r e n n a B l e h t e B e Th Volume #502
June 2013
Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 507.786.6674
Senior Sunday
www.facebook.com/bethellutheran http://bethelnorthfield.org/bethelbanner-newsletter/
Bethel’s Senior Sunday Service is planned for the 8:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, June 2, in the Bethel sanctuary. All are welcome in supporting and honoring our Bethel seniors and their families.
Inside this issue:
Alexa Anderson
Rachel Hughitt
Mari Arneson
Gabe Koch
Amanda Cloud
Micaela McCain
Maggie Cloud
Tucker Meillier
Gabriel Coleman
Marcus Nelson
Brendan Urke
Nate Dahlen
Blaine Olivero
Carly Vesledahl
bethel@bethelnorthfield.org
Adult Ed
13
BeFriending
18
Bruce Roberts
18
Calendar
10
Jenna Dixon
Lauren Pryor
Brooks Volkert
Children
6
Grace Foley
Taylor Segerstrom
Austin Wendt
Council
14
Seth Hanson
Eric Shepley
Creation Care
13
Finance
14
Library
19
Music & Worship
5
New Members
4
Nursery
7
Scrip
8
Service
12
Softball
17
Thank You Worship Servants Youth
7 16 8
… and much more!
Summer worship begins on June 9, with worship services at 8:30 and 10 a.m.
Celebrate our Successful Campaign! As of Tuesday, May 21, we have received 164 three-year pledges totaling $973,632, including $162,153.15 prepaid. The 164 pledges represent 36% of our giving households and our goal is 50-60% participation. Thank you to those of you who have already pledged – thank you for making a difference! If you have not yet submitted your pledge, we invite you to do so as soon as possible so
we can celebrate reaching our goal. Any amount is welcome and appreciated. Pledge cards (and Simply Giving forms) are available on the Information Table. Together we can be FREE FROM DEBT… FOR SERVICE… TO GROW. Thank you for all that you give!
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Bethel recently underwent a communications audit, assessing the efficacy of all of our methods of communicating about Bethel and to Bethelites ~ the Banner, the website, Facebook, slides in the Narthex, and even the sign by the road. Many of the conclusions were positive — we are a church that likes to communicate in all sorts of ways. Our newsletter and website, however, frequently look like a list of events instead of effectively telling how Bethel is living out God's call for us to "Build Disciples for Christ and His Kingdom." Here's the plan so far: Here's what's not changing: We are happily a multi-generational church and our communications will continue to inform people of all ages what's happening in and around our church community. The weekly Banner is likely to remain about the same, serving as a quick "heads up" on events of interest to Bethelites. It may get a "facelift" along with the monthly Banner. Our Narthex slides and road sign will continue to draw your attention to
The Bethel Banner
events and opportunities that support and strengthen your discipleship. Here's what will be changing: We're hoping to use our Facebook page more effectively for sharing conversation on all sorts of topics. Feel free to send us a FB message or post on the wall if there's something on your mind. We'll be starting a Twitter feed for questions on faith, thoughts about discipleship, and prayers (no individual names will be used.) If you have experience with Twitter, please give me a call or send me an email - I need help! The Bethel website will be the "go to" source for what's happening at Bethel. It already serves this purpose to some extent, but soon we'll have links for online giving, and registration for volunteer opportunities, youth summer trips, and Children's Ministry programs. We'll be updating the website more frequently to be the authoritative source for events at Bethel, and how you can participate. The monthly Banner may show the most changes, since we'll be using it to tell the story of Bethel, its members,
and how we are building disciples for Christ and His kingdom. There will be some "news" items, but they will be fewer in number and shorter in length this article notwithstanding. We will likely see a redesign of our logo and a different look to the newsletter pages. Our hope is that these changes will result in an overall shorter newsletter, too. (Please hold your applause.) We'll be identifying different "constituencies" at Bethel and how each prefer to receive communication from us. Children and Youth pages, for example, will probably be shortened in the newsletter since all teenagers and most parents prefer electronic communication. Worship servants will likely be notified of their service by email or phone call. Other regular features may be shortened or moved to the web. All articles will in some way highlight how Bethel CAREs. (Forgot that acronym? See the back cover of this issue to see what it stands for!) Look for these changes over the next few months. We invite and encourage your feedback. ~ Lisa McDermott, Banner editor 645-0740; lmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org
Farewell to Liz! May 14, 2013 Dear Bethel Lutheran Church Friends,
Bob and I are looking forward to cheering on our four boys who intend
I am grateful beyond words for the kindness and support I have always felt at Bethel Lutheran Church. Sincerely, Liz Shepley
Photo by Jenna Mahr
What a glorious fourteen years it has been serving the Bethel Lutheran Church as Director of Children’s Choirs! I am blessed and thankful to have worked with a brilliant, generous, and loving staff and beautiful, bright, and delightful children.
to play basketball in four different states next year. It is with such mixed feelings that I resign my position at Bethel so that a director(s) with fewer conflicts can become the next leader(s) of the Alleluia and Carol Choirs.
June 2013
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From the Associate Pastor... …he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. – Titus 3:5-7 Lavish Grace, Poured Richly A week before writing this article, a woman stopped in at Bethel to request funds to put gas in her car – a fairly common occurrence as our partners at the Northfield Community Action Center are unable to provide much aid for gas fill-ups, and thus we at Bethel have established a system whereby folks from time to time may request a voucher to be used for this purpose. As I went to my office to get the voucher, she waited near the east entrance. When I came back, she said, “I see that you guys do that ‘Angel Tree’ thing.” (Angel Tree is a program in which specific gifts are purchased and donated to children who have an incarcerated parent that could not otherwise provide a gift). It took me a second for it to register – it was May, after all – but once it came to mind I acknowledged that yes Bethel does participate in the program. She said, “That’s such a great program.
A few years ago, the father of my kids was incarcerated, but my son received gifts from him through Angel Tree. It was really great. So thanks for doing that.”
into worship and the nurturing of faith this summer, and keep your eyes and ears open to see and hear that lavish Spirit of Christ poured out, in and through you, richly.
It was a powerful moment.
A huge thank you to all of you who made the choice to donate your time, energy, and funds to support the recent “FREE…from debt…for service…to grow” appeal. You have truly been a blessing to this church community and you can be sure your gifts will go to support and ensure that the grace of Christ continues to be poured out richly through this church.
On behalf of Bethel, I told her how glad I was to hear that it made a difference and thanked her for telling me the story. Then she went on her way with our blessings. There are countless stories like this which could be told about what happens when God’s love flows out of faithful people to others, but I relay this story to you because it highlights that the smallest, often unseen, and every-day occurrences of grace wield great power in the world, and you may never know or see how and where God might be working in you and the community to do God’s work. It is God’s great act of grace, pouring out in Jesus Christ, which we gather to hear, learn, receive, and worship each week at Bethel. I find that I need that reminder from week to week, for my own sake, but also so I am reminded that others will be blessed by it, too. During these summer months, the theme of the church season highlights God’s lavish Spirit, and we gather to keep hearing of this great love and grace of God. I encourage you to dive
In Christ,
A New Pictorial Directory! Our church will be producing a new pictorial directory with Lifetouch. Our dates of photography are: August 8-10, October 2-5, and October 8-12. You will receive a free portrait sitting, an 8x10 photo, and a directory for participating. Look for more information to come. If you would like to signup early there will soon be a link on our website. By signing up online you will receive a $10 coupon to be used toward portraits. Our
Surprise: Finance Your Trip with Scrip! Lots of Bethelites are involved in mission and service trips. Are you thinking about joining an LPGM trip to India or an ISLA trip to Nicaragua? Has your family thought about doing voluntourism (service vacations) or mission trips as a summer or spring break family vacation? Scrip is available to help you finance your trip. Our youth and their families regularly purchase Scrip cards for gas, groceries, gifts, and other purchases, and a percentage of each dollar amount goes into their Scrip account to pay for their Bethel trips each summer. You can do the same thing. Taking a trip this year or planning a future trip? Talk to our Scrip coordinators, Lori Cowdin or Darla Dahl, about setting up an account to get your saving started!
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The Bethel Banner Discipleship through Calling and Welcoming - Discipleship through Calling and Welcoming
Welcome to the Bethel Family! The following new members were welcomed to Bethel in April: Jack & Erica Aronson and their son Boe (7 months) are returning to Bethel. Erica is a customer service representative at Menasha Packaging who enjoys babysitting and spending time at the cabin. Jack is a machinist at Black Diamond who enjoys fixing things, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and spending time at the cabin. Their sponsors are Grete and Greg Walter. Bob & Marcia Blatchford were drawn to Bethel by the welcoming atmosphere, music, and their children, Hayes and Kelly Piker. They are transferring from First Lutheran in Detroit Lakes and are retired. Their sponsors are Don and Bonnie Pavek. Ben & Heidi Chadwick and their children Tegan (2 ½) and Avery (8 months) were drawn to Bethel because of our great kids and programs. Ben is a Technical Director for Theater and Dance at Carleton College and enjoys photography, woodworking, and movies. Heidi is a stay-at-home mom and a life coach who enjoys acting. Their sponsors are Pat and Jan Stahly. Danielle Dasheur and her son Shon (14) were drawn to Bethel by the location and the people. Danielle is a certified nursing assistant at Three Links. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, painting, doing hair, and cooking. Her sponsors are Gary and Ruthe Sherman. Shelley DeBernardi is transferring from Lutheran Church of the Christ in Nisswa. She is a Registered Nurse at Reflections
Hospice Care who enjoys reading, biking, swimming, and walking. Her sponsor is Judy Dirks. Jeff & Mara Hessian and their children Isabele (12), Madelyn (12), Jackson (7), and William (3) were drawn to Bethel by the youth program. Jeff works for Thomson Reuters and he enjoys sports in his spare time. Mara is a homemaker and part-time tutor who enjoys reading and spending time with her kids and family. Their sponsors are Brent and Kristen Kivell. Brent & Michelle Keske and their children Olivia (13) and Trevor (12) were drawn to Bethel by the youth program. Brent is a graphic artist in his own business, Keske Sign and Design. He enjoys playing the guitar and wood working. Michelle is an Accounting tutor for Dakota County Technical College and enjoys softball, volleyball, skiing, and hockey. Their sponsors are Tim and Wanda Larsen. Matthew & Sarah Marohl and their children Noa (6) and Greta (3) were drawn to Bethel by the youth programs, nice people, and worship. They will be associate members as Matthew is the college pastor at Saint Olaf College. Sarah enjoys movies, music, travel, and being outside. Matthew enjoys music, movies, walks, and reading. Their sponsors are Ben and Jill Fisher. Jared Plotz is transferring from First Congregational UCC in Hutchinson after his marriage to Brooke (Larsen) Plotz. Jared is an investment analyst who enjoys hiking, watching sports, reading, and camping.
His sponsors are Kris & Caryl Vohs. Kevin Ward was drawn to Bethel by family, location, faith, and the congregation and has already been volunteering with the Bistro crew on Wednesday evenings. Kevin works for BMO Harris Bank and in his free time, enjoys baseball, softball, and skiing. Kevin’s sponsor is Michelle Drenth. We're glad you're here!
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 summer: 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
June 2013
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Bethel News Last day of our school year worship schedule is June 2. Summer worship begins on June 9, with worship services at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Bethel Women's Book Study continues during the summer on Thursday mornings, 8 – 9 a.m. in Bethel’s Fireside Room. Enrich your summer experience by joining Women of Bethel on Thursday mornings from 8-9 a.m. for a cup of coffee and rich conversation. We will begin a new book, Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts of Faith by Anne Lamott on June 6. You can pick up a copy of the book at Monkey See, Monkey Read in downtown Northfield. New attendees are always welcome! Bethel Women Having Fun will be going to Caponi Park in Eagan on Wednesday June 19. This is a 45minute guided walking tour in a sculpture park costing $4 a person. This park was written up in the Star Tribune last winter. Lunch in the area will follow the tour. Watch the weekly Banner for the departure time. Bethel will be volunteering at Thursday's Table on Thursday, June 27. Watch for a sign-up sheet at the Information Station beginning on June 2. Bethel members will be serving food, doing room set-up, table set-up, table cleaning and re-setting, and then dining room cleanup for this important community dinner. The dinner, served between 5 and 6:30 p.m., at the Senior Dining Room at 1651 Jefferson Parkway, provides a warm meal and community building for about 150 Northfielders weekly. Volunteers are invited to enjoy dinner, either before or after volunteering. The monthly Senior Coffee will be on hiatus until October.
The Bethel Quilters meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month (June 25) at 9 a.m. If you can tie a knot, we want you! Help us meet our goal of 100 quilts this year and enjoy the fellowship and the fun!
This summer, the Cancer Mutual-Help Gathering for Bethel Women will not meet in June; however we will meet in July and August on the second Monday of each month, from 1–2 p.m. in the Bethel Chapel.
Music and Worship Notes It is with gratitude that I write this article. Bethel is so blessed with countless individuals who share their gifts in worship. From our singers in kindergarten to our most seasoned; from our littlest ringers to our adults; from our middle school string players to those who have been playing for years; from our youth readers and assistants to those who have served for decades - I give thanks! As another choir "season" draws to a close, I especially give thanks for Dan Kallman, Jill Mahr, and Liz Shepley (directors of our Adult Choir, Youth Bell Ensembles — six of them! — and our children's choirs, respectively). They are musicians of the highest caliber and they love people - WOW! - what a great combination for music ministry! I want to take this opportunity to thank Liz for her years here at Bethel working with our singers from Kindergarten through 5th grade. She teaches them to sing with beauty, and also, to understand the importance of sharing our gifts in the worship of our great God! Liz has resigned from her position (See related article on page 2.) in order to spend more time with her busy family, four boys playing basketball all over the place! While she and her family will remain with us, I (and I'm sure all Bethelites!) will miss her ministry to and with our children. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, Liz, and wish for you continued joy in your music-making! To all — have a blessed summer and see you in worship! Please join me in thanking our musicians when you see them! Attention All String, Woodwind, and Brass Instrumentalists ~ Please email me if you would like to be included on a master list of Bethel musicians. This can be really helpful in notifying you of opportunities to play in worship. This does not commit you to any specific date; it just lets me know you'd like to be included in the invitation! Attention String Players (middle school through adults) - the String Ensemble will play in worship on Sunday, June 23. Please contact me at rreece@gmail.com if you would like to play on this date. The more, the merrier!
Rhonda Reece, Director of Music and Worship 786-8874
rreece@bethelnorthfield.org
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The Bethel Banner
Children ~ Families ~ Children ~ Families Children’s Ministry Update Registration packets for the 201314 program year were due May 19. If you haven’t returned yours, please do so now. You can find them on the Information Station in the Narthex. 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 this year and facilitated by Good Earth Village Bible Camp. All registration is being handled by Good Earth Village. You can register online or download a registration form at www.goodearth-village.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 neighbors. However, be aware that you must preregister to attend. In order to have
accurate numbers for food, crafts, etc. New registrations will not be taken after August 1. Good Earth Village does great work and there is no doubt that this will be an action packed week with lots of fun, fellowship, and learning. Cost is $65 per child with a $10 sibling discount. (Don’t let cost stop you from registering, scholarships are available by contacting Pam Vig.) Programming is from 6-8 on Sunday night and 9-4 on Monday-Thursday. However, children may be dropped off as early as 8 a.m. and picked up as late as 5 p.m. each day. Children are asked to bring their own bag lunch each day. God’s Backyard Bible Camp 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 St. John’s 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 or the half-day VBS experience at St. John’s. Registration packets for Age 4-Grade 1 VBS were sent out with the Children’s Ministry Road Map. Extra forms are available in the church office or on the Information Station in the Narthex. Vacation Bible School Volunteers Needed ~ We are looking for middle school, high school and adult volunteers to serve in our Age 4-Grade 1 VBS. We will be in need of small group leaders as well as leaders in the areas of crafts, decorating, recreation, music, Bible, snack, and nursery care for younger children of volunteers. You may sign on for part of a day, one day, for the whole week, or somewhere in between. Please contact Pam Vig to help.
Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries 786-8878
pvig@bethelnorthfield.org
Church and Home Ministry ~ Partners in Faith By Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries “I thought there’d always be sand and Tonkas and footed pajamas, and always a place at the table and their shoes at the back door. I thought there’d always be stacks of picture books and read alouds and Legos everywhere. I thought we’d defy time, that they’d grow up and stay little, that we’d have our cake and eat it too and we’d have it all. A head can think otherwise but somehow a heart can feel wiser. If you don’t take it all as gift, you end up taking it all for granted – which amounts to not taking anything good from life at all.” These words were written by Ann Voskamp on her blog, “A Holy
Experience.” Family life in 2013 is busier than ever, filled to the brim with so many good things that it is difficult to say no to the myriad of activities that keep our families running from one place to the next. And so instead, this summer say yes. Yes, to carving out time to soak up and bask in the presence of the people you love. As Ann states so eloquently, these times won’t last forever. Here are some ideas to get you and your loved ones started:
Plan every day for an activity that allows for quiet time outside. Eat a meal on your deck or patio. Sit on the steps for a few minutes before going to bed at night or heading off for work or the day’s other activities. Seek out local walking and biking paths and plan to try a new one each week. Lie on the grass with eyes closed. Share with each other what you are hearing, smelling, and feeling. Home, continued on Page 7.
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Children ~ Families ~ Children ~ Families ~ Children ~ Families Church and Home, continued from page 6. Unplug every day for at least a half an hour. Let voice mail pick up your phone calls. Turn off the television, back away from the computer, ipad, etc. Unplug everyone in the car. Instead, talk to each other. Play car games. Discuss what you are seeing outside the car as you drive down the road. Make plans together. Share dreams, hopes, and goals with each other. Read a chapter book together over several days or even weeks. When you have finished, start another. And no matter what you are doing, remember to bring faith into all of your activities:
Ask, “How does God fit into this?”
“Where do you hear, see, smell, taste, feel God right now?” Incorporate stories from your
children’s bibles into daily reading time. Pray together throughout the day –
at meals, before an activity, whenever you hear good or bad news. Bless each other whenever someone
is going out the door. “May God keep you safe until we are together again.” Change traditional games to include
a faith component. Try the alphabet game in the car with this
twist – Look for the letters of the alphabet. As you spot one, name a faith person, place, or thing that begins with that letter. For example, “I see an A and that stands for Adam.” “I see a B and that stands for Baptism.” The possibilities for summer family faith experiences are endless. The key is to be intentional and plan for them. My wish for all of us is that we will find ourselves at the end of August with a long list of wonderful summer memories made with those we love most and that some of those memories may even have begun faith habits that will carry forward into the school year.
Nursery News Yes, the nursery is open this summer! While our beloved St. Olaf students are on a much needed break, our Bethel teenagers and returning college
students will take over the fun of watching our littlest Bethel-lights. New this summer: we're building our little disciples here at Bethel with a Vacation Bible School for
Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator 786-6674 jjenkinson@bethelnorthfield.org
We have so much to be thankful for... Thank you to the many people who helped to make the 19th annual garage sale another huge success despite the rain! From the people who set up, to those who organized and priced, from those who moved furniture, to those who baked, to those who sold, and those who cleaned up. It takes many volunteers to work the garage sale, to say nothing of the countless more who parted with their treasures and those who will enjoy them now. Each of you provide key service, and with your help, over $14,000 was raised this year. WELCA
will do much good work with those proceeds. The Garage Sale Crew Many thanks to the fabulous Garage Sale Gals, and the volunteers they happily guide, for the disciples that you are and the care that you show to our neighbors through the Garage Sale ministry! Your Bethel Family Thank you so much for your prayers and support for Tom and our family these past couple of months. Tom really appreciated the visits and phone calls from Pastors Tim and Charlie, as
well as members of the congregation. After two challenging months, with many setbacks, we finally feel like recovery is heading in the right direction. This is yet another reminder of how blessed we are to have such a warm, caring, and supportive church community. Tom Sola, Amy Olson, Annalee, & Kyah
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!
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The Bethel Banner
Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth Youth Ministry News Bethel’s Senior Sunday Service is planned for the 8:30 worship service on Sunday, June 2, in the Bethel sanctuary. Please plan to join us as we honor our Bethel seniors and parents. Summer Trippers ~ There are still a few summer trip forms that are outstanding. If you have not turned yours in, please do so the first week of June so we’re able to prepare for all trips. Your final trip payment is due on June 1. You should receive a Summer Trip Recap at the end of May that itemizes your fundraiser earnings and states your final balance. Please call or email Barb Farmer if you have not received yours or if you have questions. 8th Grade Mission Trippers - we’re packing up! Please put these dates on your calendars: All 8th Grade Mission Trip
participants will meet at Bethel at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, to discuss trip details and pack care kits
to take to the missions you’ll serve in Minneapolis. Your last meeting before the trip is
scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, at 7 p.m. at the Dairy Queen. We will meet at Bethel at 3:30 on
Sunday, June 23. We’ll have a short send-off devotion and leave for Minneapolis as soon as the vehicles are packed and ready to go. Magical Mystery Tours are back for our middle school youth! Just like the past few summers, we’ll be going somewhere unknown every month. You’ll receive notice of the meeting time and place and anything you may need for the event, but no details – that’s part of the fun! Put these dates on your calendars now – June 19, July 17, and August 14. We’ll be sharing these monthly summer events with youth from other Northfield area churches again this summer, so invite a friend! Parents, please watch for details in the mail each month and sh-sh-sh! Keep our destination a secret from your kids –
From the Scrip Table... There is still time to order Scrip cards for Father's Day. With almost 200 retailers to choose from, you are certain to find the perfect gift card for Dad, or that late graduation gift for a niece, nephew, or next door neighbor. Need gift ideas? For the graduate: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Chipotle, Domino's, Subway, Target, Kwik Trip, or Pizza Hut are just a few of the available retailers. For Dad: how about Gander Mountain, Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Kohl's, Menard's, Best Buy, or Radio Shack. KMart cards are available in stock and may also be used at Sears. Scrip is also a great way to budget for those larger summer purchases by buying a card or two at a time for that patio set, landscaping tools, or even getting a jump on fall sports equipment. As always, anyone may purchase Scrip cards; you don't need to have a youth going on a trip to support the Scrip program. Please plan ahead to make sure your gift cards arrive on time. Need other ideas? Just ask at the Scrip table.
remember, it’s a mystery! Calling all Middle and High School Students ~ We are busy planning for VBS and we could definitely use your help. We will be hosting Good Earth Village On the Road during the week of August 5 - 8 for Vacation Bible School from 9– noon. You can sign on for one hour, one day or more, or for the whole week. Feel free to recruit a friend to sign up with you. Please look at your calendars, talk to your parents, and let Pam Vig know how you can help! Looking ahead – Mark Your Calendars! 2013-14 Middle School Youth of Yahweh ~ Please watch your email for news about our weekly middle school end-of-the-summer happening – The
Amazing Race of Grace! dates are July 24 and 31 and August 7. 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. More details will be coming later. Keep a look-out for this fun offering – you don’t want to miss it! Rite of Confirmation ~ All 9ers, families, and friends, please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 13th. That’s the date for our 2013-14 10th graders to affirm their faith at in the Bethel sanctuary at 1:30 p.m. Please plan to join us and celebrate the rite of confirmation with our youth.
Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries 786-8877
bfarmer@bethelnorthfield.org
June 2013
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Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth To Our Graduates By Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries Bethel Seniors ~ It’s June and you are in the midst of graduation events and preparation for things to come. As is our tradition, we will celebrate you and send you off with Bethel’s good wishes at your Senior Sunday worship service on June 2nd, which is also your graduation day at the high school. In that service, we include many elements that have been chosen by you, things that have meaning and celebrate who you are as a class. There are other parts included in every Senior Sunday worship, which express who you are in relation to Bethel and its mission but are also meant as reminders of who you are in relation to the broader church and to God. It will be a meaningful, emotion-filled day on June 2, when you start out your activities here with your Senior Sunday service and move on to Northfield’s commencement exercises. So I thought this may be a good time to prepare you for some of those meaningful pieces that will be a part of the morning. Every year, as the Senior Sunday worship starts, two banners process down the center aisle. One is a banner with your pictures, two for each of you, one senior picture and one baby or child picture. It represents very clearly, the changes you’ve made as individuals. The other banner is the prayer quilt around which you sat at the end of every 6th Grade Connections meeting at Bethel. Around that quilt, we summed up the evening’s learnings, had some giggles, grappled with values, and said a circle prayer to remind us of our unity. Both of these banners
represent your journey here at Bethel and in your life – where you’ve been, what you’ve gathered along the way, and what we hope you’ll take with you as you move on to new adventures.
of our goal to live purposeful lives that glorify our Father in heaven (harkening back to the words spoken at your baptism, “Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in At every Senior Sunday worship, there heaven”). The second purpose, of are several things that we hope remind course, is to once again be reminded you that you’re surrounded by others who support, love, Wherever you go in that you are not alone in this goal. You are one part of a and care for you in your future years, whether whole who seeks to do just journey of faith. Your you remain here in that and to help each other siblings act as worship Northfield or you as we pursue our unique servants for the service; Joel move on to new place in God’s story. Leer, your high school places, when the principal, has been asked to night is cold and you Lastly, as we leave worship be the assisting minister for feel alone, may it that morning, you will hear the past several years; a the blessing you’ve received help you remember Bethel junior and parent take who you are and at many youth events part in the service of throughout your years at whose you are. blessing and sending; and Bethel: you are wrapped in quilts that have As we go on our way, may Christ go with us. been lovingly created and constructed May he go before us to show us the way. . . by family, friends, and Bethel members. Behind us to encourage us. . . As this happens, Pastor Tim reminds you of those many people who encircle you with these words, “As you begin this phase of your life, may this quilt be a reminder of your parents’ love and the nurture of your friends, family, and the Bethel community. Wherever you go in future years, whether you remain here in Northfield or you move on to new places, when the night is cold and you feel alone, may it help you remember who you are and whose you are.” Toward the end of the worship, the hymn, “Lord, Be Glorified” is sung, the first verse by seniors, the second verse by parents, and the final verse by the entire congregation. There are two reasons for repeating this hymn year after year. The first is to remind us all
Beside us to befriend us. . . Above us to watch over us. . . And within us to give us peace. This blessing reminds us all, once again, that we are not alone. We do have the love and support of many family members and friends. But even that isn’t always enough. Our comfort and our strength is in the greater Presence that far surpasses the support and love of humans. That presence is Christ. And what better way to set out on new paths than with that knowledge and assurance? Peace to you as you go on your way.
12 1 p.m. 8th Grade Mission Trip meeting
19 Bethel Women Having Fun Magical Mystery Tour 9:30 a.m. Spiritual Direction
11 2 p.m. Bethel Staff meeting 6:30 p.m. Liberty Park Townhome Assn. 7 p.m. Finance Committee meeting 7 p.m. NJP Film Fest 7 p.m. Scout Den Parent meeting
18 2 p.m. Bethel Staff meeting 5 p.m. North Rice County Thrivent Board meeting 7 p.m. NJP Film Fest 7 p.m. 8th Grade Mission Trip meeting
10
16 17 Happy Father's Day! 8:30 a.m. Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship 10 a.m. Worship Service
9 Summer Worship schedule begins 8:30 a.m. Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday 5 4:30 p.m. Stewardship Committee meeting
Tuesday 4 2 p.m. Bethel Staff meeting
3 5:30 p.m. Women's Salad Potluck
Monday
2 Senior Sunday 8:30 a.m. Worship Service with acknowledgment of our HS Seniors 9:30 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship 10:45 a.m. Worship Service
Sunday
20 21 8 a.m. Bethel Women's Study 7 p.m. Boy Scout Troop Meeting
13 14 8 a.m. Bethel Women's Study 7 p.m. Boy Scout Troop Meeting 7 p.m. Church Council meeting
6 7 8 a.m. Bethel Women's Study 5 p.m. Personnel Committee meeting 7 p.m. Boy Scout Troop Meeting
Thursday
Friday
22
15
1
Saturday
8
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The Bethel Banner
Calendar — June 2013
30 8:30 a.m. Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship 10 a.m. Worship Service
23 8:30 a.m. Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship 10 a.m. Worship Service 3:30 p.m. 8th Grade Mission Trip leaves
27 8th Grade Mission Trip 8 a.m. Bethel Women's Study 9 a.m. Dance Camp 5 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Capital Campaign Celebration Dinner 7 p.m. Boy Scout Troop Meeting
28 29 8th Grade Mission Trip 9 a.m. Dance Camp 4:30 p.m. Anderson/ Pelka Wedding
Look for more information about events at Bethel on our website at: www.bethelnorthfield.org
24 25 26 8th Grade Mission Trip 8th Grade Mission Trip 8th Grade Mission Trip 9 a.m. Bethel Quilters 9 a.m. Dance Camp 9 a.m. Dance Camp 9 a.m. Dance Camp 2 p.m. Bethel Staff meeting 7 p.m. NJP Film Fest
June 2013 Page 11
Mark Your Calendars
July 21-29 ~ 9th Grade Christikon trip August 4-9 ~ VBS September 15 ~ Rally Day
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The Bethel Banner
Discipleship through Service - Discipleship through Service - Discipleship through Service - Discipleship through Service
Getting to Know Our Children Bethel has been blessed with many children. You don’t have to look very far on a Sunday morning or Wednesday afternoon or evening to figure that out. Maybe your own children are grown or maybe you don’t have children. Either way, if you would like to have children in your life, opportunities abound at Bethel. There are many opportunities at Bethel for adults of all stages of life to serve and interact with our children. So start thinking now about how you will plug into our Sunday School and BAM ministries next fall. Teaching on your own or with a high school assistant or adult co-leader are options, as are teaching for part of the year or the entire year or, in the case of our grade 2-5 classes, for one or more four or five week units. Contact Pam Vig at 786-8878 or pvig@bethelnorthfield.org to volunteer or for more information. 2013-14 Sunday School Volunteer Options Age 3- Grade 1 ~ We are looking for teaching teams of at least four people per class. Each class will have 15-20 students. Each week two to three teachers will be on and two will be off. In addition, we are looking for one or two high school students to serve as assistants in each class. Grades 2-5 ~ Faith Quest is the name of our Sunday School experience for our Grade 2-5 students. The year consists of seven 4 week units. Each unit is comprised of four stations. The students rotate to a different station each week. Station Leaders prepare one lesson and present it four Sundays in a row to a different group of children each week. You can sign on to serve as a station leader for one or more units or for the entire year. Guides are also needed for our Faith
Quest experience. Guides sign on for half a year or the entire year. Guides are assigned the same group of children each week. They begin the hour in conversation with their small group and then move to the station with their group for the rest of the hour where they serve as an extra pair of hands for the day’s activities. There is no weekly preparation for this position. You just show up and have fun! BAM Every Wednesday during the school year over 160 kindergarten-grade 5 students ride the Bethel Buses to our site for BAM – Bible, Arts, and Music. The afternoon is filled with Chapel, snack, CAT class, choir rehearsal, TNT (Trying New Things – crafts, games, and more) video, chimes, and more. Every week we need several volunteers to make all of these wonderful activities happen. We happily take volunteers from grade 6- adult! You can sign on for one afternoon a year, one afternoon a week, or anything in between. Activities will take place between 3:30 and 5:45 and we can always fit you in whenever it works best for your schedule. Some volunteer options are only 15 minutes long; others are 30 minutes; and still others are 90 minutes. If you can help in either our Sunday or Wednesday ministries during 2013-14, please contact Pam Vig at 786-8878 or pvig@bethelnorthfield.org.
Feed Hungry Children This Summer Many Northfield children receive free and reduced lunches during the school year, but are hungry in the summer. The Northfield CAC is starting a summer lunch program, which will run Monday-Friday, June 10-August 30, providing cold lunches to Northfield youth, mainly targeting kids who would be on free/reduced lunch throughout the school year. There will be two delivery sites: Jefferson Square and Emmaus Church. Faith communities are being asked to choose one day per week to provide 56 volunteers, every week of the summer. Anyone of any age can volunteer, and kids under 18 are welcome to have lunch. Volunteers would serve 10:45-12:30 at Jefferson Square, or 11-12:45 at Emmaus, and would be responsible for setting up tables and the food, tracking the meals consumed, maintaining the food at proper temperatures so that leftovers can be donated to the food shelf, and about 15 minutes of cleanup at the end. If you can serve one week, or all summer, sign up at the Information Table in the Narthex. Alice Carson is looking for someone to coordinate the Bethel volunteer effort. Please contact Alice if you would be interested in filling this role.
Shortage of Foster Care Rice County is experiencing a shortage in the number of Licensed Foster Care Homes with available openings for children. There is a need for short term, long term, and scheduled respite, especially for children ages 13-18. Is the Holy Spirit calling you to this ministry? Learn more at www.co.rice.mn.us or contact Cheryl Marek at 507-332-6115.
June 2013
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Discipleship through Service - Discipleship through Service - Discipleship through Service - Discipleship through Service
Minute for Mission At LPGM we are fortunate that the first risk we took in 1996—what technically catapulted the organization into legitimacy—has been validated recently by sources with incredible reputation. “Girl Rising,” a groundbreaking film directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins, showcases the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world. It tells the stories of nine extraordinary girls from nine countries. An article titled "Is child sponsorship ethical?" by Emily Buchanan, a BBC world affairs correspondent, contains this quote: "Dr. Bruce Wydick, professor of Economics, was surprised at the findings (recently published in the US Journal of Political Economy): 'As a development economist I am used to seeing very modest outcomes from aid programs, but we were amazed at the size of impacts on kids.'" If you would like more information about changing a life, please contact us. If you sponsor a student or students through Project Education India/LPGM, thank you for changing their life! Thanks be to God for leading us to worthy causes through which lives are changed!
Creation Care Creation Care Tip: Did you know that each year 19 billion catalogs are mailed, representing 53 million trees? If you’d like to help the environment while at the same time, de-cluttering your mailbox and recycle bin, you can take one of two steps: 1. Call individual catalog companies and ask them to remove you from their mailing lists, or
2. Use a convenient online service like Catalog Choice (www.catalogchoice.org), a non-profit corporation where you can request to stop receiving unwanted mail order catalogs.
Discipleship through Spiritual Growth - Discipleship through Spiritual Growth - Discipleship through Spiritual Growth
Women's Thursday Study Continues this Summer The Thursday morning women’s book study group is continuing over the summer. We are sad to lose our faithful leader, Pam Santerre, but are determined to begin a new study. We are a lively group of friendly and thoughtful women who are most comfortable with an open discussion format. The book we have chosen is Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott, the author of Help Thanks Wow!, the book that we worked through during the late winter. Our first session will be Thursday, June 6. We generally meet in the Fireside Room at 8 a.m., with coffee provided. There is no assignment for
the first session. We hope to view a portion of a video interview to get us up to speed on just who Anne Lamott is. We finish promptly at 9 a.m. The book, Traveling Mercies, is available for purchase at Monkey See Monkey Read in downtown Northfield. It is very likely available in the Northfield Public Library as well. Our
preliminary study schedule has us using this book for ten sessions through mid-August, although the schedule is always subject to change. The reading assignments are never exhaustive (e.g., 30-40 pages). You are most welcome to join us, whether or not you have come before. Carol Lysne
New Women's Bible Study Childcare will be available for a new women's Bible study beginning in September, tentatively set for Tuesday mornings. The group is open to all Bethel women. If you're interested in learning more, or to help with planning, contact Heidi Richardson at shr617@hotmail.com.
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The Bethel Banner
Highlights of the April Church Council Meeting... The Trustee reported that he has found someone to temporarily fill the janitorial position. He has also had the project in the usher’s closet completed. The Personnel Committee reported that Pam Santerre has given her notice effective May 31. They are also looking at the best options for the janitorial position. They will be using the 360˚ format for reviews fro the pastors. They decided also that a diverse core group should be convened to gather ideas for a long-term staff plan. The Finance Committee reports that March had shown income of 16% over 2012 and $6,592 over March expenses leaving us $2,852 income over expenses year-to-date. The Stewardship Committee reviewed requests for benevolence and decided they will continue to support the Northfield Public Safety Annual Safety Education Program. The Steward will prepare a list of requests received to date and also a history of how these funds were distributed over the last couple years and share them with the committee. They are also working on Volunteer Appreciation which will take place on April 28. At-Large to the Kitchen Committee reported that Sandy Ahrens is leading Bistro for the spring in Ruth’s absence. At-Large to Mission and Justice reported that on May 5 we will be sharing letters in support of Bread for the World. They are also having discussion about lining up speakers and presenters on their ongoing theme of Consumerism and Consumption. They also expressed their thanks to Paula Mathison for her leadership and dedication to the committee. Paula’s last meeting was in March. There was discussion about the possibility of changing the worship schedule. Consensus was to leave it as it currently is. We will be looking at long range planning and updating some of our documents in this area.
June 2013
Page 15
Financial News and Notes 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 faithbased 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.
Capital Campaign Capital Campaign 07/01/10 - 06/30/13 Results as of 04/30/13 Pledges
1,746,659
Pledges Received
(1,530,727)
Pledges to be Received
215,932
Non-Pledges Received
140,454
Building Debt
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!
1/15/2009 Building Debt
3,500,000
Scheduled Principal payments
(337,597)
Additional Principal payments
(1,604,361) 1,558,042
4/30/2013 Building Debt
Year-to-date Benevolences As of April 30, 2013 SE MN Synod
Darla Dahl, Church Accountant 786-6687
ddahl@bethelnorthfield.org
9,492
Community Action Center
825
Lutheran Social Services
3,667
Nfld. Ministerial Assoc.
50
ELCA World Hunger
1,499
ELCA Disaster Relief
115
CAC Food Shelf March Food Drive
807 14,388
Soup Suppers Total CAC Food Shelf
15,195
Easter Offering 2013
Did you know?
Habitat for Humanity-50%
2,179
CAC-Housing Initiative-50%
2,179
Simply Giving works
Total Easter Offering
for your Capital Campaign pledges, too!
Malaria
4,358 45
World Vision (30 hour famine)
280
Good Samaritan Funds used
659 $36,185
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The Bethel Banner
June Worship Servants June 2 Senior Sunday
June 9 Summer schedule begins
June 16
June 23
June 30
Assisting Minister (8:30 a.m.)
Joel Leer
Mike Ahrens
Lu Lindstrom
Noel Stratmoen
Eric Lundin
Assisting Minister (10 a.m.)
10:45 a.m. Libby Glimsdal
Christina Schwietz
Hannah Mahr
Knight Stanley
Marci Groenewold
Reader (8:30 a.m.)
Nate Dahlen
Ann Etter
Bethel Youth
Alyce Nelson
Jerry Williams
Reader (10 a.m.)
10:45 a.m. - Jim Holden
Heather Kuehl
Bethel Youth
Kristi Huettl
Barb Farmer
Acolytes (8:30 a.m.)
Kit Geissler, Joey Glampe
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Acolytes (10 a.m.)
10:45 a.m. - Jack Brachmann, Maiah Hennager
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Wayne Kivell, Rose Bethel Youth Turnacliff, Sandy Ahrens, Connie DeGrote, Carol Cole
Abbie Meierbachtol, Dot Swanson, Marcia Omdahl, Sandy Reiman, Lois Stratmoen
Rose Turnacliff, Mike & Sandy Ahrens, Kitty Runzheimer, Carol Cole
Kate Arneson, Chad Sacramental Ministers (8:30 a.m.) Nelson, Clare Foley,
Laura Hughitt, Olivia Sharp
Sacramental Ministers (10 a.m.)
10:45 a.m. - Dan Foley, Connie DeGrote, Marci Groenewold
Barb Neitzel, Ben & Jill Fisher
Bethel Youth
Roger & Vikki Van Veldhuizen, Jean & Henry Mueller, Kristi Huettl
Barb Farmer, Sandy Peterson Need 1 more
Ushers (8:30 a.m.)
Nathaniel Urke, Colin Shepley, Jackson Cloud, Logan Olivero
Gordon & Marilyn Kelley, John Larson, Mike Graff
Bethel Youth
Steve Meierbachtol, Jim Moberg, Judy & Daryl Kuyper
Ellis Lysne, Bob Vanderhoof, Dale Turnacliff, Dick Johnson
Ushers (10 a.m.)
10:45 a.m. - Steve & Carol O'Neill, Rolynn & Nancy Ensrud
Carol & Gerry Bethel Youth Gengenbach, Ryan & Emily Blumhoefer
Barb & Tadd Henwood, Steve & Carol O'Neill
Chad & Juley Jenkinson, Rolynn & Nancy Ensrud
Greeters (8:30 a.m.)
Stephen & Kristen Cade
Kitty & Lee Runzheimer
Norris Stephenson, Wayne Kivell
Chuck Sandstrom & Dianne Kelly
Wayne & Alyce Kivell
Greeters (10 a.m.)
10:45 a.m. - Patty Paton, Bo or Mari Aylin
Jill & Tim Mahr
Dianne Kelly & Chuck Sandstrom
Chuck & Patty Paton, Connie Gustafson
Anne & Jason Molesky
Nametags (8:30 a.m.)
Ken & Joyce Snede
Linda & Clayton Bliese
Joyce & Ken Snede
Amy & Bryce Narveson Avis & Larry Petterson
Nametags (10 a.m.)
10:45 a.m. - Connie Gustafson, Aaron & Lisa Peterson
Peter Jothen, Bo or Mari Aylin
Brent Kivell, Eric McDonald
Brent Kivell, Norris Stephenson
Jill Mahr, Larry Petterson
June 2013
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June 2 Senior Sunday
June 9
June 16
June 23
June 30
Coffee Servers
Connie Gustafson, Wayne & Alyce Kivell, Aaron & Lisa Peterson, Chuck & Patty Paton, Stephen & Kristen Cade
Clayton & Linda Bliese, Peder Jothen & Kaethe Schwen, Lee & Kitty Runzheimer, Bo & Mari Aylin, Bryce & Amy Narveson, Jane Runzheimer
Arlin & Becky Johnson, Wayne & Alyce Kivell, Brent & Kristin Kivell, Eric & Sarah Swan McDonald
Norris & Joyce Stephenson, Chuck Sandstrom & Dianne Kelly, Clayton & Linda Bliese, Jerald & Kari Olson, Michelle Drenth
Larry & Avis Petterson, Jason & Anne Molesky, Tim & Jill Mahr, Aaron & Lisa Peterson (treats only)
Altar Care
Rose & Dale Turnacliff
Lu Lindstrom
Sandy & Mike Ahrens Jerry & Andra Hamilton
Gary & Connie DeGrote
Communion Angels
Alice Dale, Arlene Neil
Sharon Stoeck, Kay Gredvig
Carol Cole
Elaine Deim, Dick &Orpah Johnson
Juley Jenkinson
A/V Room (8:30 a.m.)
Seth Hanson V Jack Beaumaster A
Ruth Nelson V Jordan Ett A
Seth Hanson V Liam Fisher A
Jordan Ett V Dan Langehough A
Ruth Nelson V Jack Beaumaster A
A/V Room (10 a.m.)
10: 45 - Nathan Dahlen Andrew Kivell V V; Rose Mibus A Anders Peterson A
David Kreis V Joe Kreis A
Ben Coleman V Rose Mibus A
Nathan Dahlen V Anders Peterson A
Service Group Chairpersons: Larry & Avis Petterson, 645-2464
A Measure of Our Commitment May Worship Attendance average per Sunday 2010
2011
2012
2013
519
530
572
*528
Average Year-to-date Worship Attendance 2010
2011
2012
2013
531
534
507
*529
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 lmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org, by phone at 645-0740, or call the church office at 786-6674.
*Does not include May 26, 2013
2013 Softball Schedule Join the team (contact Steve Reece at sreece@stolaf.edu) or come and cheer them on! Date June 2 June 9 June 16 June 23 June 30 July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28
Time Field Opponent 7 p.m. Sechlar #2 Emmaus 4:50 p.m. Babcock Cornerstone 7:10 p.m. Sechlar #2 Methodist White 4:50 p.m. Babcock St. Dominic White 4:50 p.m. Babcock Trondjhem Fellowship Scramble Fundraiser (details to follow) 6 p.m. Sechlar #1 Trinity Blue 7:10 p.m. Sechlar #1 Little Prairie 6 p.m. Sechlar #1 Rejoice Prophets
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The Bethel Banner
Discipleship through Responding with God's Love - Discipleship through Responding with God's Love a Crown of Splendor
BeFriending By Marci Groenewold Perhaps you’ve wondered how BeFrienders live their training as part of their everyday lives and what that can mean for our Bethel congregation. BeFrienders practice “being fully present” without “doing”. This is accomplished through careful listening without interruption and without the listener having any particular agenda. By being fully present, the listener then offers careful responses so that the speaker can really feel “heard”. When my son was a toddler, he would grab my chin and jerk it towards himself to make sure I had eye contact with him and was listening to what he said. I remember thinking how important it was that I take the time to really listen to my children. As a single mother at the time, I had every excuse to gloss over the needs of my closest friends and family. After all, I was really “busy” all the time. Throughout the years I have been blessed to know many wonderful people who have listened to me with their full attention. Here I felt the
presence of God as we shared in nonjudgmental conversation. My friends were just there listening and not “doing” anything. By sharing my thoughts and ideas I was able to forgive others and myself as well as challenge myself to learn and grow. Imagine then, what it means to belong to a congregation where someone is willing to take the time to truly listen to you. Imagine how Bethel members could learn and grow as a result. As another summer begins, take time to really listen to your closest family and friends. Turn off the TV, computer, and cell phone. Take a walk, share a meal or a cup of coffee and really listen. You’ll be amazed at what you will hear. Blessings from Bethel's Befrienders † A core Befriender principle: “God is Present." For more information, call Marci Groenewold, (649-0760), Knight Stanley (612-8770893 ), Jean Miller (645-5353), or the Bethel office (786-6674).
Grief group to meet The Northfield Grief Support Coalition is offering a six-week support group that began on Tuesday evening, May 21, at First United Church of Christ, 300 Union Street. The support group is designed for any adult grieving the death of a loved one. Co -facilitators Amanda Pettis, MSW and Erin Barnett, LPC, are using the book Understanding Your Grief by Alan Wofelt as a basis for group sharing and personal introspection to assist you in processing your unique loss. The group meets from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. each of the six Tuesday evenings in the Lower Level of First UCC. It is free and open to the public. Church affiliation is not required. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Please call Amanda at 651 -210-2290 to register.
Salts, and the Art of Noticing By Bruce Roberts Although I was raised in Berkeley, California, when I was 16 and for a few summers afterwards, I worked as a cowboy on a very large cattle ranch in Wyoming. I remember one day on the month-long calf roundup riding past a group of about seven or eight wild horses. When we got into camp that evening the boss asked us cowboys if any of us had seen a small bunch of wild horses. I spoke up and said “I did.” He said, “What did they look like?” I was dumbfounded, “They looked like horses.” I thought to myself. But I said something like, “Well there were seven or eight of them, and they were running pretty fast up a canyon.” At that moment, another cowboy, Salts, who was riding with me started describing the horses. It took him a good five minutes to complete his description. He told their relative sizes, whether they were mares, geldings, or stallions, their color, their markings, their medical condition (one had a lame left hind leg), the similarity in looks to other horses the boss might have known, and their individual ability to run well. I looked at Salts as though he was an alien. We had seen the same horses, for the same amount of time, and he saw all of that?!!! This was the first lesson that I can remember well about how we humans differ in what we notice. Sociologists call it stereotyping, but I prefer to see it Salts, continued on Page 17.
June 2013
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Discipleship through Spiritual Growth - Discipleship through Spiritual Growth - Discipleship through Spiritual Growth
The Book Nook School is almost out and summer is soon here. Whether you are heading out of town on vacation or relaxing in the backyard, be sure to check out the shelves for some great reads in the Bethel Library. Here are a just a few ideas: The Nook Simple Touch makes a prefect travel companion. It is small, compact, and easy to take with you. Each Nook comes with 20+ titles with an assortment for the juvenile reader, the young adult reader, and the adult. The Nooks can be checked out by Sandy Peterson or Alice Carson in the church office if library staff is not available. For a fun filled family activity read the Chronicles of Narnia Series together. You don’t actually have to journey all the way to Narnia to find everything you need to know in one spot (though you might want to
anyway)! Roar! A Christian Family Guide to the Chronicles of Narnia is a beautiful volume that unveils a fun-filled world based on intriguing Bible insights for every Narniac! There’s something for everyone—from elementary aged children to their parents. Packed with fun activities, a "Narniac’s Creed," tips on speaking like a British schoolboy, games, trivia, and more, it’s built on solid teaching: chapter by chapter discussion guides, conversation starters for parents and kids, and Bible parallels that will surprise even the most studious Christian. Now you can get the most out of Narnia—even if you don’t own a wardrobe!
Looking Ahead. . . We have the privilege of guest author, Nathan J. Anderson coming this fall. He is the author of Jak and the Scarlet Thread (Book 1) and Jak + Cactus Ranch (Book 2) of his young adult/tween Biblical fantasy adventure series. The Bethel Library has two copies of each book. Be sure to read them and be ready for a fun and exciting visit from Nathan. Check out his website www.bighungryplanet.com Happy Reading! The Bethel Library Ministry Team
Follow up reading the series by checking out the three movies: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Salts, continued from page 16. as a difference in what we have been taught to notice, and the opposite, what we have learned not to notice. Furthermore, this noticing business is a two-way street. Noticing (or not) is only half the equation; being noticed (or not) is the other half. I sometimes think that we older adults in a congregation are sort of like those wild horses were for me; we are, well, “older adults”. We may come to mind as individuals when our names are mentioned during the prayers of the church. Consequently we older adults can become “people who confront medical difficulties”. This can become
our identity, and unfortunately for some of us, our resignation. The church, the pastors and staff and Bethel parishioners respond in extraordinarily helpful and kind ways as did the Good Samaritan in The Parable of the Good Samaritan. In Luke 10:30-35, the story asks us to focuses on sickness and injury, showing mercy. But Mark 12:31 wisely points out in the second commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” [The “these” referring to the first and second commandments]. And
to love your neighbor as yourself is a vastly more psychologically inclusive commandment. It speaks to our whole life, not just our injured or sick selves. Since this commandment appears many times in the Bible, I assume we should take it to heart. So, how can we older adults see ourselves more holistically, even as we may suffer in some way? How can we still be noticed by others as contributing meaningfully to life? How can all of us at Bethel become more like the cowboy called Salts?
Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 ●●● Phone: 507-786-6674 Web: www.bethelnorthfield.org www.facebook.com/bethellutheran Email: bethel@bethelnorthfield.org
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Northfield, MN 55057 Permit No. 138
●●● Return Service Requested
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 .......... tmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org Charlie Ruud, Associate Pastor ......................................... 786-6674 .......... cruud@bethelnorthfield.org Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries .................... 786-8877 .......... bfarmer@bethelnorthfield.org Rhonda Reece, Director of Music and Worship ............ 786-8874 .......... rreece@bethelnorthfield.org Sandy Peterson, Office Administrator ............................. 786-6674 .......... speterson@bethelnorthfield.org Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries ..................... 786-8878 .......... pvig@bethelnorthfield.org Darla Dahl, Church Accountant ....................................... 786-6687 .......... ddahl@bethelnorthfield.org Alice Carson, Secretary/Receptionist ............................... 786-6674 .......... acarson@bethelnorthfield.org Catherine Engle, CYF Assistant ........................................ 786-6674 .......... cengle@bethelnorthfield.org Bruce Dueffert, Lead Maintenance ................................... 786-6674 .......... bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Ken Hu, Janitor.................................................................... 786-6674 .......... bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Dan Kallman, Adult Choir Director................................. 786-6674 .......... bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Jill Mahr, Youth Handbell Director .................................. 786-6674 .......... bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Elizabeth Shepley, Children’s Choir Director ................. 786-6674 .......... bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator ............................. 786-6674 .......... jjenkinson@bethelnorthfield.org Tim Freeland, A/V Room Manager ................................. 786-6674 .......... bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Church Library ..................................................................... 786-6674 .......... library@bethelnorthfield.org Bethel Banner submissions .................................................. ........................... lmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org Pastoral Care Emergencies ................................................. 786-6674