping together As Christians do In winter’s cold In summer’s heat We heard God’s Word Which is always a treat When the leaves were green Or in fall turned to red We praised the Lord For how we were fed We also changed churches From the old to the new Leaving history behind And starting brand new Throughout all these changes You were faithful in prayer With kindness and compassion Tenderness and care
The Shepherd Team Encouraged rejoicing and praise We won’t forget Those special days As you begin a new season May it be a fruitful one May your lives be a blessing As you see victories won We love you Pastor and Laura May God keep you in His care Love to Paige, Julia, Avery You are a family rare This is Farewell to all of you Until we meet next time We will stay close in thought and prayer Our lives forever entwined
© Dorothy Jean Robinson 2020.10.21
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