Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 507.786.6674 [email protected]www.facebook.com/bethellutheran http://bethelnorthfield.org/bethel- banner-newsletter/ Adult Ed 18 Befrienders 15 BWHF 22 Calendar 12 Children/Nursery 6-7 Council 10 Creation Care 16 Finance 10 Library 17 Living Faith 15 Mission & Justice 16 Mission Interp. 14 Music & Worship 5 Scrip 8 Thank You 19 WELCA 22 Worship Servants 20 Youth/YES 7-8 Poinsettias 23 Inside this issue: Th e Bethel Banner Th e Bethel Banner Th e Bethel Banner Th e Bethel Banner Volume #497 December 2012 … and much more! In the Beginning Was the Word… Join us for worship during the Advent and Christmas seasons: A Blessed Christmas to our Bethel Family From the Bethel Staff! God loves you and so do we! Advent Worship led by our Sunday School classes Sunday, December 16, 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Christmas Eve Monday, December 24 3 and 4:30 p.m. - Candlelight worship 6 and 10 p.m. - Candlelight worship with Holy Communion Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25 10 a.m. - Worship with Holy Communion Advent Daytime Worship Wednesdays, December 5, 12, and 19, 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at noon Advent Vespers Wednesdays, December 5, 12, and 19, 6:30 p.m. Advent Music Festival Sunday, December 9, 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Catherine Engle Catherine Engle Catherine Engle Catherine Engle Bruce Dueffert Bruce Dueffert Bruce Dueffert Bruce Dueffert Ken Hu Ken Hu Ken Hu Ken Hu Dan Kallman Dan Kallman Dan Kallman Dan Kallman Jill Mahr Jill Mahr Jill Mahr Jill Mahr Liz Shepley Liz Shepley Liz Shepley Liz Shepley Juley Jenkinson Juley Jenkinson Juley Jenkinson Juley Jenkinson Tim Freeland Tim Freeland Tim Freeland Tim Freeland Pastor Tim Pastor Tim Pastor Tim Pastor Tim Pastor Charlie Pastor Charlie Pastor Charlie Pastor Charlie Barb Farmer Barb Farmer Barb Farmer Barb Farmer Rhonda Reece Rhonda Reece Rhonda Reece Rhonda Reece Sandy Peterson Sandy Peterson Sandy Peterson Sandy Peterson Pam Santerre Pam Santerre Pam Santerre Pam Santerre Pam Vig Pam Vig Pam Vig Pam Vig Darla Dahl Darla Dahl Darla Dahl Darla Dahl Paula Mathison Paula Mathison Paula Mathison Paula Mathison ...And the Word Dwelt Among Us!
Transcript
Bethel Lutheran Church
1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 507.786.6674
Pastor TimPastor TimPastor TimPastor Tim Pastor Charlie Pastor Charlie Pastor Charlie Pastor Charlie Barb FarmerBarb FarmerBarb FarmerBarb Farmer Rhonda ReeceRhonda ReeceRhonda ReeceRhonda Reece Sandy PetersonSandy PetersonSandy PetersonSandy Peterson Pam SanterrePam SanterrePam SanterrePam Santerre Pam VigPam VigPam VigPam Vig Darla DahlDarla DahlDarla DahlDarla Dahl
Paula MathisonPaula MathisonPaula MathisonPaula Mathison
...And the Word Dwelt Among Us!
Page 2 The Bethel Banner
Sunday, December 2, is Covenant Sunday at Bethel. It is the one Sunday
when Bethel members have a chance to commit our names to the Covenant Book in a covenant with other Bethel members that we will continue to support our church, committed to “Changing Lives, Making a Difference.”
At Sunday worship services on November 4, 11, and 18, you heard Bill Hoekstra, Phil Holm, and Kathy Tezla share their personal experiences of how the gift of Christ in their lives has influenced and inspired them to share their time, talent, and treasure.
At the Stewardship Brunches on November 11 and 18, Greg Carlson spoke about how Bethel Lutheran Church and Bethel people were so
A special congregational meeting will be held on Sunday December 2, at 9:45 a.m. to vote on proposed changes to Bethel's Constitution and Bylaws. The purpose of these changes is to bring us into compliance with ELCA guidelines and to update a few provisions to better reflect the way in which Bethel operates. Bethel's Church Council has approved the changes and is recommending them to the congregation for its approval. If the proposed changes are approved at this special congregational meeting, a final vote to ratify the changes will be held at the congregation's annual meeting on January 27 at 9:45 a.m.
important as Greg and Nancy were raising their children and experiencing life’s challenges.
These personal stories are an introduction and motivation to encourage you to be thinking and praying about how you can share your time, talents, and treasures with Bethel as we continue to "Change Lives, and Make a Difference." In addition to the personal stories, you should have received a mailing with details about Bethel’s financial needs for 2013.
During the next several days, prayerfully consider the commitment
Congregational
Voting Meeting
Join Us for Covenant Sunday
Christmas Offering Bethel’s special Christmas Offering is to be directed to the ELCA Disaster Response – Hurricane Sandy.
As Hurricane Sandy ripped up the east coast, causing a 960-mile wide swath of devastation, the ELCA jumped in to assist in the clean-up, to provide pastoral and counseling care, to provide food and shelter, and to engage in rehabilitation of church buildings and grounds. And later to support deployment of specialists to conduct structural damage assessments, to design disaster response management strategy, and to offer training in water and waste management, in health and safety education, and much more.
You will be receiving an informational letter in December asking for your financial contribution following this disaster. In the meantime, let us raise up prayers for the safety of all who are assisting the people in the damaged area and pray for God’s Spirit to straighten the spirits of the homeless, the jobless, and the helpless. Then consider a generous donation to the ELCA Disaster Response designated to the Hurricane Sandy relief.
~ Noel Stratmoen, Steward
you can make to help Bethel continue its work. Then, on December 2, members of all ages are invited and encouraged to attend one of the worship services and to be part of the Bethel Community acknowledging God’s generous gifts to us and of our willingness to share our gifts of time, talents, and financial treasures with Bethel and through Bethel to the world.
Bethel’s Stewardship Committee
Nancy Carlson, Chad Jenkinson, Sandy Peterson, Pastor Charlie Ruud, and
Noel Stratmoen, Steward
Enjoy the Advent Music Festival! All Shall See the Salvation of God! (Luke 3:6) is the theme of this year's Advent Music Festival. This worship experience will be offered on Sunday, December 9, at both 8:30 and 10:45. Our vocal choirs and our bell ensembles will be
joined by strings and woodwinds as we offer anthems for the Advent season.
Please join all of our choir members, from the 5 year-olds to our most seasoned, as together we prepare for the coming of the Lord, both in the manger and finally — for eternity, for all of humanity!
Christmas cookies, complete with drippy frosting. The whole house
smells like Christmas, doesn't it?
And there are the parties and special events to attend. Getting together with loved ones is a real holiday tradition — to the point that we often leave one party to head to another one, not unlike
graduation weekend.
Many of these traditions are deeply meaningful for us, both in connecting us to the past and in connecting to each other.
But do you think it's possible that we're over-complicating Christmas? And is it possible that by "skipping" Advent, that we are shortchanging ourselves? Is there a way to retain the warmth and caring that we want to feel at Christmas without the crazy expectations and frenetic pace? Could we celebrate Christmas without wanting to sleep for a month after it's over, or paying for it for the next six months? I wonder what would happen if we all figured out exactly what we value about Christmas.
I have a suggestion, as you knew I would. Smith Magazine started a project called "Six-Word Memoirs," the gist of which is to summarize what you think of a topic in just six words. Some are poignant, some funny, others cryptic. A few examples:
Teens - Family acts like dinosaurs in public.
Food - When in doubt, deep fry it.
Life - My check-engine light is always on.
I suggest that you sit down with your family tonight or tomorrow and come up with a six-word memoir that
December 2012 Page 3
Dear Partners,
Advent is the end of the church year, a time of year in which the church recommends we slow down and pray for Jesus' return to earth, when he will bring in the kingdom of God in its fullness. A little Lent when we spend time in meditation and contemplation. The quietude of gentle winter aids us in quieting our souls and minds. There is little or no reference to Bethlehem and the events that took place there.
Does this sound like your house in the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas? I didn't think so. It doesn't sound like our house either.
This is a busy time of year. Have you noticed? First, there's the shopping. Gifts to plan and buy. And wrap. New decorations to buy or make that reflect our Christmas spirit. Madeline and Bronwyn have lobbied hard for those movable lighted animals, or an inflatable snowglobe for our yard, but so far we have settled for strings of lights in the bushes and drives around town to see neighborhood decorations. Lisa and I like it this way.
Then there are cards to mail, especially picture cards of you and your loved ones with cozy sweaters on, that you probably took in the middle of July with the air conditioner turned down very low. And writing Christmas letters. Lisa puts up the pictures and letters we receive on ribbons hung from the kitchen cabinets.
There's food to shop for and prepare. I think Cub and Econo Foods must sell 90% of their sugar, flour, lard, and butter supplies in November and December. Most of us have special dishes we only enjoy at this time of year, be it fruitcake, plum pudding, or even lutefisk. Lisa bakes my mother's
summarizes Christmas for you. Lisa and I sat down late one evening and thought up a few to get you started:
"Thoughts of Christmas make me tired." I guess you can guess which of us came up with that one. Lisa was appalled.
The next was no better: "Shop, shop, then shop some more." Now I was appalled.
Boy! This is a tougher assignment than it might seem at first.
How about "Noisy chaos is fun at Christmas" or "Let's be Christmas sharers all year."
After a few more minutes, we came up with my favorite, "Baby Jesus; the rest is extra."
As you race from errand to concert to kitchen this month, or sit with boxes and bags to wrap, take one deep, slow breath. Let it out slowly.
Close your eyes (unless you're driving) and remember — God came down from heaven, to a simple undecorated stable with no oven or scotch tape, so that you might know God's holy presence in your heart, mind, and soul.
Let your shoulders and arms relax and remember — you are a precious child of God, the brother or sister of our Lord and Savior whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas and whose return we pray for during Advent.
Be still for just a moment and remember — Baby Jesus; the rest is extra.
Come, Emmanuel! A blessed Christmas from the McDermott family to our Bethel family.
Your Partner in Christ,
From the Senior Pastor...
Smith Magazine started a project called "Six Word
Memoirs," the gist of which is to
summarize what you think of a topic in just six words.
Page 4 The Bethel Banner
on the one hand to just stay home when the going gets tough, but I also know the opposite need to show the world that nothing has really changed – to stand artificially tall and speak with ever-strong conviction. A friend of mine who is living a productive life with cancer, chooses a middle road; he shows up at church — he doesn’t stay home, and he feels quite okay to sit down in the Bethel narthex and be comfortable. On both counts, he teaches me something worth remembering.
It seems to me that Jesus did his most important teaching by enabling others to see, to remember, and to tell stories about what he did – reaching out to those in pain, accepting those who were different, being open to receive help back; basically Jesus acted as he would have others act. Life is his
Because one of the constants for older adults is change, I try to learn from Bethel members about how to respond when “things
happen.” I see others as my teachers; they are not teachers in the way that first-rate teachers like Abbie and Steve Meierbachtol teach math, but Bethelites are my teachers nonetheless. One of Northfield’s well loved and long time pharmacists, Bethel member Gil Granat, gives me inspiring lessons on how to handle life when with a walker and in a wheelchair – he is a teacher just by his being at church on Sunday and showing delight when we talk. What an upper!
Given my own most recent “things happen” event — cancer — I know personally the conflicting temptations
classroom. We are all his students. What we learn can give us hope.
But I wonder how many of us understand that all of us are teachers of each other?
We are all in this aging business together. What affects one of us in some way affects every one of us — if not today, then tomorrow. The way one of us behaves towards others in the face of difficulty or triumph is a way all of us might behave — if not today, then tomorrow. The way one of us handles change in our life is a way all of us might handle change in our life — if not today, then tomorrow. Life is a classroom. We are all students. What we learn can give us hope.
a Crown of Splendor
Life is a Classroom. We are All Students. By Bruce Roberts
Our Annual Advent Fair for families, friends, and neighbors of all ages will be Sunday, December 2, from 11:45 a.m. -2 p.m. We will be focusing on the Jesse Tree and how to use it as we observe Advent in our homes. See page 7 for details.
Interested in the annual Lefse/Krumkake event at the NRC? See page 22 for details!
Do You Play an Instrument? There are opportunities to join the String Ensemble and the Bethel Band this month! (See page 5 for details.)
The next Bethel STARS Luncheon is set for Thursday, December 6, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the King's Room North (the Valhalla Room) at St. Olaf College. Music will
be provided by Bethel Sweet Sounds & Men’s Quartet. The cost is $15 (checks payable to Bethel) with registration and payment due by December 3 at the information table in narthex or by calling the church office. Cancellations after December 3 are non-refundable.
Join a bowling group for Bethelites ages 50+ at the Jesse James Lanes, on Tuesdays at 2 p.m., with a special rate of $3 per line plus free shoes and balls. This is not a high-stress league but rather a chance to have fun with friends. Come as you are and as often as you can! Contact Pastor Henry at 663-0143 for more details.
There will be no Senior Coffee in December. Join us on January 7 at 10 a.m. in the CLC. Bring your leftover holiday treats to share and enjoy an hour of fellowship. For more details, contact Mary Nystuen at 645-4011.
to the American Swedish Institute to see their Christmas exhibit, with lunch at ASI's new restaurant Fika. We leave the Bethel parking lot at 10:30 a.m. The cost is $9 plus lunch. Sign up at the information table in the narthex.
The Annual Fall Scrip Sale, runs through December 16. Gift cards are available in the narthex; your purchase will support summer trips for our youth. Look for details on page 6 or call Lori Cowdin.
Bowling! All adults, 50 and up, are invited to bowl on Tuesday afternoons. See page 4 for details.
All Bethel members are invited to take part in the annual Advent Fair on Sunday, December 2, noon-2 p.m. Join us for lunch and activities that will enhance the observation of Advent in our homes. For more details or to help, see page 7.
Do your Christmas shopping this year at the Alternative Giving Fair in the narthex every Sunday through December 9. See page 17 for gift ideas and details.
Luther Seminary’s 2012 Advent Devotional "Waiting with a
Sure and Certain Hope" is available to download at luthersem.edu/advent. Look for more devotionals for all ages at the Advent Devotions table in the narthex.
The Cancer Mutual-Help Gathering for Bethel Women meets the second Monday of each month (December 10), from 1–2 p.m. in the Bethel Chapel.
On Tuesday, December 11 (the second Tuesday, not the third), Bethel Women Having Fun will travel
Bethel News
December 2012 Page 5
be offered as a prelude for both the 8:30 and 10:45 services. The rehearsal for this group will be on Saturday, December 22, at 9 a.m. in the sanctuary. In addition to playing in worship, you will play for a sing-along in the CLC during the education hour. For information, please contact Claire Larson at [email protected].
Attention String Players (Grade 6 through adult) ~ The String
Ensemble will play in worship on Sunday, December, 30, at 10 a.m. (There is only one service that morning.) We will play a medley of Christmas hymns. Please contact Rhonda Reece by December 10 (by email or phone) if you wish to participate. The more, the merrier!
Attention Brass and Woodwind Players (grade 7 through adult) ~ The Brass Ensemble will play in worship and during the education hour on Sunday, December 23. A medley of hymns will
Campaign Update The Capital Campaign Advisory Committee met and reviewed the comments made at our recent Congregational meeting. A decision was made to solicit more information from focus groups of a randomly chosen cross-section of our congregation, with the focus on input on the Keeping Our Promise Building Our Future 2013 deadline, likes and dislikes regarding fundraising consultants, debt reduction, loan balances and payments, space needs, costs of potential additions, worship attendance, mission support, and Bethel’s mission.
Thank you to all who participated in the focus groups! We are reviewing and summarizing the information to help us move in the direction that can best meet the needs and wishes of our members. We have also scheduled interviews with three professional fundraising firms and one in-house group, to help us better understand what direction we may want to go. Our group will be reviewing all this information and making a recommendation to the Church Council at the December meeting.
The advisory group consists of Barb Fowler, Noel Stratmoen, Mari Aylin, Tracy Nelson, Chuck Sandstrom, Blair Fowler, Pat Stahly, Pastor Charlie, and Pastor Tim. Please feel free to give any of us a call with comments or concerns.
~ Don Pavek, President
Please welcome our newest Bethel members:
Hayes and Kelly Piker, Elliot (8 years old), Ashlynn (1 month old)
We're glad you're here!
There is no BAM on Wednesday, December 26 or January 2. BAM will resume on Wednesday, January 9. There will be BAM on Wednesday, December 19.
There is no Sunday School on December 23 or 30. Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 6.
Sunday School Advent Worship Program ~ On Sunday, December 16, at both the 8:30 and 10:45 worship services, our age 3-grade 5 Sunday School classes will be
Advent Fair – The season of Advent begins on Sunday, December 2. Please join us from noon-2 p.m. for
food, fun, and Advent projects that will aide us in preparing for and enhancing the observation of the season of Advent in our homes. A simple lunch will be served and activities for all ages will be available. If you would like to help with the food or with serving in an activity area for a 30-minute shift or if you have advent activity ideas, please contact Pam Vig.
� Dig out your Christmas books and music and put them in a special spot – in a basket in a corner of the family room, or on an end table. Go through the pile each day and choose one or more songs and one or more books to enjoy individually or together as a family.
� Involve the members of your family of all ages in your Christmas planning and preparations, including baking, decorating, and gift wrapping. It may take a little longer and the results may be less than perfect but the memories will be golden.
� Do something outside every day.
ο Go for a walk
ο Ice skate
ο Go sledding
ο Make snow angels
ο Build a snow fort
ο Have a snow ball fight
A December “To Do” list that will fill you up instead of wear you out — activities that can be done on your own or with friends and family of any age.
� Make a pact to do an advent devotion on your own, with a friend, or with the others in your house every day. Advent devotional tools are available for all ages at a table in the narthex at Bethel or there are many free devotions available online as well.
� Exercise every day, even if it is simply stretching when you wake up or before you go to sleep each night. When you have finished, say a prayer of thanks for the wonderful body God has given you.
� If you find yourself overwhelmed or stressed, stop for just a minute, take 5 deep breaths and repeat Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God.
ο Shovel your neighbor’s sidewalk
ο Keep a bird feeder filled
ο Set out ice cream pails or large yogurt containers filled with water, let them freeze until there is only a small unfrozen area of water left. Tip them upside down. Chop away the bottom layer of ice. Empty out the unfrozen water, put a candle in and light it for an ice lantern.
ο Have a bonfire
After you’ve come back inside, talk about where you saw, felt, and smelled God while you were out.
There is always much to do at this time or year and really at any time of the year. Be sure to include activities every day that will renew you and give you life. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10
Church and Home Ministry ~ Partners in Faith By Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries
leading worship and presenting the message for the day, "Joy to the World." Families will have received specific instructions on their child’s role in the last week or so via email.
Christmas fun while you get your last-minute shopping done, finish up your baking, or just take a few hours to relax before the madness begins.
What you need to know... Date: Saturday, December 15 Time: 9 a.m. to noon Ages: 6 months-10 years old Details: A hearty late morning snack will be served. Sign-up sheets can be found in the nursery, or you can email Juley Jenkinson. Cost: $10 per child, with a family cap of $25
December Artist of the Month! Stop by and check out our latest Picasso....Theo Rustad!
He has some beautiful masterpieces on display on the bulletin board outside the nursery. Thank you, Theo, for adding beauty to the east hallway.
PMO? Parents' Morning Out!?! Yes, you read that correctly! We will be offering the first ever Parent's Morning Out on Saturday, December 15. Bring your pajama clad kids to Bethel for some crazy,
Nursery News
Christmas Worship Services ~ The nursery will available during the 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. Christmas Eve worship services, and during the 10 a.m. Christmas day worship service.
Aduam (or immediately following the congregational meeting) in the
During this brief presentation, learn how you can simplify and add meaning to your holiday giving
Thfor this fall has been COneed to visit from time to time.pusbegins annually by midoureven accompanied by cheerful Christmas music.discussion and outstanding speakers, Betto consider our overindulgence in “things” and consider more attention to the needs of people.timtendency for over
Alternative...
Our Annual Advent Fair for Bethel-lights and our family, friends, and neighbors of all ages will be Sunday, December 2, from 11:45 a.m. -2 p.m. We will be focusing on the Jesse Tree and how to use it as we observe Advent in our homes. Plan now to join us. Activities will include:
� Pizza Lunch
� Story Time
� Several craft projects and activities that will help us observe Advent in our homes
� A service project
� Treat making
� Face painting
� Free Advent devotions
� Alternative Giving Fair
The nursery will be staffed for very young children and for children of
volunteers while they are serving.
Parents or another adult are asked to accompany children from one event to another and participate with them. Adults without children are warmly invited to join in the fun as well!
If you are interested in helping, contact Pam Vig. There are three shifts in each activity area and no advance preparation is necessary. All you need do is show up and provide information on the activity to families and participants as they visit your station and work on the activity.
We are looking forward to another wonderful kickoff to the season of Advent at Bethel. And we look forward to sharing it with you!
Make a Jesse Tree!
Annual Advent Fair
December 2012 Page 7
Children ~ Families ~ Children ~ Families
Poof! Help Make Hunger Disappear Looking for a fun activity for the kids over Christmas break? Come to Bethel's Youth Room on Friday, December 28, at noon for a Sleight of Hand/Magic Tricks show with Bethel's own Tim Freeland.
Invite your friends, neighbors, and all those relatives who are still hanging around after Christmas! A free will donation will be taken, but don't let a lack of funds stop you from coming. We really mean the "free will" part! All proceeds will be donated to Feed My Starving Children and the Northfield Food Shelf.
Watch Bethel's website, Facebook page, and the weekly Banner for more information.
Sunday School will continue through Sunday, December 16. Christmas break will include Sunday, December 23 and 30. Classes will resume on Sunday, January 6.
Youth Service Salespeople ~ If you sold items during the sale, you should receive confirmation of sales in the mail by the end of November; if not, contact Barb Farmer. Please remember to be prompt in contacting your customers to arrange for delivery of the services that were purchased. Many of your services would be appreciated on or before the holidays.
The annual Hi League Progressive Dinner will be held on Sunday, December 9, starting at 5 p.m. We’ll move from house to house for food, fun, faith talk, and caroling. Please put this date on your calendar and watch for details in your email or mail. Celebrate the holidays with your Bethel friends!
Confirmation classes will be in session through December 19. Confirmation winter break will include Wednesdays, December 26 and January 2. Please plan to attend Advent Vespers services with your family at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in December. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 9.
6th Grade Connections will meet this month on Wednesday, December 5 and 19:
⋅ The 5th will be a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. There will be a parent leader meeting at 6:30 p.m. in room #61A that same evening.
⋅ On the 19th, we'll meet at 5:30 p.m. to eat Bistro together in the Bethel Youth Center, play some games (of course!), and attend Advent Vespers together at 6:30 p.m.; youth may be picked up at 7:00 p.m. at the end of vespers. Please join us — parents are welcome too! Youth who are a part of Ring Forth may join us after rehearsal.
From the Scrip Table... The Annual Fall Scrip Sale is going strong! During the sale, any Bethel member can purchase Scrip to support any Bethel youth going on a mission trip next summer; just purchase cards at the Scrip table through December 16 and choose a youth/family to receive those card earnings. Remember that these do not have to be 'gift' cards — cards to purchase gas, groceries, prescriptions, or a quick lunch at Subway or Taco Bell all earn credit when purchased for your everyday needs.
Of course gift cards do make great gifts! Especially if you have to mail them! Plus the receiver can purchase the correct size, their favorite color, or the item they need the most!
As always, thank you for your support of the Scrip ministry ~ and a very Merry Christmas from your Scrip team!
Youth Ministry News
December 2012 Page 9
easy, fun, and important service. Grab a friend or go with your family. It takes about 30 minutes, and the people you deliver to live in retirement homes very close to Bethel. Get signed up in the Youth Room or this web link at http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/732345631841830094
December 2: It's time again to help out at the Advent Fair here at Bethel! The YES team will be producing simple craft projects (i.e. fleece blankets, cards) to give away to
Calling all middle and high school youth! Get ready to say "YES." to fun service projects throughout the school year. The YES. Team wants your involvement in several opportunities to help others in our community and beyond. Here's what the team has planned this winter…
Every Sunday: We need youth to deliver Meals on Wheels, for the BLUE Route, each Sunday after the second service. Help take part in this
Just Say Y.E.S. … (That's Youth Energized to Serve)
those in need. We could use several middle and high school volunteers to demonstrate and help the younger kids at Bethel make these simple projects. Please signup for an hour shift to help with the YES team. Contact Cindy Kreis, Barb Farmer, or sign-up on the Advent Fair sheet in the youth room.
January 27: Plan to join in the Sandwich Project coming to the youth room! Watch for more details in the Scoop after Christmas! J
Attention Youth Musicians Do you play an instrument? We'd love to have you in the Bethel Band or the Bethel String Ensemble! Look at page 5 for details.
Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth
No Monsters Under the Bed By Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries
Of course, at this time of year, we prepare to meet the Christ Child, God “with skin on.” And isn’t that something we all need at times in our lives? The message of Advent and Christmas is that we’re not alone in this big, dark world. Jesus turned on the light. He reassured us of God’s constant love and presence by becoming flesh. We need not fear.
The other side of the story, of course, is a challenge to us – to be “Jesus with skin on” to others. Our ELCA tagline,
There’s a story I love that seems to fit the holiday season ~
In the middle of the night, a small girl rushed into her parents’ bedroom, convinced that there were monsters lurking in her bedroom. Not wanting to encourage wakefulness for nights to come, the child’s mom gently carried her back to her room, turned on the light, and reassured her that there were no monsters present. “And remember,” she said, “you’re not alone. God is always with you.” Her daughter’s response? “I know, mommy, but I need someone with skin on.”
God’s Work. Our Hands reminds us of this. During the season of Advent, this may be a deep and meaningful way to prepare. With an emphasis on intentional acts of love and service, we can ready ourselves to celebrate the birth of our Lord. In doing so, we not only make this world a little less scary for others, but we also model for our children and youth just how we can be “Jesus with skin on”.
YUM! Every December Bethel members bring griddles and irons over to the NRC Chapel to make (and eat!) lefse and krumkake with NRC residents. You can join the fun — there are games to play, people to meet, and did we mention yummy treats to eat? Come to the Chapel at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 15 to join the fun!
Page 10 The Bethel Banner
Highlights of the October Church Council Meeting... The Trustee report said that the entire contents of the building have been videoed and the information has been stored in a safe location in case of an emergency.
The Personnel Committee has been working on action items from the audit. They have created a salary change template and confirmed the FSLA postings are up to date. There are several more items in the works. Employee vacation balances will be monitored by the Church Accountant in the payroll system starting with the new year.
The Treasurer reported that an error in automatic payments was made and after the adjustment the total income over expenses is $7,510. Income is $20,000 ahead of income through September 2011. Review of the Cash Flow Analysis for the Capital Campaign shows $466,598 still to be received. The proposed 2013 budget was reviewed.
The Steward reported that work continues on temple talks, stewardship brunches, and Covenant Sunday. Plans are pretty well in place in these areas.
At-Large for the Kitchen reported that there were two sessions for kitchen equipment training with good attendance. There is now a binder in the kitchen with manuals, the training videos, and lists of trained volunteers. Ruth would like to have another leader found for Bistro in the spring as that is a busy time of year for her.
At-Large for Mission & Justice reported that the Alternative Giving Fair is in the works. They also discussed ideas to present to the Stewardship Committee for the Christmas offering.
At-Large for Visual Arts reported that they will be going through banners to get rid of old things and find the future needs. They are also very happy that the lift is fixed.
At-Large for the Constitution reported that change documents have been received back from the Synod and they have made only minor typographical changes to what was submitted.
The Bethel staff requested presented information about using Constant Contact for email and
December 2012 Page 11
Year-to-date
Benevolences
Make Giving Simple through Simply Giving! 'Tis the month to feel overwhelmed! Here's one way to make your life simpler: Sign up for Simply Giving, an automated giving program offered by Thrivent, which allows you to make donations to Bethel on a scheduled, automatic basis. It's a win-win: it is convenient for you, and it provides much-needed donation consistency for Bethel. Simply Giving can be used for your regular faith-based giving (your Sunday offering) and/or your building fund pledge to the capital campaign securely and confidentially. Best of all, the amount and schedule (monthly, quarterly, annually) can be changed at any time, quickly and easily, if your circumstances change.
How to get started ~ To set up electronic donations, simply complete the authorization form which can be found on Bethel’s website (bethelnorthfield.org) or on the information table in the narthex. Donations can be debited automatically from either a checking or savings account. Return the completed form to the church office, attention Darla Dahl.
Still have questions? Contact Darla, our Church Accountant, at 786-6687 or [email protected]. She's happy to answer all of your questions.
Look for more information about events at Bethel on our
website at: www.bethelnorthfield.org
Mark Your Calendars
Weekly Wednesday Schedule
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From Our Mission Interpreter... By Lois Stratmoen
Reaching Out To
Others During
the Holidays
Share Christmas with others through Christmas Sharing ~ the Community Action Center of Northfield distributes gifts to area children. You can help by donating new, unwrapped gifts to the box in the narthex by Saturday, December 8. Toys, games, books, teen gifts, sleepwear, mittens, or gloves are welcome. For more information, contact the CAC at 664-3550.
Red Cross Fundraiser ~ The fourth annual country gospel Christmas show will be presented at the Central Intermediate School Auditorium in Waseca on December 1 and 2. This is a Branson-style Christmas show for the entire family’s enjoyment. All proceeds go to the local chapter of the American Red Cross. Show times – Saturday, December 1, at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday December 2, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the Waseca Music Store (507-835-2980) and at the door. Adults $10, 16 and under free.
been reported. The ELCA has been working with the Lutheran Church of Haiti to build capacity in preserving health and wellness related to cholera. Throughout the United States we are working hand-in-hand with synods and ministry organizations who are experts at outreach in their communities.
We are working with church bodies in Cuba and Haiti and are in close contact with synods, congregations, and disaster response partners within the United States to meet the immediate needs of those affected by this storm. And we will continue to help for as long as we are needed.
For more information on the ELCA's response, please go to elca.org and read the available situation reports.
What you can do:
Pray:
As the communities work to recover, please keep them and those who work on their behalf in prayer.
Give:
Your donations to ELCA Disaster Response, designated for Hurricane Sandy, will be used entirely (100 percent) to help families whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by this disaster. Donations from people like you allow this church to respond to those in need.
Connect:
To learn more about the situation and the ELCA’s response:
· Sign up to receive ELCA Disaster Response alerts at elca.org.
· Check the ELCA Disaster Response blog at http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/.
After all the news casts and information being broadcast about the problems that
continue to exist for the residents and businesses in our eastern United States, this news release from the ELCA made me feel good, knowing that our church is responding. Links are given below that encourage our giving, or through the information in last week’s BANNER, we are informed that we can just give a check to Bethel and in the memo line, indicate “Sandy” or “Disaster relief for Sandy” and our church will forward the contributions for us. We are blessed to have church with an outstanding reputation for helping in disaster relief and for absorbing the administrative costs so all of our contributions go to help where it is needed. Note that at the bottom of this article there are web sites where you can get more up-to-date information if you are interested.
Hurricane Sandy
The Situation:
From the Caribbean to the North Atlantic Coast, millions of people have evacuated their homes and communities due to Hurricane Sandy. Strong winds and torrential rains have led to loss of power, flooding, and mass destruction. The storm sent trees crashing down and left neighborhood streets looking like rivers.
ELCA Response:
Through ELCA Disaster Response, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is responding in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. In the Caribbean, through our global church partnerships, we are providing basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. In Haiti, outbreaks of cholera have
Peder Jothen made a statement during his presentation on consumerism at the Mission and Justice forum on Nov. 4th that has really stuck with me. He said, “We consume to be consumed by God.” I’ve been asking myself, what does this mean, really? My first thought was Holy Communion and how we consume God in the bread and wine to be consumed by God to serve as Christ’s disciples. That is truly a profoundly holy and mysterious act.
But I think there are many more ways that we are invited to consume to be consumed by God. For instance, Ken Ferguson, Worship Leader at Mill High Church in Iowa, asked “Are you consumed by God in your worship, or are you a consumer of worship?” Ken goes on to say “Our worship should not be us consuming some of God's presence to empower us to keep going, our worship should be us laying our life
on the altar before God as a sacrifice to be ‘CONSUMED’. He wants us to come not to get, but to give.”
This month, we have entered the season of consuming…delicious food, precious time with family and friends, generous gifts, uplifting music and worship. How will the joyful tidings and holiday cheer that we consume be a means through which God can work to bring others to Himself?
To be honest, I’m still not sure that I fully ‘get’ this statement, so I will be meditating on it for a while and would love to get some responses from you. What do you think it means to consume to be consumed by God? Have you experienced this truth, and if so, how? Do you hear an invitation for change in your life, and if so, what? Please give me a call or email at [email protected].
May your Advent and Christmas be filled with joy and peace.
� The Cancer Mutual-Help Gathering for Bethel Women meets the second Monday of each month, from 1–2 p.m. in the Bethel Chapel.
Christmas shopping, holiday preparations, family gatherings, and holiday events are all anticipated
differently by those around us. Although we cannot choose our families or the behavior of those around us, we do have a choice in how we respond. Consider the impact we could have on those around us if we chose to respond in love with an “attitude of gratitude.” We can choose an “attitude of gratitude” for our messy homes, our unfulfilling jobs, our imperfect children, our unique families, or our less than desirable health. How we look at and respond to our lives is entirely up to us. As we approach this holiday season,
Befrienders By Marci Groenewold
remember that the people around us are a living reminder of God’s love to us and, likewise, we are a living reminder of God’s love to them. Let us choose an “attitude of gratitude” for each and every one of them.
Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season,
Blessings from Bethel's Befrienders
†
A core Befriender principle: “Active Listening." For more information, call Marci Groenewold, (649-0760), Knight Stanley (612-877-0893 ), Jean Miller (645-5353), or the Bethel office (786-6674).
Next Bethel Befriender meeting: Thursday, January 24, 2013, at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Room.
December 2012 Page 15
December 2 is a Busy Day at Bethel! Covenant Sunday ~ This is the day when all Bethel members are invited to sign the Covenant Book, indicating our willingness to share all that God has given us.
Bloodmobile ~ The need for blood never goes away. Bethel will host a bloodmobile on Sunday, December 2, all morning and into the afternoon. Contact Karen Mader or the church office for information on how you can participate.
Congregational Meeting ~ We'll be talking about changes to Bethel's Constitution and By-Laws at 9:45 a.m.
Adult Forum ~ Following the meeting, we'll be hearing about how the Alternative Giving Fair can help with holiday shopping.
Advent Fair ~ Stick around after second service and explore new ways to make Advent meaningful at your house — plus have lunch!!
Page 16 The Bethel Banner
� In addition to my awareness and present efforts to curb unhelpful consumerism and consumption, what new effort or activity can I add to what I am already doing?
� How can I help each of my family members to make a thoughtful consumerism or consumption change that would be beneficial to her/him and to others?
Looking ahead, the Bethel Mission and Justice Committee is sponsoring the 5th annual Northfield Peace and Justice Gathering which will be held at Bethel this year on Sunday, February 24, from 1:30-4 p.m. The Gathering will include activities for the whole family, so mark your calendar today.
Alternative Giving Fair. Be sure to read the booklet highlighting your choices. Then on Sunday bring your wallet and shop meaningfully and responsibly.
Our theme continues in January with offerings on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30-5:30 that you will absolutely NOT want to miss! Even if you are not used to attending Wednesday afternoon classes, please join us in January in room 62 for more on Faith and Consumerism/Consumption.
We also have many books in our Bethel library that can offer help as you grapple with the following questions:
New opportunities from the Mission and Justice Committee . . .
Recently Bethel members attended the Sunday morning fall forums on Faith and Consumerism/Consumption. We heard important words from a panel of Bethel members, an economist, an American culture expert, and a theologian/ethicist. Their stimulating presentations challenged us to consider all the ways in which our consumerism and consumption affect our lives, the lives of others, and the planet.
For four Sundays (November 25 – December 9) you have opportunities to make purchases for gift-giving while also making a significant difference in the lives of people in other parts of the world by shopping at the
From the Mission and Justice Committee Vision Statement: Since we believe that service is both an obligation and a privilege of the Christian life, we seek to provide opportunities for Bethel members to learn about the needs of others in our
world and to put their knowledge into action, heeding Christ's call to "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Minute for Mission We give thanks that God works through individuals to make the love of Jesus known to everyone. LPGM is committed to doing global ministry on a personal level. Project Education India sponsors can write to their student electronically by using the form on our website (lutheranpartners.org). God works through global connections to engage each of us in the work of God's Kingdom. How can your gifts be used for God's glory?
products made from recycled materials, with minimal recyclable packaging. Then, be creative when you wrap gifts using recycled paper or newspaper, gift bags and boxes (that can be reused), and cloth bags (that can in turn be used by the recipient at the grocery store).
Bethel now has 160 households signed up for the MN Energy Challenge. If you haven't already joined this large group in saving
more than $80,000 in energy costs annually, please do so at the mnenergy-challenge.org website. The MN Energy Challenge's kids' program will be coming to Bethel in January during BAM, with presentations on January 9 and 16, and with a guest appearance by TOLBY, the energy-saving firefly!
Creation Care Tip: The mound of wrapping paper, plastic clam shell packaging, boxes, and ribbons filling trash bags on the curb December 26 isn't made on Christmas morning. It's made with each purchase during the shopping season. Choose
Creation Care
The Bethel Alternative Giving initiative begins on Sunday, November 18 and runs through December 9, plenty early to make these giving opportunities a part of your Christmas gift-planning. Think about those friends and family members who would not miss one less gift to add to their abundance this season. How meaningful it is to both giver and receiver to know that we can, through our giving, share with someone in need here or around the world! The Alternative Giving Fair, now in its 4th year, is a great opportunity for Bethel Lutheran Church members to share — starting
read while visiting the library? Is there a faith-based magazine subscription you would be willing to donate to the library?
Here are the magazines to which Bethel subscribes, along with their annual rates:
Significant Living - $19.95 Guidepost - $10.50 Guidepost (Large Print) - $10.50 Angels on Earth - $12.95 Susie Magazine (for teen girls) - $38 Men of Integrity - $19.95 Forward (for young teens) - $28.99
If we find that any of these magazines does not have a following, we will probably not renew that subscription. Let us know what you would miss seeing in the Bethel library by contacting the library ministry team at [email protected] or 786-6687 with the name of the magazine(s) you would like us to keep and/or if you'd be willing to gift a subscription for all Bethelites to enjoy.
Thank you, and happy reading!
Visitors to the Bethel Library may notice many different things as they enter. Some Bethelites are drawn to the comfortable
seating. Others' eyes fall right onto the new books and media prominently placed on the shelf directly across from the door. (This month look for Advent and Christmas materials there!) Kids make a beeline for the books just for them placed on shelves off to the right at a convenient height. Still other Bethelites head to the left to find a DVD to watch on the weekend.
If you look between the new materials and the rotating DVD shelves, you will see Bethel's collection of magazines. Currently Bethel pays for subscriptions to seven faith-based magazines, and those subscriptions are about to expire. Are there any magazines there that you or someone in your family reads frequently? Is there anything you would miss being able to check out of the library? Is there anything you especially like to
I Cantanti Concert
The I Cantanti Chamber Choirs, directed by Wayne Kivell, will present a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols concert at First English Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls on Tuesday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Modeled after the annual Christmas Eve performance at Kings College in Cambridge, England, the concert features nine Biblical readings recounting the Christmas story from Old and New Testament readings. Each reading is followed by choral selections or carols which elaborate the text. First presented in Northfield in 1997, the Nine Lessons and Carols has grown in popularity in the community.
Both I Cantanti (the mixed choir) and Le Donne (the women’s choir) will perform. There are also opportunities for the audience to sing along on familiar carols.
A free-will exit offering will be taken at both performances.
December 2012 Page 17
Library Corner
from a $1 donation to a larger gift that will make life better for someone. And that gift can be given in honor of someone you love!
On November 18th there will be a booklet available which will list the alternative gifts available through this year’s initiative that begins that very day. We urge you to read it over carefully and to prayerfully select one or more items that are meaningful and priced right for your family and for your designated receiver. Free cards will be available on each of the four Sundays in November and December that you can send along with your
Christmas greeting, explaining the gift and the purpose of your giving. It feels great to be able to help others, the receiver will be grateful for the honor and perhaps be encouraged to do the same — and above all, God will be glorified.
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11
Visit the Alternative Giving Fair at Bethel during one of the four Sundays, beginning November 18. You will be truly blessed by blessing others.
Holiday Gift Giving Made Easy!
Adult Ed, continued on Page 19.
The Bethel Banner Page 18
characters, the plot, and some of Tolkien's reflections on the world of Middle-Earth itself. Most of all, we'll see the vital importance that imagination plays in the life of faith. Who knows what life with hobbits will bring?
February 3 – Parents, Kids and Money Matters – How to speak to your 6 –
10 year olds about money. A Thrivent educational workshop offered by Andrew Gray, Bethel member and Thrivent Representative.
February 10 – Intergenerational Lenten Event – Watch for more information in future issues of the Banner.
February 17 - March 24 – “We’ll Leave the Lights On” Lenten Forum Series – Guest speakers, including Marilyn Sharpe, will
share their thoughts about why younger Christians are leaving the church and how we as a faith community can find new ways of reaching out to and discipling the next generation.
April 7 – Estate Strategy Essentials - Learn the three essential elements of estate planning. A Thrivent educational workshop offered by Andrew Gray, Bethel member and Thrivent Representative.
April 14 - May 12 – Bethel Member Testimonies
On Sunday AfternoonsOn Sunday AfternoonsOn Sunday Afternoons
Membership Matters - February 17 and April 14, 12 to 1:30 p.m. in the Christian Life Center. Visitors have two more opportunities this year to attend Bethel’s Membership Matters class. If you are looking for a church home, you are invited to join the Bethel staff on one of these dates for a casual pizza lunch and conversation about Bethel’s mission and ministries and our hopes and dreams for the future. While not
The heart of Bethel’s mission is to build and equip disciples for Christ and His Kingdom. Through adult educational opportunities, we trust that God is actively nurturing faith, growing knowledge, and empowering our community to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Please consider participating in the following adult education opportunities:
For all Adults on For all Adults on For all Adults on Sunday MorningsSunday MorningsSunday Mornings, from 9:45–10:30 a.m.
Mathetes – Join Pastor Tim in the Fireside Room beginning in January.
Adult Faith Forums – in the sanctuary
December 2 – Two events will be taking place between services in the CLC. Pick up a cup of coffee and treat, find a seat, participate in the congregational meeting about the changes to Bethel’s constitution, and then stay for a brief and informative presentation about the Alternative Giving Fair, sponsored by the Mission and Justice Committee.
December 23 - Sing-Along in the CLC with the Bethel Brass Ensemble
January 6-20, 2013 – The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien, and Christianity in Culture – Led by Greg Walter, Bethel member and Associate Professor of Religion at St. Olaf College. Have you read The Lord of the Rings? If not, you may want to read it over the holidays! Who wouldn't like hobbits? They are capable of surprising those who know them well. The Lord of the Rings has not only great merit as a creative work but also deep theological significance since Tolkien explored many important questions of friendship, forgiveness, evil, and the strange. We'll take time to think about some
Bethel Adult Education Offerings required, Membership Matters may help you decide if Bethel is the right congregation for you! Nursery care will be provided. Contact the church office if you would like to attend.
Adult Ed Opportunities Adult Ed Opportunities Adult Ed Opportunities during the Weekduring the Weekduring the Week
Monday Evenings
WELCA Bible Study ~ Audrey West’s study, "Gathered by God", is a word study on ‘gather’, covering topics such as: gather to learn, gather for fellowship, gather for support, gather to be empowered, gather to be sent. This study is open to anyone, including circle study leaders, and will meet most months on the first Monday from 7-8 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please contact Barb Holm at 507-301-8184 if you plan to attend and need the study materials.
Wednesday Afternoons, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in Bethel Classroom 62:
January 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2013 - Mission and Justice Book Study on Consumerism
February 6, 2013 - ELCA Social Statement on Criminal Justice - Greg Walter presents an overview of this significant work by the ELCA.
February 13, 2013 - ELCA Social Message on Mental Illness - Pastor Curt Johnson introduces this important study on a sensitive topic that affects many families at Bethel and in the larger community.
February 20 - March 27, 2013 - A Lenten Journey Through Prayer - Learn and experience new ways of entering into prayer.
Thursday Mornings
Bethel Women’s Study, 8-9 a.m., Fireside Room - Women of Bethel meet each Thursday for good coffee and rich conversation. In December,
Thank you to all the Bethel members who volunteered at the Northfield FoodShelf during the month of August and to all of the Bethel members who have served at Thursday's Table any of the four times we have served this year. Together you make up nearly 250 hours of service to others!
Bethel's giving to the CROP Walk was $3,619. The final total for the 2012 CROP Walk was (drum roll, please) $31,029.19! Thanks to every Bethel member who walked and all who sponsored walkers! You have fed the hungry, sheltered the needy, and taken steps to battle poverty all over the world as disciples of Christ!
Clark Cary
Many thanks for your recent gift of $40 to Metro Lutheran. We are grateful! We're happy to report that there is a rising level of support from an increasing number of congregations in our readership area. We take this as an affirmation of the importance and effectiveness of our work. Thank you for helping to keep Metro Lutheran strong!
Bob Hulteen, Metro Lutheran Newspaper
Thank you for your very generous contribution of $361.11 and $875 to the Community Action Center of Northfield for general operations.
Your financial support is essential to our operations. It gives us the ability to meet the costs of providing critical services, food-clothing-shelter, to our Northfield neighbors. And, it lets us look forward creatively at the work that is ahead to help people bridge out of poverty to prosperity.
This is the work that needs to continue, as challenging as it is! With your partnership and the creativity of a whole community, I am confident we can achieve it. The CAC Board of Directors and I are grateful for your thoughtfulness and support.
Jim Blaha Community Action Center of Northfield
� Bethel often receives more thank you notes than we have space available. Some of those published are edited due to space constraints. Thank you for all you give!
We have so much to be thankful for...
December 2012 Page 19
our discussion continues on The Faith Club: A Muslim, a Christian, a Jew—Three Women Search for Understanding. New attendees are always welcome to join us at any time and can pick up a copy of the book at Monkey See, Monkey Read in downtown Northfield. For information, contact Pam Santerre at 507-786-8951.
Men of Bethel (MOB), 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Bethel Classrooms 61B - Beginning on December 5, MOB will be studying A Spirituality of Service by Jerry Aaker. The book is described as "reflections on a life-long journey of faith and work among the world’s poor." Discussion will be led by Duane Everson, and others. All men are welcome.
Bethel Seniors Together At Retirements (STARS) Luncheon Events:
Celebrate the season with your STARS friends! The next Bethel STARS Luncheon is set for Thursday, December 6, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the King's Room North (the Valhalla Room) at St. Olaf College. Music will be provided by Bethel Sweet Sounds & Men’s Quartet. The cost is $15 (checks payable to Bethel) with registration & payment by December 3 at information table in narthex or by calling the church office at 786-6674. Cancellations after December 3 are non-refundable.
Are you interested in leading an adult education event or class? Curricula, ideas, and help are available. Contact Pam Santerre at 786-8951 or [email protected].
Adult Education, continued from page 18.
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December Worship Servants
December 2
December 9 Advent Music Festival
December 16 Children's
Advent Worship December 23
Assisting Minister (8:30 a.m.)
Carol Lysne n/a n/a Noel Stratmoen
Assisting Minister (10:45 a.m.)
Libby Glimsdal n/a n/a Knight Stanley
Reader (8:30 a.m.) Andra Hamilton Paula Mathison n/a Wayne Kivell
Reader (10:45 a.m.) Kristi Huettl Janelle Johnson n/a Paula Mathison
10 a.m. - Gordon and Marilyn Kelley, Jim Hammer, Mac Gimse
n/a
10 a.m. - Clark & Lois Cary
n/a
10 a.m. - Peter Dahlen & Mary Carlsen
n/a
The Bethel Banner The Bethel Banner
December 2012 Page 21
A Measure of Our Commitment
November Worship Attendance average per Sunday
2009 2010 2011 2012
553 527 612 *612
Average Year-to-date Worship Attendance
2009 2010 2011 2012
484 481 490 *509
*Does not include November 25, 2012.
The Bethel Banner is published monthly as a ministry of Bethel Lutheran Church of Northfield, Minnesota. The congregation is invited to submit articles to the church office. Articles are due by the 15th of each month. Questions, suggestions, or comments? Contact editor Lisa McDermott at [email protected], by phone at 645-0740, or call the church office at 786-6674.
December 2012 December 2012
December 2 December 9 December 16 December 23
Altar Care Lu Lindstrom n/a Andra Hamilton Carol Lysne
Communion Angels
Alice Dale, Arlene Neil Sharon Stoeck, Kay Gredvig
Carol Cole Elaine Deim, Dick and Orpah Johnson
A/V Room (8:30 a.m.)
Jordan Ett Liam Fisher
Seth Hanson Jack Beaumaster
Jordan Ett Ruth Nelson
Seth Hanson Dan Landehough
A/V Room (10:45 a.m.)
Andrew Kivell Ruth Nelson
Nathan Dahlen Ben Coleman
Jordan Ett Joseph Kreis
David Kreis Rose Mibus
Service Group Chairperson: Lois Cary, 663-0007 or 649-0630
potluck luncheon will be held at Bethel in the CLC. The program will start at 11 a.m. with the women's quartet singing for us, and Pam Santerre will be our guest speaker.
Lunch and fellowship will follow. All circle women and spouses are invited, and the Senior Friends will be our guests. Please join us; this is always a lovely part of the beginning of the Christmas season.
WELCA Notes Join the fun by making and/or serving lefse and krumkake at the NRC Chapel at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 15. This annual event is lots of fun for NRC residents and Bethel members. Bethelites of all ages are welcome for sampling the treats, serving goodies and beverages to NRC residents, and playing games. Come and make some new friends. You might even get a lesson in rolling out lefse or curling krumkake! For more information, contact the church office.
Pastoral Care is Available At Bethel, we teach, preach, and live the truth that every one of us is loved, valued, and belongs. Our pastoral care team and supporting ministries, such as Befrienders, prayer ministry, home communion, etc., provide care that is confidential, Christ-focused, and spiritual. We desire to be connected to you while you are experiencing peaks and valleys in your walk with Christ. Through the good times as well as through the tough ones, whatever your circumstances, Bethel is a loving family that wants to share God’s love for you. Please contact us by phone if you desire pastoral care.
If You Are In the Hospital…Bethel's pastoral staff would like to support you when you are admitted to the hospital or other facility for illness or surgery, but due to privacy regulations, we do not get a call from the hospital when you are admitted. If you would like a pastoral care provider to visit you, please be sure that someone — you or a family member or a friend — calls the Bethel office to let us know of your admission. Thank you for the privilege of sharing the presence of Christ with you in your time of need.
Tim McDermott and Charlie Ruud, Pastors, 786-6674 and Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister, 786-8951
Bethel Women Having Fun
Bethel Women Having Fun is a traveling fellowship group to which all Bethel women are invited! You can join the fun
one month out of the year or all of them! Most events take place on the third Tuesday of each month, leaving the Bethel parking lot in the morning and returning in the afternoon. For more information, contact Lu Lindstrom or Judy Code.
Here's what the group has planned for this year:
December 11 - American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis
January - Do you have a suggestion?
February - Do you have a suggestion?
March - Backstage Tour of the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis
April - Old Log Theater in Excelsior
May - Fun at the Bethel Garage Sale!
June - Do you have a suggestion?
July -Showboat Theater in St. Paul
August - Potluck at Lu Lindstrom's house
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"Knot-tie-ers" are needed! We are also calling on members who like to sew but can't make the regular meeting time to contribute by bringing shabby/thin blankets, mattress pads or flannel sheets, which can be used for padding, to the WELCA/quilt closet in the corner of CLC.
Call Joyce Stephenson or Dottie Hammer for more information. All are welcome!
In a bulletin from the Baltimore headquarters, Lutheran World Relief has challenged Lutheran churches to increase their quilt output to 500,000 for 2013. The need is growing, and LWR sees an opportunity to unite giver and someone in need.
Bethel plans to increase our 2013 output to 100. Our regular quilting group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the morning and more
the 2013 LWR Quilt Challenge
December 2012 Page 23
Help decorate the church for Christmas by purchasing a poinsettia! Poinsettias are available in red or white this year. Please indicate how many of each you would like to order. Poinsettias will be used to decorate our church through December 25. All poinsettias can be picked up anytime after the Christmas Day service. Thanks for helping beautify our building in celebration of the birth of the Messiah.
_____ Red X $7.00 each = $__________
_____ White X $7.00 each = $__________
TOTAL = $__________
Please indicate how you would like the information to appear in the bulletin:
In Honor of:______________________________________________________________________________________
In Memory of:_____________________________________________________________________________________
Please attach your cash or check (made payable to Bethel Lutheran Church). You may place your order in the offering plate or mail it to: Bethel Lutheran Church, 1321 North Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057 by December 9.
Have you noticed the addition to Bethel's west lawn? Winged
Victory, sculpture and poetry, is the latest offering for our contemplation and inspiration by Bethel member Mac Gimse, St. Olaf Professor Emeritus of Art. Here's how Mac describes his work:
The Greek Goddess Nike of Samothrace (Winged Victory) rescued people facing certain defeat by turning the course of battle in their favor. This abstract sculpture honors some 22 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates (out of 102 individual laureates since 1901) who were killed, tortured/raped or imprisoned for their causes, including the three women Laureates from 2011, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson (24th President of Liberia), Leymah Gbowee (also from Liberia) and Tawwakol Karman from The Yemen, the youngest Nobel Laureate at age 32.
On Saturday, December 17, 2011, during a protest in Cairo against
tyrannical military government, the Egyptian military police beat, dragged and stomped on a woman, revealing her blue bra. Caught on video, it sparked a worldwide reaction against brutality, not only on women, but on all forms of violence. The cross of Christ is a symbol against tyranny and violence (bullying) against the weak.
You begin me wind… the trees mime your gallop
as you race across the crouching hillside, gathering into great thunderheads of power to
send lightning-grabs of pent-up torrents crashing down into the chaos of
my unsuspecting world, to penetrate my secret space
and violate my sacred chamber …without my permission.
Ah wind…you stir the waters with Holy Spirit sounds that
breach wombs of readiness, to deliver children of mercy to us, to be nurtured by us,
who will grow up to
Ah Wind, You Stir!
lead us onto common ground, where soils are saturated by every
mix of human blood, and soaked down with human tears, that we might sow our
grains of life in fields of a gentler faith …with all humanity’s permission. Eye-ray-nay who-min = Peace be with you.
Many thanks for sharing your creativity with us, Mac! (Kids, look for the little surprise Mac left for you to spot!)
Bethel Lutheran Church is a body of believers redeemed by Christ who
Call and welcome all people; Act to serve our neighbors in need; Respond with God’s love to one another; and
Encourage spiritual growth.
Bethel Staff Timothy McDermott, Senior Pastor ................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Charlie Ruud, Associate Pastor ......................................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries .................... 786-8877 .......... [email protected] Rhonda Reece, Director of Music and Worship ............ 786-8874 .......... [email protected] Sandy Peterson, Office Administrator ............................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister ........................................ 786-8951 .......... [email protected] Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries ..................... 786-8878 .......... [email protected] Darla Dahl, Church Accountant ....................................... 786-6687 .......... [email protected] Paula Mathison, Secretary/Receptionist .......................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Catherine Engle, CYF Assistant ........................................ 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Bruce Dueffert, Lead Maintenance ................................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Ken Hu, Janitor .................................................................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Dan Kallman, Adult Choir Director ................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Jill Mahr, Youth Handbell Director .................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Elizabeth Shepley, Children’s Choir Director ................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator ............................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Tim Freeland, A/V Room Manager ................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Church Library ..................................................................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Bethel Banner submissions .................................................. ........................... [email protected] Pastoral Care Emergencies ................................................. 786-6674
Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 ● ● ● Phone: 507-786-6674 Web: www.bethelnorthfield.org
