The Bethlehem Star
Volume 10, Issue 7
July 2011
Lost Nation Rustic Days
Community Worship
Sunday, July 18
9:30 a.m.
At Union Presbyterian
We will celebrate our common Christian ministries!
(No worship services at Bethlehem that Sunday.)
Notice of Special Congregational Meeting
Sunday, August 14
Immediately following Worship
(approximately 9:25 a.m.)
The purpose of the meeting is to vote on the 2011-2012 Mission Endowment Budget. The proposed budget is found on the last page in this issue of The Star.
Council Listening Posts to Be Scheduled
Bethlehem Council members will hold a series of listening posts on Sundays, July 24, 31, and August 7 at 9:45 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. Persons may sign up to share individually with 2 – 3 council members or to share as part of a group. A sign up sheet is posted on the end of the mailboxes in the conference room, or you can call office and Council secretary Deanne Bennett to make an appointment. The purpose of these listening posts will be only to hear comments and concerns related to the ability of Pastor Larson to serve adequately and effectively as pastor without living in the parsonage. Council members will appreciate all viewpoints. It is important to share them in these listening posts so all opinions can be adequately heard and accounted for. If none of the these opportunities work for you, contact Deanne.
ELCA to Meet in Churchwide Assembly
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America meets in Churchwide Assembly every two years. (This is comparable to a congregation’s Annual Congregation Meeting). The Assembly will be held August 15 – 19 this summer in Orlando. Each Synod elects voting members based on the numerical size of the synod. Pastor Keith Larson was one of 17 persons elected from the Southeastern Iowa Synod. The Assembly brings over 1000 voting members together from across the ELCA for a time of business, worship and inspiration. The Assembly is the highest legislative body of the ELCA. In Churchwide Assembly cont. from column 1
business this year the Assembly will vote on a Social Statement dealing with genetics, constitutional changes and other proposals coming from a L.I.F.T. (Living into the Future Together) taskforce that could change the length of time between Churchwide Assemblies form 2 years to 3 years, eliminate some advisory groups and change ways certain ELCA-related ministries are funded.
To read all about the Assembly go to www.elca.org and click on “2011 Assembly.” Persons wanting printed copies of items to be voted on can ask pastor to have them printed.
College Scholarships
Scholarship applications for all Bethlehem college students are available in the church office. All students enrolled in the 2011 - 2012 school term must complete an application and return it to the office on or before August 1, 2011. Students must be confirmed members of Bethlehem and must maintain academic eligibility. Scholarship money will be sent directly to your college at the beginning of each semester.
Note to those who will be high school seniors in the fall – if you anticipate that you might graduate early and begin college early, you should apply for a scholarship before August 1, 2012.
July Birthdays
3 Kathy Snyder
3 Charlotte Ihns
4 Leta Dunt
7 Kirk Snyder
8 Eleanor Christensen
13 Kolton Novak
14 Ron Gruenwald
15 Marvel Hamann
16 Diana Ihns
19 Timothy Mullins
21 Landon Hicks
22 Kathy Hute
26 Michelle Keller
27 Cornell Dunt
29 Bob Hendrickson
29 Riley Christiansen
July Anniversaries
8 Katie and Jason Thompson
10 Kindy and RayPaul Nissen
10 Katie and Zac Brauer
22 Barb and Glenn Tobiason
28 Jill and Gene Suthers
Council Meets
Bethlehem Congregation Council met for the regular monthly meeting on June 14. In business, they:
• Approved the proposed Bethlehem Mission endowment Budget (see later page in this month’s Star);
• Set Sunday, August 14 for a congregation meeting for the purpose of voting on the 2011-21012 Mission Endowment Budget;
• Heard the following Treasurer’s report:
Balance 4/30/10 $10,749.00
May Income $6,329.06
May Expenses $7,522.47
Balance 5/31/10 $9,555.59
Member Giving Needed Monthly $6,000.00
Amount Received in April $6,329.06
April Overage $ 329.06
Shortfall to Date – 2011 $2,554.00
Tobiasons Celebrate Grandsons
Pastoral Associate Barb, and her husband Glenn celebrated the birth of two grandsons a few days apart in June. Kameron Allan, 8 lb, 15 oz was born to son Kyle and wife Melinda, of Scotch Grove on June 11. Jackson Allan, 6 lb, 11oz was born to daughter Kim and husband Ryan of Naperville, IL on June 15. Jackson had to spend a few days in Neonatal Intensive Care, but is doing fine.
BWELCA Hilites
BWELCA Board to meet Tuesday, July 5 at 6 p.m.
BWELCA Summer Joint Bible Study will be Tuesday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the basement at Bethlehem. AIM Barb will lead the study from the summer lessons found in the June, July/August Lutheran Woman Today magazine. All are welcome to join in this bible study.
Join us at the 24th Annual Gathering for the Southeastern Iowa Woman of the ELCA on August 5, 6 in Marshalltown at the Best Western Regency Inn. Girls night out is planned for Friday, August 5 starting with supper at the Binford House, followed with treats back at the hotel and ideas and discussion on some of the ways we can continue our giving to others using our talents. The Iowa State Veterans Home will be one of the recipients of the “Love Gifts” of forever stamps, lap robes, or stationary for the residents that have served us. The Gathering will be the next day with some amazing things to do. Forms are on the table in the narthex.
July Worship
The schedule for Holy Communion is altered in July to accommodate Rustic Days Community Worship. Holy Communion will be celebrated on July 3 and July 24.
Worship Assistants
Greeters: Pat Hansen, Darrel Hicks
Ushers: Warren Ihns, Roger Kleppe
Lectors:
3- Pat Hendrickson
10- Lynda Humphreys
17- Brent Ihns
24- Jessica Ihns
31- Clay Ketchum
Communion Servers:
3- Scott Doll, Emily Horst
24- Pat Hendrickson, Darrel Hicks
Acolytes:
3- Jo Thiede
24- Jenna Holtz
Altar Care: Eleanor Christiansen, Jeannette Schroeder
Bread Maker: Bob Hendrickson
Tellers: Emma Thiede, Deanne Bennett
Fellowship Servers:
4- Jody Holtz, Kelly Doll, Melissa McChesney
11- Darlene C. Deb C. Emily Horst, Sue Zeller
18- NO Fellowship Ecumenical Worship @UPC
25- Madge White, Stella Franck, Emma Thiede
31- Kathy Becker, Leta Dunt, Corynn Bennett
School Kits
We will again be gathering items for school kits. These help children – and in some cases, adults – continue learning despite the hardships they face.
Items Needed For 1 Kit:
4 70 sheet notebooks (wide or college ruled paper, approx 8X10 1/2 inches)*
1 30 centimeter ruler – centimeters on one side & inches on the other
1 pencil sharpener
1 blunt scissors
1 2½ inch eraser
5 unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers
5 ballpoint pens (no gel ink)*
1 box of 16 or 24 crayons
No construction paper*
*Items with an asterisk are changes this year.
Our goal is 100 kits.
Last year we put together 123 kits.
Watch for the back-to-school sales!
July 2011
Pastor Keith Larson
Office Phone 678-2301
Home Phone 652-2599
Emergency 563-447-0652
pastor@bethlehem.mylutheran.org
Pastoral Associate Barb Tobiason
Office Phone 826-2761
Home Phone 563-487-2116
AIM@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. Tues
Phone 678-2302
Office Hours
Pastor Keith is in the office most mornings Monday – Thursday 9:30 a.m. – Noon and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. If you need to enter the church and do not have a key, please contact the church before coming to make sure someone is there.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Bethlehem Star June 2011
The Bethlehem Star
Volume 9, Issue 6
June 2011
Summer Worship Times
During the summer months of June, July, and August, starting June 5, the schedule is:
Worship at Bethlehem: 8:30 a.m.
Worship at St. Mark’s: 9:45 a.m.
Unity Sunday, when we celebrate our common ministries at Bethlehem and St. Mark, will be held at the end of the summer.
Lost Nation Vacation Bible School
June 6 - 10
At Union Presbyterian
Call the office:
• to register students,
• to volunteer to teach or assist,
• donate money for snacks,
• if you have questions.
Items needed:
Old jeans (all sizes) Old t-shirts (small sizes)
Old magazines Empty and rinsed juice bags
Bars of soap Scrap fleece material
“O” cereal (ex. Cheerios or generic “o” shaped)
Netting/ tulle Sequins/ buttons
Craft foam Fabric glue Fabric markers
Craft paint 9-in plastic cups
Community Coffee
Thursday, June 16, 9:00 – 11:00
At Bethlehem
Invite your friends for coffee.
Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembles
Six members from Bethlehem and St. Mark’s attended the Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly in Coralville on May 20 – 21. Attending were Pastor Keith Larson and AIM Barb Tobiason, Carol Pence and Melissa Antcliff (SMLC) and Tim Thiede and Deanne Bennett (BLC).
Special guest at the Assembly included newly-elected Bishop Charles Mjema and his wife, Pastor Nahana Mjema of the Pare Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, our companion synod. A joint agreement and plan for recommitment for our companion synods was signed together by the Bishop Mjema and Southeastern Iowa Synod Bishop Michael Burke.
The assembly was a time for worship, Bible study, business and fellowship. St. Mark’s was recognized in a video as a congregation celebrating a special anniversary this year (150). Among resolutions considered, the Assembly asked congregations and individuals of the Southeastern Iowa Synod to work with schools, youth and other organization to support efforts to combat bullying, harassment and other related violence in schools.
Participants heard stirring sermons by the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, Director of ELCA Global Missions, and by the Rev. Mike Householder, pastor of Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. Pastor Malpica Padilla challenged the Assembly to find ways to care for the poor and marginalized of society. Pastor Householder passionately urged everyone to be evangelists, sharing the much-needed love of Christ with others.
Bethlehem/ St. Mark folks also appreciated being able to see the whole church in action and that the church is larger than we see in our congregations, week in and week out.
Ice Cream Social
Sunday, June 26- 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
At Bethlehem
Invite your friends and neighbors
June Birthdays
1 Keith Larson
2 Don Long
5 Kelly Doll
6 Alex McChesney
7 Joan Clapp
8 Al Small, Courtney Current
9 Zachary McChesney
10 Sophia Coates
12 Brandon Moore
14 Lola DeMoss, Roger Kleppe
17 Katie Thompson
20 Tim Thiede
21 Robert Feuss
22 Ron Christiansen
23 Cassandra Novak
24 Jimmy Hicks
25 Stacey Current
27 Mike Paarmann
28 Paul Kleinsmith, Heather Moore
29 Mick Sheldon
June Anniversaries
4 Deanne and Clint Bennett
7 Kelly and Al Schroeder
9 Kathy and Lary Becker
Kathy and Kirk Snyder
11 Rosemary and Tom Stoll
15 Connie and Roger Kleppe
17 Erin and Nick Novak
19 Marcia and Paul Kleinsmith
22 Barb and Alan Small
26 Lynn and Tim Thiede
27 Pat and Bob Hendrickson
Barb’s Message – Reflections on Synod Assembly
Going to Synod Assembly is always a rewarding experience. Every year, without fail, about two weeks before a scheduled assembly, I stew and fret about all the things that I have to do, work-related, telling myself that I don’t have time to take off the time for Synod Assembly. And every year, I am refreshed and rejuvenated and re-committed by the experience of Synod Assembly.
Worship has a primary place at assembly. Coming from small churches, it is awesome to worship with over 300 people. In addition to worship, frequent prayer, Bible study, hymn singing brought up often throughout the assembly helps us remain Christ-centered in all that we do; and in any church gathering, the focus must be on the One whose mission we carry out.
I used to be involved in the synod’s work, so I am biased, but I never fail to be impressed by those who are called to serve in our synod offices and the programs in which the synod is involved. The people who work or volunteer on the synod level are some of the best. Our synod truly is there for us, helping congregations do the ministry we are called to do. This year it was fun to have St. Mark’s recognized for their 150 years of ministry. Also, our synod reaches out to carry out the mission of Christ, not only locally, but “to the ends of the earth.” To see all the programs that our synod promotes for social ministry, here and around the world is impressive.
It is humbling to look around at all the voting members at our Synod Assembly gathering and see the dedication of the people. They are there because they really take seriously their call to do Christ’s work. There are opportunities to meet and visit with member of other congregations in our synod and find out what excites and frustrates them about being the Church. In all the years that I have gone, a real pleasure for me is getting to know our own voting members better, in a different setting than Sunday morning worship.
I have to say that this year, especially, I appreciated the infusion of humor into the assembly. I truly believe that in any type of work, you need to be able to occasionally have fun and laugh. Bishop Burke began the proceedings with a video showing him and several youth who were trying to update the Bishop technology-wise. It was very clever and set a good mood for the assembly.
It is very humbling to see God’s Holy Spirit working, and Synod Assembly is a great place to see the Spirit doing what the Spirit does. At Synod Assembly, we truly are the Body of Christ. For our time together we become the hands, eyes, heart, and mouth of Christ. I would love for each of you in our congregations to have this experience at some point in your faith journey.
Worship Assistants
Greeters: Scott Doll, Stella Franck
Ushers: Pat Hendrickson, Jessica Ihns
Lectors:
5- Madge White 19- Stella Franck
12- Deanne Bennett 26- Cyndi Hartley
Acolytes: 5- Jenna Holtz
12- Halie Gruenwald 19- Hannah Gruenwald
Communion Servers:
5- Rochelle Busch, Kelly Doll
12- Pat Hansen, Ron Christiansen
19- Elenor Bentrott, Eleanor Sheldon
Altar Care: Eleanor Sheldon, Madge White
Bread Maker: Connie Kleppe
Tellers: Joan Kleppe, Jone Paarmann
Fellowship Servers:
5 - Jone P., Dawn Suthers, Evelyn Petersen
12- Ellen P., Jill S., Betty R., Eleanor Sheldon
19 - Father’s Day NO Fellowship
26- Ice Cream Social NO Fellowship
BWELCA Hilites
Notes to Fellowship Workers:
+ Please use the “fair trade” fellowship coffee located in the plastic tub in the fellowship cupboard. It is specially made for percolators.
+ Please soak the stem from the coffee pot you have used in the marked vinegar bottle on the counter (while you are serving). Wash as usual during clean up. We have had a lot of problems with hard water clogging, and we hope this will take care of it.
New this year at VBS, we will be taking a special “noisy” collection on Sunday, June 5 for the food committee to purchase food needed to follow the theme for the week.
Community Coffee: You are invited to the Community Coffee hosted by the BWELCA Board on Thursday, June 16 from 9-11 a.m. Invite your family, friends and neighbors for a morning of great food and fellowship.
Council Meets
Bethlehem Congregation Council met for the regular monthly meeting on May 17. In business, they:
• noted new ceiling tiles had been placed in the narthex and will purchase new lights and complete caulking of cracks during the summer;
• heard Pastor periodically offers learning opportunities for students and parents when families wish to have their children begin communing;
• decided there will be opportunities in July and August for individuals to meet with Council members if they have concerns about pastoral housing issues;
• decided not to pursue an offer to purchase a 14’ x 100’ piece of property west of the church from the congregation;
• Heard the following Treasurer’s report:
Balance 3/31/11 $13,689.95
April Income $ 5,595.63
April Expenses $ 8,536.58
Balance 4/30/11 $10,790.00
Member Giving Needed Monthly $6000.00
Amount Received in March $5595.63
March Shortfall $ 405.00
Shortfall to Date – 2011 $2883.00
Healthy Pastors Mean Savings
Last month, Pastor Larson reflected on wellness and wholeness and mentioned that the ELCA Board of Pensions had an emphasis on wellness. As part of that emphasis all persons on the ELCA medical plan are urged to take a free on-line health assessment sponsored by Mayo Clinic. If a minimum of 65% of the plan members in a synod completed the assessment before the deadline, every congregation in the synod could receive a discount. For 3 years now, pastor has completed his assessment, but this year the Southeastern Iowa Synod met the 65% threshold. As a result, Bethlehem has earned a 2% discount on contributions to the ELCA health plan for 2011.
“Spring” Festivals Late This Year
The festivals of Pentecost, usually celebrated in May do not occur until mid-June this year because Easter was so late. Pentecost (50 days after Easter) will be celebrated on June 12. Holy Trinity Sunday is celebrated a week later on June 19. Holy Communion is celebrated on these two important church-year festivals as well as on the first Sunday of the month.
Masko Update
Former Intern Matt Masko graduated from Wartburg Seminary on May 15. He had been assigned to the Upstate New York Synod and met the Bishop there and learned of some prospective congregations where he might interview. In the meantime Meganne interviewed, was offered and accepted a position on the faculty of the University of North Dakota. The Bishops of Upstate New York and Eastern North Dakota have been helpful and Matt’s been reassigned to Eastern North Dakota. Meganne is still working on her doctoral dissertation at the University of Iowa where she hopes to complete her doctorate soon. She finished her dissertation early, but her committee was, well, not particularly accommodating. They will be moving to North Dakota in August after they travel with some Wartburg Seminary faculty to Guyana in July.
Ice Cream Social
The Ice Cream Social will be held Sunday, June 26 from 4-7 p.m. at the church. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors. Sign up sheet will be in the back of the church. We appreciate your sharing of food, serving skills and other assistance with this fun event.
Next Board Meeting: Tuesday July 5 at 6 PM
Circle Meetings for June 9, 7:00 PM, Eve at Eleanor Sheldon’s with Darlene C. as leader. June 11: 9 AM, Bethlehem in conference room with Connie Kleppe at hostess and leader.
College Scholarships
Scholarship applications for all Bethlehem college students are available in the church office. All students enrolled in the 2011 - 2012 school term must complete an application and return it to the office on or before August 1, 2011. Students must be confirmed members of Bethlehem and must maintain academic eligibility. Scholarship money will be sent directly to your college at the beginning of each semester.
Note to those who will be high school seniors in the fall – if you anticipate that you might graduate early and begin college early, you should apply for a scholarship before August 1, 2011.
Summer Worship Times
8:30 a.m. at Bethlehem
9:45 a.m. at St. Mark
Pastor Keith Larson
Office Phone 678-2301
Home Phone 563-652-2599
Anywhere, anytime 563-447-0652
pastor@bethlehem.mylutheran.org
Pastoral Associate Barb Tobiason
Office Phone 826-2761
Home Phone 563-487-2116
AIM@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. Tues
Phone 678-2302
Office Hours
Pastor Keith is in the office most mornings
Monday – Thursday 9:30 a.m. – Noon
and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
If you need to enter the church and do not have a key, always call ahead to be certain he or someone is here.
Volume 9, Issue 6
June 2011
Summer Worship Times
During the summer months of June, July, and August, starting June 5, the schedule is:
Worship at Bethlehem: 8:30 a.m.
Worship at St. Mark’s: 9:45 a.m.
Unity Sunday, when we celebrate our common ministries at Bethlehem and St. Mark, will be held at the end of the summer.
Lost Nation Vacation Bible School
June 6 - 10
At Union Presbyterian
Call the office:
• to register students,
• to volunteer to teach or assist,
• donate money for snacks,
• if you have questions.
Items needed:
Old jeans (all sizes) Old t-shirts (small sizes)
Old magazines Empty and rinsed juice bags
Bars of soap Scrap fleece material
“O” cereal (ex. Cheerios or generic “o” shaped)
Netting/ tulle Sequins/ buttons
Craft foam Fabric glue Fabric markers
Craft paint 9-in plastic cups
Community Coffee
Thursday, June 16, 9:00 – 11:00
At Bethlehem
Invite your friends for coffee.
Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembles
Six members from Bethlehem and St. Mark’s attended the Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly in Coralville on May 20 – 21. Attending were Pastor Keith Larson and AIM Barb Tobiason, Carol Pence and Melissa Antcliff (SMLC) and Tim Thiede and Deanne Bennett (BLC).
Special guest at the Assembly included newly-elected Bishop Charles Mjema and his wife, Pastor Nahana Mjema of the Pare Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, our companion synod. A joint agreement and plan for recommitment for our companion synods was signed together by the Bishop Mjema and Southeastern Iowa Synod Bishop Michael Burke.
The assembly was a time for worship, Bible study, business and fellowship. St. Mark’s was recognized in a video as a congregation celebrating a special anniversary this year (150). Among resolutions considered, the Assembly asked congregations and individuals of the Southeastern Iowa Synod to work with schools, youth and other organization to support efforts to combat bullying, harassment and other related violence in schools.
Participants heard stirring sermons by the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, Director of ELCA Global Missions, and by the Rev. Mike Householder, pastor of Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. Pastor Malpica Padilla challenged the Assembly to find ways to care for the poor and marginalized of society. Pastor Householder passionately urged everyone to be evangelists, sharing the much-needed love of Christ with others.
Bethlehem/ St. Mark folks also appreciated being able to see the whole church in action and that the church is larger than we see in our congregations, week in and week out.
Ice Cream Social
Sunday, June 26- 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
At Bethlehem
Invite your friends and neighbors
June Birthdays
1 Keith Larson
2 Don Long
5 Kelly Doll
6 Alex McChesney
7 Joan Clapp
8 Al Small, Courtney Current
9 Zachary McChesney
10 Sophia Coates
12 Brandon Moore
14 Lola DeMoss, Roger Kleppe
17 Katie Thompson
20 Tim Thiede
21 Robert Feuss
22 Ron Christiansen
23 Cassandra Novak
24 Jimmy Hicks
25 Stacey Current
27 Mike Paarmann
28 Paul Kleinsmith, Heather Moore
29 Mick Sheldon
June Anniversaries
4 Deanne and Clint Bennett
7 Kelly and Al Schroeder
9 Kathy and Lary Becker
Kathy and Kirk Snyder
11 Rosemary and Tom Stoll
15 Connie and Roger Kleppe
17 Erin and Nick Novak
19 Marcia and Paul Kleinsmith
22 Barb and Alan Small
26 Lynn and Tim Thiede
27 Pat and Bob Hendrickson
Barb’s Message – Reflections on Synod Assembly
Going to Synod Assembly is always a rewarding experience. Every year, without fail, about two weeks before a scheduled assembly, I stew and fret about all the things that I have to do, work-related, telling myself that I don’t have time to take off the time for Synod Assembly. And every year, I am refreshed and rejuvenated and re-committed by the experience of Synod Assembly.
Worship has a primary place at assembly. Coming from small churches, it is awesome to worship with over 300 people. In addition to worship, frequent prayer, Bible study, hymn singing brought up often throughout the assembly helps us remain Christ-centered in all that we do; and in any church gathering, the focus must be on the One whose mission we carry out.
I used to be involved in the synod’s work, so I am biased, but I never fail to be impressed by those who are called to serve in our synod offices and the programs in which the synod is involved. The people who work or volunteer on the synod level are some of the best. Our synod truly is there for us, helping congregations do the ministry we are called to do. This year it was fun to have St. Mark’s recognized for their 150 years of ministry. Also, our synod reaches out to carry out the mission of Christ, not only locally, but “to the ends of the earth.” To see all the programs that our synod promotes for social ministry, here and around the world is impressive.
It is humbling to look around at all the voting members at our Synod Assembly gathering and see the dedication of the people. They are there because they really take seriously their call to do Christ’s work. There are opportunities to meet and visit with member of other congregations in our synod and find out what excites and frustrates them about being the Church. In all the years that I have gone, a real pleasure for me is getting to know our own voting members better, in a different setting than Sunday morning worship.
I have to say that this year, especially, I appreciated the infusion of humor into the assembly. I truly believe that in any type of work, you need to be able to occasionally have fun and laugh. Bishop Burke began the proceedings with a video showing him and several youth who were trying to update the Bishop technology-wise. It was very clever and set a good mood for the assembly.
It is very humbling to see God’s Holy Spirit working, and Synod Assembly is a great place to see the Spirit doing what the Spirit does. At Synod Assembly, we truly are the Body of Christ. For our time together we become the hands, eyes, heart, and mouth of Christ. I would love for each of you in our congregations to have this experience at some point in your faith journey.
Worship Assistants
Greeters: Scott Doll, Stella Franck
Ushers: Pat Hendrickson, Jessica Ihns
Lectors:
5- Madge White 19- Stella Franck
12- Deanne Bennett 26- Cyndi Hartley
Acolytes: 5- Jenna Holtz
12- Halie Gruenwald 19- Hannah Gruenwald
Communion Servers:
5- Rochelle Busch, Kelly Doll
12- Pat Hansen, Ron Christiansen
19- Elenor Bentrott, Eleanor Sheldon
Altar Care: Eleanor Sheldon, Madge White
Bread Maker: Connie Kleppe
Tellers: Joan Kleppe, Jone Paarmann
Fellowship Servers:
5 - Jone P., Dawn Suthers, Evelyn Petersen
12- Ellen P., Jill S., Betty R., Eleanor Sheldon
19 - Father’s Day NO Fellowship
26- Ice Cream Social NO Fellowship
BWELCA Hilites
Notes to Fellowship Workers:
+ Please use the “fair trade” fellowship coffee located in the plastic tub in the fellowship cupboard. It is specially made for percolators.
+ Please soak the stem from the coffee pot you have used in the marked vinegar bottle on the counter (while you are serving). Wash as usual during clean up. We have had a lot of problems with hard water clogging, and we hope this will take care of it.
New this year at VBS, we will be taking a special “noisy” collection on Sunday, June 5 for the food committee to purchase food needed to follow the theme for the week.
Community Coffee: You are invited to the Community Coffee hosted by the BWELCA Board on Thursday, June 16 from 9-11 a.m. Invite your family, friends and neighbors for a morning of great food and fellowship.
Council Meets
Bethlehem Congregation Council met for the regular monthly meeting on May 17. In business, they:
• noted new ceiling tiles had been placed in the narthex and will purchase new lights and complete caulking of cracks during the summer;
• heard Pastor periodically offers learning opportunities for students and parents when families wish to have their children begin communing;
• decided there will be opportunities in July and August for individuals to meet with Council members if they have concerns about pastoral housing issues;
• decided not to pursue an offer to purchase a 14’ x 100’ piece of property west of the church from the congregation;
• Heard the following Treasurer’s report:
Balance 3/31/11 $13,689.95
April Income $ 5,595.63
April Expenses $ 8,536.58
Balance 4/30/11 $10,790.00
Member Giving Needed Monthly $6000.00
Amount Received in March $5595.63
March Shortfall $ 405.00
Shortfall to Date – 2011 $2883.00
Healthy Pastors Mean Savings
Last month, Pastor Larson reflected on wellness and wholeness and mentioned that the ELCA Board of Pensions had an emphasis on wellness. As part of that emphasis all persons on the ELCA medical plan are urged to take a free on-line health assessment sponsored by Mayo Clinic. If a minimum of 65% of the plan members in a synod completed the assessment before the deadline, every congregation in the synod could receive a discount. For 3 years now, pastor has completed his assessment, but this year the Southeastern Iowa Synod met the 65% threshold. As a result, Bethlehem has earned a 2% discount on contributions to the ELCA health plan for 2011.
“Spring” Festivals Late This Year
The festivals of Pentecost, usually celebrated in May do not occur until mid-June this year because Easter was so late. Pentecost (50 days after Easter) will be celebrated on June 12. Holy Trinity Sunday is celebrated a week later on June 19. Holy Communion is celebrated on these two important church-year festivals as well as on the first Sunday of the month.
Masko Update
Former Intern Matt Masko graduated from Wartburg Seminary on May 15. He had been assigned to the Upstate New York Synod and met the Bishop there and learned of some prospective congregations where he might interview. In the meantime Meganne interviewed, was offered and accepted a position on the faculty of the University of North Dakota. The Bishops of Upstate New York and Eastern North Dakota have been helpful and Matt’s been reassigned to Eastern North Dakota. Meganne is still working on her doctoral dissertation at the University of Iowa where she hopes to complete her doctorate soon. She finished her dissertation early, but her committee was, well, not particularly accommodating. They will be moving to North Dakota in August after they travel with some Wartburg Seminary faculty to Guyana in July.
Ice Cream Social
The Ice Cream Social will be held Sunday, June 26 from 4-7 p.m. at the church. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors. Sign up sheet will be in the back of the church. We appreciate your sharing of food, serving skills and other assistance with this fun event.
Next Board Meeting: Tuesday July 5 at 6 PM
Circle Meetings for June 9, 7:00 PM, Eve at Eleanor Sheldon’s with Darlene C. as leader. June 11: 9 AM, Bethlehem in conference room with Connie Kleppe at hostess and leader.
College Scholarships
Scholarship applications for all Bethlehem college students are available in the church office. All students enrolled in the 2011 - 2012 school term must complete an application and return it to the office on or before August 1, 2011. Students must be confirmed members of Bethlehem and must maintain academic eligibility. Scholarship money will be sent directly to your college at the beginning of each semester.
Note to those who will be high school seniors in the fall – if you anticipate that you might graduate early and begin college early, you should apply for a scholarship before August 1, 2011.
Summer Worship Times
8:30 a.m. at Bethlehem
9:45 a.m. at St. Mark
Pastor Keith Larson
Office Phone 678-2301
Home Phone 563-652-2599
Anywhere, anytime 563-447-0652
pastor@bethlehem.mylutheran.org
Pastoral Associate Barb Tobiason
Office Phone 826-2761
Home Phone 563-487-2116
AIM@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. Tues
Phone 678-2302
Office Hours
Pastor Keith is in the office most mornings
Monday – Thursday 9:30 a.m. – Noon
and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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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