Bethlehem News

On Sunday, 28 July, Pastor Rob Strelan and his wife Irene drove up to Wagga from Albury, where Pastor Rob has been serving as locum pastor, the occasion being to conduct a service at Bethlehem Wagga. In addition to having the opportunity to hear his sermon on "Give us today our daily bread," Pastor Rob's presence gave us the chance to receive Holy Communion for the second week in a row, Pastor Clem Zanker being kind enough to serve Holy Communion last week. We were very thankful that Pastor Rob and Irene were able to join us on Sunday and we wish them a safe journey home to South Australia.

Care and Share is a small social group who meet every Tuesday at 10am for a cup of tea, a chat and a chance to share their enthusiam for handicraft. All newcomers are welcome, so feel free to drop in and say hi.

At a meeting of the Bethlehem Congregation on Friday, July 12, the Call Committee informed members of their unanimous recommendation to Call Pastor Ray Pace to serve our Parish. Pastor Ray is presently at St John's Lutheran Church at Ballarat, Victoria. He was ordained in 2002 and has previously served the Biloela Parish in Queensland. He currently holds a number of positions within the LCA, one of which is the Victorian/Tasmanian District Assistant Bishop. The Bethlehem Congregation unanimously agreed to extend a Call to Pastor Ray Pace.  Our prayers are now with Pastor Ray as he considers God's will for his future. A little further information on Pastor Ray can be found on the LCA website .

At Pastor Rob and Betsy's farewell lunch on 30 June, they were serenaded by those present with a well-known tune, set to new lyrics by Ian and Margaret... Pastor and Betsy we thank you All the things you've seen us through We appreciate all you do God be with you as you move Yes, Jesus bless you Yes, Jesus bless you Yes, Jesus bless you And guide you on your way. (set to the tune of Jesus Loves Me)

A well-attended farewell worship service for Pastor Rob and Betsy was held on 30 June. Pastor conducted worship and delivered his last sermon to us on Galatians, while Betsy led our singing from the balcony. Malcolm, our Chairman, formally thanked both for their service to us.  The service was followed by a community lunch which brought out our best cooks and their prize dishes. The delightfully informal meal was followed by some members, on behalf of all, wishing Pastor Rob and Betsy well for their future as they enjoy some R&R and spend time visiting their family. A farewell song, composed by Ian and Margaret to the tune of Jesus Loves Me, was sung with great enthusiasm. Pastor Rob and Betsy were presented with a gift basket of local produce and a few reminders of the happy time they spent with us. They proved to be truly inspirational during their short time here in Wagga and we all very much appreciate their devotion to us. They will be greatly missed.