Connecting with God, One Another and Our Mission in the World

Journal for the Journey December 2015/January 2016

Page 2 Journal for the Journey

Congregation Meeting

On Sunday, December 20th at 9:40 will be a Congregation Meeting which will include elections of leaders and written reports from teams. Everyone is invited to share in the Congregation Meeting, and voting members are encouraged to participate in the elections. Building Committee Members will be on hand to give tours of the facility expansion after the meeting.

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE We are in the home stretch of the fiscal year. At the end of October, our most recent complete month, we were in an operating defi-cit of ($105,000). Historically, we are in deficit position at this time of year. Our leadership is intentionally providing stewardship education that is making a difference. As a result, offerings to the General Ministry Fund have increased by $30,300 as compared with a year ago and the Building Fund has received $505,000 in offering gifts this year. We have been blessed by great generosity. We want to take this opportunity to remind our members and friends that gifts to the General Ministry (Mission) Fund provide resources to make day to day ministry happen. Gifts to the Building Fund provide for only new construction and construction related expenses. We are operating within a conservative budget

while reaching to meet the needs of this growing, vibrant congregation. Our actual expenditures are under budget; however, revenues are not yet keeping up with expenses at this point in time of the year. The essential goal of the stewardship ministry at Bethlehem is to help focus our hearts and our lives on the things that really matter. By growing in our faith, helping others, and being good stewards of the abundance that God has given us, we can focus on the richness of being rather than the richness of having. For more information about stewardship, annual giving or estate planning, we invite you to contact Janis Heier, Director of Administration at 605-225-9740 x14 or jheier@bethlehemaberdeen.org.

A huge thank you to everyone who

helped with the Military Appreciation Lunch on November 8th! Many staff, volunteers, and students worked hard to make the event a success. We are grateful for those who prepped, served, cleaned, decorated, baked, and attended the lunch. There were over 80 people who shared in food and fellowship in honor of our nation's heroes.

Page 3 December 2015/January 2016

We Are Thankful! Thanksgiving was a time of giving thanks. We are thankful for our partnership with Primrose. Our Pre-Kindergarteners have been given the opportunity to visit

with the residents at Primrose, once a month. They do crafts, have a snack, and sing with them. It is a celebration of happiness and it warms my heart to see the smiles on everyone's faces as we gather for this special time.

December and January We are gearing up for my favorite time of year to teach young children. Teaching lessons of gratitude followed by the magic of Christmas and I get to see it through the eyes of the children. There is nothing better than watching 4 and 5 year olds during this beautiful time of year. Wednesday, December 23 is our Christmas program. My students are excited to sing their favorite Christmas songs and I am excited for the special surprise that I have planned for them!

The next two months at BLC Pre-K will be filled with love, laughter and learning. I strive to make sure all of my students are happy and understand that coming to school is a safe and wonderful place to be every single day!

~ Michelle Simmons, Pre-K Director/Teacher

Pre-K Registration is Open!

We are now accepting enrollment for the 2015-16 Pre-K school year. Students must be 4 by September 1, 2015. Please contact Michelle Simmons, Pre-K Director/Teacher, at prek@bethlehemaberdeen.org or 225-9740 for more information!

Thank you to all of you for

your support with grocery receipts, Box Tops for Education,

Campbell’s soup labels, and all your prayers. We wish you all a

very blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year!

Page 4 Journal for the Journey

Sunday, December 13 during 10:45 a.m. worship

Sunday School Students 3 years old - 5th grade

Wednesday, December 16 during 6:30 p.m. worship

Wednesday School Students 3 years old - 5th grade

Christmas Break

There will be NO Wednesday after school activities or Wednesday School on December 23 or December 30 for Christmas vacation. We will resume classes on Wednesday, January 6.

There will be NO Sunday School on December 27 or January 3 for Christmas vacation. We will resume classes on Sunday, January 10.

The Winter/Spring schedule is on the back of the calendar that families received at the beginning of the education year. If you need another, please stop by the office and pick one up!

Milestone Ministry

Fourth grade students and their families are asked to participate in our Worship Milestone Family Learning Event on January 23rd from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. This is a great opportunity for families to come together and learn more about worship! It will also give our students a final practice as Sunday school 4th graders will be leading the 10:45 service on January 24 and Wednesday 4th grade students will be leading at the 6:30 worship service on January 27.

Looking Ahead

Sunday School children will be singing on January 31 at the 10:45 service and Wednesday School children will be singing at the 6:30 service on February 3.

Page 5 December 2015/January 2016

In Person 225-9740 dsmook@bethlehemaberdeen.org Talk to Denny

Middle/High School Christian Ed

Sunday - 9:40-10:30

Route 67 12/06 Devo/Hangout 12/13 Devo/Hangout 12/20 White Elephant 12/27 No Christian Ed 01/03 No Christian Ed 01/10 Devo/Hangout 01/17 Devo/Hangout 01/24 Devo/Hangout 01/31 Devo/Hangout

Bridge8 12/06 Oopsie 12/13 Aftermath 12/20 Christmas Party 12/27 No Christian Ed 01/03 No Christian Ed 01/10 What’s Up 01/17 What’s Up With You 01/24 Sensible Decisions 01/31 Love You

9th Grade 12/06 Global Faith 12/13 Guys and Girls 12/20 Christmas Party 12/27 No Christian Ed 01/03 No Christian Ed 01/10 Small Group Orienta-tion 01/17 Small Group 01/24 Small Group

Route 67 12/02 Devo/Hangout 12/09 Devo/Hangout 12/16 White Elephant Party 12/23 No Christian Ed 12/30 No Christian Ed 01/06 Devo/Hangout 01/13 Devo/Hangout 01/20 Devo/Hangout 01/27 Devo/Hangout

Bridge8 12/02 Large Group Gathering 12/09 Large Group Gathering 12/16 Christmas Party 12/23 No Christian Ed 12/30 No Christian Ed 01/06 Large Group Gathering 01/13 Large Group Gathering 01/20 Large Group Gathering 01/27 Large Group Gathering

9th Grade 12/02 Worship as Story 12/09 Sharing Your Faith Sto-ry 12/16 Guys and Girls 12/23 No Christian Ed 12/30 No Christian Ed 01/06 Small Group Orienta-tion 01/13 Small Group

Wednesday - 7:30-8:30

Sunday, December 20

3:30-7:30 Join us for homemade soups,

BBQ’s and a variety of

breads, rolls and desserts!

THIS IS A FUNDRAISER FOR

MS/HS KIDS GOING ON

MISSION TRIPS TO DULUTH

AND DENVER IN 2016

7th Grade Milestone

Prescription Bottle of

Caring Conversation Starters

Wednesday, January 13, 6:30

Sunday, January 17, 8:30 & 10:45

MAD Day III

(Make A Difference)

Tuesday, January 5

Beginning at 2:00 PM

Open to all High School kids!

Service Projects 2:00 - 4:00

Supper - 5:00

Concert by Rachel Kurtz and Agape 6:00

Talk to Denny or Pr. Kevin to sign up!

10th Grade 6:30 - 8:00 December No Meeting

01/10/16 Kids, Mentors, Pastor

Page 6 Journal for the Journey

November 30, 2015* Financial Stewardship Summary *Month activity not complete at print deadline

Year End Giving

This holiday season, we want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Bethle-hem Lutheran Church this past year with their time, talent and offering contributions and look forward to your continued support of the ministries in the year ahead. As the pace of life speeds up, especially around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. To make an online gift visit: tinyurl.com/blcgiving. For gifts to be included on your 2015 Contributions Statement, offerings must be received in the Business Office by December 31 or post-marked by December 31st. Our Business Office will be open until 2:00 p.m. on December 31. Again, thank you for sharing in God’s work through Bethlehem.

MISSION (GENERAL) FUND ANALYSIS MTD Activity YTD Activity

Revenues $ 108,428 $ 1,031,022

Expenditures $ 85,397 $ 1,113,046

Net Operating $ 23,031 $ (82,024)

Mission (General) Fund Assets & Liabilities

Cash & Cash Equivalents $ 188,671

Payables due within 15 days $ (18,998)

Pre-paid 2016 Revenue $ (2,405)

Due to Restricted Funds $ (2,038)

Reserved for Others/Designated accounts $ (27,451)

Due to Development Fund* $ (126,322)

Total Available Unrestricted Cash $ 11,456

DEVELOPMENT (BUILDING) FUND ANALYSIS MTD Activity YTD Activity

Revenues, Investment activity & Other Sources $ 46,868 $ 567,285

Expenditures $ 330,441 $ 2,111,557

Net Operating $ (283,574) $ (1,544,271)

Development Fund Assets & Liabilities

Cash & Cash Equivalents $ 205,795

Construction Loan Payable $ 547,798

Special Designated Funds Asset Balances

Future Maintenance Account $ 81,972

Restricted Accounts (Social Concerns, WELCA & Memorials) $ 64,388

Endowment Fund $ 456,314

YEAR END CONTRIBUTIONS giving, please note that all

contributions must be re-

ceived by Thursday, De-

cember 31 by 12:00 noon,

at which time the offices at

Bethlehem will close. Con-

tributions received after

January 1, 2010, which are

postmarked on or before

December 31, will also be

included in your 2009 giv-

ing total.

Thank you for sharing your

gifts and blessings with

Bethlehem Lutheran

Church. Your gifts enable

us to continue our mission

to welcome, worship,

teach and serve. We are

truly thankful and

blessed.

This is the time of year

many of us are thinking of

giving gifts and contribu-

tions to people and places

that have touched our lives

during the year. If you are

wishing to complete your

annual faith promise to

Bethlehem or are planning

to designate a special offer-

ing to be included with

your calendar year 2009

Page 7 December 2015/January 2016

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS Lutheran Outdoors Memorial

Given in memory of Sheila Ausland by: Al Monson

Building Fund Memorials Given in memory of Barry Pence by: Susan Lloyd Davies Given in memory of Bernice Tople by: Pam Flagtwet Given in memory of Erwin Zeller by: Lola Mydland Given in memory of Barb Anderson by: Elaine Roth Given in memory of David Salzsieder by: Larry & Linda Kirnan Given in memory of Cathy Lindemann by: Brenda Glasford, Gary & Dlon Kvernevig

Worship and Music Memorials Given in memory of Henry Dunkel by: Karen Lane Given in memory of Erwin E. Zeller by: Phil & Kay VanDover

General Fund Memorials Given in memory of Daisy Hickenbotham by: Ross Hickenbotham Given in memory of Katherine Amsden by: Pam El-liston & family Given in memory of Erwin Zeller by: Roger & Karen Youngman Given in memory of Kayla Cunningham by: Lonny & Dianne Helfinstine Given in memory of Martha Salzsieder by: Vivian Ogden

Given in memory of Cathy Lindemann by: Lonny & Dianne Helfinstine, Scott & Cyndi Bishop, Roger & Karen Youngman, Brenda & Lonny Bahr, Cindy Tople

Pre-K Playground Equipment Memorial Given in memory of Leuella Lee by: Ruth & Lauren Nelson

Social Concerns Memorial Given in memory of Bernice Tople by: Sondra Faeth

Meal Ministry Memorial Given in memory of Doris Paulson by: Robert Paulson, Ronald Paulson, Ingrid Place

Education Memorial Given in memory of Kayla Cunningham by: Kay & Phil VanDover

Youth Ministries Memorial Given in memory of Kayla Cunningham by: Harriet Heupel

Bridge8 Memorial Given in memory of Cathy Lindemann by: Cathy & Geoff Durst

General Fund Honorarium Given in honor of Nancy Hartung’s Birthday by: George & Ruth Casanova

Cash IRA Annuity Securities Sale of Grain or Livestock Commodities Retirement Plan Assets

Life Insurance Charitable Gift Annuity Real Estate

One Person, One Gift at a Time Please consider sharing a gift to help us continue to provide ministry for today and for the future. Your offering is a powerful expression of your faith, vision, and generosity. Together our Pastors, Elected Leaders, members and friends carry forth our mission to welcome, worship, teach and serve...an expression of our faith. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to sustain our growing congregation and ministries.

Gifts and Donations Bethlehem Lutheran Church is a tax-exempt 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. We have a number of offering options and invite you to prayerfully discern your giving plan. Some viable options for you to consider:

For more information about stewardship, annual giving or estate planning, we invite you to contact Janis Heier, Director of Administration at 605-225-9740 x14 or jheier@bethlehemaberdeen.org.

Dan & Christine Gubbels

Page 8 Journal for the Journey

The following new members were received on October 24, 25 or 28.

Please give them a warm welcome into this community of faith.

Jerrad, Jennifer, Olivia, Abbigail, and Isabelle Aman

Doris Bradke

Corley and Jess Koehler Greg and Ruby Liebel Adam, Shannon, Will and Evelyn LeFebvre

Scott, Pam, Taryn* and Irelyn* Mettler

Janell Pinkman Mike & Donna Olson

*denotes previously baptized member Not pictured: Joe & Myong Greco, Jessica Hartberg and Seth Weiszhaar, Joe, Kimberly and Ocean Tewksbury

Dan & Christine Gubbels

Page 9 December 2015/January 2016

Chad, Becky, Logen, Alex, and Elisha Snell

Allen and Carol Thielman Lyle and Linda Stabbe

Wanda Thielman Stephanie, Zachary, Regan, and Parker Wood

New Member Orientation

If you are interested in becoming a member of Bethlehem you are invited to attend one of the upcoming orientations:

Sunday, January 10 at 9:40 a.m. Tuesday, January 12 at noon

Wednesday, January 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Please RSVP to Jodi Schwan at 225-9740. Childcare is provided upon request.

Tuesday Ladies

Beginning Tuesday, January 5, Tuesday Ladies will be

journeying with Pr. Adam Hamilton as we study his new

book, The Call – The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul. In this eight-week study, you are invited to

experience faith through Christ’s greatest teacher and

missionary. We will follow the journeys of Paul, from his

dramatic conversion to his extensive travels establishing

the early church. And we will learn together how this is

important for us right here, right now.

Contact Rhonda Haglund or Cathy Durst for more information or to reserve a book.

Page 10 Journal for the Journey

Joint Commission Meeting Highlights November 17, 2015

VITAL ACTIONS Membership Changes:

MEMBERS ADDED Baptisms: Easton LeRoy Sauvage 11/7/2015; Levi Jo Jorgenson 11/7/2015; Karsyn Ann Bickel 11/8/2015; Harley Rae Dosch 11/14/2015 New Members (received 10/24, 10/25 & 10/28): Jerrad, Jennifer, Olivia, Abbigail & Isabelle Aman; Doris Bradke; Joe & Myong Greco; Dan & Christine Gubbels; Jessica Hartberg & Seth Weiszhaar; Bobbi & Samantha Hegge; Corley & Jess Koehler; Gordon & Dorothy Larson; Adam, Shannon, Will & Evelyn LeFebvre; Greg & Ruby Liebel; Scott & Pam Mettler; Mike & Donna Olson; Janell Pinkman; Taryn Ryckman; Chad, Becky, Logen, Alex & Elisha Snell; Lyle & Linda Stabbe; Joe, Kimberly & Ocean Tewksbury; Allen & Carol Thielman; Wanda Thielman; Zanrick Wiedebush MEMBERS REMOVED Deaths: Bernice Tople 10/23/2015; Ruby Golz 10/31/2015; Kayla Cunningham 11/14/2015 Transfers: Jason Golz transferred to Lamb of God Lutheran in Flower Mound, Texas 11/6/2015

Creating Room at the Table Construction Update. Concrete has been poured on the west side. The work in the kitchen will be done after Christmas. Due to safety concerns, traffic flow will be controlled. Some one-way areas have been implemented. Some furniture items have been purchased from going out of business sales in the area and other good used items have been donated.

Peer Ministry Training Update: There were 27 people in attendance at the training in October. The training was with Lyle Griner, national Peer Ministry Trainer. The next Peer Ministry Training with our youth will begin December 5th.

Fund names: considerations of simplification: There has been ongoing confusion among members regarding the Mission (General) Fund and Development (Building) Fund. Discussed suggestions for simplifying the names of the funds.

Congregation Meeting: The Congregation Meeting will be December 20 at 9:40 a.m. Elections will be held and team reports will be distributed.

COLLABORATING – WORK OF TEAMS ELT: Leaders will help with the remembrance of baptism services in January. An All Team Meeting will be

held in January. Financial Resource Team: Received the financial monthly report. We have a deficit of $105,000. The

business office has observed an increase in online giving. Welcome Ministry Team: Discussed ways of making visitors feel welcomed at Christmas services along with

information on Bethlehem being made available. Serving Ministry Team: Adult Mission Trip is set for August 6-11 to the ELCA Pine Ridge retreat center.

Advent and Christmas are celebrations of God’s gift of Jesus

Christ. During this season we have the opportunity to express

our gratitude by giving gifts that pass on the gift of Jesus. Be-

low are specific ways you may give a gift in thanks to God and

in memory or honor of a loved one. Please return this in the

offering plate or at the front office. Gift cards are available at

the church office so you can let your loved ones know of this gift. These gifts will be recognized in the

Journal at the end of January. Please indicate the area(s) you wish to contribute:

Ministries of Bethlehem Lutheran Church $ These gifts to the General Fund will help support our vibrant welcoming, worshiping, teaching, and serving

ministries.

Hearing Assistance (Looping) $ These gifts will help provide hearing loop systems in the new Chapel, Fireside Room, Fellowship Hall, and

Multi-Purpose Room.

Baby Grand Piano for Chapel $ These gifts will help to fund the purchase of a baby grand piano for the new Chapel.

Your Name:

In Honor of:

In Memory of:

Hearing Assistance (Looping) at Bethlehem I have truly enjoyed attending Bethlehem over the last

10 years. However, I often find that I leave events

feeling I have missed something essential. I enjoy the

sermons of our three great pastors but struggle to hear

their complete message. Our Lenten Luncheons con-

tinue to have interesting speakers with inspiring mes-

sages. I enjoy the fellowship and the meal but even

sitting close to the guest speaker I know I miss a great

deal. Meetings are another source of frustration. I have

attended meetings with a topic I have interest in and

yet I cannot participate fully because of my inability to

hear what is being said. I even arrive early to choose a

seat hoping to hear more clearly. Still, I know I miss

fundamental information. Sometimes I choose to stay

at home and listen to the sermon on the radio so I can

hear. While that solves one issue, I do miss the rest of

the service. I am certain that I am not alone in my

struggle to hear. I know several people who share

similar difficulties and I believe there are many more

within the congregation.

Bethlehem is concerned enough about its members

with a hearing loss to provide improved hearing assist

technology in four of the new areas currently under

construction. The Chapel, the expansion of the

Fellowship Hall, the Fireside Room, and the Multi-

purpose Room will each be equipped with a hearing

loop system which allows the sound to be delivered

directly into the ear of a hearing aid wearer. Accepted statistics say that 13% of the population has

some degree of hearing loss. If those numbers hold

true in a large congregation like Bethlehem, it is easy

to see that a substantial number of members will profit

from this new technology.

While Bethlehem has seen the benefit of looping these

new areas, your help is still needed with the final

funding. If you have a hear ing loss, know someone

who does, or are a caring member who would simply

like to support this exciting venture, consider giving

toward the new loops. Please note “for looping” on

your check.

Anyone wishing more information on Hearing Loops

please contact me at 228-7082.

Sincerely,

Zelda Chapel

December 2015/January 2016 Page 11

Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1620 Milwaukee Ave NE Aberdeen, SD 57401 (605) 225-9740 www.bethlehemaberdeen.org office@bethlehemaberdeen.org

Address Service Requested

We are a family of God journeying together in faith, touching lives by

Welcoming, Worshiping, Teaching and Serving.

US Postage PAID

Permit #18 Non-Profit Organization

Aberdeen, SD 57401

You are invited to witness the Christmas story dramatically retold

through music and narration.

LIVING NATIVIT Y Sunday, December 20

4:00 & 6:00 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Freewill offering supper of BBQs and

Soup will be served from

3:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Please invite your friends and your neighbors as together we prepare our

hearts to celebrate the birth of Messiah, God with us today and always.