BETHLEHEM STAR August Issue 2020 ________________________________________________________________________

From the Pastor’s Desk I am looking forward to Drive-by-Holy Communion on August 2

nd. You are invited

to gather those you love and drive to Bethlehem between 5:00-7:00 PM. It would be great if you would call the church office to reserve a ten minute time slot some-where between 5 and 7. I am grateful to have met maybe 70 or so people from Bethlehem since I began as interim in mid June. But I am sure that there are many others whom I have not met. This is an opportunity for your interim to meet the good folk of Bethlehem informally as well as provide you with an opportunity to receive the gift of God’s grace tucked into a little bit of bread and a swallow of wine. Uniquely, each person will need to peel back the sealed waver and then peel back the sealed cup of grape juice. (Sorry for the purists out there who de-sire to receive communion wine. Let’s just say…we are working on developing that option).

As a confirmation instructor I have often used the image of Christ’s body and blood getting into our body, under our skin and into our bloodstream. Frankly, Christians use the bodies God has given us to witness to the world that God’s grace is alive and well. When we worship we use words that the world doesn’t always understand or commonly use. Alleluia is a word of praise. Grace is a word of worship tied to confession and forgiveness. Faith is a word tied to one’s trust in the ongoing works of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Frankly, when God’s children remain faithful in worship we are sent out to serve our neighbor. And when we are faithful in serving we get a little stressed and sweaty as we clean up urine no one else wants to get near; as we support the unsupported or encourage the downtrodden. In short, being faithful can wear us out. So we return to a place of worship where we can be refreshed at a cool spring that never stops bubbling forth with God’s grace and courage. Holy Communion is a means for God’s children to drink deep from a cool spring. You are invited. Come taste and see that God is good. Bethlehem’s Interim Pastor Gary Mikkelson

COUNCIL MINUTES July 2020 Council Minutes Mission Statement: Bethlehem Lutheran church is a body of broken people connected through faith in Jesus Christ sent to share God’s love. The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council met July 6, 2020 at 7 pm. The meeting was called to order in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by President Al Leenderts. Attendance: Al Leenderts, Dan Ellingson, Nancy Sandager, Brenda Beyer, Jan Solberg, Dave Leenderts, Nick Sandager, Deb Warner, Eric Abels, Brandon Boeve, Diana Buffington, Brianna Leuthold, Emily Sandager, and Pastor Gary Mikkelson. Interim Pastor Gary Mikkelson began the meeting with devotions based on Acts 1:21, when the disci-ples were looking for a replacement for Judas, and we at BLC are moving forward in our journey to find a new pastor. An overview of our last meeting was presented by the secretary. The Treasurer’s Report was presented.

Income: June $ 9551.35 year to date: $71060.36 Expenses: June $ 6104.62 year to date: $ 63700.26 Net income $ 3446.73 yearly net $ 7360.10

Deacons Report: submitted by Jan Solberg The BLC Deacons met on July 6, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. in Trinity Chapel with Deb Warner, Eric Abels, Lori Rentschler, Diana Buffington, Jan Solberg and Pr. Gary. Jan led devotions. Diana opened the meeting and the following items were discussed:

We welcome Justine Heintzman to the board of deacons. Diana will get more masks for worship. We will celebrate a drive-by Holy Communion on Sunday, Aug. 2, from 5 - 7:00 P.M. Pastor Gary

will serve each car/carload. Those who want to participate should register and sign up for a spe-cific 10-minute intervals. Call Cami on or before the Friday before (7/31/20).

There will be a Paulsen baptism during worship on July 26. We would like to have a volunteer soloist to sing the hymns each Sunday at Pr. Gary’s request. Communion at Tuff Chapel once a month has been working well. Lori will continue working with

Pr. Gary for future opportunities. The next deacon meeting will be on Monday, Aug. 3, at 6:00 PM. Church Council will meet on Wed., Sept 9, at 7:00 PM. Deacons will meet at 6:00 just prior to the

council meeting. Eric will lead the devotions. Trustees Report:

Cement work was completed at the parsonage (Thompson fund for upkeep). Continuing to move forward with plans for a new sign and received a nice donation for it. Reviewing the IT needs for a new camera or iPad for livestreaming services and airing on the new

local TV station. Received a couple bids and need more information. Moving forward on filling a Youth Leader position. Will be advertising in Bethlehem Star and our

bulletins/website first before newspapers. Education Report: submitted by Emily Sandager

VBS plans are to create 4 weeks of materials (one Bible story per week in the month of August). Along with the craft materials, we are working to enlist confirmation students to make a weekly video to read the corresponding Bible story. There will be designated pick-up spots for families to pick up materials in beginning of August.

We are looking to keep the same Sunday school curriculum and are working on contacting leaders for Sunday school as well as how to appropriately group students based on numbers.

We are waiting to hear Confirmation date and communicating with Confirmation students that all requirements are being completed.

Youth Group kick-off was Sunday, June 28th in the church front yard with games and treats. After a weekend off July 5th, youth group will begin regular weekly rotations starting July 12th from 6:30-8:00.

Pastor’s Report (and clarifications):

Thanks for new cement/driveway/sidewalk; discussed parsonage mowing, snow removal, utilities. Email address will be: pastorgary@alliancecom.net Working with Deacons to plan Drive-by Communion. Wanting to connect with confirmands and their families regarding fall Confirmation. Wanting to connect with confirmands and their families regarding fall Confirmation. Working with Eric A for Tuff Home connection. The church’s laptop doesn’t have a camera for

Zoom meetings, but personal computer does so it can be used if needed. Also hoping to be able to meet outdoors in courtyard in future.

Have 2 upcoming weddings: Aug 22 and Sept 26. Discussed current wedding booklet and policies based on MN Dept of Health guidelines. MOTION was made by Jan S with a 2nd by Eric A to approve the request to allow Pastor Jason Martens to preside at the wedding of Katie McGaffee and Justin Hanson in Sept based on the following: we have a new interim pastor whom the cou-ple does not know; the couple already has a relationship with Pastor Jason Martens, and Jason Martens is a Pastor who grew up in our church. Motion carried.

Old Business:

Youth Leader position: Hope to have advertisements for Bethlehem Star and in church soon and will wait to do external newspaper ads if no one applies.

Alliance TV station & videotaping church services: still studying IT needs. Tentatively planning to broadcast in the 6:30 pm Wednesday time slot.

VBS: Shetek not doing camps this year; Board of Ed planning 4 lessons and accompanying materi-als to be handed out in August.

Constitution update: A MOTION was made by Jan S with a 2nd by Diana B to approve continuing resolution C10.08. This congregation may hold meetings by remote communication, including electronically and by telephone conference, as long as there is an opportunity for simultaneous aural communication. To the extent permitted by state law, notice of all meetings may be provid-ed electronically. Motion carried with a majority vote.

Covid 19: we will continue to monitor and follow MN & Dept of Health guidelines: currently 50% capacity, masks, sanitizer, etc.

Left on the table: Continuing discussions on possible Wed eve &/or outdoor services for summer &/or holiday weekends.

Left on the table: Licensing for hymns needs to be watched. Currently we must use hymns available for public domain.

New Business:

We need volunteers to help with the weekly videotaping. Discussed ideas regarding confirmation students who haven’t met requirements. Pastor Gary talked about the Transition and Call Process. The first step is to set up a transition/

discovery team. Brianna L and Brenda B were on the last team and will help, along with Eric A. We need to look at our history, our identity, our mission, and future goals before

we choose our call committee.

Announcements/Correspondence: The next full Council Meeting is Sept 9 at 7 pm. A thank you from Wendy and Tim Buss was received and read. The BLC Scholarship was awarded to Michaela Abels. The Briggs Scholarships were awarded to

Grace Bundesen and Alexia Boltjes. REMINDER: services are at 10 am for the months of June, July, and August.

Meeting adjourned with The Lord’s Prayer. Nancy Sandager, Secretary

01– Dawson Leenderts 02– Vicki Bos 04– Holly Harron Abigayl Olson 05– Drew Leendeerts Danette Leenderts Donavon Leenderts 07 - Carol Hadler Dallas Page 12 - Brandon Boeve 16 - Carter Abels 18 - Tyler Paulsen 21 - Hunter Brandt 23 - Deanna Chapman Luke LaRock 24 - Doug Boeve Aaron Sandager 27 - Eric Hoyme 28 - Jil Vaughn 29 - Diana Buffington 31 - Rory Wiertzema ______________________________________ OPEN HOUSE BRIDAL SHOWER Saturday, August 8th 10:00 am. - 12:00 noon @Bethlehem Church for Katie McGaffee (bride to be Dustin Hanson) Registered at Target, Menards & Amazon

** Remember in your prayers Sandy Bennett’s family . She received her Angel Wings on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. She is a sister to Joan Johnson & Jean Wysong. _________________________________

Cami’s Corner It’s a girl! My son and his wife had a ba-by girl on Friday, July 10. Her name is Abigail Ann Verhey. She weighed 7lbs. 13 oz. I am so blessed, grandchild #7 Had a great birthday, thanks for all the birthday wishes. What a blessing that so many people remember me on my birthday. I heard from old classmates, my children, my family, & neighbors. I had some flowers delivered to me at work and the florist walked in the door with a large arrange-ment of summer flowers. She came in with a puzzled look on her face. I asked if I could help her. She replied, “I didn’t know where to go for sure. I have a birthday de-livery. My usual delivery to a church is for a funeral! …...Yikes! HUMOR My buddy Kavin got a new camper so his grandma and I drove out to check it out. He was pretty excited about the new camp-er. I had some green beans from the gar-den for him, then proceeded to ask him what else he would like from the garden. I mentioned, tomato’s, carrots, peas and he would respond to each if he liked or not. Then I mentioned potatoes, his response: “Cami, I love potatoes, but we have ours in a box!” Priceless! Be sure to call the church office @ 962-370 to get a reserved time for Drive by Communion on Sunday, Aug. 2nd from 5:00-7:00 pm. Allowing 10 minutes per visit.

Keeping you posted

DRIVE BY COMMUNION There will be a Drive by Communion on Sunday, August 2nd, 5:00-7:00 pm. We ask that those that would like to Receive communion call the church Office (962-3270) to reserve a time. Please allow 10 minutes per visit. —————————————————- BAPTISM’S Kymber Marie Paulsen was baptized at Bethlehem on Sunday, July 26. Godparents: Ethan & Maleeka Rozeboom. Parents: Tyler & Britny Paulsen +++++++++++++++++++++ We celebrate with parents Tom & Micah Sandager on the baptism of daughter Lillian Jane Sandager on July 18, 2020. Godparents: Alicia Sandager-Balser & Walter Balser. —————————————————— SYMPATHY to Paul & Stephanie Page on the passing of Paul’s mom, Carol. Carol passed away on Monday, July 13. Arrangements pending. ————————————————— Enjoy the Bounty of The Valley Sunday, August 16th 1:00-4:00 pm. Drive thru produce market @ Beaver Valley Lutheran Church. Located 1 mile east of Brandon golf course. Come enjoy fresh local Produce To keep our community safe, vegetables will be packaged and ready. Donations will be received and go toward repairs & updates in our church

Church Directory Corrections: Please correct the following infor-mation in your church directory. * Email address for Alan Berndt-Dreyer should NOT have a hyphen between Berndt Dreyer. * Phone number for Jack & Pat Paulsen should be 507-962-3499. ______________________________

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, MN is seeking a part-time Youth Pastor/Director to accompa-ny, encourage, and engage youth on their faith journey through a wide range of education and youth pro-grams. This position will provide primary leadership in developing appropri-ate and effective programs for children, youth and their families. This position will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and imple-menting all youth-related classes, activities, events, and groups throughout the calendar year. Those interested who have a pas-sion for youth and a strong Chris-tian faith are invited to submit a resume to: Bethlehem Lutheran Church Attn: Church Council 112 N. Main Ave. Hills, MN 56138

Bethlehem Lutheran Church 112 N. Main

Hills, MN 56138-0576 Address Service Requested E-Mail: bethlehemluth@alliancecom.net Web Page: www.blcofhills.org

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Hills, MN 56138 Permit No. 2