Bethlehem Star (newsletter)

Star August 2011

2011-08-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Bethlehem Star
Volume 10, Issue 7, August 2011

Notice of Special Congregational Meeting
Sunday, August 11
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. Contact the office if you need a copy of the budget before the meeting.

Mid-year Statements Enclosed
Mid-year statements from the financial secretary are enclosed in this newsletter. Look them over carefully. If you note discrepancies, call Financial Secretary Pauline Schoop.

Also check to see if you are “on track” with your giving goals for 2011. If you missed a week or missed a month, you may wish to try to “catch-up.” Prayerfully consider whether you need to change your plan or commitment for giving during 2011. Remember your giving supports our ministry at Bethlehem as well as needed ministry around the world.

Sharing Agreement to be Reworked
The Councils of Bethlehem (BLC) and St. Mark Lutheran Church (SMLC) will meet in September to start reworking the sharing agreement made in 2001 prior to calling Pr. Keith Larson and AIM Barb Tobiason. At that time, Pastor Larson was called to full-time pastoral ministry and AIM Tobiason to half-time ministry (11 month year). Pastor Larson’s time and salary was 80% for BLC and 20% for SMLC. AIM Tobiason’s time and salary was 60% for SMLC and 40% BLC. Based on a 48-hour workweek, this provided for full-time pastoral service for Bethlehem and half-time for St. Mark. A change in this agreement is needed because of Barb’s impending “retirement” in 2012 and intention to work fewer hours. Congregations must approve any new agreement.

Festival of Shared Ministries - Bethlehem and St. Mark Lutheran Churches Together for Worship and Celebration
Sunday, August 28, 8:30 a.m., at Bethlehem
Bethlehem and St. Mark will gather for worship at Bethlehem this year to celebrate our shared ministries. Holy Communion will be celebrated. A time of food and fellowship will follow.
ELCA Church-wide Assembly Gathers
The ELCA gathers in Churchwide Assembly August 15 – 19 in Orlando, Florida. This group with over 1000 voting members elected at Synod Assemblies around the country meets every two years and is the highest legislative body of the ELCA (like a Congregation Annual meeting). Attending from the area as voting members are Pastor Keith Larson, and Steve Fishwild, First Lutheran, Maquoketa (son-in-law of Jean and Ray Ewing (St. Mark).
All members can follow the Assembly online on the Web at http://www.ELCA.org, on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans, and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ELCA. (Hashtags for the assembly will be #CWA11 and #ELCA).
Persons can also go to http://www.ELCA.org, to find the agenda and information on all items currently on the agenda (items can be brought from the floor). Business will include voting on a Social Statement on genetics, and on proposals coming from a L.I.F.T. (Living into the Future Together) taskforce that could change the length of time between Churchwide Assemblies from 2 years to 3 years, eliminate some advisory groups and change ways certain ELCA-related ministries are funded. This commission was established to consider how the ELCA can be a church in today’s society where fewer people join churches and fewer financial resources are available to denominations.
Persons who have questions or wish to see actual items on the agenda and cannot access them on-line are invited to speak with Pastor.
August Birthdays
2 Wilma Adrian, Mindy Stoll
5 Farrie Ihns
8 Tom Gerdes
11 Ashley Alden
13 Ellen Pithan
14 Lola Berner
15 Brendon Koch
17 Velene Merrick
18 Lucile Schurbon
20 Emma Thiede, Madilyn Koch
22 Dillon Bickford
24 Dan Balichek
25 Jone Paarmann
26 Anna Weiss, Jill Suthers, Kari Rigg
27 Ginger Anderson-Larson
30 Herold Rehmke
31 Xera Tubbs

August Anniversaries
2 Ginger Anderson-Larson and Keith Larson
18 Joyce and Bob Feuss
19 Lorice and Paul Amlin
25 Shelley and Robert Beeck
27 Sue and Dana Zeller

Food Board Keeps the Pantry Running
Each month from 8 to 12 or more people gather for the monthly meeting of the Lost Nation Food Board, which operates the Lost Nation Food Pantry. Each congregation in Lost Nation, along with the Methodist congregation in Elwood and Delmar has 2 or 3 representatives. Many other volunteers from congregations also assist on Friday when the Food pantry is open at union Presbyterian.

At the July meeting, the board learned that fewer food items are currently available from the “food bank”, and it is likely that fewer yet will be available in the future. More items need to be purchased at cost, or at least in cooperation with local grocers. Fortunately, area congregations, organizations and individuals have generously supported the Food Pantry over the years and the Food Board can absorb the additional expense for now.

The Food Panty never turns down food items, but practically, financial gifts are preferred. It is just easier to store and distribute cases of food containers that are all the same size and shape rather than having a dozen different sizes of canned vegetables.

The Food Pantry will accept fresh garden produce from growers who wish to donate. Bring it by Union Presbyterian on Thursdays from 9:00 to noon or before 8:30 on Fridays.

The food pantry always can use toilet tissue, an item needed in every household, but not able to be purchased with food assistance cards.

Board members and volunteers from Bethlehem include Ellen Pithan, Rochelle Busch, Jeannette Schroeder, Enos Ihns, and Pastor Keith. If you have an interest in serving on the Board, or if you would like to be a volunteer, or even if you would like to volunteer only one Friday, just to see how it works, talk to Pastor.

Council Meets
Bethlehem council met July 12 for its regular meeting. Before the meeting they reviewed procedures for opening the elevator in case of emergency. In business they:
• went over plans for the “listening posts” to be held on July 24, 31, and August 7;
• discussed the upcoming joint meeting with St. Mark’s Council, on September 20, to begin working the sharing agreement with them regarding pastoral services;
• heard the following Treasurer’s report:
Balance 5/31/11 $ 9,555.59
Income June $ 5,260.63
Expenses May $ 8,656.66
Balance 5/31/10 $ 6,159.56
Member Giving Needed Monthly $6,000.00
Amount Received in June $5,260.00
June Shortfall $ 740.00
Shortfall to Date – 2011 $3,284.00

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!

Barb’s Message

Alex is one of several younger greeters at Bethlehem. It is an absolute joy to know that all these children will be there to seek you out and say, “Hi.” They are the ultimate greeters. Alex especially greets everyone with the zeal with which the Apostle Paul greeted the fledgling churches, only Paul had some ulterior motives besides the greetings for his letters. Alex is just glad to see everyone. My favorite Alexism: “You are one of a kind.” I think Alex expresses exactly what God is thinking of each of us.

One Sunday, before worship, Alex was sitting beside me on the pew, in the front row, no less. (Alex’s Lutheran roots are questionable. He doesn’t seem to be afraid of being close to the altar and pulpit.) He proceeded to take off his shoes and socks and set them aside. After awhile, when mom discovered he was barefoot, she brought him up to retrieve and put on the shoes and socks, explaining that going barefoot was something we probably shouldn’t do in church. Going barefoot actually doesn’t sound too bad when you think about it. Sunday shoes can be brutal.

A couple Sundays later, I was laughing with Alex’s mom about it, and she said that Alex is so at ease in church and feels so comfortable in God’s presence, that he just makes himself at home. How God must delight in Alex’s contentment and uninhibited happiness!

I thought to myself, “Do we, as adults, feel comfortable in God’s presence?” I suspect we don’t feel as comfortable as we could. Often, we come concerned about how we present ourselves, as if we could fool God for one millisecond. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could plunk down in the front and be so easy with God that we make ourselves feel so at home in church that we could even kick off our shoes?

I think God would be perfectly ok with it if we didn’t have self-imposed regulations about how we present ourselves in church. We need to be assured that church is our home where we can say and show how we feel. Just imagine how God would feel if we would worship with complete and honest joy and excitement – even if we sing off-key or get the versions of the Lord’s Prayer mixed up. We can be respectful and reverent and still be honest with our feelings. After all, God knows what is in our hearts and minds, anyway.

If Alex feels comfortable enough with God to go barefoot in church, that’s ok. We should all feel so comfortable with God. I am relatively certain God is less concerned with what is on our feet than with what is in our hearts.

Worship Assistants
Greeters: Marlene Hicks, Les Paarmann
Ushers: Pat Hansen, Dennis Kleppe
Lectors
7- Connie Kleppe
14- Jone Paarmann
21- Ellen Pithan
28- Emma Thiede
Communion Servers:
7- Marlene Hicks, Brent Ihns
21- Jessica Ihns, Enos Ihns
Acolytes:
7- Halie Gruenwald
21- Hannah Gruenwald
28- Jo Thiede
Altar Care: Elenor Bentrott, Lynda Humphreys
Bread Maker: Bob Hendrickson
Tellers: Tim Thiede, Ron Christiansen

Fellowship Servers:
7- Rochelle Busch, Darla Fields, Marlene Hicks
14- Joyce Feuss, Kathy Duffey, Donna Dosland
21- Elenor Bentrott, Lola Berner, Pat Hendrickson
28- Diana Ihns, Becky Petersen, Corynn Bennett

BWELCA Hilites
News from Spokane Washington, Deanne Bennett attended the 8th Annual Women of the ELCA Triennial Convention and Gathering July 12 – 18. This was Deanne’s first time as a delegate for SE Iowa Women’s Synod. There were 400 delegates who attended this convention. Time was shared in worship, business and reflection. We approved the rules of procedure and the agenda for the convention. In remarks about the "State of the ELCA," ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson thanked the Women of the ELCA for its leadership of the whole church.
Delegates overwhelmingly adopted several memorials. They ask for:
+ Women of the ELCA to learn about climate change and its effects, and work with the ELCA to advocate for new energy sources.
+ support of programs to educate women and children to avoid the dangers of sexual predators or dealers in pornography and human trafficking, writing to TV networks and companies to share concerns about the issue, and asking staff to provide a program resource to address human trafficking.
+ members to reach out to women in congregations and synods who are struggling with "issues related to congregations' decisions to leave the ELCA by modeling God's love, care and compassion." The memorial also called for development of resources, nurturing relationships and promoting inclusivity for women in these situations.
+ Women of the ELCA was asked to prayerfully consider "in future budgets" their financial support of and partnership with Lutheran campus ministries.
+ Delegates encouraged Women of the ELCA to support the "1,000 Days Initiative," which addresses hunger and malnutrition in women and children.
+ They asked Women of the ELCA to work toward elimination of bias and exclusion, and asked members to devise ways to seek leaders who are persons of color, those whose primary language is other than English or persons who are definitely abled.
+ They asked the organization to consider the possibility of providing tools for English/Spanish translating equipment at the next triennial convention.

Delegates also participated in a Bible study, "Women of the Bible: Our Inspiration for Renewal and Joyful Response," presented by the Rev. Wilma Kucharek, bishop of the ELCA Slovak Zion Synod. "We are women of God. We are inspired by our female ancestors in the faith, these heroines in the faith," she said. On the third ballot delegates elected Jennifer Michael, Pensacola, Fla., as the churchwide Women of the ELCA president.

“Sisters of the ELCA, it's time to rise up,” said Leymah Gbowee, Saturday’s plenary speaker—and peacemaker, activist, and mother from Liberia. “God is calling us today to reclaim our space.” Speakers at the opening session of the Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering July 15 focused on the power of Jesus Christ to bring hope and healing to people in distress and to a hurting world.

All in all it was a truly amazing week, seeing familiar faces and meeting new people and making fast friendships. Thank you to the Women at Bethlehem for supporting me for this wonderful adventure. There is a lot more information on the Women of the ELCA web site, Triennial Convention and Gathering. Lots of photos.
SE Iowa 2011 Synodical Gathering
Theme: “RESPOND” Friday and Saturday, August 5, 6 at the Best Western Regency Inn in Marshalltown. Registration starts Friday from 4:30-6:00 p.m. with “Girls Night Out” going to the Binford House that evening. Registration and refreshments start at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. Forms can be found on the table in the narthex.
Hope Cluster Fall Retreat
Mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9, 10. Come join Elizabeth, Mary and Anna, “A Study of Women of Faith”. Our presenters will be Pastors Donnita Moeller, Lisa Dietrich and Lynn Thiede. Things to bring: brown bag supper and a beverage for Friday night. Can of soup for Saturday’s dump-soup lunch, bible, flashlight, munchies to share and personal items. Each church unit is to bring supplies for school kits, the bags will be provided. Forms can be found on the table in the narthex and there will be an insert in the bulletin the first week in August.
Nominating committee for the BWELCA Board will be the out going officers.
Pastor Keith Larson
Office Phone 678-2301
Home Phone 563-652-2599
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
Sunday Schedule
Worship 8:30 a.m.
Fellowship 9:30 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.

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.

Bethehem Star - July

2011-06-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Bethlehem Star June 2011

2011-06-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

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.

The Bethlehem Star

2011-05-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Bethlehem Star
Volume 10, Issue 5 May 2011

Synod to Meet in Assembly

The Southeastern Iowa Synod will meet in Annual Assembly on May 20 – 21 in Coralville. Voting members from Bethlehem are Pastor Keith Larson and Associate in Ministry Barb Tobiason, Tim Thiede, and Deanne Bennett.

Each spring, synods gather in assembly to uplift and celebrate ministries and address issues facing the leaders, congregations, and agencies within the synod. At the 2011 Synod Assembly, voting members will conduct official business of the synod - approve compensation guidelines, adopt a budget, address resolutions, and elect members to Synod Council.

The Assembly is this synod’s highest legislative authority. But it is so much more. It is a cherished time when church members gather from across the synod around the means of grace, to reconnect with friends, meet new ones, and share what it means to be the body of Christ. There will be opportunity to spend time in biblical reflection and gather with folks from other congregations in small group discussion, as well as participate in a variety of forums with topics related to the church’s life together.

Lost Nation Vacation Bible School
June 6 – 10
At Union Presbyterian
Call the office:
• to register students,
• to volunteer to teach or assist,
• bring treats,
• if you have questions

Wartburg Seminary Graduation
Sunday, May 15
3:00 p.m.
St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church
60 South Algona Street, Dubuque
Reception at Wartburg Seminary following
333 Wartburg Place
(maps on the board)

Former Intern at Bethlehem and St. Mark’s, Matt Masko will be graduating from Wartburg Seminary on May 15. He has been assigned to Upstate New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Matt’s wife, Meganne graduates the same weekend with a Ph.D. in speech therapy.

Greetings may be sent to: Matt Masko; 1955 Pulpit Rock Lane; Dubuque, Iowa 52003.

People! Look Up!

“People, Look East” is an Advent hymn in Evangelical Lutheran Worship. However, if you haven’t noticed, next time you come into the church building, “look up”. Several ceiling tile were seriously damaged and stained when snow blew in during the “Blizzard of 2011” and were temporarily replaced. A few “new” tiles immediately showed the wear, tear, and grime of the rest of the narthex ceiling tiles. All were replaced. Likewise, the water stains on the ceiling of the nave have been covered over and parts of the ceiling repainted. Special thanks to John Alden for his fine work.

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 August – if you anticipate that you might graduate early and begin college early, you should apply for a scholarship before August 1, 2011.

Spring Cleaning?
Local families – one new to the community – need some of the following items:

Single bed youth bed bedding for youth bed
Lounge or living room chairs washer dryer
Call the office if you have any of these items you might need to be rid of.

Baptisms and New Members Highlight Easter Worship

5 children were baptized and 3 adults were received as new members during worship on Easter day. Brendon, Teddy and Madilyn Koch, children of Amanda and Dean Koch were baptized and Amanda was received as a new member by transfer from First Lutheran, Maquoketa. Dalton and Dillon Bickford, children of Katie and Zach Bauer and Cory Bickford were baptized and Katie and Zach were received by Affirmation of Baptism.

Council Highlights

Bethlehem Congregation Council met for its regular meeting on April 12. In business the Council:
• opened bids for lawn mowing and awarded the contract for mowing to Mackenzie Petersen;
• accepted John Alden’s estimate and gave approval for replacing ceiling tile in narthex
• reviewed results from the financial sustainability survey, especially with regards to the option of looking into finding a third congregation with which to yoke. Pastor explained that yoking is best achieved when a need to do so is perceived by all parties simultaneously and there do not seem to be any other congregations looking for yoking at this time, except possibly Ascension, Goose Lake. Such a yoking would present quite a few challenges, particularly in light the retirement of AIM Barb in the upcoming future;
• decided to meet on Tuesday, May 17 so several Council members can attend a stewardship resource event on May 10 at 6:30 at St. John Lutheran, Grand Mound (Bliedhorn);
• heard the following Treasurer’s report:
Balance 2/28/11 $18,056.91
March Income 5470.02
March Expenses 9836.98
Balance 3/31/11 $13,689.95

Member Giving Needed Monthly $6000.00
Amount Received in March $5470.00
March Shortfall $ 530.00
Shortfall to Date – 2011 $2478.00

Worship Assistants

Greeters: Elenor Bentrott, Darlene Christiansen
Ushers: Diana Ihns, Clay Ketchum
Lectors
1- Jone Paarmann
8- Ellen Pithan
15- Pat Hendrickson
22- Emma Thiede
29- Tim Thiede

Communion Servers:
1- Tim Thiede, Deanne Bennett
15- Pat Hendrickson, Corynn Bennett

Acolytes:
1- Halie Gruenwald
15- Hannah Gruenwald
29- Courtney Current

Altar Care: Corynn and Deanne Bennett
Bread Maker: Connie Kleppe
Tellers: Brent Ihns, Connie Kleppe

Fellowship Servers:
1 - Joyce Feuss, Kathy Duffey, Donna Dosland
8- No Fellowship Mother’s Day
15- Elenor Bentrott, Lola Berner, Pat Hendrickson
22 - Diana Ihns, Becky Petersen, Corynn Bennett
29 - Connie Kleppe, Joan Kleppe, Lynda
Humphreys, Cyndi Hartley

BWELCA Hilites

12 woman from SE IA Synod took a van trip to LWR and Global Health Warehouses in Minneapolis MN. Deanne Bennett from Bethlehem was one of the adventurers. Will display pictures when possible.

Thank you to everyone who was instrumental in putting together, packing and delivering quilts and layettes. They were safely delivered to Cedar Rapids on April 16.

Upcoming Events:

Guys and Dolls: Monday May 2 at 11:00 a.m. with Eve as hostess.

Tuesday May 3: BWELCA Bible Study Leaders at 5:00 p.m. Followed by BWELCA Board meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Community Coffee, Thursday June 16 at 9 AM.
Ice Cream Social, Sunday June 26

Anyone interested in helping with Vacation Bible School in any way can contact Susan Drury
at 678-2152. (June 6 – 10 at UPC)

The People of God: Unity in the Midst of Diversity
Witnessing and Evangelism
May Circle Meetings
Eve – Thursday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Hostess: Ann Bomia Leader: Rochelle Busch
Bethlehem - Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m.
in the conference room
Diana Ihns (hostess & leader)
All women are invited to attend!

Barb’s Newsletter Message

This year, in our confirmation class, we have had some very conscientious sermon note-takers. They have been especially good at asking the tough questions. I thought all of you would find their questions interesting. They are questions we all ask at one time or another. The answers are mine, similar to how I answered them for the confirmands.

1. When do we become God’s family?
We become a child of God immediately. Jeremiah wrote, “Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you, (Jeremiah 1:4-5).’” As Christians, we are baptized into Christ and become members of the family of believers, but we are God’s children from birth.

2. Why doesn’t God answer all prayers?
This question was asked by almost every confirmation student. Jesus tells us all that God wants us to pray and that God promises to listen to our prayers. God knows our concerns; prayer validates those concerns. It may not seem like God answers prayer, particularly when we have specific requests, and God’s answers to our prayers are not exactly what we ask for. God knows the big picture and how we fit into the scheme of things. God answers prayer in the way God sees best in the long run, for all concerned.

3. Will the world end in 2012?
There is a lot of speculation about this right now, because we are nearing that time. I don’t know all the background for this, but it seems the Mayan’s had a sophisticated calendar system, and it ends in 2012. Perhaps, for them, they couldn’t imagine life going on that long. There have always been folks trying to predict the end times. The earliest Christians thought that when Jesus spoke of the end-times, it would be within their life-time. We now understand Jesus’ words differently because that didn’t happen. There were those that thought the new millennium would be the end. We are still here. The truth is we don’t know when the end-times will be. The best thing is not to worry about the end time over which is entirely in God’s hands, and to focus on living our lives as God would have us live, fully, each day.

4. Why did God name his son, Jesus?
When God’s angel came to Joseph to announce Jesus’ conception, Matthew tell us, “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from all their sins,” (Matthew 1:21). Joseph did name him Jesus, and Jesus did become the savior of the world.

Thanks to the confirmands for making us all think about our faith and why we believe as we do.

May Birthdays

3 Stella Franck, Claire Dosland
6 Scott Doll
8 Emily Horst
9 Chad Christiansen
11 Bryant Barnett
13 Joan Von Sprecken
14 Charlie Horst, TJ Benke
15 Betty Hainstock
16 Dylan Rickels, Katie Snyder
17 Mikayla Dosland
19 Marlene Hicks
20 Marlene Feuss, Kody Franck
24 Ron Adrian, Connie Kleppe, Olivia Coates
25 Pat Hendrickson
26 Pauline Schoop, Nathanial Dosland
28 Cary Gruenwald

May Anniversaries

11 Kari and Kory Rigg
26 Lola and Richard DeMoss
27 Kathy and Dennis Hute
28 Lisa and Tom Gruenwald

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

Sunday Schedule
Worship 9:00 a.m.
Fellowship 10:00 a.m..

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.

2011-03-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

The Bethlehem Star

Volume 10, Issue 4 April 2011

Midweek Soup, Learning and Worship Supper served from 6:00-6:30 p.m. (that means if you arrive by 6:30 there will likely be food available) Free will offerings will go the Domestic Violence Shelter, Iowa City

Worship and learning at 7:00 p.m.

I Love to Tell the Story: Sharing our Faith in Daily Life

Apr 6 “To Be God’s … Listening Ear” Listening

Apr 13 “Come All You People” Inviting

Lawn Mower Needed

Bethlehem needs someone to regularly mow and trim the church and parsonage lawn during the summer, commencing soon, until the grass quits growing in the fall. This job is to be done on an “as needed” basis, usually at least weekly, so that when possible it looks its best on weekends or for other special events at church. Persons interested in the job for 2011, should submit sealed written bids to the church office before noon on Monday, April 11. Preference will go to Bethlehem members.

Peter Rabbit Hollow Bazaar Saturday, April 2

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Crafts –Bake Sale

Creamed Turkey and Maidrite Lunch

Adults $5.00 - Children $2.00

Carryouts Available

Holy Week Worship

Sunday of the Passion , April 17

Bethlehem 9:00 a.m. St. Mark 10:30 a.m.

We join the crowds of Jerusalem and welcome Jesus as king by waving our palm branches and singing “Hosanna.” But before the day is over we join the fickle crowd, shouting, “Crucify him!”

Maundy Thursday, April 21

St. Mark 10:30 a.m. Bethlehem 7:00 p.m.

We are with the disciples in the upper room as Jesus takes on the role of the servant and washes the feet of the disciples and then institutes Holy Communion. As the evening ends, we are reminded of Jesus being led away, beaten and stripped, as the altar and sanctuary are stripped of color or decoration. The service does not end but continues the next night.

Good Friday, April 22

St. Mark 10:30 a.m.

We walk with Jesus on the way to the cross and stop along the way, pausing to reflect at some of the traditional “stations”.

Bethlehem 7:00 p.m.

We enter and leave worship in silence and we sit in a bare stark church even as the disciples sat on a stark bare hill. We ponder the mystery of God’s love revealed in the cross – a tool of execution.

The Resurrection of Our Lord, April 24

St. Mark 6:30 a.m. Bethlehem 9:00 a.m.

The grave is empty. Christ is risen! We raise our voices and sing ““Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!”

An Easter breakfast follows worship at St. Mark.

A continental breakfast precedes worship at Bethlehem at 8:00 a.m.

Lost Nation Christian Health Ministry

Presents an Informational Program on

Cancer Prevention

Monday, April 25, 6:30 p.m.

Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church

Spring Clean-Up

Help get our church and grounds freshened up for Easter, on Sunday, April 3 following worship. Wear your work clothes to worship and help us spruce things up around Bethlehem. Cleaning supplies will be provided. Bring your rake, trimmers, buckets and old rags! Pizza is provided at lunchtime to all who work. Bring the whole family and share in this work/ fun day!

EWALU Bible Camp News

It’s time to register for summer camp at Ewalu. Brochures and registration forms are available on the entrance table. BWELCA provides $100.00. Anyone who needs assistance with the cost of camp should talk to pastor, and any individuals desiring to make available funds for campers should also talk to pastor.

Spring Work Weekend

Ewalu spring work weekend will be April 29 -30. Many projects to help get the camp cleaned up and ready for spring will be undertaken. Contact Pastor if you would like to ride with him and spend the morning working.

Pastor Re-elected

Pastor Keith Larsson was re-elected to a second three-year term on the Ewalu Board of Directors at its annual meeting on March 19. At the meeting of the Board, he was re-elected for another one-year term as President. 2011 is Ewalu’s 50^th Anniversary. Be watching for more news about events. The Board will also begin a national search process for an Executive Director to replace Dale Goodman who will be retiring in 2012.

Council News

Bethlehem Council met for its regular meeting on March 9. In business they:

· Heard that an insurance settlement had been received and authorized John Alden to repaint the stained part of the ceiling and to get estimates for replacing ceiling tiles in the narthex – along with some insulation for the ceiling and foam and caulk for the cracks between the bell tower and the church building;

· Requested that written bids for lawn mowing be turned it to the church office before noon on April 11;

· Authorized pastor to seek two people to be voting members to the Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly in Coralville on May 20 – 21;

· Heard the following Treasurer’s report:

Balance 1/31/11 $21,502.63

Feb Income 4,052.70

Feb Expenses 7,498.42

Balance 2/28/11 $18,056.91

Member Giving Needed Monthly $6000.00

Amount Received in Feb $4052.00

Shortfall $1948.00

Worship Assistants

Greeters: John Alden, Corynn Bennett

Ushers: Sammi Adler, Enos Ihns

Lectors

3- Brent Ihns

10- Jessica Ihns

17- Tim Thiede

24- Connie Kleppe

.Communion Servers:

3- Clay Ketchum, Connie Kleppe

17- Darrel Hicks, Joan Kleppe

24- Marlene Hicks, Emma Thiede

Acolytes:

3- Courtney Current

17- Jenna Holtz

24- Jo Thiede

Altar Care:

Darlene Christiansen, Joan Kleppe

Bread Maker: John Alden

Tellers: Deanne Bennett, Marlene Hicks

Fellowship Servers:

3 - NO FELLOWSHIP- Work Day

10- Senior/Senior Coffee – Bethlehem

17- Rochelle Busch, Darla Fields, Marlene

24 - NO FELLOWSHIP - Easter

Message from Barb:

All relationships need tending. We have to work at being a good spouse, parent, friend, neighbor, and co-worker. Too often we ignore the most important relationship of all, the one that affects our lives like no other. Our relationship with God requires our time and efforts. In the busyness of our day-to-day lives, we often leave the tending to God assuming that God is taking care of things, which, of course, God is. Only when something goes wrong, when we face a crisis, do we turn to God in a panic. The foundation for all relationships, we know, is good communication. To see how God is guiding us; how God is using us; what God wants for us we need to maintain faithful communication.

We strengthen our relationship to God in many ways – through worship; through Bible study; devotional readings, and prayer. Prayer, particularly, gives us a communications with God that is reciprocal. Jesus was diligent about prayer when he was with us, and helped us see its importance. Jesus taught us the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus prayed words of thank you for the bread and wine of the Passover meal. After he was baptized, Jesus went into the Wilderness to seek God’s guidance for Jesus’ work on earth. Jesus prayed for his disciples, the world, and for us who were yet to come. When it was time to die, when Jesus faced the darkest hours of his time with us, Jesus went to Gethsemane and prayed to God, saying, “My, Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink from this cup, your will be done.”

There are many ways to be in a prayerful relationship with God. Talk to God. We can tell God everything that is on our minds. Sure God knows our needs and desires; our joys and sorrows; our worries and our thanksgivings. But God still wants to hear it from us. Listen to God. Silence is an important component. Sit silently with God, just as you can be in the presence of a dear friend and not have to speak. Some people find that journaling helps focus prayer. Others like to use devotional material. Read our Bibles. Scripture is God’s loving word to us. Focusing helps us understand how God is guiding us.

As with human relationships, our relationship with God will go through many stages. One theologian wrote, “Sometimes the relationship will fill us with great joy; other times it will seem boring and stale. Sometimes the relationship will be as natural as breathing. Sometimes it will demand hard work and require lots of time and energy. We may even have time when we go our own way, paying no attention to God or prayer. But God does not turn away. God keeps calling, and after a time a longing wells up in us to return to God. We have heard God’s call.”

BWELCA Hilites

Peter Rabbit Spring Bazaar: Sat. April 2 starting at 10:00 a.m. Come enjoy creamy turkey and maidrite sandwiches and the trimmings. Also get in on the great baked goods for sale and craft items. Something for everyone.

Spring Work/Cleaning Day: Sunday April 3.

Hope Cluster Spring Gathering: Sat. April 9 at 8:30 a.m. at St. John’s in Olin. Guest speaker will be Cindy Breed, the Chaplin at the University Hospitals. There is a poster and sign sheet on the bulletin board. Please sign up by Mon. April 4.

Senior/Senior Coffee: Sunday April 10.

Circle Meetings: Bethlehem, Sat. April 9 at 9:00 a.m. with Marlene as hostess and leader.

Eve, Thur. April 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Deanne Bennett’s.

Next Board Meeting: Tue. May 3 at 6:00 p.m.

April Anniversaries

6 Pat and Gary Hansen

24 Becky and Jacob Petersen

26 Diana and Warren Ihns

28 Jessica and Brent Ihns

April Birthdays

1 Elenor Bentrott

3 Lane Dosland

4 Jean Busch, Meagan Fields, Chase Gruenwald

7 Charles Franck

8 Shelley Beeck, Sammi Jo Adler

9 Gary Hansen

13 Kindy Nissen

15 Rex Duffey

21 Cassandra Suthers

22 Joyce Feuss, Glenn Tobiason

23 Enos Ihns

24 Jackie Fischer, Jody Holtz

26 Rochelle Busch

27 Brent Ihns

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

Sunday Schedule

Worship 9:00 a.m.

Fellowship 10:00 a.m..

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.

2011-02-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

The Bethlehem Star

Volume 10, Issue 2 February 2011

Bethlehem Elects Leaders

At its Annual Congregation Meeting on January 24, Bethlehem elected, Darla Fields, Al Small and Tim Thiede to 3-year terms as Council members. The congregation also elected Kelly Schroeder to 3-year terms on the Mission Endowment Committee. In other business, the congregation approved a 2011 budget. Surveys were explained and passed out seeking input on steps the congregation might take to develop long-term financial sustainability. Surveys can be completed until February 15. A copy is enclosed in the newsletter. Make copies, if necessary for confirmed members of your family.

Bethlehem Council met later and elected the following officers:

President Brent Ihns

Vice-President John Alden

Secretary Deanne Bennett

Treasurer Kelly Doll

Friendship Party

Bethlehem’s annual Friendship Party will be held Sunday, February 13 at 5:30 at church. Invite some friends and join in the food, fun and fellowship. Sign up on the list on the bulletin board at the church entrance, or phone the office at 678-2301 to let planners know you are coming.

Called Together In Mission (CTIM)

Saturday, March 12

8:45 – 4:00

First Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids

This annual synod-sponsored resource event is for all congregational leaders. The day consists of a keynote address and Bible study on a mission related topic and almost 30 different workshops on a variety of topics related to congregational life and mission. The day concludes with worship. There is a $25 registration fee. Register on line at www.seiasynod.org before February 28, or by contacting pastor before February 21.

Lent/ Easter Are Late This Year

Lent does not begin until Ash Wednesday, March 9, this year. Therefore, Easter is not until Sunday, April 24. Ash Wednesday is always 40 days (plus Sundays) before Easter Sunday.

Easter is a holiday set by the rotations and the revolutions of the sun and the moon rather than by modern calendars. Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon after March 20. The earliest Easter Sunday can occur is March 22. The latest it can occur is April 25.

Bible Camp Registration Time

The winter chill is on, but it is time to begin thinking about summer camp. Registration forms for Ewalu Bible Camp are available in the office and soon will be distributed to all families with children in grades 3 – 12. Bethlehem WELCA also is providing assistance of $50. Additional assistance may be secured for those who need it.

Contacting Pastor

The telephone at the parsonage will be disconnected at the end of January. To contact pastor, try the office 678-2301, most mornings and some afternoons. You can leave a message there. In case of emergencies needing urgent pastoral attention, you can call him at 652-2599, especially in the evenings. Pastor has what he calls his everywhere number 563-447-0652, which calls the office, his home and his cell phone simultaneously. If he doesn’t answer, leave a message and it will be delivered to him as soon as possible. His cell phone doesn’t work at his home for calls, but text massagers can text him at 563-495-0435 and they get through. So add these to your phone books or address books or dialers.

678-2301 Office

563-652-2599 Pastor’s Home

563-447-0652 Pastor’s “everywhere” #

February Birthdays

1 Robert Beeck

6 Pat Hansen

8 Ryne Gruenwald, AJ Schroeder

9 Betty Rehmke

11 Ed Sheldon

12 Corynn Bennett

13 Darla Fields, Callie Petersen

15 Ruby Ketchum

22 Jenna Holtz

23 Becky Ihns-Petersen

25 Carol Christensen, Ethel Burmeister

26 Clay Ketchum

28 Margaret Betle

February Anniversaries

8 Joan and Bruce Von Sprecken

23 Lola and Clifford Berner

27 Darlene and Ron Christiansen

Attention Worship Leaders: you may pick up a schedule for the 2011 year on the table in the back of church.

Newsletter Inserts

Thank you to all of you who have returned the blue inserts from last month’s Star. Reminder to those who haven’t please send them to the church or email: secretary@bethlehem.mylutheran.org

BWELCA Hilites

Quilting will be on Monday’s from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. A noon potluck will be shared. The ladies have cut and sewed many quilt squares during the year so hopefully we will be off to a good start. See you on Mondays. Invite a friend to come with you.

Cheer Brunch

Our Annual Cheer Bruch will be Sat. Feb. 5 at 9:00 a.m. Alda Buresh from the Domestic Violence Center will be our guest speaker. Come enjoy a great brunch served by the BWELCA board and after the program stick around to pack cheer plates. There is a signup sheet on the bulletin board or call the church at 678-2301 to let them know you plan on attending.

We are also having a PILLOW SHOWER for the crisis center. Bring a pillow with you to the brunch. The need for the crisis center still remains and the following items would be greatly appreciated: Standard size bed pillows (2/$5.00 at Wal-Mart), Twin/full size sheets (new or good used), Blankets (winter use), towel sets, pots/pans-dishes-silverware (needed to help clients set up housekeeping when they leave the facility-may be good used). If you have items to donate and would like a letter for tax purposes, Alda can provide this for you. Alda thanks Bethlehem for their support and considers us a real blessing for her cause.

COMMUNITY ACTION – LAYETTES

It is layette time again!! An ingathering of supplies for the layettes will be held during the month of January. As before, we plan on assembling the kits during mid-week Lenten services. The usual items are needed: Diaper pins-Bars of Ivory soap-Diapers-Washcloths. Last year we completed 100+ kits. We have plenty of clothing items to complete 100 kits this year. If you could help us with this project, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

BWELCA Board Meeting Tuesday, March 1 at 6 p.m.

Friendship Party

Our annual Friendship Party is Sunday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. Invite your family, friends and neighbors and join us for a fun filled evening.

LWR Tour Planned

An invitation from Pastor Jane, Calvary Lutheran, Buffalo, IA, is hosting a trip to tour the Global Health Ministries operation in St. Paul, MN and to tour the Lutheran World Relief Warehouse in St. Paul, leaving after worship, Sunday, May 1, 2011. We would stay in a motel Sunday night, and then meet at GHM, 9:00 a.m. Then head across town to the LWR warehouse, returning home after that visit. The cost depends on how many people are interested in this trip. They are trying for enough people to hire a bus. How many quilts has your church made as a part of Lutheran World Relief's on-going need to help people in need? These are Lutheran organizations which are in the Midwest and every Lutheran should/could have the opportunity to visit them. We have a unique opportunity to see how these organizations help to fulfill Christ's command to help those in need. You can contact Pastor Jane at j.granzow@q.com or let Deanne Bennett know if you are interested in going.

Up Coming Event: World Day of Prayer, Friday March 4. Anyone interested in reading please let Deanne Bennett know.

Attention all fellowship people: we have been having problems with the new coffee pot. There have been instructions posted on the wall behind the coffee pot. Please make sure you are familiar with them and that the pot is being cleaned the proper way. Thank You.

The People of God:Race and Culture

February Circle Meetings

Eve – Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7:00 p.m.

Hostess: Rochelle Busch Leader: Pastor

Bethlehem - Saturday, Feb. 12 at 9:00 a.m.

in the conference room

Connie Kleppe (hostess & leader)

All women are invited to attend

Barb’s Message

I have told this story before, but in light of recent events, it bears repeating. One summer, Kim and I visited Washington D.C. On a balmy summer evening we were out on the Capitol Mall, ready to head back to our hotel; when, way off in the distance, we heard music. We started walking the direction of the source of it; and as we got nearer, we could tell the music was voices singing.

When we reached the U.S. Capitol, the steps were filled with people of all ages, singing t hymns. Someone said they were from one of the large African-American churches. That summer they had had an usually high number of innocents killed, mostly caught in the crossfire of a drug deal. The choir and others at the church had decided it was important to address God about the issue. In the face of tragedy and a need to do something, this church did what Christians know they can always do and make a difference, even when things seem hopeless. The church called for an impromptu gathering, and they came in several buses to pray over the city. They impressed me with their sincerity, and I know God could hear them loud and clear.

I hope that the churches of Tucson have been praying over that city. Whenever something so dramatic happens in one of our cities or towns, that place becomes known for its particular tragedy – Oklahoma City, Ruby Ridge, Waco.

The horrible tragedy in Tucson happened only a couple miles from our condo. I do lots of shopping and eating out in that area. It saddened me to see the place that I associate with vacation and fun become a place of such confusion and deep sorrow. These things can happen anywhere. But this didn’t happen anywhere. It happened in Tucson in a part of town where there is very little crime. It is a reminder that every place on earth and every living thing in God’s creation is in dire need of God’s blessing.

Each Sunday in our Prayers, we include prayers for the Church, the Nation, and the World, placing before God the special needs of all people in all places. It is a time-honored liturgical way of praying for ourselves, our loved ones, neighbors, strangers, and even our enemies. We pray about matters that affect us directly; and though they don’t affect us, we pray for those matters that, we wish would never happen anywhere to anyone. And often we ask God to include that for which only God knows we need. As Christians, when we feel helpless in every other way, we know that we can help with prayer, with the certain knowledge that God listens.

Worship Assistants and Weekly Servants

Greeters: Al Small, Dale Rickels

Ushers: Les Paarmann, Scott Doll

Lectors:

6- Ellen Pithan

13- Emma Thiede

20- Tim Thiede

27- Madge White

Communion Servers:

6- Kelly Doll, Deanne Bennett

20- Rochelle Busch, Jessica Ihns

Acolytes:

6- Courtney Current

13- Noah Zeller

20- Ben Geerts

Altar Care: Lola DeMoss, Sue Zeller

Bread Maker: Jo Thiede

Tellers: Tim Thiede, Connie Kleppe

Fellowship Servers:

6- Connie Kleppe, Joan Kleppe, Lynda Humpherys, Cyndi Hartley

13- No Fellowship - Friendship Party

20- Jone Paarmann, Dawn Suthers, Evelyn Petersen

27- Ellen Pithan, Jill Suthers, Betty Rehmke, Corynn Bennett

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

403 Pleasant Street

Lost Nation, Iowa 52254

February 2011

Pastor Keith Larson

Office Phone 678-2301

Home Phone 563-652-2599

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

Sunday Schedule

Worship 9:00 a.m.

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.

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 - January

2010-01-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

Annual Congregation Meeting

Sunday, January 24

10:00 a.m.

(immediately following worship)

At this meeting, the congregation will:

· elect Council members ( 3 new members will be elected to three-year terms)

· elect Endowment Committee members (2 new persons will be elected)

· approve congregation budget for 2010

· other business brought forward

There will be important changes in the proposed budget(s) this year. The Council will be proposing that several thousand dollars of farm account money be made available for general operating expenses. For at least 8 years, farm account funds have been used to pay the general operating expense of LP gas. In recent years, more of these funds have used each year to pay general operating expenses. The budget will include both the general operating budget and the farm account budget and plans for intermeshing.

If you have business to come before the congregation, talk to a Council member or Pastor Larson for inclusion on the agenda.

All reports need to be submitted to the office by January 6.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Will there be worship or not? When the weather is questionable, early on Sunday mornings, Pastor wakes up, looks out the window and if necessary gets in his car and drives down the road – if possible – and prayerfully ponders whether or not there should be worship. When he gets home, he calls the congregation presidents and together they decide.

If there is not going to be worship, Pastor will call KMAQ (1320 AM, 95.1 FM) in Maquoketa and they will announce it. Also a telephone chain will begin that will notify Council members, people involved in worship, people involved in Sunday school, fellowship servers and the like. Also if you have shared an email address with pastor, or are a Facebook “friend” with him, there will be e-mails and Facebook statuses posted. If you get a phone call or an electronic message let your friends, relatives and neighbors know. If in doubt, call the church before you start out. While worship is an important part of the week for all of us, do not endanger your health of safety.

A Look at the Lectionary through the Eyes of the Hebrew Bible

In our worship life together each week, we hear the story of God’s redemptive work throughout all of human history, culminating in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While most of our focus in preaching is, rightly so, on the gospel lesson for each week, have you ever found yourself wondering: “Hey, what about that Old Testament lesson?

The Old Testament, more accurately called the “Hebrew Bible,” is a collection of writings that tells of the history of a people and the promise given by God to this people. It is filled with amazing, action-packed stories, endless “rules and regulations,” prophetic warnings of judgment, and descriptions of a people in dire straits. But it is also filled with promise: a promise that God has not and will not forsake God’s people, and that God alone is the one to whom we can look in all the joys and struggles of life. But how do these stories relate to us in this time and this place? What do they have to do with God’s work for the whole of creation in Jesus Christ? These are the questions that we will ponder together as the study unfolds!

This Bible study will begin on Monday January 18 at 6:30 pm in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church conference room, and will continue each Monday following. Come with Bibles in hand, and come ready to ponder the great mystery that is God! If you have any questions, feel free to call (678-2301, 563-663-6674), write intern@bethlehem.my-

lutheran.org, or catch Intern Matt at church.

Epiphany Worship – New This Year!

Wednesday, January 6

7:00 p.m.

The Christmas Season formally concludes on Epiphany Day, January 6. Epiphany has been a major festival in Christendom and in some parts of Christianity still is the main festival of the Christmas Season. We will gather with one another on this important Christian Day and hear the other Christmas story – the one from Matthew’s Gospel, about the magi or wisemen who followed the star. Confirmation class will begin at 6:00 p.m. on January 6.

More Worship in January

The green, ordinary season known simply as the Season after the Epiphany begins with the festival of the Baptism of Jesus. The theme of this season between Advent/ Christmas and Lent/ Easter is how God’s love is made known or manifest in Jesus. The principal symbols of this season are lights and the star.

Holy Communion will be celebrated on January 3 (1^st Sunday), January 10 (the Baptism of Jesus festival and January 24 (note this is the 4^th of 5 Sundays and not the 3^rd Sunday – to space out the celebration of Communion a little more).

Worship/Environment Task Force for Lent/ Easter

Proclamation of the Word of God is the central event in our worship life together. But, proclamation is not limited to just preaching!

Our liturgy, music, movement, art, and worship space arrangement and environment are also central to how it is that we proclaim the Word of God and God’s redemptive Word in Jesus Christ.

Are you someone who has creative juices just waiting to be released? Are you someone who is interested in worship, music, art, decorating, etc.? Are you someone who is looking for a way to become involved in the worship life of our church? Then this task force may be for you!

If you are interested, call (678-2301, 563-663-6674), write intern@bethlehem.mylutheran.org, or talk to Intern Matt!

Council News

Bethlehem Congregation Council met for its regular business meeting on December 15. In business the Council:

· approved the purchase of a vacuum cleaner to replace one that doesn’t work;

· voted to continue with Simply Giving, an electronic funds transfer program offered by Thrivent, formerly at no cost, but now at a discounted cost;

· appointed an audit committee;

· approved a proposed spending plan to be voted on at the congregation meeting;

· heard the following Treasurer’s report:

General Fund Farm Acct

Balance 10/31/09 ($ 1228.42) $ 20,068.76

Oct Income $ 7227.84 -

Oct Expenses $ 7547.62 $ 1000.00

Balance 11/30/09 ($ 1548.20) $ 19,068.76

Worship Assistants

Greeters: Scott Doll, Al Small

Ushers: Dale Rickels, Ellen Pithan

Lectors:

3- Connie Kleppe

10- Emma Thiede

17- Lynda Humphreys

24- Jessica Ihns

31- Clay Ketchum

Communion Servers:

3- Deanne Bennett

10- Tim Thiede, Jill Suthers

24- Ginger A-L, Tom Gerdes

Acolytes:

3- Ben Geerts

10- Jenna Holtz

17- Hallie Gruenwald

24- Hannah Gruenwald

31- Mari Merrick

Altar Care: Deanne Bennett, Lorraine Wulf

Bread Maker: Meganne Masko

Children’s Story Tellers:

3- Dawn Suthers

10- Connie Kleppe

17- Cassie Suthers

24- Jone Paarmann

31- Deanne Bennett

Tellers: Jone Paarmann, Bill Pithan

Fellowship Servers:

3- Joyce Feuss, Kathy Duffey, Donna Dosland

10- Diana Ihns, Becky Petersen, Marcia K.

17- Connie Kleppe, Joan Kleppe, Lynda H.

24- Jone P., Dawn Suthers, Melissa Mc.

31- Evelyn Petersen, Kindy Nissen, Deanne B.

BWELCA Hilites

Quilting begins on Monday, Jan. 4 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Bring your favorite dish and share in the noon potluck. Come for a few hours or spend the day.

Layettes: The confirmation class will be helping us pack layettes again this year. In January, we will be gathering the following items to complete the kits: cloth diapers, diaper pins, washcloths and bar soap. Your help with this project is greatly appreciated!!

Thank you to all those brave souls who helped in anyway to make the “chrismons” and decorations for our Christmas tree.

We thank the family of Colleen Smith for the gift in her memory which made it possible to purchase supplies for making the chrismons and the decorative balls for the tree.

Board Meeting: Tuesday, January 5, at

6 p.m.

Up Coming Events: Cheer Brunch, Saturday, February 2 from 9:00 – 11:00.

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

Nothing Can Separate Us

This month at BWELCA Jan. Circle Meetings

Bethlehem – Sat. Jan. 9, 9:00 AM Hostess/

Leader: Connie Kleppe in conference room.

Rebecca – Wed., Jan.13 , 1:30 PM at Lucile

Schurbon’s Leader: Lorraine Wulf

Eve – Thurs., Jan. 14 , 7:00 PM at Rochelle

Busch’s Leader: Deanne Bennett

All women are invited!

Notes from Niamey, Niger

Kirk Betts, chair of the Lutheran World Relief board of directors, traveled to Niger in West Africa earlier this year to witness the distribution LWR quilts and kits. His experience moved him to offer these words of thanks to Lutheran quilters and kit-makers who support LWR ministry of comfort and care.

Let me share with you what Niger looks like in February during the dry season. The predominant colors are hues of brown-the parched soil, the mud brick buildings, even the trees coated in dust.

I went to a clinic to distribute quilts. As we arrived, a cloud of dust began to move toward us. As it neared, we saw that the cloud covered a hundred people, most crippled or deformed from polio, blind from river blindness, or both. Their clothing was drab, and hung loosely on their thin bodies.

As l removed the wrapping from the bales of quilts it was as if they came to life. Tears come as I recall placing two beautiful quilts into the hands of a family whose children guided that blind parents. The parents' eyes lit up as they received the quilts -as though they saw and felt the brilliant colors in the sunshine – and felt the joy of knowing a stranger had offered themselves out of pure love.

With each quilt, I offered a prayer of gratitude for you and this powerful eloquent witness to the love of Christ. Your hands and hearts met theirs, bringing color and some thing greater into their lives, like the watery that bring life to the land and to us in baptism. I hope you feel their hands, too, and that you know with each stitch, you bring the world closer together.

God bless your hearts and hands!

Reprinted from Faith in Action, A Newsletter Especially for LWR Quilters and Kit Makers, September 2009.

Annual Giving Statements

Annual giving statements from Bethlehem’s Financial Secretary are included in this month’s Star. These might be important tax documents for some members. Be sure to treat them appropriately.

From AIM, Barb

It won’t be long before we have to take down all the Christmas decorations. It feels so dreary in the house in those first days after the decorations are put away. On the shortest day of the year it occurred to me that one of the reasons I enjoy all the Christmas lights is because nature affords us so much darkness this time of year.

I do leave my nativity set up until after January 6, the Day of the Epiphany. We mark that day as the day the Wisemen reached Bethlehem, after following the star, which led them there. Matthew tells the story of the Wisemen. King Herod noted the star that had risen, marking the birth of the promised Messiah. He called for the Wisemen to identify the location that the star marked and sent the three Wisemen to find the baby so that he could pay homage (kill Jesus). The Wisemen arrived at the stable; fell on their knees in reverence; and presented gifts befitting the Messiah.

The Wisemen are my favorites of those who gathered at the stable. If I had lived 2,000 years ago, I would like to have been a Wiseman. They are the colorful fellows of the nativity scene. In art, they are usually presented as three kings, dressed in robes, wearing crowns, carrying treasurers. There are varying theories as to the real identity of the Wisemen. Because they were called to identify a star, I grew up thinking they were the early astronomers of our world, discerning the meaning of life through the heavens. The Wisemen have also been presented as charlatans, more street-wise than book-wise. I have seen them presented as street performers or hustlers conning people out of their money in various ways. Some say that the Wisemen roamed the countryside as thieves, camel pirates, if you will, contending that perhaps the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that they presented to the baby Jesus was stolen from caravans, which moved goods from city to city. As ancient scientists, they thought that they could be alchemists, spending time and talents trying to alter chemically various elements into gold.

The true identity of the Wisemen matters little. What matters is that God chose them to have a part in salvation history. Guiding them by the heavens, God led them to the place where the baby was; and in that place, God revealed to them that this baby was, indeed, the promised Messiah. Through a dream God, then, warned them not to return to Herod, and the Wisemen went home via another route. In all likelihood, Herod would have had the Wisemen killed so they could not tell others. I like to think that the Wisemen were early evangelists who were awe-struck and told anyone and everyone that they met about the Messiah.

As it turns out, the Wisemen were truly wise because they understood and acted upon God at work within them. The fact that the Wisemen weren’t necessarily Nobel-worthy scientists only emphasizes the fact that God works through all manner of people, just as God is working through you and I, now. Hopefully, we will be as wise as they were, open and receptive to God at work within us.

January Birthdays

4 Lynnette Pithan

6 Dennis Hute

8 Alex Suthers

15 Tom Mullins

15 Raymond Dosland

16 Josh Holtz, Hallie Gruenwald

17 Hannah Gruenwald

19 Mari Merrick

22 Vivian Mowry, Trisha Feuss

23 Katie Fields

January Anniversaries

9 Earletta and Tom Mullins

22 Herold and Betty Rehmke

Bethlehem Says Thanks!

We all at Bethlehem say special thanks to Bobby and Amber Suthers and family for volunteering to do snow removal at the church all winter. Let them know we appreciate this valuable gift.

Christmas Greetings from Synod Bishop Michael Burk

Dear Friends in Christ,

The entrance to Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity is notably small. At the place traditionally associated with Jesus' birth, a person of average height or taller must stoop down, bend low in order to enter. It is a humbling posture that is not natural for most of us.

After my recent visit to Israel and the West Bank, and following several conversations and exchanges with ecumenical and global partners, including people I have been working with on issues related to hunger and poverty, I am reminded of how others view us. That is, I have recently been exposed to a healthy dose of people thanking me for what the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America stands for.

You see, from the outside looking in, ours is a church that stands for

Fighting hunger, especially hunger among children,
Accompanying global partners,
Working for peace, locally and globally,
Sharing the Good News, especially among new communities of immigrants,
Supporting social service agencies like Lutheran Services in Iowa,
Raising up leaders for vocations in Christ's church; and...perhaps most, for
Worshiping. Regularly gathering around the means of God's grace.

Sometimes, from the inside, we act as if we stand for other things. As if resolving current disagreements is more important that marshalling our resources to proclaim the hope that Jesus brings to the whole world.

This week of Christmas coincides with some difficult work involving budget projections. And I am aware of individuals and congregations who wish to express their frustration regarding 2009 Churchwide Assembly decisions by diminishing their mission support.

I pray daily, persistently that the opposite will occur.

I pray that people throughout the ELCA, and especially in the Southeastern Iowa Synod, will be more generous. That we will risk rediscovering and affirming what others know about us. That ours is a church that stands for reaching out to help people in need. That our life together is not about punishing or withholding. Rather, that God calls us together for a purpose - for God's own mission. And God will not abandon us as we work through our faith-informed differences.

The entrance to that Bethlehem church requires a change in our physical posture. A humbling reminder of precisely what God does for us in Jesus Christ. Our God stoops down, bends low, and with a love that throws caution to the wind, pursues us. Reaches us. Embraces us,...so that together, we might do the same. So that we might in all humility stand for and with those whose lives are made better by our standing with one another.

May we approach the days ahead as though we are about to enter the Church of the Nativity. Bending low. Humbly praying. Praying for peace. Peace among us and peace in all the world.

Merry Christmas,

Rev. Michael L. Burk

Bishop

Epiphany Day Worship

Wednesday, January 6

7:00 p.m.

January 2010

Pastor Keith Larson

Office Phone 678-2301

Home Phone 678-2303

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

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. Tues

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 - November

2009-11-01T17:53:00.001-08:00

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:

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

2009-10-19T19:22:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-05T09:43:00.001-07:00

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.

The Bethlehem Star

2009-07-29T11:25:00.001-07:00

Volume 8, Issue 7 August 2009

Festival of Shared Ministries

Bethlehem and St. Mark Lutheran Churches Together for Worship and Celebration

Sunday morning, August 30

Time to be announced

At Bethlehem

Bethlehem and St. Mark will gather for worship at Bethlehem (this year) to celebrate our shared ministries and to celebrate a Service of Beginnings with Intern Matt Masko. Holy Communion will be celebrated. A time of food and fellowship will follow as we welcome Matt and his family (wife Meganne and son Max).

Notice of Special Congregational Meeting

Sunday, August 16

Immediately following Worship

(approximately 9:25 a.m.)

The purpose of the meeting is to vote on the 2009-2010 Mission Endowment Budget. The proposed budget is found on the last page in this issue of The Star.

Church-Wide Assembly to Meet

The Evangelical Lutheran Church meets in Assembly August 17 – 23 in Minneapolis. This is the primary decision-making body of our church and it meets every two years. Important matters before the Assembly will be recommendations for:

Full Communion with the United Methodist Church – this agreement will pave the way for more denominational cooperation as well the interchangeability of clergy;
A social statement "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" – a comprehensive statement on sexuality that has been 8 years in creation that will guide members on a whole variety of sexual matters;
Changes in Ministry Policy – a controversial recommendation that involves 4 resolutions – that must be voted on successfully, in order, before the next one can be considered. Briefly, they say:
1 – the ELCA will work to find ways for congregations who wish to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships;
2 – the ELCA will work to find ways for people in such publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of this church;
3 – the ELCA will work to make decisions, with respect to items above, so that all in this church bear the burdens of the other, and respect the bound consciences of all. (In other words, there will need to be ways so those who consciences oppose an action are not imposed up on;
4 – how the ELCA can move toward change in a way that respects the bound consciences of all, recognizing that such respect will lead to diversity of practice but will provide some structured flexibility in decision-making so that congregations and synods may choose whether or not to approve or call people in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve on ELCA rosters.
Note: Whatever decisions are made by the Assembly, there may need to be time for interpretation and the development of specific guidelines. Therefore, immediate reports in media sources may not be complete or accurate.

Thanks!

The people of St. Mark Lutheran thank all from Bethlehem who attended and supported their Ice Cream Social. Over $450 was raised for the conference and synod Tour de Rev world hunger project. See article below.

Note from Barb:

I love summer. It is a time in creation where, if we choose, we can take time to really enjoy our physical surroundings. Spring and Fall are rather frenetic times of year because there is planting and harvesting to be done. But in summer, the work is pretty much done allowing for more time to take pleasure in watching things grow. In summer, we can be outside, visit with our neighbors, watch children play, and enjoy the incredible display of color in summer flowers.

The time after Pentecost in the church, like summer, is a long gentle season of growth. Images of the natural world are plentiful in our prayers and readings. It is no wonder that the liturgical color for this time of year is green. Many of the verbs we use in worship readings and prayers refer to life in the physical world: graft, nurture, preserve, feed shepherd, shine.

Last Sunday's Gospel lesson focused on Jesus saying to the disciples, "Let's find a quiet place to be alone and get some needed rest." Jesus could see that they were so busy they were losing focus and coming close to burn-out. Jesus wanted to allow the disciples some alone time to rest and re-focus on God, whose mission was theirs.

There are so many things scheduled in the summer it can be even more hectic than other times of year, if we let it. I know I have complained more than once about all the demands made on my time this summer. We need to take some control of our own time and be deliberate about centering ourselves once again in God. It isn't easy, but it is necessary.

Even in the busy-ness of going to kids' ball games, going to the fair, or traveling, summer is a great time to find a quiet place to let God refresh and renew our spirits. There is a beautiful, welcoming world out there that is much more inviting than it is in the dead of winter. If we allow ourselves some moments for reflection, summer offers us perfect time and space for beauty and solitude whereby we may hear what God has to say to us.

August Birthdays

Wilma Adrian, Mindy Stoll

5 Farrie Ihns

Levi Dosland

8 Tom Gerdes

Ashley Alden

13 Ellen Pithan

14 Lola Berner

17 Velene Merrick

18 Lucile Schurbon

20 Emma Thiede

24 Dan Balichek

25 Jone Paarmann

26 Anna Weiss, Jill Suthers

Kari Rigg

27 Ginger Anderson-Larson

30 Herold Rehmke

31 Xera Tubbs

August Anniversaries

2 Ginger Anderson-Larson and Keith Larson

18 Joyce and Bob Feuss

19 Lorice and Paul Amlin

25 Shelley and Robert Beeck

26 Donna and Charles Stoll

27 Sue and Dana Zeller

Worship Assistants

Greeters: Pat Hansen, Joan Kleppe

Ushers: Warren Ihns, Jessica Ihns

Lectors

2- Jone Paarmann

9- Elmer Petersen

16- Ellen Pithan

23- Eleanor Sheldon

30- Tim Thiede

Communion Servers:

2- Elenor Bentrott, Ron Christiansen

16- Tom Gerdes, Pat Hansen

Acolytes:

2- Cassie Suthers

9- Courtney Current

16- Noah Zeller

22- Ben Geerts

30- Corynn Bennett

Altar Care: Elenor Bentrott,

Lynda Humphreys

Bread Maker: John Alden

Children's Story Tellers:

2 - Melissa McChesney

9 - Deb Christiansen

16 - Becky Ihns-Petersen

22 - Clay Ketchum

30- Diana Ihns

Tellers: Bill Pithan, Tim Thiede

Fellowship Servers:

2- Ellen Pithan, Shelley Beeck, Carla Richmann

9- Eleanor Sheldon, Jody Holtz, Kelly Doll

16- Betty Rehmke, Madge

White, Jeannette Schroeder

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

30- Internship Committee

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 6:15. 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 July 14 for its regular meeting. In business they:

Agreed to enter a contract with Eastern Iowa Propane for purchasing 3500 gallons of propane for the upcoming heating season at a cost of $1.18/ gallon with no prepayment or prorated monthly payments (strictly pay as we fill) and no penalties for unused gallons.
Appointed members for the internship committee – see article next column.
Began looking at what is necessary for video recording worship for replay on the local access cable channel.
Heard the following Treasurer's report:
Balance 5/31/09    $ 916.99
June Income    $ 8896.17*
June Expenses    $ 8988.16
Balance     $ 825.00

* See article below on Summer Slump.

Operation Backpack Needs Volunteers

Midland Elementary Principal Marilyn Jackson recently announced Midland School was the recipient of a grant for Operation Backpack. Operation Backpack will provide backpacks that will be sent home with students on Friday afternoons packed with nutritious snacks and supplemental food for the weekend when family circumstances might warrant it. Volunteers are needed during the school year to pack the backpacks and to pick up food. Backpack packers will need to work for an hour or less on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Friday mornings each week. Persons able to pick up food in the Cedar Rapids area periodically will need a van or pickup bed that can be covered. If you can volunteer, call Principal Marilyn Jackson at 826-2091 or Pastor Keith Larson at 678-2301. Leave your name, phone number, and how often you might be available.

Internship Committee Named

At recent Council meetings, the following were named to the 2009-2010 internship committee:

Bethlehem – Madge White, Darlene Christiansen, Herold Rehmke, Carla Richmann, and Scott Doll

St. Mark – Jamie Slouha, Scott Andresen, Breanna Derynck, and Brenda Vacek.

The Internship Committee will meet in August for orientation and to elect officers. Thereafter it will meet monthly with the intern. The committee serves as a sounding board and as the primary evaluators. The committee also plans a welcome for the intern and family, and arranges for an appropriate farewell. When the intern relates to the committee, the intern is learning how to relate to congregational leadership in a pastoral leadership way.

Tour de Revs

Southeastern Iowa Synod

Christ the King Lutheran Church,

325 Mormon Trek Blvd, Iowa City

Meal and Program

August 6, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Please join folks from the Southeastern Iowa Synod in welcoming three Lutheran pastors from the Western Virginia - Western Maryland Synod who are putting foot to pedal and seat to saddle to travel over 13,000 miles to raise awareness and donations to help eliminate world hunger. Our synod is stop #57 on their tour that includes all 65 synods of the ELCA, the 2009 Youth Gathering in New Orleans, and the Church-wide Assembly in Minneapolis. Stop by to meet the Revs, check out their bamboo bike made for three, and support the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.

Summer Slump

It is as common as summer thunderstorms and sweet corn in Iowa. It's called summer slump – and it affects congregations around the country. Sunday attendance lags and so do the offerings. In July, $1500 had to be "borrowed" from the farm account to pay bills, with the hope and expectation that it might be repaid.

When you know you will be gone, try to bring your offering when you return for the Sundays you missed, or mail to the church. As the summer continues, the problem is sometimes magnified as expenses sometimes increase as we gear up for fall activities.

BWELCA HILITES

We had a beautiful day for our Ice Cream Social and served about 180 people. Good food and fellowship were enjoyed. Thanks to Pat Hendrickson and Jone Paarmann for organizing this event and to all who worked, furnished food or gave monetary donations. We netted about $850.00 plus $200.00 from Thrivent.

The outdoor carpeting on the north and east entrances has been installed and the wrought iron railings have all been painted as well as the outside entrance overhang ceilings. Thank you to Connie and Rochelle for their hard work at getting this job accomplished.

The Ecumenical Service was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Sun. July 19. A delicious brunch was held following the service. Volunteers from the 3 churches donated food and helped with the serving and clean up. Thanks to those of you from our congregation who provided food and worked. It's great to have this special joint worship service with our sister congregations in our town.

Reminder: Out going officers are on the nominating committee for the 2010 ballot. They are the Presidents, Treasurer, and Mission Growth. Nominations are needed by September circle meetings.

Upcoming Events

Joint Circle Bible Study is July 30 with AIM Barb Tobiason, leader. Barb has invited us to her new home for the Bible Study. We will meet at the church at 5:15 p.m. to car pool. We are also bringing a light supper along (we have volunteers for the food) so we are looking forward to a fun evening.

Next BWELCA board meeting is Tuesday, September 1 at 6:00 p.m.

An overview for the Lutheran Women Today Bible Study for 2010 will be held Sat. Aug.15 at Grandview University Campus in Des Moines - details on bulletin board.

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

School Supplies on Sale Now!

School kits provide the only supplies for children returning to school after the disruption of war. School kits help parents continue their children's education even while living in a refugee camp. Some kits are used in adult literacy classes.

The stores have great prices on "back to school" items now. The quilters have "oodles" of bags ready for us, so lets start collecting the following items:

8 x 10 ½ padded or spiral notebooks of wide or college ruled paper totaling 150-200 pages (If using 70 sheet notebooks, please include three.) Do not include loose-leaf paper.
one blunt scissors
one 30 centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other
one pencil sharpener
six new, unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers
one eraser approximately 2 ½ in long
one box of 16 or 24 crayons.

We have plenty of bags and construction paper. We will be collecting school supplies thru the month of August, packing the kits in Sept. and shipping to LWR in October.

Check Out the Carroll Assistance Center

For over 40 years, the Carroll Assistance Center on the corner of Toronto and Washington Streets (in the former 1^st Presbyterian Church building) has served the people of our corner of Clinton County and parts of 3 other counties. People who need emergency assistance with food, fuel, electricity, rent, medical prescriptions or school supplies can stop there. It is open on Tuesdays from 6:-7:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Even if you have no special needs, there is a resale shop at the same location with racks of wonderful clothing and a few household items. Anyone can purchase items there. In these days when everyone is looking for a bargain, CAC has some wonderful bargains on clothing. Sale of items in the resale shop helps fund assistance for those in need. So stop by and find some real bargains and help support the organization.

August 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 319-465-3124

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. T

Phone 678-2302

Sunday Schedule

Worship 8:30 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.

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 - May

2009-05-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

The Bethlehem Star

Volume 6, Issue 5 May 2009

Summer Worship Times

The Councils of Bethlehem and St. Mark’s set summer worship times when they met in April. Beginning June 7, for the months of June, July, and August, the schedule will be as follows:

Worship at Bethlehem: 8:30 a.m.
Worship at St. Mark’s: 9:30 a.m.

Joint Worship

Traditionally (for at least 8 years) we have celebrated our working together with St. Mark’s with a joint worship service at the beginning of the summer. A year ago, we moved the worship service to August so that we could celebrate a farewell with Intern Paul Amlin and his family. This year we will again hold that joint service in August and it will be a welcome for Intern Matt Masco and his family. Watch for details.

Dining Room Renovation

The doors and trim for the basement dining room have been ordered and work has begun on finishing them before they are installed. Thanks to the volunteers who applied primer to the walls.

By way of clarification, at our special meeting we voted to complete the projects in three stages – as funding becomes available whenever that is – regardless of years. When the dining room is finished we will install trim in the dining room annex and then we will install flooring. Special enve-lopes marked “Basement Renovations” will be available in the pew racks and on the ushers’ stands shortly for member contributions.

Meet Intern Matt Masco

Greetings from Wartburg Theological Seminary!

This morning I had a chance to meet Pastor Keith for the first time to begin a conversation about my upcoming internship in 2009-2010. I can’t tell you how excited my family and I are about this opportunity to serve in your midst, and we want to express our deep gratitude for giving us this opportunity!

Pastor Keith asked me if I would write a brief “about me” for this month’s newsletter, so here goes:

I am a Wisconsin native—born in Milwaukee and living most of my life in the town of Oconomowoc, about 30 miles west of Milwaukee. I guess I had a “typical” childhood in many ways—I had loving parents who were always supportive of me, and a wonderful sister and brother with whom I get along great. I was the first person in my family to attend college, and graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in 1998 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy (I am a classical pianist by training). Following graduation, I moved back to the Milwaukee area, where I owned my own piano teaching studio and concertized on the side. I was also privileged to serve as Music Director and Conductor of a community orchestra in my hometown of Oconomowoc and as Assistant Conductor of the Waukesha Area Youth Orchestra. Needless to say, music played (and continues to play) a big part in my life (no pun intended!). While I was largely absent from church during my college years, I began to serve as a pianist and later as a music director at a number of churches in the Milwaukee area, where I finally began to feel that “call” to pursue ministry. After several years of attempting to resist this call, I finally began my studies at Wartburg Seminary in 2007, and now will have the opportunity to meet all of you nice folks and the opportunity to explore with you how God is calling each one of us in our lives.

I am married to my wonderful wife of 9 years, Meganne, who is a Board Certified Music Therapist with Hospice of Dubuque and a PhD candidate at the University of Iowa, and my equally wonderful son of 9 years, Max who is just getting ready to complete second grade at Bryant Elementary School here in Dubuque. When not up to my eyeballs in school and work (I currently serve First Congregational UCC in Dubuque as their organist), I enjoy playing racquetball, golf, baseball, and football. I dream daily about my cabin in Eagle River, Wisconsin, and wonder how long it will be before I can get up there and do a little musky fishing. And, when the conditions are just right, I participate in my strangest hobby—driving all over, chasing severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. (Pastor Keith adds that he is trained and licensed, so just ‘cuz he does it doesn’t mean we all can do it.)

I look forward to meeting each one of you very soon, and I can’t wait to be able to be in your midst, discerning how God is speaking to each and every one of us.

Christ’s Peace be with you all,

Matt

Council Meets

Bethlehem Congregation Council met for the regular monthly meeting on April 14. In business, they:
• Appointed Deanne Bennett as temporary Financial Secretary for 3 months;
• Elected Tim Thiede and Deanne Bennett as Bethlehem’s voting members to the Sou-theastern Iowa Synod Assembly on June 12 - 13;
• Opened bids for summer lawn mowing of church and parsonage and voted to hire Lynda Humphreys to mow;
• Set summer worship time at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday during June, July and August, pending approval of St. Mark’s Council;
• Heard the following Treasurer’s report:
General Fund Farm Acct
Balance 2/;28/09 $ 159.34 $42,460.49
Income for Feb $8552.87 0.00
Expenses for Feb $7132.13 $ 1240.02
Balance 1/31/08 $1289.08 $41,220.47

May Anniversaries

3 Gerry and Wilber Pithan
3 Gala and John Alden
13 Amber and Bobbi Suthers
26 Lola and Richard DeMoss
27 Kathy and Dennis Hute
28 Lisa and Tom Gruenwald

May Birthdays

6 Scott Doll
7 Don Busch
8 Emily Horst
11 Bryant Barnett
13 Joan Von Sprecken
14 Charlie Horst, TJ Benke
15 Betty Hainstock
16 Dylan Rickels, Katie Snyder
17 Mikayla Dosland
19 Marlene Hicks
20 Marlene Feuss
24 Ron Adrian, Connie Kleppe
25 Pat Hendrickson
26 Pauline Schoop, Nathanial Dosland
28 Cary Gruenwald
29 Elmer Petersen, Taylor Amlin

What is an Intern?

An intern is, first of all, a theological student, training to be a pastor. An intern is not yet a pastor, but will use the year to practice doing pastoral things, as well as begin developing a self-understanding of what it is to be a pastor. At the beginning of the year, he or she, (I will use he since our intern will be male), will do more observing and watching, but as the year progresses, he will do more things on his own, in consultation with me, his supervisor, and with Barb. Together, the three of us will be a pastoral staff. (You may assume that what one of us knows, we all know. The health of the congregations depends on the three of us working closely together and sharing information.)
Because the intern is a student, he is learning. Although our seminary has many bright and able students, they all have some things to learn yet about the practice of pastoring. Some will have many skills to hone, and some fewer. But we are teachers. We provide feedback. As supervisor, I am an important teacher. But the internship committee meets each month with the intern and works closely on helping him improve areas that need improving. The internship committee and I both provide quarterly evaluations. The internship committee will be learning ways to help all of us provide the intern with useful feedback on preaching and other activities. But each of us in the congregation is a teacher. We all can ask ourselves, “What would I want this person to know or do, so that he will be an even better pastor in his first call?”
In the first weeks with us, in consultation with the Internship Committee and me, the intern will develop a learning and service agreement. This will set forth goals for him for the year and help define his job description. It is based primarily on areas he and we see that he needs to develop and improve, but also partly on the needs of the congregation.
(Adapted and reprinted from The Bethlehem Star, August 2007)

American Legion Auxiliary Breakfast

Everyone is invited to the American Legion Auxiliary Annual Continental Breakfast on Thursday, May 7 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the American Legion Hall in Lost Nation. Bring a friend.

From Associate in Ministry, Barb:

It was fun to watch our granddaughter Karley when she first learned to roll over. She did it splendidly. When put on her back – flip – she was instantly on her tummy. Every time you put her down, it was the same. Back – flip – tummy!

The problem was, once she was on her tummy, she couldn’t go anywhere. She was stuck! Her head was up, her legs would kick, madly, and her arms would flail; but she was going nowhere – like a car, stuck, in a snow bank.

Then she would get mad. Her face turned red; her limbs would rev up even more, and pitiful cries turned to angry shouts. So Mommy would sigh and shake her head and pick Karley up so that she was, once again, freed from her self-imposed predicament; that is, until the next time someone put her on her back.

Like children, we demand our independence from God. “Leave us alone,” we insist! We are intent on showing God that we are in control of our lives. So God steps back, a little, to give us limited freedom – all the while watching to see what happens to us.

The problem is, when left to our own resolve to be human without God’s help, we often find ourselves going no-where. We flail, madly, about; but, we are stuck, not knowing where to go or what to do. Then we get angry. We wonder why God would let us get into such a predicament. “Why did you let this happen,” we shout.

So, God, who is always close by, watching and listening for our cries, sighs, most likely thinking, “I could have told you this would happen,” picks us up and frees us from our self-imposed dilemma; that is, until the next time that we insist that we are just fine on our own thank you, and the pattern repeats itself.

Thank goodness, God always sticks around, just in case.

Iranian Courts Sentence Lutheran College Alumna

An Iranian court sentenced a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, to eight years in prison at an April 18 hearing in Tehran. Roxana Saberi, 31, who filed reports for National Public Radio and the BBC was convicted of espionage. Iran revoked her journalist credentials in 2006 and considers all subsequent news gathering illegal. Saberi was slated to deliver the commencement speech at her alma mater.

Saberi was born in the United States and grew up in Fargo, with her Iranian father and Japanese mother. She was the 1997 Miss North Dakota while pursuing a degree at Concordia.

Saberi has been held in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison since January. No evidence against her has been made public. After the verdict was announced, Reza Saberi said in an interview with NPR that his daughter was weak, frail, and depressed. Her father is also concerned because Roxana wants to go on a hunger strike. He said that during her imprisonment, Iranian officials coerced his daughter into making false statements in exchange for her freedom. But after realizing she’d been “tricked” she repeatedly told officials the statements were false, her father said.

The Rev. Mark Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop and president of the Lutheran World Federation, wrote to the Ira-nian government asking for Roxana Saberi’s release. In the letter, he noted the “shared Abrahamic heritage” of Christians and Muslims. “Our culture has grown to value journalists as agents of truth and to give them latitude for investigation and truth-telling,” Hanson wrote. “Therefore in addition to our call to advocate for persons in prison, I am called to advocate for the freedom of journalists who are not engaging in espionage but only trying to discover the truth of a given matter. Descendents of Abraham are seekers of the truth.”

Saberi’s father said the case would be appealed.

Children’s Story Tellers for May are: 3 - Becky Ihns-Petersen 10 - Clay Ketchum
17 – Diana Ihns 25 – Darlene Christiansen 31 – Madge White or Tim Thiede

BWELCA Hi-Lites

Quilting

Thanks to all the women who participated, we had another successful year!! 148 large quilts/lap quilts were completed. The Mission Action Committee spent the morning packing the quilts for delivery to the following: Hospice of Clinton Co., Veteran’s Hospital, Iowa City, Catherine McAuley (women’s shelter) in Cedar Rapids, Presbyterian and Catholic churches in Lost Nation, High Point (women’s shelter) in Clinton, Alda Buresh (women’s shelter) in Iowa City and LWR. We gifted lap quilts to Wilber Pithan and Jean Busch. 4 large quilts to our graduating seniors and one to Kari Rigg. A queen sized hand quilted quilt will be sent to EWALU for their quilt auction in September. We saved 12 quilts for our use during the year. 48 school bags were completed and will be filled in the fall. Jill Suthers assembled 57 mid-wife kits from some of the donated items. These kits will be sent to Global Health Ministries in Minneapolis. See you next year!!

Spring Bazaar

What a great day!! Thanks to Ellen Pithan and
Diana Ihns for organizing this event and to all who furnished food/craft items and worked. The bazaar netted $1190 plus matching funds of $600 from Thrivent.

Special Thanks

To Darrel Hicks for picking up our Lands Ends gifts at Dodgeville WI., to Pat Hendrickson and Joan Kleppe for delivering our layettes and quilts to the LWR truck in Cedar Rapids. To Jackie Fischer for coming each Monday during lunch hour and setting out/cleaning up so we could keep quilting. To all who stayed and helped with work day/cleaning following worship. To the Endowment Committee for providing pizza and lunch for all the workers. We appreciate your efforts!!

SE Iowa Women of the ELCA 2009 Gathering

The Gathering will be held on Saturday, June 27 at the Holiday Inn Amana Colonies on I-80 exit 225 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Registration fee is $60 which includes the luncheon and all activities of the day. Information and registration forms are posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. The theme this year is “RIVER OF LIFE”. Registration deadline is June 1. Let’s see if we can get a carload to go from here.

Grace Camp’s Women’s Retreat

Grace Camp’s Women’s “Blessings Springing Forth” Retreat and Salad Luncheon at the Andrew Retreat Center in DeWitt is Wednesday, May 6, afternoon retreat is from 12 – 3 p.m., evening retreat is from 6 – 9 p.m. Registration is $10 each. Information on the bulletin board. Register before May 4.

Upcoming Events

Guys and Dolls meet Monday May 4, Rebecca is
Hostess.
BWELCA Bible Study Leaders will meet Monday May 4 at 5:00 p.m.
Next BWELCA board meeting is Tuesday, May 5 at 6:00 p.m.

Esther: Reversal of Fortune
This month at BWELCA April Circle Meetings
Rebecca – Wed., May 13, 1:30 p.m. at Marge
Long’s home with Lorraine Wulf as Leader
Eve – Thurs., May 14, 7:00 p.m. at Madge White’s
home with Joan Clapp as Leader
Bethlehem – Sat. May 9, 9:00 a.m. in Conference
Room with Diana Ihns as Hostess/Leader
All women are invited!

Worship Assistants

Greeters: Dennis Kleppe, Marlene Hicks
Ushers: Les Paarmann, Jill Suthers
Lectors:
3- Elmer Petersen
10- Ellen Pithan
17- Eleanor Sheldon
24- Tim Thiede
31- Madge White

Communion Servers:
3- Marlene Hicks, Connie Kleppe
17- Joan Kleppe, Jone Paarmann
31- Deanne Bennett, Ellen Pithan

Acolytes:
3- Emily Horst
10- Dylan Rickels
17- Jo Thiede
24- Sammie Adler
31- Cassie Suthers

Altar Care: Joan Clapp, Darlene Christiansen
Bread Maker: Bob Hendrickson
Tellers: Ron Christiansen, Brent Ihns
Fellowship Servers:
3- Wilma Adrian, Joan Clapp, Lola Berner
10- Happy Mother’s Day
17- Elenor Bentrott, Kathy Becker, Lola DeMoss
24- Rochelle Busch, Marlene H., Amber Suthers
31- Joyce Feuss, Kathy Duffey, Darla Fields

Bethlehem Lutheran Church
403 Pleasant Street
Lost Nation, Iowa 52254

May 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 319-465-3124
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

Sunday Schedule

Worship 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School/ 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.

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

Give Us Today Our Daily Bread

2009-03-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

The following are lessons and a sermon preached by the Rev. Keith Larson at a midweek Lenten worship and learning event at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on March 18, 2009. This was the third in a series on “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Matthew 5:45b
… for God makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.

Luke 12:22-34
He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

John 6:8-13
One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets.

Grace to you and peace from God our creator and our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ,
Give us today our daily bread.

We have prayed this prayer thousands of times. It rolls off our lips without so much of a thought. Oh, if we think about it very long, we have to say “thank you God” for God has not only provided us with bread today, but cookies, cake, a home, with at least one television and may two or three or more, and a car and maybe a truck and on and on, and probably a savings account and a retirement plan and some insurance policies. And even though the times are troublesome and worrisome, we can all look at what we have – our daily bread – and we can say “God has been good – Very good!

But like I said, we pray those words with hardly a thought. But let us look at the words mare carefully. Give us this day – give us today our daily bread. Give us today what we need today.

There is no story that better illustrates this than a story from Exodus. You remember God’s people were slaves in Egypt. Life was hard and difficult. They were the slaves who built the great Egyptian cities and pyramids. When they thrived and survived in spite of being worked almost to death, the Pharaoh instigated a genocide – calling for the killing of the all the little Hebrew baby boys. We know how Moses’ mother saved in a basket she put in the water, how Moses grew up, and by God’s hand led the people from Egypt. They crossed the sea and started into the wilderness towards freedom, and they were so happy and so thankful, right? Not!

Listen to the story.
(Exodus16:1) The whole congregation of the Israelites set out from Elim; and Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt. (2) The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. (3) The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

(4) Then the LORD said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. (5) On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” (6) So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, (7) and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your complaining against the LORD. For what are we, that you complain against us?” (8) And Moses said, “When the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the LORD has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the LORD.”

(9) Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the LORD, for he has heard your complaining.’” (10) And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. (11) The LORD spoke to Moses and said, (12) “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’”

(13) In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. (14) When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. (15) When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. (16) This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Gather as much of it as each of you needs, an omer to a person according to the number of persons, all providing for those in their own tents.’” (17) The Israelites did so, some gathering more, some less. (18) But when they measured it with an omer, those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed. (19) And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over until morning.” (20) But they did not listen to Moses; some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul. And Moses was angry with them. (21) Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each needed; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.

(22) On the sixth day they gathered twice as much food, two omers apiece. When all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, (23) he said to them, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy sabbath to the LORD; bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning.’” (24) So they put it aside until morning, as Moses commanded them; and it did not become foul, and there were no worms in it. (25) Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. (26) Six days you shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is a sabbath, there will be none.”
(27) On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, and they found none. (28) The LORD said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and instructions? (29) See! The LORD has given you the sabbath, therefore on the sixth day he gives you food for two days; each of you stay where you are; do not leave your place on the seventh day.” (30) So the people rested on the seventh day.

(31) The house of Israel called it manna; it was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. (32) Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Let an omer of it be kept throughout your generations, in order that they may see the food with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’” (33) And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the LORD, to be kept throughout your generations.” (34) As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the covenant, for safekeeping. (35) The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a habitable land; they ate manna, until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.

From the beginnings of the story of God and God’s people, God’s people – our forebears and we have often lacked trust in God’s promise to care us each and every day. The people who had been enslaved under cruel taskmasters soon forgot their hard days of slavery and oppression and complained about life as free people. One of my most memorable experiences as a teacher was as a grade school teacher where we had daily bible classes. We had been working our way through the story of the Exodus, the story of the Hebrew people leaving Egypt and traveling through the wilderness. For about the 5th time we read how they complained to God and Moses about something. A 9 year-old boy rose up out of his chair and pounded his hand on the table and said, “Those stupid Israelites. After everything God did for them, and they keep complaining. God should just smash them.” “Michel, Michel, Michel,” I said (he was part French), “You are right. God should have been angry. But this is more than a story of people long ago. It is our story. And getting mad and punishing is not God’s way”.

Instead God provided food for them – daily bread – something that appeared on the ground each morning and they asked “what is it?” or Manna? in their language. So they had manna each morning and game birds each evening. Just enough for the day. If they took too more manna than they needed, it spoiled and turned nasty for them.

And so it is for us. God promises to provide for us what we need each day. And has God not done that for you? Have you ever been in want? Have you ever gone more than a day without food? I know some lived through the depression or have heard stories of the depression. Things were not good. But I have heard more stories of wonder and awe at God providence from those days. “Time were tough, I’ve heard many say, “but we always had something to eat”. I have heard stories of grad students form the 50’s living on macaroni for 3 years. I have been with families who have gone bankrupt, families whose main income earner has lost a job. And in all those cases people have told me, that somehow God provided.

And today we face some of the most dire financial times that many remember. And we become frightful and fearful. I am not immune to some of those fears. I hate to open those quarterly statements about my retirement account. It nags a bit in the back of my mind that my wife’s job ends in three months. I fret more about my kids and their jobs. One son works in a zoning office, of all places, in a county where construction has dried up in the past months.

But at the same time I have to ask myself, “Keith why would you doubt God’s goodness, God’s promis-es?” Why would we doubt? Why would we question or wonder that God might quit providing for what we need in our life, in our family’s life, in our congregation’s life next week, or next month or before the year is over. Bethlehem has been here in Lost Nation for 128 years and St. Mark has been in Oxford Junction for 148 years. And God has always provided what we have needed. Oh, there have been some lean years – to be sure. But we are still here. And we are not in too bad of shape – as far as our physical structures, our programs for ministry and our service to the community and world. In fact, when I look around and hear stories from our neighbors in our community, in our synod – we are thriving!

How has that been possible? God has provided. God has continued to raise up generous givers. And how could that be? In each of our congregations, no matter what has happened – in the Great Depres-sion, during two world wars, in the farm crisis of the 80’s , after September 11, God has always provided. Oh I am sure there are plenty of times when the treasurers over the years may have wondered how he or she would write checks next week. But we have never had to close our doors.

Do you think God will quit providing what we need next week or next month?

We pray “give us today our daily bread,” as we have prayed it for years. But today we pray it in the midst of times of financial uncertainty. We pray it before we have to decide whether we should provide an opportunity for a seminary student to finish one of his or her requirements needed to become a pastor. We pray it before we decide at Bethlehem about the importance of a church basement fix-it at St. Mark before we need to make individual decisions about supporting our camp. And we have to ask as we pray, if we think God will quit providing what we need and what our Church needs.

I have to take a deep breath and gulp a bit before I continue, because I do not like the implications of what I need to say, next. This story about manna, Jesus’ sayings about the birds of the air and flowers of the field, and many other parts of scripture ought to raise for us serious questions about savings accounts and insurance policies. Now I will never say those things are bad. They are part of being financially responsible in our culture, in our world. I have them. But if we really trust that God will provide what we need each day, where is the point at which we stop fretting and fearing every potential calamity or misfortune? Where do we say, enough is enough. God will have to provide, because right now there are neighbors with needs, there is the people of God seeking to serve others through the greater church that is in need.

Each one of us will have different answers to those questions. And each time we pray the words, “give us today our daily bread,” we ought to reconsider again answers to those questions. For each one of us, the answers to those questions are related to how we have seen God at work in our lives, and how we have been shaped by experiences with money, and the attitudes about money we have learned from those before us. (I have placed on the table in the back, some questions that some of you may wish to consider in the weeks ahead and in the process develop a little money autobiography.)

And while we may come to some conclusions, as a matter of faith, others come to different conclusions because their faith has been shaped in different ways. Therefore, the big challenge for us in congrega-tions is to come to corporate decisions when we all have differing levels and experiences of faith. May God give us all openness to one another and to God in the days ahead as we prayerfully consider these matters.

Give us today our daily bread. They may be so familiar that they just roll off our lips. But those 6 little words challenge us in just about every decision we make each day.

Let us pray. O God, when we pray, “Give us today our daily bread,” help us see your gracious abundant love and the needs of those around us, and give us the faith you live in the promises of your care. Amen.