BPC Newsletter_W24_final

BETHEL PARK CAMP

Merry Christmas! Jesus Christ is born!

Stop Waiting. Do it Now!

~ Rev. Jim Wright

“If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done” (Ecclesiastes 11:4 TLB).

I am told the most important word you can learn in time management is “no.” But another phrase that’s good time management is “Do it now.” When something is not worthy of your time, you say “no.” When it is worthy of your time, you “do it now.” Don’t put it off!

An angel told a confused Mary that she would conceive under a unique set of circumstances and give birth to the Messiah, the Son of God. Answering “no” would have been easy and saved a good deal of trouble, but without hesitation she said: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38)

Tales about Mary’s poor choices likely dominated the gossip chain in Nazareth. Her resolve created many unforeseen problems and would unavoidably sully her reputation in the community, but her swift response is why we remember her to this day.

Joseph was hurt and broken-hearted. His fiancée was obviously pregnant when she returned from the home of Elizabeth and Zachariah. It seemed apparent to everyone in Nazareth – including Joseph – what had transpired. He agonized over how to deal with the situation honorably. Joseph’s angel-encounter alleviated some stress, but in town his inexplicable determination to “do it now” and go through with the marriage likely raised more questions about his own complicity in her pregnancy.

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Finance Report

~ Norman Pfeiffer, Treasurer

A Heartfelt Thank You

We are thankful we have met the 2024 expenses for Bethel Park Camp Ministry events. The operating expenses to maintain the facilities of Bethel Park grounds were also covered. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank everyone who has donated this year.

How to Donate

If you would like to donate to Bethel Park, donations can be made using the following options. This information is also available on our website at https://bethelpark.ca/donate/.

Online via CanadaHelps.org

Visit our page at CanadaHelps.org. You can donate via credit/debit card or PayPal, and CanadaHelps will issue a receipt for your donation.

E-Transfer

Send your e-transfer to bookkeeper@bethelpark.ca, which is set up for auto-deposit—no password required! Please indicate in the message box whether your donation is for the Camp General Fund or the General Capital Fund. By Cheque

Make your cheque payable to: Ontario Bethel Park Bible Camp Society

Mail it to: 310 Fairway Road South, Box 45070 Kitchener, ON N2C 1X0

Please ensure the full name is written on the cheque, as the bank cannot process it otherwise.

2024 Donation Receipts & 2025 Tax and Fee Invoices

Please Remember in Prayer

We understand that this year has brought many challenges, and some of our members may be facing health or personal struggles. If you have a prayer request and would like your Camp family to lift you in prayer, please reach out.

You can call 226-964-2275 or email administration@bethelpark.ca, and Ingrid will share your request with our members via E-blast.

It is our privilege to support and pray for one another.

The Treasury team can email your 2024 Donation Receipt and 2025 Tax and Fee Invoice. If you prefer to receive these documents electronically, please notify us by January 10, 2025, at bookkeeper@bethelpark.ca. With postage costs increasing in 2025, we encourage more cabin owners to choose electronic delivery. Thank you for helping us save on mailing costs!

Note: If you already opted for electronic delivery in 2024, no further action is needed. Your documents will automatically be sent electronically for 2025.

~ Norm

Celebrating Lives Well Lived

In 2024, several beloved members of our Bethel Park family graduated to Glory. We find comfort in the assurance that Heaven is a place of joyous reunion with those who have gone before us.

Elisabeth Kampferseck

Siegfried (Fred) Scherbinsky

Jeanette Garlick

David Frey

Renate Mielke

Edith Krampitz

Nick Schell

Nicole MacLeod

Frank Kessler

Martin Dilgert

Hugo Hintz Sr.

Board of Directors and Staff

Horst Wiesner - President horst.wiesner@bethelpark.ca

Bill Hooker - Secretary bill.hooker@bethelpark.ca

Norm Pfeiffer - Treasurer norm.pfeiffer@bethelpark.ca

David Schuetzkowski - Facilities david.schuetzkowski@bethelpark.ca

Jim Wright - Spiritual Care jim.wright@bethelpark.ca

Kristina Beifuss

kristina.beifuss@bethelpark.ca

Jonathan Drewitz

jonathan.drewitz@bethelpark.ca

Peter Kippenhuck

peter.kippenhuck@bethelpark.ca

Arden Nerling

arden.nerling@bethelpark.ca

Joel Spiridigliozzi joel@wodistrict.org

Camp Administrator: Ingrid Hook administration@bethelpark.ca

Bookkeeper: Norma Scherer bookkeeper@bethelpark.ca

Camp Manager: Ernie Spadzinski efspatz@gmail.com

Mark Your Calendars!

Starting next year, the designated date for closing your cabin for the winter will be the second last Saturday of October. Please plan accordingly.

Christmas Greetings from the President

~ Horst Wiesner

I thank God for his presence at Bethel Park this year! It has been a year of Blessing, growth and protection. We completed 71 years of ministry at this amazing site called “Bethel Park”. The meaning of Bethel is “House of God”. I am thankful for those that were led by God to establish this facility and grounds for his glory. This year both young and old encountered spiritual renewal, growth, healing and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

This is a special place to reunite with family and friends and also make new friends. We were able to host a number of Christian groups who expanded the opportunity for ministry beyond our Bethel Park Family. Our camp is reaching beyond our traditional membership to expand the mission in Ontario as well as supporting missions abroad.

Some of the key additions and improvements this year include the new roof and entry to the youth hub, improved storm water management and the first phase of WiFi installation. The footings for the dining patio roof are in and will be completed in the spring. Continued management of our trees and grounds is ongoing. We are thankful for the protection from injury and major damage as a tornado tore through camp this summer.

I am grateful for the tremendous support of our board and leadership team. Our camp would not run without the dedication of our staff and volunteers. Bethel Park continues to thrive and improve with the addition of new members. Thank you all for your faithful giving of time and financial resources. Looking forward to 2025 with anticipation to what God has in store for Bethel Park.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

I wish all a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

~ Horst

Exciting Summer Student Opportunity for 2025

Bethel Park is preparing to hire two summer students for the 2025 season. We’re excited to offer this opportunity to our Bethel Park youth. Responsibilities will include custodial duties, maintenance, and groundskeeping.

If you’re interested, email administration@bethelpark.ca to receive early updates as these positions become available.

New Year, New Website!

We’re thrilled to announce that Bethel Park will be launching a brand-new website in January! With a fresh look and improved interface, it will be easier than ever to stay connected and informed.

We’d love your help in showcasing the beauty and spirit of Bethel Park. If you have high-resolution photos of the camp—whether scenic shots or moments where the camp is recognizable (without people being the focus)—please send them to administration@bethelpark.ca.

Stay tuned for updates and get ready to explore our new site!

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Frankly, the otherwise inconvenience of the census provided Joseph and his new bride with some relief from the unrelenting negative pressure they endured for responding quickly and affirmatively to God’s plan. And since the census was a matter of paying taxes, they wisely chose to “do it now.” Then Mary and Joseph probably walked more than 90 miles before they reached their resting place. The leave of absence would have put pressure on their limited finances but with faith they left shortly after the call and made the trek to “render unto Caesar” (Mk 12:17).

You may be in similar shoes this Christmas. You may feel confused, hurt, financially strapped, concerned for the future, or simply exhausted after walking through all the busy shops searching for that perfect gift.

What do these Advent narratives have to say to us? To make the most of our time and resources, invest what we have in what God says matters today. Don’t wait for a “better time” to begin –do it now.

There is never going to be an ideal time for you to get control of your calendar or resources – especially in December. You will have to make the time to invest in your spiritual life, your family, and the work of God. Mary and Joseph demonstrate how to live out God’s will in imperfect and often challenging circumstances. So, stop looking or waiting for things to ‘settle down.’ Pray and give yourself and your resources to the people and the opportunities God prioritizes today. “This is the day the Lord has made” (Ps. 118:24) – this is your moment -do it now.

~ Jim