VOLUME 11, ISSUE 5 MAY 2015

November Musical Page 2

Family Mission Trip Page 2

Bedding Plant Sale Page 3

LWML Page 4

Primetimers Page 4

Stephen Ministry Page 4

Compassion Sunday Page 5

Habitat Builds Page 6

LifeLight Page 7

School News Page 8

Student Ministry Page 9

Todd Retirement Page 10

Children’s Ministry Page 10

Mary Martha Page 10

May Calendar Page 11

Aidan Hamilton Page 12

Bethlehem Lutheran is celebrating 75 years of educating students. Bethlehem has changed dramatically over the years; from the humble roots of a one-room school house in rural Lakewood, to the multi-level school building of today. Through all the years one thing has not changed: the commitment of the teachers to deliver top notch academic content while remaining centered on Christ’s Word. Generations of church and community members have sent their children through our fabulous ELC and School. In May, there will be a video montage for everyone to enjoy that celebrates 75 years in the making. Also mark your calendars for the annual Arts in the Afternoon extravaganza on May 17th. All of the school choirs and music groups will perform throughout the day. Art from all classrooms will be displayed in the hallways and the Commons for everyone to see and enjoy. We look forward to the next 75 years.

Did you know that Bethlehem Lutheran School . . . .

Was opened in 1940 as a ministry to members of the church and community.

It began as a one-room schoolhouse and grew annually until it reached its peak enrollment in the 1996-97 school year, which was 475 students

Enrollment this year is 309

Bethlehem was first accredited in 1997 by National Lutheran Schools. This accreditation was renewed in 2004, and 2010 by National Lutheran Schools Accreditation (NLSA), and by the North Central Association (NCA)

Bethlehem Beginnings is accredited by NLSA and licensed by the State of Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Childcare

The current student/teacher ratio throughout the school is 16:1

The teachers have been serving at Bethlehem for an average of 16 years

Besides offering a strong Christ-centered academic curriculum, Bethlehem students can participate in academic contests, musical festivals, and sports activities

Offers both before and after school childcare to accommodate the schedules of working families

Offers a premier summer camp for school and community families

Is blessed with a great number of parent and grandparent volunteers, for

which the entire staff is extremely grateful

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Bethlehem Lutheran School 75th Anniversary By Michelle Fischer

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Family Mission Trip Update By Sarah Ross

You may have noticed events happening that benefit the Family Mission Trip, and wondered what this trip is all about. Bethlehem is sending 34 people of all ages to St. Mary, Jamaica, August 1-8 to build relationships with the people there. We are hoping to make this an annual trip to sustain these relation-ships. We have partnered with American Caribbean Experience (www.acexperience.org), an organization that Pastor Drew has been partnering with for the last 10 years. We will be helping people in Jamaica create sustainable jobs so they can provide for their families. We will also be serving in the schools and orphanages.

The cost for the trip is $1400 per person. This includes airfare, ministry costs, lodging, etc. Our team has been hosting events to build relationships within our Bethlehem community, as well as to help defray some of the cost of the trip. If you haven’t joined us for an event, it’s not too late! We hope that this opportunity will help our church focus outward and share Jesus with all those who are outside our doors.

Shortly after the trip, we will have a special time set aside to share our experiences with you. Please keep our team in your prayers as we prepare for this experience. If you would like to be on our prayer team, we would love to have you be a part of our team. Please contact Sarah Ross (sross@bethluth.net) to learn more about A.C.E., be on our prayer team, or with questions. Thank you for all the support you have given us thus far - we greatly appreciate you!

Mother Daughter Event - May 9 from 1:00-3:00 pm: A fun afternoon involving a fashion show, tea, and memories with your family. All mothers and daughters are invited. Registration began April 19.

Movie Night - May 15 - doors open at 6:30, Movie starts at 7: This is an indoor drive-in movie. We will show a family friendly movie, and we invite you to bring a cardboard car along to sit in. Small prizes will be awarded in several categories for the cars, so get creative!

Back by popular demand, the incredibly funny and entertaining “Noah, Where Ark Thou?” is coming to Bethlehem this Fall. Written by Bethlehem’s own Brian Harper with music by David Langewisch, this fun-filled musical takes a humorous look at life on the ark with Noah’s family and a boat-load of animals.

Auditions will be at the end of May and are open to all humans, ages 14 & up. Scripts and learning CD’s will be issued before summer starts, with the regular rehearsals Sunday afternoons starting August 30th.

There will be four performances from November 13-15th.

Noah Where Ark Thou? Returns By Pastor David Langewisch

75 Years continued...

Bethlehem Lutheran Church provides substantial

support for the school ministry, keeping tuition costs to parents lower than the average private Christian school in metro Denver

Was recognized by the U.S. Local Business

Association as the Best of Lakewood – Religious Schools 2008

Was awarded ‘best activity’ at Lakewood Cider

Days 2014

PLAN TO JOIN US IN CELEBRATING

OUR 75TH ANNIVERSARY!

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Less than 4 miles from

Bethlehem!!

NOVACEK GREENHOUSE

2635 Youngfield Street

Golden, Colorado 80401

303-237-3572 www.novacekgreenhouse.com

Friday, May 1st - 8 am to 6 pm

Saturday, May 2nd

- 8 am to 6 pm

Sunday, May 3rd

- 9 am to 5 pm

Get your garden ready with a large selection of annuals,

vegetable plants, baskets, planters and perennials!

13th

Annual Youth Spring

Bedding Plant Sale

Sales benefit Bethlehem

Youth Missions.

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PrimeTimers` Activities By Lorraine Clark

Senior Services at Jefferson Center

The Stephen Ministers learned about the services that are offered at Jefferson Center. Our speaker was Phyllis Kirk. Jefferson Center offers many different layers of counseling to seniors that are 60 years old and older.

They offer health coaching, group therapy, psycho-ed classes. They also offer services for caregivers of elderly people. They do senior peer counseling. They will care for some in their homes and some in the Jefferson Center offices. They also offer Child

and Family Services. The State of Colorado offers Crisis Services at no cost. If you are interested in their services, you may call the Center at 1.866.217.5808.

Our Stephen Ministers can help seniors and/or their caregivers by listening and helping them with their concerns. If you would like to talk to a Stephen Minister, please call Martha Rowley at 303.425.6971 or the church office at 303.238.7676.

Stephen Ministry Corner By Martha Rowley

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Tuesday, May 5 at 10:00am Bible Study in the Commons

Monday, May 18 at 1:00pm Bunco in the Commons

Tuesday, May 19 at 10:00am Bible Study in the Commons

Tuesday, May 19 at 11:30am Out to Lunch following Bible Study

Country Buffet @ 5220 North Wadsworth - sign up for reservations!

Sunday, May 31 @ 12:30pm BBQ in the Commons - desserts welcome!

Sign-up in the Commons required - $8.00 per person

No activities planned for June, July and August

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LWML By Ann Nord

Mites are mighty! They fund mission grants in the Rocky Mountain District, across the United States, and around the world.

They touch people who need help in mind, body and spirit. Since moving back into the main church area in December, there has been a decline in mite donations. The mite box is not as visible or where you were used to seeing it before.

It is now behind the Information Desk as you enter the church and school. Please look for it and continue to support these mission grants. Mites truly make a difference!

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Compassion Sunday Coming to Bethlehem! By Bob Jones

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Tell a child “I’m here for you.”

Change the Story for a Child Living in Poverty

Bethlehem is participating in Compassion Sunday on May 3. This is a national event that helps us grow in our understanding of God’s very special love for the poor. It’s also an opportunity for each of us to intervene in the life of at least one child in poverty. Sponsoring a child through Compassion International provides educational, social and health benefits through a local church in the community where the child lives. Your sponsored child will also learn the love of Jesus.

You have the power to change the story for a child living in poverty and help a child feel loved, valued and cared for. Help break the cycle of poverty and give a child hope for a future. It can begin with you!

Visit us at our Compassion Table on Sunday, May 3, 2015, to learn how you can make a difference.

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

2 Corinthians 9:8-10

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”

John 6:35

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”

Proverbs 31:8

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Once again, the Miracle Workers are partnering with Habitat for Humanity this summer to build a home. Our family this year is Thaddeus, a Denver native, and his son, Sean (age 13). Thaddeus is looking forward to when he owns a safe, affordable and decent Habitat home. It’s always been a dream of his to own his own home, but he has not able to fulfill that dream without Habitat. Thaddeus and Sean are currently living in an apartment where the entire complex is falling into disrepair and the one-bedroom apartment is too small for them. The new house is located at 731 Quitman Street, right off of 6

th

Avenue.

As always, there are many ways you can help to make this home a dream come true for Thaddeus and Sean.

You can help build the home by going to www.miracleworkersbuild.com and under Get Involved, click on Volunteer. This will take you to the Habitat home page for the build. The first day of the build for Miracle Workers is Friday, June

12, 2015.

You can donate to the build on that same web site, by clicking on Donate under Get Involved. This will take you to a page where you can donate on-line by credit/debit card. You can also donate through your regular offering envelope. Make sure you mark your check for: Miracle Workers.

You can also volunteer to make or purchase lunches for the workers on any given build day. Contact us directly to do this.

On Father’s Day, June 21st, the Miracle Workers

Coalition will be hosting a pancake breakfast at Bethlehem, in conjunction with the annual Father’s Day Car Show sponsored by the Car Enthusiasts Lifegroup. The proceeds from this breakfast will also go to Habitat for Miracle Workers.

Questions? Contact Randy or Sherri Wells at

303.238.5869 or at emiliejay@comcast.net.

The Miracle Workers Are Building Again By Sherri Wells

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Fully Alive

Bethlehem Lutheran Church & School

2100 N. Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood, CO 80214

Church office: 303-238-7676 School office: 303-233-0401

Visit us online at

www.bethlehemfullyalive.com E-mail Bethlehem@bethluth.net

KLTT 670 Radio Broadcast 11:00 AM Sundays

David J. Langewisch, Pastor

Drew Ross, Pastor

Jordan Tomesch

Vicar (Student Pastor)

Tim Wendelin Vicar (SMP)

Michel le Fischer , Pr incipal

Sandy Wendelin,

Director of Connections

Scott Bubke, Director of Operations

Doug Butte, IT Director

Adam Winterhof,

Director , Student Li fe Ministry

Lisa O’Brien ELC Administrator

Suke Gnagy, Preschool Director

Timi Schuessler ,

Melissa Meuzelaar Cornerstone Counsel ing,

303-238-7676, ext. 315 Fully Alive is published monthly for the members and fr iends of Bethlehem Lutheran. It focuses on news within the congregation and activities in the church each month. Articles may be submitted to the church office by the 15th of each month for the next month’s issue.

e-mail to: fullyalive@bethluth.net

But what DID Jesus mean? By Jim Lewis

Disturbing. With all that Jesus is to us (and he is so much!), we sooner or later discover that he can be truly disturbing. How can the person who invited all the weary, “Come to me and I will give you rest,” also say, “If your eye offends you, pluck it out?”

What was your first response to that question? I’m guessing it was something like, “Well, he didn’t mean literally gouge out your eye.” Fair enough. The worst cult leaders would not tell their followers to stick knives in their eyes; much less our Savior. No wonder we’re quick to explain what he did not mean.

But how quick are we to pursue what he did mean? Because – let’s be honest – we’d rather breathe a sigh of relief and move on to something more pleasant. And let’s be even more honest: What Jesus meant is something like what he said.

Perhaps Jesus meant that we must get free of whatever defiles our conscience. And to do that, we must give up something that feels vitally important to us – like a vital part of us. Taking it out is going to hurt like, well, sticking a knife in our eye.

Hard, yes. But bottom line, it’s more than worth it. Because having lost our “eye,” we “enter the kingdom of God.” Not that eliminating bad habits gets us into heaven; Christ’s death and resurrection does that.

But when we get free, we experience God’s kingdom now.

Did you notice that the offending “eye” offends us? Jesus did not say, “Your behavior disgusts me. You’d better get hard on yourself or I will.” He said, “My child, you’ve found your needs in me; you’ve tuned your heart to me. Whatever pits you against your own heart, it’s worth any cost to get it out.”

Which brings us back to “I will give you rest.” His yoke is easy, his burden light. Our offenses weigh us down, create internal discord. Lifting the load and returning to inner harmony gives us far more than it costs. That’s not so disturbing now, is it?

LifeLight will begin again in the fall. Check the web site for registration information at www.bethlehemfullyalive.com and click on LifeGroups and then LifeLight.

Have a great summer!

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Class of 2015 Graduates By Michelle Fischer

Fourteen members of the class of 2015 have completed their years of instruction and training at Bethlehem Lutheran School. Graduation will be held on Wednesday, May 27th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Drawing on their Christian training and understand-ing of God’s love and care for them, the class verse for 2015 is Isaiah 41:30-31. “Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”

Members of the class of 2015 are as follows:

Kai Bickner

Isabella Cruz

Mitchell Andrew Kelly

Cody Lee Kitzmiller

Kevin Robert Kladde

Jacob Daniel Luke Marquardt

Amanda Renee McKernan

Sabrina Nicole Moskoe

Jasmyne Renz

Andre P. Roth

Abigail Ruth Sheehan

McAllister Stowell

Shelby Ruth Trostle

Elizabeth Marie Zapien

God has blessed these young people with some amazing qualities and talents. We pray that He will always use them as His servants and witnesses as they continue to “grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52

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Bobcat Boogie Update By Gretchen Herd

Thank you for supporting the 2015 Bobcat Boogie! We had over 450 participants and an AMAZING group of volunteers. God provided beautiful weather and it was a great success.

Save the Date! April 9, 2016

Bobcat Boogie!

Rain Walsh Memorial By Michelle Fischer

Rain Walsh, a Bethlehem alumni, died in a tragic car accident in 2011 while coming home from being out with friends. The PTL and students of Bethlehem wanted to create a memorial in her honor. Now that the building is complete, this has become possible. The decision has been made to purchase and install a beautiful wall mount water feature in the alcove just inside the school hallway. There will be a small plaque memorializing Rain. This feature will be installed later this spring.

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Student Ministry Update

By Olivia McLeod

“There is no ‘I’ in team.” It is a mantra you hear repeated all through your life; Little League, Elementary school gym classes, High School sports teams, and even in the workplace. It is something I myself have heard repeated, and I always thought that I had understood, but it was not until starting in student ministry that I understood what it really means.

The group of people who work in student leadership all work as a team. Although we are all individuals, we have quirks and our own personalities; there is no one person who is more important than the others, and we are all dependent on each other for support, prayer, and accountability. As student leaders we have mentors who help guide us, answer our questions, pray for us and give us support with our more specific issues and advice as needed within our groups, and that same model is applied to how we interact with our students. We are given the opportunity to answer the questions that they have, pray for them and with them and in general offer them support while they are going through the most awkward and uneasy time of their lives, middle and high school.

It is during this formative stage where students are the most influential and very frequently in need of positive influences, and a consistent confidante and group of peers struggling with the same problems and questions can be very encouraging. Not only that, but if they are learning now what good, strong, God-centered leaders look like, then they are more likely to begin to mimic and pick up on those characteristics and begin to apply those strategies to their own lives. This then prepares them to take the next step and start mentoring and leading the people around them, such as younger siblings, peers and friends at school, and it just allows the cycle to continue.

This step into a student leadership role has allowed me the opportunity to be a part of a team which is taking the first step and beginning the cycle of making the leaders of tomorrow. By giving them a safe and supportive environment to learn about their faith, they are learning how much God can do through them if they just open their hearts to Him, and learning how to love others more than themselves, and as a result, how much they can change other people’s lives.

We are blessed to have amazing volunteers regularly engaging with our students, but we have many “behind-the-scenes” opportunities as well! Touch base with Autumn Lawrence at 720.855.0598 / autumn.lawrence@yahoo.com or Adam Winterhof at 303.238.7676 / awinterhof@ bethluth.net if you’re curious about helping out with Student Ministry.

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STUDENTS: JOIN US ON

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS!

Middle School meets in the Commons from 6:15-7:30pm. High School meets in

Nees Hall from 7:30-8:45pm.

Come check out the new format - have fun, make friends, and

learn to follow Jesus!

Special Events

Please mark your calendars!

Friday, May 8 - High School Student Ministry Game Night

Wednesday, May 13 - 8th Grade Preview Night at High School Student Ministry

Wednesday, May 20 - Middle School End of Year Celebration (normal meeting times)

Wednesday, May 27 - NO Student Ministry due to 8th Grade Graduation

Friday, May 29 - High School End of Year Send Off with BBQ

June 18-20 - LCMS District Youth Gathering “COLLIDE… no longer the same” for Middle School and High School - Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ft. Collins

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

Plan to join us!!!

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Children`s Ministry By Marva Tonniges

Sunday School could not happen without so many teachers willing to share their gifts in so many different ways.

Sunday School teachers prepare, organize, teach, lead, listen, care and challenge week after week. Thanks to all of our volunteers who have enriched the spiritual lives of our children: Elizabeth Foster, Jill Bobb, Adele Schardt, Mayan Botts, Ethel Henderson, Shelley Crumley, Heidi Young, Rick & Cindy Mallory, Debbie Hinerman,

Judy Lorda, Tim Bradley, Cameron Rickey, Nancy Polak and Danna Berger. Please thank a teacher for faithfully serving your children. They have helped to make an eternal difference in the lives of many. Our last Sunday for this school year is May

10th.

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Mary Martha By Martha Rowley

We were privileged to have a speaker from the Jeffco Action Center, Erika Nelson. Erika told us about the new building The Action Center has at 8755 West 14th Avenue in Lakewood. There, the participants can get food, clothing, medical care and help with finding an occupation and other needs.

Pastor Langewisch gave the devotion on trying to think more positively in our daily lives. We had a nice array of breakfast treats and a lovely social time. Please join us on the second Tuesday of the

month at 9:00 am. We meet from September until May in the Commons and would love to have you join us.

Please remember our Women's Tea on May 2nd called, "From Saddle Shoes to Flip Flops." The proceeds will benefit our new kitchen.

Come help us celebrate Audrey Todd’s retirement from Bethlehem! She has faithfully and lovingly served Bethlehem for 36 years. We’ll celebrate in the gymnasium from 12-1pm on Sunday, May 17 (presentations will be around 12:30pm). Help us to commemorate this milestone by creating a page in her memory book that you can bring to her retirement party (or you can send or drop off an 8-1/2x11” page in the school office). You may also drop off cards that day.

Blessings to you, Audrey, for your many years of service as God calls you to your next journey!

Audrey Todd Retirement

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Non-Profit Org.

U. S. POSTAGE PAID

WHEATRIDGE, CO

PERMIT NO. 68

Aidan Hamilton, 5th Grader, Honored for Breaking Barriers By 9 News

Sharon Robinson, the daughter of baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, visited Bethlehem on Tuesday, April 21, with former Colorado Rockies pitcher LaTroy Hawkins. The duo honored Aidan Hamilton who won the essay contest "Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life."

Major League Baseball developed the essay contest in honor of Jackie Robinson, the first African American professional baseball player.

Hamilton is breaking his own barriers. He battles epilepsy and autism. His entry focused on his determination to overcome his health issues.

"This was very important because this was my life mostly," Hamilton said. "I couldn't usually do all the things I can do today. I couldn't read. I couldn't play

video games. I couldn't do squat."

Sharon Robinson said she was happy to be in Colorado to meet Aidan. She said the essay

contest teaches students valuable lessons.

"We help kids realize obstacles are a part of life and we have strategies to overcome them," Robinson said. "Kids have so many challenges in their lives. We want them to know they can be strong and have a structure that allows them to overcome obstacles going forward."

Aidan was one of 10 national winners out of 16,000 essays. The Rockies will also recognize Aidan before Tuesday night's Rockies game. He called the whole experience "terrific and spectacular."