Rev. Rodger Good, Pastor

Rev. C.G. Nienkamp,

Pastor Emeritus

BETHEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

2400 CENTRAL AVE. NEBRASKA CITY, NE

68410

Church Telephone/ Fax #:

(402)873-6218

Email Address: bethel_ucc@yahoo.com Office Hours: M-F, 9am—Noon

Website: www.bethelucchurch.com

Find us on Sept. 2012

THE BETHEL BEACON

A Note From The Pastor

It’s back to school! Labor Day will be the last big summer fling of the year. It is often post-Labor Day

that we reflect on the summer and in utter amazement exclaim: “Where did the summer go?!” Time has a way

of getting away from us, especially as we try to cram all our summer activities in for the season.

For some, this time of year marks a more regular and structured routine. For others, it is a pre-cursor

to cooler temperatures and the beauty of fall. And for those who serve on the budget committee, it is time for

planning next year’s operating budget. It is at this time of the year that we are challenged to think about what

resources it will take to efficiently and effectively operate the church for the coming year.

Stewardship is not always an easy or comfortable topic to discuss. Perhaps it is because we are condi-

tioned to not talk about death, finances, sexuality, politics or religion. But, stewardship is not always talk con-

cerning money. Stewardship is using our God-given gifts to share and care for all God has so graciously given

us. Stewardship is even using the time in each day that is gifted to us by God that we might return a portion in

thanksgiving as well as use our monetary resources to do “what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans

12:3). It’s all about sharing.

The Bible talks about money, possessions, as well as gifts given to us by God. Sometimes we think

these gifts are ours to keep for oneself, but we are called to share what has been blessed to us by God. “Do not

neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:16). It is

a way of living and we can live it out in our devotion to serving God in our faith community and in our world.

It is a way of living that we give back to the Lord our God in thanksgiving. God has entrusted us with an awe-

some responsibility; and God expects us to care for all He has given us; to preserve our environment, to nur-

ture one another, and to love one another as God loves us.

As members of the church we covenant with one another to serve the Lord our God, to be mindful of

the welfare of others in prayer as well as our presence, and to walk humbly in faithfulness and Christian love.

We covenant with one another to support the church with our gifts, which include our monetary resources, our

time and our talent.

May we all prayerfully consider and reflect on the gifts God has given us, and to bring glory and honor

to God’s name always. May we truly be thankful in our giving. May we in true faith continue to preserve and

pass on what God has so graciously gifted.

Shalom,

Pastor Rodger

BETHEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Monthly Statement By Brenda J. Wieckhorst

July 2012 Balance

Current Expenses…………………………. (10,385.51)

Missionary Fund OCWM……………………… 2636.25

Improvement Fund…...……………………. 14,757.37

Capital Project Fund..…………………….. 14,882.59

Organ Maintenance Fund..…………….….. 2,000.00

Bethel Beacon………………….................... (2130.80)

Elevator Fund…………………..………………. 6042.83

Other………………………............................. 833.12

Total………………………………………...….... $28,635.85

A more detailed report has been posted on the church bulletin board.

Copies will be made available upon request

WINNERS FROM THE CELEBRATE 125

ICE CREAM SOCIAL FUND RAISER ON JULY 29

1st prize: 2 tickets to the Husker/Arkansas St. game on 9-15-12:

Sue Griepenstroh

2nd prize: 2 Adirondack chairs made by Frank Malzer:

Connie Gieseking

3rd prize: $50 Casey’s gift card: Carla Nagengast

4th prize: $25 Fareway gift card: Tom Ross

5th prize: $20 Food Pride gift card: Darlene Good

IN OUR PRAYERS IN JULY/AUGUST: Marie Ritter, David Weik, Lorraine Cooper, Reva Ber-thold, Jeanene Pummel, S SGT Allen R. Scott, Diane Man-thei, Tiffany Orchard, Roy Murphy, Specialist U.S. Army James E. Kuhn (son of Jim D. Kuhn), Justin Williams, Charles Owens, Hailey Walters, Jenny Smithpeter, the

family and friends of Sonny Francis, Wayne Davis, Pat Wehling, Hailey Walters, Bill Carroll, Mary Ellen Grundman, Brianna John-son, the family and friends of Melvin Peterson, the family and friends of Iona Hammers, the family and friends of Minnie Garrett, Isaac Durr, Noah Hamilton, Isaiah and Justine Reed, Melvin Giittinger, Mae Grell, all who struggle with chronic illness, those confined to their homes and to long term care facilities, and all those who continue to be affected by the flooding.

Thank you to everyone who brightened our sanctuary with

flowers, and who sponsored bulletins during the months of

July and August.

.

I will praise thee,

O Lord my God, will all my heart:

And I will glorify

Thy name for evermore.

For great is thy mercy

Toward me….

Psalm 86: 12-13

Thank you to Harold &

Gladys Huss who helped assemble the

September edition of the Bethel Beacon.

THE NEW CHURCH DIRECTORIES ARE IN!

If you ordered a new pictorial directory or would like to purchase one, they will be available in the

church office. The cost is $20. The office is open M-F from 9 am to Noon.

You may also pick them up before or after worship on Sundays.

Congratulations to Jerry & Connie Gieseking on the

birth of their first grandchild,

Scout Sarah Hope Brown,

born on July 20th at 9 lbs. 1 oz.

Proud parents are Tim & Robyn Brown.

Sunday, Sept. 2nd~ Labor Day Brunch (open to public) Monday, Sept. 3rd ~ Labor Day Sunday, Sept. 9th ~ Grandparent’s Day, Sunday school rally, 10:30 worship time begins Fri.-Sun., Sept.14th-16th~ Applejack Weekend/ Sunday school begins Sunday, Sept. 23~ Annual pet blessing service

ANNUAL LABOR DAY BRUNCH

Sunday, September 2nd

Bethel United Church of Christ

2400 Central Avenue

Nebraska City

Serving 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Scrambled eggs and sausage with choice of

Pankcakes or biscuits & gravy

Coffee & juice

$ Free will donation $

Public welcome

**LOOKING AHEAD**

~OCTOBER~ Wed. 3rd: Fun & Fellowship 1-3 pm (last one of the year)

Sun. 7th: Communion/Food pantry

Sun. 14th: Gospel music Sunday

Mon. 22nd: Meals On Wheels 11 am

Thurs. 25th: Communion @ Ambassador 9:15 am

Worship @ Duffs 10 am

Mon. 29th: Meals On Wheels 11 am

*Sr. Choir practice every Wednesday at 7 pm*

BEST WISHES TO THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR

BIRTHDAYS & WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES IN

SEPTEMBER

ANNIVERSARIES

Michael & Allison Mills

~September 5, 1998~

Tyson & Molly (Wurtele) Hermann

~September 25, 2010~

Dennis & Carol Marshall

~September 28, 1985~

Dale & Bonnie Wurtele Sr.

~September 28, 1960~

Allen Schreiner~1st Madison Tietz~1st Linda Brooke~6th

Harold Huss~7th Chloe Barrett~11th Abbie Marshall~13th

Greg Ramold~14th James Griepenstroh~15th Christian Tietz~16th

Cailyn Heye~17th Kay Nannen~18th Kendra Rowh~18th

Derek Ferguson~20th Joy Reese~25th Anna Marie Stukenholtz~26th

Dale Wurtele Sr.~22nd Jacob Sinner~27th

July 2012 Church Council Minutes

The Church Council met Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 7:00p.m. Present were Sara Horstmann, Erin Johnson, Norm Brown, Greg Stukenholtz, Deb Kuhn and Tracy Wieckhorst. Also present were Pastor Good, Frank Malzer and Sarah Bando.

Sara Horstmann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with opening prayer.

Minutes from the previous meeting were read. There was some clarification regarding the rules for the nursery. The council’s recommendation for children five (5) and under to be allowed in the nursery was in reference to the time during church service. There will be future updates of information regarding food and drink in this area. There was also a correction regarding no quorum. During the June meeting there was a quorum to conduct business. Minutes approved.

The following reports were provided-

Financial- Norman Brown made a motion to pay all bills. Greg Stukenholtz seconded. Motion carried. Fundraising- no report Memorial Fund- no report Pastor Good- 19 Pastoral calls, six (6) Ministerial Aid calls, one (1) wedding, three (3) funerals. Helped with VBS,

met with Women’s Fellowship, Installation of officers for Jobs Daughters, met with 125 Committee & provided extensive counseling throughout the month of June.

Church Secretary- Sarah reported she has been advertising upcoming events for the church and mailing out order received for magnets and ornaments for fundraising.

Boards and Council Reports-

Building and Grounds- Frank Malzer reported that he is doing repairs above doorways to prevent birds from roosting, he has been watering the new trees excessively, had a small gas leak fixed and had to adjust the eye on the door locks.

Spiritual Council- No Meeting Board of Christian Education- No Meeting.

Unfinished Business-

Both trees on the east side of the church were assessed and will be removed soon. No bid on the curb cut yet. No information on the cost of pew Bibles

New Business-

Lauryn Hawkin will be having a rummage sale on August 4 to raise money for the outdoor worship area she is going to complete for her scouting badge. Members may drop items off that prior week on Tuesday & Thursday 5-6 and Friday 2-6.

A suggestion was made regarding fund raising efforts for the church. The suggestion was that the Country Fair project be considered again. In the past, this event made a few thousand dollars and would possibly do well again. This idea will be discussed.

With no other business, Greg Stukenholtz made a motion to adjourn. Tracy Wieckhorst seconded.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next meeting is scheduled for August 14, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Tracy Wieckhorst

CHURCH COUNCIL

Due to the Aug. 14th meeting

being moved to Aug. 21st, there

was no time to get the August

minutes finished in time for

printing. They will now be

posted in the October Beacon.

Thank you!

CELEBRATE 125

The ice cream social and raffle on July 29th is now history, but what a wonderful event it turned out to be! With the combined efforts of many people, it was truly a success and we received many compliments AND the request to make it an annual affair. Let’s keep that in mind! Even though this was planned as a special even of our celebration year, there is no reason why it could not become an annual observance.

~Special thanks go to the following~

To Michelle Francis and Michael Wieckhorst for chairing the ice cream social. To Harold and Gladys Huss for handling the raffle.

To Frank Malzer for his donation of the two beautiful Adirondack chairs which he built.

To the servers: Dan Hamilton, Cliff Stukenholtz, Dean & Sue Griepenstroh, and Lenny & Jennifer Tietz.

To all the ladies who furnished desserts ~ and what a wonderful selection there was!

To all the members who sold and bough raffle tickets. And finally, to Mike & Mary Redelfs little granddaughters from Omaha who drew

the winning raffle tickets.

~The winners were~

Sue Griepenstroh ~ 2 football tickets to the Husker/Arkansas State game on Sept. 15, 2012

Connie Gieseking ~ 2 Adirondack chairs Carla Nagengast ~ Casey’s $50 gift certificate

Tom Ross ~ Fareway $25 gift certificate Darlene Good ~ Food Pride $20 gift certificate

CELEBRATE 125 Continued….

We realized $1460 from the raffle and approximately $900 from the ice cream social free will offering (all of the expenses for the ice cream were not available when I received these figures). This produced a nice addition to our elevator fund. Our outdoor worship service on August 19th was a glorious event. The weather was outstanding and Pastor Good had planned a beautiful and meaningful service. It was, in my opinion, one of the highlights of our celebration year. If you missed it, you missed a very special service.

The Women’s Fellowship arranged the potluck dinner following the worship service, and again, what a bountiful meal we enjoyed! While the participation was few in numbers, the fellowship was wonderful. The next Celebrate 125 Committee meeting will be August 30th at 2 pm. We will be finalizing plans for our food booth for the Applejack festival, which will be September 15-16. Cindy Weible, assisted by Danielle Barrett, will be chairing this event. Plans are to serve Sloppy Joe sandwiches, nachos, apple desserts (the theme this year is “As American as Apple Pie), and beverages. Watch Sunday bulletins for further announcements regarding your help. Our float will also be entered in the Applejack parade. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with us this year! As we look ahead, our October special Celebrate 125 events will be a harvest display and a “gospel” Sunday on October 21st under the direction of Nina Jean Rohlfs and Norman Brown. ~Adelene Vock

Pewter Ornament Mailing Information We have received inquiries from members and friends who live away from Nebraska City about receiving the 125th Anniversary pewter ornaments by mail.

Ornaments will be mailed in a padded, protected cushion mailer. The costs will be as follows:

~For 1 or 2 ornaments anywhere in the U.S.~

Mailer and postage is $3.50 plus the cost of $10.00 for each ornament

~For 3 to 5 ornaments anywhere in Nebrtaska~

Mailer and postage is $6.50 plus the cost of $10.00 for each ornament.

~For 3 to 5 ornaments outside the state of Nebraska~

Mailer and postage is $7.50 plus the cost of $10.00 for each ornament.

*Payment should be included with your order*

Mailings will be handled by the church office. If you have questions, contact Sarah at the church office from 9 am to 12 pm at 402-873-6218.

Bethel United Church of Christ

2400 Central Avenue

Nebraska City, NE 68410

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

SCHEDULED TO SERVE SEPTEMBER 2012 LAY LEADERS Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Nancy Brown Adelene Vock Jason Holman Kassie Holman Sandy Ried GREETERS Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Dennis & Carol Marshall Burt & Cindy Weible Gene & Kay Nannen Dean & Sue Griepenstroh September 30~ Delphine Griepenstroh & Kathy Clymens USHERS Sept. 2 Sept. 9 — Sept. 16 Sept. 23 — Sept. 30 Gene & Kay Nannen Frank & Pam Malzer Cliff Stukenholtz, George Stukenholtz, Jim & Sharon Herzog Harold & Gladys Huss Pauline Peterson, Helen Ramold SOUND SYSTEM Sept. 2 Sept. 9 —Sept. 16 Sept. 23 — Sept. 30 Stephen Luther Burt Weible Dennis Marshall ACOLYTES Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Jason Stukenholtz Nick Brown Noah Hamilton Dylan Holman Lauryn Hawkins Hailey Walters Christian Tietz Mason Hamilton Quintin Holman Katherine Luther CD MINISTRY~ David Carpenter COOKIE FELLOWSHIP~ Katie Chapin & Brenda Rayhel

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

NEBRASKA CITY, NE