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Here's what's happening at Bethel in May
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Bethel Lutheran
Church
1321 North Avenue
Northfield, MN 55057
507.786.6674
www.facebook.com/bethellutheran
http://bethelnorthfield.org/bethel-banner-newsletter/
Adult Ed 16
BeFriending 16
Calendar 12
Children/Nursery 6
Council 14
Creation Care 17
Finance 14
Garage Sale 23
Library 4
Mission & Justice 17
Mission Interp. 22
Prayer Vigil 3
Seniors 18
Scrip 8
Thank You 19
Worship Servants 20
Youth 8-9
Softball 2
Inside this issue:
The Bethel Banner
The Bethel Banner
The Bethel Banner
The Bethel Banner
Volume #502 May 2013
… and much more!
prayer vigil that will take place on May 16-17. (See page 3.) Talk boldly with God about your pledge.
Messengers will continue to connect with all of us to answer any questions and encourage involvement. Thank you to all of you who have talked with Messengers already: there have been great conversations and connections so far!
Thank you for your participation!
After the excitement of Mission Fest and inspiration of the Celebration Banquet in April, there's one more event to look forward to in May: Commitment Sunday, May 19. On that day, we will be laying our pledge cards at the altar in support of our capital campaign.
In preparation for that day, you will receive a pledge card and a creative giving guide in the mail in mid-May. Keep reading in the campaign devotional book. Pray during our
Living Faith By Pam Santerre
you’ve challenged me with your wisdom and insight; about love, mystery and how to say goodbye when at death’s door; holy hilarity and joy in life’s foibles and delights; divine fellowship over cups of coffee and delicious food; answering my phone calls; overrunning my office with prayer shawls to distribute; countless hugs and encouragements. I could go on and on, but what I’ve rediscovered each and every day when showing up for work, is that God is present in the very soul of Bethel. This is a sacred place full of saints and sinners, faithfully and humbly serving one other, our community and the world.
This summer will be a time of transition for me and Bruce, as I let go of the pastoral ministry role. My wish for you is that you will be refreshed, restored, and renewed as you go about your summer plans and activities. From the very depths of my heart and soul, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you.
Peace and Joy,
Pam
To My Bethel Family,
19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
God’s promises in this passage from Isaiah 43:19 have held special meaning to me these last few weeks, as I have announced my decision to resign as Pastoral Minister at Bethel, effective May 30. For some time now, I have noticed an inner nudge to return to the practice of spiritual direction – the vocation that I studied and prepared for before joining Bethel’s staff. I’ve decided that now is the time for me to follow that nudge, with little idea of where it will lead but trusting that God is faithful.
Believe me, this was a difficult decision and I leave full of gratitude for these past seven years of serving on Bethel’s staff. You have taught me so much: about God’s compassionate presence as I visited you in the hospital; the gift of hospitality as you welcomed me into your homes and daily struggles; discipleship and faithfulness as
Be Bold - Be Free!
Page 2 The Bethel Banner
Batter Up! Join us for fun and fellowship by representing Bethel in the Northfield Church Softball League. All games are on Sunday evenings and run from May 5 through July 28. Play is moderately competitive; mostly just for fun. The co-ed league functions as a fundraiser for the Northfield Food Shelf, having raised over $100,000 over the last twenty-five years. Anyone fifteen years old or older who is not playing in any other softball league is eligible.
Because of the weather we are unable to schedule any practices this year. Just stretch out well and show up in time for our first game against United Methodist on Sunday, May 5 at 4:50 p.m. at Babcock Park. Wear a dark blue t-shirt. For further information contact Steve Reece at [email protected] (507-663-7035). Please leave your e-mail address, if you have one.
Bethel's schedule can be found on page 21. The league also has a webpage with lists of teams, scores, rules, and other information: https://sites.google.com/site/northfieldchurchsoftballleague/home.
We wanted people to learn firsthand that there is more to Bethel than Wednesday BAM and Sunday morning worship!
Many thanks
are due to those who made the Fest successful. A special thank you to Terry Barck and the Boy Scouts of Troop #344 and the Cub Scouts of Pack #344 for setting up the tables and
hanging the signs, and for the tear down and clean-up. And to all the groups for their displays, and to the table hosts for giving a warm welcome
Were you able to attend Mission Fest on May 14 in the CLC? What a celebration!
The response from the groups invited was overwhelming. Forty-two groups demonstrated why Bethel is important to the Northfield community, the nation, the world, and us. After the Fest was over, we heard from several more groups wanting to be part of the next Mission Fest.
And the response from the congregation was overwhelming, too. The interest following the first service was exciting to witness, and it continued into the beginning of the second service. Following, the second service, the interest was so high that table hosts remained well beyond the advertised closing time.
The Mission Fest was planned to showcase all groups and organizations that use Bethel on a regular schedule - from Church Council to the Memorial Bloodmobile.
to all who visited their tables. To Laura Geissler and Don Pavek for being "on site" Sunday morning to handle any last minute concerns. To the committee, Noel Stratmoen, Alice Carson and Sandy Peterson
for all the help in handling the details.
Both representatives and visitors were excited for the opportunity to share and learn. Numerous comments were received asking when Bethel would do this again. We don't know, but from the enthusiastic response, we need to keep Mission Fest on Bethel's agenda.
Thanks to all of you for your part in Mission Fest 2013.
Noel and Lois Stratmoen, Co-Chairs, Rhonda Reece, Abbie Meierbachtol,
Dan Kallman, Kristin Kivell, Liz Shepley, Laura Geissler, Kyle Eastman, Jill Mahr,
Tim Mahr, Anton Armstrong, Terry Barck, the Boy Scouts of Troop #344, and the
Cub Scouts of Pack #344
Mission Fest… "Who'd A Thunk it!?!"
kingdom in the world. I thank you for your support, with your finances and your talents, of the ministry of Bethel Lutheran Church. You make a difference in the lives of so many. You are the hands of Christ to hundreds, maybe thousands of God's children, through all that you give. You are a sign of God's faithfulness. I am humbled, and grateful, and proud, and inspired to be in your company.
Often when we're commissioning Sunday School teachers, Church Council members, and others, we use the words, "We ask God to help and guide us." Lisa and I have already returned our pledge card as part of the advance pledge effort and it feels good, with no surgeries (or floods) on the horizon, to be able to contribute sacrificially to the kingdom work that the Holy Spirit is accomplishing through Bethel and its members. I invite you to join us with your own commitment to Bethel's Free ~ From Debt ~ For Service ~
to Grow capital campaign. Ask God to help and guide you in filling out your pledge card. Give from your faithfulness, trusting in the faithfulness of God.
I look forward to celebrating with you on May 19.
May 2013 Page 3
Dear Partners,
Commitment. We have all kinds of commitments in our lives, some more time consuming than others. Marriage. Parenting. Employment. Education. Pets. Volunteering. Fitness. Friendship.
We can use one definition of "commitment" when we think of these relationships - obligation and duty. Sounds dreary, even burdensome, doesn't it? Accurate at times, maybe. I prefer a different definition of commitment - faithfulness. Our most important relationships require our faithfulness. Without it, these relationships lose their priority for us. With it, relationships are meaningful, strengthening, even inspiring.
Commitment. It's a word you're going to hear often in the next three weeks. On Sunday, May 19, you will be invited up to the altar to place your envelope containing your pledge card, which shows your financial commitment to our capital campaign. The Capital Campaign Committee is calling it Commitment Sunday and, in true Bethel fashion, there will be a party involved. Probably with food.
I thank you now for your faithfulness to Christ and the inbreaking of his
�
One person who embodies spiritual commitment is Pam Santerre. Pam has served as Pastoral Minister here at Bethel for seven years, offering comfort and solace to those who are suffering or grieving, and offering inspiration and education to those seeking spiritual growth. In her role of pastoral minister, she has visited hospitals, deathbeds, rehab units, and care centers. As head of adult education and formation ministries, she has invited interesting speakers, coordinated retreats, and welcomed visitors and new members. She has tirelessly dedicated herself to the spiritual well-being of Bethelites, including the staff.
Pam will be leaving the staff at the end of this month and I will miss her insights, her dedication, and her compassion. She will have more time to share her substantial gifts as a Spiritual Director, and I trust that she and Bruce will find some time for enjoyment on their sailboat. Thank you, Pam; best wishes and may God continue to help and guide you!
From the Senior Pastor...
Prayer helps and hints will be sent to you as well. Your prayer time can take place at home, at Bethel, or at work.
We pray not to change God’s mind, but to align our minds and spirits with the purposes God has for us. Join Bethel members in seeking God’s purpose for our congregation through this prayer vigil.
Would you commit 30 minutes to pray for Bethel? You will have that opportunity on May 16 and 17 when the Spiritual Life Team sponsors a 24-hour prayer vigil.
Sign-up opportunities will be available on Sundays, May 5 and 12. Team members will be present between services to enlist your support. You will be given an email reminder or phone call before the vigil starts.
Will You Pray with Us?
Abracadabra! Thank you to all of you who contributed during March FoodShare to help hunger disappear from Northfield.
Led by Cindy Kreis and the YES Team, Bethel was able to raise over 14,000 pounds and
dollars for the Northfield Food Shelf! Wow!
How Then, Shall We Live? By Wayne Muller
We all long to experience a sense of inner wholeness and guidance, but today's notions of healing and recovery too often keep us focused on our brokenness, on our deficiencies rather than our strengths. Wayne Muller's luminous book gently guides us to the place where we are already perfect, already blessed with the wisdom we need to live a life of meaning, purpose, and grace.
He starts, with simple questions: Who am I? What do I love? How shall I live, knowing I will die? What is my gift to the family of the earth? He then takes us deeper, exploring each question through transformative true stories. We meet men and women, Wayne's neighbors, friends, and patients, who have discovered love, courage, and kindness even in the midst of sorrow and loss. And through them we glimpse that relentless spark of spiritual magic that burns within each of us.
Nine Self-Help Books for kids by various authors:
When your Pet Dies, a Healing Handbook for Kids
Right and Wrong and Being Strong
I Don’t Want to Go to Church! Turning the Struggle into a Celebration
What Happens When Someone Dies? A Child’s Guide to Death and Funerals
When Someone You Love Has Cancer, a Guide to Help Kids Cope
Mad Isn’t Bad, A Child’s Book about Anger
Forgiving is Smart for your Heart
Bye-Bye, Bully, a Kid’s Guide for Dealing with Bullies
When Bad Things Happen, a Guide to Help Kids Cope
Great New Reads in the
Library this Month
Grace, More Than We Deserve- Greater Than We Imagine by Max Lucado ~ Grace. We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, and pre-meal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means. Max Lucado asks a deeper question: have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Softened by grace? God’s grace has a drenching about it; wildness about it; a white-water, rip-tide, turn-you-upside-down-ness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.
Hoping for More: Having Cancer, Talking Faith, and Accepting Grace by Deanna A. Thompson ~ Deanna presents her extraordinary journey of diagnosis and treatment of stage IV breast cancer. With a strong personal voice, reading this book is like listening to a friend telling you about part of her life over a cup of tea. One of the many miracles in this book is Deanna’s ability to reflect on her faith, illness, and loved ones at the same time. She quietly offers a systematic theology enriched by living with cancer, making this book a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of medicine and faith. Readers with questions about suffering, illness, and faith as well as those looking for an empathetic guide through the confusing world of cancer and medicine will find Hoping for More to be an invaluable resource. Deanna recently spoke at one of our Lenten forums in March and is the daughter of Bethel members, Merv and Jackie Thompson.
Library Corner
Page 4 The Bethel Banner
Used Book Cart
Be sure and check the recently updated used-book cart located across from the Scrip table in the narthex. The library ministry team has been busy weeding materials from our shelves and has added a whole new selection of used books for sale. Help yourself to a book or two and drop a donation in the envelope located on the side of the cart. Thanks for all you give.
Happy Reading!
be studying in June. New attendees are welcome to join us at any time. For more information, contact Pam Santerre at 507-786-8951.
Bethel Women Having Fun
will be having fun at the garage sale this month. Look for a volunteer sign up sheet at the Information Station.
The Bethel Quilters meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month (May 28) at 9 a.m. If you can tie a knot, you're already an expert! Help us meet our goal of 100 quilts this year — and enjoy the fellowship and the fun!
Bethel’s Senior Sunday Service is planned for the 8:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, June 2, in the Bethel sanctuary. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us in honoring our Bethel seniors and parents.
Last chance! Unless you want to buy back your treasures at the Bethel Garage Sale, it's time to check the Lost and Found table near the nursery for any items you have left behind at Bethel! Items will be donated to the garage sale on May 13.
The Cancer Mutual-Help Gathering for Bethel Women meets the second Monday of each month, from 1–2 p.m. in the Bethel Chapel. Please join us at our next meeting on Monday, May 13.
Bethel Women’s Study meets on Thursdays, 8–9 a.m., in Bethel’s Fireside Room for good coffee and rich conversation. In May, we continue our discussion of Radical Gratitude by Mary Jo Leddy. Please watch the weekly Banner for what book we will
Bethel News
May 2013 Page 5
Rhonda Reece, Director
of Music and Worship 786-8874
[email protected] Bethel Women
Having Fun
Bethel Women Having Fun is a traveling fellowship group to which all Bethel women are invited! You
can join the fun one month out of the year, or all of them! Most events take place on the third Tuesday of each month, leaving the Bethel parking lot in the morning and returning in the afternoon. For more information, contact Lu Lindstrom or Judy Code.
Here's what the group has planned for this year:
May - Fun at the Bethel Garage Sale!
Wednesday, June 19 - Capone Art Park in Eagan, with its many sculptures created by Tony Capone, a retired Macalester art professor
Tuesday, July 16 - Minnesota Showboat Theater for "Sweet Revenge"
Tuesday, August 20 - annual salad and dessert potluck at Judy Code's
Spring Music Festival
The Promise Our Spring Music Festival will be held on Sunday, May 19, at both 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. worship services. "The Promise" is the theme of this spring's music festival Sunday. Jesus said, "God will give you another Helper, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, who abides with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17.
Come experience the Feast of Pentecost on this day! Our music ensembles will ring and sing, and lead the congregation in hymns. We will hear the word of God spoken "in many tongues", and preached so that we may know the Spirit is with us forever!
Come, for you are warmly invited!
Last rehearsal for Grace Notes & Half Steps - Wednesday, May 8
Last Bistro – Wednesday, May 8
Last rehearsal for Ring Forth, Brio, and Adult Bell Choir - Wednesday, May 15
Last day of Sunday School – Sunday, May 19
Last day of BAM – Wednesday, May 22
Ring Forth and Brio End of Year Party at Jill Mahr's house - Wednesday, May 22
Last day of 5th Grade CAT Class – Wednesday, May 29
Last day of our school year worship schedule – June 2
May ~ A Month
of Lasts Volunteer
Archivist
Needed Do you have a passion for preserving papers and photos? Bethel has documents that could use your attention. There is a free workshop in Northfield on May 3 that can help with questions like: What do you save? What do you throw? How do you store the things you keep? How do you best use the time you have for preservation? Why is it important?
If you would be willing to work on an archive system for Bethel, we would love to have you attend this workshop. Please contact Sandy by phone at 786-8876 or via email at [email protected] if you are interested.
Once again, a HUGE thank you to all of those who help make our annual Bake Sale another great success! We appreciate and are grateful for your continual support of the nursery.
Last day of 5th Grade CAT Class – Wednesday, May 29 Last Bistro – Wednesday, May 8 Last day of our school year worship schedule – June 2
Join us on June 9 and throughout the summer at 8:30 or 10 a.m. for worship with Holy Communion.
Vacation Bible School
Good Earth Village on the Road – August 4-8, 2013
Just a reminder that our VBS experience for children in Grades 1-6 (2013-14 School Year) is being held at Bethel and facilitated by Good Earth Village Bible Camp. Registration is on a first-come first-served basis and there are a limited number of spots. All registration is being handled by Good Earth Village. You can register online or download a registration form at www.goodearthvillage.org. Simply select “Summer Camp” on the home page and then click on “GEV On the Road.” This ministry is open to all Northfield children. Feel free to invite your children’s friends and
Children’s
Ministry Road Maps ~ Our annual children’s ministry registration mailing for
families of children who will be three years old before September 1 through grade 5 (2013-14) will soon be sent out. This is our one stop registration for all children’s ministries for the 2013-14 school year at Bethel. Please help us in our planning and preparations by returning your Road Map registration packet to the church office by May 19. Extra packets are available for friends, neighbors and visitors in the church office or at the Information Station in the Narthex.
Get To Know Our Bethel
Children ~ There are many opportunities at Bethel for getting to know our Bethel children from serving as a Sunday School teacher for the entire year to serving as a snack time monitor in BAM for 15 minutes on a Wednesday afternoon. Please consider offering your time and talent to the children’s ministries of Bethel. Whether you have children in your home or not, whether you have an hour a week or fifteen minutes a year, there is a place for you. Please indicate your interest on the Time and Talent form that will be out soon or contact our Director of Children’s Ministries, Pam Vig, at 786-8878 or [email protected] to find out how you might share your gifts with the children of Bethel during the 2013-14 school year.
A Month of Lasts
Last Sunday of Sunday School – May 19 Last day of BAM – Wednesday, May 22
Pam Vig, Director of
Children’s Ministries 786-8878
Children’s Ministry Update
Juley Jenkinson,
Nursery Coordinator 786-6674
neighbors. Good Earth Village does great work. This event has been a huge success during summers past.
God’s Backyard Bible Camp Under the Stars is the theme for our age 4-Grade 1 (2013-14) Vacation Bible School experience. We will once again be participating in a joint effort with Emmaus, Rejoice!, St. John’s, and St. Peter’s Churches. The activities will take place at Bethel during August 5-8 – the same week as the On the Road experience for our older students. First grade students have a choice of the all day On the Road experience at Bethel or the half day VBS experience at Emmaus. Registration packets for Age 4-grade 1 VBS will be sent out with the Children’s Ministry Road Map. Extra forms are available in the church office or on the Welcome Station in the narthex.
Artist of the Month... We are happy to announce that the very talented Drew Pribyl will be showing his work during the month of May on our nursery bulletin board. Don't miss out on this opportunity to check out his masterpieces.
Nursery News
Children ~ Families ~ Children ~ Families
Page 6 The Bethel Banner
It’s that time of year. The Children’s Ministry Road
Map, our annual mailing to families who have children who will be in age 3-grade 5 during our 2013-14 school year, will be mailed out soon. In addition to being a guide to all of the ministries that are available to this age group, it is also a tool by which we register our children for the next program year and by which we help our parents find places to offer their many gifts and talents.
Church and Home Ministry ~ Partners in Faith By Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries
May 2013 Page 7
Children ~ Families ~ Children ~ Families
Please think now about your children and the ways in which they will participate in the ministries of Bethel next fall. And then think about yourself. What are your gifts and talents? How can you best serve the ministry with them? Can you offer one hour a week, a month or every few months? There are opportunities for everyone at every level.
Bethel is a congregation that is literally overflowing with children. We have been greatly blessed. Please help us
minister to each of these little blessings by returning your registration packet in a timely manner so that we can have plenty of time for preparation and planning and by selecting one or more ways in which you can serve in this ministry throughout the year. Registration packets are due May 19.
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in everyone.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Northfield
Ecumenical
Women The 14th annual gathering of Northfield Ecumenical Women will be held on Saturday, May 4, at 9:30 a.m. Join your sisters of faith for a morning of fellowship at St. Peter's Lutheran Church. NRC Chaplain Kristin Braaten-Lee will present "Of Belts and Burros." The offering for the Fellowship of the Least Coin will be collected and refreshments will be served. Contact Celena Witt at 507-645-2201 with any questions.
Rice County Habitat for Humanity
RAISE THE
ROOFS The Raise the Roofs Rice County Habitat for Humanity fundraiser will be held on Sunday, May 5, with a dinner, silent and live auctions, a wine table, an antiques table, and lots of fun. Music will be provided by Herb Sellner. The social hour begins at 5:30, with dinner at 6:15, at the Faribault American Legion.
Tickets are $25. Call the Habitat office at 507-744-2933 for tickets or to donate items for the auction. Tickets may also be purchased at Edina Realty offices in Northfield and Faribault.
National Day of Prayer The 17th Annual Northfield Prayer Breakfast will be held on Thursday, May 2, 7-8:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church. The buffet opens at 6:30 a.m. and early arrival is encouraged. The keynote speaker is David Christian, a familiar voice on Twin Cities radio stations. Worship will be led by Pat Shelby and others. Tickets are $9 and are available at Quality Bakery and the Bittersweet Café.
Community News ~ Community News ~ Community News
Troubadors
Concert Northfield's men's chorus, The Troubadors, will present their spring concert here at Bethel on Sunday, May 19, at 3 p.m.
Included will be a hymn medley, a patriotic medley, and solos by 4 of the members. Please come for this afternoon of music-making!
Refreshments will follow the concert in the CLC.
itemize your fundraiser earnings and state your final balance.
May Fundraisers coming up – watch for details by email and mail:
Flower Sale plants will be delivered to Bethel on Friday, May 10, between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Please meet in the Bethel Youth Center if you are signed up to help unload plants. All youth who sold plants may pick up your orders the next morning, Saturday, May 11, between 7:30 and 11 a.m. Please remember that you are responsible for delivering the plants you sold.
The annual Bethel WELCA Bethel Garage Sale is a great chance to earn money for next summer’s trip and be of service to our congregation at the
� Senior picture
� Baby or child picture
� Paragraph about a treasured Bethel memory
Hi League ~
Bagels @ Dawn will meet on May 8 and 22. All high school youth are invited to meet at 8 a.m. at Tandem Bagels for a bagel (on Bethel), friends, and a short faith check. Join the fun!
The Senior Send-off Barbecue will be held at Barb Farmer’s home on Wednesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. All 10th – 12th grade youth are invited to a steak/chicken barbecue to help send our Bethel seniors on their way with lots of fun and good wishes. Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, May 8, and bring $10 for the cost of the meal.
Summer Trippers ~
Please remember – your trip forms are due now.
Your final trip payment will be due on June 1. You will receive a Summer Trip Recap at the end of May that will
9ers & Mentors - the End-of-the-Year Mentor Potluck is coming up! We’ll meet at Bethel at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, for our last large-group event of the year. Details about food assignments were sent in the mail; please contact Barb Farmer if you have questions and RSVP by Wednesday, May 1.
The Annual Scoop (lime green packet) will be sent soon to all Bethel youth and parents. Please think about how you plan to be involved next year in Bethel's youth ministry for the 2013-14 school year and return your completed registration packet promptly by May 19th. Your help with this makes a huge difference in our planning for the fall. Thank you for your help!
Senior Happenings:
Senior Sunday Planning Meeting ~ All Bethel seniors are asked to meet in the Bethel Youth Center at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, to begin planning your Senior Sunday service. Come with your ideas to help make this a special worship in celebration of your graduation!
Senior Send-off BBQ – yes, in honor of you! See details in Hi League info below.
Senior Stepping Stones Retreat ~ All seniors and their parents are invited to our last Senior Stepping Stones Retreat of the year which will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. in the Bethel Youth Center on Sunday, May 19. Let’s take a “breather”, celebrate the accomplishments of our seniors as they graduate, and look forward to the exciting changes to come! Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, May 15. Plan to have the following items to Barb by Wednesday, May 19, for the retreat:
Page 8 The Bethel Banner
Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth
Barb Farmer, Director
of Youth Ministries 786-8877
From the Scrip Table... Mother's Day and the fishing opener will soon be here so as always: Think Scrip!! Planning ahead for these and other events helps build your summer trip account while stretching the dollars you are going to spend anyway. Treating Mom to lunch or dinner at her favorite restaurant could not be easier; you can purchase Scrip for The Cheesecake Factory (5%), PFChang's (8%), Outback Steakhouse (8%), Red Lobster/Olive Garden (9%), The Rainforest Cafe (9%) and many more restaurants.
As for fishing opener, Cabela cards earn 11%, Dick's Sporting Goods earns 8% and Gander Mountain earns 8%. Please plan ahead as these cards do need to be ordered.
Whether for Mom or for fishing opener, don't forget your Caribou or Starbuck's cards:) Scrip cards purchased through May 12 will continue to count toward your 2013 summer trip account.
YouthQuake, continued on Page 9.
Youth Ministry News
same time. Help is needed on Wednesday and Saturday, May 15 and 18, and 2-3 hour work shifts will be available for youth who want to earn money toward their summer trips. As in the past, there will be a limited number of spaces for this fundraiser – so plan to sign up early!
The Youth Fundraising Team will meet at Barb Farmer’s home on Thursday, May 23, at 6 p.m.
All middle school Youth of Yahweh ~ don’t miss the fun planned for this summer! Mark your calendars~
Magical Mystery Tours are coming again for the summer. Put these dates on your calendars now – Wednesdays, June 19, July 17, and August 14 – and watch your mail for information about June’s Magical Mystery Tour. We’ll be sharing these monthly summer events with youth from other Northfield area churches again this summer. Don’t miss the fun!
May 2013 Page 9
Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth
The Power of Words By Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries
Bethel Lutheran are the words:
In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified. In my life, Lord, be glorified today.
And the value of the words we bless our youth with as they leave Bethel events:
As we go on our way, may Christ go with us. May He go before us show us the way. . . Behind us to encourage us. . . Beside us to befriend us. . . Above us to watch over us. . . And within us to give us peace. . .
This past Sunday, as I listened to our Bethel BAM choir kids perform their musical, The Tale of the Three Trees, I was reminded of an article I wrote for the Banner back in 2004 about words and their value. I still believe in the power of words – to lift up and to tear down – so thought I’d share some of that article here, modified with words from Sunday’s musical.
Words. They help us communicate who we are and what we believe; they help shape who we are and who we will become.
Perhaps that’s why there is so much controversy over the words of some popular contemporary tunes. Or the words that are a part of the marketing blitz aimed at our youth. Or the words and images they might receive in emails, Facebook feeds, or Twitter without even seeking them. Those forms of media have become a part of our kids’ everyday lives. And we, as parents, are concerned about how the words they hear regularly might affect the development of our children’s thoughts and values.
I was reminded of one defense we have this week as I listened to our Bethel children and youth perform the production, The Tale of Three Trees. One solution, I think, is to fill the minds of our youth with the words we want them to hear over and over again in their lives. Words like:
Dreams, we all have dreams What we can be, what we can do. Lord, with all we are We pray that our dreams will lead us to you.
This is why the words our 6th graders sing every time we meet and the last words our graduates sing as they leave
This is why we teach our children to sing their first Sunday school songs or memorize a Bible verse or join a church youth choir. To arm them with words . . . words that will roll around in their heads and crowd out those other words that might damage them . . . words that will comfort them when they are hurting. . . words that will make them strong when they’re feeling small in their world. . . words that will help them become true followers of Jesus.
YouthQuake, continued from p. 8.
The Amazing Race of Grace is returning! Our Bethel high school youth will lead a weekly faith and fun event to help us all reconnect with our Bethel friends toward the end of the summer. The dates for these great three-hour adventures will be July 24, July 31, and August 7. More details will be coming later. Keep a look-out for this fun offering – you don’t want to miss it!
What is a Worship Servant?
Those are the obvious worship servants, but perhaps you have read through the "Worship Servants" page in the monthly Banner and wondered what all those other folks do.
Sacramental Ministers are folks who help serve communion, either bread or wine, with the simple words "Body of Christ, given for you" or "Blood of Christ, shed for you" with gentle blessings for those who do not yet receive communion. It's a simple and deeply meaningful part of our worship service.
Ushers not only hand out bulletins to all who come to worship at Bethel, but they pass the offering baskets, find seats for people on crowded Sundays, guide people to communion, and assist in emergencies that occasionally arise during worship. They also count attendance and make sure all doors are locked after services have concluded.
Greeters stand by the main doors and by the CLC to greet folks as they arrive for worship. Bethel is a friendly, welcoming place, and greeters are the first impression many visitors have. Families sometimes choose to do this together. Kids are welcome!
Nametag folks get to sit down while they work! Nametag volunteers sit at the welcome stations before either worship service, welcoming folks to Bethel and making sure there are plenty of nametag stickers available. Kids are great at this job, too!
Coffee Servers are the movers and shakers of our fellowship hour, preparing treats to share, making coffee, setting up cups and treat platters, and cleaning up the CLC at the end of the fellowship. It takes at least six people to accomplish this and more are always welcome.
You will soon receive the annual Time and Talent survey, sent by Alice Carson, our volunteer coordinator. Please take a few minutes to consider where you would like to serve at Bethel, fill out the survey and return it to the church office or the offering basket on Sunday morning.
For some of you, contributing to our worship service sounds appealing. The following is a reprint of a Banner article describing each of the worship servant roles:
Pastor Tim, Pastor
Charlie, and Rhonda sit down regularly to plan the worship services, including choosing liturgies, music, and other parts of the service. Then they lead us through the worship service, helping us to praise our God with ease and enthusiasm.
Rhonda and our other
music staff plan and practice anthems with our ensembles, soloists, and assisting ministers, so we can raise our voices with confidence.
Sandy and Alice prepare the Sunday bulletin, so that new and "old" Bethelites can participate in the worship service, without wondering what to do or what comes next.
Assisting ministers lead parts of our worship service and, in preparation for doing so, practice the pronunciation of names for the Prayers of the Faithful and rehearse the sung part of the liturgy.
Readers - duh - go up to the pulpit and read the non-Gospel readings before the sermon. Beforehand, they study the text for meaning, and sometimes they check the pronunciation of tricky Biblical names with the pastors before the service.
Altar Care and Communion Angels are the two sides of the Altar Guild coin. Altar Care folks set up communion before the worship service (usually on Saturday) and then take the used communion materials to the sacristy between services and set up for communion at the second service. Communion Angels reset all the communion cups from both services, clean the trays, and store all of the items for use the following week.
Folding Angels get together on Friday mornings and fold our bulletins and weekly newsletters, along with sharing fellowship and the occasional goodie. When the monthly Banner is ready to fold, a special call goes out for all who can help fold. If you are interested in joining this group, contact the church office.
Nursery workers care for our littlest Bethelites (babies-age 5), providing a safe and fun space for them to play, which allows parents to concentrate on the sermon instead of keeping squirming toddlers in the pew. Nursery workers are usually St. Olaf students (during the school year) and college and high school students during the summer, but there are many opportunities for volunteers to get involved. Contact Juley Jenkinson if you are interested.
On the third Sunday of the month, Bethel youth serve as our readers, ushers, and sacramental ministers.
How Can I Participate?
Every adult member of Bethel is assigned to a "service group," headed by a service group chairperson. The chairperson calls the service group members to ask for volunteers to serve as greeters, nametag helpers, and coffee
Servants, continued on Page 11.
Page 10 The Bethel Banner
It's easy to assume that everyone knows what our shorthand language means, but that's not necessarily true! Here is a short list of the acronyms most frequently used around Bethel, and what they mean:
ACTS = Adult Christians
Together Socially, a small-group dinner ministry for adult Bethel members and a fun way to get to know each other in a relaxed way! To join, call Mary Nystuen at 645-4011.
BAM = Bible, Arts and
Music, our Wednesday afternoon programming for children. For more information, call Pam Vig at 786-8878.
BLAST = BAM Leaders and
Servants Together, part of our Wednesday afternoon BAM programming for 4th and 5th graders. For more information, call Pam Vig at 786-8878.
BWHF = Bethel Women
Having Fun, a fellowship group open to all women of Bethel, which takes monthly field trips to restaurants, museums, and other places of interest. For more information, contact Lu Lindstrom (645-8102).
A Bethel Glossary
CLC = Christian Life
Center, our beautiful fellowship space west of the sanctuary.
ELCA = Evangelical
Lutheran Church in
America, our denomination.
ISLA = Interfaith Services
to Latin America, a partner organization serving the educational and medical needs of the people of Jalapa, Nicaragua.
LIRS = Lutheran
Immigration and Refugee
Service, a partner organization serving our newest neighbors.
LPGM = Lutheran
Partners in a Global
Ministry, a partner organization serving the educational and medical needs of the people of India and Africa.
MOB = Men of Bethel, a weekly Bible study for all Bethel men that meets on Thursday mornings. All men are welcome to join at any time.
STARS = Seniors Together
At Retirement, a fellowship group of Bethel members in the 60+ age group. All seniors are welcome to
attend luncheons and retreats. For more information, contact Pam Santerre, 786-8651.
WELCA = Women of the
Evangelical Lutheran
Church, a service, Bible study, and fellowship group open to all Bethel women. There are circles (small groups that meet monthly for Bible study) and service opportunities, including the annual Doing Meeting and the annual garage sale. All women are welcome to join in any time. For more information, contact Marcia Omdahl, Bethel WELCA president.
YES = Youth Energized to
Serve, a service group for our middle school and high school kids. For more information, contact Cindy Kreis, 663-1941.
�
Confused by another
Bethel acronym? Contact Lisa McDermott at 645-0740 or [email protected].
Page 11 May 2013
Servants, continued from page 10.
person, please call Sandy Peterson at 786-8876. If you would like to offer an anthem or get involved with our music ministry, please call Rhonda Reece at 786-8874.
There are lots of ways for people of all ages and abilities to be worship servants; thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
servers. Feel free to sign up for more than one task when you are called; if you are unable to serve during your month, please let the chairperson know what month you would be available. If you would like to serve as a service group chairperson yourself, please call Patty Jermeland.
If you would like to be an assisting minister, reader, usher, or altar care
As the popular hymn says, "I am the church; you are the church; we are the church together." This is so very obvious on Sunday morning!
�
There are many volunteer roles to be filled at Bethel. If you have questions about any of the options, call Alice at 786-6674!
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1 See schedule below
4:30 p.m. Stewardship
Committee meeting
2 8 a.m. B
ethel W
omen's
Study
8:30 a.m. M
en of
Bethel
5 p.m. P
ersonnel
Committee meeting
7 p.m. B
oy Scoot
Troop M
eeting
7 p.m. M
ission &
Justice Committee
meeting
3 4
5 See schedule below
9:45 a.m. M
ission &
Justice Bread for the
World Forum
9:45 a.m. T
his is the
Life (Adult
Confirm
ation)
12 p.m. 3rd G
rade
Holy Baptism
Retreat
6:30 p.m. M
entor
Potluck
6 10 a.m. Senior Coffee
Time
6:30 p.m. C
ub Scout
and Tiger Scout
meeting
7 2 p.m. B
ethel Staff
meeting
6 p.m. L
ois Circle
Potluck
7 p.m. F
inance
Committee meeting
8 See schedule below
8 a.m. B
agels @ D
awn
7 p.m. H
i League/
Senior Sunday
Planning
8:30 p.m. Senior
Sunday Planning
meeting
9 8 a.m. B
ethel W
omen's
Study
8:30 a.m. M
en of
Bethel
7 p.m. B
oy Scoot
Troop M
eeting
7 p.m. C
hurch Council
meeting
10
Youth Flower Sale
Delivery
11
Youth Flower Sale
Delivery
2 p.m. Rustad Piano
Recital
12
See schedule below
9:45 a.m. T
his is the
Life (Adult
Confirm
ation)
13
Bethel G
arage Sale
Setup
Capital Cam
paign
Messengers calls
1 p.m. C
ancer Mutual-
Help G
roup
14
Bethel G
arage Sale
Setup
Capital Cam
paign
Messengers calls
2 p.m. B
ethel Staff
meeting
6:30 p.m. L
iberty Park
Townhome Assn.
7 p.m. Scout Den
Parent meeting
15
See schedule below
Bethel G
arage Sale
Setup
Capital Cam
paign
Messengers calls
6:30 p.m. Senior Send-
off BBQ
16
Bethel G
arage Sale
Setup
Capital Cam
paign
Messengers calls
8 a.m. B
ethel W
omen's
Study
9 a.m. 24-H
our Prayer
Vigil
7 p.m. B
oy Scoot
Troop M
eeting
17
Bethel Garage Sale
18
Bethel Garage Sale
Calendar — May 2013
Page 12 The Bethel Banner
19
See schedule below
Capital Cam
paign
Commitment Sunday
12 p.m. H
igh School
Seniors Stepping
Stones Retreat
3 p.m. T
roubadors
Concert
20
9:30 a.m. M
artha Circle
4:30 p.m. N
orthfield
Youth Choir
Registration
6:30 p.m. C
ub Scout
and Tiger Scout
meeting
6:30 p.m. F
reedom
Park Town Home
Assn. m
eeting
7 p.m. L
ois Circle
21
1 p.m. B
ethel Staff
Year-End Review
2 p.m. B
ethel Staff
meeting
5 p.m. N
orth Rice
County Thrivent Board
meeting
22
8 a.m. B
agels @ D
awn
3:30 p.m. B
AM
23
8 a.m. B
ethel
Women's Study
7 p.m. B
oy Scoot
Troop M
eeting
24
25
26
8:30 a.m. W
orship
Service
9:30 a.m. C
offee &
Fellowship
10:45 a.m. W
orship
Service
27
28
9 a.m. B
ethel Q
uilters
2 p.m. B
ethel Staff
meeting
29
3:30 p.m. 5th G
rade
CAT Finale
30
8 a.m. B
ethel
Women's Study
7 p.m. B
oy Scoot
Troop M
eeting
31
June 2 ~ Senior Sunday
June 9 ~ Summer Worship schedule begins
May 2013 Page 13
Look for more information about events at Bethel on our
website at: www.bethelnorthfield.org
Mark Your Calendars
Weekly Wednesday Schedule
(ex
cept
ions
and
add
itio
ns n
oted
abo
ve)
3:30 p.m. BAM (ends May 22)
5:30 p.m. Bistro (ends May 8)
7 p.m.
Bell C
hoir Rehearsal (ends May 15)
7:15 p.m.
Adult Choir Rehearsal (ends on TBD)
Weekly Sunday Schedule
(ex
cept
ions
and
add
itio
ns n
oted
abo
ve)
8:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion
9:45 a.m. Sunday School and coffee fellowship
(ends May 19)
10:45 a.m. W
orship with Holy Communion
Page 14 The Bethel Banner
Highlights of the
March Church
Council Meeting… The meeting started with Pastor Blair Anderson from Kairos and Associates sharing his findings and recommendations following the resource assessments. He shared a list of things we are proud of, a list of concerns, a few things we pretend to not know about ourselves, and an evaluation of the willingness and readiness for a fund appeal. From all the data presented, it was his recommendation that:
� Our capacity is very significant, however, the willingness and readiness level of our members is considerably more guarded. It is reasonable to anticipate achieving a goal of $1.5 million in three-year pledges.
� We not incorporate any new construction into this appeal, as people are not prepared to take such a step at this point in time.
� We enter into a new season of strategic planning.
� We think in terms of adding additional staff. No matter which direction we go, our present staff is close to being maxed out.
� We are a very, very healthy church graced by very gifted, talented, and committed leadership.
Following this discussion the Church Council unanimously defeated a motion for building expansion. They did pass a motion that the first $100,000 of the campaign will go to a mission component and that everything after that will go for debt reduction.
The Personnel Committee is working on a staffing long range plan.
The Financial Officer reported that our income exceeds income for the same period last year. They are also working on Vanco software for processing donations online.
The Stewardship Committee is focusing on volunteer appreciation events and saying thank you to our volunteers.
Mission and Justice reported a successful 5th Annual Peace and Justice Gathering.
Visual Arts will be busy setting up for the Easter season.
May 2013 Page 15
Year-to-date
Benevolences
Financial News and Notes
Darla Dahl,
Church Accountant 786-6687
Capital Campaign
Making Giving Simple The Bethel Finance Committee is looking into on-line giving and QR codes for giving with your smart phone. But Bethel already has an easy way to give: sign up for Simply Giving, an automated giving program offered by Thrivent, which allows you to make donations to Bethel on a scheduled, automatic basis from your bank account. It's a win-win: it is convenient for you, and it provides much-needed donation consistency for Bethel. Simply Giving can be used for your regular faith-based giving (your Sunday offering) and/or your building fund pledge to the capital campaign securely and confidentially. Best of all, the amount and schedule (monthly, quarterly, annually) can be changed at any time, quickly and easily, if your circumstances change.
How to get started ~ To set up electronic donations, simply complete the authorization form which can be found on Bethel’s website (bethelnorthfield.org) or on the Information Station in the narthex. Donations can be debited automatically from either a checking or savings account. Return the completed form to the church office, attention Darla Dahl. Still have questions? Contact Darla - she's our resident expert!
SE MN Synod 6,984
Community Action Center 825
Lutheran Social Services 2,750
Nfld. Ministerial Assoc. 50
ELCA World Hunger 1,279
ELCA Disaster Relief 115
CAC Food Shelf 301
March Food Drive 14,388
Total CAC Food Shelf 14,690
Easter Offering 2013
Habitat for Humanity-50% 2,179
CAC-Housing Initiative-50% 2,179
Total Easter Offering 4,358
Malaria 45
World Vision (30 hour famine) 280
Good Samaritan Funds used 659
$32,036
As of March 31, 2013
Capital Campaign 07/01/10 - 06/30/13
Results as of 03/31/13
Pledges 1,746,659
Pledges Received (1,494,788)
Pledges to be Received 251,871
Non-Pledges Received 137,819
1/15/2009 Building Debt 3,500,000
Scheduled Principal payments (332,283)
Additional Principal payments (1,604,361)
3/31/2013 Building Debt 1,563,356
Building Debt
Did you know?
Simply Giving works for your Capital
Campaign pledges, too!
The Bethel Banner Page 16
the study materials.
Thursday Mornings
Bethel Women’s Study meets on Thursdays, 8–9 a.m., in Bethel’s Fireside Room for good coffee and rich conversation. In May, we continue our discussion of Radical Gratitude by Mary Jo Leddy. Please watch the
weekly Banner for what book we will be studying in June. New attendees are welcome to join us at any time. For more information, contact Pam Santerre at 507-786-8951.
Men of Bethel (MOB), 8:30–9:30 a.m., Bethel Classrooms 61B - MOB will continue studying A Spirituality of Service by Jerry Aaker. The book is described as
"reflections on a life-long journey of faith and work among the world’s poor." Discussion is led by Duane Everson and others. All men are welcome.
�
Are you interested in
leading an adult
education event or class?
Curricula, ideas, and help are available. Contact Pam Santerre at 786-8951 or [email protected].
The heart of Bethel’s mission is to build and equip disciples for Christ and His Kingdom. Through adult educational opportunities, we trust that God is actively nurturing faith, growing knowledge, and empowering our community to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Please consider participating in the following adult education opportunities:
For all Adults on For all Adults on For all Adults on
Sunday MorningsSunday MorningsSunday Mornings,
from 9:45–10:30 a.m.
This is the Life - in the Fireside Room. Join Pastor Tim for a short version of Confirmation Class for adults, looking at the different sections of the Small Catechism.
Bread for the World - an adult forum to be held on May 5.
Adult Ed Opportunities Adult Ed Opportunities Adult Ed Opportunities
during the Weekduring the Weekduring the Week
Monday Evenings
WELCA Bible Study ~ Audrey West’s study, "Gathered by God", is a word study on ‘gather’, covering topics such as: gather to learn, gather for fellowship, gather for support, gather to be empowered, gather to be sent. This study is open to anyone, including circle study leaders and will meet most months on the first Monday of each month, 7-8 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please contact Barb Holm at 507-301-8184 if you plan to attend and need
Bethel Adult Education
Recently, seven Bethelites spent eight weeks attending weekly BeFriender training. As
trained BeFriender ministers, they join Bethel’s Befriender team as a “formal extension of the pastoral ministry of Bethel Lutheran Church."
BeFriender ministers, uplift and support the ministry of Pastor Tim, Pastor Charlie, and Pam Santerre. Like the Bethel pastoral team, they intentionally and confidentially walk with Bethel members experiencing a life transition of any kind. This may be a result of the loss of a close relationship or a loved one, a medical situation, a birth, or a move. The care given by BeFriender Ministers is offered in addition to the care given by our pastoral team.
While Bethel members can and do receive calls from the pastors, the extra visits given by a BeFriender provide added peace, comfort, and healing. On Sunday, May 5, we will formally welcome Ruth Annoni, Dottie Hammer, Barb Henwood, Ellis Lysne, Tom Moen, Alyce Nelson, and Lois Carey to our Bethel Ministry Team. All other trained BeFrienders will be invited to reaffirm their commitment to this vital ministry.
If you would like to learn more about BeFriender ministry, please stop by our ministry table that day.
Blessings from Bethel's Befrienders
†
A core Befriender principle: “God is Present." For more information, call Marci Groenewold, (649-0760), Knight Stanley (612-877-0893 ), Jean Miller (645-5353), or the Bethel office (786-6674).
BeFriending By Marci Groenewold
Upcoming BeFriender
events:
May 5 ~ Installation of all trained Befriender Ministers at both services. If possible, please plan to participate during both services.
when our souls are really yearning for God to fill and fulfill us. Paying less attention to our goals for stuff and more attention to working in God’s Kingdom, to “building disciples for Christ and His Kingdom,” and to doing the work of peace and justice provide true fulfillment.
Three books we recommend to you from the Bethel library are How Much Is Enough? by Arthur Simon, One Nation Under Goods by James Farrell, and Simpler Living, Compassionate Life edited by Michael Schut. Many more books are available too.
From the Mission and Justice Committee Vision Statement: Since we believe that service is both an obligation and a privilege of the Christian life, we seek to provide opportunities for Bethel members to learn about the needs of others in our world and to put their knowledge into action, heeding Christ's call to "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Minute for
Mission Members of Peace Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minnesota, prepared and served a turkey dinner with all the fixings for about 130 people last Friday evening. Billed as an annual ministry celebration, it was a gala event. A program presented by the LPGM Board of Directors and staff was filled with fellowship and inspirational stories celebrating the past year. The evening ended with all singing the doxology in true Lutheran harmony.
One more event will be held to share LPGM stories: Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois.
More information about both events can be found at LPGM Out and About in the Community at lutheranpartners.org.
May 2013 Page 17
Creation Care Tip: Fuel-efficient driving not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, but could save you hundreds of dollars a year in fuel costs. Here are a few simple tips:
Limit the Need for Speed — The EPA says that most cars run at maximum efficiency at 60 miles per hour, and every five mph over 60 decreases efficiency by 6 percent.
Proper Tire Maintenance — Make sure your tires are properly inflated to prevent increased rolling resistance. Under-inflated tires can cause fuel consumption to increase by as much as 6%. To find out how much air should be in your tires, check your owners' manual, or the inside of the driver's door.
Reduce drag and excess weight — Out on the open highway, keep windows rolled up to reduce drag. Remove bicycle and ski racks when not in use. Excess weight also uses more fuel. Remove unnecessary items from inside the vehicle, trunk or truck bed. An extra 100 lbs. of weight can increase your fuel bill by 2%.
Creation Care
more carefully with our faith and beliefs.
As you continue to think about this, be sure to check out the collection of related, helpful books in our Bethel library. The more we understand, the more equipped we are to make conscious decisions rather than being lulled by habit and by the spend/accumulate culture of the society.
Several of the authors explain that we subconsciously try to fill empty times, feelings, and spaces with materialism
On May 5, there will be a brief adult forum, with short video and presentation on the 2013 offering of letters for Bread for the World. Bethel is a Covenant Church member of Bread for the World, and our letters are important to changing policies and funding for the hungry in the U.S. and in the world. So come, be a part of this effort. We’re only asking for a few minutes of your time.
The Mission and Justice Committee is pleased to share that we will be continuing our study of Faith and Consumption/
Consumerism next year with fall forums and with classes and discussions throughout the year. Our speakers and discussions this year were thought-provoking and challenging, causing us to ask ourselves if there are ways in which we can align our consumption/consumerism habits
The Bethel Banner Page 18 The Bethel Banner The Bethel Banner
needed it the most; named in our stories were Pastor Tim, Pastor Charlie, three Barbs (Hanson, Holm, and Farmer), Jim Dimick, Mary Nystuen, and the Swan-McDonalds.
I was struck by Lee Swan’s identification of the changes that happen to us as we age. He discussed how the horizontal direction to prayer has become more important as he looks at his own life. He documented his evolution of belief by pointing out that he now understands how important it is that “… we figuratively and literally hold hands with each other.” Interestingly, Lisa McDermott, in the story immediately following Lee’s, said, “You [Bethel members] have been and continue to be the hands and feet – and the arms – of Christ for me.” Another spoke of how helpful it was to receive personal letters from Pastor Tim when things were hard. These are examples of how our stories form what Char Jacobsen, Jeanette Nelson and many others said is our “Bethel Family”, or that Brooke Larsen Plotz describes as our “sense of community”.
Our identity as a “Welcoming Church” was mentioned by so many of us. We
Bethel members of all ages have received two amazingly important gifts recently. The first was the summary of the
congregational survey that helps us understand what other Bethel members think and feel about our church community. Assuming that we talk together as a community about our reactions to these survey results, we can, as one body, find hopeful pathways into the future for Bethel and for each of us.
The second was the gift of stories. The 53 people who wrote stories have painted a wonderfully inclusive picture for us. These narratives, when read together, tell us who we are. They tell us what we are worried about. They tell us what makes us grateful. These stories tell of our life joys, brokenness, and journeys. As Bob Phelps said, “Bethel has been the sure counterweight to the doubt, the fear that is all too real sometimes.”
Our stories tell of “… all the ‘surprises’ that life throws at us.” (Sandy Reiman). The 53 stories give the names of Bethelites who have befriended us and helped us when we
are an “… open welcoming church.” (Judy Dirks), or as Gary Hanson said, Bethel, “… continues to welcome me”. My favorite ‘welcoming quote” is Barb Henwood’s description of how Bethel welcomed her, “People greeted me like they had been waiting for me to come!”
The sermon quote from Pastor Charlie, “Belong, Behave, and Believe” mentioned by Peggy and Karl Fink, is worth a day’s discussion itself.
But, for me, the most meaningful story was written by Mari Arneson. She is a young woman and has her life to unfold in front of her, yet what she writes so well also reflects the thoughts and emotions of so many of us older adults.
“My faith is constantly evolving. Sometimes I can feel it as if it was tangible, and sometimes I feel deserted and alone. I am grateful for my loving family and friends, and I know that God loves me. But if God loves me so much, then why does He give me an injured spine?
People say God gives obstacles, so that we may grow stronger. However, growing strong can seem a heavy burden. I do not know my purpose yet, and I do not know when God will tell me. But isn’t this what faith is all about? Not knowing what you’re doing, or what’s going on, but trusting in God anyways?”
Finally, a fitting summary by Lois and Noel Stratmoen describes our Bethel home as “… a church community that is filled with Christian spirit, energy, hope, and promise.”
a Crown of Splendor
Our Gift of Stories: A Portrait of Who We Are By Bruce Roberts
The next Senior Coffee hour is set for Monday, May 6, at 10 a.m. in the CLC. Bring some treats to share and enjoy an hour of fellowship. For more details, contact Mary Nystuen at 645-4011.
bowling continues for Bethelites ages 50+ at the Jesse James Lanes on Tuesdays at 2 p.m., with a special rate of $3 per line plus free shoes and balls. This is not a high-stress league, but a chance to have fun with friends. Come as you are and as often as you can! Contact Pastor Henry Mueller at 663-0143 for more details.
Seniors ~ Seniors ~ Seniors Seniors ~ Seniors ~ Seniors Seniors ~ Seniors ~ Seniors Seniors ~ Seniors ~ Seniors
Of Interest to Our Seniors
May 2013 Page 19 May 2013 May 2013
A HUGE thank you to all of those who helped make our annual Nursery Bake Sale another great success! We appreciate and are grateful for your continual support of the nursery.
Juley Jenkinson and the Nursery Committee
Please accept my deepest gratitude for your generous gift to Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry from the Alternative Giving Fair ($2,004.50). I am thankful for your support of LPGM and the life-changing ministries we engage in with our many partners in the world. We feel called to connect people to mission in a very personal way. Each of us responds to the call of God in a unique manner — a way that draws us closer to God and to our brothers and sisters. God is calling LPGM to affect lives by providing opportunities for people to live out their faith. Thank you for your ministry and sense of mission. Together we can make a difference for a better tomorrow!
Mark Warpmaeker, LPGM
Thank you very much for your recent donation of $265. The decision you made to support HealthFinders Collaborative in our vision to provide everyone with the health care they need helps ensure strong and healthy communities for all. With the ever increasing number of new patients eligible for HeathFinders' services, your financial support not only provides free medical care at our clinic, but also assists in connecting patients with other public health care programs and advocating for their specific healthcare needs. Addressing the needs of patients with chronic disease is associated with improved individual health outcomes, along with significant reduction in ER visits and associated health care costs. This improves the health of our entire community while saving local clinics and hospitals money and resources. Thank you all for your continued support. It is vital to what
we do, and to the community!
Charlie Mandile, HealthFinders Collaborative
Thanks be to God! Our faith - our living, daring confidence in God's grace — springs from the good news of Jesus Christ, on Easter Day and all year long. We live in the freedom and the courage to boldly participate in what God is up to in the world. One of the ways that our church participates together in that holy work is through ELCA World Hunger. Thanks to the generous support of congregations like yours throughout our church, our vision of ending hunger in the world is coming ever closer to reality — step by step, family by family, village by village. The faithfulness of congregations like yours gives me confidence that Jesus' promised "good news for the poor" is becoming reality. Thank you for your support, for your prayers and for your participation. You really do make a difference in people's lives.
Daniel Rift, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal
We have so much to be thankful for...
Leave it to the YES Team! Congratulations on a fine, successful MN FoodShare campaign and for comprehending the importance of the work it supports.
Bethel's partnership in ensuring that "no one goes hungry in Northfield!" is demonstrated once again with the lead gift of $14,338 and 215 pounds of food! The community was again generous in helping CAC suprpass our fund and food-raising goal. We take that as a clear mandate to continue the work to end hunger in our community, to ensure that everyone has enough to eat in our community.
Than you, YES Team! Thank you, Bethel Lutheran Church!
Jim Blaha, CAC of Northfield
� Bethel often receives more thank you notes than we have space available. Some of those published are edited due to space constraints. Thank you for all you give!
Bethel is the Place Where...
Positive attitudes are developed
Good people become better
Lessons are learned
Friendships are nurtured
Hurts are healed
The Restless find peace
Love is alive
Jesus is Lord
May Worship Servants
May 5 May 12
May 19 Music Festival
Commitment Sunday May 26
Assisting Minister (8:30 a.m.)
Carol Lysne Mike Ahrens n/a Noel Stratmoen
Assisting Minister (10:45 a.m.)
Libby Glimsdal Christina Schwietz n/a Knight Stanley
Reader (8:30 a.m.) Carol Cole Rosann Brawley Bethel Youth Ann Etter
Reader (10:45 a.m.) Barb Farmer Marci Groenewold Bethel Youth Joel Leer
Acolytes (8:30 a.m.) Oskar Kuehl, Fred Lundstrom
John Olsen, Grace Peterson
Maxwell Gorden Mercer, Marcus Hauck
Channing Cade, Nissa Christianson
Acolytes (10:45 a.m.) Ben Selchow, Lilly Prestemon
Madelyn Meyer, Vera Paton
Caroline Peterson, Gabby Yciano
Brooke Domish, Grace McDonald
Sacramental Ministers (8:30 a.m.)
Mike & Sandy Ahrens, Wendell Arneson & Beth Christensen, Kitty Runzheimer
Carol Cole, Jill Eastman, Connie DeGrote, Sandy Ahrens, Rose Turnacliff
n/a Abbie Meierbachtol, Marcia Omdahl, Sandy Reiman, Dot Swanson, Wayne Kivell
Sacramental Ministers (10:45 a.m.)
Jean & Henry Mueller, Dan Foley, Jeanette Nelson, Cindy Kreis
Barb Neitzel, Carol Lysne, Ben & Jill Fisher, Brent Rauk
n/a Roger & Vikki Van Veldhuizen, Barb Farmer, Marci Groenewold, Sandy Peterson
Ushers (8:30 a.m.) Ellis Lysne, Bob Vanderhoof, Dale Turnacliff, Dick Johnson
Gordon & Marilyn Kelley, John Larson, Mike Graff
Bethel Youth Steve Meierbachtol, Jim Moberg, Judy & Daryl Kuyper
Ushers (10:45 a.m.) Chad Jenkinson, Rollie & Nancy Ensrud, Roger Van Veldhuizen
Kurt Neitzel, Juley Jenkinson, Steve & Carol O’Neill
Bethel Youth Chad & Juley Jenkinson Need two more
Greeters (8:30 a.m.) Duane Everson Kris Kuhn
John & Megan Dimick Lois Luecke, Jill Eastman
Don & Bonnie Pavek
Greeters (10:45 a.m.) Jan & Bruce Roberts Deanne Coleman Judy Kuyper
Nate & Karen Adams Becky Meyer, Sandy Germundson
Nametags (8:30 a.m.) Lois Luecke Ken Kuhn
Sandy Ahrens, Krista Sorenson
Rod & Jean Miller KayLee Henderson, Steve Reece
Nametags (10:45 a.m.) Don & Bonnie Pavek Karen Adams, Don Pavek
The Pribyl family Dean Neuburger, Karen Holz
Coffee Servers Dwayne & Lori Cowdin, Kris & Ken Kuhn, Duane Everson, Joan Behr, Susan Cabot, Steve & Rhonda Reece (treats)
Rod & Jean Miller, Daryl & Judy Kuyer, John & Megan Dimick, Deanne Coleman, Pam Vig (treats), Krista Sorenson (treats)
Mike & Sandy Ahrens Becky Meyer, Jill Eastman, Don Pavek (Treats provided by the Capital Campaign)
Dwayne & Lori Cowdin, Glenn & Karen Holz, Dean Neuburger, KayLee Henderson, Steve & Rhonda Reece (treats)
The Bethel Banner Page 20
A Measure of Our Commitment
April Worship Attendance average per Sunday
2010 2011 2012 2013
624 536 688 609*
Average Year-to-date Worship Attendance
2010 2011 2012 2013
546 533 543 529*
*Does not include April 28, 2013.
The Bethel Banner is published monthly as a ministry of Bethel Lutheran Church of Northfield, Minnesota. The congregation is invited to submit articles to the church office. Articles are due by the 15th of each month. Questions, suggestions, or comments? Contact editor Lisa McDermott at [email protected], by phone at 645-0740, or call the church office at 786-6674.
May 5 May 12 May 19 May 26
Altar Care Mike & Sandy Ahrens Rosann Brawley n/a Sandy Peterson
Communion Angels
Alice Dale, Arlene Neil Sharon Stoeck, Kay Gredvig n/a Elaine Deim, Dick and
Orpah Johnson
A/V Room (8:30 a.m.) Seth Hanson Jack Beaumaster
Ruth Nelson Jordan Ett
Seth Hanson Liam Fisher
Jordan Ett Dan Langehough
A/V Room (10:45 a.m.)
Nathan Dahlen Rose Mibus
David Kreis Joe Kreis
Andrew Kivell Anders Peterson
Ben Coleman Rose Mibus
Service Group Chairperson: Bonnie Pavek, 645-5820
2013 Softball Schedule Join the team (details on page 4) or come and cheer them on!
Date Time Field Opponent May 5 4:50 p.m. Babcock Methodist Maroon May 12 7 p.m. Sechlar #2 Trinity Red May 19 6 p.m. Sechlar #1 Rejoice Disciples June 2 7 p.m. Sechlar #2 Emmaus June 9 4:50 p.m. Babcock Cornerstone June 16 7:10 p.m. Sechlar #2 Methodist White June 23 4:50 p.m. Babcock St. Dominic White June 30 4:50 p.m. Babcock Trondjhem July 7 Fellowship Scramble Fundraiser (details to follow) July 14 6 p.m. Sechlar #1 Trinity Blue July 21 7:10 p.m. Sechlar #1 Little Prairie July 28 6 p.m. Sechlar #1 Rejoice Prophets
May 2013 Page 21
From Our Mission Interpreter... By Lois Stratmoen
mutually beneficial solution.
Investing with the MIF is a way for those with a heart for mission to make their money count in the life of the church. The majority of their money goes to congregations in the ELCA with a percentage kept back in conservative, liquid funds to be available for withdrawal. Throughout the nearly 100 year history of the MIF and its predecessors, no one has lost even a penny in investments with the MIF.
Ferguson says that her ten-year-old son is learning about mission through his investment with the MIF. She explains, “When the statements come we use them as a tool to explain how the money is used to help tell people about Jesus and he just thinks that’s really cool.”
Deborah Ann Norrie has given investments with the MIF as gifts to her grandchildren. She says, “My grandchildren are very blessed...this is a way to remember them in a way that just doesn’t add to the pile of plastic. They will have something when they are college-aged when they need it and in the meantime it will help support the church.”
Congregations like Peace Lutheran Church, Eyota, Minn., are able to continue to grow because of MIF. Peace celebrated the dedication of their building on November 6, 2011, thanks, in part, to a loan from the MIF.
Rev. Pete Reuss, pastor at Peace, said that they were attracted to the MIF because of the low interest rate. Although they had some concerns about not having a local office to deal with, he reports that they were pleased to get excellent responses thanks to the ability to scan and email documents.
The congregation at Peace is excited
[This article was inadvertently shortened in the April issue of the Banner and is reprinted in its entirety.]
Saving and Borrowing for
Ministry
When you invest your money in a bank, do you know where your money goes, how it earns interest? What about when you lend. Where did that money come from?
People, congregations, and ministries who invest or borrow from the ELCA’s Mission Investment Fund (MIF) know. Investors’ money goes directly toward building ministry right here in the ELCA.
“The Mission Investment Fund exists to fulfill a very simple yet direct idea: to help congregations grow the church and individuals to grow their finances,” says LuAnn Ferguson, Region 3 Manager of the MIF.
A congregation wanting to maintain, add on, or remodel its building, or even to build its first building, can apply for a loan from MIF. The MIF offers competitive rates and a simpler fee structure than banks. Borrowers also know that the money they have borrowed is from faithful people who desire to help the church grow and they are the beneficiaries of the interest repaid on the loans.
The MIF works with a congregation throughout the process to determine the feasibility of their goals. Lending decisions are not based solely on finances, but rather on the potential loan’s impact on ministry. A loan is not possible just because the congregation can afford to pay it off, but only if the congregation can pay on the loan and continue to do ministry. Similarly, the MIF has a history of working with congregations that do encounter hard times to find a
The Bethel Banner Page 22
about their still new space. Ministry is growing and changing in their community because they now have a space to call their own thanks to faithful investors throughout the ELCA.
This article is from the Bridge, a monthly publication of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. Find this, other stories, and information on MIF online at www.mif.elca.org. To start investing or to inquire about a loan, contact LuAnn Ferguson at 651-649-0454 ext. 227 or [email protected]
Synod Notes Eight individuals have been named as candidates for the position of Bishop of our synod: Rev. Steven J. Berkeland, Rev. Dr. Vern Christopherson, Rev. Steve Delzer, Rev. April Ulring Larson, Rev. Dr. Glenn Monson, Rev. Sarah Nietz, Rev. Dr. Norman Wahl, and Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger. They will participate in forums around the synod and all are welcome to attend. Go to semnsynod.org for details.
Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Pine Island
Wednesday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at Chatfield Lutheran Church, Chatfield
Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 300 Elm Ave E, Waseca
May 2013 Page 23
The Eighteenth Annual
Bethel Lutheran Church
Garage Sale!
Friday, May 17, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m. to Noon
$3 Bag Sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. to Noon Once again, it’s time to clean the basement, the closets, the garage, and the cupboards! Items we especially need: ♦ Clean clothing on hangers for men, women, and children. ♦ Clean household items, including electrical appliances (but only if they work!) ♦ Collectibles and antiques ♦ Furniture ♦ Garage and lawn items (tools, yard equipment, mowers, etc., as long as they’re clean!) ♦ Bake sale items (see below)
Help is Needed in All Areas of the Sale!
Set-Up: Monday, May 13, at 8 a.m., we will begin to set up tables in the Christian Life Center and the Bethel Youth Center. We especially appreciate men’s help. Thanks very much!
Bring Your “Treasures” to Church: Monday, May 13, through Wednesday, May 15, noon to 8 p.m., we will be accepting your items for the sale. Please bring clean clothing and put shirts/skirts/
dresses on hangers. Hangers will be available in the coat area across from the CLC for two Sundays prior to the sale. This really speeds up the sorting process! Please attach a label to any bed linens as to size (twin, full, etc.) If you need large furniture-type items picked up, let us know ahead of time to make arrangements. Let us know about any special items you will be donating so that we can include them in the newspaper ad. We will NOT be accepting computers, printers, VCRs, TVs, exercise equipment, cribs, underwear, or car seats. All household items must be clean and in working order.
Assistants - We will need: ♦ Many assistants each day from 1-5 p.m. and each evening from 5-8 p.m. to sort and arrange. (Please come and stay as
long as you can.) ♦ Many on Thursday, May 16, for pricing. ♦ 10-14 workers for each four-hour shift during the hours of the sale. ♦♦♦ Special Need: CleanSpecial Need: CleanSpecial Need: Clean---up volunteers on Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. up volunteers on Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. up volunteers on Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. ♦ Lunch and snacks are provided to all workers during the sale! ♦ Sign-up sheets will be available on the Information Station in the Narthex or email your availability to
[email protected]. Youth are always welcome!
Bring Your Goodies for the Bake Sale!
This has been a big hit in the past. Bakers may drop off their favorite goodies for the bake sale to be held during the garage sale on Friday and Saturday. Bring your homemade cakes, cookies, bars, breads, jams, etc., and Elaine Deim will see that they bring in top dollars! Attend the sale early as these items go quickly.
If you have any questions, contact
the “Garage Sale Gang”: Bonnie Pavek 645-5820 Elaine Deim 645-9285 Bonnie Johnson 663-1146 Judy Code 645-5154 Juley Jenkinson 645-4558 Marilyn Kelley 663-6068
Treasures
Needed!
Bethel Lutheran Church is a body of believers redeemed by Christ who
Call and welcome all people; Act to serve our neighbors in need; Respond with God’s love to one another; and
Encourage spiritual growth.
Bethel Staff Timothy McDermott, Senior Pastor ................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Charlie Ruud, Associate Pastor ......................................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries .................... 786-8877 .......... [email protected] Rhonda Reece, Director of Music and Worship ............ 786-8874 .......... [email protected] Sandy Peterson, Office Administrator ............................. 786-8876 .......... [email protected] Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister ........................................ 786-8951 .......... [email protected] Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries ..................... 786-8878 .......... [email protected] Darla Dahl, Church Accountant ....................................... 786-6687 .......... [email protected] Alice Carson, Secretary/Receptionist ............................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Catherine Engle, CYF Assistant ........................................ 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Craig Hall/Bruce Dueffert, Lead Maintenance .............. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Ken Hu, Janitor .................................................................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Dan Kallman, Adult Choir Director ................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Jill Mahr, Youth Handbell Director .................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Elizabeth Shepley, Children’s Choir Director ................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator ............................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Tim Freeland, A/V Room Manager ................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Church Library ..................................................................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Bethel Banner submissions .................................................. ........................... [email protected] Pastoral Care Emergencies ................................................. 786-6674
Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 ● ● ● Phone: 507-786-6674 Web: www.bethelnorthfield.org
www.facebook.com/bethellutheran Email: [email protected]
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