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 1st and 15th or monthly (on 1st or 15th). 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" 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 1st 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.
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