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Cherry Hills Village, Colorado - 303-758-2820 - Fax 303-758-1980 - www.bethany-denver.org - Volume 24, Issue 2, February 2010
Bethany Lutheran Church
Bethany Lutheran Church4500 E. Hampden Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
SouperSunday,TransformingHearts,Lasagna,Journey tothe Cross & Lutheran Malaria Initiative
“Holy God, mighty and immor-
tal, you are beyond our knowing,
yet we see your glory in the face
of Jesus Christ. Transform us into
the likeness of your Son,
who renewed our humanity so that
we may share in his divinity, Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen” (ELW Prayer for
Transfiguration).
Imagine if you will this column
to be a “mapquest” of sorts for our
Sundays during February. There
are four Sundays (7, 14, 21, 28)
during the month. Along the way
we will have a “souper” time with
Souper Bowl Sunday. We will
climb the mountain of
Transfiguration on Valentine’s Day
while reflecting about God’s love
and passion for us. On the First
Sunday in Lent we have the
opportunity to support the youth at
their Lasagna dinner. On the last
Sunday of the month we will fea-
ture “Journey to the Cross” (for-
merly known as the Easter Walk).
This is an interactive educational
and spiritual event for people of
all ages. In worship, Pastor Andrea
DeGroot-Nesdahl, Coordinator for
the Lutheran Malaria Initiative,
will be our guest preacher. The
youth of this synod have taken the
lead nationwide in responding to
the call to raise funds and aware-
ness regarding malaria efforts by
the Lutheran Church.
The common thread in all of
these activities is a line from the
prayer, “Transform us into the
likeness of your Son, who
renewed our humanity so that we
may share in His divinity.”
Blessings to you, to us, to our
community as we participate in
this holy transformation.
In Christ,
Pastor Ron
The BeaconThe BeaconPeriodical
Souper Bowl of
CaringSunday, February 7 at the
end of the 8:00, 9:00 and
10:30 service. The Souper Bowl of Caring is
a national event to fight hunger
and poverty. 100% of all money
raised goes directly to ELCA
World
Hunger
Appeal
and
Metro
Care
Ring, a food bank in Denver
which has experienced a 30%
increase in requests for food and a
20% drop in donations. This is a
great opportunity to get your kids,
including the little ones, involved.
We need youth to hold soup pots
at the sanctuary exits at the end of
each of the three services. The
members of the congregation can
"vote" for their team by dropping
money into the pots as they leave
the sanctuary. Contact Jessica
March at
The Lover’s
Delight Lasagna
Dinner Sunday, February 21 in
Fellowship Hall Doors open at
5:00, dinner at 5:45.
The Lover’s Delight Lasagna
Dinner is the first fundraiser for
mission trips to Washington and
Sky Ranch this year. This night
will include a delicious dinner
served by the youth, as well as a
talent show. Tickets will be $10
for adults and $5 for children over
the age of 2. Tickets will be sold
in the narthex January 31,
February 7, 14, and 21. It will take
place in the Fellowship Hall and
the doors will open at 5:00 p.m.
and serving will begin around
5:45. Bring your family, enjoy the
entertainment, and support the
youth!
Holy Hammers and Bethany Lutheran are partnering with Habitat
for Humanity of Metro Denver and Thrivent Financial to sponsor and
build five homes at 4350 E. Bails Place in Denver, 80222. These five
homes will be part of a historic 24-unit Habitat for Humanity communi-
ty to be built in the Virginia
Village neighborhood (near
I-25 and Colorado
Boulevard). Holy Hammers
congregations, including
Bethany Lutheran, will pro-
vide 10% of the cost of the
five homes. Thrivent
Financial and Habitat for
Humanity of Metro Denver
will provide the remaining
90% of the cost of the homes. Construction began on January 8th and it
will complete in May, 2010. The homes will be dedicated in
September/October, 2010. The five sponsor families who are partnering
with Holy Hammers to build these five homes are the Akfakahi - El
Mansouri family (from the Sudan originally), the Bendjebbar -
Ghouilem Family (from Algeria originally), the Hussein - Shash family
(from Ethiopia originally), the Woldermariam - Amaha family (from
Ethiopia originally), and the Fakhraoui – Khadija family. Fourteen chil-
Jesus said to
them, “I am thebread of life.Whoever comesto me willnever be hungry,and whoeverbelieves in me will never bethirsty.” John 6:35 These are
words to chew on and digest and
hunger for, all the days of our
lives. But during Lent this year,
we hope you will reflect on how
Jesus is our Bread for the
Journey. Check out all the amaz-
ing ways you can experience
Jesus as bread beginning Feb 17!
ASH WEDNESDAY
WORSHIP Wednesday, Feb.
17, Noon, 7:00 p.m. -
Imposition of Ashes. These
Lenten Theme 2010 – Bread forthe Journey!
reflective worship services mark-
ing the beginning of Lent feature
Holy Communion and the impo-
sition of ashes.
MID-DAY SERVICES
Wednesdays In Lent – Noon,
The beginning of Lent marks the
beginning of daily noon worship
opportunities. Join fellow wor-
shippers for these reflective serv-
ices. Soup and bread to follow.
EVENING PRAYER
SERVICES Wednesdays in
Lent – 6:30 p.m. Each
Wednesday in Lent, join us for
Taize worship.
Turn to page 3 to the FaithFormation Corner for a description of the many ways toget involved this Lenten season.
Bethany Lutheran and Holy
Hammers Sponsor Five Habitat
for Humanity Homes in Denver
in 2010
continued on page 4......
The Beacon2February 2010
Monthly Meetings For Kids’ Light Parents
Sunday, February 7, 9:00 AM, Room 314
Facilitator: Michelle Okes
What is Light Bearers all about?
• Enjoy fellowship with other parents
• Dig into the same Bible stories that your kids will be learning ~
This month’s topic: Moses and the Burning Bush
• Learn to lead faith talks at home with your child
• Get ideas for family activities to apply the learning to life
• Pray for families in our
faith community
• Learn to create and mark
faith milestones.
Journey to the Cross (formerly known as Easter Walk)
February 28, 2010, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Journey to the Cross is a dramatic telling of the
Passion Week story, in which participants move
through six stations to hear parts of the story.
Through scenery, props, lighting, music, and
costumes, Journey to the Cross creates a sense
of being in a different time and place that allows
the Passion story to come alive. Each storyteller
presents a brief, firsthand account of a person who
encountered Jesus, demonstrating what that person may have been
thinking and feeling as a witness of his life, death, and resurrection.
A new group begins the story walk approximately every 5 – 10 minutes.
Adults are welcome to join any group of children or youth.
Entry into Jerusalem: Room 300
Last Supper: Room 404
Garden of Gethsemane: Room 401
Trial before Pilate: Room 403
Crucifixion: Room 400
Empty Tomb: Room 405
First Communion families and Sunday School classes (Godly Play, Kids
Light, Middle School) will be scheduled for Journey to the Cross and
additional craft activities.
“Do this for the remembrance ofme...”
FIRST
COMMUNIONA Faith Milestone
for students in 3rd grade and older
two part instruction
Sunday, February 28, 2010
2:00 – 5:30 p.m. &
Sunday, March 7, 2010
9:00 – 11:00
Participation in the Lord’s
Supper is an important Faith
Milestone. Instruction in the
sacrament ensures that young
people have a basic understand-
ing and appreciation of the gifts
God gives through Holy
Communion. First Communion
instruction is a family event.
Parents are expected to attend
the instruction with their child
for an opportunity to share this
significant faith experience.
Registration deadline is
February 21. Pick up your reg-
istration brochure at the hospi-
tality desk. For more informa-
tion, contact Joni Grundman
303-300-3304 or joni@bethany-
denver.org
Puppets tell the storyof Paul on the road toDamascus. Children make original drawings of the
light that startled Paul on theDamascus Road.
Taize Worshipon WednesdayEvenings inLent
This year during the five
weeks of Lent, we will be wor-
shiping in the prayer style of
Taize. As we discovered last year,
it is an excellent worship to assist
us in slowing down our busy lives
to “wait upon the Lord”.
Taize is actually the name of a
small village in eastern France. It
is an international, ecumenical
community where young adults
from all over the world have gath-
ered to be in intentional Christian
community since the early 1940’s.
Together they practice common
prayer three times a day which
include meditative and sung
prayer, silence and Scripture read-
ings.
Within our Lenten theme of
“Bread for the Journey” we will
hear texts about Jesus as “the
bread of life.” We will partake of
His holy meal - the bread of His
body and our Body.
We will lift our voicesin quiet, prayerful
praise and meet ourLord in silence.Come join us!
Pastor Ruth Ann
Heart Health -Are YouMaking YourHeart Readyfor Easter?
Bethany’s Lenten Retreat at
St. Malo Retreat Center (near
Estes Park) will start with sup-
per on Thursday, February 25th,
and conclude with lunch on
Saturday, February 27th.
Even though the Retreat
takes place during Lent, it is
NOT a time of somber faces,
sad hearts, and anxious
thoughts; rather it is a time of
preparation, pondering, and
peace. Our theme this year,
THE GOOD BOOK – Hard
Texts and Changing Times, will
give us the opportunity to
encounter our Lord in His Word
and make our hearts ready for
remembering His dying and cel-
ebrating His rising.
Join us; you can register at
the Hospitality Desk on Sunday
mornings. Your heart will be
glad you did.
Labyrinth Wednesdays in Lent offers you
a chance to walk a labyrinth.
The Christian labyrinth became
popular during the Middle Ages
as a means to go on a ‘pilgrim-
age.’ Contemplative, intention-
al, steady steps take one to the
center so to pause before the
Lord.
This is holy ground!
Business
Leaders
Forum
Please join us on Friday,
Feb 5 at 7:30 a.m. in the
Great Hall for our next
Business Leaders Forum.
It's a great way to make
connections with others at
Bethany. Please RSVP to
or 303-639-4348.
Family Ministry Family Faith Night, Saturday, February 6 from 4-7 p.m. Family Faith Night is a spirit
filled evening for the whole family. Fellowship, Worship and fun are the key components.
It is an evening for families of all ages, sizes and shapes. Families will help prepare for the
Souper Bowl of Caring event on February 7. We will bake muffins and rolls, and help make
soup. Dinner is provided for the whole family and our evening concludes with a worship
service designed with youth and kids in mind. Child care is provided for our youngest members. Registration is
required for this event. The cost is $15 per family. Registration forms are at the hospitality desk or by emailing
Joni Grundman at [email protected] or call 303-300-3304.
Souper Bowl of Caring, Sunday, February 7 at the end of 8:00, 9:00 and 10:30 service. The Souper Bowl
of Caring is a national event to fight hunger and poverty. 100% of all money raised goes directly to ELCA
World Hunger Appeal and Metro Care Ring, a food bank in Denver which has experienced a 30% increase in
requests for food and a 20% drop in donations. This is a great opportunity to get your kids, including the little
ones, involved. We need youth to hold soup pots at the sanctuary exits at the end of each of the 3 services. The
members of the congregation can "vote" for their team by dropping money into the pots as they leave the sanc-
tuary. Contact Jessica March at [email protected] and let her which service works for you and how
many kids will be participating.
The Lover’s Delight Lasagna Dinner
Sunday, February 21 in Fellowship Hall. Doors open at 5:00, dinner at 5:45. The Lover’s Delight Lasagna
Dinner is the first fundraiser for mission trips to Washington and Sky Ranch this year. This night will include a
delicious dinner served by the youth, as well as a talent show. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for children
over the age of 2. Tickets will be sold in the narthex January 31, February 7, 14, and 21. Bring your family,
enjoy the entertainment, and support the youth!
Expectant Parents Prayer Group
We want to begin praying now for the safe arrival of your child.
•If you are expecting a child to your family, let the office know so we can begin praying for you and your child.
•We need people to join us in praying for our expectant parents. If this is a ministry you feel called to, please e-
mail [email protected] or call Joni at 303-300-3304.
Announcement of Births and Adoptions
Once your baby has arrived, please call the church office. We want to celebrate their arrival by placing a red
rose on the altar and including them in the prayers.
A Gift for you and your New Child
Bethany also has a gift for your and your newborn. A 3-year subscription to Splash!
Splash! is a faith formation resource for families with young children from
Augsburg Fortress. It includes Splash! Packs, Splash! Music, and Wonderfully
Made! A Keepsake Book of Faith Moments.
The BeaconFebruary 2010 3
Faith Formation Corner - Lenten Theme 2010 -
Bread for the Journey!Lenten Theme 2010 – Bread forthe Journey!
Jesus said, “I am the bread of
life. Whoever comes to me will
never be hungry, and whoever
believes in me will never
be thirsty.” John 6:35
These are words to
chew on and digest
and hunger for, all
the days of our lives.
But during Lent this
year, we hope you will
reflect on how Jesus is our Bread
for the Journey. Check out all the
amazing ways you can experience
Jesus as bread beginning Feb 17,
with Ash Wednesday!
Lenten Retreat, February 25-
27: Join us at St. Malo’s Retreat
Center as we study several texts:
Christ in Culture, Richard
Niebuhr, The Good Book, Peter
Gomes and Have a Little Faith,
Mitch Albom. These will help us
understand the lenses through
which we read scripture and
encounter the world.
Wednesday Midweek Worship:
At noon we’ll have worship with
a brief sermon. Wednesday
nights find us in the sanctuary,
6:30 – 7:15 pm, for Taize. This
time will be reflective and
quiet with songs to center
our minds on Jesus, ‘the
bread of life.’
Labyrinth: Wednesdays inLent offers you a chance to
walk a labyrinth. The Christianlabyrinth became popular duringthe Middle Ages as a means to goon a ‘pilgrimage.’ Contemplative,intentional, steady steps take oneto the center so to pause beforethe Lord. This is holy ground!
h2o Devos: Each day stop to
reflect on Bread for the Journey
with Pastor Ron’s daily devotion-
als. Check them out at
www.h2odevos.blogspot.com .
With the songs of Peter Mayer
and creativity of Pr Ron, you
won’t be disappointed.
What kind of bread are you?
Father Dominic, in Bake and beBlessed, says that each one of us
are a ‘bread type.’ Look for recipe
cards and a devotional booklet to
help you determine if you are rye
or banana nut! Then go, and be
bread for the world!
Confirmation students and men-
tors: will mutually benefit from
conversations during the weeks of
Lent. Thanks to AAA adults for
walking the walk and talking the
talk with our youth. If your con-
versation finishes early, head to
the kitchen for
some pretzel bak-
ing with Pastor
Ron!
Stretch and Pray: Offered each
Wednesday night after worship with
Michelle Stone Kraus leading us in
that vital connection of body and
spirit! It’s easy and fun. Try it out!
Mark your
calendars for
MOST!Something new will be hap-
pening in February -- MOST
…Midweek Opportunities to
Study Together. Beginning
Wednesday February 24, 2010 and
continuing through March 31,
2010 there will be a 5 week Bible
Study based upon this year’s
Lenten theme: The Good Book-
Hard Texts and Changing Times.
These sessions will be 60-75 min-
utes long and will begin 10 min-
utes after worship ends. Come for
some or all of them.
On Wednesday evenings after
Lent, (April 14 - May 19) there
will be a spring Bible study on the
book of Romans, and in the fall
there will be a lively study of the
book, Everything Must Change by
Brian McLaren. This will be fol-
lowed by a Bible study on the
book of Luke. Stay tuned for
more details as we get closer to
the starting dates.
Save the Date!
Stacie Schubert will beleading
Facing the MourningSundays, March 7, 14, 21& 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the
Pastor's conferenceroom. Service Project
for SeniorHigh and
Middle SchoolWorld Vision
Saturday, February 6
9:00am - 12:00pm
The youth will be going to
World Vision to sort corporate
donations that are then repack-
aged and sent around the
world. World Vision provides
hope and assistance to approxi-
mately 100 million people in
nearly 100 countries. In com-
munities around the world,
World Vision joins with local
people to find lasting ways to
improve the lives of poor chil-
dren and families. We are lim-
ited to 50 youth. This does
count as service hours for con-
firmation. If you are interested
in attending, please contact
Joni Grundman at 303-300-
3304 or joni@bethany-den-
ver.org
The BeaconFebruary 2010
42009 Finance and Spiritual
Gifts Update
Accomplishments:
Received $410,000 toward our year-end goal of $560,000.
Received total contributions to the General Fund of $1,934,000.
Received $355,000 toward the Founders Campaign for Debt
Reduction that will help us reduce our long-term debt from
$2,700,000 at the beginning of 2009 to nearly $2,100,000 in
January, 2010.
Implemented the Founders Campaign Savings program which
includes $120,000 from 2009.
Received gifts from two generous bequests that total nearly
$350,000.
Reduced General Fund operating expenses by 10% from 2008
levels (or nearly $150,000 per year).
Several hundred members, including children, have completed
their Spiritual Gifts inventory and are offering their gifts through
many different ministries here at Bethany.
We rejoice in the gifts that God has provided to Bethany and each ofus individually, acknowledging that it all belongs to God, now and forever.
Challenges:
The General Fund incurred a deficit of $76,000 in 2009 due to:
Total expenses for 2009, including operating expenses, debt
service, Founders Campaign savings and benevolence
commitments, totaled $2,010,000.
Decline in contributions to the General Fund compared to
previous years.
Action Steps:
Leadership will begin budget development for 2010/11 starting
this month.
Stewardship Ministry Team will increase faith formation efforts
to specifically address the intersection of money, giving and the
ministry of all of us as the church.
Take the Spiritual Gifts inventory to connect you with your
individual gifts and passions for ministry at Bethany and
beyond.
Decide today how you can contribute financially to Bethany’s
ministries. No matter the amount, every person’s participation is
important.
We lift our challenges to God and ask for wisdom as we steward thegifts and finances for the work of the Lord at Bethany.
dren across these five families will have a new home.
Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to provide decent, affordable
housing to low-income families. Habitat homes are affordable because
they’re sold with zero-interest mortgages, and monthly payments are
based on 25% of the homeowner’s income. Although affordable housing
is a key component in gaining financial stability, expenses like trans-
portation, health care and utilities are other major factors in a family's
budget. In Metro Denver, transportation is the second largest expense
for families after housing. In fact, the average Denver family spends
59% of their income on transportation and housing costs, leaving little
left over for basic necessities. In addition to high fuel costs, many low-
income workers are forced to travel long distances to work due to the
lack of affordable housing options near employment centers. As Habitat
for Humanity of Metro Denver’s first Transit Oriented Development, the
Bails Town-Home Community will allow 24 families the chance to
grow and thrive with affordable housing and transportation options. This
neighborhood is located within ½ mile of the Southeast corridor light
rail and close access to regional bus lines. With demand for housing
within a half mile of light rail stations projected to increase over 300%
between now and 2030, this affordable housing project will provide sus-
tainable solutions for Habitat families well into the future.
Holy Hammers is an interfaith coalition of congregations with the
mission of working together on projects for the community in partner-
ship with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. We believe in Faith in
Action and the Theology of the Hammer, bringing together a wide
diversity of people to build houses and establish viable and dynamic
communities. We find a common ground in using a hammer as an
instrument to manifest God’s love. We meet monthly at one of our
member congregations.
Bethany Lutheran and the other Holy Hammers congregations will
again provide on-site volunteers for the construction of this Habitat for
Humanity home. Construction days again will occur on Fridays and
Saturdays each week from about 8:45 AM until 4:30 PM. We will need
to provide 20+ volunteers on each construction day. If you are interested
in volunteering for this project in any way or if you have questions,
please call Kevin Dempsey at (303) 699-1629 or contact him via e-mail
at [email protected]. You can also look for the Volunteer sign-up
table in the Narthex between services each Sunday or go to the Bethany
web-site www.bethany-denver.org and look for the Habitat for
Humanity project for volunteer sign-up opportunities as well.
Habitat for Humanity....continued from page 1
Join Other Bethany Families For
a Fun-Filled Faith Night!
Family Faith Night is a spirit filled evening for the whole family.
Fellowship, worship and fun are the key components. It is an
evening for families of all ages, sizes and shapes.
Families will help prepare for the Souper Bowl of Caring event
on February 7. We will bake muffins and rolls, as well as help make
soup.
Dinner will be provided for the whole family, and our evening
will conclude with a worship service designed with youth and kids
in mind. Child care is provided for our youngest members.
Registration is required for this event. Cost is $15 per family.
Registration forms are available at the hospitality desk or by e-mail-
ing Joni Grundman at [email protected]. For more informa-
tion, call her at 303-300-3304.
Family Faith NightA Souper Bowl of Caring
February 6, 4 -7 p.m.
Lenten Mentors Needed for ConfirmationStudents:We are looking for AAA adults who are willing to be mentors to con-
firmation students during Lent. The commitment is to meet with a
student, one on one, for a 5 week period on Wednesday evenings start-
ing in Feburary and ending March 24. If you are interested in this
faith forming experience, please contact Joni Grundman,
[email protected] or 303-300-3304.
Bethany families went
bowling on February 7.
The BeaconFebruary 2010 5
2010 Faith Advocacy Day
BECC Specials Are Very Special
In addition to our regular curriculum and daily music program,
“Specials” are available at BECC Monday through Friday. These are
extra-curricular classes for any BECC student. Parents may sign up for
a class of their choice and pay the instructors for their services. We see
the activities as an on-site benefit for our busy families. Some families
even bring their children to “Specials” on days they are not enrolled in
our regular program.
On Monday and
Tuesday we offer
“Jump Bunch” with
Staci Lifshen. This
class is a fun, struc-
tured program that
introduces children
to a wide range of
sports, helps build
coordination, self-
esteem, and a life-
long love of sports
and fitness. The cost for this very popular activity is $35.00 per month.
On Wednesday we offer “Soccer
Shots”. Tammi Haddad introduces
the children to the excitement of
soccer. Her mission is to provide
children with creative, simple play
activities which enable them to
exercise and have fun with soccer.
The soccer shots curriculum places
a high emphasis on both character
development and soccer skill devel-
opment and has been proven successful with thousands of children
throughout the United States. The cost is $40.00 for four weeks.
On Thursday we
offer “Spanish classes”
with our own Pre-K
(Lions) teacher, Zuly
Halter. Zuly introduces
conversational Spanish
and develops vocabu-
lary with games and
songs. She is from
Argentina and has been
teaching Spanish to
young children for many years. She charges $30 per month.
On Friday we offer Youth Life
Skills classes taught by Sensei Josh
from U.S. Martial Arts. The program
promotes and improves: self-disci-
pline, self esteem, attention and
focus, respect, safety awareness,
physical fitness and lots of fun. The
cost of the class is $40.00 a month.
Our “Specials” are offered before
lunch and timed so that the children
do not miss music, outside time or
academics. Many of our
parents say they are grate-
ful for the opportunity to
have their children partic-
ipate in one or more
“Specials” at the center.
BECC “Specials” elimi-
nate the need for parents
to spend weekends or
evenings taking their chil-
dren to other locations for
classes and allow more time for meaningful, bonding time at home.
Thanks again for your support in our Fundraising efforts. Our
BECC Board members sell gift cards for King Soopers, Safeway,
Sunflower Market and Tony’s Meats on the first and third Sundays of
the month in the Bethany narthex. We also sell MetroEcoGuides which
offer local coupons and suggestions for going “Green”.
The Bethany Early Childhood Center islooking for a Music teacher for our pre-school program. She/he must be nurtur-ing, energetic and love music and young
children. It is a part-time morning position(5 mornings for 2 and 1/2 hours). If inter-
ested call Mary Lloyd at 303-758-0266.We would love to welcome you to our
BECC family.
Bethany welcomes guest preacher AndreaDeGroot-Nesdahl, ELCA Coordinator for the
Lutheran Malaria Initiative on Sunday, February 28
The Lutheran Malaria Initiative, currently in the planning phase,
is an unprecedented collaborative
effort among the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, The
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
and Lutheran World Relief to
mobilize the nearly 8 million
Lutherans in the United States to
join the battle against malaria -- a
preventable and treatable disease
that kills more than one million
people a year.
An expression of our faith and
of God's love for all, the Lutheran
Malaria Initiative (LMI) will edu-
cate U.S. Lutherans about malaria, advocate for global health initia-
tives, and raise funds to help combat malaria. By combining proven
field strategies, experience, expertise, and resources, LMI brings
together a worldwide network of Lutheran congregations, partner
churches, missionaries, and service providers in the fight against
malaria.
For generations, Lutherans have been a powerful force for
change, and LMI continues that faithful tradition. The three LMI
partners are excited about this campaign and look forward to a
national launch in the coming months.
The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is made possible through a part-
nership with the United Nations Foundation.
For more information on the Lutheran Malaria Initiative visitwww.elca.org
Dragonflies curb the mosquitopopulation and serve as a sym-bol for malaria-containmentefforts
The Lutheran Malaria Initiative
The BeaconFebruary 20106
Dear Beth Anne,
My husband and I did not
pledge this year because we are
worried about losing our jobs,
worried about the rising cost of
living, just worried period. Surely
God and the church understand
why we cannot pledge at this time.
We may not be able to give either.
Worried in Wheat Ridge.
Dear Worried,
In addition to the prophets of
old, there are more modern
“prophets” whose message is also
sound spiritual advice. Let’s look
at one such prophet, Franklin
Delano Roosevelt. In his first
inaugural address to a country
deep into the throws of the Great
Depression he said the following:
“…This is preeminently the time
to speak the truth, the whole truth,
frankly and boldly….So first of
all, let me assert my belief that
“Dear Beth Anne”THE ONLY THING WE HAVE
TO FEAR IS FEAR ITSELF…In
such a spirit on my part and on
yours we face our common diffi-
culties. They concern, thank God,
only material things….Compared
to the perils our forefathers con-
quered because they BELIEVED
AND WERE NOT AFRAID, we
have still much to be thankful for.
Nature still offers her bounty and
human efforts have multiplied
it….Happiness lies not in mere
possession of money…These dark
days will be worth the cost if they
teach us that our true destiny is
not to be ministered unto but to
minister to ourselves and our fel-
low man….There are many ways
in which it can be helped, but it
can never be helped merely by
talking about it. We must act and
act quickly….In this declaration
of a nation we humbly ask the
blessing of God.”
There are countless scripture
reference to our need to trust that
God loves us and will care for us.
Letter from Kirsten Nelson
Roenfeldt
Dear Bethany,
I am excited to share with you what Steve and I have experienced since
we left you last June. Things have been really picking up as of late.
During a few months of “sabbatical” this summer and fall, we enjoyed
the opportunity to train for and then ride a Century: a 100-mile road bike
ride. We spent a weekend in Moab, UT riding in the Skinny Tire Festival
and had a blast. I was particularly proud of my personal fitness accom-
plishment! It was a difficult ride, 3000 feet of elevation gain in 7 miles
right at the start!
I have been blessed by my internship placement at Evergreen Lutheran
with Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward. I started there on November 1st and
have been excited to learn about the congregation and how they do things
here. Each congregation has its own unique personality and characteristics,
and it is so very valuable that I get to experience diverse places and how
they live out their baptismal callings.
I want to thank you again for your support of me as a student in your
midst, learning what it means to be a leader and servant of a congregation.
You have blessed me with invaluable experience. Thank you also for your
financial commitment to my seminary trainin;, that support has made an
enormous difference for us on this journey.
Steve and I are also excited to tell you that we are about to embark on a
whole new adventure: parenthood! Our baby is due July 28, 2010, and we
look forward to sharing him or her with you at some point during the fol-
lowing year of full-time motherhood. Pray for us! For all of our current
adventures: internship, pregnancy and Steve’s constant adventure of teach-
ing 8th graders science.
We love you and miss you. You are a blessing to us and to the world.
Shalom,
Kirsten and Steve Nelson Roenfeldt
There are modern day prophets
such as FDR, and there are expo-
sitions of scripture each Sunday
that reveal a God who has not
abandoned us and has command-
ed us to give and to give gener-
ously. I hope you will feel the
love that can only come from
God and boldly give generously
and trust that God does indeed
keep his promises.
Beth Anne
Lutheran Family Services Thank YouDear Friends of LFS,
Your recent dona-
tion to our
Refugee/Asylee pro-
gram is truly appreciated. This contribution will bring refugee fami-
lies the food that they need as they begin their lives here in Denver.
At Lutheran Family Services, we value your partnership in mak-
ing a difference in our community and thank you for ‘walking with
the vulnerable, through services that heal, strengthen and provide
hope’.
Thank you for giving our mission impact with your compassion,
generosity and loyal support. Your gifts are changing lives for the
better! What a blessing!
Jane Pope Meehan
Vice President of Resource Development
h2oDevos:
Eachday stopto reflect onBread for the Journey withPastor Ron’s daily devotion-als. Check them out atwww.h2odevos.blogspot.com. With the songs of PeterMayer and creativity of PrRon, you won’t be disap-pointed.
Almost two weeks have passed
since the devastating earthquake in
Haiti. The outpouring of gifts from
members of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA) to ELCA Disaster
Response has enabled a swift
response on behalf of this church.
Thank you for your generous
financial support which now totals
more than $1.6 million. Thousands
of other gifts are still being counted.
Our community-based partners
are already providing:
•Two water purification systems to
bring clean water to 25,000 people.
•Emergency food and medical sup-
plies to thousands.
•Blankets and tents to shelter
10,000 people who are homeless.
Funding, distributed through three
partners, will increase as giving
continues.
$300,000 has been sent to The
Lutheran World Federation (LWF),
a key responder and member of
Action by Churches Together
(ACT). The funds support LWF
efforts to provide shelter to people
left homeless by the quake.
$150,000 has been sent to
Lutheran World Relief (LWR),
Baltimore, for material aid.
$150,000 has been sent to Church
World Service (CWS) for construc-
tion of temporary water systems
and distribution of water purifica-
tion materials.
ELCA Helping Haiti andThrivent’s Million DollarChallenge
In addition, $25,000 has been sent
to Lutheran Services of Florida for
initial support to refugees and
Haitian Americans entering or
returning to the United States.
You want to help those affected by
the Haiti earthquake. Thrivent
wants to join you.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
will add $1 to every $2, up to a
total Thrivent Financial contribution
of $1 million, when our members
donate to one of the following:
•Lutheran World Relief.
•ELCA Disaster Response.
•LCMS World Relief/Human Care.
•WELS Committee on Relief.
Thrivent Financial will add a maxi-
mum of $250 per member donation,
and donations will be accepted
through March 31, 2010.
For questions or to make a dona-
tion over the phone or via U.S.
Mail, please call 800-236-3736
from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Central time,
Monday – Friday. When prompted,
please say "directory" and enter ext.
83003.
The BeaconFebruary 2010
CouncilCorner
The Church Council held their annual Council retreat on SaturdayJanuary 16. This is a day long session that provides a time for thenewly appointed Council to become acquainted with each other anddiscuss relevant topics to prepare for the year ahead.
This year, the retreat was centered around the four keys (or principles)of Faith Formation: rituals and traditions, caring conversations, devo-tions and service. Throughout the day, the four keys would be empha-sized in various ways providing opportunities for the Council membersto have one-on-one conversations, discuss theological issues andrespond to our call to serve others in need (e.g, the earthquake inHaiti). The agenda also included four primary areas for discussion:decision making, financials, the Pew Sitter report and making judg-ment calls. The following provides a summary of each of these areas.
Decision MakingDel Hock led us in this discussion which was facilitated by an articlefrom the Harvard Business Review entitled "How Well-Run BoardsMake Decisions”. One of the key points made in the dicussion wasthat often times boards need to make decisions even if there is imper-fect or inadequate information available. The lack of information can-not be used as an excuse not to make a decision.
FinancialsThe Council had a caring conversation about the monthly financialreport that the Council reviews every month. Don Abram, Treasurer,led the discussion supported by Joel Halvorson, Director of Finance& Administration. It was important for the Council members to havethis time to ask questions about the report and learn more about thefinancial structure at Bethany.
Pew Sitter reportThe Council reviewed a report that was completed by a consultant forthe Fellowship Team. The consultant came to Bethany on a Sundaymorning in November to observe and critique the experience as a visi-tor to Bethany. There were many intersting comments in the report,both strategic and tactical, that Council should be aware of and eitheraddress directly or provide input and direction to the Fellowship Team.Discussion regarding the report will continue throughout the year.
Judgment CallsDerek Birznieks led this discussion which was based on a HarvardBusines Review article entitled "Making Judgment Calls." TheCouncil had a good discussion on this topic, especially as it related tothe experience of the 2009 Council during the budget developmentprocess in the spring of 2009.
Please visit the Council section of the website (www.bethany-denver.org) for more information about the Church Council meet-ings and reports.
7
Town Hall of
Denver Lecture
Series “Tom
Noel, Ph.D. –
152 Years of
Denver!”
Feb. 8, 10:00 a m “Dr. Colorado”
promises to put together a custom
presentation tailor-made for Town
Hall. He has done more than any-
one to make local history accessible
through his series of walking tours
of Denver’s historic neighborhoods,
churches, saloons, and cemeteries.
Nothing compares to his knowledge
and delivery of his fact-filled and
entertaining first 152 years!
Ars Nova Singers “Chanson d’
Amour: A Romantic Recital”,
Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. In an inti-
mate Valentine’s Day recital of solo
and small ensemble music present-
ed by Ars Nova’s professional
singers.
Denver Young Artists Orchestra,
Conservatory Orchestra & String
Ensemble, Sun. Feb. 14 at 6:00
p.m. DYOA’s exceptional musi-
cians present a program
showcasing Works by Saint-Saens,
Schubert, and Tchaikovsky.
Ash Wednesday
Worship,
Imposition of
Ashes, Beginning
of Lent, Feb. 17
at Noon & 7:00 p.m. These wor-
ship services embrace a reflective
atmosphere and mark the beginning
of Lent with Holy Communion and
the Imposition of Ashes.
Bethany Lenten Devotional:
Festival Devotional-“Messiah”-
Handel, Feb 17 available via
website. This devotional utilizes
Handel’s Messiah as its basis, pre-
pared by Festival Director, Forrest
Guittar. A donation is requested for
the Messiah devotional to help
endow the Kathy Eggleston Music
Scholarship Fund.
The Lenten Labyrinth,
Wednesdays In Lent, Bethany’s
Faith Formation Ministry
Department presents the
Labyrinth. Following the path of
the labyrinth is an ancient tradition,
a walking meditation which has
served as an important spiritual
practice since before the time of the
early Christian pilgrims. Additional
information at www.bethany-den-
ver.org
Festival of Faith andthe Arts
SeniorsYoung at Heart
Young at
Heart will meet
on Friday,
February 12,
2010 in the
Fellowship Hall
beginning at
11:30 a.m. This will be a
potluck lunch. Watch the bulletin
for program information. For
more information, please call the
church office at 303-758-2820.
XYZ (XtraYears of Zip)
Join us each Tuesday for fel-lowship, games and fun.
2/2 Meatloaf
2/9 Shrimp scampi
2/16 Baked chicken
2/23 Pork roast
All meals include salad, rolls,dessert and coffee.
The Luther
College
Orchestra is
coming!
Bethany is host-
ing the eighty-plus
Luther College
Orchestra on
Tuesday evening
March 23, 2010.
Part of our hosting
includes finding
rooms for these
college students
during their visit.
If you are interested in helping,
please contact Festival Director,
Forrest Guittar at 303-877-4200,
or via e-mail at gumpman3@com-
cast.net to obtain details.
ScholarshipMoney for2010
The Bethany Foundation
would like to annouce the avail-
ability of scholarship money for
the 2010 school year. All Bethany
members who are attending an
ELCA affiliated college are eligi-
ble. The amount is $1000 and is
often matched by their college.
The application forms can be
downloaded from the church web-
site: www.bethany-denver.org.
The deadline for applications is
May 1st for new students, and
February 1 for renewing students.
If questions please contatct David
Cluasen, 303-730-9004 or dclu-
Affirmation of Baptism is a Dayof Celebration and Reflection at
Bethany
The BeaconFebruary 2010
Staff & LeadershipPastors
Ron GlusenkampSenior Pastor
Ruth Ann LoughryAssociate PastorPaul GilbertsonVisitation PastorCaitlin TrussellPastoral Intern
Administrative Staff
Joel HalvorsonDirector of Finance & Administration
Audrey PhillipsCommunications Supervisor
Shelley HookAccounting Supervisor
Lil FilegarCounting Team Leader
Rhonda MerrittOffice Manager
Janice LyonAssistant to Senior Pastor
Gayle NewellOffice Assistant
Sarah HulslanderHospitality Desk Coordinator
Mike JohnsonTechnology Supervisor
Frank DavisFacilities Supervisor
Alfredo GonzalesFacilities Supervisor
Tom MaesFacilities
Ali NaitaqiFacilities
Donna SkultetyWedding Consultant
Chris CharronKitchen Supervisor
Programmatic Staff
Rit VogelFaith Formation Minister of Youth And Children Ed
Joni GrundmanFaith Formation Minister of Family Ministry
Kevin DragsethFaith Formation Minister of Youth
Music StaffSheree WeverstadInterim Organist
Daniel GraceChancel Choir Director
Pat GuittarChildren’s Music Director
Lisa LewisBell Choir Director
Paula WillsWOW CoordinatorForrest Guittar, Jr.
Festival of Faith & the ArtsZack Rodasti
Youth Choir DirectorAlex Rodasti
Youth Choir Director
Bethany Early Childhood Center
Mary LloydBECC Director
Congregational Council
Andy Gift (President)Peggy Furgason (Vice President)
Don Abram (Treasurer)Heather Kekstadt (Secretary)
Doug AldrichDerek BirznieksMaren Diercks
Dan GeorgeBecky Godec
Brenda GreenwaldRon GuseDel Hock
Heather KekstadtBill King
Kevin McAuliffeTerry Pickett
Michelle Stone Kraus
Bethany Foundation
Matt ChristianDavid Claussen
Kathy GiesDavid GiesPaul GodecDel Hock
Terry JeddelohJulie JohnsonBeth Walker
Bethany Early Childhood Center Board
Julie Bock
Judi Burchfield
Stephanie Davy
Bill Moeller
(USPS001-513) is published monthly by Bethany
Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills
Village, CO 80113. (303) 758-2820; FAX (303) 758-
1980. Audrey Phillips, Editor. Periodicals postage paid at
Englewood, CO.
Postmaster:
Send address changes to:
The Beacon, Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E.
Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
The Beacon
The mission of the Foundation of
Bethany Lutheran Church is to provide a
permanent financial resource for the future
enrichment of our congregation. Through this mission,
we are challenged to provide additional stewardship
opportunities for members, friends of Bethany and our
greater community for the purpose of God’s work. For
more information, direct your inquiries to the church.
Securing Bethany’s Future
8
“Just as the body cannot existwithout blood, so the soul needsthe matchless and pure strengthof faith.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Gift of Life
February has two noteworthy
holidays, Washington’s (now
President’s) Day and Valentine’s
Day. Assuming we are all pretty
much at our limits for politically
related discussions, this column is
instead focused on affairs of the
heart – or more to the point,
Valentine’s Day gift giving.
Blood, that vital fluid that circu-
lates life-giving oxygen, nutrients
and other essentials is a gift you
may not have considered.
Former Bethany member and
Disciple Jerry Retzlaff inspired
this month’s column when he
wrote this recently: “The com-
plexity of the human body bog-
gles the mind. If you’ve studied
biochemistry, you know that blood
by itself is an amazing conglomer-
ation of cells and plasma, chemi-
cals, enzymes and proteins. With
Health and WellnessH2O, hemoglobin, hemeproteins,
metalloproteins, glucose, coen-
zymes, cofactors, mineral ions,
prosthetic groups -- the myriad
functions and workings (let alone
the sight of blood) may make one
faint.
As humans, we share the bond
of blood, yet (also) seek a spiritu-
al connection. As Christians, the
complex becomes perfect simplic-
ity. We know that because of His
undying love and amazing grace,
we are saved and bonded by the
innocent blood of our Lord and
Savior!
It is apparent that the impor-
tance of this particular gift has
always been in our awareness as
people. Some of the earliest
archeological evidence of formal
burial by humans found that the
mineral red ocher was used to
give the deceased a semblance of
vitality going into the unknown
world of death. As Jerry notes,
Christians see blood as a central
element of not only life, but also
salvation and gifting. Christ’s
words to his disciples, to us, are
about the gift. “… after the supper
he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup
is the new covenant in my blood,
which is poured out for you.’”
Luke 22:20.
So, this Valentine’s Day
month, consider a gift to those
who are in such a condition that
the lack of this very essence may
deprive them of life.
Organizations such as the Red
Cross, Children’s Hospital, and
Bonfils Blood Center can help
with one-time giving, or even with
establishing a regular donation.
For more information, try this
link: http://www.bonfils.org/ -- JL
If you have ideas to share with
us or are interested in the work of
the Health and Wellness Cabinet,
please contact Jack Lindsey:
Practice Healthy Habits During Flu Seasonto protect yourself and others from getting sick
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you
use it. If a tissue is unavailable, cough or sneeze into your shoulder or elbow instead of your hands.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer stations are now available in the BLC narthex,
the hospitality desk and the fellowship hall in addition to restroom hand washing facilities.
“Sharing of the peace” may be expressed through a traditional handshake or alternately, by other expressions
of greeting such as a touch on the arm, a hand wave or other no-contact gestures of goodwill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Get the seasonal flu vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. A seasonal
flu vaccine will NOT protect you against 2009 H1N1. Ask your doctor
what flu vaccines are recommended for you.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Keep sick children at home.
• If you have flu-like symptoms (fever with cough or sore throat), stay
home for at least 24 hours after you are free of fever without the use of
fever-reducing medications.
If you are ill and not able to attend church, you are encouraged to continue
participation through Bethany’s website http://www.bethany-denver.org/
where sermons and other valuable ministry information is available. If
you do not have computer access, please call the church at 303.758.2820
for information to be mailed to you and/or for additional assistance.
What else is BLC doing to minimize exposure to the flu?
• Nursery toys are sanitized each week
• Communion Assistants use hand sanitizers before and after communion
distribution
• In partnership with BLC’s leadership and pastoral staff, your Health and
Wellness Cabinet (HWC) welcome your support and assistance to stay
healthy during the 2009-2010 flu season.
Flu is a Serious
Contagious
Disease.
If you are sick with flu-like illness,
the CDC recommends you stay
home for at least 24 hours after
your fever is gone except to get
medical care or for other necessi-
ties. Flu – like symptoms associ-
ated with both the Seasonal Flu as
well as the new, 2009 H1N1 Flu
include:
• Fever • Runny or stuffy
nose
• Cough • Chills
• Sore throat • Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Some people may also have
vomiting and diarrhea