Annual Report – Pastor Rick Sherrill

“O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34

It has been said that a church and it’s leadership will consistently be shocked by how few of its goals can be accomplished in one year but how many can be accomplished in five years. This isn’t as much a hard and fast rule as it is a commentary on having a long-term outlook concerning God’s plans and timing. Even when things look bleak and inertia seems to be the norm, God is working. Living life God’s way begins with having God’s perspective on people and churches and societies – all are a work in progress. Followers of Jesus Christ have long-term hope in a disposable world.

2002 has been ripe with God-filled moments. 2002 has also been filled with heartaches as we have said goodbye to far too many friends as they have made economics-related moves or have moved from life on earth to life in heaven. No church is immune from the ups and downs of the little piece of the world it serves. What makes Christians different from “normal people” is that we have a word of hope to bring to those with shattered lives and shattered dreams. In the midst of severe budget issues, staff turnover and the aforementioned heartaches, we press on with the knowledge that God isn’t through with us yet.

Here are the highlights of my ministry at Bethel in 2002, using the general categories outlined in my letter of call:

“To preach and teach the Word of God in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran confessions.”

· 29 sermons composed, including sermons for 24 Sundays – total of 76 preaching moments

· Taught 21 confirmation classes and 8 adult bible studies

· Planned and facilitated 2 Confirmation Retreats (3-9-02 and 10-4/5-02)

· Helped develop and teach daily devotions for summer AM/PM program

· Developed and teach first communion classes

· Coordinated “First :15” family focus at the new 9:45 service

· Participated in worship task force in creating new worship format

“To administer Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.”

· Baptisms of Grayson Arensdorf (1-13-02) and Annika Krein (1-13-02)

· Presided at communion approximately 50 times

· Led communion service for school staff in August

“To lead us in worship.”

· Helped develop worship for 25 Sundays, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Christmas Eve. (Includes writing original confessions, developing litanies and themes, writing prayers, coordinating worship volunteers and proofreading bulletins)

· Helped develop worship themes for all of 2003

“To proclaim the forgiveness of sins.”

“To provide pastoral care.”

· Over 100 pastoral care appointments, including church and school staffs

· Performed 7 Weddings, including 33 pre-marital counseling appointments

· Increased emphasis on school-church relations

“To speak for justice in behalf of the poor and oppressed.”

“To encourage persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel.”

· Participated in Common Ground, including weekly facilitation of a small group

“To impart knowledge of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its wider ministry.”

“To endeavor to increase support given by our congregation to the work of God’s church.”

· Began 3-year term as member of Mt. Cross board of directors

“To equip us (the people of Bethel) for witness and service.

“To guide us (the people of Bethel) in proclaiming God’s love through word and deed.”

· Worked extensively with Laura Leonard to revise and expand Children’s Ministry

· Continued revising and expanding Confirmation ministry

· Continued equipping/redeveloping Bethel’s Nursery Ministry

· Continued praying and growing with my pastoral support team

On a personal note, thank you for all you have done to welcome my baby daughter Madison to the world. Here’s to a year filled with the one-of-a-kind inspiration that comes from being in contact with Jesus Christ.