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Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 507.786.6674 [email protected] www.facebook.com/bethellutheran http://bethelnorthfield.org Befrienders 7 Bible Study 2 Calendar 10 Camping 3 Children 6 Council/Treasury 12 Finances 13 Mission & Justice 14 Music & Worship 5 New Members 5 Scrip 9 Softball 4 Thank You 18 WELCA 9 Worship Servants 16 YouthQuake 8 Mission Interp. 15 Yoga 15 Inside this issue: The Bethel Banner Volume #481 August 2011 … and much more! The Globe, the Net, and the Walk! By Clark Cary themselves out of poverty. Between 70-75 percent of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal funds are spent internationally; 20-25 percent are spent domestically. Approximately 93% of every dollar you donate goes directly to face hunger through our church. A great track record!! That globe in front of the altar is also a receptacle, an offering plate. We encourage you to give often by placing an offering in the globe as an act of worship. It will help to eradicate hunger. The second symbol is the net. The Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly in April raised up a health care issue of huge proportion. Every congregation in our Synod is encouraged to financially support Every Sunday you attend worship you see the globe to the right side of the altar. It’s a symbol to remind us that hunger and poverty exist in our world. One billion of our neighbors are living in poverty existing on less than a dollar a day — without enough food to eat or clean water to drink. Even in the United States, one in ten households experience hunger or the risk of hunger — skipping meals, or going an entire day without food. Every few seconds…the length of each breath we take...someone in the world dies from poverty-related causes. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is working to change this. ELCA World Hunger responds to global hunger and poverty by addressing its root causes. Through relief, development, education, and advocacy, people are connected to the resources they need to lift It’s the 8 th annual Absolutely Free – No Strings Attached – Thanks a Bunch Carwash! Please allow our Bethel youth to say “thank you” for your prayers and monetary support of this year’s summer trips. Bring your car to the parking lot at the south side of the Sunday school wing during either service on Sunday, August 21, and we’ll make it sparkle by the time you leave – at absolutely no cost! Thank you, Bethel! Globe, Net, Walk, continued on Page 2.

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Page 1: August 2011 Bethel Banner - Northfield MN

Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 507.786.6674

[email protected] www.facebook.com/bethellutheran http://bethelnorthfield.org

Befrienders 7

Bible Study 2

Calendar 10

Camping 3

Children 6

Council/Treasury 12

Finances 13

Mission & Justice 14

Music & Worship 5

New Members 5

Scrip 9

Softball 4

Thank You 18

WELCA 9

Worship Servants 16

YouthQuake 8

Mission Interp. 15

Yoga 15

Inside this issue:

The Bethel Banner

Volume #481 August 2011

… and much more!

The Globe, the Net, and the Walk! By Clark Cary

themselves out of poverty. Between 70-75 percent of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal funds are spent internationally; 20-25 percent are spent domestically. Approximately 93% of every dollar you donate goes directly to face hunger through our church. A great track record!! That globe in front of the altar is also a receptacle, an offering plate. We encourage you to give often by placing an offering in the globe as an act of worship. It will help to eradicate hunger. The second symbol is the net. The Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly in April raised up a health care issue of huge proportion. Every congregation in our Synod is encouraged to financially support

Every Sunday you attend worship you see the globe to the right side of the altar. It’s a symbol to remind us that hunger and poverty exist in our world. One billion of our neighbors are living in poverty existing on less than a dollar a day — without enough food to eat or clean water to drink. Even in the United States, one in ten households experience hunger or the risk of hunger — skipping meals, or going an entire day without food. Every few seconds…the length of each breath we take...someone in the world dies from poverty-related causes. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is working to change this. ELCA World Hunger responds to global hunger and poverty by addressing its root causes. Through relief, development, education, and advocacy, people are connected to the resources they need to lift

It’s the 8th annual Absolutely Free – No Strings Attached – Thanks a Bunch Carwash! Please allow our Bethel youth to say “thank you” for your prayers and monetary support of this year’s summer trips. Bring your car to the parking lot at the south side of the Sunday school wing during either service on Sunday, August 21, and we’ll make it sparkle by the time you leave – at absolutely no cost!

Thank you, Bethel!

Globe, Net, Walk, continued on Page 2.

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Page 2 The Bethel Banner

August 1 August 2 August 3 August 4 August 5 August 6 August 7 August 8 August 9 August 10

John 9:1-41 John 10:1-18 Luke 13:22-35 Luke 14:1-35 Luke 15:1-32 Luke 16:1-31 John 11:1-36 John 11:37-57 Luke 17:1-37 Luke 18:1-14

August 11 August 12 August 13 August 14 August 15 August 16 August 17 August 18 August 19 August 20

Mark 10:1-31 Matthew 20:1-19 Mark 10:35-52 Luke 19:1-27 John 12:1-11 Matthew 21:1-17 John 12:20-50 Mark 11:20-33 Matthew 21:28-46 Matthew 22:1-14

August 21 August 22 August 23 August 24 August 25 August 26 August 27 August 28 August 29 August 30 August 31

Luke 20:20-40 Mark 12:28-37 Matthew 23:1-39 Luke 21:1-38 Matthew 25:1-46 Luke 22:1-13 John 13:1-38 John 14:1-14 John 14:15-31 John 15:1-16 John 15:17-16:4

In Pastor Tim's June Banner article, he offered some good summer reading: the Bible. He gave us a list of short passages from the Gospels that could be read at the beach or under the camper awning, and recommended that we consider two questions as we read:

Who is Jesus calling us to be? What is Jesus calling us to do?

Pastor Tim also suggested that we consider keeping a Bible journal for short notes, ideas, thoughts and questions about what we read.

Haven't started yet? There's lots of summer left! Here is the list of readings for August. Why not give it a try today? (If you'd like the entire reading list, look for the Bible study brochure at the welcome stations.)

Bible Journal reading list for August:

Reading in the Hammock...

the ELCA Malaria Campaign which has set a goal to raise $15 million dollars to fight Malaria through our mission partners around the world. When we camp out, it’s great to have mosquito netting to keep that pesky insect away allowing us to sleep. In other parts of our world, the net, is critical to keep from contracting the deadly disease called malaria. More than 500 million people contract malaria each year, and more than one million die each year with the vast majority being women and children. Malaria is a preventable and curable disease. The net can make the difference between life and death. A gift of $10 to the ELCA Malaria Campaign will provide that necessary net. We encourage members to designate gifts through our congregation to the ELCA Malaria

Campaign. We hope to have a net on display soon. The third symbol is the Walk, the annual Northfield Crop Walk for Hunger. The walk this year is on Sunday, September 25, beginning at Emmaus Baptist Church and concluding in Bridge Square. Every walker is encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 by securing pledges from others willing to sponsor their walk. Plans are in process now. It’s our hope that individuals, families, neighborhoods, and congregations will plan early to participate in this ecumenical walk. Church World Service coordinates the walks which involve neighbors who are members of the Methodist, Roman Catholic, United Church of Christ, Baptist, Episcopal, Moravian, Unitarian Universalist,

Globe, Net, Walk, continued from page 1.

Lutheran, and other denominations. Twenty-five percent of all the funds raised locally will be donated to assist the CAC here in Northfield. There is a friendly competition each year between the denominations to see who raises the most money for the walk. Maybe this year we’ll come home with the “Silver Slipper” or one of the other cherished awards. If you’re willing to work on a team from Bethel, please contact Pastor Clark Cary. The ELCA through Lutheran World Relief and Church World Service work together around the globe on hunger and poverty issues, disaster relief, providing sustainable water, and so much more. The globe, the net, the walk! These are three means of sharing God’s gifts for the sake of the world.

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August 2011 Page 3

I tolerate MPR pledge week. (We're sustaining members already.) It's the week I mostly absolve myself from news (Lisa will tell me if something important happens.) and switch over to sports radio full-time instead. Inevitably however, I always end up listening in during one pledge break, with the announcers talking about all of the “gifts” you can choose when you pledge. State park passes, tote bags, weather radios, books – you name it and MPR will make a pledge incentive out of it. They want members, by golly, and they know what it takes to reel us in. That got me thinking about what gifts membership at Bethel offers to us. What makes membership at Bethel a good deal? Or, in public radio parlance, what do we get out of membership at Bethel? Bethel offers countless opportunities for fun and fellowship for all ages. Come over on a Wednesday afternoon during the school year and watch our kids running, singing, laughing,

creating, and enjoying each other’s company. Skip out on adult ed on a Sunday morning and hang out in the CLC, enjoying sweets, good conversation, and the opportunity to make new friends. Chaperone a youth trip and watch the unmatched enthusiasm of our teenagers. We also offer lots of opportunity for service: clean up a highway ditch, serve on a committee, lead a Confirmation small group, cook or clean up a Bistro meal. The amazing Bethel garage sale is only accomplished through the service of countless Bethelites. Bethelites are involved with ISLA, Habitat for Humanity; a group just served again at Thursday’s Table. Yep, there are lots of ways to get involved at and through Bethel, to help others, to be of use. There are also ways to be supported. Our members are baptized, married, and eulogized at Bethel. We have Meal

Angels prepared to bring meals to your house when you are sick or grieving. Befrienders are at the ready to accompany you on life’s varied paths with open ears and arms. Pastor Charlie, Pam Santerre, and I are a

phone call away for counseling and prayer. Make no mistake: all of these activities are important and we do them well. Bethel is a welcoming and energetic congregation, with ample opportunities to serve and be served, to know and be known. But, let’s face it, lots of secular

organizations offer support, service opportunities and ways to make new friends and have fun with old ones. One needn’t join Bethel or any other church for this. There’s only one thing that we can offer that sets us apart: a relationship with Jesus Christ and the chance to deepen that relationship. The "payment" for membership has already been made on Calvary. Becoming a member of Bethel is, in fact, part of the free gift that Christ is offering to you. Did you start the Bible readings I mentioned in my article in June? If so, I bet you have discovered more about who Jesus wants you to be and what Jesus wants you to do. You still have another month of summer to go, and more thought-provoking readings suitable for hammocks and lawn chairs, even floaties if you have a water-proof Bible up at the lake! So go ahead, "make that call" right now to a more meaningful, life-changing relationship with our Savior. You won't be sorry you did.

From the Senior Pastor...

Bethel’s Annual Backpacking/Camping Trip Warm up your hiking boots and be a part of the annual backpacking and camping trip! Last year, the 100-year (We hope!) rain flooded out our trip. This year, we will head to Savannah Portage State Park for day-hiking and camping, with a backpacking option for those who are interested. The trip takes place the weekend after Rally Day - September 22-25 - leaving at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday and arriving home in the early evening on Sunday. If you are interested in learning more about the trip, sign up at the information table or contact the church office. Signing up does not commit you to the trip, but it will get you in the loop for more information. Please join us — all Bethelites ages 16 and older are welcome. The more the merrier!

Bethel is a welcoming and energetic congregation, with ample opportunities to serve and be served, to know and be known.

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All Bethel women are invited to join in the fun with this traveling monthly fellowship group! Tuesday, August 16, Potluck at Lu Lindstrom’s home, 1120 Maple Street.

Bethel Women Having Fun

Page 4 The Bethel Banner

The Nursery is not on vacation! J We're happy to see your children, ages 0-5,

on Sunday mornings in August. Our nursery volunteers don't want to be the only ones enjoying the great toys and books in our nursery!

Nursery News

Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator

786-6674 [email protected]

Did You Know? Bethel's Sunday worship services are broadcast on NTV on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. At Northfield Hospital you can view the worship services on channel 14 on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 10 a.m.

Nicaraguan Music & Fun ~ Enjoy singer/

songwriters Carlos Lumbi on August 13, 6:30 - 9 p.m. at the Hennepein Avenue Methodist Church parsonage at 425 Groveland in Minneapolis. Tickets are $20 ($10 with student ID). There will be a silent auction, snacks, and a cash bar. For more information, call 612-819-8877.

ISLA News (Interfaith Services to Latin America)

Enjoy the last game of the season with our softball team!

Sunday, August 7, 7:10 p.m. at Sechlar #1 vs. St. Dominic's Blue

Cheer on the Team!

Members on the Move Roxanne and Terry Enlow have recently relocated. Their new address is: Flat 4, 67 St. George’s Square Pimlico, UK SW1V3QN One of our recent high school graduates, Marie Nordine, is in basic training this summer in Missouri. You can bring a bit of Bethel to her with a card or letter: PVT Nordine, Marie C co 31st EN BN BLD 741 Iowa Ave Ft. Leonard Wood, MO 65473 Please put "#1" on the back of the envelope or your letter will not be delivered to her.

In August, we will continue our discussions of short stories in Listening for God Volume 2, edited by Paula J. Carlson and Peter S. Hawkins. New attendees are welcome to join us at any time and can pick up a copy of the book at Monkey See, Monkey Read in downtown Northfield. On Monday, August 15, we will be touring the “Faithful Impressions” art exhibit at Thrivent Financial Collection of Religious Art Gallery in downtown Minneapolis. The 37-work exhibition includes paintings, prints, and drawings by Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Pablo Picasso, George Wesley

Women of Bethel Book Study are on the Road! Bellows, and 31 other artists. The exhibition, which corresponds with a newly published book about the collection, explores historical, theological, and devotional themes in religious art using works from the 13th through the 20th centuries. Our August Calendar: Thursday, August 4 - An Intermediate Stop by Gail Godwin Thursday, August 11 - Seeing - Weather Report: August 9 – Getting to Hope by Kathleen Norris Friday, August 12 at 2 p.m. in the NRC Chapel – Author Paula Carlson will

speak about her four volume series, Listening for God. Thursday, August 18 - A Father’s Story by Andre Dubus Thursday, August 25 - To be determined Women of Bethel meets every Thursday morning in Bethel’s Fireside Room from 8 – 9 a.m.

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conversation and planning for our next year of fun which begins in September with a trip to Winona. There can’t be a snowstorm then!. Lu’s place is at 1120 Maple Street. Rite of Confirmation ~ All 9ers, families, and friends, please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 9. That’s the date for our 2011-12 10th graders will confirm their faith at Bethel at 1:30 p.m. Please plan to join us and celebrate the Rite of Confirmation with our youth.

Help Long-Time Bethel member Mary Nystuen celebrate her 80th birthday! All Bethelites are invited to an open house celebration on Sunday, August 14, 1-4 p.m., at the Nystuen family farm, 10922 E. 100th Street. (Take Woodley Street east three miles until just before the stop sign.) Refreshments will be provided. Please bring your family and friends to a nature walk in the St. Olaf Natural Lands on Sunday, August 14, at 11:15 a.m. We will meet at the west end of the Tostrud Center. Dr. Gene Bakko, retired curator of the St. Olaf Natural Lands, will provide an easy walking tour of the flora and fauna of the prairie, helping us to see some details of God's creation we may not have previously recognized. After the hike, you may want to bring a bag lunch to enjoy with others in the shade of Tostrud Center. (This activity is sponsored by the Creation Care Team.) Bethel Women Having Fun ~ All women are invited to come to Lu Lindstrom’s house and, if you have time to make one, bring a salad or a dessert. We meet at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16 for great

Bethel News

August 2011 Page 5

Rhonda Reece, Director of Music and Worship

786-8874 [email protected]

Please email me with any questions you might have and/or to secure a copy of the music to be sung. I look forward to working with all who want to share in the summer music ministry at Bethel!

August 21 - All youth are invited to participate in Youth Celebration Sunday. Rehearsal - Sunday, August 14, at 11:15 a.m. August 28 - New Song will sing at both worship times. All are welcome! Rehearsal - Wednesday, August 17, at 7 p.m. September 11 - A women's and children's ensemble will sing. All females and children (with unchanged voices) are invited. Rehearsal - TBD

Welcome back to Rhonda Reece, who was on vacation in July!

There are still several ways to get involved in the special summer music at Bethel. You are invited to participate in anthems on the following Sundays: August 14 - A men's ensemble will sing "River in Judea" - All tenors and basses are invited. Rehearsal - Wednesday, August 10, at 7 p.m.

Music and Worship Notes

Oh Where, Oh Where Can That Picture Directory Be? Have you wondered what happened to those lovely portraits that Olan Mills took last fall? Through no fault on Olan Mills' part, the directory is long delayed and overdue but that is about to change. The correct documents are now in the right hands and the new directory will be shipped by August 18. We will let you know just as soon as you can pick up your copy. All new members who have joined through June of this year will be included. Thanks for your patience as we look forward to receiving our newest pictorial directory.

Welcome to Our Newest Members The following folks have joined Bethel recently:

David and Elizabeth Lundstrom and their

children, Hannah (13), David (11), Fredrick (9) and

Raymond (3).

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welcome. Sponsored by The Northfield Area Children’s Ministers.

August 10, 2011, 5-8 p.m. Northfield Memorial Outdoor Pool Cost $2.75 per person or use your

pool pass. A hot dog supper will be provided. Please RSVP by contacting Pam Vig so that we have an idea of how much food to provide. 2011-12 Service Opportunities in our Children’s Ministries

Sunday School – We still have openings in the following areas for our fall Sunday School ministry: Age 3-Grade 1 Sunday School

• 4 - Three-year old co-teachers

• 4 - Four-year old co-teachers • 2 – Kindergarten co-teachers

• 4 - First Grade co-teachers Each class will have one team of four adults who rotate teaching duties each Sunday depending on individual schedules. We will have one three-year old class, one four-year old class, two kindergarten classes and two first grade classes. We are also looking for high school students who would be interested in

Getting to Know our Bethel Children ~ Bethel has been blessed with many

children. You don’t have to look very far on a Sunday morning or Wednesday afternoon or evening to figure that out. Maybe your own children are grown or maybe you don’t have children. Either way, if you would like to have children in your life, opportunities abound at Bethel. There are many opportunities for adults of all stages of life to serve and interact with our children. Think about how you might plug into our Sunday School and BAM ministries this fall. See more details later in this article. Contact Pam Vig to volunteer or for more information. Fall Start Up Dates

Sunday School begins on Rally Day, September 18. Classes begin at 9:45 and end at 10:30. BAM begins on Wednesday, September 14. Watch for the September Banner and your email and regular mail for details on both of these ministries. Pool Party! This fun event is geared towards grade 5 and younger students and their families but all friends, family, and neighbors are

To add to your sense of accomplishment, make sure you add plenty of doable items, i.e., sleep in a tent in the backyard, go for a family bike ride, read a book a week, go on a picnic, etc. Add in some annual chores like cleaning out the closets and then donate any outgrown items to the Clothes Closet.

August! Instead of panicking and seeing this month as the end of the summer, consider that we still have fully 1/3 of our summer left! How will you fill your August days? Why not create a “Bucket List” with your family of things you still want to do before school starts in September and then do your best to cross as many items as possible off that list.

Be sure to add some “faith” items to your list — read one Bible story a day, pray before every meal, do one thing each week for someone else, and offer a blessing to each other whenever someone leaves the house. For example, “May God keep you safe and guide your words and actions.” Peace and blessings to you and may your August days be filled with fun, family, and faith!

Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries

786-8878 [email protected]

Children’s Ministry Update

Church and Home Ministry ~ Partners in Faith By Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries

serving as classroom assistants in our age 3-grade 1 classrooms. Grade 2-5 • 3 - Grade 3 Faith Quest Guides Faith Quest Guides lead a group of 10-12 students to stations each week and participate with them but do not need to do any prep or presenting. • Several Faith Quest Station

Leaders for Unit #1 which will run from September 25-October 16.

Station leaders work with a partner to prepare one 30-minute lesson and then give the same lesson to a different group of students each week. (Due to the fact that our 2nd graders will be participating in their “How to Use the Bible” class with their parents during Unit #1, station leaders during this unit will only need to present their station three of the four Sundays.) BAM – Wednesdays for Grades K-5 We still have openings in all areas of our BAM Ministry:

Children, continued on Page 7.

Page 6 The Bethel Banner

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Groenewold, (645-6257), Knight Stanley (612-877-0893 ), Jean Miller (645-5353), or the Bethel office (786-6674). Befriender Calendar at a Glance:

August: No meeting

Thursday, September 29, 7 p.m. Fireside Room “Befriending at Bethel” training event for Bethel Befrienders

Questions. Children ask questions all the time. It is through

asking questions and carefully listening to the answers we discover our world and ourselves. A well-asked question can yield a wonderful conversation with someone we know well or someone we’ve never met. Using phrases like “Tell me about this picture you just drew for me” or “Tell me what it was like when you got married, Grandma” can bless you with a wonderful conversation when you felt you didn’t know what to say. This summer, as we are relaxing with family and friends or attending family events like weddings and reunions, take a moment to ask a good question and see where it leads.

Blessings from Bethel's Befrienders †

A core Befriender principle: “Active Listening." For more information, call Marci

• Middle School Bus Shepherd for Prairie Creek Students – 2:50-3

• Snack Prep and Serving – 3-4

• Snack Monitoring – 3:30-3:50

• Dean – 3:20-5:45 – Take attendance and monitor halls

• BAM BLAST – (Bam Leaders and Servants Together) – 4:15-4:45 – This is a servant/leadership activity time for our Grade 4 and 5 students when their grade is not in CAT Class.

• TNT Recreation - 4:15-5:15 – Lead two 30-minute activity sessions

Children, continued from page 6. • TNT Arts – 4:15-5:15 – Lead two

30-minute sessions on art, crafts, dance, music, or any other artistic activity of your choice

• Kclub — 4:45-5:15 – Lead two 15 minute sessions for kindergarten students

You can volunteer once a week, once a month, once every other month, or even less in our BAM ministry. Please contact Pam Vig, Director of Children's Ministries, for more information or to volunteer in any of our Children’s Ministries.

August 2011 Page 7

Befrienders By Marci Groenewold

LPGM Minute for Mission Do you speak French? Do you have educational experience? Are you adventuresome? If you (or someone you know) can answer YES to these questions, God may be calling you to join the ELCA and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic as a Technical Advisor to Education Programs. Working in the Central African Republic can be difficult, but God calls us to be in partnership with the Lutheran Church in CAR. Having another support person on the ground in CAR will make it much easier for LPGM and all of the church’s partners to be in mission and ministry. A link to the position description can be found at www.lutheranpartners.org.

ELCA Notes Members throughout the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will be able to follow the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly August 15-19, through a variety of online channels, including live video streaming and social media. Members can access live video of plenary sessions and, for the first time, daily worship at ELCA.org/assembly with opportunities for online giving. Updates about the assembly will be posted on the ELCA's Facebook page and released through Twitter.

Sacramental Ministers Needed for the Late Service In early August an email will be sent to those that have indicated they will serve as Sacramental Ministers (serving communion) that will request that you indicate dates that you are available to serve. If you have not filled out a Time and Talent Opportunities sheet, but are willing to serve in this area, please let Sandy Peterson know right away so you can be included. We are in need of more volunteers as late service Sacramental Ministers.

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All 2011-12 6th – 9th grade youth are going somewhere unknown again in August. We had a great time in June & July! Join us for our last Magical Mystery Tour of the summer on Thursday, August 18. Parents, please watch for details in the mail and sh-h-h! Keep our destination a secret from your kids – remember it’s a mystery! Celebration Sunday ~ All summer trippers (8th Grade Mission Trip, Christikon, Flathead Lake

Week 4: August 17 – TBA Other Info ~

Times? We’ll meet from 1–3 p.m. Cost? $5/day What do I need to bring? Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle. Snacks will be provided. What if I can’t attend all 4 races? Come for those you’re able to attend – one or more! What do I do next? If you’re not already registered, turn in your consent form or call or email Barb Farmer – you don’t want to miss the fun!

Youth of Yahweh ~ Don’t miss our last Magical Mystery Tour!

The Christikon Trip Picture Party is scheduled for Monday, August 15, at 6:30 p.m. Please bring your pictures and duplicates and be ready to share them and prepare a display of your great experiences! Pizza and pop will be provided. The Amazing Race of Grace ~ Our Bethel high school youth are leading a weekly faith and fun event to help our middle school students reconnect with Bethel friends toward the end of the summer. Four dates are scheduled (all on Wednesdays):

Week 1: July 27 - Bethel Youth Room Week 2: August 3 – TBA Week 3: August 10 – TBA

Page 8 The Bethel Banner

Bethel Youth News

Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries

786-8877 [email protected]

Just say YES....to another year of energizing service

opportunities for youth! Learn about what the YES team is all about and how both parents and youth can get involved for the 2011-2012 school year during the Confirmation Orientation on Wednesday, September 7. Find out how you can be involved with events like Meals on Wheels, Feed My Starving Children, Advent Festival Booth, March Food Drive, Community Clean-ups, Relay for Life, and more! This is a great team that you can be involved with in so many ways to really make a difference. Please come and see how fun and easy it can be!!

Just Say Y.E.S. … (That's Youth Energized to Serve)

In the rush of managing our days, we tick through our to-do lists, run errands, work on projects, make important phone calls, care for our families, and many times, drop into bed at the end of the day with very little time devoted to the nurturing of our faith lives. We miss the delight of God’s work surrounding us. It’s our job, as parents and relatives and teachers and friends, to help our youth see God’s work in their lives. And what better way than to ask ourselves one simple question every day? This is why we take time to ask that same question every year on our summer trips – because it makes us stop and take note of things we might otherwise miss. In fact, it may be a good daily assignment for all of us. Where have you seen God today?

At some time on every Bethel summer trip, our youth are asked where they saw God that day or that week. Sometimes we’ll ask in whom we saw God on a particular day. This may seem like a simplistic exercise, but I believe it’s necessary, especially in today’s hurried (and often harried!) environment. We know that God works in our world continually. We especially feel God’s presence during the high or low moments in our lives. That could be because those are the times when we’re forced to take stock, to slow down, to appreciate the people and situations that surround us. It’s sad to say that if we don’t intentionally make note of it, God and God’s handiwork can get lost in the shuffle of our day-to-day living. How many times have we all let a day or week go by in a blur only to realize that God was hardly in our thoughts?

Have You Seen God? By Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries

YouthQuake, continued on Page 9.

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August 2011 Page 9

From the Scrip Table... As the store ads tell us, back-to-school shopping time is here! So now is the time to order Scrip cards to purchase school supplies and clothing, fall sports equipment and college dorm supplies, as well as fall birthday or anniversary gifts. In-stock cards include KMart, Target, and Walgreen's. Cards available to order include Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, Old Navy, and the Gap as well as many more retailers!! Order forms can be picked up at the Scrip table or downloaded off Bethel's website. Then don't forget those after-practice meals at Subway, Arby's, Dominos, or Papa Murphy's! Also keep in mind birthday and anniversary gifts from your favorite retailers or meals from that special restaurant.... so plan ahead, order your cards, and use Scrip to grow your account for next year's trip!!

The WELCA school bag tree is in the narthex. Due to the changes in item requirements there are a limited number of bags; please take a bag before purchasing items. A list of needed items is included in each bag. We are also in need of hand towels and bars of soap for our layette kits. If you would like to contribute towels or soap or a cash donation for the purchase of these items, there will be bags on the tree to receive them. Questions? Contact Arlene Neil. Summer is a good time to "Renew, Respond, and Rejoice", as the summer WELCA Bible study is named. Bethel's gathering of WELCA to study our lessons from the LWT June and

WELCA Notes

reserve Sunday, October 2, for their confirmation retreat. During the day, we will have time for faith talk, fun, and planning your confirmation service. Parents are asked to join us late that afternoon for the confirmation rehearsal and dinner. You will receive a letter in the mail in August with details.

Trip), please put Sunday morning, August 21, on your calendars. We’ll be participating in the Summer Celebration services (8:30 and 10 a.m.). We’ll also show our appreciation to all the Bethel members who helped us raise money for our trips by holding the 8th annual Absolutely Free – No Strings Attached – Thanks a Bunch Carwash. Further details will be sent by email or regular mail. Please plan to be a part of this big thank you to our Bethel friends! Looking ahead – Mark Your Calendars!

Confirmation Orientation ~ Bethel’s annual Confirmation Orientation for all 7th - 10th grade youth and parents is scheduled in the sanctuary on Wednesday, September 7, at 7 p.m. The meeting will include information about curriculum, schedules, and class locations. Parents, please plan to attend this important informational meeting with your child. Regular confirmation classes will begin at 7 p.m. the following Wednesday evening, September 14, at Bethel.

Confirmation Kick-off Retreat ~ A confirmation retreat is being planned for Saturday, September 17, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. for all youth entering 7th, 8th, and 9th grade confirmation classes. This 5-hour retreat at Bethel will be a great chance to learn more about your confirmation journey and get to know your confirmation teachers in a fun, relaxed setting. We’ll meet at Bethel at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning for fun, faith talk, and food (of course!). Parents will be asked to join us at 2 p.m. for a short wrap-up. Details will be sent in the mail; parents, please contact Barb Farmer if you are able to help make & serve lunch or lead activities.

All 2011-12 10th graders are asked to

YouthQuake, continued from page 8. All 2011-12 10th graders, families, and friends – Please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 9. That’s the date for our fall 10th graders to be confirmed here at Bethel at 1:30 p.m. Please plan to join us and celebrate the rite of confirmation with our youth.

July/August issues is set for Monday, August 15, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We invite you to bring your Bible and your LWT if you have one (we have extra) and join us. Sessions will be 1 hour and 15 minutes in length, with a morning break, a lunch break, and an afternoon session, with 15 minutes to wrap up. Sessions will begin in the CLC at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. If your schedule is too busy that day, feel free to come for any of the sessions. Lunch will be provided. All women are welcome whether you are part of a circle or not. Thanks for renewing, responding, and rejoicing with WELCA!

Page 10: August 2011 Bethel Banner - Northfield MN

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September 18 ~ Rally Day!

September 22-25 ~ Bethel Backpacking Trip

October 9 ~ Confirmation

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Page 12 The Bethel Banner

Highlights of the June Church Council Meeting The Trustee reported that the Creation Care Team is looking into the feasibility of a solar panel for Bethel. They are also suggesting an energy audit, and that is being scheduled. The Treasurer reported that expenses are $17,000 over income which is typical for this time of year. We have received $2,300 from Thrivent Choice Dollars which is a nice bonus and we expect to receive a check for $8,500 as a federal credit for non-profits. We will be able to prepay $11,000 towards principal over and above the normal payments on our building loan this month. The Steward reported that the new Special Gifts Brochure is available. There was conversation about the “Thanks for all you give” statements that are being shared in worship as well as conversation about the covenant cards we use annually. At-Large to the kitchen reported that they continue to work on electronic scheduling, volunteer scheduling, labeling, and the kitchen manager job description. They will be setting up kitchen training in August. At-Large to the Mission and Justice Committee reported that the Methodist Church is requesting financial help with backpacks, and this need will be made known to the congregation. They are also working on speakers for their topic for 2011/12 on human trafficking. The Monitor Task Force held three forums and a summary of the information from these forums was printed in the June Banner. There were more positives than negatives, but there was every feeling from the most positive to the most negative when it comes to the use of the monitors. A new task force will be put together to set some guidelines to agree on what we will show and how we will show it. The new Baptismal Font is still in progress. A new Usage Policy is being worked on. Gary Hanson has requested that the Barb Hanson Youth Center name be changed to not include Barb Hanson’s name. It will just be called the Youth Center. Janitorial hours are being looked at. A new Risograph is being purchased.

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August 2011 Page 13

Year-to-date Benevolences

Enjoy the convenience of electronic giving Bethel Lutheran Church offers electronic giving, which allows you to make donations on a scheduled, automatic basis. If you are writing checks and preparing envelopes every week, you will especially appreciate electronic giving. It is convenient for you and provides much-needed donation consistency for Bethel. Simply Giving can be used for your regular faith-based giving and/or building fund pledge. How to get started ~ To set up electronic donations, simply complete the authorization form which can be found on Bethel’s website (bethelnorthfield.org) or on the information table in the narthex. Donations can be debited automatically from either a checking or savings account. Return the completed form to the church office, attention Gloria West. If you have any questions, please contact Gloria at 786-6687 or [email protected].

Financial News and Notes

Gloria West, Church Accountant

786-6687 [email protected]

Capital Campaign

Stock Donations If you are considering or planning to donate stock to Bethel, please contact Gloria at [email protected] or 786-6687 before you make the transfer. When stocks are transferred to Bethel's brokerage account, the name of the donor is not always available, so it is very important that you contact Gloria so she can credit your giving statement correctly and record your contribution per your instructions. If you need the delivery instructions to make the transfer from your account into Bethel's account, Gloria has that information also. Thanks for your generosity.

SE MN Synod 12,500

Cannon River Conf.-ELCA 262

Community Action Center 1,650

Lutheran Social Services 5,500

Nfld. Retirement Center 1,200

CAC Thursday's Table 600

M/J Honorarium & Creation Care 272

Global Mission/Justice 3,500

Benevolence Contingency 615

ELCA World Hunger 2,164

Sunday School- ISLA 587

Sun. Sch.- 8th Gr. Mission Trip 574

Total Sunday School 1,161

CAC Food Shelf 15,268

Soup Suppers 744

Total CAC Food Shelf 16,012

Easter Offering 2011

Ruth's House 3,025

Habitat/Humanity 3,025

6,050

Tanzania 100th Anniversary 740

ELCA Disaster- Tornado 210

World Vision (30 hour famine) 348

Good Samaritan Funds used 1,547

Youth Scholarship funds used 370

$54,701

As of June 30, 2011

Capital Campaign 07/01/10 - 06/30/13

Results as of 6/30/2011

Pledges 1,746,659

Pledges Received (761,901)

Pledges to be Received 984,758

Non-Pledges Received 53,497

Building Debt

1/15/2009 Building Debt 3,500,000

Scheduled Principal payments (194,300)

Additional Principal payments (1,066,000)

2,239,700

06/15/2011 Building Debt

Page 14: August 2011 Bethel Banner - Northfield MN

Page 14 The Bethel Banner

to let those persons know that you do not blame them for what they may be dealing with. The loving care of Jesus does not seek to condemn but to enfold all people with hope and healing.

Curtis Johnson If you are interested in reading about the Mission and Justice fall adult forum topic, Human Trafficking, here are a few resources:

The Blue Notebook, by Dr. James A. Levine. 2010. A quick read about a young Indian girl sold into Mumbai's sex trade. Well written, sympathetic, but painful. (Fiction)

Slave, My True Story, by Mende Nazer. Kidnapped at the age of 12 from her village in Sudan, this story will make you root for the freedom she longs for after 7 years as a house slave. (Non-fiction)

The Slave Next Door, Human Trafficking and Slavery in America Today by Kevin Bales and Ron Soodalter, 2010. (Non-fiction)

A Crime So Monstrous, by E. Benjamin Skinner, 2008. Contemporary Slavery. (Non-fiction)

Not for Sale, by David Batstone. The return of the global slave trade. (Non-fiction)

Dottie Hammer Creation Care Tip: Put one foot in front of the other. One hundred years ago, 99.9% of people got by without cars. They took the train, they lived near their

workplaces...and they walked! using fuel-efficient cars is important, but we can save even more fuel by simply driving less.

The illnesses are no respecter of persons. They are not a result of bad parenting or poor environment. They strike rich and poor, and they are not affected by ethnic background or intelligence level. The origin is not completely known; however, there is a strong indication that genetics plays a large role. It is important that family, friends, and neighbors be understanding and supportive. Families tend to retreat, to be embarrassed, or to deny that one of their members has a mental illness. This can happen in church as well as in the community, so it is important that we be sensitive and encouraging with persons we know or suspect may be dealing with a mental illness. Do not be embarrassed to listen, to encourage, and

Mental illness is an issue for all of us. One in

four families is being directly affected by some form of mental illness. There are a variety of names: clinical depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and more. The important thing to understand is that they are all illnesses that need treatment just as a broken bone or heart disease do. They are family system illnesses because they tend to cause disruption to the functioning of the family as the result of the stigma attached to such illnesses. A complicating factor with some of the illnesses is that the symptoms are so severe that the victim will turn to alcohol or drugs to help mask the disturbances in the brain.

From the Mission and Justice Committee Vision Statement: Since we believe that service is both an obligation and a privilege of the Christian life,

we seek to provide opportunities for Bethel members to learn about the needs of others in our world and to put their knowledge into action, heeding Christ's call to "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Home- and community-based services (HCBS) provide efficient, cost-effective care for tens of

thousands of Minnesotans., helping them to live more independently. HCBS include assisted living services, housing with services, adult day services, adult foster care, home care, hospice, independent senior living, respite care and services, senior nutrition, and transportation services. There is a large and growing population of individuals who can no longer live completely independently but do not need the level of care found in higher cost settings such as nursing homes. For these Minnesotans and their families, HCBS provide options to maintain a higher level of independence in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

From Across the Parking Lot... Cuts to assisted living services lead to fewer care options for Minnesotans and their families. Assisted living providers have experienced double digit administrative and legislative cuts at a time when demand for services is on the rise. Additional cuts to assisted living services for impoverished Minnesotans make it difficult for providers to continue to offer these services, making it more likely that these individuals will rely on more expensive options, such as nursing homes and hospital stays. Assisted living is a less expensive alternative to nursing homes. The Elderly Waiver program funds HCBS such as assisted living for Minnesota seniors eligible for Medical Assistance. Cuts to the state EW program have a direct impact on assisted living service providers.

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August 2011 Page 15

From Our Mission Interpreter... By Lois Stratmoen

Yoga Returns to Bethel Bethel is hosting a yoga ministry on Tuesday afternoons, an opportunity to explore prayer and worship with the whole body, and to heal those parts of us that are hard to express. 3:30-4:30 p.m. ~ Chair Yoga: facilitating the healing practices of yoga for anyone with limited mobility. 5-6 p.m. ~ Emotional Yoga: a gentle, restorative class blending the practices of

yoga and the insight of science and medicine to promote emotional balance and well being, particularly useful for anxiety, depression, grief and loss, finding inner strength, and dealing with stress. This is an excellent first-time-to-yoga class, as the postures are gentle and movement is slow. 6:30 p.m. ~ Open-Level Yoga: a bit more movement for those looking for a

Church in America. The ELCA has over 100 Asian congregations and ministries. These congregations and ministries are ministering in many languages including: Mandarin, Khmer, Cantonese, Hmong, Taiwanese, Tamil, Korean, Filipino, Japanese, Sinhalese, Laotion, Urdu, Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and English — Second Generation Ministry. In addition to these 100 congregations and Ministries, a number of Asians are members of Anglo and Multicultural congregations. At present, there are about 160 Asian pastors and about 30 Asian leaders who are preparing themselves for the ministry. Latino ~ Presently we have approximately 220 ministries in the United States spread out from the state of Washington to Puerto Rico and the Virgins Islands. Each of these ethnic ministries has a newsletter, most published quarterly, which are available online. For further information go to www.elca.org and click on Multicultural Ministries in the box on the bottom of the page.

~ Information from Shirley Gangstad, SE MN Synod

American Indian and Alaskan Native ~ At present time, the ELCA American Indian and Alaskan Native membership is around 6,685. While general ELCA membership declined 1.7 percent between 1987 and 1994, American Indian and Alaska Native membership increased by 18.1 percent during that same period. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has 21 congregations with 10 percent or more American Indian and Alaska Native members. Arab and Middle Eastern ~ Today's ELCA members of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage, from such places as Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Palastine, are the descendants of these earliest Christians. The arabic Language of their Liturgy has close ties with the Hebrew and Aramaic of Bible times. The specifically Lutheran presence in the region dates back to the middle 19th century, when English and German Christians began to found schools, hospitals, and churches. The ELCA currently has 3 Arab and Middle Eastern Congregations. At present, there are 7 Arab and Middle Eastern pastors. Asian and Pacific Islander ~ There are about 23,000 Asians and Pacific Islanders in the Evangelical Lutheran

Did you know that our ELCA church organization has in its structure a division called Multicultural Ministries? What is that, you ask? Multicultural Ministries (MM) focuses on assisting our church in working towards the goal of full partnership and participation of African descent, American Indian and Alaska Native, Arab and Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Latino people in the life of this church. African Descent ~ The African American, African Caribbean, and African National communities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are gifted and culturally diverse. The diverse group in North America and the Caribbean is referred to as “people of African descent” or “black people.” People of African descent represent 13 percent of the total population of the United States of America. Currently within the ELCA there are 54,189 members of African descent. This represents 1% of the ELCA’s total membership. The ELCA has 252 congregation with at least 25% African descent membership. At present, there are about 242 African descent pastors and 83 African descent leaders preparing themselves for the ministry.

more physical workout. This class is still fully accessible to beginning students. Classes will be taught by Karin L. Burke, a certified yoga teacher. Contact Karin at 507-301-5603 or see returnyoga.org for further information. Classes are $8 a session, or you can pay $40 for unlimited access to all of Karin's classes for a month. Namaste!

Page 16: August 2011 Bethel Banner - Northfield MN

The Bethel Banner Page 16

August Worship Servants

August 7 August 14 August 21 August 28

Assisting Minister (8:30 a.m.)

Carol Lysne Mike Ahrens Lu Lindstrom Noel Stratmoen

Assisting Minister (10 a.m.)

Libby Glimsdal Mike Ahrens Christina Schwietz Knight Stanley

Reader (8:30 a.m.) Carol Cole Kristi Huettl Bethel Youth Jim Holden

Reader (10 a.m.) Marci Groenewold Barb Farmer Bethel Youth Sandy Peterson

Sacramental Ministers (8:30 a.m.)

Mike & Sandy Ahrens, Wendell Arneson & Beth Christensen, Kitty Runzheimer, Abbie Meierbachtol

Roberta Ganske, Connie DeGrote, Sandy Ahrens, Carol Cole, Rose Turnacliff, Barb Holm

Bethel Youth Abbie Meierbachtol, Dot Swanson, Marcia Omdahl, Jill Eastman, Carol Cole

Sacramental Ministers (10 a.m.)

Jean Mueller, Dan Foley, Pam Vig, Marci Groenewold

Barb Neitzel, Rosemarie Lewis, Barb Farmer, Dot Swanson

Bethel Youth Roger & Vikki VanVeldhuizen, Cindy Kreis, Barb Farmer, Sandy Peterson

Ushers (8:30 a.m.) Roberta & Gene Ganske, Dale Turnacliff, Mac Gimse

Judy & Daryl Kuyper, Char & David Jacobsen

Bethel Youth Steve Meierbachtol, Kyle Nordine, Jim Moberg, Tony Huettl

Ushers (10 a.m.) Rolynn & Nancy Ensrud, Gary Hanson, Marv Farmer

Tadd & Barb Henwood, Juley & Chad Jenkinson

Bethel Youth Steve & Carol O’Neil, Gerry & Carol Gengenbach

Greeters (8:30 a.m.) Muriel Waage, Arlene Neil Muriel Waage, Dot Swanson

Rod Johnson, Diane Minske

Rod & Arlene Johnson

Greeters (10 a.m.) Karen & Gary Meidt Randy Knox & Charlene Erickson-Knox

Chris Smith, Deric Selchow

Jim Christensen, Vincent Sommer

Nametags (8:30 a.m.) Abbie & Steve Meierbachtol

Hugh Kaste, Vic Swanson Jane Herman, Brad Minske Alice Dale, June Herman

Nametags (10 a.m.) Arlene Neil, Vic Swanson Mary Kay & Doug Peterson

Jan Christensen, David Schweitz

Jan Christensen, Sandy Peterson

Coffee Servers Abbie Meierbachtol, Elaine Granat, Karen & Gary Meidt, Kari Selchow

Lenore Kaste, David & Christina Schweitz, Chris Smith, Sandy Peterson

Jan Christensen, Arlene Johnson, Sandy Peterson, Kathleen Hanson

Dot & Vic Swanson, Jan Christensen, Mary Kay & Doug Peterson, Brad & Diane Minske

The Bethel Banner The Bethel Banner

Page 17: August 2011 Bethel Banner - Northfield MN

August 2011 Page 17

A Measure of Our Commitment July Worship Attendance average per Sunday

2008 2009 2010 2011

302 314 318 *321

Average Year-to-date Worship Attendance

2008 2009 2010 2011

441 479 483 *481

* These figures do not include July 31, 2011.

The Bethel Banner is published monthly as a ministry of Bethel Lutheran Church of Northfield, Minnesota. The congregation is invited to submit articles to the church office. Articles are due by the 20th of each month. Questions, suggestions, or comments? Contact editor Lisa McDermott at [email protected], by phone at 645-0740, or call the church office at 786-6674.

August 2011 August 2011

August 7 August 14 August 21 August 28

Altar Care Carol Lysne Lu Lindstrom Alyce Kivell Pastor Tim

Communion Angels

Alice Dale, Arlene Neil Roberta and Gene Ganske, Larry & Avis Petterson

Carol Cole Elaine Deim, Dick and Orpah Johnson

A/V Room (8:30 a.m.) Seth Hanson Patrick Walker

Neil Barck Nathan Dahlen

Jordan Ett Liam Fisher

Neil Barck Tucker Meillier

A/V Room (10 a.m.) Mark Lewis Tucker Meillier

Jordan Ett Ben Coleman

Seth Hanson David Kreis

Patrick Walker Liam Fisher

Service Group Chairperson: Judy Dirks, 645-4209

Pastoral Care At Bethel, we teach, preach, and live the truth that every one of us is loved, valued, and belongs. Our pastoral care team and supporting ministries, such as Befrienders, prayer ministry, home communion, etc., provide care that is confidential, Christ-focused, and spiritual. We desire to be connected to you while you are experiencing peaks and valleys in your walk with Christ. Through the good times as well as through the tough ones, whatever your circumstances, Bethel is a loving family that wants to share God’s love for you. Please contact us by phone if you desire pastoral care. If You Are In the Hospital…. Bethel's pastoral staff would like to be there for you when you are admitted to the hospital or other facility for illness or surgery, but due to privacy regulations, we do not get a call from the hospital when you are admitted. If you would like a pastoral care provider to visit you, please be sure that someone — you or a family member or a friend — calls the Bethel office to let us know of your admission. Thank you for the privilege of sharing the presence of Christ with you in your time of need.

Tim McDermott and Charlie Ruud, Pastors, 786-6674 and Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister, 786-8951

Page 18: August 2011 Bethel Banner - Northfield MN

I am very grateful to my Bethel friends for your cards and kind words of sympathy on the recent death of my Dad. I am also thankful to Pastor Tim for his phone calls and offer of any help we might need regarding the funeral. Your thoughtfulness at this time of sorrow has been comforting.

Judy Dirks God has given us 65 years of marriage - 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-law, 5 granddaughters, 1 grandson and 2 little great-grandsons. He's also given us more blessings than we can count and, of course, some troubles along the way. We wish to thank everyone who stopped in and had brunch with us Sunday morning, June 26. We want to thank Sandy Ahrens and her side kick Winnie Johnson and the rest of the gang - Val Dennison, Barb Henwood, Char & David Jacobsen, Ed Durand, "Big Red," and Lu & Bill Lindstrom - who helped soooo much. We can't forget the wedding bells on the tree, flowers on the tables, and that wonderful cupcake display! Many thanks to those who gave a donation to Bethel in our honor and the many cards we received. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Thanks for your love, and God bless.

Char & Llloyd Martens Thank you for your gifts, prayers, and encouragement for our work with the Agarabi people in Papua New Guinea! The Agarabi children loved the friendship bracelets that the Bethel children made. Sunday School teachers plan to use them as awards for children who memorize Agarabi Bible verses. When we were there this May, I told them that Molly from America, a Bethel girl, loves them and is praying for them! Thank you for your caring.

We could not do this work with out the involvement of people like you!

Michelle Olson, Wycliffe Bible Translators Thank you for Bethel's generous contribution of $848 to the Community Action Center, of which $600 is designated for Thursday's Table and $248 is designated for food purposes. People have various forms of hunger; in fact, recent statistics indicate one in ten Minnesotans are food insecure and hungry. They may hunger for social connections as much as for food. Thursday's Table affords those who may be isolated in the margins of society to step out and have that opportunity, too. Your gift supports CAC's efforts to eliminate hunger of both kinds. Your presence at the meal can provide diners that social connection any time. I hope that you are able to volunteer at Thursday's Table now and then; remember, it's as much about building relationships as providing a hot, nutritious meal.

Jim Blaha, CAC The Tanzanian Operations Team is thankful for the response of the synod members and congregations to the Tanzanian 100th Anniversary gift [$740 from Bethel]. We have raised more than $59,000 through the end of May toward our goal of raising $100,000. The purpose of Partners in Hope is to provide for the training of secondary school teachers and for the training of nurses. This will bring hope and a better future for all the people of the Central Diocese and the Singida region of Tanzania. [Checks can still be made payable to Bethel with "TZ 100th Anniversary" on the memo line.]

Jane Rinehart and Pastor Howard White, Tanzanian Operations Team,

SE MN Synod

Thank you for your continued support of the ISLA programs in Nicaragua with your recent $625 contribution. With each trip we strengthen our relationship with the people of Jalapa and provide needed services. Your contributions make all this work possible. Together we are working to improve the lives and provide opportunities to the people of Jalapa. On behalf of ISLA and the Jalapa community, thank you!

Jon Kerr, ISLA We want to thank you for the Bunn Coffee Maker that you gave to Outlaw Camp. We will put it to good use; we are looking to be open in November .

Nancy, Joy Ranch Thank you for your $625 gift to Bread for the World. The financial support of faith communities like yours is very encouraging. With your support, Bread for the World is playing a key role in the intense debates in Congress right now about the federal budget. Budget deficits must be addressed, but not by cutting programs that help hungry people here in our own country and around the world. At a time when rising food prices are creating more hunger and hardship, our nation must continue to invest in cost-effective nutrition programs and development assistance. Your active involvement is helping change history for hungry people. Thank you!

David Beckmann, Bread for the World

X Bethel often receives more thank you notes than we have space available. Some of those published are edited due to space constraints. Thank you for all you give!

We have so much to be thankful for...

Page 18 The Bethel Banner

Page 19: August 2011 Bethel Banner - Northfield MN

Attention Bethel Bicyclists Be sure to use our handy dandy bike racks on the south side of the admin wing when parking your bikes at Bethel - Thanks!

At this year's Bethel camping trip to Red Barn campground, campers were privileged to join in the 50th anniversary celebration of long-time Bethel members Lee and Dotty Swan, including a barn dance. Congratulations to Lee and Dotty, and thanks for another great weekend! Join us next June for the animal parade, wagon ride, s'mores, swimming, and lots of good times.

This Year at Red Barn...

Page 19 August 2011

Lee and Dotty celebrating 50 years of marriage

Isaac Leer making friends with one of the three miniature horses

Heading out for a trail ride

Thank you, Lee and Dotty, for another great weekend at Red

Barn Campground!

Please Call the Church Office If… ♦ You or a family member is hospitalized

♦ You are experiencing an extended illness

♦ You have a new baby

♦ You have a death in your family

♦ You have a prayer request

♦ You have a new address, phone number, or email address

♦ You would like to learn more about membership at Bethel

♦ You would like to be added to the mailing list

♦ You would like to request home communion

♦ You would like a Befriender to contact you

♦ You would like a pastor to contact you

Page 20: August 2011 Bethel Banner - Northfield MN

Bethel Lutheran Church is a body of believers redeemed by Christ who Call and welcome all people; Act to serve our neighbors in need; Respond with God’s love to one another; and Encourage spiritual growth.

Bethel Staff Timothy McDermott, Senior Pastor .................................786-6674...........tmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org Charlie Ruud, Associate Pastor..........................................786-6674...........cruud@bethelnorthfield.org Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries .....................786-8877...........bfarmer@bethelnorthfield.org Rhonda Reece, Director of Music and Worship.............786-8874...........rreece@bethelnorthfield.org Sandy Peterson, Office Administrator..............................786-6674...........speterson@bethelnorthfield.org Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister.........................................786-8951...........psanterre@bethelnorthfield.org Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries .....................786-8878...........pvig@bethelnorthfield.org Gloria West, Church Accountant ......................................786-6687...........gwest@bethelnorthfield.org Paula Mathison, Secretary/Receptionist...........................786-6674...........pmathison@bethelnorthfield.org Mike Graff, Custodian.........................................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Ken Hu, Janitor ....................................................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Dan Kallman, Adult Choir Director .................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Jill Mahr, Youth Handbell Director ..................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Elizabeth Shepley, Children’s Choir Director [email protected] Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator..............................786-6674...........jjenkinson@bethelnorthfield.org Church Library......................................................................786-6674...........library@bethelnorthfield.org Bethel Banner submissions................................................. [email protected]

Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 ● ● ● Phone: 507-786-6674 Web: www.bethelnorthfield.org

www.facebook.com/bethellutheran Email: [email protected] ● ● ● Return Service Requested

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55057 Permit No. 138