As Bethesda members and friends reviewed 2006 in its annual meeting on January 21, they found that 2006 had been a pivotal year of key changes in the life of the church, one that showed an increase in giving, attendance, and ministry. In 2006, two ministry teams were formed (Worship and Hospitality), which caused several changes in the content and format of worship (drama, dialogue sermons, projected images and words, more prayer participation) and in the ways in which first and second-time visitors were welcomed. The church hired a permanent musician and moved to a new worship space during 2006; over 75% of the church took a spiritual gifts test; a membership class was offered; the church organized a community development workshop for New York and New Jersey Covenant churches; a monthly "friday food and fellowship" dinner was started. The pastors thanked the church for their leadership, particpation, and patience in these many changes, calling them "an expresssion of your faith in God."
The leadership council of Bethesda also presented their revitalization goals for 2007. The main focus of these goals (put into 6 categories) was to commit to new prayerful outreach ministries on a local level and to strengthen and build what Bethesda is already doing. These goals were: to Strengthen & Build Current Ministries, including training for current ministry team members;
the Formation of a Prayer Ministry Team, to lead in worship and guide the discernment of our new outreach ministry in 2007; the Formation of an Outreach Ministry Team, which would include a "needs assessment" of the surrounding neighborhood and future partnership opportunities, effective advertising strategies, community service projects, and increased neighborhood participation. Bethesda also committed to: Deepen Connections & Relationships in the Church, including at least one more small group meeting during the week, an updated directory, an all church retreat, and increased care and communication in the church; Increased U.N. / N.G.O. Participation, including the opportunity for Bethesda members and friends to sign up to attend an N.G.O briefing with the pastors, and to write a Christian response to the briefing (which would be posted on the website, and perhaps distributed to the denomination); and finally, a general Increased Participation & Growth (in the areas of attendance, giving, use of spiritual gifts, membership, and leadership).
In addition to setting these goals, Bethesda welcomed two new members, elected new officers, and approved its budget for 2007. The meeting began with song and ended with prayers of thanksgiving and guidance for the present and future.
