hope

A congregation of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

First Weekend oF Advent Saturday Sunday

November 30, 2019 December 1, 2019H

OP

E

A special welcome to those new to worshipping with us—we’re glad the spirit has called you here! If you don’t already have a church home and would like to join ours, please fill out a Welcome/Prayer Request card (Saturday cards are inside the bulletin; Sunday cards are in the pew hymnal racks), and place it in the offering plate.

our MissionGATHER all people into a living relationship with Jesus ChristGROW as disciples by worship, prayer and study of God’s Word

GO into the world to share the gospel in word and deed

Welcome

Grow in God’s WordDec. 7/8

2nd weekend of Advent

Worship scheduleSaturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:30 pmM O D E R N First Saturday of each month Café Bethesda (fellowship/treats) . . . . . . . 5:00 pmSunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:30 amT R A D I T I O N A L Coffee Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:40 am SPLASH Faith Formation. . . . . . . . 10:40 am VOYAGERS Adult Forum . . . . . . . 10:40 amWednesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6:30 pmM I D W E E K R E N E WA L

G A

T H

E R Children are welcome! Age-

appropriate activities during worship are available in “Busy Bags” at the main entrance to the Sanctuary. Tides & Tots, a staffed Nursery with private lactation room is available on the first floor each Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday. Holy Communion is available to all believers. Bread, wine (red), and grape juice (white) served. Gluten-free wafers are available. Large-print editions of weekend worship services are available. Please ask an usher. Sanctuary worship: Assistive devices for the hearing- impaired are available. Please ask an usher.

Thursday, December 5 Blue Christmas Worship (healing & comfort) . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 pm

Friday, December 13 Beer & Carols (Torrent Brewing Co . . . @ 504 Burnett) . . . . 6:30 pm

Sunday, December 15 Christmas Music Festival & Cookie Reception . . . . . 3–4:30 pm

Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:00 pm Pre-service Christmas Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:30 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:00 pm Pre-service Christmas Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 pm

Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:00 am

Winter Worship & Wonder @ Bethesda

www.BethesdaAmes.org @BethesdaAmes 515.232.6256

SATURDAY @ 5:30 pm (modern)

SUNDAY @ 9:30 am (traditional)

WEDNESDAY @ 6:30 pm (renewal)

weekly worship

Bethesda Opportunities

VOYAGERS Adult ForumSummer’s Trip to TanzaniaSunday, Dec. 8 after serviceA review of the Youth trip to Tanzania this past June. Lori Woodcock and Pr. Ryan (both chaperones) will share stories and pictures of a truly remarkable 10-day journey to Africa.

Ames Chamber Artists presents a concert on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 pm @ Collegiate Presbyterian. Advance tickets available at Everts Flowers, Rieman Music, or Marianne Chalstrom, Priscilla Franken or Louis Banitt.

Saturday, Dec. 7 @ 9:00amVisit https://tinyurl.com/t234nts for details! Sign-up at the Welcome Center, or emailing [email protected].

Saturday, November 30 GATHERING SONG 1: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH WELCOME

We have gathered in the presence of God who is love. We have gathered in the shadow of the cross, a sign of God’s love. Let us give thanks for the compassion of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the unity of the Holy Spirit. We will sing and pray, praising God with our hearts and hands and voices! GATHERING SONG 2: All Who Hunger PRAYER OF THE DAY Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, and enlighten our walk in the way of your salvation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. READING: Matthew 24:36-44 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE SERMON SONG OF THE DAY: We Are the Light of the World AFFIRMATION OF FAITH PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION: . . . Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. PEACE WORDS OF INSTITUTION LORD’S PRAYER INVITATION TO COMMUNION Come to the banquet, for all is now ready. Thanks be to God. COMMUNION SONG: All Who Are Thirsty BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION God of abundance, we give you thanks that in this holy meal you have invited us to feast with you and one another. May the taste of your love remain with us, and may our words and our work in your name invite others into your bountiful grace. Send us from your table to proclaim your presence, even as we await the glorious coming of Christ our Savior. Amen. ANNOUNCEMENTS BLESSING SENDING SONG: Everlasting God DISMISSAL Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God. SENDING MUSIC

Sunday, December 1 GATHERING PRELUDE: “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” (J. S. Bach) PROCESSIONAL HYMN: Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending (Red #435) LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH GATHERING RITE (Pew Card) WELCOME WORD FIRST READING: Isaiah 2:1-5 (Pew Bible p. 550) ANTHEM: “The King Shall Come ” (arr. M. Kretsinger-Harries) - Sunday Choir GOSPEL READING: Matthew 24:36-44 (Pew Bible p. 806) CHILDREN’S MESSAGE SERMON HYMN OF THE DAY: Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying (Red #436) NICENE CREED (Red p. 126) PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION . . . Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

PEACE: The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. MEAL OFFERING OFFERTORY: “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” (P. Manz) OFFERING PRAYER WORDS OF INSTITUTIONLORD’S PRAYER INVITATION TO COMMUNION All are welcome at the Lord’s table. Red is wine; white is grape juice. VOLUNTARY: “Nun komm, der heiden Heiland” (J. S. Bach) HYMN: Savior of the Nations, Come (Red #263) COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER SENDING ANNOUNCEMENTS BLESSING SENDING HYMN: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers (Red #244) DISMISSAL POSTLUDE: “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” (J. G. Walther)

Page 5

Saturday, November 30 GATHERING SONG 1: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH WELCOME

We have gathered in the presence of God who is love. We have gathered in the shadow of the cross, a sign of God’s love. Let us give thanks for the compassion of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the unity of the Holy Spirit. We will sing and pray, praising God with our hearts and hands and voices! GATHERING SONG 2: All Who Hunger PRAYER OF THE DAY Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, and enlighten our walk in the way of your salvation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. READING: Matthew 24:36-44 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE SERMON SONG OF THE DAY: We Are the Light of the World AFFIRMATION OF FAITH PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION: . . . Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. PEACE WORDS OF INSTITUTION LORD’S PRAYER INVITATION TO COMMUNION Come to the banquet, for all is now ready. Thanks be to God. COMMUNION SONG: All Who Are Thirsty BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION God of abundance, we give you thanks that in this holy meal you have invited us to feast with you and one another. May the taste of your love remain with us, and may our words and our work in your name invite others into your bountiful grace. Send us from your table to proclaim your presence, even as we await the glorious coming of Christ our Savior. Amen. ANNOUNCEMENTS BLESSING SENDING SONG: Everlasting God DISMISSAL Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God. SENDING MUSIC

Page 4 Sunday, December 1 GATHERING PRELUDE: “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” (J. S. Bach) PROCESSIONAL HYMN: Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending (Red #435) LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH GATHERING RITE (Pew Card) WELCOME WORD FIRST READING: Isaiah 2:1-5 (Pew Bible p. 550) ANTHEM: “The King Shall Come ” (arr. M. Kretsinger-Harries) - Sunday Choir GOSPEL READING: Matthew 24:36-44 (Pew Bible p. 806) CHILDREN’S MESSAGE SERMON HYMN OF THE DAY: Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying (Red #436) NICENE CREED (Red p. 126) PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION . . . Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

PEACE: The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. MEAL OFFERING OFFERTORY: “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” (P. Manz) OFFERING PRAYER WORDS OF INSTITUTIONLORD’S PRAYER INVITATION TO COMMUNION All are welcome at the Lord’s table. Red is wine; white is grape juice. VOLUNTARY: “Nun komm, der heiden Heiland” (J. S. Bach) HYMN: Savior of the Nations, Come (Red #263) COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER SENDING ANNOUNCEMENTS BLESSING SENDING HYMN: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers (Red #244) DISMISSAL POSTLUDE: “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” (J. G. Walther)

Wrap-Up MeetingTuesday, December 3

7pm @ CrossroadsCome find out how we did! If you were the chair of one of the many facets of the event, please bring your binder and a copy of your report for 2019. (we will make copies) No binder? Please bring your report, and we will make a new binder. All are welcome!

Share the Spirit! It is time to send a Christmas card to a Christian sister or brother in Shighatini, Tanzania!1) Pick up a picture card at the Welcome Center.2) Write a Christian greeting in short sentences.3) Send along a photo of your family (optional)4) Use the name and address on the picture card.5) Postage is $1.15—though if you bring your card back to Bethesda before Dec. 3, it will be sent in a bulk shipment (at no cost to you).

Central Iowa Community IDSaturday, Dec. 7 @ Ames Middle SchoolDo you need a Photo ID? AMOS congregations in Story Cty. have launched the Central Iowa Community ID card, a photo ID that is not a driver’s license but is reliable proof of the holder’s identity and residence in our community.

our seAson oF giving . . . Advent is a good time to remember the ELCA World Hunger program. Much of what they do is to help people around the world provide for themselves, not just give them food. Giving envelopes are coming soon! Alternative Gift catalogs are available at the Welcome Center. Among many global projects, there are eight LOCAL organizations on the list. Take the shopping list (and your checkbook) to Wheatsfield on Dec. 7/14 to place your order, and receive a gift card describing the project. The Mitten Tree is up in the Commons, awaiting your donations (mittens, hats, scarves). We will deliver them to Lutheran Services in Iowa-Beloit ASAP, since it’s already cold!

prAyer At BethesdAgrieving: • Kim Burnett and family on the Nov. 22 death of her mother, Yvonne Martin • The family of Helen Thompson Overland on her death, Nov. 22heAling: Katie Brockmeir (granddaughter-in-law of Ruth Brockmeir) Ginny Hade (daughter-in-law of Dick & Darlene Hade); Marla Larson; Riley Mahoney (granddaughter of Phil & Kathy Harris); Bill Marion; Mary Morris; Jane Schill; Marvin Stromer; Jana Tschoppserving our nAtion: Colonel Mark Kappelmann, (D.C.), son of Glenn & Mary KappelmannKristin Murray, Diplomat (US Embassy, Rabat, Morocco), daughter of Russ & Jan Melby

Wednesday, Dec. 18 . . . 5:30pmWe’ll share our Christmas gift of song with

Care Facility residents! Then head back to church for soup and hot cocoa.

Good Neighbor Benefit Concert Michael Londra’s “Celtic Christmas Concert” is Dec. 13 at 7:00 pm @ City Auditorium Tix ($30)can be purchased on FB Event Page or at door.

sAturdAy, noveMBer 304:20 pm Praise Team Rehearsal . . . . .Commons5:30 pm Tides & Tots Staffed . . . . . . . .Nursery5:30 pm Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Commons sundAy, deceMBer 18:30 am Sunday Choir Rehearsal. . .#100 Music9:30 am Tides & Tots Staffed . . . . . . . .Nursery9:30 am Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sanctuary10:40 am Coffee Fellowship . . . . . . . .Commons2:30 pm Boy Scouts Merit Badge Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centennial MondAy, deceMBer 26:30 pm Tai Chi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centennial9:00 am Community Food Pantry9:30 am Community Clothing Closet9:30 am Monthly Staff Meeting . . . .Sanctuary/ Conference1:00 pm LWR Sewing . . . . . . . . . . . Centennial6:30 pm Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) #209 including child care7:00 pm Boy Scout Troop 140. . . . . Centennial tuesdAy, deceMBer 37:00 am Men’s Bible Study . . . . . . . . . The Café10:00 am Tai Chi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centennial11:30 am PEO Luncheon . . . Commons/Kitchen1:00 pm Community Food Pantry6:30 pm Reconciling in Christ. . . . . Conference6:30 pm Community Clothing Closet6:30 pm Community Food Pantry7:00 pm Scandinavian Coffee Wrap-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crossroads WednesdAy, deceMBer 46:30 am Tai Chi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centennial9:30 am Community Clothing Closet10:00 am Community Food Pantry10:00 am Prayer Shawl Ministry . . . . Conference5:30 pm Carillon Choir Rehearsal . . Conference5:30 pm Choristers Rehearsal . . . . .#100 Music5:30 pm Living Water Wed. Fellowship Meal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Commons

6:30 pm Midweek Renewal Worship . Sanctuary6:30 pm Tides & Tots Staffed . . . . . . . .Nursery7:00 pm Bethesda Choir Rehearsal . . . . . Music7:00 pm OASIS (6-8th Confirmation)8:00 pm FLOOD (High School). . . . #206/208 thursdAy, deceMBer 510:00 am Tai Chi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centennial1:00 pm Community Food Pantry1:00 pm Community Clothing Closet5:35 pm Ames Chamber Artists. . . . .Commons6:00 pm New Member Care & Hospitality Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crossroads6:30 pm Blue Christmas Worship . . .Commons FridAy, deceMBer 66:30 pm Tai Chi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centennial12:00 pm Church closes sAturdAy, deceMBer 78:00 am Ames Chamber Artists Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . #100 Music, Centennial9:30 am Bethesda Women Christmas Gathering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commons, Kitchen4:20 pm Praise Team Rehearsal . . . . .Commons5:00 pm Café Bethesda . . . . . . . . . . .Commons5:30 pm Tides & Tots Staffed . . . . . . . .Nursery5:30 pm Worship~SPLASH Sings . . .Commons sundAy, deceMBer 88:30 am Sunday Choir Rehearsal. . .#100 Music9:00 am Clothing Closet Open House9:30 am Tides & Tots Staffed . . . . . . . .Nursery9:30 am Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sanctuary10:40 am Pageant Rehearsal . . . . . . . . Sanctuary10:40 am VOYAGERS Adult Forum: Summer 2019 Youth Trip to Tanzania (Pr. Ryan, Lori Woodcock) . . . . . . . . Centennial10:40 am Coffee Fellowship . . . . . . . .Commons1:30 pm Inquirers Small Group. . . . Conference2:30 pm Boy Scouts Merit Badge Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centennial7:00 pm FLOOD (High School)

Current @ Bethesda

Bethesda Lutheran Church

GATHER...GROW...GO

Office HoursMonday–Thursday

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.Friday

9:00 a.m.–Noon

Worship ScheduleSaturday . . . 5:30 p.m.Sunday . . . 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday . . . 6:30 p.m.(monthly in summer)

Worship pArticipAntsMinisters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paster Bryan Simmons, Intern Pastor Sonja GerstenbergerSaturday Praise Band . . . . Trace Houge Brakke, Christine Brinkmeyer, Karter Ewing, Ed Kaizer, Nick Kaizer,

Rod Kern, Kay Nelson, Katherine Werner, Jeff WidenSaturday Hosts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Denny & Cyndy Howell, Dennis & Marnette WarthSaturday Advent Candle Lighters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Makowski Family (Drew & Lynzee, Lucy, Noah, Macy)Saturday Lay Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Denny HowellSaturday TVs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joann Short-ByrdSaturday Sound Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nick KaizerSunday Lay Assisting Minister. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy SlocumSunday Advent Candle Lighters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hinderaker Family (Dan & Diane, Ryan, David, Noah)Lay Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John SlettenMusicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday Choir, Mark Kretsinger-HarriesSound Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mark DobbeGreeters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gustafson FamilyUshers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Walter & LuAnn Armstrong, Ava Reason, Marvin Scherr, Callie ServerCommunion Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vicky Thorland-Oster, Kathy Walker, Mark WeberCoffee Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vicki Sivesind, Kathy Walker

1517 Northwestern Ave. Ames, IA 50010515-232-6256 www.BethesdaAmes.org

contAct inForMAtionRon Morgan, Council President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Bryan Simmons, Lead Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Arnold, Associate Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Gerstenberger, Pastoral Intern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Hinderaker, Director of Youth and Family Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Chadima, Volunteer Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Peters, Youth Ministries Specialist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Nelson, Lead Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Kretsinger-Harries, Director of Music and Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Kaizer, Saturday Music Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Kaizer, Carillon Choir Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Ailshie, Communications Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Anderson, Administrative Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] McDonald, Accounting Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Wright, Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Fevold, Database Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Malone, Assistant Custodian

hope

Documents