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BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH + ABERDEEN, SD + (605) 225-9740 + www.bethlehemaberdeen.org
Journal for the Journey
March 2013 Connecting with God, One Another and Our Mission in the World
Cross + Life Our exploration of living in the light of the cross intensifies as we share in worship remembering Jesus’ last week on earth. Plan to share in various worship opportunities and invite a friend or neighbor to experience this Holy Week with you. Share God’s life-changing love:
Palm Weekend Saturday, March 23 - 6:00 p.m. Traditional worship Sunday, March 24 - 8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Journey with Jesus into Jerusalem. Sunday School children sing and process with palms at both services. Following Jesus’ example, worshippers will have the opportunity to have their feet washed. Palm Wednesday, March 27 (No 12:05 or 5:15 p.m. services) 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. Supper 6:30 p.m. Wednesday School children sing and process with palms. Following Jesus’ example, worshippers will have the opportunity to have their feet washed by Bethlehem’s Peer Ministers. Maundy Thursday, March 28 6:30 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion remembering Jesus’ last supper. Good Friday, March 29 12:00 p.m. Worship at Bethlehem Lutheran Church sponsored by Aberdeen area ELCA churches 4:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Crosswalk (indoors) - Walk with Jesus through the final days of his life in this dramatic Good Friday service. Saturday, March 30 6:00 p.m. Worship - Our one hour Easter Eve service Easter Sunday, March 31 7:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion - Sunrise Service led by Bethlehem’s Middle School Students. 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast Buffet - Freewill offering to support Bethlehem Youth. 9:00 & 10:45 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion - Gather for a festive celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.
Transportation is available for most services, please contact the church office.
Be a part of Crosswalk!
All are invited to be a part of the Crosswalk - a dramatic worship service held annually at Bethlehem on Good Friday. Many hands are needed in order to bring the last days of Jesus' life to life in a different way, connecting all who participate in the service to God in a deeper way. If you are interested in being part of the 2013 Crosswalk cast and crew, mark your calendars now to be present at the first rehearsal on Sunday, March 3 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Additional rehearsal times will be on March 10, March 20 and March 24. Questions can be directed to Pastor Deb at 225-9740.
Let no one show little respect for you because you are young. Show other Christians how to live by your life. They should be able to follow you in the way you talk and in what you do. Show them how to live in faith and in love and in holy living. ~ 1 Timothy 4:12 (New Life Version)
Grades 6-8 Middle School Madness
NeSoDak Bible Camp 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 8th through
2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.
The cost of the retreat is $30. Contact Denny at 225‐9740 or
[email protected] to register or for more informa on.
Page 2 Journal for the Journey
2013 LO Summer Camps
Klein Ranch - July 21-26 Grades 6‐8 Grades 9‐12
NeSoDak - July 21-26 Grades 3‐4 Grades 5‐6
Camp Aqua c ‐ Grades 7‐9
NeSoDak - August 4-9 Grades 3‐4 Grades 5‐6
Bethlehem will provide transporta on for each of these weeks. Talk to Denny if you have ques ons.
Register online at www.losd.org
Youth Fundraiser Begins March 31
This is a Youth Fundraiser for kids going on the Middle School Mission Trip to Duluth this summer and to
the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit
Join us on Easter Sunday for: Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Muffins, Rolls, Fruit, Juice and Coffee
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
We had an exciting February in Preschool, celebrating God's love for us and Valentine's Day by setting up a play flower shop in our classroom. We even got to take a field trip to the real flower shop - the Boston Fern! We also talked about healthy teeth in honor of Dental Health month. We are excited that Pre-K spots for the 2013-2014 school year are filling up fast! Our morning class is full, but if you are interested in registering for the afternoon class or have any questions, please contact Mrs. Jahraus at 225-9740 ext. 25 or
[email protected]. Finally, we appreciate your continued support through Box Tops, Ink Cartridges, Campbell's Labels for Education, and Ken's and Kessler's receipts. Thank you!
C S W
Sunday School students will sing in worship on Palm Sunday, March 24
at 8:30 or 10:45.
Wednesday School students will sing in worship on Palm Wednesday, March 27
at 6:30 p.m.
There will be NO Wednesday School or Sunday School due to “spring break” in the Aberdeen
public schools on: Wednesday, March 13
or Sunday, March 17
Wednesday School will resume on March 20 and Sunday School will
resume on March 24.
Page 3 March 2013
Faith Milestone to be Celebrated 4th grade students have been studying prayer and have written their own prayer petitions during Sunday and Wednesday School. They will be leading us in prayer during worship on Sunday, March 3 and on Wednesday March 6 as they celebrate this Faith Milestone.
March Study & Share
Study and Share Bible study will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. in the Conference Room. The study is entitled Beneath Her Wings. There will be copies of the study available, if needed. Bring your Bible and a friend. All women are welcome!
Scrappers with Soul! Saturday, March 9
from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. E15-18
(Use west entrance)
All are invited to the March Scrapbook Retreat. If you are new to scrapbooking, bring your pictures and we will help you put together a beau ful scrapbook page
or pages. If you are a seasoned scrapbooker, bring all your supplies and scrap the day away. You are welcome to bring a snack to share and come and go throughout the day as your schedule
allows. Lunch is on your own.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED by March 7 to guarantee your own table, contact Lori at 225‐9740 or 216‐5190.
Page 4 Journal for the Journey
Pre-Baptism Class Monday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel
The community of faith at Bethlehem requires those who are preparing for baptism to meet to talk about baptism from the Lutheran perspective, answer questions and look at the details surrounding the baptism itself. Parents, you are welcome to bring your children along. Contact the church office to register. Questions, visit with Lori Carpenter or Pastor Deb Grismer at 225-9740.
Home Communion Ministers
Celebration Meal
Sunday, March 3 at 6:00 p.m. BLC Fellowship Hall
All current and future Home Communion Ministers are invited!
We will eat, enjoy caring conversation as well as share and learn what it means to take
communion to others. If you are able to come, please sign-up in the front office. For
more information, please contact Jeanine Severson or Pastor Deb Grismer
MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS GENERAL FUND MEMORIALS
Given in memory of Blair Neiger by: Marne & Brent Neiger Given in memory of Mavis Schroh by: Phyllis Saunders, Lois & James Haug, Carol Dunker, James & Joan Fruedenthal, Leon & Virginia Tobin Given in memory of Edith Atkinson by: Colleen Stange and Susan Stange Brick Given in memory of Deanna Mauck by: LeRoy Adam, FIS Global, Brian Donnell, George Kriske, Cornel McKay, Steven Proesel, Joseph Salinas, Robert Tyree Given in memory of Loren A. Weishaar by: LeRoy Adam
MILESTONE MINISTRY MEMORIALS Given in memory of James Hagen by: Lonny & Dianne Helfinstine
WORSHIP & MUSIC MEMORIALS Given in memory of Mavis Schroh by: Lynn Hanson
YOUTH MINISTRIES MEMORIALS Given in memory of Don Malsom by: Friends & Family
EDUCATION MEMORIALS Given in memory of Edith Atkinson by: Linda & William Roth, Doug & Kim Vogt Given in memory of Robert Moak by: Donna Borchard Given in memory of Ralph Ablin by: Donna Borchard Given in memory of Naomi Larson by: Donna Borchard Given in memory of Orville Evenson by: Donna Borchard
SOCIAL CONCERNS MEMORIALS Given in memory of Mavis Schroh by: Patsy & Jerome Weigel
PIECEMAKERS MEMORIALS Given in memory of Linda Pfitzer by: Virgil & JoAnn Eisenbeisz
GARDENS & YARD CARE HONORARIUM Given in honor of Gayle Steele’s Birthday by: Don & Carolyn Lang
March 2013
Wedding Orientation Sunday, April 21
12:00 noon in the Conference Room
This is an opportunity to meet with the pastors and wedding coordinators to discuss the basics of weddings at Bethlehem. It also serves as the necessary initial meeting with a pastor so that weddings can be formally placed on the calendar.
Bethlehem Pastoral Care
Providing pastoral care for God’s people is a vital part of Bethlehem’s ministry. Hospitals do not rou-tinely contact the church about patients, so it is important that patients & families take responsibility to communicate needs for pastoral care. Please contact the church office (225-9740) for routine pastoral care or prayer requests. For pastoral care emergencies, we have a designated on-call minister which is rotated among the pastoral care team. Please call 605-380-6627 to contact the on-call minister. Thank you for your partnership as together we care for one another.
Pastors: Kevin Bergeson, Deb Grismer, Jeff Whillock
Pastoral Care Ministers: Brenda Glasford, Jeanine Severson
Page 6 Journal for the Journey
The following new members were received in February. Please give them a warm welcome into this community of faith.
Jody Bull Roger & Kathy Carlson Jessica Hendrickson
Jerry, Lela & Adam Holcomb Katie & Raelee Lilly and Ashtyn Bahr
Carolyn & Lane Shoultz
Casey, Jamie, Abigail & Dylan Smith
Crystal Swenson Kellen, Jenelle, Logan & Blake Willert
Not Pictured: Nathan & Sadie Bossert; Jacob, Shelly & Miley Keller; and Katie Lee
Bethlehem Lutheran Church Joint Commission Meeting Highlights – February 19, 2013
President Roger Youngman called the meeting to order. Visioning – What are we seeing? How is God calling? Pr. Jeff & Roger Youngman introduced Dwelling in the Word: a new practice of listening to God and one another that the Joint Commission will be using this year. Various snapshots of God working in and through the people of Bethlehem were shared. Leading – Decisions and discussions Approval of Membership Changes: MEMBERS ADDED: Baptisms: Kacyn Joseph Beck 2/2/2013; Luca James Whittlinger 2/9/2013
New Members (received 2/6, 2/9 & 2/17): Nathan & Sadie Bossert; Jody Bull; Roger & Kathy Carlson; Adam Holcomb; Jerry & Lela Holcomb; Shelly Keller; Katie Lee; Katie & Raelee Lilly; Ashton Bahr; Carolyn & Lane Shoultz; Casey,Jamie, Abigail & Dylan Smith; Crystal Swenson; Kellen, Jenelle & Logan Willert. MEMBERS REMOVED Death: Deanna Mauck 2/16/2013
Transfers: Michael & Sarah Schulte transferred to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Barnesville, MN 2/4/2013; Dale & Marla Ulrich transferred to South Canyon Lutheran Church in Rapid City, SD 2/4/2013; Reed & Eleanor Kessler transferred to First United Methodist Church in Aberdeen, SD 2/4/2013
Joint Commission Meeting Time: Future meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Congregation Visioning Events: Discussed possible dates and times for visioning events with the congregation.
Approved action items for the February 24 Congregation Meeting including: 2013 Mission Plan of $1,220,500 Maintenance Plans totaling $112,000
including $7,000 routine maintenance items paid from the Future Maintenance Fund and $105,000 major carpeting and upholstery paid from the Development Fund.
Pr. Deb’s Sabbatical Update: Pr. Deb submitted her sabbatical plans: Sabbatical of Presence, Stillness and Dreaming that will be May 20, 2013 – August 21, 2013.
Synod Updates: Received information from Pr. Deb on the Synod Strategic Ministry Plan and election this year of SD Synod Bishop. The Conference Assembly will be held in Pollock, SD on March 16. The Synod Assembly will be held in Sioux Falls, SD on June 7 & June 8. The Joint Commission will be receiving names for those interested in being nominated as voting members for the Synod Assembly.
Collaborating – Work of teams that is vital for JC to know Welcome Ministry Team: New members
were received recently. Worship Ministry Team: Cross + Life Jour-
nals are being used for Lent. Serving Ministry Team: Lenten Sacrificial
Offering will be divided between the Safe Harbor Building Project and the Water Pro-ject. Bethlehem Gardens will have con-tracts available in late March.
Preschool Team: Pre-Kindergarten is more than ½ full for next year. Everything with the name on it (signs, t-shirts, etc…) will have the name changed to Pre-Kindergarten.
Closing Prayer: Everyone closed with “The Lord’s Prayer”.
Page 7 March 2013
We Celebrate a March Staff Anniversary Milestone
March 26th marks the 1st employment anniversary for Ron Parker, Coordinator of Contemporary Worship. Ron collaborates with the Worship Planning Team to develop inspirational, contemporary worship experiences. Ron leads contemporary worship primarily, but not solely, through the Wednesday 6:30 worship services. Congratulations, Ron and thank you for sharing your talents and faithful service.
Page 8 Journal for the Journey
Sabbatical of Presence, Stillness and Dreaming
I have truly been blessed to receive the gift of a sabbatical from this congregation. My sabbatical time will begin on May 20, 2013 and end on August 21, 2013. During this time I will participate in times of formal and informal learning, visiting with family and friends, establishing healthy habits to take care of myself as well as continuing to nurture and deepen my faith. I will spend time dreaming and discerning. I will spend time in stillness and rest. It is my hope that by doing so I might reconnect with my family, others and with God. I want to be present with people and with God in every sense, not just physically in the room. I want to be quiet and hear their stories. I want to slow down and be refreshed so I can continue to be the best pastor I can be for this congregation. I also want time to learn and dream about how Bethlehem can move forward in equipping parents to pass on the faith to their children and how we as a family of faith can pass on the faith to others so that God’s promises can continue to be embraced by all! I look forward to sharing my experience with the congregation upon my return. If you have any questions, please feel free to visit with me. I would love to share my enthusiasm with you. Thank you for this gift! Pastor Deb
JANUARY 2013 MONTHLY GIVING & EXPENSE SUMMARY
Page 9 March 2013
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Mission & Ministry (General) Fund January 2013 January 2012 MTD Revenues: $ 100,526.01 $ 101,320.28
MTD Expenses: $ 103,803.46 $ 103,425.88 Month to Date Net Operating Total $ (3,277.45) $ (2,105.60)
SUMMARY OF ASSETS
Mission & Ministry (General) Fund
Cash accounts-Unrestricted $ 117,604.37 $ 145,440.00 Payables due within 15 days $ (18,380.88) $ (20,314.42) Due to Mission Investment (Organ) Fund $ (210.00) $ - Due to Restricted Funds $ (1,315.95) $ (1,155.00) Reserved for Others/Designated accounts $ (38,388.73) $ (58,833.98)
Due to Development Fund $ (5,191.12) $ (5,586.21) Total Available Unrestricted Funds $ 54,117.69 $ 59,550.39
Special Designated Funds
Development (Building) Fund $ 776,391.37 $ 632,518.90 Future Maintenance (2%) Account $ 46,629.33 $ 46,472.51 Restricted Fund (Social Concerns, WELCA & Memorials) $ 101,505.64 $ 107,781.23 Endowment Fund $ 394,543.02 $ 350,800.26
Time is running out to direct 2012 Thrivent Choice Dollars®
Thrivent Choice® gives eligible Thrivent benefit members the chance to recommend where Thrivent Financial directs some of its charitable grant funds. Remember, the deadline to direct 2012 Thrivent Choice Dollars is March 31, 2013.
You have two easy options in directing your Choice Dollars: Direct dollars online now through March 31. Direct dollars by calling 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) and say "Thrivent Choice" at the
prompt, now through March 28. The Member Connection Center is open until 8 p.m. Central time. Note: The Member Connection Center will not be open during the Easter holiday: Good Friday, March 29 – Easter Sunday, March 31.
To learn more, visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice
Page 10 Journal for the Journey
Holy Week & Easter Ministry Opportunities
Please indicate which areas you would like to learn more about. You will then be contacted by someone involved in that area. Please prayerfully consider these ministry opportunities, fill in the information and place it in the offering or return to the church office. For more information on Bethlehem’s emerging ministry opportunities visit our website: www.bethlehemaberdeen.org
Name(s) Phone Email address
Please check any areas you would like to learn more about:
WELCOME
Greeter Easter Sunday 9:00 a.m. Greeter Easter Sunday 10:45 a.m. Welcome Center Host Easter Sunday 9:00 a.m. Welcome Center Host Easter Sunday 10:45 a.m. Receptionist for Easter Sunday from 7:15-9:00 a.m. Receptionist for Easter Sunday from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Easter Sunday Van Driver (9:00 worship only)
WORSHIP Join an Usher Team Sing in the Senior Choir Easter Sunday Serve Communion Maundy Thursday (March 28) 6:30 p.m.Serve Communion Easter Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Serve Communion Easter Sunday at 10:45 a.m. Become a Home Communion Minister Help set-up for Communion & Baptisms
SERVE Take pictures of special Holy Week events Serve Sunday Morning Fellowship Treats Help with Bingo at Bethesda Help clean up after Wednesday Night Suppers
S.A.L.T. SERVING AND LEARNING TOGETHER
S.A.L.T. will be serving together at Safe Harbor on Saturday, March 23 from 10 until noon. We will be cleaning their shelter and assembling food boxes. All are welcome to help. Contact Jodi at 225-9740 or [email protected] with any questions.
Easter Gift Opportunities As Easter is nearing, we have the opportunity to express our thanks to God for the blessings of people in our lives and also to invest in God’s work through Bethlehem. Please consider a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one to be used in the areas noted below. Gifts received by Sunday, March 24 will be recognized in the Easter bulletins.
Please check an amount in the area(s) you wish to contribute:
Lenten Sacrificial Offering ___ $10 ___ $25 ___ $50 ___ $75 ___ $100 ___ Other
This will be split between Aberdeen’s Safe Harbor Building Fund and The Water Project. Safe Harbor is in the beginning stages of fundraising for building new facilities from which they can provide services. The Water Project strives to provide clean, safe water to those who suffer needlessly without this
vital resource.
Ministries of Bethlehem Lutheran Church ___ $10 ___ $25 ___ $50 ___ $75 ___ $100 ___ Other
To help fully fund our vibrant mission of welcoming, worshiping, teaching, and serving to connect people with the love of God.
Vacation Bible School ___ $10 ___ $25 ___ $50 ___ $75 ___ $100 ___ Other
Help pay for the curriculum and supplies for children to attend VBS.
Home Cooked Meal ___ $10 ___ $25 ___ $50 ___ $75 ___ $100 ___ Other
Helps to provide a Wednesday night meal for a family in need.
Your Name: In Honor of: In Memory of:
(Please return these in the offering plate or at the church office)
BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH 1620 Milwaukee Ave NE Aberdeen, SD 57401 (605) 225-9740 www.bethlehemaberdeen.org [email protected]
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 Organiza on Aberdeen, SD 57401
Find us on
facebook.com/BethlehemAberdeen
Listen, God Is Calling
God has been doing amazing things in and through Bethlehem! We are gathering after Easter to celebrate God’s ongoing work as well as look together to how God is calling us into the future. You are cordially invited to add your perspective as we gather for caring conversations at various times in April: Saturday 13th 10:00 a.m. Saturday 13th 7:00 p.m. Sunday 14th 9:40 a.m. Wednesday 17th 12:00 noon Wednesday 17th 6:30 p.m. Thursday 18th 7:00 p.m. More details will follow, but for now please be thinking about which of these times you will participate. God is calling, and we need your voice!
Take a Trip with us to Target Field to watch the
Saturday, June 1, 2013 12:10 PM
$65 Per Person (includes ticket & charter bus ride)
Only 56 spots so reserve your ticket early!
Reservation forms in the stuff rack outside Denny’s office.
