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Bethlehem Star January 2018
Worship Services
8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
Learning Hour 9:10–10:00 a.m.
“Gathered
around Word and Sacrament,
we live
the Good News of Christ’s love
throughout our Community and
the World.”
Bethlehem Staff
Pastor Mark Peterson [email protected]
Deaconess Kristen Baltrum Director of Faith Formation [email protected]
Deaconess Sarah Loberg Faith Formation Support [email protected]
Jamie Jurkovich, Communications and Sunday School Coordinator [email protected]
Brenda Harris, Worship Director [email protected]
Nancy Tiff, Office Coordinator [email protected]
Jenny Kelley, Interim Webmaster [email protected]
Karen Haag, Bookkeeper [email protected]
Ministry Events in January
• Manna Bible Study: Mondays, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
• Daily Discipleship Bible Study: Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 a.m., Santa Fe Grill
• Worship at the Peaks Care Center: Wednesdays, 9:45 a.m.
• Boomwhackers Children’s Choir: Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m.
• Adult Choir: Wednesdays, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
• Confirmation: Wednesdays, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
• Bethlehem Quilters: Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.
• Manna Bible Study: Mondays, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
• Bethlehem Church Council: January 2, 7:00 p.m.
• First Friday Fellowship: January 5, 6:00–8:30 p.m. at the Peterson’s
• Naomi Circle Meeting and Bible Study: January 9, 9:30 a.m.
• Bethlehem Book Club: January 11, 7:30 a.m.
• Rocky Mountain Synod Youth Gathering: January 13-15
• Musical Ambassadors at Safe Harbor Assisted Living: January 14, 11:30 a.m.
• Prayer Shawl Group: January 16, 10:00 a.m.
• Tuesday afternoon Bunco: January 16, 2:00 p.m.
• Evangelism Ministry: January 16, 7:00 p.m.
• Young Adult Bowling: January 20, 7:00 p.m.
• Learn By Heart Recitation: January 21, 10:15 a.m. service
• Mentor Ministry: January 21, 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
• Musical Ambassadors at Bross Street Assisted Living, January 21, 11:30 a.m.
• Worship at Atria Senior Living: January 21, 2:00 p.m.
• ELCA Youth Gathering Meeting: January 21, 4:00 p.m.
• Annual Congregational Meeting and Lunch: January 28, 11:30 a.m.
More details of these events and additional information can be found on our website: www.bethlehem-lutheran.net.
Bethlehem Star – January 2018 Blessed to be a blessing!
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Pastor Peterson’s Pericopes
A New Year beckons us. 2018 is here.
I begin this New Year with a heart full of concerns.
My thoughts and prayers are with one of our members as he lives with pancreatic cancer. What will this New Year bring him? I pray for him every day, praying for his health and wholeness. My prayer list for Bethlehem members is a long one; praying for jobs, for answers, for peace, for health. There seem to be so many “people” concerns right now.
My thoughts and prayers are also with another member who is in the Marine Corps and was recently shipped out for a tour of duty on Okinawa. There is a troop build–up going on in that part of the world due to the saber rattling of North Korea. What will happen in 2018 with that conflict?
I recently heard from a family we were helping to get back on their feet. Their troubles continue. The father is now dealing with kidney stones and has had trouble working. The new year will bring them a new baby, and they want to move back to Longmont. They are heavy on my heart. Will some of life’s challenges ease for them in the New Year?
What will 2018 bring to Bethlehem? We are talking about children’s choirs and camp scholarships, a National Youth Gathering and a sanctuary remodel, a mission trip to Houston and a bathroom remodel. Can we do all that? Should we do all that?
I worry about my mom. Her memory and balance are a real concern. What changes might 2018 bring for her?
I know you carry many of the same concerns—for friends and family that are hurting or struggling, for our country and world, for our church.
That’s why I feel so blessed to be a part of this body of Christ. We don’t carry those concerns alone. We walk in faith together. We walk with God. The upcoming year will bring its joys and sorrows, surprises and routines—just like 2017 did. I pray for you, and I know you pray for me and my family. The love and concern we share make it possible to face a new year with hope and anticipation.
Peace to you. Peace to our world.
Pastor Peterson
Bethlehem Star – January 2018 Blessed to be a blessing!
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Worship
January 7 – Epiphany of Our Lord
• Matthew 2:1-12 – God’s promise shines bright in the night as magi follow a star to honor a new king.
• Our manger scene will be complete, with the wise men completing their journey. • The Bethlehem Choir will lead worship at 8:00 a.m. and the Revelation Choir at
10:15 a.m. • (The Chrismon tree and decorations will come down on January 13, and our
Epiphany lights will be hung.)
January 14 – Second Sunday after Epiphany
• John 1:43-51 – Jesus’ ministry begins with the call of the disciples. • The Bethlehem Choir will sing at 10:15 a.m.
January 21 – Third Sunday after Epiphany
• Mark 1:14-20 – Jesus proclaims the good news from God. • The Bethlehem Choir will lead worship at 8:00 a.m. and the Revelation Choir at 10:15 a.m. • Learn by Heart recitation at 10:15 a.m.
January 28 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
• Mark 1:21-28 – Jesus sides with humanity against every force that would bring death and disease.
• The Bethlehem Choir will sing at 10:15 a.m.
Worship Attendance for November 2017
Date Total
November 5 309
November 12 295
November 19 226
November 26 221
Average 265
2018 Music Program
As our fresh new year is here, I'd like to encourage you to become involved in the 2018 BLC music program. We have two adult choirs, two children's groups of Boomwhackers, and various instrumental groups including strings, brass, and bells. Do you sing jazz or rock 'n' roll, or play the guitar, drums, oboe, bagpipes? There's room for everyone to participate! If you have an idea or a wish for our music program, please let me know! Contact Brenda Harris ([email protected]) to be involved.
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Faith Formation
Winter Adult Forums
Sundays, 9:15–10:10 a.m. in the Library Classroom
January 7 – Reformation Art Class: Law and Gospel and The Three Altars with Pastor Dee Watson
In consultation with Martin Luther, Lucas Cranach the Elder, produced the Law and Gospel paintings in Gotha and Prague. They are considered to be the most influential images of the Lutheran Reformation. All of Cranach’s Lutheran paintings rest upon this pictorial type, which also influenced other artists. The altar paintings instruct viewers in Lutheran theology and actively perpetuate evangelical devotional practices. The iconography derives from Luther’s sermons and explicates Luther’s notion of justification by going to the theology it embodies.
January 14 –1534 Bible Narrative with Pastor Dee Watson
The most important book in German is the extraordinary Bible translation attributed to Luther. Most published works were still in Latin. Luther heard the Old Testament as announcing Christ and Salvation. The New Testament was seen as fulfillment.
January 21, 28, and February 4 – Christians and Politics with Pastor Greg Mileski
As Christians, we follow a Savior who rejected earthly power and was executed by the authorities. Then the Roman Empire became Christian and suddenly the church was the very center of power. Many of us grew up in a time when Christianity (and Christians) wielded most of the political power. But now, that relationship is crumbling. Christianity is not at the center of American power. Is this a bad thing? The “religious right” thinks so and is working to recreate what has been lost. But is this the only option? What happens if the Church is no longer seen at the center of power? Might this be an opportunity to be the Church in a new and exciting way—and maybe even a way that looks more like what we see in Christ’s gospels?
Join us for this three–part class as we ask what should be our relationship to power and how can we as Christians vote in a way that honors the best parts of our faith.
Mentor Ministry
Resolutions! We will gather in Peace Fellowship Hall on January 21, 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. for an afternoon activity looking at goals and resolutions for the new year. How will grace be a part of the year? Bring a lunch! RSVP to Deaconess Sarah Loberg at [email protected] by January 19.
ELCA Youth Gathering Meeting
All youth who are attending the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston this summer will be meeting on January 21 at 4:00 p.m. to keep building our community and learn about what we will be discovering in Houston. Please make it a point to be at these meetings. This January meeting will be at Bethlehem Lutheran.
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Connect
Boomwhackers Return!
With just a little bit of a schedule change, beginning January 3, we will return to the joyful noise of the Boomwhacker children’s music program. The time will be from 5:45–6:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and February 7 with no dinner or “homework club.” During the 45 minutes, DK and Brenda will split the group into two smaller groups, Kindergarten–1st graders and 2nd–5th graders. Brenda will lead one group in some music–making while DK leads the other in fun faith–forming activities. Then we will swap! All children will have time with music and fun at their age and ability level. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact either Deaconess Kristen ([email protected]) or Brenda Harris ([email protected])
No Late Start Breakfast Club
There will NOT be Late Start Breakfast Club on January 3.
First Friday Fellowship
Join us on Friday, January 5, 6:00–8:30 p.m. for First Friday Fellowship. First Friday is a monthly adult fellowship opportunity to get to know other church members in a relaxed setting. No reservations are required; just bring an appetizer and a beverage to share. Our hosts this month are Pr. Mark and Ruth Peterson (485 Golden Lane, Longmont, CO 80501). Come and share appetizers and good fellowship!
Decorating for Epiphany
The Epiphany of our Lord marks the end of the Christmas season. We will celebrate Epiphany on Sunday, January 7 (one day late). We will take down the Chrismon tree and decorations on January 13 at 9:00 a.m. We will also hang our Epiphany mirrors. We had a great crew that put up the tree. Hopefully, we can have a good group of volunteers to make the seasonal change. Please come help out if you are able.
Young Adult Bowling Night
Calling all post–high school/college/recent post–college/twenty–something–ish through thirty–something–ish people! Let’s get together for some bowling awesomeness on January 20 at 7:00 p.m. RSVP to Deaconess Sarah Loberg ([email protected]) or Deaconess Kristen ([email protected]) by January 16. We will determine the location based on who’s coming.
Bethlehem Star – January 2018 Blessed to be a blessing!
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Annual Congregational Meeting and Lunch
It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve again this past year as the president of the congregation. I continue to value every conversation, suggestion, and even challenge that we have worked through together. I am constantly amazed by the members of the council, staff, and countless volunteers that give so generously of their time and talents. We truly have much to be thankful for as a congregation. I know I feel very blessed to be a part of this congregation!
As my last task as your current president, I would like to invite you to the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 28th. We will begin with lunch at 11:30 a.m. This year, the lunch before the start of the congregational meeting will be provided and served by the members of the Council. This is part of our saying “thank you” to you for serving and to celebrate the success of this year’s stewardship campaign.
I think it is important to note that this time of gathering is more than just another meeting. It will be a time for us to take care of the important business of the church, such as approving the 2018 budget and voting in the new council. It will also be a time to celebrate and reflect on the accomplishments and ministry we have done together as the body of Christ this past year. Each council ministry will be writing a report sharing what the Holy Spirit has been up to in their work. I hope you will take time to read each of these reports. There is so much happening within all of our ministries here! Hard copies of the 2017 Annual Report will be available in the narthex beginning on Sunday, January 22.
To learn more about the proposed 2018 budget, the Executive and Finance Committees will be holding a pre–meeting budget forum during the Adult Forum time on Sunday, January 21. I invite you to attend this as well, to ask questions, and get a more detailed reporting of the 2017 and 2018 budgets.
On behalf of the council, I hope you can join us for lunch and the congregational meeting.
Blessings to you as we begin this new year of ministry together.
Andrea Kragerud
2017 Congregation President
Bethlehem Star – January 2018 Blessed to be a blessing!
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Senior High Winter Ski Retreat
High Schoolers, join us on February 9–11 for a Winter Ski Retreat with the BoBro (Boulder-Broomfield) Conference in Granby! The deadline to signup is January 8! Our group size has grown quite a bit from years past with 7 participating congregations this year, which means triple the fun. We are unable to fit at the church where we used to crash, so we will be staying at Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby. This increases the cost a little bit, but we did our best to keep prices as low as possible. You will have the choice to go tubing at Frazer Mountain OR a day of skiing or snowboarding at Winter Park. Your total cost depends on what you choose to do and what gear/pass you already have. Travel logistics will be sent to participants after registration is final on January 8!
• Room and food: $104
• Tubing (if you choose to do this): $22
• Skiing/Boarding at Winter Park: TBD, unless you have a pass, then you are good to go with no additional charge. If we get at least 20 riders/skiers, lift tickets will be about $80, plus gear rental if necessary.
To signup for this awesome retreat, please go to Mt Calvary’s webpage to register: http://www.mountcalvary-boulder.org/event-registration/bobro-ski-retreat
There will be two parts to the registration—a contact form to collect information and an online payment form (covering tubing and room/food) as well. Payments for skiers/boarders will be handled directly by Winter Park.
Finance
Financial Update YTD through October Actual Income $415,919
Budgeted Income 432,758
Income Deficit -$16,839
Actual Expenses $443,722
Net Deficit -$27,803
Financial Reports Presented to Council Available
You can download the Financial Reports submitted each month to council from our Member website under Finances (https://www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/members-resources/finances.html). The key pages are the General Fund Summary and the All Fund Summary. Contact Jamie Adams ([email protected]) for more information or with questions or suggestions.
Member Milestones
January Anniversaries
January 1 Ranelle Lang and Robert Hammond (17) January 3 Linda and Mark Holste (42) January 5 Robin and Frank Lee (28) January 5 Sandy and John Frazer (16) January 7 Marcy and Dennis Smith (51) January 14 Tonja and Larry Twito (12) January 22 Sharon and Howard Wirth (52)
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January Birthdays
January 1 Gina Alexander, Emily Dawson, Alisha James
January 2 Zephyr Lautenschlager January 3 Racheal Goodman, Bonnie Mason
January 5 John Dickkut January 7 Frances Rhoades, Bob Urbach
January 8 Jonathan Brunscheen, George Dillan
January 9 Sarah Wagner January 10 Karin Trenkel Wilson
January 11 Alex Hebbert, Ryan Kragerud, Perrie Sanders, Jim Woodruff January 12 Nancy Habegger, Ryker Mercer January 15 Dale Smith, Molly Summers
January 16 Emily Kunselman, Karen Vecellio
January 17 Mark Abromski, Adrien Vanous
January 18 Cameron Taylor, Stephanie Taylor January 19 Callie Bowman, Mark Herbst, Debby Olson
January 20 Betty Culbertson, Mendy Goodman
January 21 Margot Hoffmeyer, Alan Olson, Lily Romaszewski, Bonnie Schumann
January 22 Patty Fagler, Marcella Myers, Jennifer Paul January 23 Ruth Peterson
January 24 Connie Nelson, Hannah Thompson
January 27 Robert Baltrum, Janelle Wappel January 28 Kyle Curtis
January 29 Steven Byrne, Philip Gustafson
January 30 Joyce Stambaugh
January 31 Dennis Bloemker
Prayers...
Healing for:
Larry Sittner, Mike Goecke, John Goodman, Harold Wollman, Dion Borgmann, Harold Sorensen, Bob Dunkel, Georgene Mulvaney Gibson, Carol Thieking, Barb Blando, Scott Flanagan, Gerry Cole, Jim Ferguson, Byron Thompson, Doug Eikenberg, and our homebound members: Dottie Choun, Mike Anderson, Mary Schlagel, Inga Froyland,Doris Cotton, Gail Gaffney Taylor, Esther Tiff, Ann Young
Congratulations:
To Arline Sahl and Cindy Ballard on the birth of a new great granddaughter and granddaughter, Mackenze June Sprendlow, born December 16 in Loveland. Mackenze is the daughter of Stacie and Nick Spendlow
To the Mark and Ruth Peterson Family on the baptisms of grandsons, Christian David Aanestad and Mark Alexander Peterson on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. Parents of Christian David are Jesse and Jon Aanestad of Nashville, TN. Parents of Mark Alexander are Alexandra and Micah Peterson of Denver.
Sympathy for:
Barbara Rountree on the death of their son, Cory Hensley of Grand Junction, CO. Memorial services for Corey will be Jan. 26, 2018 here at Bethlehem.
Jaime Updegraff and Jill Woodley on the death of their grandmother, Mary Ellen Schulze.
Nancy McLeod and family on the death of her husband, Bob McLeod. Memorial services and
committal will be December 30, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
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Thank You
To all Sunday School families and children: The children's market raised $64.35 for Jose to go to school. Jose is so happy you are helping him. He loves being a student and going to school. He says gracias. That means thank you in Spanish. He is helping the three and four-year old children at our preschool in Nicaragua because he knows all of you are helping him.
~ Cathy Goodman We would like to express our deep appreciation for all who baked for the annual bake sale on December 17 and for all of those who generously donated for the bake sale items. A total of $658 was raised to help the preschoolers who receive food, education, nurture, and Sunday School at our children center. Bless you all.
~Nicaragua Task Force Office Helpers: Betty Bluhm, Mary Fjeld, Nancy McLeod, and Doris Slinger
Information & News
Keep the BLC Office Up to Date
Please keep the church office up to date with address, email and phone information for your family. Contact Nancy at the church office (303-776-3290, [email protected]) with any changes in contact information.
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Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1000 15th Avenue Longmont, CO 80501 Return service requested
Weekly Announcements are also available on the website. Go to www.bethlehem-lutheran.net, login as a Member and then go to Notes/Weekly Bulletins. Deadline for weekly announcements: The Wednesday before you want the announcement to appear in the bulletin. Submit all announcements through the Members website/Resources/ Submit to BLC news form or the BLC news email ([email protected]). Deadline for the 2018 February Star: January 20. Submit all articles through the Members website/Resources/Submit to BLC news form or the BLC news email ([email protected]). If you have any problems, please contact Aaron Jurkovich or Jenny Kelley.
