THE VISITOR BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH EXPANDING OUR YOUTH MINISTRY AT BETHEL MAY 2015 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 5 Bethel Lutheran Church has been truly blessed! In a day and age when so many churches are in numerical decline, we are growing! At a time when the average age of a Lutheran is said to be 65 years of age, and get- ting older, our congregation is filled with young people and young families. What a great privilege and challenge it is, to be blessed with this situation and opportunity! Our numbers of young people continue to grow with a Sunday school of over 300 enrolled! In addition, we currently have 209 kids involved in our 6 th -9 th grade confirmation ministry. We aver- age around 80 students at our Wednesday evening youth-led worship, and last July we broke our attendance record with 240 enrolled in Vacation Bible School! However, with all these in- creases and wonderful growth, our youth staff has not grown. When church consultants sug- gest a full-time youth worker for every 50 kids involved, we are badly understaffed in this area! We have exceptionally gifted and hard-working people in our youth department: Ben Hilding is our Pastor of Youth and Families, yet he also has pastoral duties that draw him from working solely with youth. Cindy Halunen is our Director of Faith Formation yet hers is only a ¾-time posi- tion. Marcy Andrews is our Youth Ministry Communica- tions Assistant but her position is but 15 hours per week. And Missy Austreng serves as our Coordinator of Faith Mile- stones which is only five paid hours per week. Certainly, we have some wonderful youth volunteers, but even so, (to quote an Old Testament anal- ogy) “They are all doing their very best to make bricks with- out straw!” All this said, it is time to bring a full-time youth director on to our staff. A young man or woman who can focus their full-time attention on our 8 th - 12 th graders and enhance our ministry to youth, as well as round out our youth ministry team. With the blessings of our Youth Ministry Committee, Personnel Committee, and 920 Third Street Hudson, WI 54016 PERIODICAL ONE CONGREGATION TWO LOCATIONS BETHEL DOWNTOWN 920 Third Street Hudson, WI 54016 (Administrative office) P 715.386.8821 Fax: 715.386.8894 [email protected]www.bethelhudson.org Office Hours : M-F: 8:30 am—4:30 pm Sunday: 8 am—10 am BETHEL HIGHLANDS 504 Frontage Road Hudson, WI 54016 P 715.386.8821 BETHEL HIGHLANDS PRESCHOOL 504 Frontage Road Hudson, WI 54016 P 715.381.8254, x. 401 www.bethelhighlandspreschool.org BROADCAST OF SERVICES Hudson Public Access/Channel 15 broadcasts Bethel’s Sunday service on Wednesdays at 7 pm and Thursdays at 7 am. WEVR 106.3 FM & 1550 AM play a radio broadcast 8 am on Sundays. LUTHERAN CHURCH Bethel Address Service Requested 20 Bethel Church Council, we are looking for an individual with some ministry education and experience. We have just “posted” the position this month and we hope you will help us get the word out so we can sign on this important team player by summer. Cultivating and growing our ministry to youth and families is a high priority for us here at Bethel! God has entrusted us with so many young hearts, minds and souls and we want to faithfully raise up a new genera- tion of disciples for Jesus Christ. This new position is an impor- tant step that I hope you’ll sup- port with your prayers, your words, and your giving. (Please, don’t hesitate to contact me, or our youth staff, with questions or comments.) All God’s Blessings! Pastor John Lestock MAY 2015 EVERYONE is welcome for great fun and fellowship! Tasty food, served “carnival booth style,” including fresh grilled hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, raw vegetables, gluten-free options, fruit, cupcakes and beverages Old-time events such as 3-legged, gunnysack and running races, plus adult games and prizes for kids of ALL ages Freewill offerings will be accepted Sunday, May 17 All-Church Picnic! 10 am -12:30 pm Highlands campus
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THE VISITOR BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
EXPANDING OUR YOUTH MINISTRY AT BETHEL
MAY 2015 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 5
Bethel Lutheran Church has been truly blessed! In a day and age when so many churches are in numerical decline, we are growing! At a time when the average age of a Lutheran is said to be 65 years of age, and get-ting older, our congregation is filled with young people and young families. What a great privilege and challenge it is, to be blessed with this situation and opportunity!
Our numbers of young people continue to grow with a Sunday school of over 300 enrolled! In addition, we currently have 209 kids involved in our 6th-9th grade confirmation ministry. We aver-age around 80 students at our Wednesday evening youth-led worship, and last July we broke our attendance record with 240 enrolled in Vacation Bible School!
However, with all these in-creases and wonderful growth, our youth staff has not grown. When church consultants sug-gest a full-time youth worker for every 50 kids involved, we are badly understaffed in this area! We have exceptionally gifted
and hard-working people in our youth department: Ben Hilding is our Pastor of Youth and Families, yet he also has pastoral duties that draw him from working solely with youth. Cindy Halunen is our Director of Faith Formation yet hers is only a ¾-time posi-tion. Marcy Andrews is our Youth Ministry Communica-tions Assistant but her position is but 15 hours per week. And Missy Austreng serves as our Coordinator of Faith Mile-stones which is only five paid hours per week. Certainly, we have some wonderful youth volunteers, but even so, (to quote an Old Testament anal-ogy) “They are all doing their very best to make bricks with-out straw!”
All this said, it is time to bring a full-time youth director on to our staff. A young man or woman who can focus their full-time attention on our 8th-12th graders and enhance our ministry to youth, as well as round out our youth ministry team. With the blessings of our Youth Ministry Committee, Personnel Committee, and
P 715.381.8254, x. 401 www.bethelhighlandspreschool.org
BROADCAST OF SERVICES Hudson Public Access/Channel
15 broadcasts Bethel’s Sunday
service on Wednesdays at 7 pm
and Thursdays at 7 am.
WEVR 106.3 FM & 1550 AM play
a radio broadcast 8 am on
Sundays.
LUTHERAN CHURCH
Bethel Address Service Requested
20
Bethel Church Council, we are looking for an individual with some ministry education and experience. We have just “posted” the position this month and we hope you will help us get the word out so we can sign on this important team player by summer.
Cultivating and growing our ministry to youth and families is a high priority for us here at Bethel! God has entrusted us with so many young hearts, minds and souls and we want to faithfully raise up a new genera-tion of disciples for Jesus Christ. This new position is an impor-tant step that I hope you’ll sup-port with your prayers, your words, and your giving. (Please, don’t hesitate to contact me, or our youth staff, with questions or comments.)
All God’s Blessings!
Pastor John Lestock
MAY 2015
EVERYONE is welcome for great fun and fellowship!
Tasty food, served “carnival booth style,” including fresh grilled hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, raw vegetables, gluten-free options,
fruit, cupcakes and beverages
Old-time events such as 3-legged, gunnysack and running races, plus adult games and prizes for kids
Will be thanking teachers and helpers for all of their hard work.
WOW—Pastor Ben will be in charge.
Position description for Director of Youth Ministry was discussed.
Business Administrator – Ralph
Synod Assembly: attendees: Rick Ottino, Krista Ottino, John Lestock, Bob Bipes, Amy Fondroy Eich, Erin Mason, and Faye Luepke.
Staff: Church Community Builder for the staff will be held on a variety of topics.
There is a monitor in the conference room which can be used with a pc to project images which will help reduce paper usage.
Fellowship Hall Redecorating Estimated Costs: Women of Bethel have contributed $3,000 to the Capital Fund with an addi-tional $12,000 to be made. $8,700 of new Capital Fund spending. Total estimated cost of $23,700 for the Fellowship Hall re-decorating.
Carpet will be installed the week of June 1st.
Motion by Dick, Seconded: Faye to approve use of Capital Funds for the redecorating of the Fellowship Hall. Resolution passed.
Text giving will be starting.
Kiosk giving in the second quarter will start at BH.
There are 2 new copiers which are faster and more efficient.
It’s almost the one year anniversary of the capital campaign.
Financial Secretary’s Report – Mike Bartels
Overall numbers are meeting expectation. Thankful for faithful giving.
Treasurer’s Report – Dennis Duerst
Continuing to pay extra principle each month.
Looked at possibly refinancing, and found it not to be advantageous for us.
OLD BUSINESS (covered earlier in the meeting)
Emmaus Walk – April 11/12th)
Week of the Youth Sunday April 12th
Synod Assembly – Eau Claire, WI.
New BUSINESS/Save the dates
Wendy’s Night – Monday April 20th from 5-7PM (20% profits to Youth Ministry)
Senior Luncheon – Monday April 27th from 12-1:30 p.m.
National Day of Prayer – Thursday, May 7th at 7PM Community Service – at BH.
All-Church Picnic – Sunday May 17th at Highlands from 10a.m.-12:30 p.m.
WOW begins and runs from June 17-August 19th every Wednesday night.
Uganda Kids Choir at WOW service June 17th 6:30p.m. Host opportunities available .
VBS – July 27-31 (90 volunteers needed!)
AV/Projector Problems at Highlands discussion: Replaced projectors. The picture is cloudy on the big screen. A committee will be looking at the problem.
New Council Members were asked about their Council experiences.
Ministry Reports – Working for Missions Statement – Darrel ,Tasha, and Pastor John.
Communications committee met on technology. Task force to figure out the problem with the AV/projector at Highlands.
Mission and Justice Committee- Dave has some ideas he would like to share with the Council.
CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES HIGHLIGHTS, APRIL, 2015—continued
3
POWER OF PRAYER
THOSE WHO ARE SICK OR IN NEED OF HEALING: Don Belisle, Scott Belisle, Vivian Hart, Ken Heiser, Ron Johnson, Betsey Lundeen, Andrew Mack, Lucille Miller, Dorothy Peterson, Terri Pomeroy, Rosemary Riemen-schneider, Debbie Russell, Marlo Schmidt, Kay Shager, Jerry Shurb, Charlie Sime, Ward TeWinkel, Wendi Wollner and Amanda Zimmerman.
THOSE SERVING OR DEPLOYED: Jeffrey Berg, Charles Burns, Jordan Kein and Steven Moreus.
SYMPATHY: We offer our sympathies and prayers of com-fort and strength for Bob & Cheri Monette and family at the death of Bob’s mother, Corinne Monette; for Susan Hartl and family at the death of her hus-band, Floyd; for Randy & Do-reen Deal at the death of Randy’s mother, Betty Deal; for Linda, Michael and Megan Giv-ens in the death of their hus-band and father, Mike Givens; for Mayelva & Ronald Rimer in the death of Mayelva’s brother, Myrlon Daniels; and for Charles & Theresa Stene, in the death of Chuck’s mother. Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life.”
BIRTHS: God’s blessings to parents Krista & Jeremy Swan-son and siblings Victoria and Robert, on the birth of the new-est addition to their family, Wil-liam Lachlan Swanson.
BAPTIZED IN APRIL: Finley Aaron Riendeau, son of Sarah & Aaron Riendeau.
CELEBRATE SPRING
WITH MUSIC AT BETHEL The St. Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra, directed by Kris Tjornehoj, will present their second Musical Spotlight con-cert on Sunday, May 3rd, 3 pm, at Bethel’s Downtown campus. Suggested donation $10.00 per person. Featuring former St. Paul Chamber Or-chestra keyboard player and Bethel’s Music Director, Layton “Skip” James with George Frideric Handel Organ Concerto Op. 4 No. 4 in F Ma-jor HWV2921. Other selections include Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story” by Leo-nard Bernstein, Pavane by Gabriel Faure, and Copland’s Corral Nocturne, and Hoe-down from “Rodeo”. For fur-ther information, Contact Dr. Tjornehoj at 715.410.7416, [email protected] or visit SCVSymphony.org.
TEXT GIVING Anyone can now easily make contributions to Bethel using the TEXT feature on their phone! For details pick up a blue information card, available at the welcome centers or down- load one online (Give/Make a Payment).
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT – (Special Guest/Chair) Don Hale
Members: Pastor Alicia, Sonja Maki, Steve Heilmann, Nan Lopaka, Scott Gunderson, and Chris Larson.
Team Engagement Metric: Regular monthly meetings, member list, and leader of the organization.
Mission is to grow as disciples of Jesus by studying God’s word and being a part of an authentic Christian community.
1. 11 Life groups
2. 8 small groups - to study God’s word: the goal is to meet new people, and to be comfortable talking about
God’s word in a Christian environment.
Large group Bible study: done mostly by the pastors—Bethel University University and Prayer ministry.
June: long-range planning committee will meet and update the Council. The Intent is to have a variety of opportunities to participate in a Christian community.
Special meetings held this year included Bethel University and Financial Peace.
Challenges: expand the participation of members of Bethel. Organize and establish the small groups so that the pastors have time to develop the curriculum.
1. Devise a plan to tie in the activities.
2. Work on rotation plan for leaders.
STAFF REPORTS
Senior Pastor – Pastor John
Numbers are doing fairly good, but could be better.
Music and the big screens add to the worship experience.
Maundy Thursday numbers were quite an improvement over last year due in part to 1st Communion by the 3-5th gr.
Thanks to all who helped make the Easter Services memorable.
New Members class-begins April 14th.
Healthy congregation sessions will be held May 2nd and 3rd.
Will be sending a letter to members asking for feedback on their concerns and what they like about Bethel.
Billy McGlaughlin concert Thanksgiving weekend 2015. Ticket price will be $21.00.
Willow Creek Conference- August 6-7. We have 15 tickets.
Associate Pastor – Pastor Alicia
Emmaus services –members of the congregation, Confirmands and the 20- 30’s group shared their faith stories.
Bible Study last week and this week.
Week of the Young Child- Many children were present.
Earth Day celebration –April 18-19, Sonja Maki is speaking.
Formed Earth Day Team- they will be provide interactive activities this weekend with Sunday school children.
Women’s Retreat- Twice as many people going this year May 1-3. Men will be helping out by teaching SS that Sunday.
On leave for much of June and July- coming back in August. Lay members of the congregation will be assisting in leading services the first 3 weeks in June.
Outreach Committee: has been doing research on “Welcome Cards,” at other churches. Will be evaluating the effectiveness of the cards this week.
Youth and Families Pastor – Pastor Ben
Thanks to Pastor John, Missy, and Marcie for their assistance with First Communion.
Good Friday service for young kids was held. It included stations which included what it was like to wear a crown of thorns, and other activities.
Faith statements by the Confirmands will be this weekend at Camp Wapo.
Confirmation will be on April 25th and 26th.
Bus: consensus is that the bus will be used for short trips, but other options may be looked at for longer journeys.
Thanks to Ralph and the Property Committee for all of their hard work downstairs.
Reminder: The Young At Heart group will visit St. Olaf College on Wednesday, May 13. The deadline for sign-up and payment is Monday, May 4 (Downtown welcome center). The bus will leave from the Downtown campus promptly at 8:45 am and return immediately following lunch. The cost for the day is $16. Friends of Bethel and any persons interested in this trip should sign up on the waiting list provided. You may call the church office during the week to sign up if necessary.
YAH JUNE EVENT
The Young at Hearts will take the St. Croix Crossing boat trip with engineers from the Minne-sota and Wisconsin Depart-ments of Transportation provid-ing updates on the progress of the construction and approach work. Lunch will again follow at the Lowell Inn. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, June 20th. Details will follow.
WOB COUNCIL
The Women of Bethel council will meet on Monday, May 4th at 3 pm in the Downtown con-ference room.
BOOK DISCUSSION
GROUP
Join readers on Wednesday, May 6 at the Downtown cam-pus from 1-3 pm to discuss
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Come even if you have not finished (or read) the selection. The discussions are always lively and memorable. Please bring your suggestions for Season 2015-2016. List the title and author and include a short description of the book.
SPRING CLEAN-UP
Grab your pails and pruners! The annual spring clean-up day at the Downtown campus will be held on Saturday, May 9th from 8 am until noon. Please bring cleaning supplies and equipment for window washing, lawn clean-up, shrub trimming, etc.
SEEKING CREATIVE
PROFESSIONALS
The Bethel communica-tions and tech-nology com-mittee is in need of mem-bers who are
professionals in one or more of the following areas: graphic design, web development/programming, copywriting, photography, illustration and any other area related to crea-tive services. If you are inter-ested in using your talents to serve in this area, please contact Ralph Van Keulen at [email protected] or call the church office at 715.386.8821.
Women
of
Bethel USHERS
8 am 11 am
5/3 Jeff Maki, Dave Benson Ken Larson, Ralph Swenson
5/10 Dick/Barb Hagen Dave/Lori Grambow
5/17 Roger Pavlis, Bob Jacobson Tom/Jackie Hugdahl
5/24 Jeff Maki, Dave Benson Ron/Nancy Langness
5/31 Slater/Edith Lampman Kelle Anderson, Trina Hilke
It is a three-day spiritual re-newal movement that over 50 Bethel members have experi-enced. Over 17,000 Lutheran Christians in the Metro area have attended. During each weekend, 15 rollos (lectures) are given, plus there are lots of fun activities. Most rollos are pre-sented by lay people, five by pastors. It is very inspira-tional!! You can pick up an application at either Bethel welcome center for this summer’s sessions (to be held at St. Phillip’s Lutheran Church in Fridley, MN). Men’s weekend is June 4-7, women’s weekend, June 11-14. There is no cost to attend. Meals are provided and atten-dees sleep at the host church. Bethel member, Steve Heilmann is assistant rector. Please call the Lewises, the Martinsons or the Heilmanns if you’d like to find out more about Via de Cristo.
BACKPACK PROGRAM
There are still two deliveries left this year (May 8th and June 3rd), with 29 backpacks filled each time. Donations are still needed! If you are able to help, the shopping list is available at either Bethel wel-
come center and on our web site on the Serving & Missions page/Ongoing Missions. Monetary donations are also welcomed! Thank you so much for supporting this much-needed local ministry.
EQUAL EXCHANGE
FAIR TRADE GOODS
Please consider support-ing the Equal Exchange Fairly Traded Goods sold monthly at Bethel. Proceeds benefit small scale farmers worldwide. Look for the table on Sunday, May 3rd after the 8 am ser-vice Downtown and after the 9:30 am service at the High-lands campus. The coffee sells for $7.00 or $9.00, tea is $3.00 and cocoa is $5.00. Visit www.equalexchange.org for more information.
THANKS FOR THE
GREAT RESPONSE
We asked for more silverware for the Grace Place homeless shelter, and we got it! Thank you to everyone who so gen-erously donated. Now the residents at this temporary shel-ter will be able to eat spaghetti, and other meals, with a fork!!
MAY 2015 MAY 2015
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: EVEREST! ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Get ready to "Conquer Challenges with God's Might Power"! Mark your calendar for VBS 2015 from July 27 - 31 (note the date change from previous years). REG-ISTER ONLINE at www.bethelhudson.org/Youth Ministry/Vacation Bible School! It takes almost 90 volunteers to make VBS a success and we need you! Mid-dle & high school students and adults, join our volunteer team! We are looking for station leaders and small group leaders. SIGN UP ONLINE now on the Youth Ministry/Vacation Bible School page! Please contact Cindy Halunen ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
GATHERING FUNDRAISER Did you know we have 28-30 kids traveling to Detroit this summer to attend the National Youth Gather-ing? Fundraising is in full swing and here is just one of the upcoming events we've planned that you may want to take advantage of! PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT! SATURDAY, MAY 2 5-9 pm, Bethel Highlands Dinner and a snack included Ages 4 years old and up $20/child; cap at $50/family Babysitting provided by Senior League youth Sign up at the welcome center OR email Cindy
Now is a great time to try an ongoing small group! Following is a list of the current Bible Study, Devotions, and Prayer small groups and what they are studying:
SENIOR LEAGUE Each week, Senior League begins with a 7 pm worship in the Downtown sanctuary followed by an activity at 7:30. All Senior League nights will conclude by 9 pm at the Downtown campus.
YOUTH MINISTRY STAFF In February, the church council approved to begin the process of hiring an additional youth ministry staff mem-ber. A task force has been formed and has started an initial research process. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Ben Hilding at [email protected]. Please see information below for details on this position. POSITION OPENING AT BETHEL: DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY The Director of Youth Ministry provides a leadership role in developing and implement-ing a comprehensive ministry program for eighth through twelfth grade youth. The Direc-tor of Youth Ministry shall seek to foster Christian community through the building rela-tionships with young people in a way that strengthens their commitment to the church and that grows their faith in Jesus Christ.
The candidate should have a passion for working with young people, an inclusive spirit, a strong Christian faith and an ability to connect personally with a diverse group of youth. This is a full-time, salaried position, super-vised by the Pastor of Youth and Family Ministry. Please visit our web site (www.bethelhudson.org/Resources/Job Opportunities) for more information and to download a position description and job application.
LUTHER POINT BIBLE CAMP, JUNE 21-26 The week of June 21-26 will be Bethel Week at Luther Point! This engaging youth camp is filled with fun and spiritual growth for our youth of all ages. See the options for your student and register directly at www.lutherpoint.org. Bethel will provide transporta-tion to and from camp for kids of all ages. Scholarships are available—please see Pastor Ben Hilding ([email protected]).
20S/30S SMALL GROUP Who: Anyone in their 20s or 30s When: 7:00-8:15 p.m., Monday evenings Where: Engedi Room, Downtown Campus What: We’re starting a new series on Monday, April 6th. "Stories Around the Fireplace" will continue through the month of April. This is a great opportunity to jump into the group! For more information, check out the Facebook Group "20s/30s Community at Bethel."
ADULT BIBLE DISCUSSION Who: Anyone When: 9:15-10:15 a.m., Sunday mornings Where: Conference Room, Downtown Campus What: Each week, we read the assigned Gospel lesson from the lectionary, discuss the questions from the ELCA web site, and relate it to our life. Each Sunday is a topic of its own so it is easy to attend when convenient. It is a non-threatening environment where questions and opinions are encouraged and honored.
COLLEGE AGE/YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Who: College Age/Young Professionals When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Welcome Center, Highlands Campus What: Each week, we read a passage from Scripture and discuss how it relates to our life.
MAY 2015 MAY 2015
JOIN PASTOR JOHN FOR A TWO-WEEK CLASS . . .
HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS
What makes for healthy and functional relationships? What are those behaviors and habits that tend to poison and undermine health and vitality? And what makes for a healthy, functioning and God-honoring church?
These are the very practical things we’ll be discussing through scripture, videos, and real life examples. Your in-put and ideas are important as we lay the groundwork for preserving a healthy congregation in a day and age of incivility, divisiveness, and division all around us in our world. We’ll be in the children’s theater at the Highlands campus on Wednesday evenings, May 13 and 20th from 7-8:30 pm. (This is the same class that was offered back during the coldest week in January when most of us dared not wander out in the frigid weather! Come on out now that the weather has turned around!) It will be an interesting and fun time, and your ideas, experiences and input are welcomed!
MEN'S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST Who: Men When: 6:30-7:30 a.m., 1st & 3rd Wednesdays Where: Key's Café in Hudson What: We are currently studying Micah.
APRIL FAITH MILESTONES—PHOTOS
MAY FAITH MILESTONES MAY 24, 9:30 AM—SENIOR-LED WORSHIP, 12TH GRADE You won’t want to miss this service prepared and delivered completely by the senior high school students. These graduating students will be recognized and will celebrate their faith formation since preschool Sunday school! Senior Students: be sure to send your photo and notes of future plans and Bethel memories to Marcie Andrews ([email protected]) for inclusion in the June Visitor. Thanks!
EDUCATION UPDATES Sunday School – We expect God to answer our prayers 6th and 7th grade Faith Formation – Classes finished in April and will resume in September 8th and 9th grade confirmation – Classes finished in April and will resume in September MAY 17, 9:30 AM HIGHLANDS WORSHIP Volunteer Appreciation—All school year the Sunday school, 6th and 7th grade, confirmation leaders and all youth ministry volunteers have dedicated their time to educating and developing the Biblical knowledge and Christian faith of our youth. This service includes a special blessing to honor and thank them for their time and dedication.
K–5th grade students sing in church—In addition to the volunteer appreciation, our K-5 students will pro-vide a sneak peek of VBS with a song from this year’s VBS program: Everest! “WHILE THE WOMEN GET AWAY, THE MEN TEACH AND STAY” For the weekend of May 3rd, 100 Bethel women will be getting away for a women's retreat. Sunday school this weekend will be led by the guys. If you are available to help, please contact Pastor Ben. Thanks!
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY Who: Women When: 9:15-11:00 a.m., Thursday mornings Where: Orange Couches, Highlands Campus
MORNING FUEL Who: Anyone is welcome, but it tends to be preschool age parents/guardians When: 9:05-9:30 a.m., Wednesday mornings Where: Welcome Center, Highlands Campus What: We are currently studying a book titled, Sacred Parenting.
PRAYER TEAM Who: Anyone When: 2:00-3:00 p.m., Wednesday afternoons Where: Lounge, Downtown Campus What: We are currently studying a book called, The Church On Its Knees. We gather to share refreshments, read/discuss the book, and pray for the concerns of the church and world.
MEN'S BIBLE STUDY Who: Men When: 7:00-9:00 a.m. Where: Conference Room, Downtown Campus What: We are currently studying the Catechism.
WELCA WOMEN'S CIRCLE BIBLE STUDIES Who: Women When: Four different circles/gathering groups meet on different days and at different places. Please see Visitor, page 4 or the Bethel Weekly News to con-firm when/where each month. Where: Church or Homes What: We are currently studying a Bible Study written by Carol Schersten LaHurd called, "Transforming Life and Faith."
BIBLE STUDY, DEVOTIONS & PRAYER SMALL GROUPS—cont.
MAY 2015 MAY 2015
Students in grade 5 learn about the Apostles’ Creed. Ninth grade confirmation students at the
In April, these students prepared for their Apostle’s Creed Faith Milestone. They had class time with Pastor Ben and Missy Austreng learning what a creed is, why the apostles wrote this creed and what it means to us. This milestone was celebrated on Sunday, April 26. (See photo on page 14.) Special blessings to these students:
8
PLEASE SUPPORT “5 ALIVE” AND GLOBAL HEALTH MINISTRIES NAOMI CHALLENGES YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Naomi Gathering invites you to share in our Mission Action project to raise funds for Global Health Ministry AIDS Hospice kits the weekends of May 9/10 and May 16/17. Envelopes for contributions will be provided at each service and can be placed in the offering plate or in the box at the display table in the narthex on those two weekends. A donation of just $5.00 will buy vitamins and medicine for one patient or items for their AIDS Health Kit. Please make checks payable to Naomi Circle/Gathering. Global Health Ministries (GHM) continues the healing ministry of Jesus Christ through support of the health care programs of Lutheran churches in 30 countries of the developing world with global partners in CENTRAL AMERICA: El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua; SOUTH AMERICA: Bolivia, Colombia; MID-DLE EAST: Pakistan; ASIA PACIFIC: Bangladesh, India, Papua New Guinea; AFRICA: Cameroon, C.A.R., Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe. GHM programs help transform selected, under-privileged communities into healthier, more self-sufficient places to live by collaborating with local and interna-tional organizations. They focus on providing health care and education around locally-identified issues for sustainable change. Global Health Ministries Ware-house and Office is located at 7831 Hickory Street NE, Fridley, MN. The AIDS epidemic has added enormous challenges to health care worldwide. Missionaries, their health care worker colleagues, and patients' families in third world countries must provide daily care to AIDS patients who suffer from the symptoms of a devastating, end stage disease. Symptoms include pain, nausea, diarrhea, and skin eruptions, to name a few. It is not a disease we can ignore and it is not going away. We can help by creating this AIDS Hospice Kit, we can provide cleanliness and comfort to someone who is suf-fering. By enclosing a devotional booklet in this kit, we can provide comfort and hope. And through our prayers and generosity, we can reach far into the lives of those who have been affected. Thank you for delivering hope and the love of Jesus to those in need.
MAY 2015 MAY 2015
Bring hope in a world
where each year more
than 17 million children
die before AGE FIVE.
5
ALIVE
One AIDS Hospice Kit Contains: 1 regular size colored bath towel
1 wash cloth
1 bath-size bar of hand soap (wrapped) - any brand
1 toothbrush, single & in original packaging
1 toothpaste (size medium or large, - any brand)
1 "pick" comb
1 nail clipper
6 Band-Aids
1 jar or tube of petroleum jelly, 4 oz or more
1 pair of heavy-duty household gloves (kitchen type, size medium)
1 small devotional booklet (e.g. "Portals of Prayer" or "Christ in our Home")
Joe Bartels
Noah Bekemeyer
Cody Benoy
Samantha Bjork
Brett Breitenstein
Aidan Christenson
Sophia Donna
Ashley Dorr
Abbey Dorr
Jack Edwards
Megan Erickson
Ben Forcier
Drew Loewe
Evan Luedtke
Devon Malloy
Owen Marnell
Christian Moltzan
Grady Neer
Joe Newell
Abby Olson
Kristana Peterson
Peyton Petry
Ben Pruzek
Payton Gisel
Gretchen Gunderzik
Trevor Haefner
Jacob Hansen
Nicolas Harney
Will Haverly
Lucas Holter
Ava Jensen
Lily Jorgenson
Evan Kostynik
Trace Krattley
Kieran Ruettimann
Kylee Ruettimann
Grace Sarrack
Erich Schultz
Selina Swenson
Bailey TeWinkel
Emily Thill
Sophie Treptow
Ryan Voss
Owen Weadge
Noelle Wiste
9TH GRADE, CONFIRMATION For the past two years, these students have learned, prayed, worshiped, celebrated and grown in faith together and now have now confirmed their faith through Confirmation and become an adult mem-ber of the church. This milestone was celebrated on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. (See photo on page 14.) God’s blessings to these confirmands:
Plan now to be at Bethel for a very special night at the Wednesday Outdoor Wor-ship (WOW) service on Wednesday, June 17th at 6:30 pm, as we host the Ugandan Kids Choir! They are 10 children, ages 8-12 who are part of the ministry of Childcare Worldwide, a program designed to empower children in the developing world. These young ambassadors will share their mu-sic and talents and pure joy with you, as
you hear more about their stories. They will wear handmade authentic African tribal clothing and play handmade drums, dance and sing. Please join us, and bring your friends for this unique and inspiring evening!
Would you like to host some of these children in your home? Find out more on page 5.
Please mark your calendars for the WOW kick-off on
Wednesday, June 10, 6:30 pm at the
Highlands campus!
THE HEALING MINISTRIES TEAM
SEEKS ANY PAST BEFRIENDERS
OR STEPHEN MINISTERS
The Healing Ministries Team at Bethel is researching two Listen-ing/Caregiving Ministries: Befriender Ministry and Stephen Ministry. If you have been a caregiver or care receiver in either of these programs here at Bethel or at another church, please let Pastor Alicia know via email ([email protected]) or phone (715.386.8821, ext. 23). We would like to hear about your experience and learn any history of past listening ministries at Bethel. Thank you.