January-February - 2003 Electronic Edition - Vol. 3 No. 1 What Makes People Happy Pastoral Changes Prayer & Praise Reports Christian Education/Music Annual Week of Prayer

What Makes People Happy?

Sue and I have been reading with interest the so-called "new findings" that present day psychologists seem to be discovering. Could they finally be catching up with the wisdom of God's precious Word in the area of happiness and contentment? Author Martin E. P. Seligman addresses why some people are happy while others are not in his new book, Authentic Happiness. Seligman's research has indicated that the happiest people:

• Spend the least time alone
• Pursue personal growth and intimacy
• Judge themselves by their own yardsticks, never against what others do or have.

USA Today columnist, Marilyn Elias, states in her article from December 9, 2002, "The once-fuzzy picture of what makes people happy is coming into focus as psychologists no longer shun the study of happiness. In the mid-90's, scientific journals published about 100 studies on sadness for every one study on happiness. Now a burgeoning "positive psychology" movement that emphasizes people's strengths and talents instead of their weaknesses is rap- idly closing the gap."

How is it possible that someone who loses his or her job in December can still manage to look on the bright side of things, while others who seem to have everything going for them live in a dark cloud all year long? According to some psychologists, a person's cheer level is only about half genetic. If this is the case, then how can some people find happiness in spite of life's happenings?

Research is indicating that even physical health, assumed by many to be the primary key to happiness, only has an impact if the illness is life threatening. Many healthy people take their health for granted and aren't any happier for it. Meanwhile, the sickly often bear up well under adverse circumstances.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi has found that, "Life satisfaction occurs most often when people are engaged in absorbing activities that cause them to forget themselves, lose track of time and stop worrying." He calls it "flow".  He states, "People in flow may be sewing up a storm, doing brain surgery , playing a musical instrument or working a hard puzzle with their child. The impact is the same: A life of many activities in flow is likely to be a life of great satisfaction."

According to psychologist Seligman, "Everyone has "signature strengths" and the happiest use them. Doing so can lead to choices that astound others but yield lasting satisfaction."

Psychologists also remind us that an "attitude of gratitude" has much to do with the happiness factor. When adults talk and write about what they're grateful for, their happiness quotient is magnified. Other researchers have found that when people learn to savor even the smallest of pleasures, the result is the same. University of Michigan psychologist Christopher Peterson states, "Forgiveness is the trait most strongly linked to happiness. It's the queen of all virtues, and probably the hardest to come by."

Now don't you find it interesting that today's psychologists are merely discovering what the Bible has been saying for centuries? Let's look at just a few scriptures that have been recorded for our spiritual development.

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 27:19) "Above all else, guard your heart. .." (Proverbs 4:23) " A heart at peace gives life to the body. .." (Proverbs 14:30) "A happy heart makes the face cheerful. .." (Proverbs 15: 13) " A cheerful look brings joy to the heart." (Proverbs 15:30). "A cheerful heart is good medicine." (Proverbs 17 :22) Many times throughout scripture, we are admonished to "give thanks in all things." "To come before Him with Thanksgiving". "Let us be thankful, and so worship God." W e are told that we are to "learn to be content in whatever state we are in". There are so many scriptures instructing us in how we are to think, to act, to behave, etc. We are told to "bless, encourage, bear up, give thanks, so that things will go well with us." When we see scriptures speaking about 'wealth, prospering, , etc, we can see that it is not necessarily describing finances, but something much deeper, which is contentment. Learning to have a thankful spirit and to operate in peace regardless of our circumstances is possible! The Lord loves us so much that He has given us ample instructions on how to live a contented and peaceful life.

Paul, the Apostle, is a great example for all of us as he endured much sorrow, suffering and hardships. Yet, he is the one who instructs us to, "Rejoice in all things, to shine as stars in the universe, to present our petitions with thanksgiving, to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." He exhorts us to, "Clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility , gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. And over all these virtues we are to put on love, which binds us all together in perfect unity . Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we were called to peace. And be thankful! Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts to God. And whatever we do, whether in word or deed, we are to do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him!" (Colossians 3:12-17)

Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert, states, "There's a reason why Euripides said, 'It would not be better if men got what they wanted. ' People expect that events will have a larger and more enduring impact on them, for good or ill, than they really do. If you knew exactly what the future held, you still wouldn't know how much you would like it when you got there. In pursuing happiness, we should have more trust in our own resilience and less confidence in our predications about how we'll feel. We should be a bit more humble and a bit more brave."

Being Christians, our confidence is not in our own resilience, but in the faithfulness of our Savior! We do need to be more humble and braver as we face our situations. How much better we all would be if we thought more of others, and less of ourselves!

We came across an illustration that we would like to share with you:
" A little girl skipped along down the hallway. Actually, bouncing or bounding was more like it. Her hair danced on top of her head with each little jump. She swung side to side, with her head tilting once one way and then the other, as she held her father's hand. Her face was aglow...with life! She was so glad to be alive and was not afraid to show it.

She passed somber faced people in suits or scrubs, some with all the outward signs of their faith-crosses on necklaces, on lapel pins and even on earrings. WWJD bracelets still showed up occasionally. But, in all of this, not one showed even a glimmer of joy. They looked more like the walking wounded, and not the sons and daughters of the living God of the Universe. Except for this little girl of about three years. She hadn't yet learned the game or lost her sense of awe and wonder . Butterflies and rainbows still made her gasp.

When she looked up at her father, she still saw a giant who could do no wrong, and would always love her. When she saw her mother, she saw the ultimate safety net-her arms and lap. She still smiled and laughed without worrying whether someone thought she was weird. She looked kindly at strangers since, if Jesus loved all the little children, shouldn't she, too?

I looked at that little girl and started to smile to myself. I remembered the fullness of life I had experienced through Christ, and I even started to skip..."

It is our prayer that as you begin the new year of 2003, your steps will be lighter as you remember whose you are! Think about the fact that we have a faithful and loving Lord who will walk with us every step of the way! Let's determine in our hearts to truly give thanks in all things.

-Pastor Ted and Sue Brust

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Pastoral Changes

We tearfully bid Pastor Leon farewell. We will miss his humor, wit and passion for the Lord. We know God is going to use him mightily in his new ministry with youth in Thailand. Pastor Leon will be here the first of January and will be preaching, so watch for details. You will want to hear him one more time before he flies away overseas.

The good news, incredibly' good news, is that Pastor Jim and Robin Walsh and family are coming back to Bethel as youth pastors. To God be the glory again! We have missed them. God is so good, He continually surprises and delights us, doesn't He?

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Prayer and Praise Reports

Our sympathy goes to Pat Parks and her family. Her daughter, Jackie Clarke, went home to be with Jesus on November 24th after a hard battle with brain cancer. The funeral was a celebration of Jackie's life as a Christian, so we rejoice over her victory. Pastor Ted and Sue's messages were sweet and meaningful. Pastor Greg and Tricia Brust were their usual pleasant ministers of music. We pray for Pat and the family for comfort and peace.

We sympathize with Larry and Anna CoIglazier and their family after the passing of Larry's father, Delbert CoIglazier, from Farmersburg near Terre Haute. Mr. CoIglazier had battled Alzheimer's Disease and had resided here in Lafayette for the last year or so. Our prayers are with the family.

Our sympathy goes to Ron and Shirley Siovaila as her mother, Evelyn Felker, passed away in December. She was a homemaker, foster parent and adult educator. She was a strong Christian, so we know she is receiving her heavenly reward.

Mike Hudson's mother, Helen Hudson, passed away in December. Please keep the Hudson family in your prayers.

Donna Coon needs prayer for health issues. Denis Pavy is also needing our prayers. Remember Sherry Hatke and her health issues.

Mary Morris is ill and has had to have many blood transfusions. Keep Mary in your prayers.

Continue to remember Mary Jo Anderson and Nina Eagin who have just finished their last rounds of chemo.

Continue to pray for Grace (Jane Burnside's mother), Bill Rumple (Rita Weybright's father).

Pray for comfort for Linda Monahan's family and Michelle Rogers' family who have both lost loved ones recently.

Pray for U.S. troops around the world, our President and leaders. Pray for Sgt. Cary Gibson who is stationed in the Middle East.

"Is anyone of you sick'? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well: the Lord will raise him up." James 5:14-15a

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Christian Education/Music 2002
by Pastor Greg Farmer

As we begin a new year, I would like to express my gratitude for the wonderful people who are involved in the Christian Education ministries at Bethel. I believe I can say, though I may be just slightly partial, that we have the best leaders and workers in the nation! It would take more pages than I have here to acknowledge every one of them, but I would like to make mention of three; Ginger Smith, Matt Overman, and Linda Ivy. These are but a sampling of the godly and caring people who provide such great leadership.

Ginger Smith, who serves as our Sunday School superintendent, does an excellent job. Her dedication, energy, and imagination are just a few of the things that put Ginger in a class by herself.

Matt Overman and Linda Ivy, who head up our Royal Ranger and Missionette ministries respectively, are tireless and gifted in their work with our boys and girls. What an awesome impact they have in these vital ministries.

I am so blessed to have these and many others of this caliber to work with in these ministries that are so essential to the growth and development of this body of believers. A church, or a ministry is only as good as the people who make it up. We have great ministries because we have great people. God bless each and every one who has made this past year a great one for Bethel. Thank You!

But we're not finished! We stand at the beginning of a new year; a year full of opportunities to make an impact for Jesus in the lives of people. So let me challenge you to become involved in what God is doing. If you have not been involved in the ministries of Bethel, this is your year. Get involved -- become active in ministry. Use the abilities and talents God has gifted you with for His glory .You may say, "I'm not sure what I can do, or how to do it." Well, we've got just the thing for you.

Coming up in the last part of February, will be the All Church Training! Conference, which is sponsored by our district. All district ministry departments have joined together and this replaces the former departmental training conferences and seminars. Workshops and training are offered for Youth leaders, Men's Ministries, Christian Education, Women's Ministries, Royal Rangers, Missionettes, Music, and Pastors. So as you can see, there is something for everyone. We will be announcing more details about this as the time draws nearer. Plan now to be a part of this great equipping opportunity .

MUSIC

A big thank you goes out to all who were a part of "Festival of Carols," our 2002 Christmas Musical, and who worked so hard to make it a huge success. A special thanks to Monica Peercy, who directed the children's choir in their practice sessions. Thanks, Monica, for a job well done. Thanks goes also to Steve Johnson, who created the background music for the children's song "Bethlehem." It was beautiful, Steve. Thanks to Craig Anderson for running the sound for us and to Andrew Farmer for running the lights. Great job guys! Thanks to Kevin Brust for video taping the service. And lastly, thanks to all the dedicated choir members who gave many hours of time in practice and preparation to make this a beautiful time of ministry focusing on the real reason for the season -Jesus Christ. God bless each and every one of you.

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Annual Week of Prayer for Bethel
•January 5-11,2003•

Each January, during the first full week of the year, Bethel sponsors a week of prayer. This is a special time used by Bethel to set the course for the Church during the following year. This January, our week of prayer will begin Sunday, January 5th, and go until Saturday, January 11th. During this time the church will be open for prayer at 6:00 A.M. until 7:00 A.M. and from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

This is primarily a time to pray for the direction of the Church for the year; to ask God for His guidance and blessing. We will have prayer concerns posted on an overhead during the prayer times for anyone to drop by and pray for what ever length of time they may have. We will also have people available to pray with anyone who has a personal need. It is important to the overall spiritual health of the Church that we come together during this time to pray as a family.

If it is absolutely impossible for you to make it at the times available, we ask that you spend time during the week seeking God's favor for Bethel. We will post in the Sunday bulletin of that week the concerns that we will be praying for.

Begin to prepare yourself and your family for this time by asking our heavenly Father what we should be praying for. If you receive something from God that you think is for your Bethel family, please let one of the Pastors know. Things are getting more and more critical as the time of our Lord's appearing draws near. Please be diligent in this request and this time.

-Harold Meaux
Prayer Coordinator

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