1 T HE B ETHLEHEM S TAR Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church 418 8th Avenue Northeast Brainerd, MN 56401 Phone: 218-829-3330 Fax: 218-829-0792 Email: offi[email protected]May 2018 CHURCH STAFF Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Mark Skinner Children, Youth & Family Pastor: Rev. Sarah Marshall Office Administrator, Worship Team Director and Organist: Cori Wrobel Bell Choir Director: Stacy Erdal Senior Choir Director: Al Albertson Youth Choir Director: Nancy Albertson Financial Administrator: Shelly Johnson Children, Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator: Joan Rosenow Food Services Coordinators: Pat True and Sara Larson Custodial Services: Laura Kory WORSHIP TIMES Sundays at 8:20 and 10:30 am through May 20; Sunday at 9:00 am on May 27; and Wednesdays at 6:20 pm with Communion on the 1 st and 3 rd Sunday and Wednesday OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 12:00 pm and 1:00 PM - 4:30 pm Friday 8:30 AM - 12:00 pm 2 From the Senior Pastor Field Trip to the Twin Cies We had a marvelous experience with our 9 th graders and Nicodemus group as we traveled to the Twin Cies to visit Temple Israel, Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church, and then lunch at the Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Center for Changing Lives. Parcipants had the opportunity to learn more about the Jewish and Eastern Chrisan tradions, along with seeing the groundwork of LSS in the heart of Minneapolis. This is the first year for our Nicodemus group, and we hope to take this trip again next year. As a reminder, the Nicodemus group is made up of recently rered, to about ten years post-rerement age folks. If you are interested in parcipang with the next group, which will begin in September, contact me. Couples Retreat Together with our sister ELCA congregaons in the Lakes area, Bethlehem sponsored our annual couples retreat for couples preparing for marriage on Saturday, April 21st. The new Fellowship Hall renovaon has been a welcome addion for doing these kinds of retreats! Strategic Imperaves Way to go Bethlehem! During our April semi-annual congregaonal meeng, the congregaon voted unanimously to approve these strategic imperaves as part of our long-range missional plan. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but God-willing, these will be important endeavors for us to embrace as we grow deeper in our relaonship with God and all of God’s world. Congregaonal Care and Community *Connue enriching ongoing lay leader development. *Grow small groups and ministry teams. 75% of all congregaon members will be involved in a small group or ministry team by year-end 2020. Worship and Music *Increase weekly worship aendance by 10% by year-end 2020. *50% of our members will be worshiping regularly each week by 2022. Service and Evangelism *Enhance our partnership with the NE MN Synod of the ELCA to include the School of Lay Ministry (Missional Lay Leadership). *Enhance and deepen our current community partnerships. We will broaden our current nineteen partner- ships to twenty-five by year-end 2020. *Boldly proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God through word and service. Educaon and Spiritual Formaon *Form and/or partner with a separate organizaon (LLC), to provide licensed day-care and/or pre-school, that will be operaonal by year-end 2020. *Connue to enhance and grow youth/children’s ministry parcipaon by 10% by year-end 2020. We will seek to maintain a key component of total family involvement in this ministry. Stewardship and Property *Connue to advance financial stewardship throughout the congregaon. This will include: teaching on first- fruits giving and thing, mely communicaon regarding the greater work of the congregaon including suc- cess stories and current challenges and presenng opportunies for giving and serving in other capacies that engage God’s mission for the sake of the world. *Deepen the understanding of stewardship through our daily callings in the life of God’s world. God’s Peace, Pastor Mark
Transcript
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THE BETHLEHEM STAR
Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church 418 8th Avenue Northeast
Children, Youth & Family Pastor: Rev. Sarah Marshall
Office Administrator, Worship Team Director and Organist: Cori Wrobel
Bell Choir Director: Stacy Erdal
Senior Choir Director: Al Albertson
Youth Choir Director: Nancy Albertson
Financial Administrator: Shelly Johnson
Children, Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator: Joan Rosenow
Food Services Coordinators: Pat True and Sara Larson
Custodial Services: Laura Kory
WORSHIP TIMES
Sundays at 8:20 and 10:30 am through May
20; Sunday at 9:00 am on May 27; and
Wednesdays at 6:20 pm
with Communion on the 1st and 3rd
Sunday and Wednesday
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday
8:30 AM - 12:00 pm and 1:00 PM - 4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 AM - 12:00 pm
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From the Senior Pastor Field Trip to the Twin Cities
We had a marvelous experience with our 9th graders and Nicodemus group as we traveled to the Twin Cities to visit Temple Israel, Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church, and then lunch at the Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Center for Changing Lives. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the Jewish and Eastern Christian traditions, along with seeing the groundwork of LSS in the heart of Minneapolis. This is the first year for our Nicodemus group, and we hope to take this trip again next year. As a reminder, the Nicodemus group is made up of recently retired, to about ten years post-retirement age folks. If you are interested in participating with the next group, which will begin in September, contact me.
Couples Retreat
Together with our sister ELCA congregations in the Lakes area, Bethlehem sponsored our annual couples retreat for couples preparing for marriage on Saturday, April 21st. The new Fellowship Hall renovation has been a welcome addition for doing these kinds of retreats!
Strategic Imperatives
Way to go Bethlehem! During our April semi-annual congregational meeting, the congregation voted unanimously to approve these strategic imperatives as part of our long-range missional plan. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but God-willing, these will be important endeavors for us to embrace as we grow deeper in our relationship with God and all of God’s world.
Congregational Care and Community *Continue enriching ongoing lay leader development. *Grow small groups and ministry teams. 75% of all congregation members will be involved in a small group or ministry team by year-end 2020.
Worship and Music
*Increase weekly worship attendance by 10% by year-end 2020. *50% of our members will be worshiping regularly each week by 2022.
Service and Evangelism
*Enhance our partnership with the NE MN Synod of the ELCA to include the School of Lay Ministry (Missional Lay Leadership). *Enhance and deepen our current community partnerships. We will broaden our current nineteen partner-ships to twenty-five by year-end 2020. *Boldly proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God through word and service.
Education and Spiritual Formation
*Form and/or partner with a separate organization (LLC), to provide licensed day-care and/or pre-school, that will be operational by year-end 2020. *Continue to enhance and grow youth/children’s ministry participation by 10% by year-end 2020. We will seek to maintain a key component of total family involvement in this ministry.
Stewardship and Property
*Continue to advance financial stewardship throughout the congregation. This will include: teaching on first-fruits giving and tithing, timely communication regarding the greater work of the congregation including suc-cess stories and current challenges and presenting opportunities for giving and serving in other capacities that engage God’s mission for the sake of the world. *Deepen the understanding of stewardship through our daily callings in the life of God’s world.
God’s Peace, Pastor Mark
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From the Children, Youth and Family Pastor
* National Youth Gathering will meet after
service on June 3 to go over trip details.
Summer Stretch This summer we will enjoy our seventh summer as part of the Summer Stretch ministry with our youth currently in grades 6-8. We will spend 4 Thursdays from 9:00am to 4:00pm together and one Wednesday attending a Twins game. The days will include service projects in the morning, lunch together, bible study, and then fun and games in the afternoon with other local churches. Pastor Sarah has all of the forms ready for you to sign up; cost is $70 for the four weeks, the adventure to Minneapolis, and a Summer Stretch t-shirt. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Sarah. Deadline to register is May 13 to guarantee a t-shirt. Catechism May 2: Teaching Night May 9: Celebration Potluck & Worship @ Lum Park High School Youth Group Please join us for the last few weeks of youth group! We meet Wednesday evenings are finishing off the year with a few fun days/meals!
May 2 - Current Issues in our World at 7:00 pm in the Living Room
May 9 - Lum Park Picnic and Worship (Meal 5:30 and Worship at 6:20)
May 16 - Progressive Dinner meet at church at 5:30 (Current 9th graders are also invited RSVP to Amber)
The youth group is looking for help with portions of the progressive meal for the youth group. We are in need of people to help host a part of the meal and drivers to help get all the kids around to the different homes. Please contact Amber Hennessey if you can help. Thanks in advance!
We may meet a few times for summer fun; we will restart in the fall!
Senior Recognition Sunday On May 20, we will be celebrating with all of our graduating high school seniors at 10:30 am. Parents are invited to help make the blankets for their child on May 7 at 5:30 pm. The fleece will be provided; please bring a pair of scissors along with you. Please let Pastor Sarah know if you can or cannot attend on May 7 and if your senior plans on participating in the service on May 20.
* All Church Mission trip will meet after
2nd service on May 13 after worship.
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WANTED… 1 HOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
FOR OUR UPCOMING VBSERVE. YOU PROVIDE THE MATERIALS/SUPPLES. WE’LL DO THE LABOR.
Wednesday night meals are served in the Fellowship Hall starting at 5:30 PM until the food is gone. This is the best deal in town at only $5.00 per person. The menu is subject to change. The last meal of
the season will be chicken lasagna on 5/2. Join us for a potluck picnic at Lum Park at 5:30 on 5/9.
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7
8:20 AM 10:30 AM
May Worship Assistants
6: Deb Steuck still needed
13: Mollie Nelson still needed
20: still needed still needed
27 at 9:00: still needed
Greeters:
6: Dave and Becky Meyer Scott and Carla Stall
13: Mollie and Marci Nelson Scott and Mary Parsons
20: Harvey and Gloria Munsch Jim and Janis Peterson
27 at 9:00: Roy and Karen Cheney
Ushers:
6: Deb Steuck Joe Lindholm
13: Sue Skinner Sydney Roberts
20: Laura Roberts Kathleen Weisman
27 at 9:00: Linda Schuster
Readers:
6: Mollie and Marci Nelson Lynn and Gene Teufert
20: Judy Jourdan Barb DePaoli
27 at 9:00: Sasha Burgstaler
Communion
Preparation:
6: Mollie and Marci Nelson and family; Deb Steuck Jen and Joe Lindholm; more needed
20: Cyndy Thompson; more needed Jackie Nornes; more needed
27 at 9:00: still needed
Communion
Servers:
6: in celebration of Lenex Miller’s golden birthday from Dad, Mom, and Rayden
13: still needed
20: still needed
27: still needed
Flowers:
Wednesday evening at 6:20: ushers: Wayne and Tricia Dosh and family;
Jeff Nichols and Cheryl Severson-Nichols ~ 828-7719; [email protected]
Roger and Adelle Erickson
Lisa Kotchikian
Roy and Karen Cheney
Joyce Jorgenson
Steve and Meriel Park
Larry and Natalie Embertson
Darwin and Mary Hanson
Jeff and Judy Hulsether
Mike and Sonja Eidenshink
Kevin and Colleen Goedker
Lynn and Yvonne Kalahar
Terry and Tracie McFarlin
Keith and Kirsten Olson
Carol Smith
Jeff and April Spigarelli
Mary Ann Frisch
Life Events
80s+ Lunch Bunch will be meeting at the Sawmill Inn on Tuesday,
May 29 at 11:45 am.
Brett Severson and
Elise Larson
Married on April 28
Young at Heart will meet at Grizzly’s on Friday, May 11 at
12:00pm. Contact Roger Gonnerman for more
information.
Kent Edward Johnson Jr.
birth 12/11/20
death 7/26/17
internment 4/20/18
Imogene Katherine
Johnson
birth 12/9/22
death 2/7/18
internment 4/20/18
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It is through the donations of every individual and family in the congregation that we are able to carry on our work throughout the year.
If you need a convenient way to make recurring contributions or would like to make an additional gift, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options.
To set up a recurring giving schedule, visit us online at www.belcnet.net and locate the Online Giving button, or if it's easier, complete a paper authorization form and return it to the church office. Thank you for your generosity and faithfulness!
Choir Music Fund $25 in memory of Jim Thorson from Curt and Sandy Nielsen
$20 in memory of Jim Thorson from Deb and Jon Luhrs
$20 in memory of Jim Thorson from Cheryl Severson-Nichols and Jeff Nichols
$200 in memory of Jim Thorson from Thor and Kimm Thorson
$20 in memory of Jim Thorson from Mary and Lannell Farmer
$25 in memory of Adelle Erickson’s mother from Curt and Sandy Nielsen
$25 in memory of Jim Thorson from Nancie Paulson
Thank you!
Kitchen Fund $30 in celebration of Ally Rust’s baby from Kelly and Marty Gubrud
$25 in celebration of Nancy Bogenschutz’s retire-ment from Curt and Sandy Nielsen
$25 in memory of Adelle Erickson’s mother from Margaret and Jon Steblay
$25 in memory of Jim Thorson from Margaret and Jon Steblay
$25 in memory of Adelle Erickson’s mother from Nancie Paulson
Minnesota Music Teachers Association thanks you for the use of your beautiful
church and piano for our exam site in March. We are a “not for profit” organi-zation and depend on the generosity of facilities like yours for our events. ~Rebecca Nelson
Where Does Your Offering Go Wondering why we give part of our gifts and offerings
to the ELCA?
Watch this simple little four minute video to learn about the support and mission work that the synod
June 4—Operation Sandwich begins prepping here at BELC for the summer
June 7, 14, and 21—Summer Stretch from 8:00 am—4:00 pm
June 10—Pick Up Choir: rehearse from 8:15—8:45 am; sing at the 9:00 am service
June 19—Director Retreat at Camp Knutson from 9:00 am—12:00 pm
June 20—Outdoor worship at BELC at 6:20 pm with potluck to follow
June 22—July 2—high school mission trip to Houston for the ELCA National Youth Gathering
Please keep the following Bethlehem households in your thoughts and prayer this month of May:
Robin Reabe, Ruth Reabe, Cody Rehberger, JoAnn and John Rehberger, Bev and Barrie Rempel, Kevin and Janell Rhoda, Paul and Sarah Rhoda and family, Laura and Shawn Roberts and family, Phyllis Roberts, Mike Rosenow,
Karen and Steve Roberts, Heather Saffell and family, Gail and Karl Samp, Diane and Lowell Scearcy, Sue Schmeck-pepper, Russ Schultz, Linda Schuster, Carl and Solvejg Seamon, Stacy Sjoberg and family, Brian and Geri Skogen,
Dave and Sheila Skogen, Mark Skogen, Leslie Skone, Patrick and Teri Slough and family, Corliss Smith, Carol Smith, Reva Snell, Linda Soderman, Sue and Todd Sorenson, Dale and Jackie Spaulding, Kim Spencer and family,
April and Jeff Spigarelli and family, Carla and Scott Stall and family, Phyllis Stall, Elsie and Mike Stanek and family, Jon and Margaret Steblay, Casey and Doris Stengel, Deb Steuck, Pam Stock and family, Jerome and Marjorie
Streich, Jackie Stromback, Nancy and Rick Sweet and family, Orv Tengwall, Gene and Lynn Teufert
If you have a prayer request for the Prayer Chain, you can either put it in the offering plate on Sunday or Wednesday or call Deloris Ebinger at 829-2333. Prayers will be kept on the chain for 3 weeks. If you’d like it to be kept on for longer, please let the office know. If you would like to be a
member of the Prayer Chain, please call the church office at 829-3330.
Please keep these people in your prayers: Terri Hanson’s daughter Jolanne; Brad Bauer’s family; Maryann Kline; Shawn; Mitchell Nelson; Pam; Alvina Kennedy; Robin; Anthony; Baby Jane; Jake Reynolds; Anne Gustafson; Clark Tollefson; Connie Sinerstone; James Munsch; Auntie Kay; Michael Zickuhr; Barb Johnson; Shirley Yde Lintner; Don Thompson; Lee Uglem; Jim; Al Lindholm; Kim Riewer; Chuck Dahl; Cheryl Johnson; Frank Worden; Eugene Freund; Laurel Lundeby; Katie Nolan Benson; Kim Priemesberger; Paul Hoge; Craig Ahlin; Jeremy Roach; Aldene Gosse; Mary Olson; Jim Albie
Sympathy: Wayne Larson and his family on the death of his son Gus; the family of Dennis Sundbeck
Military: Adam Kalahar (Lynn and Yvonne Kalahar’s grandson)
Looking ahead...
The Board of Worship and Music reminds us of our congregational worship pledge: “striving to worship regularly each week and intentionally being aware of God’s presence in worship while growing in our
relationship as a child of God and follower of Jesus Christ” signed in January. This summer (beginning Memory Day weekend), we have the opportunity to worship on Sundays at 9:00 am or Wednesdays at 6:20 pm. In order
to continue our Wednesday night worship services during the summer months, we need a commitment of attendance. Our numbers were significantly down last summer. We understand that summers often bring us out of town, but we hope that you will continue to attend when you are here. Invite a friend or coworker! If you have any questions, please talk to one of the Board of Worship and Music members. Watch for potluck
opportunities for fellowship following some Wednesday worship this summer.
Gospel of Jesus Christ to publicly confess the faith
of the Triune God in, under, and with our daily
callings in the community of God’s world.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church 418 8th Ave NE Brainerd, MN 56401
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Tune in to your cable provider’s local access channel (try channel 8 or 181 in Brainerd) every Sunday at 2 pm to watch Bethlehem’s worship service.
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Please let the church office know if you will be stopping your mail service for an extended period of time so we do not send you any publications. Thank you.
