Welcome from Pastor Marv  

Bethel is a group of people who . . . a collection of people who . . .

I find the English language very intriguing. For example, look at collective nouns; that is, look at words we use to describe a group. There are some very picturesque collective nouns. A group of crows is called a flink – of frogs is an army – of lions is a pride – of geese is a gaggle – of officers is a mess – of larks is an exaltation – of kangaroos is a mob – of alligators is a congregation – A group of rhinos is called a crash of buzzards is a committee. (We try to avoid committees at Bethel – no one wants to serve on them because you’d be called a buzzard.)

A group of rhinos is called a crash. On mission trips to Tanzania I’ve seen rhinos. We stay out of their way. Apparently, they are able to run up to 50 km per hour.  They have poor eyesight and can see only about 10 meters . . . anything beyond 10 meters and there will be a crash.

So, Bethel is a collection of . . . a group of . . . Hopefully, no one would call us a mess or a mob – a gaggle or pride – a committee, crash or congregation. I know what God would have us be. God would have us be a group of unicorns. A group of unicorns is called a blessing. In Genesis 12:3 God said to Abraham “. . . all people on earth will be blessed through you” (and the promise is made to all who live by faith).

Being blessed by God is not an end in itself; rather, it is motivation for us to be people who reflect Jesus' heart and live out his lifestyle. As we do so, we will indeed be a blessing to others.