The Safe Haven is the precious little flock that I am privileged to shepherd. We are a small gathering of Christ-followers whose sole purpose is to embody the spirit of Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching (clear and compelling Bible study) and to fellowship (loving and encouraging one another), in the breaking of bread (the celebration of the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer (in which we bring our joys and sorrows, our victories and challenges before our God).”
We seek an elegantly simple, no-frills, uncomplicated encounter with God, uncluttered by all of the programing and financial “stuff” that can so easily become a distraction. Anyone who needs more by way of youth groups, children’s programs, small groups, Sunday schools, retreats, etc., are welcomed and encouraged to take advantage of the many offerings of such ministries in churches throughout our area.
As with so many things these days in our post-Covid world, the nature of Safe Haven has changed. Since we were meeting pre-Covid in a retirement facility, out of an abundance of caution we are no longer permitted to do so. Consequently, we are now a virtual community. I am singularly blessed to be able to keep in touch regularly, in one way or another, with each of our precious Safe Haven peeps. Thankfully, relationships are not dependent upon a room.
Nor are podcasts! The weekly podcast continues. It’s actually kind of cool: While speaking to an empty room, I am able to “see” each of our people in my mind’s eye. I honestly get the sense that they are responding in real time to the things I am teaching. And their feedback continues to flow to me. It truly is precious; a ministry that I continue to treasure.
All of that to say that our mission remains singularly focused: to meet with God and with one another around the teaching of God’s Word in an affirming, soul-building experience.
With so many unfortunate forces that seem to tear apart the fragile unity of many churches (everything from secondary doctrinal issues to peoples’ personal politics), I am thrilled to hear from time to time of the “birth” of yet another Safe Haven — dear people of God gathering in small or modest-sized groups, using the podcast as their sermon. Safe places where they can leave the things that would otherwise divide them at the door. They are thus able to discuss together the truth they have just heard, pray for one another, support each other, break bread together — simply, sincerely, lovingly.
Through the podcast each week, you will have the opportunity to experience the blessings with us. So in this virtual sense, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the Safe Haven, where we love you and are thrilled that you are here.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at duilio.bertolini@comcast.net.
Dewey Bertolini 
Im very happy to be able to listen to dewey again online. Im in california, a freind of ken brown, an old student of deweys at masters. I downloaded his sermons and listened to them at work. After he finished philipians I waited for him to get back into mathew…but didn’t see his name back up as teaching. So am thankful that I can listen again to his wise teaching…along with my own pastor at the church we attend. God bless you dewey.
Thank you for the kind words, Richard! They mean more to me than you could possibly know.
I am happy to do both!
A few years back the church I serve at planted a big cell tower on campus in front of the sanctuary. Rather then it being an eye soar the suggestion of putting a cross member on it to resemble the cross. This big cell tower serves to purposes , one to bring a income to the monthly income and second, so that all in the area can see this enormous cross and be convicted to go to church. This lead be to wonder what would Jesus say to this, or would Jesus find himself coming to our church? We have taken what is a curse and have glorified it. Oh how we are missing the mark of community and synagogue. Dewey I love the counter cultural approach . I would love to start a home church and will be tuned in to your teaching and wisdom.
very tough commute, I would love to be able to show up, but I do have a commitment on Sunday morning in Santa Rosa, very nice to be able to take in your teaching from the Word
I discovered your blog web site on google and verify a number of of your early posts. Continue to maintain up the superb operate. I just extra up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking for forward to reading extra from you in a while!…
wikipedia reference
I just want to mention I am very new to blogging and certainly enjoyed you’re web page. More than likely I’m likely to bookmark your website . You actually come with perfect well written articles. Bless you for sharing your website.
I First met Dewey in the mid 80’s when we did a conference together in California! Then lost touch for 30 almost years. I was so shocked to discover that he had moved to McMInnville Oregon & we have had the opportunity to get re connected! PTL!!!!
What a blessing your podcasts are to me, Dewey! Could you possibly post more than one/week? ;o)
Thank you, Joy. You are a wonderful encouragement.
Michael and I are involved in the work of a megachurch in the Phoenix area and love the goal of the ministry..To reach Phoenix for Christ, literally ALL of Phoenix…we now have 6 going on 7 smaller satellite campuses. Praise God for the blessings. But we miss the line by line, precept on precept we grew up on at Calvary Bible so I am excited to have access to Dewey’s teachings….and thank you Dewey, my boys were in your youth group and are men of faith today. They had a good foundation…all praises to Jesus
Thank you for the kind words. Miss you, my friend, more than you know.
Dewey,
About two or three years ago you did something that still blows me away, I was traveling and alone, and one day you sent me a message out of the blue to say you were praying for me, we had not talked in ages, even my church at the time would only condemn me for my travels, I wish I could find a “Safe Haven” in Tennessee. Thank you for sharing with me what I think the church should be, I love you Dewey, please keep being an example of Christ for us.
Love you, Bruce. And I am so proud of you and the man you have become. You are, and ever shall be, a part of the extended Safe Haven family.
Please know that the podcasts are truly a blessing.
Thank you!
Thank you for your encouragement and gift. Please know that it means more to me than words can express. Thank you for listening!!!
Praise the Lord for leading me to your in-depth gospel message at Safe Haven, Dewey. Thoroughly enjoy your teaching and bringing God’s word to life.
You are so sweet and encouraging. Thank you for listening. And thank you for making my Easter!!!
I am always comforted when I read Jeremiah’s words for I can often berate myself for the many tears I have shed over the downfall of so many of those who claim to be Followers of Yeshua. I trust His great mercy and faithfulness. Thank you, Dewey, for bringing the Word to life for me, over and over. May the LORD bless you and strengthen you, may He comfort you and continue to use you powerfully.
Joy
You are a gift, and definitely live up to your name. Thank you!!!