THE BETHEL BEACON

BILL SWITZER, Pastor

Sunday School @ 9 am Worship time @ 10:00 am

Church Telephone #: (402) 873-6218

Emergency: (402) 6369-0842 (Pastor Bill)

Email: betheluccurch1887@gmail.com

Website: www.bethelucchurch.com

Find us on

BETHEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

2400 CENTRAL AVE. NEBRASKA CITY, NE 68410

WE HAVE

WE HAVE A PASTORAL CANDIDATE!!!!

Please join us on Sunday, October 16th as

our candidate will be here for worship. We will have a congregational vote following

the service. Please plan to attend!

2016

A Note From the Pastor

just thinking…

Remembering and recalling Bethel’s history is an interesting phenomenon. Nancy Hunt

found the Dedication pamphlet of the current church building and sanctuary. Part of the

article entitled “70 Years of Christian Progress” included the following:

…A special congregational meeting was called by the Council, July 18, [1954] for the

purpose of setting up a committee for the building and relocation of a new church…

All the members of Finance Committee and the Council met on January 5th [1955],

twenty seven [27] members present made their individual pledges which amounted to

$27,000. This group went forth with enthusiasm and faith to call on the members and

friends of Bethel. When the drive was over, ten days later, $85,271.40 was pledged…

A vote of 93 to 8, favored the purchasing the beautiful site where our new church is now

built. At a congregational meeting on February 13, 1955, the congregation gave the

Council the authority to proceed with plans for a new church…

On November 11, 1957, after the morning service,

the members and their pastor laid the Cornerstone

in place.

According to a web site calculator,*

$27,000.00 in 1955 has the same buying power

as $239,182.58 in 2016.

$82,271.40 in 1955 has the same buying power

as $728,810.59 in 2016.

If 27 members of today each contributed

$1,000.00 in 1955 dollars, where would this leave

the church? History of generosity!

...just thinking

Dominus vobiscum,

Bill

IN OUR PRAYERS IN SEPTEMBER:

Justin Williams, Betty Blankenship, Logan Drabek, Mason Wieckhorst, Ella Mathisen, Ruth Wurtele, John Ensign, Alice

Oelke, Don Grundman, the Lind family, Linda Clark, Roy Murphy, Tim Worcester, Kay Nannen, Gerald Jensen, and all who struggle with chronic illness, including those who reside in their homes and

long-term care facilities.

This year’s hay rack ride will be Sunday, October 9th. We will be meeting at Greg and Barb Stukenholt’s house at 1 pm. Their address is 885 S 62nd Rd. If you need directions ahead of time please call

the office.

There will be snacks and drinks provided. Remember to bring your own water filled balloons!

This is an annual event put on by the Board of Christian Education at no cost to our members.

Hope to see you all there! Bring a friend!

_____________________________________________________

Beginning Monday, Sept. 26th, Paver’s Inc. will begin working on

the north parking lot. ________________________________________________

We will be reviewing and voting on the 2017 church budget on Sunday, October 23rd

following worship. A copy of the proposed budget is included in this Beacon. Watch your mail for more budget information!

_______________________________________________________

We are still looking for one

more person for our

nominating committee. If you

would be able to help, please

let the office know.

____________________________

The Church Council has voted to open the doors to the altar in the Duensing Chapel every

Sunday. ________________________

The wheel chair lift in Fellowship Hall is not working at this time.

________________________________

The Church Council minutes for September were not

available at time of printing. As soon as they are available

they will be posted on the bulletin board and on the

website.

Thank you to everyone who

brightened our sanctuary

with flowers, and who

sponsored bulletins during

the month of September.

SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 6, 2016

LOOKING AHEAD TO NOVEMBER

Tues. 1st: Board of Christian Ed. Meeting 6pm

Sun. 6th: Daylight Savings Time ends, Communion/Food

pantry, 1st quarter Sunday school awards

Tues. 8th: Election day, Spiritual Council meeting 5:45 pm,

Church Council meeting 7 pm

Fri. 11th: Veteran’s Day

Sun. 13th: Dedication of Pledges, Thanksgiving dinner in

Fellowship Hall

Sun. 20th: Youth Fellowship, decorate church

Tues. 22nd: Ministerial Association meeting 9 am

Thurs. 24th: Thanksgiving (office closed 24th & 25th)

Sun. 27th: Hanging of the Greens

Mon. 28th: Meals on Wheels 11am

*Choir practice every Wednesday at 7pm

BEST WISHES TO THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR BIRTHDAYS & WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES IN OCTOBER

Broc Bando 2nd Carol Marshall 3rd Elizabeth Luther 6th

Braellen Wieckhorst 7th Braxton Wieckhorst 7th Bryson Wieckhorst 7th

Lenny Tietz 11th Lauryn Hawkins 12th Morgan Barrett 13th

Sallye Benecke 16th Madelyn DeVorss 18th Kevin Bando 21st

Allison Mills 21st Melissa Rowh 28th Eli Delunger 28th

Vernon Brooke 29th

OCTOBER

Greg & Melissa Rowh

~October 4, 2008~

Dale & Michelle Francis

~October 19, 1991~

THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN OCTOBER

The Bible is full of humor. Why is it we cannot read or see the humor? Maybe humor is

defined for us as comedy on television, with canned laughter: e.g., Two Broke Girls, or The

Big Bang Theory, or The Simpsons.

Yet…the images, stories, and parables of Jesus are sarcastic and satirical uses of humor to

make a point. The status quo is confronted as Jesus pokes fun at people who took

themselves too seriously. Jesus’s parables provide us signs and guideposts when the

kingdom of God approaches and is present.

What are the signs and guideposts of the reign and kingdom of God? All of these, and

more, point us toward the presence of God:

The first become last (Mk 9:35);

The blind leading the blind (Lk 6:39);

An oxen yoke becomes the symbol of freedom (Mt 11:29);

Removing the log in one’s eyes before seeing clearly (Mt 7:1-5);

Camels going through needles

(Mk 10:25).

Christian Clowning is an effective Christian witness using humor to communicate the

message of the Gospel. Throughout history, Christian clowns have communicated the

message of Jesus that all are welcome into the kingdom and realm of God. Christian

Clowning, presently and historically, serves as a reminder that we are fools for Christ as we

practice our day to day faith.

On October 30th, the 5th Sunday of the month, the two confirmation classes will lead

worship using humor and Christian Clowning to communicate the message of the Gospel.

Join us!

FRIENDS OF FAITH NEEDS HELP!

Friends of Faith welcomes all who want to volunteer for its ministry. The donations have

been so overwhelming that the gifts have been declined; there has not been sufficient help

to evaluate what has been received.

To participate in this important and valued ministry in the Nebraska Community, contact

Cindy Weible at Friends of Faith, 402-873-6575, or at the location of 1014 Central Ave.,

Nebraska City, NE. 68410.

And did you know…Friends of Faith, since the beginning, gives back to the community in

grants and services totaling over $300,000.00. If you want your involvement to count,

Friends of Faith is the place to be.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

It may surprise you to learn just how much the Bible says about finances! There are

more than 2,300 verses on how to handle money and possessions God’s Way!!! In

fact, Jesus said more about money than almost any other subject in the Bible!

Crown Financial Ministry offers a 10-week personal Bible study that will begin on

Sunday January 8th 2017 from 8:00-10:00 AM. It will be facilitated by Darcy and

David Carpenter who participated in this study at their church in Overland Park KS 10

years ago. Now they want to “brush up” on what they learned and to bring this

incredible opportunity to Bethel. The study provides solutions for both the symptoms

and the root cause of financial problems once and for all. It combines solid biblical

teaching, powerful online tools, and hands-on practical experiences. The Crown

Financial Study is a 10-week journey with the potential to change not only your

finances but also your life!

Please contact Darcy Carpenter at 816-223-2602 (cell) or

shsdarcy@windstream.net to learn more about the details and/or to sign up.

You can also check out www.crown.org. Space is limited to 15 people so prayerfully

and quickly consider joining Darcy and David for an amazing journey to financial

freedom!

Bethel United Church of Christ Spiritual Council Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, September 13, 2016 5:45 pm

Pastor’s Office

Present: President Dennis Marshall, Vice-President Burt Weible, Secretary LaVonda Bando, Larry Bando, Cindy Weible and Pastor Bill. Dennis called the meeting to order. Pastor Bill opened with a word of prayer.

Burt made a motion to accept August Spiritual Council meeting minutes. Larry seconded. Motion carried. Pastor Report: Pastor did hospital visits; The Board of Education is getting ready for the church holidays events, like hayrack ride, Christmas Sunday school children rehearsals and program; Pastor started with 2017 & 2018 confirmation classes; The confirmation classes will be helping with children sermons and 5th Sunday services; Pastor request to use the Duensing Chapel table for the World-Wide Communion on October 2nd. Old Business: Getting the information where quasquicentennial souvenirs were located. New Business: The Spiritual Council will be going over church memberships at October meeting. Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 5:45 pm. Larry made a motion to close the meeting. Burt seconded. Motion carried. The meeting closed, by joining hands and saying the Lord’s Prayer. Secretary, LaVonda Bando

SPIRITUAL

COUNCIL

We opened with prayer and read the August minutes. Old Business Discussed Rally Day, good help from confirmation class members, all had fun Pastor Bill and 2 confirmation classes: will meet with both groups, then 2017 class will meet with mentors, 2018 class meets with pastor two times in Oct. when students don't have school, hope to get to Lincoln Synagogue on one day and mission project in Omaha the other; will need transportation help Calendar was very accurate and complete (and appreciated) Barb and Greg Stukenholtz will have the annual hayrack ride at their farm on Oct. 9th; final plans to be dis-cussed at Oct. 4th meeting 2 Bibles will be inscribed for third grade students, Landon and Lily (will present Sept. 11) Christine gave plans for acolyte training New Business Christmas Program on Dec. 11; Nancy looking into Sunday School Advent programs, choir directors need to be informed after we meet in Oct. Plan to start practice November 6th. Christine will provide the treat bags for children. Group agreed to continue with certificates for quarter attendance awards and an end-of-year gift/gift certificate Pastor Bill shared ideas for the 5th Sunday in October. Next meeting, Oct. 4th at 6 p.m.

Closed with the Lord's Prayer.

Bethel UCC Women’s Fellowship Meeting Tuesday Sept. 13, 2016

The meeting was called to order with a prayer led by President, Mary Redelfs. The minutes of the previous meeting held June 14, 2016; there were no corrections to the minutes. Jane Kreifels gave the treasurer’s report. There were no bills to be paid. Darcy Carpenter gave report on correspondence which included a thank you note from Neal Niebruegge family for the funeral luncheon and also included a solicitation for Emmaus House. Jane reported that we have given annually in May to the Emmaus so we do not need to respond to the recent solicitation. Darcy will contact Emmaus and ask them not to send solicitations more than once per year. Committee Reports were given: Spiritual Life: Marilyn Weible reported that she has sent out several cards but, is worried that she’s missing people who could use the comfort of a card from the Bethel Women’s group. She also would like to pass the responsibility of this task; Bonnie Wurtele volunteered to take on this position. Visitation: Joan Weible is currently doing the visitations in the nursing homes, which is challenging for her since she isn’t driving. For now all of the Bethel members are at the Ambassador so hopefully Joan is still able to make the monthly visits. Darcy will follow up with Joan to confirm. Altar Flowers: Margaret Brust did not have any news to report. Courtesy and Receptions: Jane Kreifels reported a funeral luncheon for Ruth Ann Sigerson. Kitchens: Bonnie Wurtele identified the need to properly label any food left in the refrigerators so that the food is not wasted. Prayer Chain: Connie Gieseking reported that there are no new prayer requests. She indicated that we need to clarify to the congregation that prayer requests will be handled via email and to let her know if someone would like to be added to the “pray-ers” versus being on the receiving end of a prayer request. Confidentiality of prayer requests is and should be a consideration. We need to be thinking of the best ways to identify prayer concerns in the church.

WOMENS FELLOWSHIP

Women’s Fellowship minutes continued…..

Mary Redelfs then reminded us that Bethel is hosting the 2016 meeting of the Church Women United of Nebraska City, which is open to any Christian woman living in the community. Typically there are about 30 people that attend each year. The “Tea Party” will be held on Friday the 2nd of Dec. Mary is looking for a singing group to perform and she has graciously agreed to share pictures and stories of her trip to Israel, which should be a good draw to lots of women in the community. Darcy Carpenter will work with Sarah Bando on promotional ideas. The tea party theme is enhanced by the place decoration on the tables. The paper tea cups decorated in Christmas fare are part of the table decorations. Mary, Darcy, Bonnie and Jane completed 50 paper tea pots after the business meeting. In addition, everyone in attendance agreed to bring 2 Christmas candles for centerpieces. Darcy Carpenter and Mary Redelfs will bring greenery. We discussed and agreed that we should use the linen tablecloths. We will serve cookies (everyone in attendance agreed to bring cookies), coffee, hot tea and ice water. Jane Kreifels agreed to discuss using the “new” folding tables at the Council Meeting Tuesday night. “It’s time to use them” said several of us. We all agreed to meet on Friday morning to set up for the tea. The next item on the agenda was the election of officers for 2017. They are as follows: Mary Redelfs, President; Connie Jensen, Vice-President; Jane Kreifels, Treasurer; Darcy Carpenter, Secretary. Maggie Brust is still investigating ways to discuss the framing for the Bethel UCC 125th year anniversary quilt. Maggie has also agreed to decorate the altar for fall. Considerable and constructive discussions concerning the upcoming Oct.16th Soup Luncheon to be held on October 16th from 11-1. It will be a free-will offering. Last year we made $772. We are planning to have potato soup (Mary, Maggie and Darcy) and chill (Darcy, Jane and LaVonda). We will each bring a large crockpot worth of soup. We will serve pie for dessert. Mary will post a sign-up sheet asking for volunteers to bring pie. Mary Redelfs will get with Sarah Bando to have fliers made that Mary and Darcy have agreed to distribute throughout town. Further details to follow about this event. We confirmed that the next meeting of the Bethel UCC Women’s Fellowship will be December 13, 2016 at the Union Apple Market on Central Ave. Last year we met at Valentino’s. Darcy will make arrangements with Chris Gress, the manager. We took two offerings at the close of our meeting (we read prayer from 2012 Bethel UCC Women’s Fellowship Yearbook). Reading from the yearbook reminded us that we need an updated directory of women members. Mary agreed to compile a list of Bethel women contact info that we can use and share. Respectively submitted, Darcy Carpenter Secretary

HALLOWEEN FUNNIES

Bethel United Church of Christ

2400 Central Avenue

Nebraska City, NE 68410

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

SCHEDULED TO SERVE OCTOBER 2016

LAY LEADERS Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Dylan Holman Norm Brown Sandy Ried Cindy Kreifels Sarah Bando GREETERS Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Delphine G./Kathy Clymens Pauline Peterson Bonnie Wurtele Brown Family Kevin & Jan Pummel USHERS Oct. 2—Oct. 9 Oct. 16—Oct. 23 Oct. 30—Nov. 6 David & Darcy Carpenter Suzy Briley, Dylan Holman Stephen Luther, Janice Dawson Harold & Gladys Huss Marilyn Weible, Katie Chapin Burt & Cindy Weible SOUND SYSTEM Oct. 2—-Oct. 9 Oct. 16—Oct. 23 Oct. 30—Nov. 6 Norm Brown Stephen Luther Burt Weible

ACOLYTES Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Matthew Ramold Christian Tietz Quintin Holman Nick Brown Jason Stukenholtz Brianna Johnson Madisen Tietz Keston Holman Mason Wieckhorst Andrew Stukenholtz

FLOWERS ~ Margaret Brust COOKIE FELOWSHP ~ Danielle Barrett & Cindy Weible

2016