COMMUNICATIONS:
COMMUNICATIONS: CROSS CURRENTS OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Bethlehem Lutheran Church is committed to making disciples for Jesus Christ through our thoughts, words and deeds. Church Office: 933-2229 Pastor’s E-mail: [email protected]; Home: [email protected] Pastor’s Home Phone: 262-6512 Pastor’s Office Hours: 9:30-5:00 Tuesday--Friday (please call ahead if possible) Secretary’s E-mail: [email protected] Secretary’s Office Hours: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Website: www.royalbethlehemlutheran.com Kitchen and Hallway Phone: 933-2244 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ----------------CROSS U R A NEWSLETTER FROM R BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH E BOX 224 N ROYAL, IA 51357 T S www.royalbethlehemlutheran.com ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 1 ROYAL, IA 51357 ----------------- VALUES STATEMENT: We are a discipleship driven ministry, inviting all people to become disciples for Jesus Christ, nurtured by scripture and prayer. We are a community of caring and forgiving people who create a nurturing and Christian environment where everyone feels welcomed. Working cooperatively, we serve as a leader in partnering with families, businesses and other churches to maximize the outreach services available to the Christian community. We strive to serve as a cornerstone of the community. November 2014 How Does God’s Story Affect My Story? Have you ever done a “word association” exercise? Someone says a word and you have to say the first thing that comes to mind. I wonder what your response would be to the word “Bible.” Quick! What came to mind first? If you are reading this, you are probably a member or at least an active participant in the church. Why else would you read a church newsletter? That means you are also likely to view the Bible more positively than the general public. But what do you actually think about it? Is the Bible a true source of faith and life for you, or is it more of a symbol or a relic? Desmond Tutu has said, “The Bible is not some dry and dusty set of rules. It is the story of how we are created good in God’s eyes, how that goodness was damaged, and how wholeness is ours with God.” That is an excellent summary of the overall story of the Bible. But let’s get more specific about how the story told in the Scriptures makes a difference in your life. Here are themes we have been discovering in The Story series and why they matter to your daily life. God is in charge, so...You don’t have to solve all the problems of the world, or even your own life. Take your concerns to God, who is wise enough and powerful enough to handle them. We were created to be God’s companions and creative agents, so...Every day of your life matters! In spite of our sin, God wants to restore us to that relationship, so...No matter what anybody else thinks about you, God loves you. Nothing that happens to you can take that away from you. God called a nation (beginning with Abraham)to show His love to the world, so...God cares about everyone you meet, even if you aren’t crazy about them. That affects the way you treat them, no? God is faithful to His promises, so…You don’t have to worry about your future. God hears us when we need help, and answers, so…You can pray about anything. God has expectations for the community of faith, so…whenever you don’t know what to do, remember that love for God and others is your rule of life. The Bible makes no difference to you if you drift away from God’s story. A young man told his father that he planned to go to seminary. His father, who took the Scriptures seriously, was concerned about that particular theological school. It was the kind of institution that might dismiss the miracles of the Bible. He said, “I just hope that when you get back, the story of Jonah and the fish is still in your Bible.” At the completion of his studies three years later, the father restated his test of his son’s education: “So, is Jonah still in your Bible?” “Gosh, Dad, why do you ask that? Jonah isn’t even in your Bible.” “Of course it is!” his father retorted, and he scoured his Old Testament to prove it. “It’s not there, Dad,” his son said. “The day I left for seminary I opened up your Bible and cut the book of Jonah out of it. Please tell me, What’s the difference between not believing that it’s true, and paying so little attention to it that you don’t even realize that it’s gone?” (from The Disciple Making Church by Glenn McDonald) Are you willing to learn—and put into practice—what the Scriptures reveal to us about God and yourself? Otherwise, why study the Bible? I am excited to continue The Story series with you, because I believe that the Scriptures’ teachings will truly grow your faith as you make the connections to your own life. ~~Pastor Deb Mechler Coming November 2nd… Men’s Ministry The next gathering for men will be held on Sunday, November 2 at 6:30 p.m. This group is really enjoying fellowship and the “33” series. Bring a friend—all are welcome. News from Our Sponsored Children Vinitha We received the message below from Vinitha Balu, a girl we sponsor in the Siloam Girls School in India. She also drew a picture for us (see the color, full-size version on the missions bulletin board). Bethlehem confirmation students mailed letters to Vinitha and to a boy we sponsor, Siva Kesavan. Royal Community Thanksgiving Worship Sunday, November 22, 6:30 p.m. St. Louis Catholic Church Offering for Upper Des Moines Opportunity "Dear sponsor, By the God of Grace I am fine. I hope you are well. I am studying in Standard V. Thank you for sending a photo. I will pray for you. You pray for me. Thank you. With love, Vinitha." Video Highlights from RightNow Media Daylight Savings Time Ends This Weekend! Please remember to set your clocks back one hour this Saturday night, or you might be really early for worship on Sunday! Harvest Festival Worship Bethlehem’s annual Harvest Festival will be celebrated on November 16. Morning worship will be followed by potluck fellowship. Please bring a main dish and a side dish or dessert to share. It is a wonderful day of praising God for the bounty of blessings we enjoy, including our fellowship and ministry together. Guests are welcome! A New Look in the Fellowship Hall Memorial and Thrivent funds have been used to purchase new tables. These are good quality tables that are much more lightweight and easier to use. Please note that they are also easier to damage than the old steel-reinforced tables, so you are asked not to sit on them. “Just Praise” Sunday, November 16th at 5:30 pm Speaker: Theone Quattlebaum on “Gratitude” (No potluck this month) As we continue with The Story, here are more videos to go along with the characters and teachings in November: For children... November 2: "What's A Manna with You?" (Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness) November 9: "Awesome Bible Adventures: Joshua's Awesome Victory" November 16: "Books of the Bible with Buck Denver and Friends" (Judges) November 23: "Awesome Stories of Faith" (look for "Ruth and Naomi") November 30: "What's in the Bible: Volume 5, Israel Gets a King" (Saul) For teens... "I Am: Getting to Know God" How can God love me when I’ve done so much wrong? How do I know God is speaking to me? How can a God of love allow bad things to happen? Teens are struggling with very difficult questions and doubts. In these four youth Bible study sessions, David Nasser offers hope and encouragement to students from Scripture on their winding journey of faith. For adults... "Destiny" After learning how joyfully God created us, and how God used people like Abraham and Sarah, Joseph, and Moses, let Dr. Tony Evans and his family help you discover your destiny. Gather together your friends, small group or do it on your own. This six session series unpacks the key elements of reaching your destiny as the natural merges with the Divine. Let God use you like He made you. Another Mission Opportunity for Kent… Dear church family and friends, It is the time of year that we need to raise money for Kent's third mission trip to Haiti. He is caught up with his shots, so our need is $1,700, plus any extra you might want to send for rice and beans or a goat. Haiti is the poorest country in this hemisphere. The Haitian people originally were brought over as slaves, and then basically abandoned in a hostile land. Here, mothers dry little patties (like cookies) of mud in the sun so if they have nothing else that day, their children will have something in their stomachs. A goat ($50) can literally change their lives. We wish we could do more. Kent uses most of his vacation to pitch in where needed, be it electrical, construction or spreading the word of God. I hope to join him someday but for now, I hold down the fort at home. Haiti is a land where voodoo is still a potent force. Bondye bon means God is good. And He is - we are richly blessed by Him, wherever we live. The Haitian people need Jesus so badly. Please help us help them. As always, we ask you to pray about this and follow God's leading. And please pray for us. Thank you so much, Kent & Mindy Means This month Luther League meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 in Everly. King’s Kamp st Pre-1 Grade: November 5 November 12 November 19 November 26 th nd rd 2 – 3 Grade: Exodus Exile & Return Ten Best Ways to Live David the Shepherd Boy Ark & a Tent for God David & Goliath NO SESSION NO SESSION th 4 -5 Grade: November 5 November 12 November 19 November 26 Jesus and the Storm Jesus Heals 2 “Daughters” Jesus & Paralytic NO SESSION Sunday School Schedule Nov. 2, 9, 16 Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 7 The Monthly Men’s Breakfast Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 AM at the Royal Café (November 13th) to come together in prayer and to study God’s word. November November November November th 5 12th 19th 26th Birth of Isaac God Keeps His promises Practice for Christmas Program Psalm 136:1 Confirmation God Births a People Snack/drink: Emma Larson 5:30 Pizza & Story project (parents & families welcome) Story project Snack/drink: Emily Joenks No Class - Thanksgiving -Ethan Batschelet, Missionary---Siloam Girls’ School in India--Joyce Sabel (daughter of Roger & Betty Kruse)--Walt Buren--Amos Christensen--Sandy Albers (a friend of Jodi Kosters)--Carol Albers--Lois Beck -Missy Fox (friend of Tami Mugge)--Ann Myers -Darlene Stough (Carma Betz’ mother)--Nancy Johnson (friend of Becky Smoot) -Renee Lyman’s family (Dee Johnson’s sister)--Trista Johnston and her family (prayer request from confirmation student)--Ruth Russell (Mindy Means’ mother) -Keith Dannatt (Kay Kracht’s brother)(Please call the church office to add someone to the prayer list. Requests stay on the list for one month unless you instruct us to do otherwise.) SIGN UP FOR THE PRAYER CHAIN...If you would like to receive notices by phone or email to pray for people’s urgent needs, please call the church office. This is an important ministry that people of our congregation and community count on! Prayer Requests for Bethlehem in November “The Story” series: unity and growth together! Our sponsored children Vinitha and Siva in India Friends in west Africa facing the ebola crisis Safety during harvest season Luther League decisions for next summer’s mission trip Families facing the holidays with new losses Scripture Verse” Our Bible verse for November is Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. If you have a favorite verse you would like to see in the Cross Currents, please call Cindy at the church office. 933-2229 or email [email protected] BAPTISMAL ANNIVERSARIES: Betty Nellis, Gracie Dehrkoop, Allie Swanson, Davin Brugman, Elaine Struve, Natalie Gunnerson, Andrew Yungbluth, Janice Englert, Gregory Johnson, Marjorie Barglof, Lance Englert, Hayley Santage, Roger Nelson, Kyle Fletcher, Sharon Stafford, Larry Hegwer, Megan Hegwer, Crystal Schmidt, Bonnye Johnson, DeAnn Johnson, Shelby Johnson, Robyn Rasmussen, Chanda Williamson, Hudson Huberg, Hal Logan, Michael Johnson, Alynn Ingledue, Turner Mortensen, Tye Steffen, Jill White, Wendel Phillips, Muriel Steffen, Cody Johnson and Tori Thompson. WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: Tim & Lisa Shiley, 30 years; Greg & Tina Huberg, 39 years; Randy & Alice Roghair, 34 years; Lance & Lori Lundbeck, 17 years; Dan & Darcy Brugman, 18 years; Michael & Sandy Johnson, 31 years; Roger & Betty Kruse, 61 years. Your Contributions that Make a Difference: Bethlehem has several collections for charities. Please keep these in mind as you shop or clean out your closets! Your contributions may be left at church. Your help is appreciated for following projects: Single serving non-perishable food items Mavpacks...Food for hungry CCE students School supplies School kits...Lutheran World Relief Pop tabs Ronald McDonald House Plastic grocery bags Riverview Terrace...used for disposal Clorox wipes/paper towels Grand Ave. Free Medical Clinic Twin or double bed sheets Quilters of BLCW Snacks, paper goods Little Mavs Childcare(ask office for list) Food pantry donations Upper Des Moines Bethlehem Lutheran Women News Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council Meeting The Bethlehem Lutheran Woman met on Wednesday, October 23, at 9:00 AM for “Do-Day”. Each handmade quilt is sent to Lutheran World Relief later in the year. Bethlehem Woman spent the day putting quilts together followed by the regular meeting at 2:30PM. President Alice Roghair called the meeting to order in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. She read a short devotion. The Secretary’s Report was read and approved. The Treasurer’s Report was read and approved and placed on file. It was moved and seconded the donations of $100.00 from Nelle Anderson family, $49.00 from Rhonda Dobbins, and $48.00 from the Myrtle Hagedorn CD be divided in a donation to Midwest Children’s home and Dream Center Free Clinic. It was moved and seconded that the choice for donations from Women’s Thankoffering of $1039.00 be tabled until next meeting. It was moved and seconded to collect a donation for Cherish House instead of passing out baby bottles for collection. Do Day Report: 12 quilts were tied during the “Do-Day”, and 15 additional quilts were pinned. We had a fun productive day! The next quilting day will be November 11th 1:30. Thank you to everyone who brought food! St. Luke Report: Barbara Christensen reported Bethlehem Lutheran Church donated over $450.00 to St. Luke’s bazaar in an offering. She also reported that Pastor Syvertson needs help with church on Sunday morning. Volunteers are welcome. The October 15th meeting of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council was called to order by President, Sherry Toft at 7:05 pm. Council members in attendance included Roger Kruse, Sherry Toft, Kent Means, Julie Christensen, Karen Brugman, Ann Myers, Connie Lundbeck, Betsy Schoelerman, and Ron Behrends. Absent was Doug Brons. An offering was taken for the general treasury. We prayed the Lord’s Prayer. The next meeting of Bethlehem Lutheran Women is a guest day on December 6th, 9:30 – 11:00, “Treasures from Christmas Past” Thank you to everyone that brought pot luck for the day. Evening Bible Study has coffee for November. Visitation is morning Bible Study. Julie Christensen, Secretary BLCW Christmas Guest Day: Bethlehem Lutheran Church Women are hosting a Christmas Guest Day Saturday, December 6, 2014, 9:30a.m. – 11:00a.m., at the church. All women and men are invited to attend. Everyone is encouraged to bring a guest with them. Theme for the day is “Treasure’s from Christmas Past”. Anyone wishing to share a special vintage Christmas decoration, ornament, or nativity scene is encouraged to bring it to the church that day to display for everyone to see and share it’s story if you want to or maybe write up a story to put along side of it. Carol Jensen and Nancy Wick, who both have display booths at Okoboji Antiques, graciously agreed to bring several antique Christmas items to show and tell our guests about. We look forward to seeing everyone Saturday, December 6, 9:30a.m. – 11:00a.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Breakfast luncheon will be served. Pastor Deb opened the meeting with a devotion. Team Reports: Stewardship Julie and Roger will be meeting on Friday to discuss the Bible Camp fund drive, church funds, and the Harvest Festival. Property: Nothing to report. Education: Sunday School is underway with the first rotation completed. Planning for the Christmas program is in progress. The program will be held December 14th. Outreach: Ron suggested that we update the contact list for greeters and scripture readers as many of the phone numbers are no longer valid. A hard copy of the “Time and Talents” sheet will be distributed at the Harvest Festival. Special thanks to Connie for manning the table with “The Story” materials for a few Sundays after church. Secretary’s Report – There were no changes to the report. Motion by Julie, seconded by Connie to approve. Motion carried. Treasurer’s Report – There were no changes to the report. Motion by Roger, seconded by Julie to approve. Motion carried. Pastor’s Report –This was informational and included information on the LCMC Conference that she attended in Des Moines as well as the new men’s ministry that meets on Sunday evenings. Discussion was also held in regards to Pastor’s upcoming trip to Africa. Old Business: 1. Sanctuary Lights – Toft’s are still working on outdoor projects and will get to the sanctuary lights when the weather cools off. 2. LCMC Conference – Pastor attended the LCMC conference held in Des Moines. Julie and Sherry were able to join her for the day on Tuesday. Pastor Deb felt that the conference really encouraged churches to be personally involved in local and overseas missions. Julie, Sherry, and Pastor Deb also participated in the meal packaging event and felt that was a great project to be a part of. New Business: 1. Harvest Festival – This will be held on November 16th. 2. Ingham/Okoboji Bible Camp Fundraiser – Julie and Roger met with a representative from the camp in regards to their campaign to raise funds to build a new chapel at Ingham, a beach house retreat center at Okoboji, and pay off all their existing debt. The council felt that this was a worthwhile project to be involved in and Pastor will line up a camp representative to speak about the campaign after the first of the year. Sherry adjourned the meeting at 8:15 pm. Next meeting is November 19th at 7:00 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Betsy Schoelerman, Secretary Ingham Okoboji Bible Camp is having a “Pre-Hibernation Stamp and Scrapbooking Retreat” on November 21-23. Gather your supplies and come and get filled up with ideas, inspiration and encouragement. Go to www.okoboji.org or see bulletin board for registration. The Annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance will be hosted by the Hope Reformed Church, 919 Grand Ave., Spencer at 6:30 pm on Monday, December 1st. The Christmas season can be a difficult time for people experiencing grief. This service is a time to help us move toward Christmas, acknowledging loss and pain, yet seeking to be embraced by God’s redeeming love. Although the service is sponsored by Hospice of Spencer Hospital and Warner Funeral Home, this service is not just for people served by those organizations. All people are welcome. CHRISM Parish at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Rembrandt, will be hosting the “Higher Power” Quartet on November 9th at 10:30 am worship. Come, join us and enjoy a morning of spiritual uplifting with glorious music. A catered dinner will follow the service with a free will offering for the dinner. Faith Lutheran Church of Spencer has invited you to participate in their small groups studying “The Story.” They are available to anyone interested and are open arms welcome. Discussions are held on Wednesdays at noon, Wednesday evenings at 7 PM and Saturday mornings at 8:30 AM. All are gathered at Faith Lutheran Church. DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays seminar scheduled “DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays” is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a separation, divorce, or ended long term relationship. The seminar will be held on Sunday, November 16 from 4:15 – 6:00 pm at Hope Reformed Church, 919 Grand Ave., Spencer. There’s no charge for this event. There will be a time of fellowship and pizza following. The “Surviving the Holidays” seminar features practical suggestions, guidance and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, experts in divorce-related care and people who have experienced the holidays after separation or divorce. Topics to be discussed include “Why the Holidays Are Tough,” “What Emotions to Expect,” “How to Plan and Prepare, “How to Handle Uncomfortable Situations” and “Using the Holidays to Help You Heal.” Call Joyce at 712-262-3391 (leave a message with your number, if no answer, so a return call can be made) or email [email protected], for details. “Your mission dollars at work” Dear friends of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, On behalf of the MCS board, staff & clients I would like to personally thank you for your recent donation and your continued support. Your generosity amazes me and as I thank you I also pray for you all! We could not continue to sustain our work and the boys here if it were not for outside support. Please know how much your contribution means and May God bless each & every one of you! Thank you so much – Deanna Scott Director of Midwest Christian Services. Dear Members of Bethlehem Lutheran, Thank you so much for your gift to the ministry of Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camps. Thank you for thinking of us. Through your generosity, we continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ with campers. We are so appreciative of your faithfulness and investment in the Kingdom of God. –Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camps. Dear Friends of Lutheran Lakeside Camp, Thank you so much for your generous gift. Without your support this ministry that has been so vital in the faith lives of so many in your congregation would not exist. We are most grateful for your partnership in the Gospel. In our conversations with campers across the years, those who came last summer and those who attended camp many years ago, the impact of Lutheran Lakeside’s ministry remains consistent. The same gospel message… “I learned that no matter what, Jesus still loves me. I can count on God to be there for me. I learned that there are some really neat verses in the Bible. I learned that I am a temple of the Holy Spirit.” May the Lord continue to bless the members of your congregation. Thank you for your ongoing support! Jerry & Carolyn Fritsch, Executive Director Dear Pastor and members, You are wonderful. Thank you for your generous gift. I want to share a quick story with you. At an event earlier this year, our president and CEO, Doug Johnson, talked about the miracle that happens every time a child, family, or adult makes a breakthrough in the midst of struggle. With a few calculations based on our history and number of people served, Doug estimated people like you have helped LSI create more than 2.8 million miracles since we began in 1864. What a difference we can make together! Thank you for being a miraclemaker. Your support is changing lives today. With gratitude, Chris Anderson Vice President of Advancement and Church Relations. P.S. We’re celebrating all the ways your support helps kids, families, and adults! Visit www.LSIowa.org/150 to see 150 stories of hope. We’re so grateful you choose to be our partner in compassionate service. COMMUNICATIONS Church Office: 933-2229 Church email: [email protected] Pastor’s email: [email protected] Kitchen & Hallway: 933-2244 Secretary Office Hours: 9:30am-3:00pm Tuesday, Thursday & Friday Pastor’s Hours: 9:30-5:00 Tuesday-Friday (please call ahead if possible) Pastor home: 262-6512 Cell: 260-3286 Bethlehem’s website: www.royalbethlehemlutheran.com ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ACOLYTE SCHEDULE November 2 Emily Joenks Trey Stoneking November 9 Lizzy Hagedorn Rebecca Bushee November 16 Emma Larson EmmaKay McClain November 23 Ian Steffen Zach Schoelerman November 30 Dalayna Brugman Haydn Bushee ALTAR GUILD Kay Kracht Dana Huberg LITURGICAL COLORS November 2 White November 9-16 Green November 23 White November 30 Blue USHERS Paul Wick Ron Englert Jake Schoelerman Ron Behrends GREETER CHAIR Ron & Cynthia Behrends SCRIPTURE READER CHAIR Betty Kruse BIBLE STUDY LEADERS Kay Kracht Arlene Wimmer
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