Bethesda NEWS Lutheran Brethren Church
March 2012
Worship Schedule! Sunday Service Schedule
9:00 am – Traditional 10:30 am – Contemporary 10:45 am – Eleeo (Walker Hall)
refresh! (-ments)
Sundays: 10:00–10:40 v Walker Hall (Gym) Stop in the gym before or after morning worship for delicious coffee, cookies and pleasant conversation.
CONTENTS
Sermons can be downloaded from our website at or purchased by calling the church office.
All-Church Announcements Women’s Ministries Homestars Touched Twice Youth Ministries Children’s Ministries LIFEgroups Adult Bible Fellowships Bethesda World Missions Marriage Connection
2–4 4 4 5 6 7–8 8 9 10 11
My Song Is Love Unknown My song is love unknown / My Savior’s love to me / Love to the loveless shown / That they might lovely be / Oh, who am I / That for my sake / My Lord should take / Frail flesh and die? Here might I stay and sing / No story so divine! / Never was love, dear King, / Never was grief like thine. / This is my friend, / In whose sweet praise / I all my days / Could gladly spend! text: Samuel Crossman; tune: John Ireland
Lent is a time for personal and spiritual reflection and preparation as we move toward Easter. It is an opportunity for us to echo the Apostle Paul’s words from Romans 7: “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law, but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” In Romans 5, the Apostle Paul explains that God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Jesus’ cross proves that our sin matters. If we hold on to it in arrogance or ignorance, it leads to our destruction. We are powerless to escape it on our own. And God does not simply overlook it. Instead he took it on himself, and died an excruciating death to pay for it. In Colossians 2 Paul writes, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” Let the season of Lent be an invitation for you to be intentional about thinking about these important, life-changing realities. The C3 coaching tool, personal Bible study and prayer, participation in a LIFEgroup or Adult Bible Fellowship, as well as worship on the weekends or at the Lenten services could all be great resources, as we take time to reflect on where we are in our walk with Jesus and what He is inviting us into. May He guide us and transform us, as we confess our sin, celebrate his provision, and offer ourselves in His mission to rescue people around the world. Pastor Brian Quade Pastor of Ministry Development W W W. B E T H E S D A L U T H E R A N . O R G
All Church Announcements
LENT
We hope you’ll take time this Lenten season to attend our mid-week services, as we reflect on our Savior’s journey to the Cross. Our Theme for the season of Lent is “Who is Jesus?” focusing on how Jesus describes himself. Topics and scripture references for this series are listed below: Feb. 29, 6:45 pm — “I am the Light of the World” (John 8:12; 1:4–9) March 7, 6:45 pm — “I am the Door” (John 10:7–9 March 14, 6:45 pm — “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11–16) March 21, 6:45 pm — “I am the Vine” (John 15:1–8) March 28, 6:45 pm — “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6) April 4, 7:00 pm — Maundy Thursday: “Behold the Lamb of God.” (John 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7; 1 Peter 1:18–19) April 5, 1:00 pm — Good Friday Service of Tenebrae Also, on the evening of Good Friday, we will have a special showing of the movie “The Passion of the Christ.” The movie will start at 8:00 pm.
Your spiritual growth is of central importance to everything we do at Bethesda. Whether you’re just starting to explore the Christian faith or you’re a long-time follower of Jesus, we want to help you grow closer to Christ. We are asking you to set aside 35–40 minutes in March to take our Spiritual Life Survey. This survey will help us to determine what is helping you grow spiritually, and will help shape our decisions about how to create the best possible ministry direction and opportunities to support you. The survey is completely anonymous and will be conducted online between March 3–March 17. The week before the survey opens, we will send an e-mail containing the link to access the survey, and it will also be available on our website at that time. This survey is open to everyone who considers Bethesda to be their church home. Please join us in praying that this survey will support our mission of being a congregation of people who know Christ and are growing in Him.
I AM Wednesday nights during Lent can be wild trying to do it all. This Lent, come enjoy your family with a meal that you don’t have to prepare! Dinner will be served buffet style from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the fellowship hall. Free will offering will be received. We are also looking for volunteers to make bars to be served for dessert! Please contact Holly Hermann if you can help. (holly@bethesdalutheran.org)
Our Choir will present the classic musical, “I AM” on Palm Sunday, April 1st at 5:00 PM. The Resurrection Celebration was created and arranged by David T Clydesdale and boasts a magnificent tribute to the great I AM thru a variety of new compositions as well as favorites of the past. The choir will be accompanied by our own Katie Thews, piano, and guest organist, Virginia Tubbs. Eight choir members will be involved in solos and a duet throughout the musical, several in costume. A freewill offering will be received that will be divided between the Salvation Army and our own Deacon Fund. Child Care will be provided. You are invited to make this festive Celebration a part of your Easter season.
All Church Announcements Update on the Building Expansion Proposal The Elders and the Building Committee continue to sift through the feedback from the congregation. In March, the Leadership Community - which is made up of all the elected ministry committees - will be presented with an updated summary of the needs we seek to address with the building expansion, along with the key suggestions for modifying the concept design, so that they can offer further feedback before we take this information to a professional designer, who will help us incorporate these priorities and suggestions into an updated design. That new design will then allow us to get more accurate cost assessments. Additionally, the Building Committee and Elder Board are still investigating more design firms, so that we can find the best fit for this project, while the Finance Committee continues to work toward a recommendation for fundraising. Please continue to pray for wisdom and discernment for everyone involved.
Check it Out!
All are welcome! Prepare to be amazed at all the resources available for children, youth, and adults. New discoveries and old treasures await earnest seekers. Here are a few to begin your investigation: • Footsteps in the Promise (book) by Troy Tysdal, LB Seminary graduate and associate pastor. The story of Jesus Christ is the greatest story ever told of creation, redemption, restoration, and salvation. Told through scripture, poetry, and pictures, it is meaningful for children through adults. (220.9, TYS) • Passion Talk Series (4 DVDs) by Louie Giglio. This collection of talks is full of wonder, personal challenge and an incredible picture of God’s grace. Titles can be checked out individually. The DVDs are titled: Indescribable, How Great Is Our God, Hope: When Life Hurts Most, and Fruitcake And Ice Cream. (248.3, PTS) • He Chose The Nails, What God Did To Win Your Heart (book) by Max Lucado. Linger on the hill of Calvary. Allow the tools of torture to tell their story. Listen as they tell you what God did to win your heart. (232.21, LUC)
Salsa
(Salt and Light Single Adults) Connect and Fellowship with other Single Adults (30s–50s+) This small group is designed to provide Christian fellowship and the opportunity to experience community with other Bethesda single adults. Join us Friday, March 16th from 7–10 pm in the Fireside Room for a movie, pizza and snacks. (Use Office entrance.) Please RSVP to Carin or Mary! Any questions or to be added to the SALSA email group please contact: Carin at carin-rae@hotmail.com or Mary at mary.robinson@ahss.org
Stephen Ministry
It’s Okay to Be Human An important theme of the Lenten season is the humanity of Christ. In Jesus, God became human and fully experienced the wide range of emotions we all encounter in life. Jesus experienced times of loneliness, sadness, hurt, anger, disappointment, grief, and abandonment. That is part of being human. Another part of being human is needing help from each other. God never intended us to be completely self-sufficient. Part of God’s plan is for each of us to turn to others for help when we need it. So when you are experiencing difficult times, don’t struggle alone. Our Stephen Ministers will walk with you, listen to you, encourage you, pray with you, and provide confidential one-toone care to help you through tough times. Stephen Ministers can bring the love of Jesus back into your life. To learn more about Stephen Ministry, talk to one of our Stephen Leaders: Paul & JoDea Green at (715) 839-9468, Judy Draper at (715) 831-0189, or Pastor Venberg at the church office, (715) 835-5073. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you! This month we will continue our training. Our Stephen Ministers will be learning about: March 5 — Crisis Theory & Practice March 12 — Confidentiality March 19 — Telecare March 26 — Using Mental Health Professionals & other community resources
Women’s Ministries Ladies’ Night Out “Refresh” yourself with a night out with women of the church March 27 at 7:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Our speaker will be Liz Redmann who will be returning from 2 weeks in Japan. She will tell us about evangelism and relief efforts there. The tsunami and nuclear accident was just one year ago. Learn more about this and our LB missionaries in Japan from Linda Wright, who has visited them personally. Invite a friend to celebrate Japanese culture with their food, decor, and origami and door prizes!
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Save the date: The “Mother-Daughter-Sister-Friend” Event is scheduled for Saturday, May 12. This intergenerational event was a big hit last year and we are looking forward to having it on an annual basis! Don’t miss it!
Ladies, come learn how to fun fabric flowers you can wear on your hat, shirt or in your hair. Martha Moments meets once a month and it’s a great way to have some fun and meet other ladies. We start the evening with a devotional and share a healthy snack! All supplies will be provided, so let me know if you’re coming. Don’t forget to bring a friend! Contact Kristin at 715-828-2737 or dverhaagh@hotmail.com
The Women’s Ministries Committee is seeking a leader for an event panning subcommittee. Call Women’s Ministries chair Mandy Heard at 715-834-5246 or email mandyheardu@gmail.com to see how you can help.
Do you have a heart for missionaries? Would you or your group be interested in sending birthday cards to missionaries that our church supports? Contact Mandy Heard at 715-834-5246 or email mandyheardu@gmail.com for more information.
A Homeschool Support Ministry of Bethesda Lutheran Church
With our spring semester of classes starting in February, we had many returning and several new families joining us. Now with over 70 families, our homeschooling ministry continues to grow. March looks to be another month filled with activities. Our monthly meeting on March 13th (12:30-3:00) will include our annual curriculum fair. This is a great opportunity to see and hear about many different homeschooling curriculums. It is highly recommended for anyone considering homeschooling. The day starts (10:30–11:45) with our monthly family activity, a spelling bee, followed by the classes for kids of all ages (12:30–3:10). Two field trip are planned for March — activities at Beaver Creek Reserve (March 16th) and Chippewa Valley Museum (March 23rd). The Odyssey of the Mind competition is on March 17th in Madison — Good Luck HomeStars! Also, the middle school activity is planned for March 16th (details will be at our website). Our annual used book and kids craft sale is scheduled for
March 12th 7pm, Fireside Room
Do you enjoy planning events?
Mother Daugher Sister Friend
HomeStars
Martha Moments
March 24th from 9:00 to noon. With many different vendors, there will have a huge variety of items available for sale. Everyone is welcome to come and check out the deals! If you are homeschooling or considering it, join HomeStars and take part in all the activities and encouraging fellowship. Contact Linda Swenson at 715-834-0713, or check out our website at www.homestars.me.
Follow-Up Coordinator — We would like to have some type of opportunity to invite the guests back to Bethesda. It could be something as simple as pizza and a movie.
Our Touched Twice United Clinic 2012 will be Saturday, April 21 from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. We have added an extra hour so we will be able to serve more guests. Please mark your calendar for this very special serving opportunity. You will show the love of Christ to those in need in our community by providing free services, a hot meal, food and clothing and most of all Christ’s Love. In Matthew 25: 34-36, Jesus says, Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ In verse 40, Jesus tells us that whatever we do for the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for Him. These verses describe what we are accomplishing with Touched Twice. We can definitely use you. There will be many serving opportunities available and all are equally important. Some that are available to sign up for are: Advocates — You will be a friend and guide to a guest who attends. You will meet them in Registration and help them fill out their paperwork. You will take them around to their service area of choice. You will make sure they get their free hot meal and that their needs are met. There is an Advocate Training night on Friday, April 20 at 7:00 in the Sanctuary. You will receive all the information necessary to know how to serve in this vital area. You can partner up with a friend or family member too and do it together. We are in need of men and women ages 16 and up to be Advocates. If you have younger children they are welcome to serve with you. Food Coordinator — You will coordinate the food that will be given out in grocery bags to each family or individual. Many donation opportunities are available. Other choices would be just providing items needed like laundry soap, toilet paper and paper towels. Photographer — We are in need of 1-2 photographers who would be willing to come and take photographs of the guests who attend our clinic. You need to be able to give them a photograph or a CD to take home with them. The photography area this year will be the toddler nursery with many prop choices and backdrops.
Runners — We need people who would be willing to come and run messages back and forth to different areas or maybe run errands. We need a Runner who would be assigned to the office and spa area; one assigned to Lisa MacKenzie Anderson our Gatekeeper Coordinator and one to be assigned to Registration. More opportunities will be available. Telephone Monitor — We are in need of 2 people willing to answer our phones during our clinic hours of 9–2. Other areas to help are: set-up and clean-up, registration, kitchen, prayer team, evangelism team, medical, optical or dental team, spa doing haircuts, oil changes, parking lot attendants, bag check area, personal shoppers, sorting, folding and displaying clothes for giveaway and appointment scheduler assigned to a specific service area. For more information please contact Karen Biel at: ckbiel@gmail.com or 715-577-6865. We are also beginning to collect clothing, shoes, baby items and housewares. Please organize with like items and label boxes or bags. (This is not the opportunity to clean your house of anything you want to toss out. We are looking for gently used or new items. Goodwill and Hope Gospel will take many of your other items.) Also, we are looking for anyone willing to donate space to store these items until the event on April 21st. Please contact Brittney Malone with any questions: 715878-4366 or malone.brittney@gmail.com. Remember we need YOU!
Pray Daily for Touched Twice God’s Word tell us over and over that our LORD has a heart of grace and compassion for those in need. And so must we! Pray daily, thanking Him for the opportunity to partner with Him in His special work on April 21st — Touched Twice. Ask God . . . • to bring forth more servants. We especially need more Advocates. (friendly guides) • to bring forth all that is still needed for the optical ministry. (a very needed ministry) • to prepare hearts and bring all the guests to whom He wants to touch—twice. • to pour out His wisdom, strength,and peace on all who are spending many hours to prepare for this day. Know that we will all experience God’s blessing together. “He who is gracious to the poor man lends to the LORD . . . and . . . happy is he . . .” Prov 19:17a; 14–21b.
Youth Ministries
M:H Mission:Hai ti
We have recently rolled out a couple of big fundraisers to help with our trip and just want to highlight those again: Stock Sale: As a way for you to invest in our team rather than individuals, we’ll be selling “stock” at church for the next few
weeks: $20 buys you one share, and you can purchase as many shares as you want. You will receive a stock certificate indicating your investment and later a personal invitation to our “Shareholders Meeting” that will take place in early August where Team Haiti will be sharing about our trip. Italian Dinner: “Spend an evening surrounded by the sights and sounds of Italy, while raising money for the High School Ministry summer mission trip to Haiti. This year’s Italian Dinner will be held on Friday March 9 at 6:30 pm, and will feature Penne pasta, Red and Alfredo sauces, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread, and Cheesecake Parfait. But that’s not all. The fun-filled evening will also feature tableside entertainment, a live student auction . . . and you may even find yourself in jail! Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 4-12 and free for children under 4. Tickets will be sold between services in the foyer and outside of Walker Hall. Bring your family, your friends and your neighbors!”
Summer Camp Transportation
Job Opening Ryan will be stepping down from the Middle School Director role here at Bethesda as of June 15 (he’s getting married and moving away!). It’s been a great 2 years but now it’s time for someone else to take the reins. If you are interested in the staff position or know someone who would be great for the job, please see the job description on the church website (“ABOUT US” > “Available Positions”) and submit resumes by March 15.
It’s time to start thinking about summer camp again! Bethesda will be providing transportation to and from Jr. High 2 (July 15th– 20th) and Sr. High 1 (July 1st–5th). Todd Lenz will be speaking at Sr. High 1, and will be able to help drive that week. We will also need some volunteers to help drive, so please indicate on the forms or talk to Chad if you are able to help. Forms will be available on the church website, on the youth bulletin board, or from Chad or Ryan by mid-March. The priority deadline for transportation is May 15th; please turn the form and $30 (for round-trip; $15 for one-way) to Chad. Don’t forget to also register with camp (www.ipoint.org)!
Weekly Schedule
Youth Committee While we sadly say goodbye to two long-term members of the Committee, Liz Redmann and Mary Graaskamp, we welcome with excitement those who are new: Rosie Fischer, Mark Traaseth, and Don Henning. These new members, along with Cindy Waller, Mark Reeves, Jay Anderson as Elder Representative, and myself (Chad) and Ryan as Youth Staff, we are ready to roll!
High School Calendar Sat March 3
One23: High School Youth Group: Sundays 7–8:30 pm
— Ski Trip, Afton Alps $25 lift, $18 rentals
Sunday March 4
— ONE23: “Passion Fuel”
The Bridge: Middle School Youth Group: Wednesdays 6:45-8pm (No Bridge on March 21st)
Friday March 9
— Italian Dinner Fundraiser
Sunday March 11
— ONE23: “Sharing Your Story”
Sunday March 18
— ONE23: Game Night
Sunday March 25
— ONE23: Open Mic Night
Chad Shiffer
Director Youth Ministries chad@bethesdalutheran.org
Ryan Rico
Middle School Youth Director ryan@bethesdalutheran.org
Children’s Ministries Lenten Devotionals for Kids
Vacation Bible School
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E RS F
We will provide transportation with parent help to Pioneer 2 (for incoming 3rd/4th graders) on June 24th–28th and to Explorer 2 (for incoming 5th/6th graders) on July 8th–13th. Your child could still earn some camp credit by reciting Bible verses to you at home. This is due to us by March 18th. Go to our website and then look for the camp page in the Children’s Ministry area for the documents and more information. Also, make sure to pick up a camp packet from the table by the resource room for information about transportation. (See also, the information for Middle and High School students on the previous page.)
Programs
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GOD
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Camp Transportation
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VBS at Bethesda will take place June 18th–22nd from 9 a.m. until noon each day! We will be ‘traveling’ to Promise Island “Where Kids Discover God’s Lifesaving Love!” The kids will learn about God’s promises for them through various stories from the Bible, sing some awesome songs, make fun crafts, eat yummy snacks, etc. Registration will begin in mid to late May for kids 4 years old through entering 5th grade next fall. Lots of help is needed for this week and you will have an opportunity to indicate your area of interest within the next few weeks. VBS is a tremendous outreach within our community and we look forward to serving with many of you in order to make VBS a reality!
Parents, your children should have received a small devotional book in Sunday school for you to use at home. Please take a few minutes each day and spend time as a family going through this book that will prepare your hearts for Easter. Let us know if you did not receive a book.
HN 5:13
The Sunday school children and teachers/helpers were pleasantly surprised on February 12th when our mailman (thank you, Joel Roesch!) delivered valentines to them in their classes. A big thanks to all the members of the Sunday morning Adult Bible Fellowship groups who wrote words of encouragement and Bible verses for our kids and volunteers. What a fun way to build each other up in Christ and to let the kids know that the “big people” in church care about them and pray for them!
Sunday School Bethesda offers two hours of Sunday School, during the 9:00 am and 10:30/45 am services.
Wednesday Night Activities Children’s Choir: 6:00–6:45pm Kids of the Kingdom: (K–3rd Grade) 6:45–8pm Bible Explorers: (4th–5th Grade) 6:45–8pm There will be no Wednesday night activities for the children on March 21st due to Spring Break. Dawn Rico
Children’s Ministries Director dawn@bethesdalutheran.org
Karen Ratering
Children’s Ministries Assistant k.ratering@sbcglobal.net
Children’s Ministries
LiFEgroups LEARN FROM GOD’S WORD
Mission Focus Brent and Sandi Wiebe (missionaries to Papua New Guinea) are our mission focus in Sunday school . Brent and Sandi have decided that the kids’ offering money will be used to purchase solar-powered MP3 players that will have the Bible in the Bola language recorded on them. These will be given to the Bola people that Brent and Sandi have lived with for the past 17 years. Being able to hear the scripture spoken through the MP3 player is just another way for the Bola people to hear God’s Word. Brent and Sandi shared with the Sunday school kids last month about Papua New Guinea and the Bola people. They also showed the kids one of the MP3 players they’ve already purchased.
APPLY IT TO LIFE
CONNECT WITH ONE ANOTHER
Our launch of LIFEgroups last month was incredibly successful, with more than two dozen small groups now meeting regularly during the week at various times and locations, studying many different topics, all with the goal of helping people grow in their relationship with Christ. Because we now have so many groups meeting each month, we’ve run out of space in the newsletter to list all groups, their meeting times, locations, and topics. We encourage you to use our website to gather information. You can find listings of all LIFEgroups as well as a downloadable “catalog” of this spring semester’s LIFEgroups offerings at: www.bethesdalutheran.org/ministries/small-groups Also, if you are a group facilitator, please keep us updated on any changes in your group’s meeting times, topics, and contact information. We’ll keep the website updated! Thanks for your generous cooperation!
New Classes
Help Fortify our Snack Supply Children’s Ministry snack supply is getting low for the Sunday school kids and we would appreciate any donations! We welcome snacks such as various crackers, fruit snacks, granola bars (no nuts), etc. Thank you for helping us out in this way!
Starting April 12 Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University class will be starting up again on April 12th at Bethesda. During this life-changing course, you will learn: • To put together a monthly spending plan that really works! • The step-by-step process for getting out of debt for good! • H ow to set financial goals and really communicate about money. . . . and much more! Classes will be held every Thursday evening, from 6:30–8:30pm, in Room 201. Contact Carol Cox if you wish to enroll: 715-861-4495, or c7w6c2200@charter.net
Adult Bible Fellowships
Adult Bible Fellowships (ABFs) are groups that meet in order to help us grow in our relationships to God and with each other. ABFs are committed to deepening our relationships, as well as growing new relationships. Bethesda has a number of ABFs available. Although ABF goals are similar, each group has its own identity.
To Be Determined Room 204c 20s–40s We will kick off this new ABF with a study of John Eldredge’s book Beautiful Outlaw Contact: Mike and Alissa Amundson, mna95@hotmail.com
Sundays • 9:00 am
Sundays • 10:30 am
Branches
Kingfolk
Room 204c (Fellowship Hall) Ages 30-60 Branches will gather in room 204a to study John Eldredge’s book Beautiful Outlaw. Join us for coffee, treats, friendship and study. Contact: Deb Hubbell at 715-839-0594 or dahshop@yahoo.com
Room 204c (Fellowship Hall) Retired, or nearing retirement Join us Sunday mornings for lively discussion and encouragement! We also schedule several activities and other times for meeting with our fellow believers for fun and fellowship.
iLess
A.C.T.S.
Fireside Room, Room 102 Ministry for 18+. iLess is an ABF designed to meet the needs and help in the spiritual growth of young adults in our Bethesda community. Contact: Pastor Brandon at 715-835-5073 or brandon@bethesdalutheran.org
Room 305 Ages 20-80 This spring we are studying the prayers of the Old Testament. This month will bring us to Habakkuk, Daniel, and Solomon’s prayer dedicating the temple. These are rich prayers with many hidden treasures that will speak to our hearts and encourage us in our prayers. Please join us for lively, interactive discussions. Contact: Steve Louden: b4ubuy1217@sbcglobal.net, Sheryl Prochnow: sprochnow7477@charter.net, Jodi Flaten: flatenmom@charter.net, Jim Von Hayden: 715559-5202
Sojourners Room 305 Ages 30–50 Please come and join us as we study John Eldredge’s book Beautiful Outlaw. Contact: Allen or Jeanne Sternke at 715-597-3526 or jeannesternke@yahoo.com
Contact: Augie Wirkus, 715-831-0460
Seekers of God Fireside Room, Room 102 Retired, nearing retirement We are currently studying the prophet Amos, and then will move on to 2 Kings, Chapter 13. All are welcome to join us! Contact: Beth Smith, 715-875-4553, or Dennis and Diane Peterson, 715-839-8648.
Bethesda World Missions Praise and Prayer for Bethesda’s Family Around the World
Gronseths: •P ray that the Coffee House renovations would continue to proceed smoothly and be finished soon, so that the Coffee House can open! • Pray that communication between John and Betsy, the contractor, and the construction workers would be clear, and that they would be light and blessing in the lives of all who are working at the site. • Pray that the Lord will bring together the staff of His choosing for the Coffee House. • Pray for Stephen’s last semester in China. Pray that the Lord will prepare him for college life, and that his last few months in China will be full of joy and good memories. • Pray for enough staffing for the Coffee House so that John, Betsy, and the boys can return to the United States for several months this summer, for daughter Jenny’s wedding and Stephen’s start of college. •P ray for coworkers Craig and Kristi Thomas, who are in the process of adopting a Chinese girl with special needs. • Pray that the Lord will provide the remainder of the funds needed for the Coffee House. Contruccis: •P raise the Lord for the good outcomes from the Safety Workshops that Kent led late last month during a conference for Overseas MAF Chief Pilots and Chief of Maintenance Technicians! • Praise the Lord for daughter Sarah’s new job in Jinja, Uganda, as Production Manager with a Christian non-profit organization for women. The women make jewelry beads from strips of paper, and use the money they earn to pay school fees for their children (average number per family is 7-8!). Pray for safety, health and the completion of Sarah’s last two courses for her master’s degree in International Development. • Pray for increased monthly support ($700 more per month is needed). Venbergs: •P raise the Lord for the retreat for women who are missionaries in Chad that Rachel, Kirsten Holzner and several others helped to organize. It was a rich time of fellowship! • Praise the Lord that all but one of the six Advent Conspiracy wells have been completed! Pray that these wells will be an open door into these communities spiritually. • Pray for Dan as he travels to southern Chad on March 12th to attend the Annual Conference of the Chadian Lutheran Brethren Church, and for Rachel and the children while he is away. Pray that the
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conference will go well, and that it will be a time of encouragement and partnership building. • Pray for Dan as he travels in late March with a team from Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church and two other churches who have adopted the Bagirmi people. This is a vision trip to visit Bagirmi people and villages, as these churches prepare to send a missionary family (Nathanael and Carrie Szobody) to this people group. • Pray for patience, as they enter the hot season of the year. • Pray that Dan and Rachel will know what to do for Gabe, Sylvia, and Tevi’s education next year. • Pray for wisdom and perseverance, as Dan and Rachel juggle running the Welcome Center in N’djamena, a ministry to the Fulbe people, and a ministry of training and encouraging Chadian missionaries.
Wiebes: • Pray for Brent and Sandi’s plans to use various media (e.g., MP3 players, Bible texts and videos to view on cell phones, tracts, and Bible studies) to get the Bola Scriptures to the Bola people. • Pray for Brent and Sandi’s plans to serve as trainers and consultants for translation work among the last 12 language groups on New Britain Island. • Pray that God will use His Word to bring many Bola people into His kingdom. • Pray for increased monthly support ($2000 more per month is needed), so that the family can return to Papua New Guinea this July. Wiles: • Praise the Lord for the rich fellowship and caring community that John and Kathy experienced at the Barnabas Leadership Team meetings, held late last month. Many positive decisions were made which will impact the organization for years to come! • Pray for John and Kathy as they go to Chad to serve our Lutheran Brethren missionaries March 3rd–11th. Pray that their hearts will be aware of how best to share the truth and love of God with His servants there. • Pray for John and Kathy as they head to Switzerland after being in Chad. From March 12th–April 16th John will be filling in at the International Church of Lucerne. This will free the pastor and his wife, who are friends of the Wiles, to visit their family in the United States. Pray that this will be a time of refreshment for John and Kathy, and for the congregation they will be serving.
Marriage Connection Date Night Challenge
Marriage Weekend March 2-4, at Inspiration Point www.ipoint.org/adult-family/marriage-weekend In order to encourage marriages and family, IPoint will be hosting the FamilyLife retreat “The Art of Marriage.” Greg and Janet Anderson along with Tony and Cindy Rogness will be facilitating this event. Please encourage couples from your congregation to come away and be strengthened in their relationship! We can host 32 couples, so pass the word quickly.
Thank you to those that attended the Date Night Challenge on Feb. 10. Whether you were there or not you are encouraged to take the Date Night Challenge. See the following Focus on the Family website for details. Look for the next marriage event in May. www.focusonthefamily.com/ about_us/events/date-night-challenge.aspx
Women of Bethesda Thank you for your gift at Christmas. What blessing to me! With this gift of money, I was able to attend the “Captivating” women’s retreat in Winter Park, Colorado. God is working within the leaders, which are the women of Ransomed Heart. God is, most of all, working within my heart. Growing it, healing it, softening it to his voice. Thank you for making this retreat possible! Gratefully Yours, Nancy Contrucci
Many couples from Bethesda have been blessed by attending “Weekend to Remember” conferences in the past. Coming up in March, two more opportunities to attend the “Weekend to Remember” in our area. Call 1-800-358-6329 for more information. Minneapolis, MN Date: March 9th–11th Rochester MN Date: March 23rd–25th
Thank You! I would like to thank everyone who helped me celebrate my 95th birthday! All the cards, good wishes and the many who came to my party made it a very special day. May God bless each of you as he has blessed me! Ruth Johnson 11
Bethesda
Lutheran Brethren Church
123 W. Hamilton Avenue Eau Claire, WI 54701 715-835-5073 www.bethesdalutheran.org
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Christ … Community … Cause A vision for clarifying who we believe God is leading us to become.
Pastor Appreciation Day
Women’s Retreats Here are two upcoming retreats that may be of interest to the women of Bethesda. “Set Apart” at Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN Join us for Set Apart: A Faith Filled Conference for Women at Northwestern College, Friday & Saturday, March 2 & 3, 2012. Enjoy warm fellowship, engaging workshops and Christ-centered worship. Learn and laugh with dynamic keynote speakers Ruth Graham & Susie Larson. Alumni Pricing: $45/one day; $79/both days. For more information and to register, see:
Men, please set aside Saturday, April 14th for Pastor Appreciation Day. The morning starts at 7:30 am with breakfast in the Bethesda Fellowship Hall. After eating we will form teams and head out to serve our pastors by helping with spring cleanup chores at their homes. Plan to finish around 11 am. More information will be coming and there will be signup sheets for individual tasks in the foyer a few weeks in advance, so for now please save the date. Thank you, Bruce Strangfeld 12
www.nwc.edu/setapart Refresh 2012: A Women’s Retreat at Camp Forest Springs in Westboro, WI An exhilarating weekend of inspiration, laughter, and encouragement. Apr 13–15, 2012 (Fri–Sun). Speaker: Jill Briscoe; Cost: $129/person. For more information and to register: www.campforestsprings.org/specialty/refresh-2012