Bethel Beacon

BE.THE.Light Volume 55 Issue 8

Pastors: Erika Buller Jim Gustafson

Bethel Lutheran Mission Statement

Bethel Lutheran Church is a community of believers called by God to invite all people into a living relationship with Jesus Christ, build them up in the faith, and send them out to be witnesses in word and deed to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

BE.THE.Love

2019

S E P T E M B E R

Dear Bethel friends,

September is upon us and change is in the air! I do hope you will join us for a special con-gregational meeting on Wednesday, September 4. We have some very important busi-ness to do of calling a new Senior Pastor to serve with us here at Bethel. The call committee has been working very faithfully and they are excited about the candidate they are bringing forward for call. Please plan to attend: we will worship together at 6:00 and begin our for-mal meeting at 6:30. Childcare will be available in the nursery.

In the time following the meeting, the timing for our new Senior Pastor to begin will become more clear. In the meantime, we will also be working with an interim, Pastor Peter Schmidt for a short term basis. So, I thought the focus of this article might be on:

How to Welcome your New Pastor: A do’s and don’ts listing from someone who’s been there…

Do: introduce yourself. More than once. In fact, remind them of your name every time you see your new pastor for a couple of months. There is one of them, and over 1700

names for your new pastor to learn. Do: Be patient if they get your name wrong. Or if they sit in your seat. Or if they disrupt

or cause small annoyance for your normal church going experience. Be gracious and kind. Learning takes time.

Do: invite them to stuff. Your pastor wants to be in relationship with you. Invite them to coffee, or breakfast, or your kid’s volleyball game, or your house for a meal. Make

time in your busy schedule to get to know your new pastor. Don’t: Assume your pastor knows what you are passionate about. Part of getting to

know the people of a congregation is knowing what ministries get them excited. Share your passion and be prepared to explain WHY you love this part of Bethel so

very much. Do: be open to what change this pastor will bring. Every pastor is different and brings

different gifts to a congregation. They want to bring their very best to serve Bethel faithfully, as this is what you have called them to do. They will do things differently

than previous pastors, and this will be a beautiful thing too. Don’t: Share your criticism or critique with your buddies. If there is something in this

season of change which is difficult for you, I promise you, your new pastor would ra-ther hear it straight from you than second hand from someone else.

Do: Trust the Holy Spirit. God has brought us to this very time and place. We’ve gotten this far by faith, let’s not stop now!

There are of course, many, many more, but this is a good place to start. Thanks, as always, for the pleasure of being your pastor. You are a gift to me. I thank my God for you every day. Be well, Pastor Erika

Building Hours

8am-9pm Monday-Thursday 8am-3pm Friday 8am-11pm Sundays

http://bethelwahpeton.com or

www.facebook.com/bethelwahpeton

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER?

If you or someone you know desire membership please contact:

Pastor Erika at ebuller@bethelwahpeton.com or call the church office at 642-4472.

Fall Schedule Begins Sunday, September 15

9:00 am Worship 10:00 am Fellowship

11:00 am Contemporary Worship

CONTACT INFO: Phone 642-4472 Fax 642-2477

Pastor Erika: 952-454-6012 ebuller@bethelwahpeton.com

Pastor Jim: 701-403-3254 jgustafson@bethelwahpeton.com

Ashley Petersen: betheloffice@bethelwahpeton.com Brian Finnie: brian_finnie@yahoo.com Lisa Bassingthwaite: wschool@bethelwahpeton.com Missy Klose mklose@bethelwahpeton.com Clare Byron: cbyron@bethelwahpeton.com

Well it’s been about a year since my article about “Change” was the cover of the

beacon. And guess what? Its still progressing forward. With the building being

somewhat quiet this summer, some important things have gotten done to better

Bethel all around.

A new Axis door system has been installed at both North doors and the East

entrance. This has been up and running for about a month. This was put in to fur-

ther the security of the building, yet ease the access to the building for groups,

meetings, and events without having to have staff to be around after hours to

lock and unlock the building. With the summer months coming to a close, and

the building and Staff gearing up for our programming year and all the business

that comes through; we ask for all to help when using the church. We ask that

precise times are given (ex. 6:00 pm.- 8:00 pm.) when the building is needed and

that all the lights are turned off when the event is done. All entries to the building

after office hours will be at the North East entrance. Special access may be re-

quested in person to the Head Custodian.

As we look forward and move forward, the season of “Change” looks to be

exciting yet somewhat on edge to the things that are coming. As for myself…..

it’s time for the quiet building to explode with stories, laughter, and yes the

weekly mess of all that is to come (maybe even some confetti and glitter)!

Brian Finnie

Head Custodian

Contemporary Service Volunteers Needed!

Our 11:00 am service will begin again on Sunday, September 15th. We are in need of ushers, coffee serv-

ers, communion assistants and readers. Please sign up at the table by the sound board.

DAYTIME BOOK CLUB

Only four members attended the Daytime Book Club meeting on August 13, 2019. It was the consensus of those members that they enjoyed the book, “The Life We Bury” by Allen Eskens. Next month we will add the books that we’ll be reading to finish out the year. The months go

by so fast!! September 10 The Postmistress by Sarah Blake October 8 The Girl Who Sang to the Buffalo by Kent Merburn Can you believe that September is here?! Did we even have spring or summer? We will be meeting the 10th of Sept. at 10 a.m. to discuss the book, “The Postmistress” by Sarah Blake. Some of our readers are ahead of the rest of us and they say the book is very good. It has another World War II background. Hope to see you all there on September 10th at 10 a.m. in Bethel’s Library. Remember, all are

welcome!!

“A book lying idle on a shelf is wasted ammunition. Like money, books must be kept in constant circulation….A book is not only a friend, it makes friends for you.

When you have possessed a book with mind and spirit, you are enriched. But when you pass it on, you are enriched threefold.”

~ Henry Miller ~

Food Backpack Program

The Board of Outreach is looking for your help in acquiring food items for the Food Backpack Program.

The Food Backpack Program is a program that sends food home on the weekends with students that receive reduced or free meals at school and may not have food available to them at home on the

weekends.

A different item of food will be focused on each month that can be dropped off in front of the office in a marked container.

September’s item is:

GoGo Squeeze Fruit & Veggie

Thank you for supporting this important outreach ministry!

College Students!

Join us on Wednesdays for supper starting at 5:00 and worship to follow!

Meal is free with a student ID.

“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday!

God's Work Our Hands Sunday is on September 8th! This year we will be

trying something different and will be providing outreach to St. Catherine's

Living Center and the Leach Home. We will need volunteers to come to the

fellowship hall after the 9:00 service to help assemble gift bags. After the bags

are assembled we will need your help to distribute them to our wonderful

senior citizens. The praise band will also be assisting us in this outreach

project. We plan to be done with everything by around 12:00. Thank you for

your help and we will see you on September 8th!!

COME JOIN US FOR A TRIP TO WITH THE WIND WINERY - ROSHOLT, SOUTH DAKOTA

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH 9 – 11 A.M. We will have a tour of the winery, some wine tasting, and Bible

Study Carpool from Bethel’s north parking lot @ 8:15 a.m.

Cost is $7 each – Payment due upon sign-up Sign up by September 20th

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH CHRISTIAN EDUCATION REGISTRATION

2019-2020 Preschool-9th grade

(Children may start at any time during the year after their 4th birthday)

Family Information: Please Print Clearly

Parent or guardian: ___________________________ Phone# (Home and Cell): _______________________________

Parent or guardian: ___________________________ Phone# (Home and Cell): _______________________________

Address: ____________________________________ Other Address if applicable:

_____________________________

E-Mail Address: ______________________________ Other E-Mail Address:

__________________________________

Emergency contact: ___________________________ Phone# (Home and Cell):

_______________________________

Are you a member of Bethel? YES NO If NO would you like information? YES NO

Student Information: Please Print Clearly

Student name: ________________________________ Date of Birth:

________________________________________

Grade Fall of 2019: ____________________________ Has this child taken 1st Communion classes? YES NO

Food or other allergies: _______________________________________________________________________________

Does this student have special accommodations provide to them in school? If yes, please explain or set up a time to meet

with the Director of Youth and Family Ministries or a Pastor. ___________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

All students in confirmation must have a mentor. Mentor name: _____________________________________________

Phone#(Home and Cell): ___________________________ E-Mail Address:

_____________________________________

Student name: ________________________________ Date of Birth:

________________________________________

Grade Fall of 2019: ____________________________ Has this child taken 1st Communion classes? YES NO

Food or other allergies: _______________________________________________________________________________

Does this student have special accommodations provide to them in school? If yes, please explain or set up a time to meet

with the Director of Youth and Family Ministries or a Pastor. ___________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

All students in confirmation must have a mentor. Mentor name: _____________________________________________

Phone#(Home and Cell): ___________________________ E-Mail Address:

_____________________________________

OVER ->->->

Student name: ________________________________ Date of Birth:

________________________________________

Grade Fall of 2019: ____________________________ Has this child taken 1st Communion classes? YES NO

Food or other allergies:

_______________________________________________________________________________

Does this student have special accommodations provide to them in school? If yes, please explain or set up a time to meet

with the Director of Youth and Family Ministries or a Pastor. ___________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

All students in confirmation must have a mentor. Mentor name: _____________________________________________

Phone#(Home and Cell): ___________________________ E-Mail Address:

_____________________________________

Student name: ________________________________ Date of Birth:

________________________________________

Grade Fall of 2019: ____________________________ Has this child taken 1st Communion classes? YES NO

Food or other allergies:

_______________________________________________________________________________

Does this student have special accommodations provide to them in school? If yes, please explain or set up a time to meet

with the Director of Youth and Family Ministries or a Pastor. ___________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

All students in confirmation must have a mentor. Mentor name: _____________________________________________

Phone#(Home and Cell): ___________________________ E-Mail Address:

_____________________________________

I do not give permission for my child to be released from Bethel Christian Education with the following people.

Name: _____________________________________ Relationship:

_________________________________________

Brief Description:

___________________________________________________________________________________

Name; _____________________________________ Relationship:

_________________________________________

Brief Description:

___________________________________________________________________________________

Photo Release: Pictures may be taken of your child while at Bethel Lutheran Church events. These pictures may be post-

ed at the church or at www.bethelwahpeton.com, www.facebook.com/bethelwahpteton or Instagram @ bethelwahpeton

____ I give Bethel Lutheran Church permission to take and use my child’s picture.

____ I do not want my child’s picture taken

Christian Education is held each Wednesday. Starting September 11, 2019

5:00-5:45 Supper $3.00 charge per person per meal

5:30-6:30 Christian Education

6:45-7:45 Worship

The official start of the programming year is September 11. A home cooked meal will be served each week with a $3.00 charge per person per meal. The schedule will be

5:00 to 5:30 supper served, 5:30-6:30 Christian Education, 6:45-7:45 Worship. I’m looking forward to

the halls being alive with youth and families. New registration forms for confirmation and Wednesday school are available outside the

office and on the web site.

Castaway Club – This is open to 7-8 graders. The dates have been set for September 20-22. Mark it on your calendar! Great food, Great speakers, Great worship, and Great fun. Enjoy a beautiful weekend on a beautiful lake! Register by September 12, the cost is $155. Senior High Castaway – This is open to all youth in grades 9-12. September 27-29 Register by September 12, the cost is $170.

The Theme… ENDLESS LOVE | END LESS LOVE This year's theme is twofold. We will explore God's endless love and at the same time we will reflect and act on the love that calls us to love more as we strive to end less love. Our theme verse for the weekend will be from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 31 verse 3. God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will.” We will be joined by Dr. Jacqueline Bussie, an award-winning author, professor, theologian and public speaker.

Lisa’s Office Hours Monday 8:30-5:00

Tuesday 8:30-5:00

Wednesday 8:30-7:00

Thursday 8:30-3:00

Friday 8:30-12:00

You can make a difference…. We need your help! We are now recruiting Wednesday schoolteachers! We really would love for you to jump in as a Wednesday schoolteacher. This is a very important role in ministry, and we believe that God has already equipped you to do this! Please contact Lisa with your question. Remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Valley Scare/Feed My Starving Children this event is open for youth in grades 7-12. This is a popular event, so the earlier you register, the better. We will be going Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 am. You are not registered until the release form and the money have been turned in. The

cost for this event is $85 (this covers transportation, one meal, and admission to the park). Sou-venirs, food at the park and re-turning home are on your own. We will return sometime after 2:00 am. You can make checks out to Bethel.

Bethel Quilting In memory of Marlyce Kemmet given by Bob & Jeri Oscarson; Marion Hartmann; Gary & Jody Friskop; Bev McRoberts; Inez Lunde; Hal & Diane Fisher; Alice Schlotfeldt; Doug & Judy Peterson; Terry & Carol Sturdevant; Ralph & Liz Graalum; Don & JoAnn Tobin BeTheLove & Beyond Campaign In memory of Marlyce Kemmet given by Keath & Cindy Borchert; Connie Sletten Faith Tool Box In memory of Marlyce Kemmet given by Duane & Diane Finnie Library In memory of Marlyce Kemmet given by Jerry & Judy Oren Bethel Deficit In memory of Marlyce Kemmet given by Wayne Braaten Bethel In memory of Marlyce Kemmet given by Esther Braaten; Deb Roesler; Jan Judisch; Ed & Cathy Uhlich; Chuck & Ione Muralt; Howard & Janell Jenson; Bob & Sharon Jokumsen; Harvey & Gale Link Building In memory of Marlyce Kemmet given by Karen Lutz

The Memorial Committee’s main objective is to be the resource for any one person or group of people that would like to give a memorial, honorarium, or commemorate an occasion to Bethel Lutheran Church. It is the committee’s responsibil-ity to formulate a catalog of specific items, keep a record of all memorials and to acknowledge those that have given gifts.

If you have any questions regarding memorial items or wish to give a memorial item or honorarium please contact committee members: Luther Sannes@642-5140; Bev McRoberts @640-8876 or

Reeann Enderson@640-4230

BeFriender Ministry:

Everyone is, at times, on a difficult journey and needs a caring companion to listen without judgment and provide support. That, in a nutshell, is what BeFriender Ministry is all about. Bethel has trained members of our congregation who are ready and willing to provide a listening ear to anyone in need.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A BEFRIENDER VISIT YOU, CONTACT PASTOR JIM AT 642-4472 or jgustafson@bethelwahpeton.com

REMINDER: Bethel does not notify families of memorials given directly to the church.

These are the people known to have birthdays in September. If you have a birthday

in September and your name is not listed, we do not have your birthday in our

church records. Please contact the church office with your birth date so we may have it for our records.

MAY EACH OF YOU HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

9/1 Emmy Hasbargen

Cooper Krause

Judy Smith

9/2 Michael Blome

Jay Erickson

Jeffrey Kahler

Nathan Worrel

9/3 Steven Fischer

Laura Nieuwsma

Rylan Silvernail

9/4 Kaitlynn Crandall

Art Grochow

McKenzie Klocke

Brooke Meyer

9/5 Marla Mikesh

9/6 Teri Bontjes

Jeffrey Hage

Marcia Pederson

9/7 Ali Schoneman

9/9 Kathy Hammer

Anne Retzlaff

Brittany Sherven

Michelle Steffens

9/10 Bryer Anderson

Grace Hunt

Marcia Richman

Constance Sletten

9/11 Lance Darwin

Levi Hagelstrom

Bridger Hansen

Grant Manock

Brooke Rosenberg

9/12

Leland Gregor

Marc Johnson

Gail Williams

9/13 Jeannie Bjore

Emily Bruvold

Mark Homes

Tylee Irwin

9/14 Stanley Sirek

Dennis Trudell

9/15 David Erlandson

Zayne Medhaug

9/16 Stephanie Beyer

Jason Flack

Harper Krump

9/17 Linda Azure

Brianne Bjore

Annabelle Miller

Scott Steffens

Riley Thimjon

Samuel Trappen

9/19 Christopher DeVries

Ruth Larson

Luann Zaun

9/20 James Facey

Jesse Stiller

9/21 Kristin Blome

Stacey Boock

Kylee Dohman

Sandra Gilbertson

Parker Kern

Trese Saar

9/22 Erik Buboltz

Kallie Davis

9/23 Samuel Cruff

Brandon Loll

Erlys Skoog

9/24 Gary Carlson

Muriel Hedrick

Jordyn Kahler

9/25

John Grueneich

Shelby Olson

9/26 Emma Blair

Shaina Kinneberg

Ian Plummer

Jerrick Townsend

9/27 Alex Rowland

Michael Stone

9/28 Brody Bakewell

Wade Gilbertson

9/29 Sheila Dolan

Elaine Klocke

Esther Krause

Braden Meyer

Judy Peterson

Paige Ward

9/30 Avery Mitchell

9:00 am Service

If you are unable to serve on the assigned date please try to find a replacement. please call— Joyce Johnson 640-3599. Please notify the church office of the change at 642-4472.

11:00 am Service

October 6 October 13

October 20

October 27

Reader Jeff Hage Hal Fisher Jane Krump Cindy Borchert

Ushers Doug & Judy Peterson; Phil & Bonnie MacIver

Larry & Norma Bontjes; Clint & Larissa Gilbertson

Jerry & Judy Oren; Bill & Gladys Bair

Dennis & VonDaLee Grandalen; Janet Farmen

Communion Assist

Judy Oren; Marcia Pederson N/A Al Sommers; Clint Gilbertson N/A

Coffee

Servers Judy Koppang; Sonja Christensen

Lois Perkins; Bev McRoberts Charlene Clute; Vicki Trappen Paul & Brigid Langseth; Tony & Marie Casper

Contemporary Service Volunteers Needed!

Our 11:00 am service will begin again on Sunday, September 15th. We are in need of ushers, coffee servers, communion

assistants and readers. Please sign up at the table by the sound board.

September 1 September 8 September 15 September 22 September 29

Reader Norma Nosek Katie Erickson Gloria Dohman Brenda Romereim Ione Muralt

Ushers Gene Kemmet; Courtney Dimmer

Darlene Schuler; Deb Loberg; Gloria Dohman

Ron & Kathy McBeth; Jeff & Eileen Hage

Randal & Jean Hoerer; Sharon Kotnour

Cyndy Gustafson; Corrine Romereim; Clare Byron

Communion Assist

Wayne Braaten; Vicki Trappen; Marcia Pederson

N/A Gloria Dohman; Barry Hendrickson

N/A N/A

Coffee Servers Gene Kemmet; Henry & MaryAnn Loock

Stan & Marilyn Sirek; Carol Sturdevant

Neal & Phyllis Folstad; Gary & Jody Friskop

Barry & Sue Hendrickson; Cyndy Gustafson

Randal & Jean Hoerer; Missy Klose

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH PLANNING COUNCIL MINUTES

August 13, 2019

CALL TO ORDER – Hal Fisher Roll Call

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION – Pastor Erika - prayer APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made to approve the July 9, 2019 Minutes as amended: Motion by Gail Beech, Second by Kelly Voss (motion carried) TREASURERS REPORT:

.

Hal Fisher X Gail Beech Board of Lay X

Art Grochow X Board of Property –Kelly Voss X

Pat Pithey X

Sandi Gilbertson X

Erika Buller X

Blake Peterson, Board of Outreach X Guests:

Dana Kasowski Board of Education X

Angie Cruff , Board of Stewardship X

2018 August September October November December

Envelope offer-ing:

$40,052.21 $39,778.58 $41,039.93 $31,087.00 $33,919

Deficit: ($30,625.09) ($24,422.61) ($9,517.40) ($19,514.34)

($23,851.31)

Checking acct balance:

($27,892.21) ($21,689.73) ($6,874.82) $13,218.54 $8,881.57

2019 January February March April May

Envelope offer-ing:

$36,498.48 33,928.50 $30,378.50 $39,179 $26,194

Deficit: ($7,171.10) ($12,900.72) ($28,732.36)

($35,542.91)

($25,781.41)

Checking acct balance:

$1,710.47 ($4,019.15) ($19,850.79)

($32,746)

2019 June July August September October

Envelope offer-ing:

$26,002.34 $27,759

Deficit: ($34,785.49) ($32,965.35)

Checking acct balance:

($25,903.92) ($24,083.73)

OLD BUSINESS:

Call committee update Jenn reported that they are making a recommendation to the planning council to move a

candidate forward.

A motion was made to move the recommendation for Senior Pastor to be forward to the congrega-tion and that we have our congregational meeting. 1st AG 2nd PP (motion carried) A motion was made to have a 6:00 church service and a 6:30 congregational meeting on Wednes-day, September 4 1st GB 2nd AC (motion carried)

Audit committee No update

Update on appeal/Blair Anderson Nothing new to report about same as had before

Establish a committee for implementation team: Representation from Board of Property, Sanctuary revitalization team, board of outreach, capi-

tal campaign member and an executive committee member Mike Bassingthwaite Danielle Flack Lara Lekang SRT member nomination from Lara Blake Peterson Dee Jensen Hal Fisher

The role of the team is: Prioritize projects Organize bids Make plans for the congregational vote Hire contractor

Board of Property: Specifications Priorities to implementation team

SRT Architect Priorities to implementation team

*notes: Project manager (board of property) - Contractor Execution Internal min External min NEW BUSINESS:

BetheLove Sunday – possibly moving the date (mission direction)

Make a motion that we do the BetheLove Sunday on November 20th and November 24th 1st SG 2nd BP

Holy Innovation Grant Application

New endowment Serve grant matching up to $3,000, equipment grants from $3,000 to $15,000 and chal-

lenge grants $15,000 – matching dollars Two- year journey for growing life-giving relationship with God, each other and the

world Step out in Faith do something new, bold and creative by August 31

Board Reports: Board of Stewardship: Angie Cruff Work next week with planning the home-grown stewardship campaign. Board of Property: Kelly Voss Installed the lending library Add a telecoil system in the sanctuary for hearing aids (part of the sanctuary revitalization pro-ject) Board of Education: Dana Kasowski Rally Wednesday school August 28 starting (confirmation parent meetings and signing up for Wednesday School) Two resignations from the board – filled the positions with Cade Mauch and Doug Peterson Board of Lay: Gail Beech No meeting Board of Outreach: Blake Peterson God’s work our hands is September 8 (do some projects at the nursing homes) July 10 had music in the Park Talked to Dana Anderson about developing a brochure to update and improve process for wel-coming visitors Would like to host the junior high music festival in the spring Motion to host the junior high music festival in the spring 1st KV 2nd DK (motion carried) Reminders for boards and nominating committee for new members Board Reports – each board email minutes to bethel office to review prior to planning council meeting Dates and notables: Staff Planning day – August 15 September 8 – God’s Work Our Hands Pastor Retreat – September 8 – 11 Wednesday School/Confirmation start – September 11 Closing with the Lord’s Prayer Erika will give spiritual Direction in September - Prayer and scripture reading Next meeting September 4, 2019 following the congregational meeting