2017 Annual Report

2017

Believe. Belong. Build Faith@Home.

2017 Annual Report Bethel Lutheran Church

Fergus Falls | Battle Lake

“One Church. Two Locations.�

bethellutheran.church

Bethel Lutheran Church

Fergus Falls Campus 702 W Alcott Ave Fergus Falls, MN 56537

One Church. Two Locations.

(218) 736-5654 | bethellutheran.church | office@bethellutheran.church

Bethel Pastors & Directors Pastor Allen Aase Pastor for Youth & College Ministries Pastor David Foss Lead Pastor Pastor Kevin Foss Battle Lake Campus Pastor Pastor Rich Iverson Pastor for Faith@Home Ministry Pastor Ed Monson Visitation Pastor Kate Haus Director of Operations Erika Lundberg Director of Worship Ministry Jenny Mathiesen Director of Children’s Ministry Tim Mathiesen Director of Communication & Connection Brad Pribbenow Battle Lake Campus Worship Leader Parish Nurses Sandy Edwards & Julie Gundersen Bethel Elder Board John Austin Steve Gundersen Richard Risbrudt Doug Walvatne

Allan Bjerkaas Peter McKnight Loran Rogness Jim Wold

Battle Lake Campus 112 W Main St Battle Lake, MN 56515

allen@bethellutheran.church pastordave@bethellutheran.church pastorkevin@bethellutheran.church pastorrich@bethellutheran.church pastored@bethellutheran.church kate@bethellutheran.church erika@bethellutheran.church jenny@bethellutheran.church tim@bethellutheran.church bpribbenow@lbs.edu nurse@bethellutheran.church

Kel DenBoer Eric Ewan Steve Moline Ron Nelson Daryl Synstelien (chair) Dan Venberg

facebook.com/mybethelfamily

@mybethelnews

@mybethelfamily

For upcoming events, pick up an events brochure at the Connection Center or visit Bethel’s website.

Bethel’s Pastors & Directors

Pastor David Foss Lead Pastor

Kate Haus Director of Operations

Pastor Kevin Foss Battle Lake Campus Pastor

Tim Mathiesen Dir. of Communication & Connection

Pastor Rich Iverson Pastor for Faith@Home

Pastor Allen Aase Pastor for Youth & College Ministry

Jenny Mathiesen Director of Children’s Ministry

Erika Lundberg Director of Worship

Pastor Ed Monson Visitation Pastor

Mission:

Proclaim the message of Jesus Christ so that people come to faith in Jesus and live for Him.

Vision:

Believe.

a personally held faith in Jesus Christ

Belong.

a shared faith in Christian community

Build Faith@Home.

a heritage of faith in Christian homes

First, a word about this report...

This report can’t possibly tell the whole story, nor does it attempt to. The story of 2017 is more than a written “report” can tell.

Often churches are measured by the “3 B’s”: Bodies, Budget and Buildings. We don’t believe this is the measure of a church at all.

These measurements matter - how many people were there?; was giving sufficient to support the mission of the church?; is our facility meeting the demands of ministry and projected to meet those needs in the future? Those are important questions and the answers are informative, but as the Gospel is given, its results are far reaching and somewhat defy measurement. Contained in this report, you’ll find lots of “3 B’s” type of information. Read it. Pay attention to it.

But look past it to the work of God among us and join us in giving thanks to God. “To God be the glory, great things he hath done”.

As your pastor I seek to glorify God by living in the love of Christ, demonstrating my love for Christ in my life, being a witness of the Gospel of Christ in word and action, preaching and teaching God’s Word accurately and winsomely, and seeking to grow in wisdom and skill.

My major responsibilities are: • • • •

Prayer and study of the Word of God Serving as the primary preaching pastor Partnering with Bethel’s elders in setting the vision for the congregation Leading Bethel’s staff in fulfilling the vision and mission of the church

“

I am so very grateful to serve the Lord among you. Bethel Church, thank you for the privilege of being your pastor.

I look forward to experiencing the favor of God in 2018.

Riding the Waves of God’s Activity With You,

Pastor David Foss

Lead Pastor

We have wonderful pastors who proclaim the Word of God faithfully.

I am a sinner...in need of Jesus. In His death and resurrection, He has done everything needed for my salvation and will help me each day to look to Him, share this Good News with others and trust in Him and His sufficiency for me.

That is what I listen for every week.”

- LoAnn Martinson

Sermon Series in 2017 January-April

April

May

June

The Book of Genesis (Chapters 1-11)

Good News or Fake News?

Easter Sermon Series

Bethel’s annual We Don’t Talk About That sermon series

Gospel shaped kids, dads & homes

Thanking God for His work in 2017!

day s r u h T y d n u a M

Day Camp

Commissioning Kay Asche

From Your Elder Board The elders at Bethel are commissioned to “watch over,” or oversee the church of Christ (Acts 20:28), to “hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, [to]… encourage others by sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9), and to lead by “being examples to the flock” (I Peter 5:3). Each elder works out this commission as they serve on the Elder Board and other committees and ministry teams in the church.

In 2017, Phase One of a Constitutional amendment process was initiated by the Elder Board. A Constitutional Committee wrestled with some of the “big church” challenges experienced as we have adapted to significant growth over several years. The committee drafted initial language for amending the Constitution and Bylaws, and the Elder Board sought further input through multiple committees, ministry teams, and open meetings. Final language is now complete, and a motion to amend the Constitution and Bylaws is being presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Phase Two will include discussion throughout 2018 on the outcomes of the proposed amendments. Then, if the amendments are

Shop, Move & Groove

approved at the 2019 Annual Meeting, Phase Three will be the ongoing implementation of the resulting operational changes.

This past year we welcomed several new families and individuals to our membership here at Bethel. Membership is our first step in commitment to those “to whom we belong” - the group of believers with whom we commit to grow, strive, and walk through daily life. The elder board seeks to discover and promote ways in which we can strengthen and add depth to our relationships with one another, to build up the body of Christ.

“Thank You” to each of you, as you graciously serve and share your talents in the church, strengthening and encouraging one another as a testimony of God’s grace at work in our midst!

Warm regards, Daryl Synstelien, Chairman Elder Board, Bethel Lutheran Church

July-August

September-October

November

December

“Seven” - Letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2-3)

It’s STILL all about Jesus (Reformation - 500 Years)

Bethel’s annual Celebration of Giving sermon series

Christmas @ Bethel sermon series

BELIEVE

Worship Services

“If you declare with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

Indeed, it is a blessing and a gift to serve you, Bethel Church, and to worship the Lord at Bethel’s weekly worship gatherings. We declare boldly that Jesus is Lord of all, that he alone is our Saviour, and are reminded and renewed in God’s mercy and grace that never tires!

Erika Lundberg

Director of Worship Ministry

Average Weekly Attendance Both Campuses

Special Services

2017 775 2016 764 2015 753

Services Attendance

Ash Wednesday

225

2016: 250

Maundy Thursday FF: 210 / BL: 80

Good Friday

Easter Sunday

Christmas Eve

290

2016: 290

300

2016: 310

1,249

2016: 1,321

1,453

2016: 1,322

ALPHA MINISTRY

Alpha is an outreach tool that is free and open to everyone. No question is out of bounds and participants are free to say as much or as little as they wish, giving them time and space to process the teachings of the Bible.

Alpha was offered in the fall of 2017 for ten weeks.

“

Watching strangers, within ten weeks, coming together and praying for each other was remarkable! All of a sudden, towards the end, people opened up to each other. Walls came down and people bonded relationally and spiritually.”

- Matt Hendricks, Alpha Team Volunteer

Alpha Team 10

Average Weekly Attendance 16

Sunday School

Sunday mornings, during the school year, Christian education options for children through adults is provided at both campuses.

“ Average Weekly Attendance Both campuses

189

Children:

Ages 3 to Grade 6 Children are going through the Gospel Project curriculum.

2016: 205

38

I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect when I volunteered to teach Sunday School. However, the plans, materials, and support that the staff provided made it easier then I had expected. I truly enjoyed my time with the kids, and look forward to teaching again.”

- Andrew Swedberg, 3rd Grade Sunday School Teacher

30

109

Confirmation:

Youth:

Adult Education:

2016: 42

2016: 8

2016: 110

Grades 7-8 Each student has an adult to walk alongside them through the two years of confirmation.

Grades 9-12 Youth Sunday School is offered in Fergus Falls. Battle Lake students often join the adults.

College/High School & up Four classes are offered in Fergus Falls and all adults meet together in Battle Lake.

New Beginnings...

Baptisms 36

Weddings

4

New Members 18

BATTLE LAKE Thank you, God!

At this time of the year, I always seem to find myself thinking these two thoughts, “God, THANK YOU for all YOU’VE done this past year!”

“God, THANK YOU for what YOU’RE going to do in the year ahead!”

One of the many things I love about the people of Bethel Battle Lake is our passion for seeing people, families, our school, our community and the world changed by the power of the gospel! This past year has seen God bring a growing number of people to Bethel Battle Lake to hear and be changed by the best news ever - the GOOD NEWS of the gospel! The numbers, photos and highlights you are about to read all reflect our passion for the gospel!

Pastor Kevin Foss

117 40 Battle Lake Campus Pastor

average weekly attendance

2016: 105

new weekly attenders in 2017

2016: 30

CAMPUS “

It’s been a blessing to see how the Lord has worked in the lives of people in Battle Lake. John 19:10 reminds us, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” I believe that has been the vision of the ministry of Bethel Battle Lake. The gospel treasure within us lends both purpose and courage to our lives. We have seen firsthand how lives are changed by the witness and hearing of God’s Word.”

- Les Rogness, Bethel Battle Lake

Highlights from 2017 Children’s Explore Events

Valentines Day, Easter, Fall & Christmas Children’s Ministries started a seasonal children’s event in Battle Lake that explores God’s character through activities, games and teaching. Though the attendance has not been what was hoped, many volunteers have commented on how much they enjoyed being a part of these events.

Worship on the Lake

Bethel Battle Lake hosted two “Worship on the Lake” events at the public access to West Battle Lake. Nearly 100 people attended the second event when former NFL player Ben Utecht shared his testimony.

Wenonga Days Kids Carnival

For the third year in a row, Bethel Battle Lake has hosted a kids carnival during Battle Lake’s Wenonga Days. Around 40 volunteers hosted over 1,500 guests, who enjoyed free cotton candy, snow cones, multiple inflatables and lots of yard games. The hot weather didn’t keep people away, either.

Women’s Bible Studies

On Wednesday, Sept. 27th, a women’s Bible Study met to study All Things New by Kelly Minter (based on 2 Corinthians).

The group met during the Battle Lake youth group hour.

Men’s Breakfast Group

The Saturday Men’s Breakfast continued through May 2017. The men met on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month. The group finished a DVD-study of Paul Tripp’s book entitled Sex and Money: Pleasures That Leave You Empty and Grace That Satisfies. About 7-8 men attended this breakfast.

BELONG

What’s Belonging?

It is exciting to see people connect with others and find a place where they belong. We also love to see families serve together, inviting children and youth into the life of Bethel Church. What better way to build and pass on “a heritage in Christian homes” than to live out our faith together? Belonging doesn’t just mean that we feel welcomed, but it means that we also have a place to grow and live out our faith. So, it’s encouraging to see that an average of 161 people are serving on Sunday mornings to make sure worship, fellowship and growing happens as a family of believers.

Tim Mathiesen

Director of Communication & Connection

Volunteering

There are many ways to volunteer, but we will look at Sunday morning ministry for the sake of this report. This includes all that has to get done to make worship services and the hour of Christian Education happen at both Fergus Falls and Battle Lake campuses.

4% 23%

161

Volunteers each Sunday morning!

Snapshot of Sunday Morning

What does it take to make ministry happen at both Bethel campuses on a Sunday morning?

22%

7%

(Both campuses)

44%

Other Opportunities

35

First Impressions Team

11

Adult Christian Education

72

Children & Youth Sunday School

37

Worship, Sound & Projection

6

(ushers, greeters, connection center, coffee) (classroom leaders and teachers/facilitators) (classroom leaders & helpers, teachers, etc.) (musicians, choir, sound, recording, etc.)

Nursery & Childcare

(nursery leaders & helpers)

The following are other ways that many people volunteer, putting hours of their time into the ministry of Bethel Church.

Thank you!

Wednesday Magnify program and youth group / Stephen Ministry / small group leaders / Elder Board and Ministries Teams / simple maintenance and special projects on a regular basis / and so much more!

Membership in 2017 31 new members

Debra Anderson July 16th

Steve & Sue Asp October 22nd

Todd & Nancy DeGroot Robert Duncan & January 29th Dawn Koennicke July 16th

Jeff Horak & Debbie Kaminski January 29th

Brittany Christenson January 29th

David & Melodee Dyrud April 23rd

Jeremy & Andrea Knick April 23rd

Ty & Sheila Rostvedt April 23rd

Steve & Lynette Tonneson January 29th

Lisa Cole July 16th

Thor & Lillian Foss January 29th

Zach & Lexie Cormican April 23rd

Tyler & Gina Ice April 23rd

Rodney & Kathy Lezer July 16th

Jason Waasdorp April 23rd

Mark & Marianne Murphy July 16th

Laura Weber January 29th

Tools to connect

Bethel’s website / bethellutheran.church

Find information about events, small groups, Sunday School and more. Share your life with others!

Spiritual Gifts Survey / bethellutheran.church/gifts

Fill out the survey and receive feedback about your spiritual gifts. How might you enjoy serving?

FAITH@HOME What’s Faith@Home?

Faith@Home is bringing the good news of Jesus into every area of our life. It is helping those closest to us see that the good news of Jesus changes everything. It is living out the realities of who we are God’s adopted children - in every area of our lives: work, home, family, marriage, and school.

Pastor Rich Iverson

Faith@Home Events

Associate Pastor of Faith@Home

Throughout the year, Bethel organizes various Faith@Home related events. These usually involve bringing generations together from children to the elderly. It is important for different generations to interact and build relationships. The wisdom of the older generations and the passion and excitement of children opens each other’s eyes to the grace of God’s work in our lives.

1

2

Various Events throughout the year

Various types of events happen throughout the year on Sunday mornings. These events focus on living out our Christian faith, and range from an all-age event like Palm Sunday’s “Great Journey” (Photo #1) to age specific events focused on family devotions, prayer and Bible reading (Photo #2).

Women’s Ministry (Women@Bethel)

The Women’s Ministry Team exists to provide opportunities for women of Bethel that equip and encourage them in their walk with the Lord. This year, Women’s Ministry has focused on a vision of “Connecting” women of all ages around conversation and activities, supporting and encouraging each other through relationships.

1

2

“Connecting” Fall Event September 21st Picture #1 & #2

3

4

Game Night Coffee Shop Chat November 7th Picture #3 & #4

Chilled but Filled Christmas Event December 12th

60 50 60

Attendance

Learn more about small groups and join a group at bethellutheran.church/groups

Small Groups

Small Groups give each of us an opportunity to grow deeper in our faith and in our relationship with others. God is working in each of our lives in different ways. This year, Bethel’s Marriage Ministry offered three marriage small groups.

The following are the groups that were available through Bethel Church in 2017.

Life Groups

With a Faith@Home approach the groups 1) eat together 2) worship and study the Bible together and 3) participate in mission together.

avg. attendance per group: 10

4 groups

avg. attendance per group: 18

6 groups

avg. attendance per group: 7

6 groups

avg. attendance per group: 9

8 groups

Home Groups

Home Bible studies meet in various locations.

These groups are usually long-term groups with short-term studies.

Men’s Small Groups

Men’s groups meet on a weekly basis, to support, encourage and keep each other accountable in their journey to become the men God has called them to be.

Women’s Bible Studies

Women’s Bible studies were offered in the fall.

One group met in Battle Lake at the beginning of the year. Not reflected in this graph, in both February and July of 2017, a one-session Bible study in various homes brought many women together to study the Bible and build relationships.

“

The Bible Study that I attended means so much to me.

Fellowship with women is so very important to a new believer, and knowing that I’m a part of the family of God, the best is yet to come!!!”

- Jen Woore, Women’s Bible Study attendee

FAITH@HOME Children’s Ministry

Our mission is to come alongside parents in the teaching of the Word of God so that children come to faith in Jesus and live for Him.

By God’s grace, children are coming to know Jesus and are understanding that they have a place in our church. We are seeing children choose to serve others on Sunday mornings in the Living Room, ushering at the doors and being a part of the Worship Team. Just recently a 4th grader asked if they could be a part of our First Impressions Team as a greeter at the front doors. Praise the Lord! Our volunteers and staff have been pointing these children to Jesus and He is working in their hearts. We are thankful for His work in 2017 and look forward with great anticipation for what He has in store for our children in 2018.

Jenny Mathiesen Director of Children’s Ministry

Summer Events

1

* The numbers on the photographs reflect attendance at each summer event

97

2

4

12

3

109

43

5

195

1 Preschool VBS (Fergus Falls) June 20-22

2 Preschool VBS (Battle Lake) June 27-29

3 Sports Camp July 5-7

4 Day Camp (Battle Lake) 5

July 31-August 3 Day Camp (Fergus Falls) August 7-10

Fall Family Festival

On October 31st, Bethel Church grilled hot dogs for our community, set up games and gave out candy throughout the Children’s Wing of our Fergus Falls campus.

Estimated people served: 634 Number of games offered: 30

/ Last year: 552

Average attendance:

55

Last year: 34

4th - 6th graders / Wednesdays (Fergus Falls campus)

The afternoon is filled with snacks, games, worship, small group Bible reading and cultivating an atmosphere where kids can ask questions.

12 students confirmed

Photo: Confirmation Service (Bethel Battle Lake) / April 30th

Youth & College Ministry Bethel Youth & College Age Ministry exists to serve the 7th-12th grade youth and college age students of our congregation and community through a ministry of discipleship, fellowship, teaching, worship, and outreach to youth and their parents, with the prayer that all will come to know Jesus Christ and follow Him.

Thankful for

29

Allan Aase Pastor for Youth & College Ministry

adult volunteers investing in students at both campuses.

College Ministry meets on Thursdays with an average of * The numbers on the photographs reflect attendance at each event

1

2

in attendance.

2017 Highlights

59 3

3

12

1 Senior High Winter Weekend

(Inspiration Point Christian Camp + Retreat Center)

Confirmation Retreat (not pictured)

4

(Inspiration Point Christian Camp + Retreat Center)

2 Borderless Mission Trip

(Biennial Mission Trip with area Midwest Churches)

3 Dominican Republic Mission Trip

(Hillcrest Academy’s mission trip for High School seniors)

4 Operation Christmas Child / see below

13 57

(Weekend trip to Minneapolis Processing Center)

Operation Christmas Child 2017 Bethel Church served as a relay center for the area.

Shoeboxes collected 1,994 Shoeboxes from Bethel 451

Shoeboxes packed and on their way to Fargo distribution center

Youth Group

/ Jr. High through Sr. High meet on Wednesdays

Students meet in small groups. Once students are in Sr. High, the goal is for each group to have the same adult leader throughout their four years of high school, building lasting and meaningful relationships.

Average attendance

25

Fergus Falls Jr. High

70

Fergus Falls Sr. High

45

Battle Lake Jr. & Sr. High

FAITH@HOME Our mission is to encourage, equip and engage couples through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith@Home starts with a healthy marriage.

Bethel’s Marriage Ministry offers marriage enrichment for ALL couples. Sponsored programs include date nights, marriage seminars and our marriage mentorship program.

Marriage Mentoring

Bethel’s trained mentors provide skills to enrich ALL marriages.

Couples meet for 1½ hours each week in the mentors’ home for 6-10 weeks.

Marriage Events

Date Nights are a chance for couples to focus on their marriage and have a fun night out. Other marriage related events are planned like the Chap Bettis Parenting Seminar that took place in September.

Number of Couples Mentored in 2017

Valentines Day Date Night Attendance February 11th

Chap Bettis Parenting Seminar Attendance September 30th Chap Bettis

Parenting Class

Marriage Ministry hosted the “Getting to the Heart of Parenting” study during the Sunday School hour at Bethel Fergus Falls.

Average Number of Class Attendees Fall 2017

Learn more and watch videos about Marriage Ministry at

bethellutheran.church/marriage

07 24 12 15

7 4 2 5

Learn more about Primetimers Ministry at bethellutheran.church/seniors

Primetimers Ministry

Bethel Primetimers is a ministry to a group of people who may by age indicate that they are getting older, but by spirit and soul are deeply involved in the church at large and want to contribute wherever possible. We enjoyed three special events throughout the year: Summer Outing, Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas Fest. These are our main events of the year, but do not forget that we meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month. An average of 40 people attend this monthly gathering of Primetimers Ministry.

60 100 80 Pastor Ed Monson Visitation Pastor

Summer Outing Attendance August 25th

Thanksgiving Dinner / November 16th

Thanksgiving Dinner Attendance November 16th

Christmas Fest Attendance December 21st Christmas Fest / December 21st

Visitation Ministry

In visitation we are committed to spiritual care, listening and praying for those who are housebound, hospitalized patients, and Bethel connected individuals who are in various caring facilities in Fergus Falls. We also carefully walk beside the families whose loved ones have passed away.

The facilities we regularly visit are Sheridan House, Alcott Manor, Broen Home, Pioneer Care Center, Pioneer Cottages, Woodland Lodge, Park Gardens, Veterans Home, and Lake Region Hospital.

Thank you, JoAnn Bethel would like to thank JoAnn Gundersen for her seven years of service as our parish nurse. JoAnn’s last day as parish nurse was December 31st.

FAITH@HOME Deacon/Deaconess Ministry

The Deacon/Deaconess Ministry Team reviews benevolence requests each month for individuals with emergency needs in our congregation and community. Their purpose is to assist the Pastors and Elders in the visitation of the sick, shutins and needy (35 individuals in 2017), and administer the congregation’s benevolence fund and program. Along with the distribution of funds to various needs, the team prepares communion, provides the Our Daily Bread devotional and leads Bethel Church in food shelf collections in March and November.

In 2017, Bethel gave $25,158.10 to this ministry. Thank you for your generosity!

The impact

How was the deacon fund used to meet the needs of our community?

$7,412

Care for people of Bethel Church

$7,859

Care for needs of our community

$6,000

Amount given to local organizations

$4,236

Houston Hurricane Relief

$2,989

Other

(23 requests from within Bethel Church) (38 requests from Salvation Army)

*NOTE: all requests from our community go through the Salvation Army.

(Habitat for Humanity, Meals by Wheels, Salvation Army, Matthew House, Someplace Safe, Jail, Inc., Health Resources Center, Food Shelf) (A Bethel team helped with hurricane relief in Texas) (Christmas/Graduation gifts for seminarians, Radio Bible Class, International Christian Literature, etc.)

Number of care-receivers in 2017

Number of new care-givers being trained in 2017

Stephen Ministry is the one-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in congregations that use the Stephen Series system. Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.

Since 2001, Bethel Church has trained around 40 Stephen Ministers, with an average of each minister caring for two people. This means around 80 people have received care during very difficult times through Bethel’s Stephen Ministry!

“

Number of currently active care-givers

We have seen God’s mighty hand work with our family to meet some very critical needs, through a multitude of ministries, people, and situations...God has parted the Red Sea for our family in providing us an amazing church family to grow with.”

- A Stephen Ministry Care-Receiver, 2017

11 06 10

Bethel Library

Our church library is a supporting ministry of Bethel Lutheran Church. We would like you to come in and see materials that will encourage you in your walk with the Lord. We have a committee of 10 serving in the library every Sunday to help you find and check out materials.

New books purchased

57 35 Also, in 2017...

Bethel added RightNow Media to the resources available to our congregation. An online streaming service, RightNow Media provides thousands of Bible studies, children’s shows and training material for anyone who considers Bethel their church home!

Learn more at bethellutheran.church/rightnowmedia

New DVD’s purchased Library Financials Balance (Jan 2017): $472.95 Income: $1,080.00 Disbursements: $1,093.39 Current Balance: $459.56

MISSIONS

The Bagirmi People

Six years ago, Bethel adopted the Bagirmi people with the goal of seeing a church planted among them.

In the coming weeks, Missionary Nathanael (last name removed for online version) will meet with the handful of Bagirmi Christians from around Chad for worship, prayer and planning. Pray for God’s guidance during this worship meeting.

Along with continuing to build relationships and provide agricultural education to their neighbors, Nathanael is also working with Fergus Falls artist Sara Ronnevik to publish the first three chapters of Genesis in the Bagirmi language alongside beautiful illustrations. This resource will help with teaching the Bagirmi people how to read, but also lay the ground work to share the Gospel with them.

Another exciting step was the commissioning of Kay (last name removed for online version), a member of Bethel Church and the next missionary to the Bagirmi people group. Kay is in France for language learning, moving to Chad in June.

Nathanael using the scroll version of the book

Also, a Chadian couple (names removed for online version for their safety / they are pictured below right) have been called by the Chadian Lutheran Brethren Church to One of the illustrations by Sara serve as missionaries among the Bagirmi people, along with our missionaries Nathanael Ronnevik and Carrie. Praise God for his faithfulness as the Church of the Lutheran Brethren continues to reach the darkest places of the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Kay ---- (Last name removed for online version) next missionary to the Bagirmi

Kay is a member of Bethel and has been called by the Church of the Lutheran Brethren to serve as a missionary to the Bagirmi people of Chad, Africa. She was commissioned in August, 2017 by Bethel Lutheran Church prior to moving to France for language study in preparation for her ministry in Chad this coming June (2018).

Kay was previously a member of Hope Lutheran Brethren Church in Barnesville, MN, who happens to be one of our partner churches in our adoption of the Bagirmi people!

Two

Homes of Hope trips are planned for 2018!

Trip

April 23rd-30th

1

#

Trip

2

#

October 15th-22nd

Homes of Hope / Ensenada

For the last eleven years, Bethel has been sending teams to build homes for those in need through Homes of Hope

by Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Lives have been changed in the process, both in Ensenada and at Bethel Church, but we’re only there for a week, and the local churches stay and continue the long-term ministry.

So now what? Rather than be satisfied with the short-term ministry, Bethel and the Ensenada churches are developing meaningful relationships. The plan is to continue building these relationships alongside future Homes of Hope home builds, and look for opportunities to partner with these churches in ministry, to witness God at work, and to learn from them. This partnership is a two-way relationship, positively influencing both sides.

Homes of Hope Trip / April 2017

Missions Week

2017 Team with some pastors and the family that received the house.

Everyone involved agreed that this was a wonderful time to understand how God is working in Ensenada and the value of the relationships that Bethel is developing with the local pastors.

It was very exciting to finally have one of the pastors from Ensenada visit Bethel Church for Missions Week. Pastor Ricardo and Antonia Alvarez, along with a woman from their congregation and Josue Ochoa (Josue was an instrumental part of developing our relationships with the local pastors) arrived on Wednesday, Nov. 8th. The team had a chance to visit small groups in Fergus Falls and Battle Lake, spend time with students at Hillcrest Academy and visit the offices of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and Lutheran Brethren Seminary. On Sunday, November 12th, Pastor Ricardo preached and the team from Ensenada, along with Bethel’s Missions Team, gave a presentation during a Missions Dinner that same evening.

Team from Ensenada experiencing the cold

Meeting with Battle Lake small group

Learn more and watch videos about missions bethellutheran.church/missions

Spend Less. Give More.

Love All. Worship Fully.

A Christmas Eve Offering

The 2017 Advent Conspiracy offering was collected at all five of our Christmas Eve services at both campuses. All offering went to Lutheran Brethren International Mission to help with famine relief and installing wells in Chad.

23,557

$

Pastor Ricardo preaching on Sunday

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

- Acts 1:8

Bethel Lutheran Church Fergus Falls Campus: 702 West Alcott Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Battle Lake Campus: 112 West Main St, Battle Lake, MN 56515 bethellutheran.church / office@bethellutheran.church / (218) 736-5654