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 OCTOBER 2012

THE BETHEL BEACON

A Note From The Pastor

Kathy has a choice to make; she can go to the local shopping mall with her friends on Saturday, or volun-

teer at the local food pantry located in the damp church basement. Douglas John Hall says: "Every day we are

challenged by false gods…” This is similar to the period of many gods in Jesus’ day and we stand with Peter

and those early disciples as Jesus appeals to their senses.

I like this analogy offered by a local church pastor. Jesus knows he must teach his followers to know the

difference between active ministry and a spectator ministry. Often times, I believe we find ourselves in the

spectator mode. Yet, our God calls us into an active ministry; to actually get our hands dirty, to respond with

heart and hands and voice to what He is calling us to do.

Jesus informs all who would be his followers that true discipleship involves sacrifice; that a fulfilling mis-

sion and ministry in the name of the Christ involves a cost. The joy of discipleship is an outgrowth or blessing

of the cost of discipleship. Being called to the ministry and mission of Christ goes beyond worship attendance,

and asks us to overcome our complacency. This means we do more than simply come to church. Jesus chal-

lenges us to engage in a ministry with him beyond the doors and walls of the church building.

Ministry is not left to only the clergy or the church staff or those installed at the Annual Meeting. Each and

everyone who would call themself a Christian are those whom the Christ is calling. Do we not hear, see, and

experience the need around us everyday?

What does being called a Christian mean to you? Who is this Christ to whom we freely give our worship;

yet often times withhold our service? Our God calls us beyond ourselves to help those who are our brothers

and sisters; and if we can do that we experience the blessings and the joys of being there. Yet, this joy only

comes after we have faithfully answered the call and endured the cost of discipleship. Jesus says to us: “If any

want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who

want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will

save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?” ( Mark 8: 34b-36 NRSV)

Shalom,

Pastor Rodger

BETHEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Monthly Statement By Brenda J. Wieckhorst

August 2012 Balance

Current Expenses…………………………. (14,144.08)

Missionary Fund OCWM……………………… 2878.75

Improvement Fund…...……………………. 14,864.87

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

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

Bethel Beacon………………….................... (2341.58)

Elevator Fund…………………..………………. 7449.83

Other………………………............................. 1060.57

Total………………………………………...….... $26,650.95

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

Copies will be made available upon request.

Congratulations to Chuck and Shellene Funk

on the birth of their first child, Autumn Brielle,

born on Sunday, August 26th at 7 lbs. 15 oz.

Proud Grandparents are Larry & LaVonda Bando

and Great-Grandma Leona Bando.

People choose to make charitable gifts for a variety of reasons; most often gifts are made to support

work they believe in. The types of gifts people consider giving are securities, real estate, cash,

retirement assets or life insurance policies. As you go about your estate planning you may consider

a gift to your church as a fulfillment of your goals, to support our ongoing mission of ministry in this

community, as a charitable tax deduction, to avoid or reduce capital-gains tax or as a reduction of

federal estate taxes. Please consider your church in your estate planning.

The final event which will culminate our 125th year of celebration will be a catered

meal served following worship on December 2nd. Save the date on your calendar. We will need to give the caterer a count two weeks

prior to this event. Watch for a signup sheet or make your reservation with the church office as soon as possible. The meal will be provided to all church members at no cost.

IN OUR PRAYERS IN SEPTEMBER: Lorraine Cooper, Jeanene Pummel, Diane Manthei, Tiffany Orchard, Roy Murphy, Justin Williams, Charles Owens, Hailey

Walters, Bill Carroll, Brianna Johnson, Isaac Durr, Noah Hamilton, Isaiah and Justine Reed, Melvin Giittinger, Mae Grell, Charley Davis, and all who struggle with chronic illness, those confined to their homes and to long term care facilities.

Thank you to everyone who brightened our sanctuary with

flowers, and who sponsored bulletins during the month of

September.

Thank you to Harold &

Gladys Huss who helped assemble the

October edition of the Bethel Beacon.

Do Your Christmas Shopping Early!

Remember our Anniversary ornaments and

magnets as you plan your Christmas gift shopping! Mailing details are available further

on in this newsletter. Nina Jean Rohlfs has CD’s available of her piano music for sale for $7.00.

2013 spiritual calendars are also for sale for $6.00. All of these items make wonderful gifts

and are available before and after worship.

This year’s hay rack ride at Monkey Business will be Sunday, October 7th at 2:30 pm. The Board of Christian Education will be serving ice

cream with your choice of toppings. Greg and Barb Stukenholtz have graciously provided the bounce house again this year.

Remember to bring your own water filled balloons!

Jared and Kaylea Kreifels are the parents of a daughter, Aspen Jae,

born September 25th at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln.

She weighed 9lbs 1oz. Grandparents are Bill and Jane Kreifels. Great Grandmother is

Doris Willis.

Daylight Savings Time ends on

November 4th!

Remember to “fall back” an hour!

**LOOKING AHEAD**

~NOVEMBER~ Sun. 4th: Communion/Food pantry

1st Quarter Attendance Awards

Tues. 6th: Spritual Council Mtg. 6 pm

Board of Christian Education Mtg. 7 pm

Sun. 11th: Celebrate 125 Thanksgiving Dinner

Tues. 13th: Church Council Mtg./Employee Evals 7 pm

Thurs. 22nd: Thanksgiving Day ~ Office closed

Friday 23rd: Office closed

Sun. 25th: Hanging of the Greens

Mon. 26th: Meals On Wheels 11 am

Thurs. 29th: Communion @ Ambassador 9:15 am

Worship @ Duffs 10 am

*Sr. Choir practice every Wednesday at 7 pm*

BEST WISHES TO THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR

BIRTHDAYS & WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES IN

OCTOBER

ANNIVERSARIES

Greg & Melissa (Bando) Rowh

~ October 4, 2008 ~

Dale & Michelle Francis

~ October 19, 1991 ~

Broc Bando 2nd Carol Marshall 3rd Elizabeth Luther 6th Lenny Tietz 11th

Lauryn Hawkins 12th Sallye Benecke 16th Madelyn DeVorss 18th Kevin Bando 21st

Allison Mills 21st Melissa Rowh 28th Vernon Brooke 29th

Bryson Wieckhorst 7th

Braxton Wieckhorst 7th

Braellen Wieckhorst 7th

August 2012 Church Council Minutes

The Church Council met Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 7:00p.m. Present were Sara Horstmann, Erin Johnson, Norm Brown,

Greg Stukenholtz and Tracy Wieckhorst. Also present were Pastor Good, Frank Malzer, Brenda Wieckhorst and Sarah Bando.

Sara Horstmann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with opening prayer.

Minutes from the previous meeting were read. Minutes were approved as read.

The following reports were provided-

Financial- Norman Brown made a motion to pay all bills. Erin Johnson seconded. Motion carried.

Fundraising- no report

Memorial Fund- no report

Pastor Good- 17 Pastoral calls, three (3) Ministerial Aid calls, and four (4) funerals. Provided communion at Ambassador

and worship service at Duff’s and provided extensive counseling throughout the month of July. Was approved to use

counseling hours towards education requirements. Last Association meeting Pastor was elected to the Board of the

C&M. Bethel will be hosting the Heartland Association Meeting on October 21st. Pastor also announced that the An-

nual Meeting for the UCC will be held in Nebraska City in June of 2013.

Church Secretary- Sarah reported she has been promoting events for the church such as the Labor Day Brunch, 125 Com-

mittee Events and Sunday School Rally Day.

Boards and Council Reports-

Building and Grounds- Frank Malzer reported another gas leak in the building so the gas to the stove in the kitchen was

turned off. He also prioritized the repairs that will be necessary which included the beams above three doorways in

the church, caulking around the windows and painting the parsonage.

Spiritual Council- No Meeting

Board of Christian Education- No Meeting.

Unfinished Business-

Both trees on the east side of the church were assessed and will be removed soon.

No bid on the curb cut yet.

No information on the cost of pew Bibles

New Business-

Carol Biere presented the Budget Committee’s report and the Annual Budget. The committee did have recommendations

which included a representative from each board be present when the budget is being reviewed. They also suggested

that action be taken from the past budget which approved wage increases but were not implemented. Employee re-

views need to be completed and wage reviews will be considered. Tracy Wieckhorst made a motion to approve the

budget as presented and present it to UCC membership. Greg Stukenholtz seconded. Motion carried.

With no other business, Norm Brown made a motion to adjourn. Greg Stukenholtz seconded.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Tracy Wieckhorst

CHURCH COUNCIL

September 2012 Church Council Minutes

The Church Council met Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 7:00 pm. Present were Sara Horstmann, Larry

Bando, Erin Johnson, Norm Brown, and Deb Kuhn. Those also present were Pastor Good, Sarah Bando,

Frank Malzer, Brenda Wieckhorst and Margaret Brust.

Sara Horstmann called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with opening prayer.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read. Minutes were approved as read.

The following reports were provided:

Financial – Larry Bando made a motion to pay all bills. Norm Brown seconded. Motion carried.

Fundraising – Margaret Brust mentioned the Food Booth being held over Applejack weekend in front of

the Friends of Faith store. They will also be selling the ornaments and magnets.

Memorial Fund – Margaret Brust stated that most of the recent funds that have come in have been

designated to the elevator fund.

Pastor Good – 17 Pastoral calls in August, one (1) Ministerial Aid call, one (1) wedding, and one funeral.

Attended 2 of 4 weekly Lectionary Group meetings at Soul Reflections. Provided communion service at

Ambassador and worship service at Duff’s and provided extensive counseling in August.

Church Secretary – Sarah Bando reported that she is working on sending out the budget proposal sheets

and pledge sheets. She is also getting ready for the Congregational meeting, advertising for the Pet

Blessing, and ordered the Sunday School curriculum for the year.

CHURCH COUNCIL

Boards and Council Reports:

Buildings and Grounds – Frank Malzer reported that they tore down the cabinet in the nursery to prepare for the

upcoming renovations and had the air conditioner for the sanctuary looked at for possible repair. He also

commented that the outdoor worship area looks very nice with a 100% improvement.

Spiritual Council – Pastor Good reported that they are currently working on having the history of the church

rewritten and there are possibly four (4) people to join the church in October.

Board of Christian Education – Pastor Good reported that they are working on nursery scheduled, finishing up on

Rally Sunday plans and preparing for the upcoming Sunday School year. They also presented the 3rd Grade Bibles.

Unfinished Business:

Brenda Wieckhorst shared their family’s plan for the renovations of the nursery. Larry Bando made a motion to

have them proceed with their plans. Norm Brown seconded. Motion passed.

Bid was received for painting and caulking at the church. Norm Brown moved to recommend bid to congregation

at the congregational meeting on October 7th. Erin Johnson seconded. Motion passed.

There was no New Business.

Norm Brown made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Deb Kuhn seconded. Motion passed.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2012 at 7 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Erin Johnson, Secretary pro-tem

CHURCH COUNCIL

CONTINUED…..

CELEBRATE 125

The Applejack weekend is history, but what a busy time it was! A most appreciative thank you is due Cindy Weible who managed our food stand to great success. Not only did she plan and prepare the food items, but re-cruited her daughter-in-law and grandson, Becky and Austin Betts, to help. What a wonderful contribution they made devoting their time and effort. Thank you to all the ladies who furnished desserts and to those folks who did help in setting up the food stand and working both Saturday and Sunday. A special thank you is due Susan Good who not only allowed us to use the back room of Friends of Faith as our workplace, but helped in every way possible for the success of the food stand. A nice profit was realized and this will be added to the elevator fund. As you will remember, the Celebrate 125 committee set as its special 125th anniversary project to sponsor various fund-raising events throughout the year to raise funds for the elevator fund. While the final goal of an installed and operating elevator has not yet been reached, we feel we have made a notable effort to keep the ele-vator project before our church members. Special thanks also go to the Float committee who again entered the church float in the Applejack parade. Our anniversary year is winding down. In October we will have a harvest display under the direction of Margaret Brust. This may be a bit difficult this year due to the weather conditions, but if you have anything to contribute to help Margaret with this project, contact either her or me. Also, on October 21st, we will have a “gospel” Sunday. Nina Jean Rohlfs and Norman Brown are working on this event and I am sure this will be a compara-ble event to our “Music” Sunday last March. Plan to attend this special service! ~ Adlene Vock

The Bethel Spiritual Council met on Tuesday, September 4 at 6:00PM. Those present included Jake S., Connie

G., Jen H., Kathryn W., BJ R., and Pastor Rodger. We recited the Statement of Faith to open the meeting. The

May minutes were read and approved.

Old Business:

Discussion was held regarding a list of topics to include in the written history of Bethel UCC, a project that the

Spiritual Council has been working on. The list was divided into categories that individual members will write

about and present at the next Spiritual Council meeting in October. The Spiritual Council will begin work on

it's bi-annual review of memberships in October.

New Business:

Pastor Good reported officiating at the funeral services of Paul Wieckhorst on June 8, Dwight Lockwood on

June 15, Jerry Briley on June 16, Melvin Peterson on July 5, Iona Hammers on July 6, Swend Boyers on July

13 and Minnie Garrett on July 16. He conducted two weddings; the Griepenstroh/Stout wedding on June 2 and

the Hudson/Wipf wedding on August 18. There were no baptisms since last reported in May and ten calls for

ministerial aid.

Pastor Good served communion at the Ambassador and led worship services at Duffs Villa on June 28, July 26

and August 30. He spoke at a Jobs Daughters Installation Service on June 17 and participated in the bi-annual

review of giving sheets.

Confirmation class will begin at 9:15am on September 16th along with Sunday school classes for all school

age children. Other upcoming events include the 4th annual pet blessing on Sunday, Sept. 23rd at 2pm at our

newly updated outdoor worship area. Thank you to Lauren Hawkins who completed this update as a Girl

Scout project.

There will be no Ecumenical Thanksgiving worship service this year due to low attendance in the past. Two

services will be held on Christmas Eve 2012; one at 5pm and one at 9pm. There will be no Christmas day

service.

Discussion was held regarding new memberships at Bethel.

The use of a new marriage prep program discussed in the May minutes has been put on hold until Pastor Good

can receive training. The original training date set for this past June was moved to January due to low

registration numbers.

We closed with the Lords Prayer. The next meeting of the Bethel Spiritual Council will be Tuesday, October 2

at 6:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Jen Hamilton, Secretary

SPIRITUAL COUNCIL

The Board of Christian Education met on Tuesday, September 4, 2012. Present were: Pastor Rodger Good, Ricki

Sinner, Robin Sinner, Carrie Ferguson, Joni Flewelling and Mary Redelfs. The meeting opened with a prayer by

Pastor Good.

Minutes from the last meeting were read.

Sunday School Rally will be held Sept.9,2012 at 9:00 a.m. We will walk to Steinhart Park. Doughnuts, juice and

water will be served. Bibles for 3rd Grade will be presented during worship.

Sunday School begins Sept. 16th.

Teachers for this year are:

Michelle Francis/Jenifer Tietze-Preschool/Kindergarten

Sandy Ried-1st and 2nd Grade

Kassi Holman/Danielle Barrett-3rd and 4th Graders

Christine Parkyn-5th and 6th Graders

Pastor Good-7th and 8th Grade Confirmands

Lenny Tietz-9th-12th Graders

The nursery will be emptied for re-modeling.

New T.V.s and DVD players are needed for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Donations are welcomed!

Sunday, Oct. 7th at 2:30 p.m. is the date and time for the hayrack ride at Monkey Business. Ice cream sundaes

and brownies will be served. The Bounce House will be there. Please bring your own water balloons. There will be

a “wet rack” and a “dry rack”.

The Board of Christian Education will meet again on Oct. 2, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Redelfs

BOARD OF CHRISTIAN

EDUCATION

Women's Fellowship met September 11, 2012 for a brown bag luncheon and business meeting.

The meeting was opened with the opening prayer. President Sandy Ried called the meeting to or-

der. The minutes from the last meeting were read and approved. The treasurer's report was given

and approved. Bills were presented and approved. The correspondence was read and it did include

thank you notes from the families of Iona Hammers, Minnie Garrett, Paul Wieckhorst and Sonny

Francis.

Committee reports:

Spiritual Life - Marilyn Weible reported she sent 8 sympathy cards, 5 get well cards, 2 anniversary

cards, 1 birthday card and 2 baby cards.

Visitation - Helen Ramold and Lavonne Grundman spent a day visiting with our nursing home

members.

Altar Flowers - There have been several flowers from funerals given for the altar.

Courtesy and Receptions - There were several funeral receptions served.

Kitchens - No report.

Church Women United - No report.

Fun and Fellowship - There were several groups playing cards in September and having a good

time.

Prayer Chain - It is running smoothly.

Old Business:

a) Plans for the Heartland Association meeting on Sunday, October 21st at Bethel U.C.C. were

made.

b) Friday, Nov. 2nd Bethel U.C.C. is hosting Church Women United World Community Day at 1:30

c) Sunday, November 11th - Women's Fellowship will assist with the Church's Thanksgiving Pot Luck

Dinner. The drinks will be provided. Bring your own table service.

New Business:

d) New officers were elected; Susan Good, President, Still need a Vice President, Jane Kreifels,

Treasurer, Gladys Huss, Secretary.

e) Budget was approved for 2013.

f) Calendar was approved for 2013.

g) Next meeting will be December 11th and will be a Salad Luncheon at 12:00

The Least Coin and Offering were taken. The meeting closed with the Lord's Prayer.

Respectively submitted,

Gladys Huss

WOMEN’S

FELLOWSHIP

Pewter Ornament Mailing Information We have received inquiries from members and friends who live away from Nebraska City about receiving the 125th Anniversary pewter ornaments by mail.

Ornaments will be mailed in a padded, protected cushion mailer. The costs will be as follows:

~For 1 or 2 ornaments anywhere in the U.S.~

Mailer and postage is $3.50 plus the cost of $10.00 for each ornament

~For 3 to 5 ornaments anywhere in Nebrtaska~

Mailer and postage is $6.50 plus the cost of $10.00 for each ornament.

~For 3 to 5 ornaments outside the state of Nebraska~

Mailer and postage is $7.50 plus the cost of $10.00 for each ornament.

*Payment should be included with your order*

Mailings will be handled by the church office. If you have questions, contact Sarah at the church office from 9 am to 12 pm at 402-873-6218.

Bethel United Church of Christ

2400 Central Avenue

Nebraska City, NE 68410

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

SCHEDULED TO SERVE OCTOBER 2012 LAY LEADERS

Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Jake Sinner John Carroll Jan Pummel Jen Tietz GREETERS

Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Cliff Stukenholtz Derek & Jessica Ferguson Members of Job’s Daughters Bethel 14 Harold & Gladys Huss USHERS

Oct. 7— Oct. 14 Oct. 21 — Oct. 28 Kyle & Carrie Ferguson Larry & Tracy Wieckhorst Jake & Robin Sinner Marilyn Weible/Joan Weible SOUND SYSTEM

Oct. 7 —Oct. 14 Oct. 21 —Oct. 28 Cliff Stukenholtz Kevin Pummel ACOLYTES

Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 JasonStukenholtz Nick Brown Gray Carpenter Noah Hamilton Andrew Stukenholtz Christian Tietz Mason Hamilton Hailey Walters

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

NEBRASKA CITY, NE

CD MINISTRY~ Margaret Brust

COOKIE FELLOWSHIP~

Joan Weible & Cindy Weible