For a long time, I thought of Christian community as a social element, largely separate from my spiritual growth, as kind of a fringe benefit. But through my semi-nary studies and through reflecting on our C3 Vision paradigm, I see more and more that community — our relationships with other people — is a critical piece of God’s plan in our lives and for His mission.

Proverbs 27:17 captures it well when it says, “as iron sharpens iron, so one per-son sharpens another.” God intended to use His Word and His Spirit to shape us and to cause us to grow. But He also intended to use our relationships with others to challenge, guide, encourage, and correct us. At Bethesda, we believe community is an essential piece of spiritual growth and Christian experience. We are called to love one another and to serve alongside each other. Additionally, we are convinced that we experience and understand more of God in the context of relationships with other people.

One great thing about Bethesda is that, in our commitment to keep the Word of God central in our ministries, we also continually remind each other that we expect God’s truth to make a difference in our lives. God is in the business of change, and He’s been showing me lately that our relationships are often catalysts for that change. Unfortunately, our busy lives make it more and more challenging to find opportuni-ties to have those important conversations about God’s truth and how it intersects with our lives, to learn from others’ experiences and perspectives, to share a new insight, or to ask for prayer as we recognize our life experiences are causing us to question things we’ve always assumed to be true.

Early in 2012, we will be inviting everyone in the congregation to take steps toward stronger Christian community. We need each other, and the people around us need each of us. Please begin praying now for Bethesda’s family and for an open-ness to the opportunities God has for you. Maybe it’s time to reconnect with an Adult Bible Fellowship, to get involved with a LIFEgroup where you can learn alongside other people, to host a group at your house, or to volunteer to help lead group discussions. God has big plans for each of us to complete the work He’s begun in us, and we want to seek out opportunities for that growth to take place in Christ, within caring Community, as we participate in Jesus’ Cause.

Pastor Brian QuadePastor of Ministry Development

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CONTENTSAll-Church Announcements 2–4Women’s Ministries 5HomeStars 5Youth Ministries 6Children’s Ministries 7Small Group Opportunities 8Adult Bible Fellowships 9Bethesda World Missions 10Calendar 11

Sunday Service Schedule

9:00 am – Traditional 10:30 am – Contemporary 10:45 am – Contemporary

(In Walker Hall)

Worship Schedule!

coffee cup CafeSundays: 10:00–12:00 v Fellowship Hall

Please join us in the Coffee Cup Cafe for treats, coffee and conversa-tion! We would love to meet you!

Hand to Hand, Shoulder to ShoulderNovember 2011

NEWSBethesdaLutheran Brethren ChurCh

WWW.BETHESDALUTHERAN.ORG

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All Church Announcements

Elder Board InitiativesIn the May newsletter, Pastor Paul highlighted 3 key

initiatives the Elder Board has laid out for Bethesda after a season of prayer and evaluation.• Because God deserves the greater glory of having more

people know Him, and grow to worship Him with all their lives . . .

• because we live in the middle of a mission field of spiri-tually dying people loved by God and for whom Jesus died . . .

• because new younger generations are increasingly alien-ated from God and the Church . . .

• because we believe Bethesda has a unique and important forte and voice as part of the larger local Church . . .

We are compelled by grace to see all people of the Chip-pewa Valley, believers and seekers, and all span of genera-tions, have Christ formed in them, entering greater depth and completeness according to a biblical picture of a be-liever, portrayed in our C3 vision (“Knowing & Growing in Christ” “Belonging and Caring in Community” “Serving and Sharing His Cause”).

Pursuing this vision, after seeking God in prayer and listening to His people, we believe the following goals are essential and wise:

• Adding a new, modern worship service in Walker Hall on Sunday mornings.

• A foyer expansion project.

• Developing a more comprehensive small group ministry.

Update on the 3 InitiativesHere’s what’s happening with the 3 major initiatives of

the Elder Board.

EleeoThe new, modern worship service launched this fall in

Walker Hall. Eleeo is our new modern service which is led by a creative team of 6–8 people. Getting different people involved is a key part to this service. We also try to have dif-ferent segments at each service (longer meet and greets, Q and A, Mission Minot, etc.). We have seen new people com-ing to this service regularly and our Bethesda people have done a fantastic job of welcoming these new people. There are 125 on average that attend Eleeo. Please be praying for this service as we hope the new people get connected and pray for more volunteers to help with this service.

Small GroupsWe are preparing for a launch of a more intentional small

group ministry (called LIFEgroups) to enhance and expand our existing Adult Bible Fellowships and small groups in February 2012 with sign-up in January. Pastor Brian’s front page article explains more about why we think this is im-portant for all of us. Stay tuned for more information.

Foyer Expansion ProjectThe foyer expansion project will strengthen our ministry

in Christ, Community, and Cause. In preparation, a Design Concept Team met for months to assess the congregation’s needs for additional seating in the sanctuary, connection needs in the foyer, a secure children’s area, additional office space, etc.

Now the planning has been turned over to a Building Committee who is developing recommendations for the El-der Board. In addition to that, a Finance Committee has also been formed to explore options for funding the project. We expect to have early drafts of these plans available before the end of this year, with a more formal presentation at the annual meeting, followed by times of congregational dis-cussion and an anticipated congregational vote mid-spring.

From the Elder Board:

C3Christ Community Cause

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All Church AnnouncementsCheck it Out!

Don’t be a turkey! Come into Bethesda’s church li-brary and gobble your way through a cornucopia of media including books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks and more. Remember to give thanks for the plentiful harvest of bless-ings God has given us. Here are a few among many items available to check out.

• God’s Green Earth (a Really Woolly DVD) A story of thankfulness for God’s gift of Creation. (JF, REA)

• Home Song (Book 2, Cape Light Series) by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer. This new novel returns to the quaint town of Cape Light and the unique residents who call it home. (F, KIN)

• Case For Faith (DVD) by Lee Strobel and Garry Poole. A six session investigation of the toughest objections to Christianity. Also available as a book. (239, CAS)

• Grace Abounding: The Story of John Newton (2 CDs audio drama) from Focus on the Family Radio The-atre, by Paul McCusk-er and Dave Arnold. A merchant of slaves who becomes a slave to men and to his own depravity. How is it that such a man could write the words to the song “Amazing Grace”? (AD, GRA)

Thanksgiving at Bethesda

Join us for our Thanksgiving Service,Wednesday, November 23, 7:00 pm

It’s beginning to look a lot like . . . Advent Conspir-acy! It’s Bethesda’s Christmas tradition. The concepts behind Advent Conspiracy are simple: worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all. By intentionally spending less on ourselves, we are able to give more and bless those who are in need. We do this in ways big and small, with one of the most exciting by taking up a special offering made up of the money we saved by spending less on ourselves.

Last year’s Advent Conspiracy funds were used for well repair in impoverished Haiti and also for the VFW’s Unmet Needs program. For this year’s Advent Conspiracy we are hoping to provide clean water to more villages in Chad, Africa through the efforts of Dan Venberg and the CLB Mission in Chad. More de-tails are coming soon.

Our culture officially begins the Christmas season with shopping on Black Friday. As followers of Christ, we invite your family to rethink how you “do Christ-mas” so that the love of Jesus can be shared with others. Let’s begin praying today that God will use this year’s Advent Conspiracy to change our hearts and change the world! It’s a great way to honor the One whose birth we are celebrating!

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From the Trustees:Offering Checks

When writing checks for your donations to Bethesda’s Ministries, please remember to write your envelope or giv-ing number on the memo line on the check. It helps the Trustees considerably as they track information for end-of-year statements and increases efficiency as they process weekly offerings. Letters will be coming soon to everyone with a giving number, but you can call the office, if you want to know right away.

RecyclingPlease remember that we do recycle. In the coming

weeks we will have additional receptacles for aluminum cans. We also have a number of receptacles for paper. Please help the custodial staff by placing your paper and cans in the designated places. You may also like to know that money received from the aluminum cans goes to Bethesda’s Children’s Ministries.

Tables and Chairs AvailableA reminder that Bethesda will no longer be loaning out

tables and chairs. The equipment we have had dedicated for this is very heavy and is getting worn out. If you would like to own any of the loaner tables or chairs, please contact the office; the equipment is available for a donation.

All Church Announcements

Connect and Fellowship with other Single Adults (30s–50s)This small group is designed to provide supportive

Christian fellowship and the opportunity to experience community with other Bethesda single adults.

Sunday November 13th – Noon til 2:00Pizza and games at church

Bring your favorite pizza topping (crust, sauce and cheese provided) and own beverage. Feel free to bring your favorite game also. Please RSVP to Carin or Mary so we can plan accordingly! Thanks.

Any questions or to be added to the SALSA email group please contact Carin at carin-rae@hotmail.com or Mary at mary.robinson@ahss.org

Salsa(Salt and Light Single Adults)

You’ve heard it a million times. Others may have said it to you or you may have said it to yourself. But things just aren’t coming together. You’re still hurting. You still feel like things are falling apart.

Our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers who will walk with you, listen to you, and provide confidential one-to-one care, as you search through the pieces and find what is truly in your heart.

To learn more about Stephen Ministry for yourself or someone you know, talk to one of our Stephen Leaders: Paul & JoDea Green at (715) 839-9468, Judy Draper at (715) 831-0189, or Pastor Venberg at the church office, (715) 835-5073. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you!

Our Stephen Ministers will be meeting:• November 14 for a pot luck • November 28 to learn more about Caregiving

Networking

Stephen Ministry

“Pull Yourself Together”

“John 6: 9” October Food Drive

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

The October Food Drive has come to a close for this year. We are still counting up the boxes of food and cash donations. We’ll report the full amounts next month and in the annual report, but just wanted to say a “Big Thank You” to all you help to show love for God by showing love for their neighbors by contributing to the drive. Keep your eyes open for great food bargains, ‘cause we’ll be doing it again next year.

Thank you so much for your concerns for the local hungry. God’s richest blessings to you all.

Rod RueschFor the Deacons at Bethesda

Deacon’s Corner

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HomeStars With our membership reaching over 60 families so far

this year (and still growing), we are looking forward to our monthly Tuesday activities on November 15th at Bethesda. Our family activity will start off the day at 10:30-11:45 with a presentation from Dan Orth of Wisconsin Falconers on falconry. After a quick lunch, we will jump into the classes (for all ages) at 12:30. The Parent Support Meeting, running concurrently with the classes, will focus on home organi-zation with guest speaker Gretchen Houchin revealing her many secrets on staying organized. Our monthly devotional with our own Linda Swenson is on courage.

Our planned field trips for the month will include a visit to Harvest Home Farms for a honey extraction presentation on November 4 and an educational tour of the L.E. Philips Memorial Public Library on November 29th. Middle school activities are planned for November 11th at Bethesda (de-tails will be at our website). Finally, our afterschool club is underway with activities related to the Odyssey of the Mind competition.

If you are homeschooling, join HomeStars and take part in all the activities and encouraging fellowship. If you have any questions, contact Linda Swenson at 715-834-0713, or check out our website at www.homestars.me.

A Homeschool Support Ministry of Bethesda Lutheran Church

Women’s Ministries

ChristmasWarmth

Christmas TeaSaturday, Dec. 3rd

10:30 am

Ladies! Join us on Saturday, December 3rd, at 10:30 am in Walker Hall for our annual Christmas Tea! Our theme this year is “Christmas Warmth.”

This event will feature a brunch, special music, and our speaker, Ellen Cedarblade.

There is no charge for this event, but we will be receiving an offering for the missionaries that we sup-port. We will also be collecting mittens, hats, gloves, scarves and other winter wear on the day of the Christ-mas Tea. These will be distributed locally to those in need.

Reservations are need-ed. Please make your reser-vations with Mandy Heard at “mandyheardu@gmail.com” or at 715-834-5246.

Childcare will be of-fered during this event. Please invite a friend! We can’t wait to see you there!

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Youth Ministries

Weekly ScheduleHigh School Youth Group: Sundays 7:30–9:00 pm

The Bridge: Middle School Youth Group: Wednes-days 6:45-8pm

Chad ShifferDirector Youth Ministrieschad@bethesdalutheran.org

Ryan RicoMiddle School Youth Directorryan@bethesdalutheran.org

High School CalendarSunday, Nov. 6 — One23: Open Mic NightNovember 11–12 — ManCamp, 5pm–5pm,

Cost: $20.00Sunday, Nov. 13 — One23: “Q & A Night with

Pastor Paul”Saturday, Nov. 19 — FF5, GRITS Free Concert

@ U of MSunday, Nov. 20 — One23: “Money: Mayhem

or Management?” Sunday, Nov. 27 — No One23

All who are interested (students and adults) are invited to a Mission Trip Informational Meeting Sunday, Oct. 30th at noonish (after Eleeo service) in the Youth Room regard-ing the High School trip for next summer. After months of ideas, prayer, surveys and research, we have decided the next youth mission trip will be to Haiti in July, 2012. I will have all the information ready for the meeting on Sunday and will explain it all.

Believe me when I say many of us have wrestled with this decision for awhile but I am confident that God is mov-ing us to do this trip at this time. Please check out http://www.experiencemission.org as this is the organization we will be going with. I understand there are many questions and concerns at this point, the biggest being finances and safety. I will address these and other concerns at the meet-ing, but please feel free to contact me directly on my cell or through email. I’m excited to see what God will do through this effort to help the hurting in Haiti!

Guys hanging out together and being . . . well, guys.This edition of ManCamp will be held at Bethesda on

Friday and Saturday, November 11th and 12th. This will be an action-packed 24 hours, running from 5:00 pm Friday, to 5:00 pm Saturday. “Man-tivities” include a Viking Din-ner, Knife Fights! (sort of), Paintball, Dodge Ball, Rhino Ball, late night movie, and great man teachings! Bring a friend! $20 covers everything. Sign up now, release forms are in the Youth Room and online at bethesdalutheran.org/ministries/high-school and at www.facebook.com/groups/BethesdaHSM.

Small Group Night OutFor Middle School Youth

Wednesday, November 9th from 6:45-8:00 pm will be our first small group night out. It is a time for the students and leaders to bond and just have a good time together outside of a normal meeting. Each group will be doing a different activ-ity decided upon by the groups. Your child will be bringing a note home the week before with details as to their activity. If this doesn’t make it home or if you have other questions, please contact Ryan. (ryan@bethesdalutheran.org)

The Bridge will not meet on November 23rd (the day before Thanksgiving). Instead, spend some quality time at home or traveling to visit family. We will resume meeting the follow Wednesday from 6:45–8:00 pm.

Haiti Missions Trip 2012

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Children’s Ministries

ProgramsSunday School Bethesda offers two hours of Sunday School, during the 9:00 am and 10:30/45 am services.

Wednesday Night ActivitiesChildren’s Choir: 6:00–6:45pmKids of the Kingdom: (K–3rd Grade) 6:45–8pmBible Explorers: (4th–5th Grade) 6:45–8pm

There will be no Wednesday night activities on Novem-ber 23rd due to Thanksgiving.

www.bethesdalutheran.org(715) 835-5073

Dawn RicoChildren’s Ministries Directordawn@bethesdalutheran.org

Karen RateringChildren’s Ministries Assistantk.ratering@sbcglobal.net

Operation Christmas ChildOperation Christmas Child offers a great service project your family can do together! Pick up an empty shoe box and brochure from the table near the gym. Fill it up and bring it back Nov. 6 or 13. These boxes will be distrib-uted by Samaritan’s Purse to children around the world who are in great need of basic supplies. More information can be found on Page 12 of this newsletter.

Thank you for caring and sharing!

Sunday School Mission Focus

We were privileged to meet and hear from two of the Wiebe children, Justin and Daniel, in Sunday school on Oct. 23 (Mission Sunday). If you are not aware, Brent & Sandi Wiebe and family recently returned from Papua New Guinea where they finished translating the Bible into the Bola language. We ask you to encourage your children to bring offering money each week to Sunday school that will go towards solar powered MP3 players. These MP3 players will be given to the Bola people so that they can listen to Bible stories and passages in their native language.

Fill our Snack Tub!Children’s Ministries

could still use your help in making sure the Sunday school children receive a snack each week in class. We would appreciate it if you picked up a box or two of crackers, fruit snacks, gra-nola bars, animal crackers, vanilla wafers, etc. the next time you were at the grocery

store and dropped them off in our red tub by the resource room. Thank you for thinking of the kids in this way!!

Volunteer Opportunities in Children’s Ministries!

Here are some opportunities for you to serve in our Children’s Ministries department this year! • Record Keeper —This volunteer would deliver and col-

lect attendance envelopes, handle the offering money and also keep track of our Arch book program. This can usually be done in 20 minutes or so.

• Team Teacher — We also have a new position that just opened up, effective immediately. We need someone to team-teach with our Kindergarten/1st grade teacher dur-ing the 9:00 am hour. This would be on an every-other-week basis.

• Special Needs Helpers — We’re looking for people who have a passion for helping kids with special needs to be included in our programs and also for one or two people to be with these kids in the “Friendship Station” (a room where they can have free playtime if they already attend-ed Sunday school the other hour).

Please contact Dawn at 715-835-5073 (or e-mail dawn@bethesdalutheran.org) if you can help in any of these areas!

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God Sightings Small Groups Each week (typically by Friday morning)

we are posting discussion questions to our website to help groups discuss the text from the sermon. If you are leading a group that is discussing God Sightings, please contact Pas-tor Brian at brian@bethesdalutheran.org, so we can include you when we have additional resources, support, and encouragement.

Women’s StudiesSolid Rock Café

Monday Nights, 6:30–8:00 pmRms. 311 & 313 (Bethesda)

Beginning November 14th, we will begin a 12 week Bible study by Rebecca Pippert and Ruth Siemens entitled Evangelism — A Way of Life. If you would like to learn how communicate the gospel effectively, please join us. We will not be meeting on October 31st or November 7th. Contact: Jane Louden, 715-835-6064 or janelouden@sbcglobal.net

Solid Rock Café Tuesday Nights, 5:15–6:45 pm

Room 313 (Bethesda)“Decisions — Seeking God’s Guidance,” is a nine-week study on how to make decisions wisely, confidently, and in harmony with God’s will. E-mail or call if you would like to join us and to order a study guide. Contact: Sue Henneman, 715-552-1378 or suehennemann@att.net; Pat Murphy, 715-839-1219 or patree@cvol.com.

The Rachel CircleFirst Tuesday of the Month, 1:00 pm

Fireside Room (Bethesda)On November 1, we are finishing our study of 1 & 2 Peter with Chapter 12, “God is in Control,” using 2 Peter 3:1–18. Join us for this study and devotion time. Contact: Joan Albricht, 715-830-0221 or Louise Koxlien, 715-552-3873

Moms StudyWednesday Nights, 6:45 pm–8:00 pm

Bethesda LibraryBeginning October 5th we will meet at the same time as Wednesday evening activities, while most of our children are busy with programs.Contact: Brittney Malone, 715-878-4366

Lydia Bible StudySecond Thursdays, 1:00 pmFireside Room (Bethesda)

This month we are meeting on November 10th, continuing with our study of “Finally Into the Land.” Contact: Grace Bailey, 715-214-4344

Rise Up!Friday Mornings, 6:30–7:45 am

Fireside Room (Bethesda)We are currently doing a Bible study on the book of Luke, using the Life Change Bible study guide. All women are welcome to join us.Contact: Jackie Vold, 715-834-5775 ormjvold@gmail.com

Circle of FriendsFriday Mornings, 9:15 am

We will be studying women of the Old Testa-ment. Our study guide will be Life Principles from the Women of the Bible, Book 1 by Wayne Barber. Child Care will be provided.Contact: Mandy Heard, at 715-834-5246 or mandyheardu@gmail.com, or Chris Strasburg at 715-835-0721

Adult StudiesEmpty Nesters

First and Third Mondays, 7:00–8:00 pmFireside Room (Bethesda)

We will be continuing our study in the Book of Philippians. This month we are meeting on No-vember 7th and 21st. Contact: Brian & Janet Amundson, 835-0521

Common GroundWednesdays, 6:00–8:00 pm

Room 204aWe are using the weekly “God Sightings” readings as our basis for discussion. Join us anytime! Contact: Jay and Andrea Anderson, 715-836-9358

“The Foundations”6:45–8:00 pm

Room 313This 12-part video series by Ken Ham exam-ines topics such as the relevance of Genesis, evangelism, the basics of apologetics, etc. Contact: Nathan Dietsche, 715-835-5073

Wednesday Evenings7:00–8:00 pm

Fireside Room (Bethesda)We are be meeting every Wednesday evening in the Fireside room at 7:00 pm and are con-tinuing our study of the Gospel of Luke. We would love to have you join us as we continue our study of this book.Contact: Pastor Venberg, 715-835-5073

Men’s Studies

Monday Mornings, 6:30–7:45 amFireside Room (Bethesda)

We are currently studying the book of Romans. This is a great time to get plugged into this ear-ly morning study to start off your week right! Contact: Mark Miller, 715-456-8293 or mamaflac@yahoo.com

Tuesday Nights, 5:30–6:30 pmRoom 305 (Bethesda)

Step aside from your fast-paced, “too busy” world, to meet with a small group of men. Learn more from the Bible and how to apply it to a man’s daily life. We study different sections of scripture with help, at times, from Max Lucado’s books.Contacts: Stuart, 715-720-7771, snsbt@charter.net;David, 715-828-6156, dverhaagh@hotmail.com; Jeff, 715-563-8489, wilejeff@gmail.com

Band of BrothersFriday Mornings, 6:30–7:30 am

Room 305 (Bethesda)We are currently doing a study of the Book of Philippians. Join us as we discover the secret of Paul’s joy and experience his triumphant confi-dence in Christ. Coffee and pastries provided!Contact: John Lutz, 715-831-0895, johnlutz@ameritech.net

Small Group Opportunities

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Adult Bible Fellowships

Adult Bible Fellowships (ABFs) are groups that meet in order to help us grow in our relationships to God and with each other. ABFs are committed to deepening our relationships, as well as growing new relationships. Bethesda has a number of ABFs available. Although ABF goals are similar, each group has its own identity.

Sundays • 9:00 amBranches

Room 204c (Fellowship Hall)Variety of ages.

Join us as we explore how contemporary life and faith inter-sect. Coffee and treats guaranteed, lively discussion likely. In November we will focus on Romans 5:4, character and hope.Contact: Deb Hubbell at 715-839-0594 or dahshop@yahoo.com

iLessFireside Room, Room 102

Ministry for 18+.iLess is an ABF designed to meet the needs and help in the spiritual growth of young adults in our Bethesda community. Contact: Pastor Brandon at 715-835-5073 or brandon@bethesdalutheran.org

SojournersRoom 305

Variety of ages.Please come and join us as we look into God’s word as the apostle Paul refutes the Colossian heresy as we study the book of Colossians.Contact: Allen or Jeanne Sternke at 715-597-3526 or jeannesternke@yahoo.com

Sundays • 10:30 amKingfolk

Room 204c (Fellowship Hall)Retired, or nearing retirement.

Nov. 6 — Pastor Rodney will field previously submitted questions from the Bible and on theology in a session entitled, “Ask the Pastor.”

Nov. 13 — Mark Bergen, who has guided Kingfolk through spir-itual issues in the past, will direct a study of Heb. 9 & 10.

Nov. 18 — The monthly game night will be held in Fellow-ship Hall at 6:30 – 9:00 for all those enjoying a night of relaxation and fellowship together.

Nov. 20 — Andy Johnson, a new elder at bethesda, will share his testimony and walk with the Lord.

Nov. 27 — This is the first of a three week study on the book of Esther with questions at the end of the video addresssed by Mandy Heard.

Contact: Augie Wirkus, 715-831-0460

A.C.T.S.Room 305

Variety of agesThis fall semester we are taking a look at what the Bible says it means to be honest, moral, and a person of conscience, in our personal lives as well as where we work. This will be a Bible study based on the book Honesty, Morality and Conscience by Jerry White. One of the central concepts of Christian fellowship is to support and encourage each other. We will hear from business owners, teachers, employees, and managers whose stories of victory and failure can light the path before us. Separate from this study, we will hear testimonies, play trivia, and devote time to praying.Contact: Steve or Jodi Flaten, 715-832-8312, or Steve Louden, 715-835-6064 / b4ubuy1217@sbcglobal.net.

Seekers of GodFireside Room, Room 102

Variety of agesAs a sequel to last spring’s study of the life and times of Eli-jah, we will study the prophet Elisha. This mixed-age group meets at 10:30 am, Sundays in the Fireside Room. Contact: Beth Smith, 715-875-4553, or Dennis and Diane Peterson, 715-839-8648.

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Venbergs: • Praise the Lord for a fruitful time in the village of Doh

in early October. • Praise the Lord for the great response from those who

attended the conference on partnering to reach unreached Chadian people groups! The Chadian Lutheran Brethren Church (EFLT), Chadian missionaries, and Lutheran Brethren International Missions (LBIM) will continue to explore ways to work together.

• Pray for Dan and Rachel, as they will have increased responsibilities at the Welcome Center once the Fludes return to the United States because of the illness of their daughter Emma.

Gronseths: • Praise the Lord for the trustworthy Christian contractor

that He has provided to construct the Coffee House. • Praise the Lord that some red tape issues at their bank

have been overcome. • Praise the Lord for the community’s enthusiasm for the

Coffee House, and for the many friends who are eager to help!

• Pray for daily wisdom to decisions and meet unexpected challenges.

• Pray for favor with government officials, and that the Coffee House will be a blessing to all involved.

Contruccis: • Pray for Kent as he travels to Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia

present the Inside-Out Safety Program Seminar to the MAF base. He will be gone November 4th-13th.

• Pray for Nancy, who is in her ninth year of teaching special education courses for new teachers at Azuza Pacific University. She would like to have renewed energy for the job that God has provided, and wants to thrive rather than just survive on a daily basis.

• Pray for Sarah Contrucci to have wisdom as she decides whether or not to accept a paid position with a non-profit Christian organization in Uganda that provides economic development opportunities for women.

• Praise the Lord for Jonathan Contrucci’s part-time position as a Teacher Assistant for a philosophy course that is part of Azuza Pacific University’s High Sierra program.

Wiebes: • Pray for Pastor Benjamin as he sells Bola Bibles, and

seeks to encourage people to read it. • Pray that excitement will spread about the Bola Bible,

that people will read it, and that God will use His Word to bring many into His kingdom.

• Pray for increased monthly support.

Wiles: • Pray for John and Kathy as they are ministering to

missionaries in Asia until November 17th. They will be leading retreats, worship services, workshops, pastoral family meetings, and pastoral counseling sessions.

• Pray that the Word they share in public meetings and private conversations will enrich faith, bring repentance, and deepen people’s joy in their walk with God.

• Pray that they will have the energy and focus to be 100% ‘present’ with each person they meet.

• Pray for discernment about the core issues in people’s hearts, and for wisdom to share Christ’s Words for them.

• Pray that the extreme air pollution will not impede their ministry by causing health problems.

• Pray for rest in body, soul, and spirit once they return from Asia.

Bethesda World Missions

Praise and Prayer for Bethesda’s Family Around the World

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BethesdaLutheran Brethren ChurCh

123 W. Hamilton AvenueEau Claire, WI 54701715-835-5073www.bethesdalutheran.org

C3Christ … Community … Cause

A vision for clarifying who we believe God is leading us to become.

Operation Christmas Child shares the Good News of God’s love with needy children around the world — using shoe box gifts.

Operation Christmas Child is an annual project of Sa-maritan’s Purse, which will add a language-specific chil-dren’s Bible to each box and will distribute the boxes through worldwide Christian ministry evangelistic programs.

You are invited to take part in this unique missions proj-ect by filling a shoe box with school supplies, small toys and hygiene items (no liquids or gels), and labeling the box for “Boy” or “Girl” and age category, 2–4 years, 5–9 years, or 10–14 years.

Pray for the child who will receive the box. You may also include a note or picture from your family. A donation check of $7 to Samaritan’s Purse helps cover shipping and other project costs, and should be submitted in your shoe box. Tie or rubber band the box. You may also wrap the box (Wrapping is not required, though if you choose to wrap your box, please wrap the lid and box separately).

This year at Bethesda, we will collect filled boxes on November 6 and 13 at tables in the Foyer and by the Re-source Room. We already have 30 filled shoe boxes, and have collected 300 shoe boxes for people to use.

Thank you for considering this ministry to touch a child’s heart this Christmas. Brochures and empty shoe boxes will be available at the tables for your use. If your group would like a supply of boxes, please contact Kathy Mentink at “kmentink4him@charter.net”.

More information available at www.samaritanspurse.org.

Operation Christmas Child