Bethlehem Journey in the Books
We had another great year with living nativity play. We had approximately 750 participants, lower than year’s past but we had non-stop groups all three nights (except for the very end of Thursday). We also tried new things (some that worked and some that didn’t) like the Game Show quiz in the waiting time (worked!) and also different heaters to safe our rental and propane cost (mostly didn’t work). We also had new actors, some who don’t have a church but are now interested in coming (amen!) and also many positive comments from participants like “Even better than last year!”, “I was amazed at the elaborateness of the set; at times I didn’t know where I was in the church,” and “Our family went out to eat after the Journey to talk about the experience and my kids said it was like going back in time!” Thank you to everyone who participated or supported the program in some way. We are already talking about next year and making improvements to make this an even more effective event to share God’s love with Portage.
Reminder to all the volunteers that the Cast and Crew Party is this Sunday from 12:00 to 1:30 PM. Lunch will be provided (please RSVP!!) and we will celebrate another great year.
Large Storage Boxes and Industrial Shelving
We were donated a trade show display and we used some of the panels in our set this year as the backdrop for the Census taker. These panels are heavy duty shelving legs with 1/4 plywood glued to them. They were transported in heavy duty wood boxes of various shapes. Some approximately 8’x2.5’x1′, others deeper and some large square boxes around 4’x4’x4′. These would make good storage containers, or firewood or scrap wood bins, or even the start of a kids’ playhouse, etc. If you would like some (or all) of these panels or boxes, please contact Kyle. Church members get first crack at them, then we will list them for sale or donate them.
A Generous Response
Glory to God for the recent report to Consistory from the Finance Team and Deacons that indicated our movement from an approximately $22,000 budget deficit to a current $1,400 surplus. In addition, there have been some in-kind and labor donations that have helped improve our facility and add resources while reducing expenses. For all these things, glory first to our Father in Heaven, who has blessed us greatly, and also gratitude for those who have worshipped our good God by gifting resources to the church. Thanks to all our givers, regardless of size, for believing in this mission and community. A final annual report will be shared shortly after the close of the year.