2017beginswithabangatBethelLutheranChurchasweareexcitedtowelcomeJamesGraytoourChurchministryteam!Whilemanyofushave

knownJamesasanestablishedvolunteerofourcongregationfornumerousyears,noteveryonemaybeawareofhisseasonedandexperiencedbackgroundandwealthoftalents.

JamesGraywasbornandraisedintheTampaBayarea.Hehasbeenmarriedtohislovelywife,Denafor17yearsandhasa14-year-oldson,Isaac.JamesstartedhisworkwithchildrenandyouthimmediatelyafterhighschoolandworkedforthePLACEprogram;anafterschoolprograminPascocounty.JamesalsotaughtthedrumlineatLandO’LakesHighSchoolfor3yearsaftergraduatingwhilealsoworkingfortheYMCAasaSiteDirectoratanelementaryschool.Afterteachingathisalmamatter,hewasofferedamorepermanentteachingpositionastheDrumLineCaptionHeadatCountrysideHighSchoolwherehetaughtfor8years.Theculminationofhisdruminstructingwashislastseason’slineearningaDivisionChampionshipattheStateMarchingFinals.Hechosetoendhisdruminstructingtospendmoretimeathomewithhiswifeandson.Sincethen,JameshadstartedhistraininginIsshinryukaratetohelpbondwithhissonwhichJamesquicklyfellinlovewithkarateandearnedhis2nddegreeblackbeltin2014.JamesiscurrentlyacompetitorinRegionalandNationalTournamentsandalsocoachesfortheProKarateCompetitionteamaswellasinstructingatthedojosince2012.JameshasworkedatSamAsh.cominvarioussupervisorycapacitiesforover16years.JameshasworkedwiththeyouthprogramsatBethelLutheranChurchsince2002eitheralongsidehiswifeorindependently.JameshastaughtSundaySchoolforalmost10yearsintheJrandSrYouthclasseswhilealsoleadingandcoordinatingnumerousyouthevents.

Bethel Banner JANUARY 2017

Bethel Lutheran Church - LCMS

“This is the House of God . . .this is the Gate

of Heaven!” Genesis 28:17-18

3166 McMullen

Booth Road Clearwater, FL

33761 Phone 727 799-3010

BLutheranChurch@ Tampabay.rr.com

www.BethelLutheran Clearwater.org

Rev. Eric T. Eichinger,

Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. T. J. Parsch, Pastor

Emeritus

James’enthusiasmanduniqueskillsetwillcomplementBethel’sgrowingministryneedsnicely.HewillassistthepastoralofficetofurtherdevelopandleadanexpandingspiritualyouthenvironmentforouryoungsaintsatBethel.Engagingthefamilycontextwillalsobeemphasizedasheworkswiththepastortocreatemoreandmorespiritualgrowthopportunities.Additionally,Jameswillbeenteringtwospecialandexclusiveprogramswherehewillbe“equippedtoequip”othersinseveralmajoravenues:Immediatelyoffthebatthismonth,JameswillbeheadedtoOrlandoforafullweek,pioneeringourthree-member-teamforStephenMinistryLeadershiptraining.TheweeklongorientationsessionwillprepareourStephenLeadershipteamtoreturntoBethel,andraiseupandtrain“StephenMinisters”withinourcongregation,seekingtolinkcare-giverswithcare-receivers(muchmoreexcitinginformationtocomeonthis)!Also,inordertofurtherenhanceJames’ministrypriorities,hewillbeginatwo-year,tencourse,theologicalandpracticalacademicregimenwithConcordiaBronxville,NewYork,towardcompletingalay-licenseddeaconatedegree.AnofficialinstallationandspecialreceptionforJamesisplannedforSunday,January22nd.BesuretocomeoutandsupportJames,asheforgesanewpathinhisownlife,andaimstosupportBethelinawidevarietyofexcitingnewways!

Blessings!PastorEichinger ARISE AND SHINE! Our special campaign to fund roof repairs continues. We appreciate your generous pledges and offerings to date and ask, if you have not yet done so, please pray about your contribution and then include it in an upcoming offering. ADULT BIBLE CLASS Sundays at 9:15am in the Great Hall. Pastor Eich will begin a new class January 8. Join us for coffee, a light snack, and a great study!

Malachi 3:10: “Bring the whole

tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me

in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not

have room enough for it.” IMPORTANT DATES! Jan 6 Epiphany Jan 6 Snowbird/Sunbird After-

Christmas Party Jan 11 Life Together resumes Jan 15 Bloodmobile at Bethel Jan 26-28 Bethel Rummage/Yard Sale Feb 12 New Member Reception DISCOVER KFUO — on your Lutheran Radio Station Worldwide KFUO. Help us spread the word to people outside your congregation about what KFUO can provide for them…Bible Studies, Apologetics, Lutheran Confessions Studies, Devotions, Sacred Music, Global Lutheran News, and much more! Help us spread the love of Jesus Christ worldwide. Find us at www.kfuo.org and follow us at Facebook.com/KFUOradio. DONATIONS WELCOME We collect non-perishable food items, toiletries and gift cards for The Haven of RCS, a women’s shelter, Kinship, an organization that assists grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren; and, the homeless (a missionary delivers food to homeless people – mostly veterans). Please place donations in the box provided in the narthex. It is on the floor and is labeled. If you have any questions please contact Tim or Beverly Nehls at 727 784 5305.

Are you saving enough to retire comfortably? Saving for your retirement is the most important financial goal you’ll ever make. Why not make it with someone who shares your Lutheran values. Lutheran Church Extension Fund’s (LCEF) Individual Retirements Accounts can help. You have two types of IRAs to choose from: • Traditional IRA – Unlike retirement plans that require

you to work a certain number of years before the funds are yours, a traditional IRA is 100%yours from the beginning. You may make withdrawals at any time. Note that withdrawals before age 59 ½ are currently subject to a 10% IRS penalty. Contributions are tax deductible (contact your tax advisor for more information).

• Roth IRA – Under certain situations, distributions are tax-free after five years. Contribution limits depend on your income and other IRA investments made during the year. Minimum distributions are not required at age 70 ½. Contributions grow tax-free.

To learn more about LCEF’s Traditional or Roth IRA, call us at 800 843 5233.

T H A N K Y O U ! I just wanted to take an extra moment and thank so

many of the Bethel Lutheran saints who helped make Christmas in the Eichinger household all the more special. I feel truly blessed and privileged to serve you and this congregation, and to have my family embraced by your love! Thank you!

Pastor Eichinger

Thank you so much for the kind words, thoughtful gifts,

and encouragement given me and the staff at Bethel. We are truly blessed to serve. We love our Bethel family.

Jeannie Hughes MEMORIAL GIFTS TO BETHEL In memory of Joseph Murray

§ Jeffery & Rosemary Kammerer

MEN’S BIBLE & BREW Men’s Bible Study meets on the third Monday of the month for stimulating and topical discussion. We meet January 16 at 7:30pm at Lagerhaus Brewery and Grill, 3438 East Lake Business (Boot Ranch), Palm Harbor 34685.

SAVE THE DATE FOR NEW MEMBER RECEPTION FEBRUARY 12, 2017!

GIFTS & GREENS THANK YOU! The Bethel Gifts & greens Team would like to extend a huge Thank You to all of the church members, their guests, the volunteers and the vendors that supported the 2017 teen ministry! We had the largest number of vendors (50+), located both inside and outside the church. The silent auction was very profitable, with items donated by the vendors and church solicitations. Our special emcee, Walt Tabbert, encouraged the bidding and made this a fun Friday evening event! Byron, on the piano, and choir members added beautiful carols to the event. The hors d’oeuvres and wine bar also contributed to the festive atmosphere! The teens provided the preparations and the serving of the delicious munchies. On Saturday, the volunteers and the vendors were treated to breakfast and a soup & sandwich lunch. Rounding out the event were the Bethel Ladies Craft sale and the Bethel Ladies outstanding Bake Sale! Thank you to all those who donated items for the bake sale & craft table! The Wisconsin Greens were a big hit! Put on your 2017 calendar December 1st & 2nd for the 4th Annual Gifts & Greens Youth Ministry fundraiser! LCMS APP AVAILABLE Available on both the Apple© and Android© app stores, the easy-to-use app features links to some of the most popular information on the LC-MS website, including the LCMS church locator and links to news stories, giving opportunities, LCMS social media and other ways to connect with the LCMS. To get the app, search ‘LCMS’ at the app store or visit www.lcms.org/resources/mobileapps

EVANGELISM OUTREACH The Board of Evangelism invites the congregation to once again donate their gently used suitcases and duffle bags. They will be donated to the Eckerd Youth Foster Care project. In 2016, you generously donated 150 suitcases and duffles. They were all accepted by the children with happiness and joy! Eyeglasses for MOST MINISTRIES in Ann Arbor continues with 2 collection boxes in the narthex. Thank you to all you ‘sender missionaries’! Bicycles for Lutheran Services Florida We continue to send bicycles for refugees to LSF. Call the church office or Carole Fletcher for more information (727 433 0434) LUTHERAN LIFE DISTRICT NEWSPAPER Our congregation is a member of the Florida-Georgia District, LCMS and we have a free newspaper called Lutheran Life. This is not to be confused with the news magazine of the Synod, Lutheran Witness. Lutheran Life is free to you either electronically or as a hard copy through the mail. Simply contact Lutheranlife@aol.com SERVICE OPPORTUNITY L.E.R.T. stands for Lutheran Emergency Response Team. Local teams from our Lutheran churches all over the country stand ready to assist in a variety of disaster response efforts. Lutheran Charities is the funding source, and needs our help. If you would like to join a LERT team made up of men and women from LCMS churches in Pinellas County, please call Carl Schleede at 727 512 4350 or email him at cschleede@tampabay.rr.com. No particular expertise is required; just a willing heart and a love for God and our neighbors. CARELIFT CAN DELIVER CareLift is a free van transportation and community service provided by Morton Plant Mease volunteers. Rides are provided within a defined area around Morton Plant Mease facilities. CareLift serves the following hospitals and centers:

¨ BayCare Laboratories ¨ Entel Outpatient Surgery Center ¨ Mease Countryside Hospital ¨ Mease Dunedin Hospital ¨ Morton Plant Hospital ¨ Morton Plant Mease East Lake Outpatient Center ¨ Palm Harbor Wellness Center

Call for reservations Monday through Friday, 9am – 3pm 727 734 6107. Morton Plant Mease Volunteers provide this vital service to our community with support from Morton Plant Mease Foundation.

CRAFTING/SEWING AT BETHEL The Women’s Bible Study group host quilting & crafting workshops. Join us on January 5 & 19. We will continue our crafting/quilting throughout the year. Instruction will be available. We would appreciate any donations of COTTON fabric for the projects!

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY IS SOMETHING MISSING IN YOUR LIFE? Lisa TerKeurst knows what it’s like to consider God just another thing on her to-do list. For years she went through the motions of a Christian life: Go to church. Pray. Be nice. She longed for a deeper connection between what she knew in her head and her everyday reality, and she wanted to personally experience God’s presence. Drawing from her own remarkable story of step-by-step faith, Lysa invites you to uncover the spiritually exciting life for which we all yearn. With her trademark wit and spiritual wisdom, Lysa will help you:

• Learn how to make a Bible passage come alive in your devotional time.

• Replace doubt, regret, and envy with truth, confidence, and praise.

• Stop the unhealthy cycles of striving and truly learn to love who you are and what you’ve been given.

• Discover how to have inner peace and security in any situation.

• Sense God responding to your prayers.

The adventure God has in store for your life just might blow you away. Join us on Sundays at 9:15am or on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays each month at 9:30am. We will meet Thursday, January 12 & 26.

LWML MISSION GRANT What a blessing it is for a child to grow up in a safe and nurturing home filled with the necessities for healthy living. We know this is not the case for many, many children suffering due to parental neglect or abuse, the pain of hunger and lack of basic needs. The Centers for Healthy Families of Nebraska seeks to provide these services to families in need, which will in turn, break the cycles of poverty and neglect. While providing earthly needs, the centers also provide spiritual guidance and the support of family groups through Bible studies and congregational mentoring. The LWML Mission Grant of $60,000 will allow the centers to continue in this valued service of reflecting God’s love through caring for those in need. 2017 LWML CONVENTION The 37th Biennial Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Convention will be held Thursday, June 22–Sunday, June 25, 2017, at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The theme for the convention is “Jesus Christ Above All.” based on Philippians 2:9, “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name.” For up-to-date convention information, see the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly or visit the website at www.lwml.org/2017-convention. The Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) is the official women's auxiliary of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Since 1942, the LWML has focused on affirming each woman's relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries, and to support global missions.

ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP Arden Courts of Palm Harbor hosts free monthly meetings at 2895 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor. The focus is on you, the caregiver. It’s a unique opportunity to share the concerns and issues that accompany caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or Memory Loss. Meeting are held the second Tuesday at 10;00 am facilitated by Maryanne Fisher. To attend, RSVP each month by calling Arden Courts Palm Harbor at 727 771 1600 or by e-mail to PalmHarbor@arden-courts.com. Elder respite care will be provided by qualified staff. BETHEL SALUTES OUR VETERANS It is never too late to share your “sea stories” – or your military information. You may send it to the church office email at BlutheranChurch@tampabay.rr.com or drop it in the mail.

STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES ~ CHANGE LIVES WITH THRIVENT CHOICE Eligible Thrivent Financial members can recommend where Thrivent distributes a portion of its charitable outreach funds using a vehicle called Choice Dollars®, part of the Thrivent Choice® member-advised charitable grant program. Thank you to all who have designated Bethel! Make a difference today Learn more. Visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice.

If you would like to place flowers on the altar, please complete a form which may be found on the table next to the flower book. Place the completed form in the 3-ring flower chart binder on the credenza in the narthex. Print your name in the book for the date chosen. Each arrangement is $20 and can be added to your regular contribution. Mark the “Flower” line with the amount. FLOWERS IN JANUARY Jan 1 OPEN Jan 8 The Hughes & Gray families in

honor of the baptism of Kaleb Small

Jan 15 The Lilienthal’s in honor of the birthdays of Michelle Lilienthal, Chelsea Clark, and John Hughes

Jan 22 In loving memory of Charles Wadenklee on his birthday

Jan 29 OPEN We need Altar Guild members! Please consider serving! If you would like more information, call the church office 727 799 3010, Susie Berry, or Jeannie Hughes

SERVING IN JANUARY Elders 1 Communion 10am:* Brian Wolf (lector), Lee Tieman, Tom Sunderman, Warren Klein 8 Early: * Dwayne Leininger, Mark Thibideau (lector) Late: * Wally Gustafson, Dustin Anderson, Phil Hubbell (lector) 15 Communion Early:* Lee Tieman, Paul Blake, Mark Thibideau (lector) Late:* Mike Vanhorenbeck, Paul Fenton, Fred Behnke, Dennis Williams (lector) 22 Early: * Dustin Anderson, Dwayne Leininger (lector) Late: * Phil Hubbell, Tom Sunderman, Ron Perkins (lector) 29 Early: * Lee Tieman, Warren Klein (lector) Late: * Walt Tabbert, Donald Nelson, Ron Hackbarth (lector) Ushers Early: Ralph Laesch, Bill Lueders, Dennis Pullen, Paul

Saunders Late: Jim Allston, Skip Dayhoff (additional ushers

needed) Altar Guild Early: Harry & Marlene Stock Late: Donna & Ava Dradzynski Counters 1 Dave & Kay Pedersen Lee & Nancy Tieman 8 Steve & Renda Ester Brian & Mary Gilchrist 15 Adrienne Hand, Jeanette Pedroli John & Sharon Raymo 22 Eleanor Brasted, Karen Brasted 29 Adrienne Hand, Jeanette Pedroli John & Sharon Raymo

Sound/Video 1 Dave & Carol Clark 8 Don & Cindy Nelson 15 Sasha Perez Book & Danielle Morgan 22 Don & Cindy Nelson 29 Greeters 1 10am: Jim & Bonnie Larson 8 Early: Karen Beck & Beverly Gebhardt Late: Evelyn & Bob Cunningham 15 Early: Fred & Carol Bennett Late: Marlene & Mike Kules 22 Early: Eleanor & Karen Brasted Late: Beverly & Keith Ashby 29 Early: Nancy & Lee Tieman Late: Dena & James Gray Acolytes 1 10am: Elyse Ruel 8 Early: Kaitlyn Standiford Late: Delaney Zerfass 15 Early: Ryan Bailey Late: Matthew Standiford 22 Early: Kamyla Held Late: Benjamin Anderson 29 Early: Ava Dradzynski Late: Isaac Gray We need Altar Guild members! Please consider serving! If you would like more information, call the church office 727 799 3010, Susie Berry, or Jeannie Hughes We also need volunteers to do the sound/video at both services. Contact Don & Cindy Nelson for more information.

♪♫♫♪♫♫♪♫♫♪♫♫♫♫♪♫♫♪♫♫♪♫♫♪

ORGAN BELLOWS -- JANUARY 2017 500th ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION 1517 -2017

Senior Organist ~ Byron B. Einspahr

HAPPY NEW YEAR! January 1, 2017, is a unique date and has many “firsts.” Not only is it the first day of a new year, but it is also the first day of the first month of the year, and it is the first day of the first week in the month. How many years has it been since “New Year’s Day” occurred on a Sunday? These facts make me think how great it is that we can begin the new year at a worship service, and we can gather together to celebrate “The Lord’s Supper!” We come to the communion table in humble confession of our sins, and we receive total forgiveness from our loving Heavenly Father through this sacrament. Then, we depart from the communion table feeling uplifted and free to live a repentant life in joy and peace. It has been observed that many people are finished with Christmas by the time New Year’s Eve arrives. The presents have been opened, the special family dinner is over, the special Christmas concerts and worship services have been performed, and the Christmas tree and decorations are being put in storage for another year. However, per the Christian calendar, the Christmas season is celebrated for 12 days – from December 25th through January 5th. The “Epiphany” season does not begin until Friday, January 06, 2017. So, as the January “Organ Bellows” is published, it is still appropriate to celebrate Christmas with one more carol:

“NOW IS BORN THE DIVINE CHRIST CHILD!” Paraphrased from the traditional French carol “Il est ne le divin enfant”

♫♪ (Refrain) Now is born the divine Christ Child; play the musette, play the tuneful

oboe. Now is born the divine Christ Child; sing we all and rejoice this day!

Christ was born in a stable bare; on bed of straw how He slept so soundly. He was born in a stable bare; let us worship and bow down to Him. (Refrain)

Ages long since are past and gone when the prophets foretold His coming.

We for more than four thousand years have awaited this joyous time! (Refrain)

King of all forevermore, Little Infant though Thou art, King of all forevermore, reign in every human heart. (Refrain) ♫♪

In a way, Epiphany is a season of transition from celebrating the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to observing the beginning of His servanthood and ministry. The song above is a delightful Christmas tune that brings our focus to the purpose of our Lord Jesus Christ here on Earth. He came to save us, to reign in every human heart, and guide us to our home in Heaven with Him some day. ♫♪ Sing we all and rejoice this day! ♫♪ Servanthood -- Perhaps you have commented or thought, “I would like to be more like Jesus!” That is something for everyone to personally consider. How may we follow the example of Jesus in serving our LORD? This is a fair question to ask ourselves. As we review our relationships with God, we may realize that there are many ways to use our talents and skills to serve Him -- to bring glory to God and to draw other people to Him. There are many opportunities within the congregation to use our talents. How about serving on the “Board of Elders” or on the “Evangelism Committee?” Being an active participant of the “LWML” (“Lutheran Women Missionary League”,) teaching Sunday School and Bible classes, and participating in the Youth Ministry are good ways to serves the LORD. Using sewing and quilting skills to make items for distribution to people and families who have suffered disasters and tragedies. Being a trustee to care for the upkeep of our church and property is a worthy service to glorify God. Another area of service to the LORD in Bethel Lutheran’s congregation is participating in the music ministry. This area of service is facing a great need – the choir is very much in need of many more members, and it needs young adult and middle aged voices. The choir members now serving have been faithfully giving of their time and talents to assist in our weekly worship services for many years. However, as people age, their physical ability to sing becomes more challenging, and some of the choir members have been called home to their Heavenly Home. The choir needs your support. From the organ bench on Sunday mornings I’ve heard some mighty fine voices praising God in song, and I have wondered why those individuals are not participating in the choir. The choirs need more voices! Please come to the weekly midweek evening rehearsals. If you believe that you don’t know how to read music, participation in the choir can become a learning experience. You may surprise yourself by what you can do! Also, if you play a musical instrument and would like to use your skills in some way at the worship services, please express your interest to Mrs. Sharon Murawski – Director of Music or to the organist. Do you play the violin, the clarinet, the drums, the piano, the oboe, or the trumpet? Let the music department know about your skills and talents. ♫♪ Now is born the divine Christ Child; play the musette, play the tuneful oboe! ♫♪ Your participation is greatly needed! Thank you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017!

SNOWBIRDS/SUNBIRDSWe will meet in the Great Hall on Friday, January 6 for our After-Christmas Party Potluck. Bring a dish to pass and a wrapped gift ($5 or less) to exchange. There will be great food/singing/games. Bring a friend! All are welcome! If you are reading this, you ARE a SNOWBIRD or a SUNBIRD!

BETHELYARD/RUMMAGESALE!

Thursday,January26,8AM–2PMFriday,January27,8AM–2PM

Saturday,January28,8AM–12PMPleasebringyourusable,cleanitemstotheGreatHall.Weneedyourhelptomakethis

agrandsuccess!ComehelpussetupJanuary23-25,andwewillneedyouthedaysofthesaleaswell!Weneedbakedgoods.Bakedgoodsmaybedropped

offonThursdayorearlyondayofthesale.Anyleftovermerchandisewillbedonatedtoaworthymission

Life Together Nights Every Wednesday

Resumes January 11 Dinner served 5:30 – 6:30pm

From 6:30 – 7:30pm classes for all ages: • Confirmation • Adult Bible Study (New Testament) • Youth classes • Bells/Chimes • Choir • Nursery provided

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

PHONE 727 799 3010 www.BethelLutheranClearwater.org/BLutheranChurch@tampabay.rr.com

January 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 10am Worship with Holy Communion Happy New Year!

2 9am Bulletin deadline

3 5:30pm Trustees 7pm Elders

4

5 8am BBBs 9:30am Crafting/ Sewing

6 12 Noon Snowbirds/ Sunbirds After Christmas Potluck & Party

7 11am Memorial Service for Dorothy Schmidt

8 8&10:30am Worship 9:15am Sunday School, Adult Bible Class, Women’s Bible Study 11:45am Baptism

9 9am Bulletin deadline

10 9:30am Pastor’s Conference at Bethel 7pm Church Council

11 5:30pm Life Together 5:30pm Joy Bells 7pm Chancel Bells & Choir

12 8am BBBs 9:30am Women’s Bible Study

13

14

15 8&10:30am Worship with Holy Communion 9:15am SS, ABC, WBS Bloodmobile at Bethel

16 9am Bulletin deadline 7:30pm Men’s Bible & Brew

17 6:30pm Evangelism

18 5:30pm Life Together 5:30pm Joy Bells 7pm Chancel Bells & Choir

19 8am BBBs 9:30am Crafting/ Sewing

20

21

22 8&10:30am Worship 9:15am Sunday School, Adult Bible Class, Women’s Bible Study Installation & Reception for Youth & Family Director, James Gray

23 9am BANNER & Bulletin deadline

24

25 5:30pm Life Together 5:30pm Joy Bells 7pm Chancel Bells & Choir

26 8am BBBs 9:30am Women’s Bible Study

27

28

29 8&10:30am Worship 9:15am Sunday School, Adult Bible Class, Women’s Bible Study

30 9am Bulletin deadline

31

Notes: A nursery for children under 3 is available in the south classroom area. See an usher for directions. Please check the website and weekly calendar in the bulletin for schedule updates.

•

Have you considered including Bethel in your will? If you’d like more information about doing so, call Pastor Eichinger in the

church office, 727 799 3010.

RummageSaleSetUp RummageSale

MINUTES OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING Sunday: 12:30 P.M. November 20, 2016 PRESENT: Joe Molinaro, Pastor Eichinger, Dustin Anderson, Jim Allston, John Raymo, Jackie Addis, Ruth Bessmer, and Karen Mohan. Also present was Dave Gingerich. The meeting was called to order by Joe Molinaro, after which Pastor Eich opened the meeting with prayer. Dave Gingerich addressed the meeting. He gave Council an update and Council is in agreement with how Dave thinks we should proceed. After some minor modifications were made, motion passed to approve the budget as written of $623,067 for 2017. The budget will be voted on by the members of Bethel at the Congregational Voters Meeting to be held December 11th. There being no further old or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 pm with a prayer by Pastor Eich. Respectfully submitted, Karen Mohan Secretary

MINUTES OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday: 7:00 P.M. November 8, 2016 PRESENT: Joe Molinaro, Pastor Eichinger, Dustin Anderson, Jim Allston, Candice Mathews, John Raymo, Ruth Bessmer, and Karen Mohan. Also present was Dave Gingerich. The meeting was called to order by Joe Molinaro, after which Pastor Eich opened the meeting with prayer. Dave Gingerich addressed the meeting. He has been an architect for 25 years. He was surprised at the PSI numbers and asked Dustin and John if he could get involved. He has been to two meetings with PSI. The lead engineer, Guido Salas, is no longer working with us. Dave spoke to our newly assigned PSI engineer yesterday. At the heart of the issue is the $1,300,000 budget that PSI gave us per the Rough Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate. There are three contractors involved right now; one bidder backed out and there is a new bidder. We have given them an opportunity to bid alternative systems. The estimating contractors have to dissect their numbers and tell us how they came to their cost. They have to redo their work and bring their numbers down (at no additional cost to us). What we need is a new roof, the leaks stopped, done soon, and on the budget we agreed to. We will be getting the new bids by Friday, November 11th . Dave will look at the new numbers the following week and make another presentation to Council. If Council approves, we will sign contract and give back to PSI. Council and Dave decided to meet again on November 20th after late service. If PSI doesn’t cooperate we will fire them, but if we change firms it will take us more time. Dave left the meeting after his presentation. SECRETARY’S REPORT: Council reviewed the minutes of the Church Council meeting of October 11, 2016. Motion was made and passed to accept the minutes of the meeting. PASTOR’S REPORT: Pastor Eichinger reported. A motion was made and approved to accept the following transfers, releases, and new members per Pastor’s report: Transfers: M/M Sherman & Jan Holzschuh, transferred to Messiah Lutheran (LCMS), Tampa M/M Terry & Kim Young, transferred to Christ the King Lutheran (LCMS), Largo Releases: None New Members: None Associate Members: None Adult Confirmands: None Junior Confirmands: None

Deaths: None Weddings: None Births: None Baptisms: None Adult Baptisms: None • Pastor Eich reported on a substantial bequest to the church. The parties need to sign off, there is

one property to sell. • Oktoberfest was a success. Dan Reichard and Duane Leinenger were there.

• There will be Thanksgiving Eve service at 6:30 with communion. • Advent is coming up. Pastor Parsch has offered to help (maybe with Christmas). Motion passed to accept the Pastor’s report as presented by Pastor Eich. TREASURER’S REPORT: Candice Mathews reported. There was no written report. Candice gave the proposed budgets to Ruth. Motion passed to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented by Candice Mathews. BOARD OF ELDERS: Dustin Anderson reported. Old Business: • Oktoberfest was a great success, numbers to follow. We talked about the pros and cons of the

event. The bounce house was really a water slide, and people didn’t know to bring swim suits. We will make sure that it is a bounce house for next year. The fund was going to the defibulator and we discussed the possibility for a donation.

• PSI has begun to work with us and we are entertaining several more bids for the roof job. We are asking PSI to redo the contract paperwork.

• Pastor discussed the creation of the new Youth & Family Ministry Director/Deacon position, with a proposed start date of January 1st. New Business:

• Motion made and seconded to accept transfers from Pastor Report. • We discussed our ministry team. Sharon Murawski, our music director, will be stepping back for

a while except for the choir. • We discussed moving the pub meeting one week earlier since it would falling on the week of

Thanksgiving. • We will have a communion service on Thanksgiving Eve at 6:30 pm. • We also discussed the holiday schedule for Christmas and New Years Day; we will have one

service on both days with communion on January 1. • Pastor Parsch will be preaching this Sunday. • Motion made and seconded to accept Pastors report. • Walter handed out the Christmas cards to the elders. • The church work day will be on November 12th at 9AM for general cleanup of the interior of the

church for the Advent & Christmas seasons. • Scott Daly and Bill Kerstein have offered their resignations from the Board of Elders. We all

appreciate their service to the church and wish them the best. About 200 people were at Oktoberfest, which is lighter attendance than last year. The silent auction brought in $1,500, the tickets $3,000.

Motion passed to accept the Board of Elders report as presented by Dustin Anderson. BOARD OF YOUTH MINISTRY & ADULT EDUCATION: Jim Allston reported. New Business: None Baptismal roll (Birth to Confirmation): Jeannie Hughes reported: There are currently 86 children on the Baptismal Roll. November she will send out 14 Baptism Birthday cards. Cradle roll (Birth to 3 years): Kathy Miller reported: October, 2 mailings sent out for first Baptism, 11 Total Enrollment Women’s Ministry: Susie Luaces reported:

Meets each Sunday at 9:15 to 10:20 and 2nd and 4th Thursdays 9:30 to 11:30 each month. Care for children is available during the classes on both Thursday and Sunday. The women’s Bible Study is currently studying “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl” by Lysa Terkeurst. Participants who are able, pay for the book and participants guide. We are also using the accompanying video, which is paid for out of the budget. Sunday School Report – September: Michelle Anderson and Dee Perkins reported Sunday School attendance average for the for the past 2 months is 40. Calendar of events for Sunday School:

• Ongoing Christmas Pageant rehearsal • 12-1 Parents night out • 12-18 Christmas Pageant, "Dude, You Hear What I Hear?"

Junior Youth & Senior Youth Report – September: James Gray reported: • Oct 23 Youth thank you Lunch for Bethel Members supporting Youth activities, about 25

people attended grill hamburgers and hot dogs and youth brought side dishes. Showed a video of this year’s trip and the youth talked about the experiences on the trip.

• Nov 4-6 Middle School Youth Gathering, 9 Youth and 3 adults plan on attending to Leesburg FL. There will be servant events, worship and breakout sessions on a variety of topics of interest with other youth from Florida and Georiga

• Feb 18-20 Sr. Youth Gathering • Planned but no firm dates: o Bake sales one per month o Talent Show, dinner will be served, for all ages to participate in • Summer trip(s) are being finalized

Adult Bible – Ron Perkins reported: Wednesday night bible study. Our average is 19-20 each night. We just finished Luke 5 and are doing God's Word for Today: Luke-To All Nations CPH. VBS: Planning stages. Jim reminded us that our Constitution needs to be updated and should be typed into a computer. Motion passed to accept the Board of Youth Ministry & Adult Education report as presented by Jim Allston. BOARD OF EVANGALISM: Old Business ñ Eye Glass Ministry- we have 52 pairs. ñ Public safety Workshop- 33 people attended and it was very informative and insightful. ñ Roof Report - look for an update in November. ñ Wendie stated she has another bicycle that was donated. New Business ñ Oktoberfest - October 30, 2016; volunteers needed to set up tables on afternoon of 10/28. ñ Memory Garden Service – November 6, 2016, this will be held between services and Pastor Parsch will be doing the honors. ñ Gifts & Greens Update - meeting to be held 10/22/16 at 9am; all indoor spaces are sold! ñ Christmas Sweets & Savories Plans was discussed and ideas will be finalized at a later date. ñ Reformation Plans- celebrations yet to be determined, Motion passed to accept the Board of Evangelism report as presented.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES: John Raymo reported. Old Business:

• Roof discussion – gave updates • Emergency light test – 2 failed and need to be replaced • Bathroom fan timer needs to be replaced. Tom researched on Amazon.com • Lighting in sanctuary was discussed

New Business: • Talked about LED lights in parking lot • November 12 workday/clean up discussed. All hands needed. • Voted for concrete in parking lot • Some discussion with what Simplex-Grinnell is doing • Thursday replace U-tube lights in office hallway with LED lights

We need 9 LED lights in our parking lot. The Trustees are looking at stop signs and concrete for the main entrance (asphalt is starting to crack)--John will be getting bids. A church member has asked if he can park his semi tractor-trailer in the back corner of the church’s property every 3 months for 8 days. Motion passed to accept the Board of Trustees report as presented by John Raymo. BOARD OF FINANCE & STEWARDSHIP: Ruth Bessmer reported. Ruth sent out pledge cards; the second Sunday in Novenber is Stewardship Sunday. Board will meet to have pledged amounts for voters meeting in December. Council discussed budget reports. We will approve Christmas bonuses at our next meeting. Motion passed to accept the Board of Finance & Stewardship report as presented by Ruth Bessmer. There being no further old or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm with the Lord’s prayer. Respectfully submitted, Karen Mohan Secretary