Bethlehem pastors turn in weekly accountability reports on which they are asked to report their “mods” for the week. I was asked to explain here what mods are.

Each day is divided into three segments, called “mods.”

The weekend of Mother's Day I prayed a prayer of blessing on the children being dedicated. I was asked to post the prayer, so here it is.

John, as you know, we first met 29 years ago, appropriately, at Wheaton College. It was a conference devoted, again appropriately, to the theology of Jonathan Edwards. I want to begin tonight by thanking you for nearly three decades of friendship, support, and partnership in the gospel.

On Sunday, April 14, about 3,500 people from Bethlehem's three campuses and elsewhere came together to give thanks to God for Pastor John's 33-year ministry among us. See Legacy Video. See also the Desiring God report on the event.

G.K. Chesterton wrote in his autobiography, “The only way to enjoy even a weed is to feel unworthy even of a weed.”

How much more, then, does the enjoyment of a church—not a weed but the bride of Christ—depend on a sense of unworthiness in her service.

Before the Psalmist could exult in his dominion over the earth he had to feel these words: “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:4).

This Legacy Video played on Sunday, April 14, at the Celebration of Thanksgiving for Pastor John Piper and his 33 years of ministry at Bethlehem Baptist Church. In recognition of both his past, and current & ongoing ministry, Bethlehem partnered with both Bethlehem College and Seminary and Desiring God to produce the video.

One week ago today, members of the Elder Council met for prayer at 6:30am as is their customary monthly practice. Before praying, Pastor Bud Burk led us in reading the following lines from The Valley of Vision:

(From the April 2013 Star newsletter)

Dear Bethlehem,

With this final letter as a pastor at Bethlehem, I want to draw you in to my present thankfulness and future plans.

As far as I know, every biblical blessing that a flock owes its shepherd you have given to me during our life together. On behalf of Noël and the children, thank you.

Last call! This Sunday, March 17, from 12:30–1:30pm in the South Auditorium, Bethlehem's Leadership Trio will host another Q & A forum.

This Sunday, March 10, from 12:30–1:30pm in Room D502, Bethlehem's Leadership Trio will host another Q & A forum.

This new trio consists of ...

Pastor Jason Meyer, Pastor for Preaching & Vision

Pastor Ken Currie, Pastor for Strategic Implementation

Pastor Sam Crabtree, Executive Minister