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BETHESDA NEWS “A community caring for all God’s people,
being transformed by Christ's love, serving others as a witness of God’s grace and peace.”
Bethesda Mennonite Church
www.bethesdamc.org December 25, 2016
Infant Care Kits The infant care kits will be received and dedicated during worship services this morning. There will be no Sunday school classes following worship today. The children will be having children’s church during the worship hour. The children will meet upstairs at 9:30 a.m. and will join the worship service during the dedication of the infant care kits. New Year’s Eve communion service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 31 in the Fellowship Hall. Annual Reports Needed The Annual Meeting of Bethesda Mennonite Church will take place Sunday, February 5, 2017. All board and committee chairs should submit their Annual Reports no later than Tuesday, January 3, 2017, to expedite the printing of the Annual Report. You may email them or send a hard copy to Cindy at [email protected]. MCC Canner Approximately $15,000 is still needed to completely fund this year’s canner project. Thank you for your generosity as we can meat to relieve the suffering of individuals impacted by war, violence, trauma and famine.
Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 8, 2017, a Congregational Meeting will be held to give an update on the Child Development Center and on maintenance and special projects that are planned for Bethesda in summer 2017.
Norm Yoder, Congregational Moderator
WEEK AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY, December 25 8:45 a.m. Deacons Prayer Time 9:30 a.m. Worship and Children’s Church
MONDAY, December 26 Church Offices Closed
TUESDAY, December 27
8:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 7:30 p.m. Church Council
WEDNESDAY, December 28 12:00 p.m. Bulletin Announcements Due
SATURDAY, December 31
6:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve Communion Service
Next SUNDAY, January 1 New Year’s Day
9:30 a.m. Worship Pastor – Jim Voth
Offering – Mennonite Church USA
Sanctuary Unavailable July through October 2017 PLEASE NOTE: The sanctuary will be unavailable from July 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017 due to Board of Business projects. They will be painting the ceiling beams, rearranging pews to allow more space between benches, and replacing lights and carpet. Please keep
this in mind as you plan weddings and other events.
CHURCH FAMILY Please pray for those with health concerns, grief or family needs.
Prayer Request Maxine Regier Henderson Community Hospital Please keep our catechism students in your prayers: Kate Bergen (Brian and Angie Bergen), Lane Huebert (Phil and Melissa Goertzen), Ben Mestl (Jim and Gina Mestl), Peyton Ott (Justin and Tammy Ott), Bailey Peters (Jeff and Tami Peters) and Sydney Siebert (Leo and Susan Siebert). Please keep Suzette Shreffler of Ashland Fellowship in your prayers as she prepares for a trip to Ecuador in January. Also keep Suzette’s grandson, Rocky, as well as the family in prayer as Rocky was born three months prematurely. Birth A baby girl, Emelene Anne, was born to Brian and Myriah Leisher on December 14. Brother Eli welcomes her home. God’s blessings to this family. Thank You’s Thank you to everyone who remembered me in your prayers, with visits, phone calls, food and Pastor Jim for his visit after my recent surgery. God bless all of you.
Marj Smith
Words cannot express how thankful we are for all the blessings bestowed upon our family during the loss of Clara Ratzlaff. Throughout the past months, weeks and days, it was Bethesda’s community of Christ who surrounded us with prayers, cards, food, memorial donations and personal visits. A special thank you to our pastors, Jim, Andrea and Seth, who were willing to visit, console and pray alongside our family at just the right times. All of you have demonstrated Christ’s love and we feel blessed to be a part of Bethesda’s believers. Thank you for remembering our Clara in such a loving way. In Him,
Cheryl Quiring, Corey Quiring, Brad & Sue Mikaelian and Family Calvin & Suzanne Ratzlaff, Kristen & Evan Friesen and Family, Emily Ratzlaff
Death Ruben D. Friesen, age 90, of Henderson passed away Monday, December 19, 2016 at Henderson Community Hospital. Funeral services were held December 23 at Bethesda. Those surviving are his wife Lorene of Henderson; four daughters Joyce (Ron) Janzen of rural York, Dorothy (Tim) Robbins of Omaha, Kathy (Don) Weedin of Hampton, Joann (Wayne) Kalvoda of Glenvil; grandchildren Andrew (Amy) Janzen, Jennifer Janzen, Rebecca (Kevin) Schultz, Anne Marie Robbins, Katie (Matthew) Case, Michael (Whitney) Robbins, Lisa (Micah) Crosley, Jason (Lindsey) Weedin, Ryan (Melissa) Weedin, Zachary Kalvoda and Kaylee Kavoda; and 10 great- grandchildren. Please keep the family in prayer during these days of remembering and grieving. Change of Address Agnes Kliewer Memorial Community Care 1423 7th St Room 207 Aurora, NE 68818 402-694-0294 Lorene Friesen Henderson Care Center 1621 Front Street Henderson, NE 68371 A Christmas card from John and Marcia Yoder-Schrock is posted on the bulletin board in the east hallway. Reach International December 2016 newsletter is posted on the bulletin board in the east hallway. The December issue of the Swan Lake Christian Camp newsletter is now available at www.myslcc.com and is also posted on the bulletin board in the east hallway. Check out what is going on at camp at how you can be involved in the ministry. Adult Bible Study will not meet December 28. We will resume January 4, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study at Perks will not meet New Year’s Eve, December 31. Preschool through 6th grade will have joint Sunday school on January 1 in the second grade classroom (tv room upstairs) to watch a movie. Popcorn provided!
Epiphany Art During the six Sundays of Epiphany, beginning January 8, 2017, we will celebrate God’s enduring promises. As a part of this celebration we invite those with art and design gifts to consider creating or sharing a creation that speaks of God’s promises; the promise of new life, faithfulness, mission, blessing, guidance and freedom. If you have questions, please contact the church office or Pastor Jim.
Bible Studies In 2017, resolve to join a Bible study at Bethesda. Bible studies for various age groups are available: *Youth – Sunday evenings: 7:30 p.m. at Jeff and Tami Peters’ home, 402-723-5273. *Men’s Bible Study – Saturday mornings: 7:00 a.m. at Perks with Pastor Seth. *Young Mother’s Bible Study – Wednesdays: 9:30-11:00 a.m. with Kara Janzen, 402-723-5683. *Adult Bible Study – Wednesday evenings: 7:00-8:00 p.m. with Pastor Jim. Watch the Bethesda News for further details regarding locations and dates. Childcare Help Needed The women's Bible study that meets on Wednesday mornings at Bethesda is in need of additional babysitters to help watch the kids while their mothers meet. There are usually 12-15 women that meet each week and there can be more than 20 kids to be cared for. It is an incredible blessing to these young women to have this time to gather each week, knowing that their children are well cared for. The study will begin meeting on January 18 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. and will continue into the spring. If a weekly commitment is too much but you'd be available part time, that would be helpful too. If you are interested in helping out in this way, please contact Kara Janzen at 723-5683.
Backpack Program…Eleven families are currently participating in this year’s Backpack Program. Bethesda will be responsible for three backpacks each week. A sign-up sheet is located on the east bulletin board. Backpacks are available to pick up at the school
on Wednesdays and should be returned by Friday (please note any short weeks on the schedule when backpacks should be returned before Friday). When filling backpacks please remember to wipe down the inside of the backpack with a Clorox wipe and insert one set of Henderson Foodmart vouchers per bag. Vouchers are located on the east bulletin board near the sign-up sheet. Donated items can be left at the table in front of the church office or purchased and donated directly at Henderson Foodmart (leave in the blue box at the store). Keep your eyes open for suggested items marked with a purple backpack tag at Foodmart.
YOUTH For junior high and high school calendars visit the Bethesda Faith Formation page at www.bmcfaithformation.com. Catechism class will meet Wednesday, January 4 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Conference Room. Powerhouse (high school) will kick off on January 11 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Powerhouse Room to prepare to lead worship on January 15. The winter and spring calendar can be found online at bmcfaithformation.com. CORNERSTONE (junior high) will kick off again January 4 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a video and snacks. Orlando registration forms and updated fundraising information will be available this week in the office and will be mailed to each youth. Early registrations will be due Sunday, January 15, to Pastor Andrea. High School Bible Study at Jeff and Tami Peters’ home will resume in January 2017. More information will be coming regarding the date we will resume. Youth/Young Adult Summer Service Opportunities This summer, youth ages 14-22 are invited to apply for service opportunities in the countries listed on the next page through Mennonite Mission Network’s Youth Venture Program. You can visit their website at https://www.mennonitemission.net/Serve/Youth%20Venture for more information.
*Peru – July 11-31, 2017 *Benin (West Africa) – July 10-26, 2017 *United States/Detroit – July 4-16, 2017 *Northern Ireland and Detroit Exchange – July 14 - August 3, 2017
(July 14-24 in Belfast, July 24-August 3 in Detroit)
Possible youth service trips in consideration through Bethesda are Thailand and Cheyenne Reservation, Montana. If you are interested in either of these locations contact Pastor Andrea. There are also many other opportunities for summer or year-long service trips. Bethesda has funds available to help make these opportunities a reality. Contact Pastor Andrea with your interests and explore the possibilities!
“The Mission of Bethesda Preschool is to provide a Christian preschool education for young children
within an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and guidance.”
Bethesda Preschool has a Facebook Page! Be sure to “like” us for
preschool updates and happenings at https://www.facebook.com/bethesdapreschoolers.
FINANCIALS
Worship Offering Sunday, December 18, 2016 Attendance - 198 Sunday School Attendance – 92 Central Plains Mennonite Conference .................................. $ 2,768.00 Dayspring – Thailand ....................................................................... 100.00 Reach International – Sam and Sherri ............................................. 100.00 MCC Canner .................................................................................. 2,170.00 Benevolent Fund .............................................................................. 200.00 Preschool Special Projects ................................................................. 50.00 Angel Tree ........................................................................................ 100.00 Living Water Rescue Mission ........................................................... 500.00 Bethesda General Operating Receipts ........................................ 14,058.00 Worship Offering ................................................................ $20,046.00 Sunday School Offering ............................................................. 158.57 Total Sunday Offering ......................................................... $20,204.57
Bethesda Operating Fund January 1 – December 31 = 100% of Year
2016 Approved Annual Operating Budget $671,635.00 Offering Receipts 516,848.00 **We have received 77% of our approved budget. Operating Expenses 601,802.00 **We have spent 89.6% of our approved budget. Shortfall of income year-to-date minus expenses. ($84,954.00) (This includes estimated expenses remaining for 2016.)
Poinsettias In Memory Of Donated By
Darrell Epp Ardith Epp & Family
Owen Epp Inez Epp & Family
Willis Epp Elvera Epp & Family
Bertha Friesen Elmer Friesen Family
Gus & Nettie Friesen Wally & Shirley Friesen
Jacob & Elsie Friesen Mike & Diane Harrison
Martha Friesen Raymond A. Friesen Family
Tina Friesen Albert D. Friesen & Family
Willard & Bertha Friesen Orie & Lin Friesen
Walt & Norma Friesen Wally & Shirley Friesen
Darrol Gross LaVera Gross & Family
Althea Harrison Mike & Diane Harrison
Marty Harrison Mike & Diane Harrison
Lynn Huebert John & Adeline Huebert
Walter & Gary Janzen Elva Janzen & Family
Gary Joyce Doug & Karen Tessman
Ron Ott Carol Ott & Family
Our Loved Ones Paul & Audrey Janzen & Family
David Quiring Lavina Quiring Galen & Judy Quiring
Randall & Anne Quiring
Shane Siebert Don & Chery Siebert
Olene Tessman Corbin, Lisa, Mariah, Hallie & Waylon Tessman
Olene Tessman Doug & Karen Tessman
Lester & Gladys Troyer Lin & Orie Friesen
Merry Christmas
from the
Bethesda Mennonite Church
Staff Back Row L to R: Rod Drews, Kori Lewis, Pastor Seth Miller, Monroe Sawatzky, Pastor Andrea Wall, Pastor Jim Voth
Front Row L to R: Bev Quiring, Cindy Friesen, Cathy Wismer
Not Pictured: Holly Bailey
Former Board President, Longtime Tutor, and Benefactor David Quiring Dies
Excerpt from the Winter 2016 Lincoln Literacy Newsletter
David came to realize that teaching English would be a beneficial and satisfying adjunct to his missionary work. In 1993, David made the long trek to Lincoln to go through training with Lincoln Literacy as an English language tutor. From that time on he tutored adult English language learners almost continuously. Among his first students was Faridun Zoda, an artist who grew up in Tajikistan when it was Soviet territory. As a talented young man, Faridun won a scholarship to study at the Moscow Art Institute, and then following the collapse of the Soviet Union he was able to emigrate to the United States. His good fortune continued when David became his tutor. Lincoln Literacy Training and Development Manager Victoria Welles recalls, “David was not just his English teacher. He and his wife Lavina treated Faridun as a son, she said, they had had dinner together just a few weeks prior to this terrible accident.” David purchased many of Faridun’s paintings. Some are on long-term loan to Lincoln Literacy. Later he commissioned Faridun to create a large, four-panel mural that adorns the north wall of our building. Called “The Lamp of Literacy,” it includes a portrait of David teaching an English class. Another of his early students, Marina Kaplieva of Russia, said recently that she and her husband would never forget David, her family’s first American friend and teacher. They arrived in Lincoln as refugees with young children, no English and no American credentials. In order to get to a job they had to have a car. Recognizing that, David loaned them his truck. “It was almost like a miracle,” Marina said. Victoria Welles added “This is how I remember David, as a quiet man capable of making miracles by doing deeds of kindness.” In 1995 David joined the board of directors, serving as president from 2000 until 2005. After stepping down, he continued to serve on the board until 2008, and tutored thereafter. “As a Lincoln Literacy board member, contributor, tutor and friend, David filled every moment with a smile and a sense of true goodness,” said former staff Kevin Oliver. “He taught me that happiness comes from service to others.” David Quiring never stopped helping, and he never stopped caring. He will be widely missed.
Tribute Submitted by Victoria Welles
SERMON NOTES
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