Rev. Rodger Good, Pastor

Rev. C.G. Nienkamp,

Pastor Emeritus

BETHEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

2400 CENTRAL AVE. NEBRASKA CITY, NE

68410

Church Telephone/ Fax #:

(402)873-6218

Email Address: bethel_ucc@yahoo.com Office Hours: M-F, 9am—Noon

Website: www.bethelucchurch.com

Find us on MAY/JUNE 2012

THE BETHEL BEACON

A Note From The Pastor

We are in the midst of Easter; a glorious time of celebration. We have made the journey through the Season of

Lent. We have heard the stories and watched as our Lord was put to death on the cross. We have grieved as did

those disciples so long ago. But may we never forget that we are an Easter people; a people of the resurrection! We

are a people of hope because death has been defeated; death is no more! What a wonderful promise we have in and

through the Christ who could not be contained to a tomb! And now we wait for the coming of the Advocate; the

Helper; the Counselor that Jesus said would come after his death. We again, find ourselves standing in the “in-

between” time.

I had a wonderful conversation with a colleague this morning about the difference between the resurrection and

the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. How are they different? I want you to think about what the resurrec-

tion on Easter means to you and then think about what the Holy Spirit means for you on Pentecost. If we really

think about what the resurrection and the presence of the Holy Spirit mean to us, I believe, we come away in an

attitude of celebration. It is a celebration; there is a celebration in every day because we live as a people of the

Promise right here, right now! In that celebration is the presence of the Holy Spirit which empowered those disci-

ples of long ago; and it is alive for us yet today, to propel us into the world and to empower us to go out and tell the

Good News we have been given and are called to share. It is the Good News of Easter; it is the Good News of Pente-

cost.

We move into some very busy months; the months of May and June. There are graduations to celebrate. We

celebrate those who have nurtured us, the mother and father figures in our lives. We gather to remember those who

have gone on before us, those saints who have helped create our own lives today. It is a time of gathering with fam-

ily and friends to celebrate spring and the movement into summer. So as you celebrate these next few months, may

you take time to remember and celebrate the Good News; that in and through our risen Savior, Jesus Christ we

have a reason to truly celebrate; to celebrate the hope we have of new life? May we also remember the presence of

the Holy Spirit; that divine nudging, pushy Spirit who calls us not only to celebrate, but to go out as God’s people

to do good and to share the inheritance we have in and through the Christ.

“…the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you

everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you”(John 14:25-26 NRSV).

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all gathered together in one place. And

suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the

entire house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:1-2 NRSV).

Shalom,

Pastor Rodger

Thank you to everyone who brought Easter Lilies!

Norm, Nancy & Nick Brown~ In memory of Norm’s parents, Ed & Lucille Brown,

and Nancy’s father, Melvin Liesemeyer

The Hamilton’s~ In honor of all our Bethel family

Marilyn Weible & family~ In memory of Paul Weible

Jana, Jena & Jackalyn Fink

And a BIG thank you to everyone who helped in any way during Holy

Week and with Easter services!

BETHEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Monthly Statement By Brenda J. Wieckhorst

March 2012 Balance

Current Expenses…………………………. (4168.23)

Missionary Fund OCWM……………………… 1088.75

Improvement Fund…...……………………. 14,649.87

Capital Project Fund..…………………….. 14,882.59

Organ Maintenance Fund..…………….….. 2,000.00

Bethel Beacon………………….................... (1743.00)

Elevator Fund…………………..………………. 4398.58

Other………………………............................. (337.93)

Total…………………………………… .….... $30,770.63

A more detailed report has been posted on the church bulletin board.

Copies will be made available upon request

SPIRITUAL COUNCIL

The Bethel Spiritual Council met on Tuesday, April 3 at 6:00PM. Those present included Pastor Good, Connie G.,

Jake S., BJ R., Kathryn W. and Jen H. Pastor Good opened our meeting by reading from the first chapter of John

followed by a meditation from the book, "Grace for the Moment" by Max Lucado.

Old Business:

Progress on the written portion of our church history was discussed. Interviews with members are being planned as

well as the transfer of information from record books.

New Business:

Funeral services for Virginia Shallenberger were held on March 3rd. The Guess/Creek wedding was held on March

31st. There were no baptisms in March. Pastor Rodger served communion at the Ambassador Care Center on March

29th.

Jerry Gieseking will set up the crosses at the outdoor worship area for Easter Sunday. The altar cloths will be

changed following the Maundy Thursday service for Good Friday services at noon on April 6th. Following that

service the cloths will remain white to Pentecost on May 27th.

Funeral services for Mildred Herzog of California, formerly of Nebraska City, will be held at 2:00PM on April 27th.

Discussion was held regarding inquiries about new memberships at Bethel.

Upcoming events include the Arbor Day parade on April 28th, the Memorial weekend Totenfest service and

Vacation Bible School on June 4-8 at Bethel.

We closed the meeting by reciting The Lords Prayer. The next meeting of the Bethel Spiritual Council will be held

on Tuesday, May 1st at 6:00PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Jen Hamilton, Secretary

IN OUR PRAYERS IN APRIL: Marie Ritter, David Weik, Lorraine Cooper, Reva Ber-thold, Jeanene Pummel, S SGT Allen R. Scott, Diane Man-thei, Tiffany Orchard, Roy Murphy, Specialist U.S. Army

James E. Kuhn (son of Jim D. Kuhn), Justin Williams, Jerry Briley, Charles Owens, Hailey Walters, Jenny Smithpeter, Kay Pfeiffer, Eastyn Epp, Mike Koslosky, Skip Slauenwhite , Sonny Francis, Ei-leen Swain (and family/friends), Wayne Davis, Roy Mumford Jr., Carey Kitchen, Kyle Davis, Kenneth Geyer, the family and friends of Mildred Herzog, all who struggle with chronic illness, those confined to their homes and to long term care facilities, and all those who con-tinue to be affected by the flooding.

Thank you to everyone who brightened our sanctuary with

flowers, and who sponsored bulletins during the month of

April

.

Church Women United May Friendship Day is Friday, May 4th at 11:45 at the Methodist Church in Nebraska City.

Tickets are $5.00. See Delphine Griepenstroh if you are

interested in purchasing tickets.

Thank you to Harold &

Gladys Huss who helped assemble the May edition of the

Bethel Beacon.

Congratulations to Dean and Sue

Griepenstroh on the birth of their

Granddaughter, Mia Sue Melander,

on March 30th, 2012.

Starting on Sunday, June 3rd,

worship time will change to 9:30 am

for the summer.

A Mother’s Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for bringing my children into my life.

Help me guide them and teach them through example to lead

lives of wisdom and strong, loving faith.

Please let them learn to serve you always in thought and deed. And remind me, Lord, to always

be there for my family as you are always there for me.

Amen

Congratulations to our graduating

Seniors!

Mark Francis

Kayla Francis

Nick Andersen

Franciska Wolter

**LOOKING AHEAD**

~JUNE~ Fri. 1st: Wedding rehearsal 5:30 pm

Sat. 2nd: Griepenstroh/Stout Wedding 5 pm

Sun. 3rd: Worship time changes to 9:30 am for the summer

Communion/Food pantry

Mon. 4th-Fri. 8th: Vacation Bible School 9-11:30 am

Wed. 6th: Fun & Fellowship 1-3 pm

Tues. 12th: Women’s Fellowship meeting at Noon

~Brown bag lunch~

Church Council meeting 7 pm

Mon. 25th: Meals On Wheels 11 am

Thurs. 28th: Communion @ The Ambassador 9:15 am

Communion @ Duff’s 10 am

~JULY~ Sun. 1st: Communion/Food pantry

Wed. 4th: Independence Day~Office closed

Tues. 10th: Church Council meeting 7 pm

Mon. 23rd: Meals On Wheels 11 am

Thurs. 26th: Communion @ The Ambassador 9:15 am

Communion @ Duff’s 10 am

Mon. 30th: Meals On Wheels 11 am

BEST WISHES TO THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR

BIRTHDAYS & WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES IN

MAY & JUNE

ANNIVERSARIES

Rodger & Susan Good~ May 6, 1979

Alex & Natalie Sevening~ May 14, 2011

Stephen & Christine Luther~May 25, 2001

Kevin & Jan Pummel~ May 25th

Glenn & Leta Bremer~ June 4th

Larry & Tracy Wieckhorst~ June 10, 1989

Jason & Laura Bando-Ross~ June 11, 2011

Vernon & Linda Brooke~ June 11, 1957

Mike & Mary Redelfs~ June 20, 1986

Jerry & Connie Gieseking~ June 26, 1976

Burton & Cindy Weible~ June 26th

Daniel & Jen Hamilton~ June 29, 1996

MAY

Minnie Garrett~ 3rd Mike Redelfs~ 4th Rylee Mills~ 7th Delphine Griepenstroh~ 9th

Katie Chapin~ 11th Sharon Kotas~ 11th Brian Bando~ 12th Jason Stukenholtz~ 13th

Grace Sinner~ 14th LaVonda Bando~ 18th Anna Hotsenpillar~ 18th Dalyce Sudman~ 19th

Gladys Huss~ 23rd Emily Meadows~ 24th Katheryn Walters~ 27th Andrew Stukenholtz~ 28th

Bill Walters~May 29th

JUNE

Leona Bando~ 1st Delores Schreiner~ 1st Nancy Brown~ 4th Josie Meadows~ 6th

Jason Holman~ 7th Gary Nienkamp~ 17th Susan Good~ 19th Leta Bremer~ 20th

Judy Smith~ 20th Justace Rinne~ 20th Sharon Herzog~ 21st Makenzie Johnson~ 22nd

Quintin Holman~ 23rd Burton Weible~ 25th John Carroll~ 28th

CELEBRATE 125

The Palm Sunday celebration, honoring our 50+ year members, was a great success!

Special thanks go to:

The honorees who were present, or without you, there would have been no celebration! We

were sorry that a number of our honorees were unable to be present due to illness, accidental

falls, and not being back in their local homes from the winter homes. Your phone calls

advising accordingly were appreciated.

Sarah Bando, who prepared all of the invitations and certificates.

The committee members who addressed all of the invitations for mailing.

The Women’s Fellowship who served the luncheon and to all who furnished food for the

luncheon.

A generous amount was received in the free will offering that went towards the Elevator

Fund. We are indeed grateful for everyone’s donation!

The month of April is indeed a busy month for Celebrate 125! On April 21st, Cindy Weible

is chairing a bake sale from 10 am to 1 pm at the Friends of Faith Thrift Shop. We thank

Susan Good for her cooperation in letting us use her store, to Cindy for her leadership, and to

all who donate food. We are hoping for a good response from the public. Proceeds will go

toward the Elevator Fund.

On April 22nd, Arbor Day, during the Sunday morning worship service, under the direction

of the Church Council, a tree will be dedicated commemorating our 125th anniversary.

During the City’s celebration of Arbor Day on April 28th, Bethel U.C.C. will have a float in

the Saturday afternoon parade at 1 pm. The theme for this year’s parade is “140 Years of

Tradition”. So our float honoring our 125th anniversary is quite appropriate. Plan to attend

the parade to see our float!

Celebrate 125 continued….

~LOOKING AHEAD~

Our Chirstmas decorations and regrigorator magnets have arrived and will soon be for sale.

The pewter decorations will be $10 and the magnets will be $1.

On Mother’s Day, we will be honoring all the ladies (not just our mothers) present for the

May 13th Sunday service.

On May 27th, Memorial Sunday (also Pentecost), in connection with our Totenfest

recognition, we are planning a balloon launch following the worship service. This will occur

our in the church yard and will honor all the saints who have gone before us. We hope many

of you will be present for this very meaningful ceremony.

The next Celebrate 125 meeting will be Tuesday, May 22nd at 2 pm.

~Adelene Vock

APRIL 2012 MEETING

The Church Council met Tuesday, April 10TH, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Present were Sara Horstmann, Larry Bando, Norm Brown, Greg Stukenholtz, as well as Pastor Good, Brenda Wieckhorst, Maggie Brust, Frank Malzer, and Sarah Bando.

President Sara called the meeting to order with the opening prayer.

Minutes for the previous meeting were approved.

Dennis Marshall was present to update members on custodial issues. The upstairs rugs are in poor shape and he said

that the rugs previously used for Angelfood Ministries might be used to replace them. The upstairs Dyson vacuum is in

need of repair and the basement Hoover needs to be replaced. Dennis will check on getting special church pricing at

local stores and purchase a new one. He said that the carpet in the Nursery is badly stained from juice and cookies

spilled during the after church coffee socials. There was discussion on the possibility of replacing it with carpet squares

or tile in the future. Dennis also commented that the tables in the basement are very heavy to move around. He sug-

gested buying new lighter tables. Frank suggested having table donors who would purchase a table and have the option

of taking one of the old tables. They would be good for garage sales, etc. Dennis will check on prices. We again dis-

cussed the bird problem in the basement entrance and how hard it is to clean up.

Committee Reports: Brenda presented the Financial Report. She explained what was included in the Beacon and the

Office Supply budget. We have a $30 monthly charge for the postage meter. The church no longer has the bulk mail

stamp. Margaret Brust reported that a Bose CD player/radio/Ipod player has been purchased through Memorial funds for

the choir’s use. She also reported that 2 American Arbor Vitae trees will be purchased for the front of the church.

Pastor reported that in the month of March he had 15 pastoral calls, 2 Ministerial Aid calls, the Guess/Creek wedding,

Virginia Shallenberger-Huffman funeral, attended 4 Lectionary Group meetings at Soul Reflections, met with the 125

Committee, and attended the Heartland Association meeting in Talmage. He also attended the NC Ministerial meeting

and met with couples for pre-marriage counseling. Pastor has met with the Vacation Bible School planning committee,

held communion service at The Ambassador Nebraska City, and provided extensive counseling.

Sarah gave the Secretary Report and stated that she is currently ordering supplies and setting up advertising for the up

coming Bible School session June 4th through the 8th.

CHURCH COUNCIL

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING CONTINUED….

Frank has been filling in holes with dirt and cleaned out the plugged PVC pipe from the parsonage downspout that has

been causing problems in the past with water in the basement. Mowing has begun. He said that the outside worship

area is in need of someone to take care of it. The border needs repaired, and mulch is needed. The church ice machine

and a water faucet I the kitchen needed repaired on Maundy Thursday so Bishop’s was called and fixed the problems.

Frank said that the cast iron floor drains in the basement are decomposing due to age. He is going to check on prices to

replace the sanctuary thermostat. Greg and Barb Stukenholtz generously removed the dead cherry tree from the par

sonage yard and planted 2 apple and 2 bing cherry trees to replace it. We discussed painting the parsonage garage

doors and possibly covering some hard to paint areas with siding. Frank will get some prices.

Pastor reported that the Spiritual Council will be interviewing a few members to get more information for the 125 history.

Jerry Gieseking put up the 2 crosses in the outside Worship Area for the Easter season.

The Board of Christian Education is preparing for the upcoming May 20 picnic at the Meter Plant Park. May 6th will be the senior breakfast.

New Business: Dean and Sue Griepenstroh have graciously volunteered to take the usher chairs and have them fixed

and re-upholstered. This is greatly appreciated. A tree will be dedicated on Arbor Day Sunday, April 29th in honor of the

church’s 125 year anniversary. Greg will check with Pat Edwards on a tree to purchase.

Norm moved that the church have a booth at the upcoming Paws For A Cause Dog Walk on April 28th. Jen Hamilton

has volunteered to work at the booth to promote our pet blessing event. Cost is $40. Larry seconded the motion, and it

was passed.

Larry moved the meeting be closed and Norm seconded the motion. The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Next

meeting will be May 8th at 7 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Debra Kuhn

The Board of Christian Education met on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Present were: Pastor Rodger

Good, Ricki Sinner, Robin Sinner, Carrie Ferguson, Joni Flewelling, and Mary Redelfs.

The meeting opened with a devotion read by Pastor Good.

Minutes from the last meeting were read.

Plans were discussed for Easter Sunday, April 8th. The Board of Christian Ed. will supply

breakfast items and paper products for the Sunrise Service.

Plans were finalized for the graduation breakfast. It will be May 6th at 9:00. Invitations will be

sent to the four graduates.

The “All Church Picnic” will be Sunday, May 20th at Am. Meter Park. Hamburger and hotdogs

will be served. Those attending are asked to bring either a salad, covered dish, or dessert. The

“bounce house” will again be at the picnic.

Vacation Bible School will be held June 4-8th at Bethel. Robin Sinner will be the head

organizer. Volunteers are still needed. The theme is: Sky: “Everything is possible with God”.

The Board of Christian Education will meet again on May 1st at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Submitted by Mary Redelfs

Sky: “Everything is possible with God”

It’s VBS time again! We are looking for volunteers. Students in 6th to 12th Grade are

eligible to be volunteer helpers. If you’d like to volunteer in any sort of way, please let Robin

Sinner know. Robin can be reached at robin.sinner@dist145schools.org or call her at

402-670-0098. VBS will be on June 4 - 8.

Sign up can be done two ways - go to https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/nebcity

or registration forms can be found on the usher’s table. The above link is also available on the

church website under “Links”. If you do a paper form, please give back to Sarah Bando or

Robin Sinner asap.

Board of Christian Education

SCHEDULED TO SERVE MAY 2012

LAY LEADERS May 6 May 13 May 20 May 27 Nancy Brown Adelene Vock Lenny Tietz Sandy Ried GREETERS May 6 May 13 May 20 May 27 Kyle Ferguson Family David & Darcy Carpenter Delphine Griepenstroh Donetta Weible Kathy Clymens Laurene Bando USHERS May 6 May 13 May 20 May 27 Cliff Stukenholtz, Suzy Briley Cliff Stukenholtz, Suzy Briley Chip & Erin Johnson Chip & Erin Johnson Gene & Kay Nannen Gene & Kay Nannen Jim & Sharon Herzog Jim & Sharon Herzog SOUND SYSTEM May 6 May 13 May 20 May 27 Cliff Stukenholtz Cliff Stukenholtz Chip Johnson Chip Johnson

ACOLYTES May 6 May 13 May 20 May 27 Dylan & Quintin Lauryn Hawkins Jason Stukenholtz Nicholas Brown Holman Katherine Luther Hailey Walters Christian Tietz NURSERY ATTENDANT May 6 May 13 May 20 May 27 Julia Francis Abbie Marshall Tracy Wieckhorst Brenda Rayhel CD MINISTRY~ David Carpenter COOKIE FELLOWSHIP~Jane Kreifels & Cindy Kreifels

Bethel United Church of Christ

2400 Central Avenue

Nebraska City, NE 68410

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

SCHEDULED TO SERVE JUNE 2012 LAY LEADERS June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 Connie Gieseking John Carroll Jan Pummel Bill Carroll GREETERS June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 John & Margaret Brust Gene & Kay Nannen Hamilton Family Frank & Pam Malzer USHERS June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 Joan, Donetta, Cindy Joan, Donetta, Cindy Larry & Tracy Wieckhorst Larry & Tracy W. & Marilyn Weible & Marilyn Weible Gene & Kay Nannen Gene & Kay Nannen SOUND SYSTEM June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 Burt Weible Burt Weible Kevin Pummel Kevin Pummel

ACOLYTES June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 Noah & Mason Hamilton Dylan & Quintin Holman Lauryn Hawkins Jason Stukenholtz Katherine Luther Hailey Walters NURSERY ATTENDANT June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 Julia Francis Abbie Marshall Tracy Wieckhorst Brenda Rayhel CD MINISTRY~ Margaret Brust COOKIE FELLOWSHIP~ Hamilton Family

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

NEBRASKA CITY, NE

~and~