Parish Administrator - Joan Christensen

In 2004, we faced another year with a great deal of change at Bethel. We called a new Lead Pastor, launched small groups involving over 250 people for a 40 Days of Purpose study, and struggled through budget and staff reductions.

Finance

We again faced significant budget reductions which forced us to reduce office staff. With a shift in some responsibilities to school staff, the church bookkeeper position was eliminated. Many thanks to volunteer Kathryn Montano for taking on much of the church bookkeeping this year, and to Theresa Ballin and Cindy Arnett, in the school office, for the extra responsibilities and for helping the transition to go smoothly. Thanks to our Audit Committee, Susan Horvath, David Lofgren and Patrick Ross for their review of our financial procedures and reporting, and to our Treasurer, Euo Menezes, and our Transition Lead Pastor, Ken Anderson, for their support and guidance throughout the year.

Staffing

Our budget reduction meant additional changes in staffing were needed. We combined the publications and morning receptionist positions, and Mary Wedgwood Deutscher took on that new role starting in July. Mark Weberg had continued with Media Shout (sanctuary video slide preparation) until moving to Minnesota later in the summer. We were able to fill his shoes with a shared position, with Elise Holst, David Fisher and Nancy Andersen. A new position was created to offer video production support to Bethel’s ministries, and David Sandwisch is filling that role, as well as continuing in his role as the Facilities Assistant. There were also reductions in hours for Kaye Kuhlmann, our Ministry Facilitator, and Ken Bancroft, our Care & Visitation Pastor.

I am so thankful for the many volunteers who work in support areas throughout the year. We couldn’t have managed the office needs without our faithful front office volunteers. Thanks to Carol Olson, Dee Peterson, Connie Anderson, Kathy Arnold and Donna Price, each of whom have made a great difference and taken on many tasks aside from answering the phone. Many thanks to Vivian Walz for all of her work in maintaining our membership records, Liz Tribby for maintaining our office computers and making sure our contributions are recorded accurately, Donna Kuester for recording attendance, Merle Sandwisch, Conrad Bracklein and Virginia and Richard Whitlock for their faithful help with mailings.

Facilities

With Gene Palmer’s retirement in February, Brad Martinson became our interim Facilities Supervisor, and then accepted the position beginning in April. Many thanks to both Gene and Brad as well as David Sandwisch for helping to facilitate the Welcome Zone projects with Tom Hoegel and the Welcome Zone project volunteers. A highlight of the year was our Welcome Zone celebration in June, which included representatives from the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce and a ribbon cutting, and encouragement to all of us to take on the challenge of welcoming those currently outside of Bethel. Our "Men of Monday" Maintenance Team, including Vern Bolleson, John Liming, Tom Cole, Bob Misch and Bill Weberg, have continued to help keep the facilities in shape. And thanks to Liz Barton and Karen and Ed Fox for their leadership in the Welcome Zone outdoor projects, and for continuing support in keeping our grounds beautiful.

2005 promises to be an exciting year as we continue to welcome our new Lead Pastor Randy Pabst, explore together where God is leading Bethel, and find new ways to welcome others to experience God in our midst. I look forward to continuing to support Bethel’s wonderful ministry throughout this year.