The Bethlehem Star - November

The Bethlehem Star

 

Worship in November

As one Christian Church year ends, and a new one begins, the focus is on judgment and the end of time. The year ends November 22 when we celebrate the Festival of
Christ the King – the King who sits at the right hand of God in eternity, as well as the King who reigns from the cross. Some thing special happens each Sunday. See articles below.

 

Thank Offering Service

Women of the ELCA Thank Offering Service is November 8. Bethlehem Women of the ELCA participate in worship and all women are invited to bring their Thank offerings from the year. Women are given thank offering boxes each year so set in an appropriate place in their home where they can remember to drop in coins and bills on occasions during the year when they are genuinely thankful for something.

 

Thanksgiving Eve Worship

Thanksgiving Eve worship will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25. Holy Communion will be celebrated.

 

If you are leaving town early, and wish to worship prior to Thanksgiving Day, community Thanksgiving worship is held in Wheatland on Sunday evening, November 22 and in Oxford Junction on Tuesday, November 24 and Union Presbyterian is having worship on Monday evening, November 23. There will also be materials for home worship activities related to Thanksgiving. These will be on the table at the church entrance.

 

Angels Available

The Lost Nation Area Food Pantry is again offering local residents in need of assistance the chance to sign their children up to receive angel tree" gifts. They will provide information about their child/ children's age, size and Christmas "wishes." Persons from area churches and from the community who wish to choose an angel will receive that information to help them buy one gift in $15 - $20 range. Angels will be available November 22 and need to be returned to church by December 6. Gifts are not to be wrapped, but you may donate gift bags or wrapping paper.

 

Bethlehem, Bagels and Blessings

We will inaugurate a new event on Sunday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m. – Bethlehem, Bagels and Blessings. In addition to normal fellowship fare we will have a selection of bagels and spreads (well what else goes with Bethlehem and Blessings? - Beets? Broccoli?) In small groups, we will share some of the blessings of being a part of Bethlehem, look briefly at some of the needs for the upcoming year and will be provided forms to make commitments of our time, talents and finances. We invite persons to return those commitments on Sunday, November 29.

 

Celebrating Long-time Faithful Servants

We will honor two lifetime servants of God on Sunday, November 29 – Joan Clapp and Pauline Schoop. While they have been servants of God their whole lives, we will recognize them for their long-time service as organist (Joan) and financial secretary (Pauline). While Joan has yielded the bench to Teryn and others, she will still be available to fill in, on occasion. Pauline will continue to record our financial giving – when she is in the country – she may make some more trips to Canada. While we will honor them with some special gifts, we will also honor them by returning our own personal commitments of time, talents and resources, even as they have given a special measure of their time and talents for many years.

 

Advent Begins

Advent begins on November 29. Advent is the preparatory time to the celebration of the birth of Christ on Christmas. The time is to prepare our spirits for the birth of a Savior, which includes recognition that we need a Savior. Thus there is a "penitential" nature to Advent, not unlike the nature of Lent. This is in marked contrast to our culture, which seeks to begin celebrating Christmas as soon as Halloween decorations are put away and certainly, before Thanksgiving Dinner has been finished. Save December 2 for the Advent Celebration, including potluck dinner at 6:00, worship at 7:00, and decorating to follow.

 

 

From AIM, Barb

Awhile back, my computer was in the "computer hospital" for a month.  You would have thought that the world as I knew it had come to an end.  I could use Glenn's computer for writing, but I didn't want to tie up his computer to be on the Internet.  I don't do much actual socializing on the Internet, but I rely on it for many other things.  I look up information when I am working on a sermon, or just when I am curious about something.  I use our church internet work page to check for and disseminate information with staff, nearly every day.  I get most of my news from MSNBC on the Internet.  I loved watching the live-stream of our Church-wide Assembly.  I get gift ideas and craft ideas on the Internet.  I love to unwind by playing some favorite computer games.  And of course I daily check my e-mail.

            
 

So there I was – without the Internet – horror of horrors. But before long, I reverted to doing things the way I used to, and it wasn't all bad.  If I needed to get in touch with someone, I called them, and it was good to hear their voice, leading into conversations about a myriad of things.  I read the newspaper, reading stories of substance and actually avoiding some of the tabloid stories that are common on Internet news.  (Do I really need to know that Jon Gosslin took money out of his and Kate's joint account?)  When I needed to make some shower invitations, instead of just going on-line, I actually walked around stores looking for ideas – challenging my mind and getting a little more exercise than I would have.  Instead of playing "Bounce Out," a rather mindless game, I did more crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles, which are much more stimulating for the mind.

            
 

I didn't realize how much of my brain activity was tied to the Internet.  I even found that, being away from the Internet, I took more time to be aware of my relationship with God.  All we have is a gift from God, including our technology.  But like so many inventions, like nuclear power for example, there are good uses and bad uses pertaining to that invention.  When our technology keeps our mind so occupied that we don't have time for our own imagination or creativity that isn't good.  When we depend on technology rather than face-to-face encounters or even phone conversations, where you can pick up voice nuances that you can't on-line, that isn't so good either.  And when the technology with which God so graciously gifts us infringes on our devotional time with God, that really isn't good.

 

I am back on line; and, I'll be honest I am absolutely thrilled to be there.  But that month away made me aware of what I could so easily lose track of if I spend too much time on-line.

 

Worship Leaders/ Servants for November

 

 

Greeters:

Elmer and Evelyn Petersen

 

Ushers:

Darrel Hicks, Enos Ihns

 

Lectors

8- Jone Paarmann

15- Elmer Petersen

22- Ellen Pithan

29- Eleanor Sheldon

 

Communion Servers:

1- Deanne Bennett

15- Rochelle Busch, Ron Christiansen

22- Tom Gerdes, Darrel Hicks

 

Acolytes:

1. Jenna Holtz
   

8- Halie Gruenwald

15- Hannah Gruenwald

22- Mari Merrick

29- Jo Theide

 

Altar Care:

Rochelle Busch, Marlene Hicks

 

Bread Maker: Tim Thiede

 

Children's Story Tellers:

1 - Jone Paarmann

8 - Melissa McChesney

15 - Deb Christiansen

22 - Becky Ihns-Petersen

29- Clay Ketchum

Tellers: Jessica and Brent Ihns

 

Fellowship Servers:

1- Ellen Pithan, Shelley Beeck, Carla Richmann

8- Eleanor Sheldon, Jody Holtz, Kelly Doll

15- Betty Rehmke, Jeannette Schroeder, Madge White, Jerry Pithan

22- Lorraine Wulf, Sue Zeller, Darlene Christiansen, Deb Christiansen

29- Pat Hendrickson, Leta Dunt, Deanne Bennett

 

 

BWELCA Hi-Lites

 

180 School Kits Assembled

A big Thank You to all who helped with assembling the school kits, 180 total!! There were 50 kits assembled at the Hope Cluster Retreat. That was a record!! HOORAY!! Thank you also to Pat Hendrickson for delivering them to Cedar Rapids.

 

A follow-up on the Chrismon-making workshop. We will continue work on finishing the chrismons on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. If anyone is interested in making any during fellowship just let Deanne know and she will help you.

 

Next BWELCA board meeting is Tuesday, November 3 at 6:00 p.m.

The booklet for 2010 is now in process, anyone finding any mistakes in last year's booklet or if there are any other additions or corrections please let Madge White know. Also anyone wishing to switch months on Altar Guild or is willing to be added please contact Lorraine Wulf as soon as possible.

 

Hope Does Not Disappoint

This month at BWELCA Circle Meetings

Rebecca – Wed., Nov., 11, 1:30 p.m. at Betty Rehmke's with Lorraine Wulf as Lesson Leader

Eve – Thurs., Nov.12, 7:00 p.m. at Pat Hendrickson's

Bethlehem – Sat. Nov.14, 9 a.m. in Conference Room with Diana Ihns as Lesson Leader

All women are invited!

 

November Birthdays

 

2     Les Paarmann

2 Ella Thompson

15 Earletta Mullins

15 Rosemary Stoll

16 Melissa Ford

18 Toby Mullins

24 Clint Bennett

26 Esther Dosland

27    Lisa Fields

 

There are no November anniversaries on record.

 

Bread for the Journey

Bread for the Journey is a daily devotional book that includes a daily scripture reading, prayer, suggestions for further reading, a hymn and suggestions for deeper devotional practices. It is based on the daily lectionary. The readings for Thursday – Saturday lead op to Sundays lessons in theme and the readings Monday – Wednesday reflect back on Sundays lessons. Books cost $9.00. They are available in the office or from Pastor. A sample copy is on the table.

 

Quilts, Quilts and More Quilts!

 

WELCA Donates Quilt- Bethlehem WELCA donated one of their quilts to a benefit for Elmer St. John.  It will be held at the Prairie Hills Assisted Living in Tipton, Iowa, on Saturday, December 5.  Elmer has two forms of leukemia.  He is the son-in-law of Marilou Skinner. Marilou has been a faithful volunteer, sewing many quilt tops, for our BWELCA Quilt project.

 

Ewalu Quilt – Bethlehem WELCA donated a quilt to Ewalu for their annual quilt auction. It sold for $140. (Pastor Keith bid up until $125.00, but then dropped out. He spent more than his allowance that day!)

 

More Quilts to Be Made - Any one interested in helping to cut quilt squares for quilting can contact Lucile Schurbon. There are also packs of quilt blocks on the entrance table that can be sewn together. Help yourself.

 

Council News

Bethlehem Congregation Council met for its regular meeting on October 13. In business they:

• Made arrangements for final lawn mowing;
  
• Learned that Bobby Suthers had volunteered to do snow removal for the winter
  
• Set Christmas Eve worship for 7:00 p.m. and Christmas Day worship for 9:00 a.m.
  
• Set in motion plans for 2010 stewardship appeal – see page 1
  
• Heard the following Treasurer's report:
  

                  General    Farm
  

  Balance 8/31/09    $(1075.27)    $31,223.19
  

  Sept Income    $6935.00    0.00
  

  Sept Expenses    $7491.54    $7654.43
  

  Balance 9/30/08    ($1631.81)    $23,68.76
  

  
   

 

Conference/ Synod Mission Support Event

Sunday, Nov. 15
Zion, Wyoming
2:30 - 4 p.m.

 

This is for all congregational leaders – officers, Council, WELCA leaders. Sign up on the bulletin board to carpool from BLC at 2:00 p.m.

 

 

November 2009

Pastor     Keith Larson

    Office Phone     678-2301

    Home Phone    678-2303

    E-mail     keith.larson@ecunet.org

     or    pastor@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

 

Pastoral Associate     Barb Tobiason

    Office Phone    826-2761

    Home Phone    563-487-2116

        AIM@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

 

Intern    Matt Masko

    Office Phone    678-2301

    Home Phone    563-663-6674    

        Intern@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

Office Secretary     Deanne Bennett

    Church Phone    678-2301

    secretary@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

    

Parish Nurse    Carm Schneider

    Office Hours    9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m. T

    Phone    678-2302

 

Sunday Schedule

Worship 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School and Fellowship 10:00 a.m..

Office Hours

Pastor Keith is in the office most mornings

Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – Noon

and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Intern Matt is in the office most mornings

Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – Noon

If you need to enter the church and do not have a key, always call ahead to be certain he or someone is here.

The Bethlehem Star

Volume 8, Issue 10         October 2009

 

 

Simply Giving

 

Bethlehem wants to make it simple to make your offerings and gifts to the congregation. Through a program "Simply Giving" you may elect to make periodic contributions to Bethlehem by electronic fund transfer. You can set it up so that funds can automatically be transferred from your bank account or credit card to Bethlehem's account at First Trust and Saving once a week On Monday or Friday), twice a month (on 1^st and 15^th or monthly (on 1^st or 15^th). One can stop the involvement anytime (5 days notice). Please indicate your interest on forms found on the entrance table and periodically in Sunday bulletins, or contact the office if interested, or if you have questions. Please sign up before November 7.

 

Getting into the Book of Faith

 

Question for Jesus, Studies in Mark

A conversational Bible study

6 weeks

Wednesday, September 30

Mondays, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2

6:30 – 7:45 p.m.

Bethlehem Conference Room

Phone or email office to register

 

Lutheranism 101

8-session course on basics of Lutheranism

Will meet two times each month in Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb, and Mar

Beginning Tuesday, October 20

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Bethlehem Conference Room

 

This is for anyone who has not been confirmed as a Lutheran or who would like to learn more about Lutheranism. If you have not attended the orientation session, let pastor know if you are coming and if you need childcare.

 

Building for the Future

 

"Building for the Future" is a synod-wide appeal to establish a Synod Fund for Leaders and to Repair and Renovate the Synod Office Building.  Click the link below to view pictures (coming soon) and learn how you can join us.

 
 

To establish a Synod Fund for Leaders
An endowment providing seminary scholarships to students from Southeastern Iowa Synod.

Initial Endowment Goal:  $140,000

 

To repair/ renovate the Synod Office Building
New roof and upper window replacement
Replace damaged ceiling throughout
Interior remodeling
Updated furnishings for Support Staff

Renovation Goal:  $360,000

 
 

"Our care for synod property reflects our priorities for ministry. Lifting up and providing for the next generation of leaders strengthens the heart of ministry in this synod and throughout the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America."   Rev. Philip Hougen - Bishop 1996 - 2008

 
 

"Both aspects of this appeal are forward-looking and promise to enhance our shared witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ." Rev. Paul M. Werger - Bishop 1988 – 1996

 

Members may contribute to this by placing checks or gifts to Bethlehem in the offering, marked for Synod Building, on or before October 25.

 

New Lock

 

When Pastor's key to the front door at church broke off in the lock, it was necessary to take the entire lock mechanism off to get the broken key out. When it was all apart, a thumb-knob lock was placed inside instead of a keyed lock. Now anyone can lock the doors when leaving. If you are the last one out of the building and do not have a key, turn the thumb knob to locked and go out another door, making sure that door is locked behind you. The same key still works!

 

 

Message from AIM Barb

Our confirmation students are quite good when it comes to evangelism, whether they realize it or not. Over the years, our students have brought their friends with them to class, not necessarily because we have told them to, although our students know that their friends are always welcome. Our students bring their friends simply because they want them to be there with them. Usually these students are unchurched, so this is their only confirmation experience. If they come to class, they are expected to participate; and, for the time they are there, they always do. It always amazes me at how openly and readily these visitors are to share and join in our activities. Sometimes they even become involved in church activities. 

 

I don't know what our confirmation students say to their friends to get them to confirmation, but whatever they say, it works. I am guessing they keep it simple. Maybe evangelism comes easier for young people, because they don't over-analyze how they are doing the inviting. Adults, perhaps, concern themselves, too much, about what to say to people when they invite them to church. I think that some of the more aggressive faiths, who "beat the bushes," for members and come on too strongly, even using guilt, put some people off; and so we shy away from being like them. It is important to remember that we don't have to "convert," or even convince people that ours is the way for them. That isn't how it works. Our responsibility, as Lutheran Christians, is to do the inviting and welcoming, giving them a place to hear God's Word and be part of God's family. It is the Holy Spirit of God who does the converting and the convincing. Sometimes a simple, "We'd love to have you join us," or "Come and see what we are about," is a sufficient invitation. 

Not all the friends who come with the confirmation students finish the two-year program, although some of them have, and they have even been confirmed. But even if they only stay with us for a semester or a year, maybe that is enough, for now. The important thing is that our students got them there so a seed could be planted. Their faith, just as it is with all who come to God, is in God's hands. Perhaps somewhere along the way, God will find the perfect opportunity for that seed to take hold and be nourished to grow into a strong faith. We just need to keep doing our part, seeing that folks, young and old, are invited, welcomed, introduced to, and have a place to participate, in God's community. God will take it from there. 

Confirmation News

Confirmation is well underway. At this time we have 12 students in the class. Usually there are three leaders so that the group can be divided into smaller, more effective discussion groups. The students are studying the Apostles' Creed, this year, allowing them to consider what it means to be Christian, particularly a Lutheran Christian. 

We are studying the Apostles' Creed, beginning with the First Article. "I believe in God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth." We talk about creation itself; how they are individually and personally created by God; and how they live in and with the rest of creation. As we have done in the past, each student will be given an egg to take care of for two weeks, helping them realize the fragility of God's creation and our responsibility to care for that creation.

 

October Birthdays

 

    3 Lynda Humphreys

    7 KC Barnett

    7 Madge White

    13 Lorice Amlin

    21 Brennan Hicks, Kristy Becker

    22 Eleanor Sheldon

    23 Lilly Keller

    26 Sue Zeller

    29 Jenn Dettbarn

    31 Tracy Kleppe, Ruger Hute

 

October Anniversaries

 

5 Leta and Cornell Dunt

6 Evelyn and Elmer Petersen

14 Eleanor and Ed Sheldon

     14 Kelly and Scott Doll

19 Betty and Don Hainstock

     21 Stephanie and Matt Dosland

 

 

 

Worship Assistants

 

Greeters: Les Paarmann, Dale Rickels

 

Ushers: Roger Kleppe, Joan Kleppe

 

Lectors:

4- Pat Hendrickson

11- Lynda Humphreys

18- Jessica Ihns

25- Clay Ketchum

 

Communion Servers:

4- Marlene Hicks, Jone Paarmann

18- Ellen Pithan, Eleanor Sheldon

25- Jill Suthers, Tim Thiede

 

Acolytes:

4- Cassie Suthers

11- Courtney Current

18- Noah Zeller

25- Ben Geerts

 

Altar Care: Deanne Bennett, Kelly Doll

 

Bread Maker: Eleanor Sheldon

 

Children's Story Tellers:

4 - Emily Horst

11 - Cassie Suthers

18 - Connie Kleppe

25 - Deanne Bennett

 

Tellers:
Jone Paarmann, Deanne Bennett

 

Fellowship Servers:

4- Diana Ihns, Becky Ihns-Petersen, Marcia Kleinsmith

11- Jone Paarmann, Dawn Suthers, Melissa McChesney

18- Connie Kleppe, Joan Kleppe, Lynda Humphreys

25- Evelyn Petersen, Kindy Nissen, Jill Suthers

 

Worship In October

 

As we move into the fall months, October and November, as we come closer the end of the liturgical year, our lectionary (assigned lessons) becomes more intense and judgmental as we think more the end times and judgment.

 

The fall months are interrupted by a few joyous festivals. The first is in October – a quirky, peculiarly Lutheran festival called Reformation Sunday. It is always the Sunday on or preceding Reformation Day, October 31, the anniversary of the day when Pastor Martin Luther posted 95 discussion points to the door of his church, precipitating what we call the Reformation. While we still celebrate this day, the focus is more on the need to always be reforming the church, rather than being a celebration of our heritage. At Bethlehem and St. Mark, Reformation Sunday is usually also Confirmation Sunday. This is entirely appropriate, since an emphasis in the lessons (and in the Reformation) is a continuing reliance on God's Word.

 

This year four young people expect to affirm their baptisms: Dylan Rickels, Emily Horst, Corynn Bennett (all BLC) and Elli Slouha (SMLC).

 

 

The Ministry of Greeting

 

Every member is a greeter. At least every member ought to be a greeter. It is the task of every member to greet one another, especially visitors and guests. All that being said, sometimes having too many greeters can be overwhelming. We have tight quarters, and having many people in the gathering area or narthex can create a formidable gauntlet for folks, especially visitors.

 

Therefore, here are some guidelines, (not hard and fast rules) regarding greeting for all people.

• Always say hello and greet folks outdoors when you are getting out of car. If they are visitors or guests, introduce yourself and walk in with them.
  
• Always say hello and greet folks who sit down next to you, in front of you or behind you.
  
• When it is crowded in the gathering area, move through quickly and carry on conversations in the pews or standing in the aisles – careful to not block pathways.
  
• Always introduce yourself to people you do not know.
  
• Pay special attention to children and youth.
  
• Bring conversations to a close, gently and naturally, when the bell rings so people who wish can have some quiet reflection and preparatory time for a few minutes prior to worship.
  

 

Although everyone is a greeter, usually two people are assigned each month as greeters. If you are an assigned greeter, talk to one another and be sure at least one of you is present for each worship service. If there are two of you, consider posting one person by the main door and the other person by one of the auxiliary doors, by the elevator, perhaps even outdoors on nice days or at the "intersection" by the altar.

 

Conversation, before and after worship, is a necessary and good thing for the life of the congregation. Our entrances and gathering spaces need to be open, friendly and welcoming places where all can be comfortable "coming home".

 

Council Meets

 

Bethlehem council met September 8 for its regular meeting. In business they:

• Heard that the current stage of the basement redecorating was completed and authorized payments of the final bills for the project;
  
• Heard that Thrivent will no longer be providing Simply Giving free, but will provide the service at a discounted cost. Only one person is enrolled. By mid-November, the Council will decide whether to continue depending on the number of interested participants;
  
• Approved disposal of 8-foot chalk board that had been stored at the bank since BLC used to have Sunday school classes there;
  
• Approved participation in synod appeal for office renovation and seminary scholarships;
  
• Heard Pastor Larson share reflections on the ELCA Church-wide synod decisions;
  
• Heard the following treasurer's report:
  

  General    Farm
  

Balance 7/31/09    - 1850.45    38984.79

August Income    $ 7587.67    10.00

August Expenses    $ 6823.49    7771.60

Balance     - 1075.27    31223.19

 

 

Crossing Borders – Mission in Reverse

 

The Southeastern Iowa Synod (SEIA Synod) is partnered with the Pare Diocese of Tanzania in East Africa. The Lutheran Church of Tanzania has been growing dramatically in recent years. Why? What are they doing? Can they teach us in the ELCA something?

 

For the last three years leaders in the area of evangelism in the SEIA Synod have been developing "Crossing Borders", a chance for 3 pastors from Tanzania to spend two months in they synod, teaching us how we might better reach out with the good news of God's love.

 

Pastor Mhale will be living in Maquoketa for one month and will be available to spend some time at Bethlehem on October 27 – 28. He will be helping teach confirmation class on October 28. Plan to join him on Tuesday, October 27 at the church. Pastor will have a pot of soup to share and others can bring a salads or dessert. He will visit with us over supper and share with us following.

 

Fall Opportunities to Serve/Help Others

 

CROP Walk

Sunday, October 4 at 1:00 p.m.

Wheatland

 

Walkers of all ages are needed to raise money for hunger in the world and community. Sign up in the office. The local portion of the funds raise supports the Carroll Assistance Center in Wheatland.

Persons may donate to the walk by

• placing checks or gifts designated for "CROP" in the regular Sunday offering,
  
• placing checks or gifts designated fro "CROP" in the fellowship offering basket On September 27 and October 4,
  
• contributing to CROP with donations to people who walk in the CROP Walk.
  

Note that donations received via 1 and 2 will be matched up to $100.00.

 

Treat the Pantries

 

October is "Treat the Pantries" month. Monetary contributions can be placed in the offering plates marked "Treat the Pantry"(make any checks payable to Bethlehem). While canned goods and food items are always welcome, donations of toilet paper, Kleenex or other paper products are encouraged. Personal hygiene items such as shampoo, liquid hand soap, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, toothpaste are also welcome.

 

The West Clinton County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans annually sponsors this Care Abounds in Communities project in the ten congregations of the chapter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans adds $800.00 to the amount collected. The money will be split between the four food pantries serving the area, including the Lost Nation Food Pantry.

 

 

Intern Matt's Reflections on 1^st Month

 

It is hard to believe, but, as I write this article, I am finishing up my first month at Bethlehem and St. Mark's Lutheran Churches!  Wow, how time flies!  And what an exciting month it has been!  From worship and preaching, to confirmation and Sunday school, hospital and home visits, and just plain getting to visit with folks during the course of their daily lives, I have been reminded time and time again what a blessing it is to live among the people of God in a particular place and in a particular time.  Thank you for your warm welcome, your hospitality, and your prayers during this exciting time! 

 

These are exciting times not only for our congregations, but for the church as a whole.  While much discussion and focus continues about recent Churchwide Assembly decisions regarding human sexuality, let us not forget the overwhelming vote for a full-communion agreement with the United Methodist Church, as we continue to move toward the goal that someday we may "all be one" (John 17.11) in the body of Christ.  Also receiving overwhelming approval at the CWA was support for continued development of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative and a fundraising goal of $10 million dollars for the ELCA's mission to fight HIV and AIDS worldwide, as we together work toward the goal of eradicating these deadly diseases that often pray on the poor and vulnerable around the world. 

 

So, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in the midst of our brokenness, sin, and a future that is unknown, let us continue to march forward as the people of God in Lost Nation and Oxford Junction—and we march forward, humbly, at the foot of the cross.  The journey forward is often unclear, the paths dangerous, the risks unknown.  But, we march forward with the assurance that God holds on to us, empowers, and lifts us up when we are down.  We march forward with confidence because God loves you, the whole world … and even me. 

 

Paul's Letter to the Romans

The Obedience of Faith

 

This month at BWELCA Oct. Circle Meetings

Rebecca – Thurs., Oct. 15, 1:30 PM at Esther

Dosland's, Leader: Betty Rehmke

Joint - Sat. Oct. 17, 9:00 AM at Jessica Ihns's, Leaders: Jessica and Elenor Bentrott.

All women are invited!

 

Quilt Top Kits

Quilt top kits are ready for sewing. A basket of quilt tops kits have been placed in the narthex. Please stop by and pick one up to sew. Quilters will be needing them soon. Quilting starts in January.BWELCA Hi-Lites

 

Hope Cluster Fall Retreat 

30 women from Hope Cluster with 11 of those from Bethlehem were enlightened of God's love for us from Pastors Donnita Moeller, Lynn Thiede and Lisa Dietrich on "Love, Laughter and Latte"  We learned that we could write our burdens on a rock and in an instant they were gone once cleansed with water.  We did Laughter Yoga.  We even got to paint again this year.  We learned how to take the Easter story and place out best friend on the cross and how that would effect us.  Fun was had by all and we even put together 50 school kits, and of course the food was awesome.  The high point was that we all wore costumes the whole weekend. 

 

Chrismon Workshop 

There will be a Chrismon workshop on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the church basement for those interested in helping to make chrismon decorations for our Christmas tree.  Supplies will be provided.  Just come join us for a fun filled evening using our talents.  No experience is needed, these decorations are very easy to make.  Any questions contact Deanne. 

 

Looking for Officers We are in need of persons interested in being the BWELCA Board vice- president for the months of May-Aug. and Sept.-Dec.  If interested contact Deanne Bennett or Connie Kleppe.

 

BWELCA Bible Study Leaders will meet Tuesday Oct 6 at 5:00 p.m. 
 

Next BWELCA board meeting is Tuesday, Nov.3 at 6:00 p.m. 
 

 

You are cordially invited to attend the Dedication Celebration of

Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church

Sunday, October 18

10:00 a.m.

788 Brenneman Lane

Lisbon, Iowa

A meal will follow the Dedication Celebration

RSVP by phone 319-455-2599 by October 11

An afternoon Celebration and Thanksgiving Service will be held at 1:30 p.m.

(No reservations needed for this)

Carpools from Bethlehem may be established for the 1:30 service.

Bethlehem helped financially for several years in the 1980's and early 90's as Seeds of Faith first began.

 

 

October 2009

Pastor     Keith Larson

    Office Phone     678-2301

    Home Phone    678-2303

    E-mail     keith.larson@ecunet.org

     or    pastor@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

 

Pastoral Associate     Barb Tobiason

    Office Phone    826-2761

    Home Phone    319-487-2116

        AIM@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

 

        

Intern    Matt Masko

    Office Phone    678-2301

    Home Phone    563-663-6674

        Intern@bethlehem.mylutheran.org    

Office Secretary     Deanne Bennett

    Church Phone    678-2301

    secretary@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

    

Parish Nurse    Carm Schneider

    Office Hours    9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m. Tue.

    Phone    678-2302

Sunday Schedule

Worship    9:00 a.m.

Fellowship    following    

    

 

Office Hours

 

Pastor Keith is in the office most mornings

Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – Noon

and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 

Intern Matt is in the office most mornings

Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – Noon

 

If you need to enter the church and do not have a key, always call ahead to be certain he or someone is here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bethlehem Star September 2009

The Bethlehem Star

Volume 8, Issue 8             September 2009

 

 

New Schedule

Worship 9:00 a.m.

Beginning on September 6

 

ELCA Church-Wide Decisions

and Implications

 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church met in Assembly August 17 – 23 in Minneapolis. This is the primary decision-making body of our church and it meets every two years. Important decisions of the Assembly included:

 

• Overwhelming approval of Full Communion with the United Methodist Church – at a local level this action affirms cooperative ministries that have been happening for a long time. This action now causes our national and synodical churches to cooperate in many matters;
  

  
   

• Approval of a social statement "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" – a comprehensive statement on sexuality that has been 8 years in creation which will guide members on a whole variety of sexual matters;
  

  
   

• Approval of a Lutheran Malaria Initiative that will seek to raise funds with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, Lutheran World Relief, and the United Nations Foundation to eliminate malaria;
  

  
   

• After many hours of emotional and contentious debate removed the prohibition in our ELCA that prevented gay and lesbian persons, who were not celibate, from being pastors and AIMs. The Assembly also called for any guidelines and procedures related to this change to respect the "bound consciences" of all. In the months ahead, guidelines and rules will need to be developed. The calling of pastors and other "rostered" church leaders still is the decision of local congregations.
  

 

• Re-elected Carlos Pena as Vice President for a 6-year term. The Vice President of the ELCA is a layperson who presides over the ELCA Church Council. This is a non-paid position.
  

  
   

Missionaries to Visit

 

Bethlehem's missionaries Dirk and Sarah Stadtlander are on home leave and will visit Bethlehem on Sunday, September 13. Pastor Stadtlander will speak during worship and the family will share their experiences during fellowship time. The Stadtlanders have served in Senegal.

 

Getting into the Book of Faith

 

Question for Jesus, Studies in Mark

A conversational Bible study

6 weeks

Wednesday, September 30

Mondays, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2

6:30 – 7:45 p.m.

Bethlehem Conference Room

Phone or email office to register

 

Video Camera Operators Needed

 

Have you seen Union Presbyterian's worship service on local access cable (channel 62)? Bethlehem's Council has been looking into the feasibility of recording our worship services for playback also on channel 62. Most importantly we need some folks willing to operate a video camera (turn on, aim, and eventually, pan in and out and around). Additionally, we will need a video camera and a tripod, and perhaps some video editing software. What do you think of the idea of having our worship service televised weekly? Would you be willing to try it – a Sunday a month or so – running a camera? Share your thoughts or your willingness to help with a council member.

 

Mid- Year Financial Statements Available

 

The Financial Secretary has provided mid-year financial statements reflecting individual giving for the first 6 months of 2009. They are included inside this letter. Please check them for correctness and use them to make adjustments in you giving goals for 2009. See the Treasurer's report later in this Star.

EWALU News

 

All Are Welcome Appeal

Concludes

The All Are Welcome Appeal to raise funds for capital improvements has ended, except for the continued reception of funds committed and pledged. $1,360,000 has been committed, falling a little short of the $1.5 million goal. However not included in this total is $140,000 in matching funds from Thrivent and interest accrued on unspent funds that have been contributed.

 

All Are Welcome Projects Begun

Work began immediately and was completed on a new septic system and replacement of the sewage lagoon. This was required by the state in order to operate.

 

After a year delay due to storms, floods and subsequent difficulty in finding contractors, work began in earnest this spring and summer on the Walnut complex of lodge and cabins. A new walnut cabin has been started. The foundation and all the underground water, septic, electrical and heating elements are installed and by now the cement floor should have been poured and framing should begin any day. In addition, all of the cement block footings for the additions to the existing cabins and lodge are in place.

 

Ewalu Fall Festival and Quilt Auction
  Sunday, September 20, 2009

 

Leo Greco "Variety Time" Radio Show WMT 600
Broadcasting live from Fall Festival
Starting at 7:30 a.m.

Quilt Review/ Country Store     9:00 a.m.

Worship Service     11:00 a.m.

Pork Luncheon     12:00 noon

Quilt Auction     1:00 p.m.

Over 175 quilts will be on display from 9:00 a.m.
  Country Store with garden-fresh produce and hundreds of handcrafted items.
Live demonstrations of quilting and woodcarving.
Kids' fun activities.

 

Ewalu House on the Rock Bus and

Apple Orchard Tour

Thursday, October 8

7:00 am – 8:30 pm

Cost $93

(includes transportation from Ewalu, admissions, 2 meals and snacks)

To register: Call 563-933-4700 or

email Paul Little@Ewalu.org

 

Support Wartburg Seminary When You Buy Books Online

 

When Augsburg Fortress closed their retail stores, the bookstore at Wartburg Seminary also closed. But, with the closure a new opportunity opened. Wartburg Seminary entered into an agreement with Amazon.com. If you are in the habit of ordering books on-line, go to www.wartburgseminary.edu. On Wartburg's homepage, click on the big icon near the top of the page that says "WTS Virtual Bookstore". Anything you order from Amazon.com will result in a contribution made to Wartburg Seminary.

Offers Economic Workshops

Wednesdays at 6:30

Beginning September 2

Thrivent Office – 1419 11^th St. Suite C, DeWitt

Call 659-2992 to register

Choose one, some, or all

Workshops are free and open to all (You do not need to be a Thrivent member)

 

Sept 2     Economic and Investment Outlook

Sept 16    From me to We (for engaged or recently married couples)

Sept 30    Intermission: Embracing Life Transitions

Oct 14    Parents and Teens: Money Matters

Oct 28    Focus on College Funding

Nov 11    Keeping the Farm in the Family

 

Thrivent Member Meeting

Sunday, September 27

5:30 p.m.

Immanuel Lutheran Church Youth Center

Grand Mound

Free meal followed by short business meeting

All Thrivent members and families invited

 

Wheatland Area CROP Walk

Sunday, Oct 4

Register 12:30

Walk 1:00 p.m.

St. Paul United Church of Christ, Wheatland

 

 

Confirmation Classes Resume

 

Confirmation classes resume soon for those in grades 7, 8, 9, ad for a few in grade 10. First year students will meet at Bethlehem on Wednesday, August 26 at 6:15, along with a parent or parents for a time of orientation. All first and second year students will meet Wednesday, September 2 and on each Wednesday following at 6:130. Third year students, who wish to affirm their baptisms on October 26, will meet for 8 hours at times yet to be determined.

 

Council Meets

 

Bethlehem council met August 11 for its regular meeting. In business they:

• Discussed the possibility of airing worship services on local accesses cable (see p.1);
  
• Approved a revised mission endowment budget to present to the congregation;
  
• Discussed the possibility, but did not decide at this time to install a meter so the amount of gas used at both the parsonage and church can be monitored;
  
• Appointed council members Scott Doll and John Alden to be on the nominating committee:
  
• Heard the following Treasurer's report:
  

  General    Farm
  

  Balance 6/30/09    $ 825.00    38984.79
  

  July Income    $ 5006.34    0.00
  

  July Expenses    $ 7681.79    0.00
  

  Balance     - 1850.45    38984.79
  

  
   

 

BWELCA Hilites

 

The Joint Bible Study on Thursday, July 31, 19 women enjoyed a bible study focused on Mary, the mother of Jesus. We thank AIM Barb for leading our study as well as hosting it in her new home.

 

Hope Cluster Women's Fall Retreat at the Owl's Nest at Camp Wyoming will be Friday - Saturday September 11 – 12. Pastors Donnita Moeller, Lisa Dietrich, and Lynn Thiede will share "Latte, Laughter, and Love."  There is a poster on the bulletin board. Come join us for a fun and memorable weekend.  Let Deanne know that you are interested in attending by Wednesday, September 2.

 

Elections of Officers for 2010, ballots are being assembled for the Sept. circle meetings. Offices are: (continue to middle of next column)

 

Vice President: Jan-April, May-August, and Sept.-Dec., Treasurer and Mission Growth.

 

Upcoming Events:

BWELCA Board meeting Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6 PM.

 

EWALU Quilt Auction/Pork Dinner Sunday, Sept. 20.

 

To God's Beloved: Paul's Letter to the Romans

Be Mutually Encouraged

This month at BWELCA Sept. Circle Meetings

 

Rebecca – Wed., Sept. 9, 1:30 PM at Marge Long's, Leader: Betty Rehmke

Eve – Thurs., Sept. 10, 7:00 PM at Elenor Bentrott's, Leader: Rochelle Busch

Bethlehem – Sat. Sept. 19, 9:00 AM Hostess/ Leader: Ellen Pithan

All women are invited!

 

 

Want to Learn about Being Lutheran?

Never Been Confirmed?

Informational Gathering

Monday, September 21

6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Bethlehem Conference Room

At this gathering we will plan for future learning opportunities tailored to meet individual needs.

 

 

Kits-Kits-More Kits

 

Midwife Kits and Hospice Kits: Thank you to Pastor Keith for delivering our midwife (57) kits and hospice (24) kits to Global Health Ministries in Minneapolis this past week.

 

School Kits: During the month of August, we have been collecting school supplies for our school kits. We will be packing them during coffee hour some Sunday in September-a date to be yet determined. We must have them completed for shipping to LWR in October.

Bethlehem Women of the ELCA thank all of you for your generous response to this project.

 

Thanks!

The family of Wilbur Pithan would like to thank all of you for your kind words, memorials and flowers. We extend a very special 'thank you' to the Women of the ELCA circle for providing the wonderful meal following the service.
                            The Family of Wilbur Pithan

From Barb, Associate in Ministry

 

Visualization is very powerful.  I love to watch the television show, "Ace of Cakes," because it is absolutely amazing to me to see all that these artists can do with cake.  The cakes that are produced by Charm City Cakes are incredible and make remarkable personal statements to the people for whom they are created.  One family had Charm City Cakes make a cake in the perfect shape of a human ear, as a way of thanking the doctor who had given the father hearing again.  A wife honored her husband by having a cake made in the shape of a box of cigars.  The way Charm City Cakes did the details – the wood grain on the box, the personalized cigar bands on the chocolate cake cigars – was so cool.  I am so impressed by the fact that Charm City Cakes can replicate everything from a helicopter, to a movie setting, to a snowboard course in cake!

 

But the visual image of those cakes is powerful in ways other than just to impress the viewer – at least for me.  Whenever I see one of the Charm City cakes, I become obsessively hungry!  I have been known to make a lemon cake and a coconut cake after watching their shows.  If I don't have time to make cake, I scrounge around in the kitchen until I, at least, find something sweet to eat.  Such is the power of seeing something presented to us.

 

Jesus knew there was power to visualization.  When he wanted to impress upon the disciples that his was an authority that transcended that of humanity, he walked on water.  When he wanted to show what God was doing, through him, he raised Lazarus from the dead.  And when he wanted people to particularly remember significant events, he added a visual element.

 

He took bread, lifted it up, and said, "This is my body, given for you."  Again, he took wine, lifted it up, and said, "This is my blood shed for you."  Bread and wine are the elements presented to us at the table, visually, over and over again, so that we can actually see what is ours in Christ.  It gives substance to Christ's promise.  Seeing the bread and wine, as it is served to us in the Eucharist, makes us hungry for Christ's sustenance, forgiveness, and salvation.  Actually having the visual elements, given to us, leaves an impression of his love and sacrifice in our minds. 

 

 

 

September Birthdays

 

1 Kathy Duffey

8 Kathy Becker

10      Josh Beeck

11     Evelyn Petersen

12 Angie Box, Andrea Kula

13     Duane Schroeder

16     Dennis Kleppe

17    Cyndi Hartley

18    Richard DeMoss, Skylar Mullins

19     Melanie Hute

20     Viola Holtz, Emily Kleinsmith

22 Corey Rigg

23 Jeff Fields, Jo Thiede

25    Chloe Bennett, Clifford Berner

25    Kelly Schroeder, Raymond Suthers

25     Don Hainstock

27     John Alden

28    Dawn Suthers

29    Ethel Bicknese, Doug Wulf

30    Bruce Von Sprecken

 

September Anniversaries

 

3    Wilma and Ron Adrian

8    Linda and Ron Gruenwald

10    Dale and Laurie Rickels

14    Marlene and Darrel Hicks

15    Ellen and Bill Pithan

24    Jone and Les Paarmann

24    Stacey and Gary Current

27    Kathy and Rex Duffey

 

Worship Assistants

Greeters:

Clay Ketchum, Enos Ihns

 

Ushers:

Diana Ihns, Pat Hendrickson

Lectors

6- Madge White

13- Ginger Anderson-Larson

20- Deanne Bennett

27- Joan Clapp

 

Communion Servers:

6- Darrel Hicks, Connie Kleppe

20- Joan Kleppe, Enos Ihns

 

Acolytes:

6- Dylan Rickels

13- Jo Thiede

20- Emily Horst

27- Sammie Adler

 

Altar Care:

Connie Kleppe,

Kathy Duffey

 

Bread Maker:
Eleanor Sheldon

 

Children's Story Tellers:

6 - Darlene Christiansen

13 - Madge White

20 - Tim Thiede

27 - Dawn Suthers

 

Tellers:

Pat Hendrickson, Ron Christiansen

 

Fellowship Servers:

6- Elenor Bentrott, Kathy Becker, Lola DeMoss

13- Rochelle Busch, Marlene Hicks, Amber Suthers

20- Joyce Feuss, Kathy Duffey, Darla Fields, Donna Dosland

27- Pat Hendrickson, Leta Dunt, Deanne Bennett

 

The LN Food Pantry is in need of toilet paper.

 

Sunday School Resumes

Sunday School will resume on September 13 for pre-school and elementary students. Note Sunday school will be approximately every other week, unless volunteers contact the office. Sunday school will be held on Sept. 13, 23, Oct. 11, 25, and Nov. 8, 22.

 

Beds for Weary Heads

Des Moines, Iowa – On June 15, LSI Refugee Cooperation Services (RCS) received 200 beds to be distributed to refugee families. Many families come to Iowa with little more than the clothes on their backs. In an effort to make the first days of their lives in a new country more comfortable and welcoming, LSI and its dedicated volunteer network launched the "Beds for Weary Heads" campaign. The campaign raised $20,000 to ensure refugees resettled by RCS have a bed to welcome them to their new home.

 

The beds were provided to RCS by Ken Akers of Restonic Mattress in Toledo, IA. The sets were provided at a greatly reduced price and included a mattress, box spring and bed frame. Restonic Mattress's retail partner Midwest Mattress has also been very supportive of the project.

 

Donations for beds were given by acquaintances of LSI's volunteer and community support programs. Friends, co-workers of volunteers and churches have also contributed to the cause.

 

"We let our volunteers and community contacts know about the drive and they spread the word through church or community organizations and co-workers too, and the response has been great," said Michelle Raymer, community resource supervisor for LSI's refugee program in Des Moines.

 

The "Beds for Weary Heads" program is and effort by RCS, a partnership of LSI and Catholic Charities. This program helps resettle refugees who have fled their countries because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group. RCS introduces refugees into new communities and provides support to help foster self sufficiency. For a full article, please visit www.lsiowa.org.

 

Pastor     Keith Larson

Office Phone     678-2301

Home Phone    678-2303

E-mail     keith.larson@ecunet.org

or    pastor@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

 

Pastoral Associate     Barb Tobiason

Office Phone    826-2761

Home Phone    319-465-3124

AIM@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

 

Intern    Matt Masko

Office Phone    678-2301

Home Phone    563-663-6674

Intern@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

Office Secretary     Deanne Bennett

Church Phone    678-2301

secretary@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

 

Parish Nurse    Carm Schneider

Office Hours    9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m. Tue.

Phone    678-2302

Sunday Schedule

Worship    9:00 a.m.

Fellowship    following

 

Office Hours

Pastor Keith is in the office most mornings Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – Noon

and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Intern Matt's office hours are yet to be determined

 

If you need to enter the church and do not have a key, always call ahead to be certain he or someone is here.