Good things happened at New Bethel Baptist Church in 2016.
The much-needed replacement roof over the Fellowship Hall was installed and new ceiling tiles replaced the old badly stained tiles. Fellowship Hall is once again welcoming and warm.
The annual Strawberry Festival saw a good turnout of church members and neighbors from Wanamaker. The festival coincided with Old Settler days in Wanamaker which always attracts many folk from the surrounding area.
Movie night was started with a movie once a month and as interest picked up the Christian Ed board added a movie for the kids as well. Popcorn and cookies and drinks are enjoyed by all and the movies have been uplifting and thought provoking.
A Young Couples group was formed and meets on the fifth Sunday. This group includes college age and young married individuals. They meet and usually enjoy dinner together and discuss issues of interest to them specifically.
NBBC youth joined with the youth of Zion Church of Christ and the group became the New Zion Youth. The youth led the worship service at New Bethel on New Year’s Day and served breakfast during Sunday School. They led the Easter worship at Zion and served breakfast during Sunday School. They led the Easter worship at Zion and served breakfast as well. They are also participating in the youth fellowship event on Saturday prior to the ABC-GI annual meeting.
The annual Chili Supper was held during the Christmas season in conjunction with Christmas in Wanamaker. It’s always a good time to warm up at New Bethel and it’s been heard that you can’t beat the pie.
God’s Bounty continues to serve the community throughout the year and aids many local families. The numbers wax and wane but the need is always great. The volunteers are tireless and you never work there that you don’t come away blessed.
Undressing and dressing the church during Easter season has become a particularly touching and uplifting event at New Bethel. It’s a new experience for some and touches the heart when you leave after worship on Maundy Thursday silent and thoughtful taking out those beloved symbols.
The biggest challenge for New Bethel has been the continued search for a full-time pastor. The search team has worked tirelessly for over 2 years and while they believed they were close a few times, it was not to be.
We are hopeful as the time is close to voting on the one we believe is called to New Bethel and we will all rejoice to welcome our new pastor if it is God’s will