A (longish) letter from the pastor

June 8, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Psalm 111 begins, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart in the company of the upright.” And I echo those words now. There are many reasons for me to praise God out loud, but I’ll limit myself to four that are relevant to this season of Evergreen’s life. In each case, I’ll also inform you of a notable development in God’s work amongst us.

(1) God has provided an assistant pastor. As you know, three months ago, the PNW Presbytery ordained and installed Ian Ussery for our church. Many of you were there to witness and celebrate, and we have all benefitted from Ian’s ministry, before and after that occasion. I remain so grateful.

The development is that God has redirected Ian’s focus in pastoral ministry. When he began on staff last Summer, and even through the early months of this Spring, Ian intended to be with us only until July 2025, when he planned to launch a new church. However, those plans have recently shifted as Ian has discerned that church planting is not a good fit for his gifting, at least in the foreseeable future.

In response to this shift, the elders and I have affirmed that we still want Ian to remain in service at Evergreen; the work of a capable assistant pastor is a real advantage to the mission of our church, and we are thankful for Ian in particular. We intend to maintain Ian’s employment with us for (at least) the remainder of the original period, and we look forward to how God will guide beyond that.

(2) God has provided a financial surplus. As our treasurer announced on a recent Sunday morning, the 2023 year-to-date giving is well above what we had budgeted. Relatedly, our expenses are tracking quite close to what we had budgeted. So far, God’s generosity has exceeded our expected needs.

The development, though, is that with Ian’s shift in ministry focus, Evergreen’s financial needs have increased significantly. That’s because Ian’s service with us began in conjunction with the Northwest Church Planting Network; he was enrolled in a church planting residency program that provided $20,000 toward his salary plus obligated him to raise an additional $15,000.

In God’s kindness, our financial surplus makes up most of the difference for 2023, and we have hope for 2024, thanks in part to some creative options. But we do need ongoing provision. Perhaps this is one way that you can continue the generosity that God began in last year’s FORWARD initiative!

(3) God has blessed us through LifeTogether. Since September 2012, with a brief hiatus during the stranger months of covid protocols, our biweekly LifeTogether gathering has been a major avenue for investing in the discipleship practices of relationship, Bible study, and prayer. I know that many of you have counted on it as a respite from the daily grind. The kids’ classes have also offered sweet opportunity for God’s youngest people to build relationship from adults-not-their-parents, which studies show is key for a vibrant, life-long faith.

The development is that there is uncertainty about continuing with LifeTogether next Fall. The food prep (and cleanup) for our larger group now requires more volunteers than are currently available. The children’s ministry is such a volunteer load that we haven’t been able to fill the slots for several months. God may surprise us with leadership for these needs, and we welcome conversation with you if this sounds like a worthy opportunity for you to pursue. Whatever the outcome, though, we trust that God will continue to bless our life together, even if it’s through new rhythms of connection.

(4) God has prospered our community ministry to children. When we moved neighborhoods in 2021, we prayed for open doors to serve at Englewood Elementary. Since then, the Mercy Team has led a growing ministry to the kids at Englewood who lack adequate food on the home front. The school counselor has now asked that we continue this “Backpack Buddy” program over the summer. God has prospered us, and the outcome, as the proverb says, is that “the city rejoices.”

This summertime service certainly is a newsworthy development, but it’s not the only one. Next school year, Evergreen will lend its facilities to a small start-up called Christ Academy. A number of Evergreen folks, including yours truly, have been involved in this effort, but that’s not the primary reason that Evergreen is providing space.

More importantly, the school meshes with what God is doing to bless the community through Evergreen. The vision of Christ Academy is to form whole persons to display the loveliness of Christ, and that’s unique in Salem. Its low price point makes it the most affordable secondary Christian school around. Its method is also fresh: class time emphasizes dialogue with students, and the teacher acts as a coach and facilitator; as in the church, interactive relationship is key.

It's true: a school group, Monday through Thursday, has implications for our building. As with many changes, this one will mean patience and wisdom from us all. (I’ve been wondering how in the world I’ll achieve deep work with teenagers whooping on the four-square court outside my office!) But discipling Christian kids is not just for Sunday mornings. God is creating beauty in our community through Evergreen, and we’re eager to see what else he will do as we advance in faith together.

There are other good things to celebrate too, so stay tuned! For now, though, I’ll close with an invitation: since developments often raise questions, please come to LifeTogether on June 21 for a “town hall” approach to these issues, or please talk with me and the elders as you’re able.

We know that God will supply wisdom and unity and peace, as we seek first his kingdom. He is our faithful Father and King and Comforter. His love endures forever!

Your brother,

Christopher Bechtel, for the elders