the bethel beaconthe bethel beacon april 2016 mission statement: we, the bethel congregation, called...
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The Bethel Beacon April 2016
Mission Statement: We, the Bethel Congregation, called by God, commit ourselves to proclaim the gospel, to prepare our members for outreach and service, and to minister to human needs.
Look for:
Pastoral Perspective 2 Traveling to Germany Clothing Collection 3 New Members Young In Spirit Bethel Women Pastoral Acts 4 Pre-Baptism Class Library CYF Summer Info 5 VBS Puerto Rico – Mission Trip Rummage Sale 6 Ushering Prayer Shawl Ministry Gifts & Memorials 7 Bethel Book Club Bethel’s Staff
Next Beacon:
Articles Due Friday, April 15 Beacon Mailed Monday, April 25
Come one, come all—to the Health Fair!
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
The Bethel Health Cabinet and the Parish Nurse Ministry are excited to sponsor a Health Fair at Bethel on Sunday, April 24, 2016 in Bethel Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. What is a health fair? A health fair is an opportunity to provide information about health, wellness, and community resources. There will be something for everyone! You can visit with more than 15 exhibitors on topics such as healthy eating, exercise, safe driving, healthy kids, diabetes, bike safety, and many more.
According to the Church Health Center, “A balanced life takes into consideration what is going on not just medically, but in the areas of faith, movement, work, emotions, nutrition, and friends and family.” The variety of exhibitors at Bethel’s Health Fair will share information on all of these areas that impact our health.
The purposes of Bethel’s Health Fair are to:
Increase health awareness by providing health activities, materials, demonstrations, and information
Increase awareness of local health services and resources
Motivate participants to make positive health behavior changes
Teach self-care practices
Come for FUN, FACTS, and FOOD!
There will be experts on a variety of health and wellness topics, healthy refreshments, and
an opportunity for fellowship with other Bethel members. April’s blood pressure
screening will also take place at the Health Fair. By attending and visiting with the
exhibitors, you will have an opportunity to win some great door prizes!
Mark your calendars now for Bethel’s Health Fair on April 24, 2016. We hope to see you
there!
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Celebrate Spring!
Come to Bethel Women's Spring Coffee. April 9 @ 9:30
Guest speaker is Michelle Kahn from the Women's Shelter.
Pin recipients will be honored. There is no charge to attend but please sign up using the Count-Me-Ins
or at the table in the Narthex after services on April 2 and 3. Bring a friend.
810 Third Ave SE Rochester, MN 55904 507-288-6430 www.bethellutheran.com
The Bethel Beacon April 2016 Page 2
Pastoral Perspective
“IS IT REAL?”
Dear Members and Friends of Bethel:
It is sometimes hard to determine whether things are real or not. Saturday Night Live skits are very much a parody, but they are so close to reality and speak truths in exaggerated ways. Television shows and movies we know are not real—but then there is “reality TV”. Much of what passes for drama and comedy on television is more real than what happens on reality TV. One person dating a dozen women or men? A bunch of people surviving on an island with cameras and crews all around them?
Even in the church there is reason to wonder about what is real and what is not. Bethel was blessed again last month with six performances of “The Promise”. We cannot thank enough those people who organized, acted, sang, and worked in the performance. Unless you were one of them, you cannot appreciate the thousands of hours that went into bringing the story of Jesus Christ to our sanctuary in dramatic form.
But what is real? A boy, eight years old, is transfixed by what he sees in front of him. The first half of “The Promise”, while setting up the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities (with cameo appearances by Satan) doesn’t stretch the imagination until the healing scenes just before intermission. An eight year old wonders what is real and what isn’t. Does a little girl really come back to life in the hands of Jesus?
It is the second half of “The Promise” that challenges everyone. It is a powerful reminder of the eternal conflict that is played out between Jesus and the powers of this world, assisted by the powers of evil (Satan). Jesus is arrested, and there are sounds of his whipping. A little boy asks if that is real. Two thieves are affixed to their cross, and a little boy asks if the nails are real. Jesus struggles to the front with his cross, and then is painstakingly nailed to his cross. A boy buries his face in his grandfather’s shoulder and shudders at the spectacle.
He peeks occasionally and wonders what is happening. We who are adults know what is happening, and it is difficult for us to watch, too.
At just the right time, “The Promise” turns a corner of joy, and we encounter the Risen Jesus, shining in all his glory. Even after all his questions and the reassurance that these are actors playing out the story of Jesus, the boy sees the holes in the palms of Jesus’ hands and asks, “Are the holes real?”
It is a good question for all of us. Of course, no one was crucified in Bethel’s sanctuary. No lame person was restored to walking or a blind person enabled to see.
But was it real?
As a pastor of the church, I would say that it is as real as the Gospels in our Bible. This powerful presentation tells the truth in a way that few are trying to tell the truth in our day. “The Promise” tries to take an eternal truth and make it real…for us.
Was it real? Yes, son, it is real, in a very real way. It is the truth. It is Jesus.
In the Grace of Christ, Pastor Norman Wahl
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2016 “Top to Bottom” Capital Campaign
The 2016 “Top to Bottom” Capital Campaign is drawing to a close. So far, over $77,000 has been received to fund several critical maintenance and renovation projects needed at Bethel. The estimated cost of the projects is $125,000:
Re-roof the office/education wing - $70,000
Seal and stripe the main parking lot - $20,000
Replace a 56 year old sump pump - $9,500
Renovate lower level restrooms - $9,000
Replace failing video projectors in sanctuary - $11,000
Contingency - $5,500
If you haven’t yet made a gift, please consider making a contribution to this campaign. The goal is to finish by April 15th so the improvements can be completed during the summer of 2016. Ways to give:
Visit the church office
Visit Bethel’s website and click on ”Top to Bottom” Capital Campaign
Email Janet at [email protected]
Thank you for your prayerful consideration. 2016 Bethel Capital Campaign Team
“IT IS REAL!”
The Bethel Beacon April 2016 Page 3
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to Bethel Lutheran Church! We are excited to introduce you to our church. Bethel is a vibrant place to worship, a caring institution and stands as a Christian Leader in the community. If you are looking for a church home, Bethel Lutheran Church offers a New Member Orientation 101 class. These classes are for those interested in membership at Bethel Lutheran Church and those seeking more information on Bethel’s mission and ministries. Attendance is required by all who wish to become members of Bethel Lutheran Church. Our next New Member Orientation 101 Class will be held on Wednesday, April 20 from 6:00-7:00pm in room 115. Membership 201 sessions’ are also available for those seeking more information about the Lutheran church and a chance to meet the pastors. If you have been confirmed in the Lutheran Church, it is not necessary you attend these classes; however, you are highly encouraged to do so. These sessions will be held on Thursdays, May 5, 12, and 19 from 7:00-8:30pm in room 115. The Reception of New Members will be held on May 21-22. If you are interested in finding out more information about becoming a member of Bethel, contact Sheri Kallembach, Member Coordinator at 288-6430 or [email protected]
Young In Spirit
The next gathering of Young In Spirit will be Thursday, April 21 with lunch in the Bethel Fellowship Hall at 12:00 noon. Call Norma Isaacson (282-0423) by Tuesday, April 19 to make a reservation. Celeste Lewis, Olmsted County Naturalist, and some guest critters will present a program about the jewels of Olmsted County; Chester Woods Park, Oxbow Park and Root River Park.
BETHEL WOMEN
April Mission of the Month-Women's Shelter The Women's Shelter offers temporary safety and shelter for women and children who are in immediate need of refuge. 24 hour staffing is available to help provide a myriad of services: medical, legal, support groups and information groups. For shelter, advocacy or information, call 507-285-1010 or 800-438-6439. Our mission for April is to supply some of the needs for those who have had to suddenly leave home. The following items are only a few suggestions: Towels (hand and bath), twin bed sheets, personal hygiene products, laundry detergent, combs, multi colored construction paper, colored pencils, kid's scissors, etc. See a more complete list posted on the Bethel Women's bulletin board and at the Mission collection center by the windows in the Narthex. In-kind donations may be placed in the Mission cabinet/bin or brought to the Spring Coffee. Thank you for your continued support. Dates to remember: • April 4 – Bethel Women board meeting • April 9 – Bethel Women Spring Coffee • April 21 — Zumbro River Conference at Faith Lutheran, Dodge Center • May 6 – Spring Rummage Sale • June 25, 2016 — Good Earth Village Women’s Day • July 11-13, 2017 — Tenth Triennial Convention, Minneapolis • July 13-16, 2017 - Tenth Triennial Gathering, Minneapolis - “All Anew”
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Neighborhood Outreach Clothing Collection
With spring here or just around the corner, the needs of the children change - SHORTS are needed. Many children come to school on hot days dressed in jeans and become overheated because they don't have shorts. Along with the shorts, please continue to bring long pants with stretch waists...especially sizes 6 – 8. Alarm clocks are another on-going need. And don’t forget to donate your children’s out grown winter wear! Donations can be left in the blue collection bin in the church narthex. Thanks for your faithful assistance with this important ministry.
The Bethel Beacon April 2016 Page 4
Pre-Baptism Class
Bethel holds a monthly pre-baptism class on the 2nd Sunday of the month. The next class is Sunday, April 10th at 6:30-7:30pm in room 115. This class is for those planning baptism — even if the baby isn’t due for a while or a baptismal date has yet to be set on the Bethel calendar. One of Bethel’s pastors teaches the class each month. New parents are expected to participate in the class as an opportunity to review the meaning of God’s gift of new life in the sacrament of baptism. Sponsors of the baptized are also welcome to attend. Please contact the church office (#288-6430) to schedule a baptism as well as register for the date you are planning to attend the pre-baptism class.
LIBRARY NEWS
Books For All Seasons New selections are added to the Bethel Library on a regular basis. This month we are highlighting some of our recent additions. Come and check them out!
Kingdom Man. Dr. Tony Evans leads the way toward meaningful manhood. He lays out a plan for men to change their corner of the world- to discover the big things that God has created for men to do. This book will lead you to discover what it means to live as a Kingdom Man, to live out one's destiny in personal things, in family life, in church life and in community life.
The Birds, Our Teachers. Author John Stott expands on Martin Luther's intriguing statement from the Sermon On The Mount: “Let the little birds be your theologians.” Through examining the habits and lives of various birds he has created a new branch of science which he has dubbed “orni-theology.” His studies include: “The Soaring of Eagles-Freedom,” “The Song of Larks-Joy,” “The Metabolism of Hummingbirds-Work” (plus 8 others.)
When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin takes place in a small Georgia town where little Annie greets the townspeople from her lemonade stand with a bright smile and hope for the future. She's raising money for her own heart transplant. Reese stops at a nearby store, on a rare errand in town. The scene unfolds in slow motion as Reese looks up from his car just in time. Blown by a strong wind, Annie's lemonade money flies into the street. As she runs after the paper bills, a bread delivery truck spins around the corner. The truck driver sees Annie, but not until it's too late. Reese's instincts spring him into action, making him the first one to reach Annie, now lifeless in the road. What Reese does next changes both of their lives forever.
Cracking The Communication Code offers solutions to the #1 marriage problem. Author, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs says it is an issue “Because most spouses don’t know that they speak two different languages. They are sending each other messages in 'code' but they won't crack that code until they see that she listens to hear the language of love and he listens to hear the language of respect.” The book offers a step by step approach for couples to learn to speak each other's different language.
Pastoral Acts at Bethel
We encourage you to share in the times of joy and sorrow with fellow members of God’s family
at Bethel:
Baptisms: Go therefore and make disciples of the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
March 2 Boston James Koziolek March 6 Remme Marie Peterson Funerals: Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52) March 2 William Friedrich March 14 Norin Korsmo
Seven Things You Should Say to Church Guests (Seventh in the series)
“Would you join me for coffee (the Lenten meal, the Rally Day gathering, the Bible study)?” In some churches this kind of invitation has resulted in the highest guest return rate over any other factor. Inviting someone to join you is powerful.
The Bethel Beacon April 2016 page 5
Children Youth and Family Registration Begins Soon!
On May 1, 2016 we will start registration for Sunday morning education as well as Vacation Bible School. Registration can be completed online or with a paper form available at Bethel. We will not be able to accept online payments. Confirmation registration for next year’s 7th and 8th graders has already started. Please note that next year’s 9th graders do not need to register for confirmation classes. They will start their mentor year instead. Please contact Julie Allhiser if you have questions about Confirmation for 7th/8th Graders and Renee Hoffman if you have questions about 9th Grade Mentor Ministry.
VBS Details: • June 20-23 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm • Completed Beginners Sunday School – 4th Grade are eligible to participate in VBS • Cost is $20/student (includes CD), scholarships are available by request • 5th Grade - Adults are needed as volunteers • Thursday night will be a special gathering including our friends from Puerto Rico who will arrive that day.
Sunday School/Forum 56/BRIDGE for Youth details: • First day of Sun. Morning Education is Sept. 11, 2016 (Rally Day) • Registering children age 3 (by 9/1/16) through 12th gr. • Cost is $10/student, maximum $20/family, scholarships are available by request • Youth and Adults are needed as volunteers
We want to first thank the current volunteers who work with our children at VBS and on Sunday mornings. Your time is invaluable and we are blessed to have so many wonderful volunteers. Our Sunday morning education can exist because of dedicated young people and adults. Every year we are in need of volunteers to support our goals in Children Youth and Family Ministries. Our greatest need is on Sunday morning. Please consider volunteering in some way whether you have children or youth participating or not.
Feel free to stop by the CYF desk in the narthex on Sunday mornings or contact your CYF staff with questions. Thank you in advance for considering a role within CYF Ministry! Susan Larson – Children’s Ministry/Julie Allhiser – Middle School Ministry/Renee Hoffman – High School and Young Adult Ministry
Pioneers in Ministry
This summer a group of 24 youth, college students, and adult leaders from Bethel and the youth of Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in Carolina, Puerto Rico will "pioneer" a new ministry partnership together! Cristo Rey, or “Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey” as you would say in Spanish, is a vibrant congregation of about 65 located in Carolina, which is a suburb of San Juan on the northeast corner of the island. They worship Sunday mornings in Spanish and have a great heart for reaching out to their community. Over the past years Bethel has helped support their mission by sending a team from our Women’s Ministry there as well as helped with the cost of some church repairs. From the beginning it’s been the dream to connect our Youth Ministries and start a tradition of mission trips to serve in each other’s communities. So this summer we will pioneer our new partnership together and hope to start a ministry for years to come! The church is working towards becoming a certified disaster relief location, so when we go down his summer our team will help make hurricane relief kits, build some storage spaces and also help with some roof & gutter repair. They also are very interested in what we do at Bethel for community outreach, service projects and music ministry, so we will work together to come up with new ideas for reaching out to the community of Carolina. Sounds exciting right? Well all of you at Bethel are invited to be part of our adventure! There are many ways you can support our team. First and most importantly we need your prayers. This will very much feel like traveling to a foreign country and we will be meeting new people and trying new things. Pray that God keeps us safe and that amazing things can be accomplished in His Name! Second you can support us by learning more about our trip and our team by checking out our Puerto Rico wall display on the ramp leading up to Bethel Hall. There are a number of luggage tags hanging there that list items we need for our trip, so feel free to grab one or two and place your donation in the envelope and drop it off in the church office. We are so excited that we all will be working together to further our partnership with Cristo Rey Lutheran and pioneer a new ministry for our youth!
The Bethel Beacon April 2016 Page 6
SPRING RUMMAGE/BOOK SALE
It's time for Spring Cleaning! You can find a place for your retired treasures, furniture and clothes at:
Bethel's Semi-annual Rummage/Book Sale!!! Friday May 6th 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM Bag Sale 2:15 - 4:00. Morning coffee/rolls/pie and BBQ lunch will be available
We will happily accept Furniture in good "sellable" condition, Spring and Summer clothing, books, household items etc. It is extremely helpful to have bedding/table linens/men's suits labeled with sizes when they arrive. We ask that you PLEASE DO NOT BRING Computers, TVs, curtain rods or blinds, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, microwaves or out-of season clothing. These unsellable items take away from what we have to give to missions as we must pay for their disposal. Donations may be brought Wednesday, May 4th 4-8 PM or Thursday, May 5th 8 AM - 6 PM to Bethel Hall using the
loading dock door or south door of the church. Please bring furniture and books to the Narthex (south door). All
monies made from the sale help support local, state and national missions. Proceeds from the Book sale will benefit
our library. Some funds will be matched by Thrivent Financial. Thank you in advance for your support of this
wonderful event.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry will have a table set up on the third Sunday of April (the 17th) with a lovely assortment of prayer shawls available for you to deliver to individuals whom you feel to be in special need of prayerful support at this time. Stop by the table to choose a shawl, have it gift bagged, and to learn more about the knitters, those who crochet, and their ministry. There is no charge for a prayer shawl. If you enjoy kitting or crocheting and would like to join the prayer shawl ministry, we meet on the 2nd Tuesday of
each month at 10:30 am in the adult library. Our next session will be April 12. We knit, crochet, share in devotion and
conversation, and pray over newly finished shawls. Contact Deanna Von for more information at
Ushering at Bethel
What is ushering at Bethel Lutheran Church? Ushering is a team of individuals that is lead by the team captain. Each team is assigned to one of the services during certain set months of the year. There are 8 teams, (4 for 9am and 4 for 10:30am) and each team is assigned 3 set months in one year: (Jan,May,Sept),(Feb,June,Oct),(Mar,July,Nov),(Apr,Aug,Dec). Plus there are special services, (Lent, Ash Wednesday, Easter, Christmas, etc) that teams are also assigned to each year. Those will vary so one team doesn’t get stuck doing the same ones each year. What is all involved in ushering? Duties performed: Handing out bulletins, greeting people, getting a count of the congregation, passing around the offering plate, dismissing people and collecting the slips for communion, checking the pews after the service for anything left behind. If you are interested in becoming an usher, if you are a confirmation student needing service hours, or are a family
wanting to do something together, please see Nate Parent,(head usher) or send an e-mail to
The Bethel Beacon April 2016 Page 7
GIFTS & MEMORIALS Thanks to the following who have honored Bethel Lutheran with gifts and memorials:
Undesignated Fund, Maintenance Fund and Top-to-Bottom Capital Campaign in memory of Sherman Coltvet from family and friends.
Undesignated Fund in memory of Sheri Moen from family and friends.
Music Fund in memory of Junell Remme and Doug Durst from Dave and Jan Kaehler
Organ Fund in memory of Walt Christian from family and friends
Capital Campaign in memory of Norin Korsmo from family and friends
Capital Campaign and Music Department in memory of William Friedrich from family and friends
Capital Campaign in memory of Doug Durst from family and friends
Bethel Book Group The April meeting of the Bethel Book Group is on Tuesday, the19th at 6:30 in the Adult Library. The book selected from the Public Library's Book Group In a Bag is Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Marcia Semple. The story, as told by the 15 year old daughter, is about a family living in Seattle whose lives are affected by the demands of the father's job with Microsoft. The stress has some ramifications including the disappearance of the mom, Bernadette. Read the book and join our group's discussion. The book is available in the Adult Library.
BETHEL’S STAFF Pastoral Staff: Norman Wahl Executive Pastor [email protected] Anjanette Bandel Visitation, Outreach & Missions [email protected] Jason Burggraff Children, Youth & Family Ministry [email protected] Linda Helberg, Visitation Pastor Program Staff: Julie Allhiser Director of Middle School Ministry [email protected] James Driessen Leader for The Gate of Life Worship [email protected] Kathy Ferguson Parish Nurse [email protected] Renee Hoffman Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries [email protected] Sheri Kallembach New Member Coordinator [email protected]
Sera Knutson Director of Communications [email protected] Susan Larson Director of Children’s Ministry [email protected] Merle Savage Associate Music Director [email protected] Gary Thorn Minister of Music [email protected] Kari Tollefson Children’s Ministry Assistant [email protected] Deanna Von BRIDGE/Small Group Ministry Coordinator [email protected] Chris Zabel, Parish Administrator [email protected] Office Staff: Janet Hoffmann Administrative Secretary [email protected] Connie Post Membership Secretary [email protected]
Sylvia Ramaker Receptionist [email protected] Custodial Staff: Bill Freytag Properties Supervisor [email protected] Tony Wright Custodial Supervisor [email protected] Mark Schinigoi Custodian [email protected] Corrine Erickson Part-time Custodian Other Bethel Staff: Jim Bahler - Principal Organist Lois Eskelson & Wendy Lewis - Weekend Receptionists Alice O’Groske - Financial Secretary Shelly Savage - Nursery Coordinator
Bethel Lutheran Church ELCA 810 Third Avenue SE Rochester, MN 55904-7394 Return Service Requested
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Permit No. 346 Rochester, MN
Online Giving
WORSHIP TIMES Saturday, 6:00pm
Sunday, 9:00, 10:10 & 10:30am
OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5pm Saturday, 8:30am-12 Noon Sunday, 8:00am-12 Noon
507-288-6430 www.bethellutheran.com
April Highlights
3 Family Mission Sunday
9 Spring Coffee
13 Parent/Mentor Night
24 Health Fair
The Beacon is available online at www.bethellutheran.com.
If you would like to remove your name from the Beacon mailing
list, please email Connie Post at [email protected]