I just read my own words from almost a year ago, when I attended First Reformed Presbyterian Church. With due love for (not to mention out of love for) the friends I have at Bethel United Reformed Church, I’m happy to report that my membership papers are officially being transferred to First RP as I write.
Many of my family and friends remain at Bethel and many changes are taking place there right now. Most significantly, Rev. VanderMeulen has left with his wife and four youngest sons for a new calling to a URC church plant in Hawaii. Rev. Grassmid was installed as Associate Pastor only a few weeks prior. For the first time in a few years, Bethel is doing a vacation bible school, this time holding it at Hager Park once a week over nine weeks.
I intend to pray for and associate with Bethel for a long time to come. I’m anxious but hopeful as a new minister is sought that God will call someone who can challenge Bethel’s slow fall from the Berean mindset. I’m really thankful that, if no one else, my parents have been able to see problems in the preaching and teaching and shared them with me and my siblings, equipping us to discern the same problems whether we stay at Bethel or move on.
Bro., I need to subscribe to your blog. I will do so right now. Glad to hear this news, however belatedly. Things alright?