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Bethlehem Lutheran Church Newsletter December 2017

“Advent: the time to listen for footsteps – you can’t hear footsteps when you’re running yourself.”

- Bill McKibben

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WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO! The world is going through tumultuous times. Just two days ago terror-ists attacked a Mosque in Egypt as worshippers gathered for their weekly prayers. Over 300 were killed, including children. Not far from Egypt, Libya to be exact, African migrants on their way to find fortunes in Europe have been intercepted and put on the modern day slave market for $400 per person. In Europe and the US, terrorists have found a new way of instilling fear by ploughing cars and trucks through crowds gathered in what should be considered to be safe zones in the cities. But it gets worse. We in the United States have to grapple with the possibility of someone bursting into the sanctuary with the express purpose of causing carnage even as people of God gather to worship on a Sunday morning or a midweek Bible study. Moreover our world is regressing back to the times of racial tensions as well as tribal warfare. The rally in Charlottesville put our very own Commonwealth on the global stage in a not so flattering manner. The rhetoric coming out of the mouths of some was disheartening at best and horrifying at worst. In Asia, Myanmar is currently on the stage as the Rohingya people try to find a place to call home but find them-selves in a no man’s land. The political atmosphere in the United States has not been spared from ideological and party skirmishes. The political divide is only getting deeper and wider, catching the poor and vulnerable in the middle, with no place to turn for answers to some of their most profound questions. I have neither space nor time to itemize the entire negative goings on in the world. But I want to use the time I have available to help reflect on what the Church in general and Bethlehem in particular is called to do in times such as these.

Continued...

From the Pastor

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First, it is easy in times like this to be overwhelmed and retreat to the confines of one’s heart and shutting oneself from the troubles of the world. But we who are claimed by Christ and sent to be disciples in the world do not have the luxury of surrender. Instead, we are called to stand up and be counted even as we make ourselves known as an alternative to conflict and violence. One way to do this is by inten-tionally declaring ourselves as a Church to which people from all walks of life can come and find rest for their souls. Our soon to be released statement is intended to help us convey the word of welcome. Second, we are sometimes called to raise our opposition to some of the world’s ills by means of the media and other forms of communi-cation. But here is where I would highly urge prayer for wisdom and courage, as some issues might be unclear as to their effect on the people we care about. Third but by no means least, we have the one tool that no one can take away from us. It is the tool of prayer. When Nehemiah found out concerning the demoralizing condition of Jerusalem, he did two very important things. He prayed and fasted. Some of the issues facing the world today can be dealt with by means of military intervention. Others can be dealt with by means of political discourse. Still others can be dealt with by protests and demonstrations. But all issues can be presented to God for intervention by means of prayers. Let me encourage us to get into the habit of intercessory prayers not just for the needs of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, but also the whole world. This will put us on a great footing as we wind down 2017 and usher in 2018. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Elijah

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December is upon us and promises to be another busy month of planned activities and preparation for celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a good time to take a few moments to look back at some of the many things that happened this past year (with many thanks to Marie Bakke for creating a year end summary). Advent blessings to each of you. - Janet 2017 Program and Mission Highlights • January, 2017 Trained BLC Members began to take Communion to

homebound members • February, 2017 Chili Cook-off returned; Barry Uhlig awarded Perpetual

Chili-Master Cup • February 2017 Meet, Greet, & Eat sponsored by the BLC Vestry • March 2017 Hypothermia Shelter • March 2017 Draft MSP approved • April 2017 Constitution and Bylaws update approved • April 2017 Call Committee elected by congregation • April 2017 Easter Brunch • April 2017 BLC responds to hate-based graffiti and vandalism at the JCC

& Little River Church of Christ with a demonstration/signs on Little River Turnpike

• May 2017 We welcomed Esther Cho as our Music Director • May 2017 Month of Gratitude Mission Project supporting Second Story

with cleaning supplies (Molly Mop), Snack packs, Meals, and Yard work • May 2017 Mother Daughter Luncheon • May 2017 Ad hoc committee formed to reframe our mission focus;

development of Resiliency Through Faith initiative • June 2017 Confirmation of 3 students (Joseph Beal, Megan Boyd, Erin

McPhilomy) • June 2017 Church Picnic • June 2017 Hosted Primary Election Day • July 2017 Spirit Spark Kids Fun Day • August 2017 First Communion Class; 1 student

continued...

President’s Page

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Bethlehem Newsletter Dec. 2017

8922 Little River Turnpike Fairfax, VA 22031 Phone: 703.978.3131 Website: www.blclife.org Jan. Newsletter Deadline: Dec. 22nd Email articles to: bakkemarie@gmail.com

Contacts: Intentional Interim

Pastor Eugene Kern: pkalongtheway@gmail.com

Marie Bakke: bakkemarie@gmail.com

Esther Cho: eunbyeol2@juno.com

• August 2017 Back-to School Backpacks provided • August 2017 Chancel Choir resumed after hiatus • August 2017 A Time For Children, Sunday learning opportunity begins • August 2017 Online giving option added to BLC website • September 2017 God’s Work. Our Hands. Sunday – BLC joins the national

effort with a clean-up of Little River Turnpike • September 2017 Church Picnic • September 2017 Small Children’s Choir resumes, sings monthly at worship • September 2017 Updated BLC policies and continuing resolution approved

and posted • October 2017 Bethlehem selects Breeze Online Membership system and

begins transition • October 2017 Handchimes group resumes and plays at worship • October 2017 Reformation 500 Celebration and Potluck • October 2017 We celebrated 100th birthdays for Bernice Swanson & Bill Clarke • October 2017 First Communion Class, 5 students receive First Communion • October 2017 We said goodbye to Pastor Kern • November 2017 We welcomed Pastor Elijah • November 2017 We met Pastor Dan at the Special Worship service • November 2017 Hosted Elections • November 2017 NoVa Coat & Blanket Drive to support Syrian refugees • December 2017 CFLS Toy Collection • December 2017 Gifts of Hope Alternative Gift Program • December 2017 Chancel Choir presents a Christmas Cantata

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This Month...

December 10, 10:00 a.m.

Bethlehem’s Chancel Choir and Musicians present

One Small Child a Christmas Cantata

One Small Child brings together some of the most beloved contemporary worship songs with favorite carols for an unforgettable Christmas celebration!

Annual Congregational Meeting

and Special Congregational Meeting

December 3, 2017

11:00 a.m.

Documents pertaining to the meeting, including Year in Review, 2018 Proposed Budget, Slate of

Nominations, and a Bio from Pastor Dan are avail-able on the BLC Website: www.blclife.org/

about/2017-annual-congregational-meeting.html

ANNOUNCEMENT

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Advent Worship Service

December 24th, 10:00 a.m.

December 24th Christmas Eve Worship Services

Family Christmas Service, 4:00 p.m.

Candlelit Christmas Service

7:30 p.m.

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Conflicted over Christmas

I confess that I am somewhat conflicted over Christmas. Oh, not with the wonderful Christmas that God has provided, but with how we have received it, what we have done with it….. God showed his love for us in the Christmas event. We should be filled with joy and eager to share love with those around us. It is a time to gather with family and friends and to celebrate. It is a time to be so thankful that we are happy to serve and to give—ourselves, our resources. But we have sometimes mixed up loving with things. We worry that the gift piles be perceived as “about even.” We search for something—anything—for that person on our list who already seems to have everything, or who we don’t really know well enough to know what to buy. We get “frenzied” and frazzled as we rush to “get ready” for the dinner or the gift exchange that—poof—will suddenly be over. Then we return the stuff that didn’t fit, clean up the mess in the house, eventually pull down the Christmas decorations, and start thinking about what we are going to do next year. Hopefully for you and for me the more important and wonderful Christmas moments will be there and will be remembered. Children at church at Christmas. The special family gatherings. Christmas concerts. The happy purchase of toys for Community Family Life Services, so that CFLS can provide a “free store” where poor parents can obtain toys for their children. Purchasing “Gifts of Hope”--alternative gifts in the name of family or friends--so that worthy organizations can support needy persons. Parties at small group homes for persons with developmental disabilities. There are endless opportunities to share Christmas. Find some. Have a Merry and Meaningful Christmas! -DH

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Educational Opportunities for Adults

The Thursday Book Group meets in the BLC Parlor on the first Thursday of each month, September through June, from 12:00 – 2:00pm. New members, male and female, are always welcome and the discussion is great! Bring a brown bag lunch, if you like. Call Zoe Parker, Group Leader for more information. The book for December 7 is House Rules by Jodi Picoult, which explains the problem of autism, which affects many people differently. Several of the members had family members and friends with autistic children. The book is very true to what it is like living and caring for children and adults with autism. The story revolves around a serious accusation of a young, autistic adult and how family members and the legal profession deal with the problem. For January 4, the book is The Source by James Michener, which deals with the religions of monotheism and polytheism. The book is rich in the teaching of the traditions and cultures of the various religions that existed in that area from paganism through the development of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and how they interacted. Most of the emphasis is on Tell Makor and how the people, especially those of the Family of Ur, existed. Most of the problems in the early stages of history were based on religion and the book explains what happened in a society as different religions developed and came into existence For February 1, the book is TBD. On March 1, the book is The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore.

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Sunday Children’s Faith Ministry

Children are invited to the children’s ministry time after

the Gospel reading, and return for Communion.

We need adult leaders to take turns leading the

Time for Children—lesson plan provided.

If you can help, please sign up at the Welcome Center

or contact Marie Bakke in the church office

Education

Music and Bible story based on the lessons

of the day

Thank you, Kerris Mwitanti for bringing “This Little Light“

to light for us!

Craft or game to highlight the lesson

Learning about the Beatitudes

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Our Bethlehem Children sang on Reformation Sunday

with great enthusiasm, “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love…”

Then in November they led a Thanksgiving Canon

“For All Your Goodness, Lord, We Give You Thanks...”

The kids have been practicing on Sunday mornings with Val Sharp

9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

They plan to sing again for the 4pm Christmas Eve service.

All are Welcome!

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Christmas Poinsettias BLC’s flower ministry involves the whole congregation and our visitors as an integral part of our worship. The flyer to sponsor Christmas Poinsettias is now available at the Welcome Center, and also in this newsletter. This is a special opportunity for you to purchase and dedicate flowers for our worship service. The poinsettias decorate our Sanctuary for our Christmas Eve services, and then are available for you to take home following the last Christmas Eve service. You will be able to enjoy them Christmas day and, with a little water, for several weeks thereafter. Of course, you may pick them up at a later time or leave them for “adoption”. Donated plants will be distributed at the Pastor’s direction. Dedications are optional, and appear in the back of the Christmas bulletins. Last day to submit dedications is December 10th.

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BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH CHRISTMAS 2017 POINSETTIA ORDER FORM

The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Sanctuary will be decorated with poinsettias for the Christmas services. This is your opportunity to purchase a poinsettia(s) to beautify our BLC Sanctuary. Quality plants are delivered to BLC from MidAtlantic Wholesale Florist for the Christmas Eve services. If you would like to designate that the plant is in memory or honor of someone, this will be included in the Christmas Eve bulletins. You may take your plant home any-time after the 7:30pm Worship Service on December 24th. Donated plants will be distributed at the Pastor’s direction. Your Name Phone ______________________

Memory of:

Honor of:

Special Message:

Flowers have been pre-ordered. Order early – we may not be able to increase the order.

Please submit all orders by December 10th. Completed order form, with payment included, may be mailed to the BLC office or placed in the offering plate. Please make check payable to BLC, with notation “Poinsettia.”

Poinsettia Order

Number Total

RED, 6.5-in. Pot, 5 Blooms @ $10.00 each x = $ _______

RED, 7.5-in. Pot, 8+ Blooms@ $15.00 each x = $ _______

I don’t want to order poinsettias, but would like to contribute $ to be used for BLC Christmas decorations.

For Teller Use: Paid by Check No. or Paid by Cash

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Council Notes BLC CHURCH COUCIL MEETING, NOVEMBER 6, 2017 CALL COMMITTEE REPORT: Kristin Haynes reported on behalf of the call committee. The candi-date recommended by the Call Committee will visit with the council on November 8th, and the congregation will have an opportunity to meet him at a special worship service on November 9th. FACILITIES REPORT: Anning Smith requested reconfirmation of facility revision plans pre-viously approved and authorized by the Council: • Furniture in the narthex will be replaced with furniture that is

more functional and cleanable, and placed to be inviting • Parlor will be repurposed to serve young children during service;

the nursery worker will be moved upstairs; If possible, the room will be designed to all other uses.

• No permanent changes will be made to the facility at this time • One lower level room (tentatively 116) will be made into a com-

fortable casual meeting room utilizing some of the old furniture from the narthex.

• One lower level room will function as a meeting space with tables and chairs.

• The youth room (117) may also take some of the old narthex furniture

• Room 121 will be allocated as office & storage space for Chodae and VBGCC; the storage closet currently used by those two congregations will be reclaimed

• $5,000 from the maintenance fund has been authorized for this project

The council agreed to all of the above plans as previously authorized.

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FINANCE REPORT: The initial Draft Budget for 2018 was presented. Giving estimates are based on the two most recent months, rental income remains about the same, as does discretionary spending. MOTION: Council authorizes Dave Cross, Donna Hartmann, Janet Samuelson, Kristin Haynes, and Pastor Elijah to finalize the proposed 2018 Budget to be presented Dec. 3. The Council agreed that Kristin Haynes, Dave Cross, and Janet Samuelson should proceed forward with the discussion of compen-sation, within the synod guidelines, with the pastoral candidate. RECONCILING IN CHRIST: MOTION: Council agreed to present the revised Affirmation of Diversity and Inclusion, as presented by Janet Samuelson, to the congregation for approval at the December 3, 2017 Annual Meeting. ADDENDUM TO MINUTES, MOTION APPROVED VIA EMAIL: MOTION: council reviewed the proposal and estimate from our roofing company to repair the skylight over the stairway to the basement and approves that we move forward with the repair. BLC CHURCH COUCIL MEETING, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 MOTION: Council accepts the recommendation of the Call Committee, and recommends his call to the congregation at the December 3, 2017 Special Congregational Meeting. On behalf of the Council, Janet Samuelson congratulates and thanks the members of the Call Committee.

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W H I N " Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord! How good you are! Your love for us continues on forever." Psalm 106:1 "A Thanksgiving Thank You" For Pastor Elijah, Kerris and Ashley, who have come to be with us until a permanent pastor comes to lead us: WE GIVE THANKS For Pastern Kern and Jackie, who helped us through our transition: WE GIVE THANKS For those who work to handle administrative tasks: WE GIVE THANKS For those who provide us leadership and governance: WE GIVE THANKS For our Call Committee, who have worked to bring us a new pastor to lead us: WE GIVE THANKS For our musical leader and musicians who give of their talents to bring us the Word through music: WE GIVE THANKS For the flower arrangers who give of their talents to beautify our Sanctuary: WE GIVE THANKS For those who plan and help Fellowship festivities: WE GIVE THANKS

Continued...

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For those who give of their talents to work with the youth, children, and those seeking more Christian insights: WE GIVE THANKS For those who help ones in need and underserved: Hypothermia, Facets, Fish, Lamb Center, Second Story, Habitat for Humanity: WE GIVE THANKS For those who work to keep our grounds beautiful, facilities in repair, and prepare the church for all services: WE GIVE THANKS For those who participate in bringing the Word of God to others: WE GIVE THANKS For all the members, friends, and visitors of our congregation: WE GIVE THANKS For those who serve to promote justice and peace at home and around the world: WE GIVE THANKS For those who serve our country to keep us free and safe: WE GIVE THANKS For GOD who gave us His Son that we might know of His Love, His Word, and His Salvation: WE GIVE THANKS "Say 'thank you' to the Lord for being so good, for always being so loving and kind"...Psalm 107:1 - vcs

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Gifts of Hope, BLC, and You From the Gifts of Hope website--http://www.giftsofhopedc.org Gifts of Hope is a ministry sponsored by the Metropolitan Washing-ton DC Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). We are a family of volunteers, congregations, donors, the Synod, and our 18 beneficiary organizations. In our 25 years we have raised and disbursed over $3,370,000 to our many and varied beneficiary organizations. These funds have helped the homeless, the hungry, the job-seeker, the young, the elderly, immigrants, refugees, seminary and college students, and those seeking to improve their lives. We also support the work of our companion synods in Namibia, Slovakia, and El Salvador. Gifts of Hope touches the lives of thousands of people–locally and globally. Gifts of Hope is an alternative gift-giving program that serves as an intermediary between donors and organizations serving individuals and families in need locally and internationally. Gifts are available year-round, however, the program’s primary focus is during the holidays, including the liturgical season of Advent. Know someone who “has everything” or who is otherwise hard to buy for? Send a Gift of Hope. Want to support a social ministry or other Lutheran related organization? One way to do that is to choose to “purchase” a gift of hope to be channeled through that organization. Want to support people with particular kinds of needs? Choose an appropriate gift of hope. Watch for BLC Gifts of Hope representatives in the Narthex They are ready to help you help others.

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Community Assistance CFLS Toy Drive

Holiday Toys! Once again, BLC will collect new and unwrapped toys for Community Family Life Services (CFLS). Look for a big decorated toy box in the Narthex. Buying toys is fun! Put the unwrapped new toys in the box, please.

CFLS operates a “free store” where parents from needy families can come and pick out free toys for their children. Toys are needed for children of all ages, and whatever YOU can provide will be appreciated. Getting toys for teenagers is the most challenging. On Friday 15 December CFLS will collect all the toys that BLC has gathered.

CFLS is a Lutheran ministry, operating in down town Washington. Take a look at their website: www.cflsdc.org Thank You!

Last day to bring in toys: December 14

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On break until the spring… See you on the course, - Jay

Golf Update

No meeting in December. The Circle provides an opportunity for better understanding of the Bible and fellowship. Barbara Chadbourne is the group leader and members lead the discussions. All women are welcome!

Next Meeting: January 23rd

10:00 a.m. in the Narthex

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Dining Out Group Saturday, December 2nd, 7:00 p.m.

Giardino Italian Restaurant

8944 Burke Lake Road, Springfield, VA

Everyone Welcome Please sign-up at the Welcome Center

or contact Helen Crum

Samaritans

Milano's Restaurant 6230-G Rolling Road, Springfield

12:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 14th

The Samaritan gatherings are the 2nd Thursday of each month, and we normally have about 15 congenial people in

attendance. Come join us for a good meal and fellowship.

For more info, please contact Phil Case

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Bethlehem Family with Special Days in December

Birthdays December 6: Jennifer Becker December 7: Helga Bakke December 10: Peggy Coester December 10: Michele Meyers December 11: Harry Chadbourne, Sr. December 11: KJ Crum December 11: Nathalie Trump December 16: Ron Gird December 18: Brennan Hutchinson December 24: Jim Myers December 30: Kelly Kalb

Anniversaries December 19: Sam & Melanie Smith (33rd) December 31: Mike & Helen Crum (42nd)

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The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council 2017 Council Position Name President Janet Samuelson Vice President Kevin Metzger Council Dave Hartmann Council Kristin Haynes Council Anning Smith Council Melanie Smith Interim Pastor Pastor Elijah Mwitanti

BLC Ministry Team Leaders Discipleship Team Leader Laura Smith Evangelism Team Leader Kristin Haynes Fellowship Team Leader Mike Crum Resources Team Leader Vacant

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Sunday Schedule:

Learning Hour, 9:00 a.m. Worship Service, 10:00 a.m.

Christmas Eve Worship: Advent Worship Service, 10:00 a.m. Family Christmas Service, 4:00 p.m. Candlelit Christmas Services, 7:30 p.m.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church www.blclife.org Email: bethlehemlutheran@blclife.org Phone: (703) 978-3131

The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Newsletter It is available on our website: www.blclife.org