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We will be having ONE worship service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 29 in the Gathering Room.
Annual MeetingBethany’s Annual Meeting will be held between services (starting at approximately 9:05 a.m.) on Sunday, January 26 in the Sanctuary. An important agenda item will be the approval of the 2020 budget, as we pursue God’s Vision for Bethany’s future. This vision includes: Growing Young; Inviting All - No Exceptions! and Growing Faith among Working Adults. We will also elect new church council representatives, one new member of the Bethany Trust Fund and three delegates to the Synod Assembly (May 16, 2020). Copies of the 2019 Annual Report will be available on Sunday, January 12. Due to the limited time frame for the Annual Meeting, any new business you wish to have considered must be submitted to Council President, Chick Feather, no later than January 5. An open forum on the 2020 proposed budget will be held on Sunday, January 19 at 9:10 a.m. in the Conference Room.
Join us for Congregational Movie Night Wednesday, January 8
5:00 p.m.-Pizza 5:30-7:30 p.m. – ”Luther” Movie
Annual MeetingSunday, January 26, 2020 - 9:00 a.m.
The Good NewsBreakEvangelical News of Bethany Lutheran Church
A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
We INVITE all; We GROW in faith; We GO to share God’s love and grace.
Volume 20, Issue 1 www.bethanyricelake.org • 715-234-9028 January 2020
Inside This IssueJanuary Highlights! .................... 1From the Pastor .......................... 2Women of the ELCA News ....... 3CrossTalk ..................................... 4Announcements ......................4-5Memorials & Gifts ...................... 6Committee Members & Staff ....7Youth News ......................... InsertCalendar .............................. InsertAnnual Report Deadline: Monday, December 30, 2019
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What’s Epiphany anyway?I’m pretty sure I heard the phrase, “I had an epiphany,” before I learned about the church sea-son of Epiphany. The phrase that is sometimes associated with the word “Eureka.” The phrase that describes a breakthrough or enlightening that allows a problem or situation to be under-stood from a new or deeper perspective. (Think Isaac Newton and gravity.)
The church season of Epiphany, however, uses the definition of “an appearance or manifesta-tion especially of a divine being” and celebrates the arrival of the Magi or Kings to find the
Christ child. We begin this season on or near the day of Epiphany (January 6), which concludes the twelve days of the Christmas season that started on Christmas day.
Around the world you will find various Christmas traditions that include Epiphany and the twelve days of Christ-mas. Greek Orthodox Churches often celebrate Christmas on January 7 and Epiphany on January 19. Some Latin-American cultures celebrate the Epiphany as Three Kings’ Day and give gifts that day instead of Christmas Day. Other cultures give one gift per day from Christmas to Epiphany. (Yes, like the song, “The Twelve Days of Christ-mas.”) Some countries declare Epiphany as a public holiday and many businesses are closed.
For us, the day of Epiphany starts a new church season that lasts until Lent. This is a season of light, which feels particularly fitting for us as we begin to notice the days getting longer in anticipation of spring.
This Epiphany season, we are very excited to introduce a new sermon series adapted from ELCA’s 2018 National Youth Gathering theme “This Changes Everything!” Join us for this six-week series and don’t forget that you can catch up on the messages you missed online through our website!
Blessings to you all in this new year as we celebrate the light and joy of Christ together.
A Message from Pastor Luci
Staffing Update: Bethany recently hired Alexa Giddings, a Bethany member, to be our new full-time custodian. Already she has proven to be a hard-working and dedicated employee. Harold Ely, also a Bethany member, comes in as needed as our all-around “Handy Man,” when things need repair.Amy Brekke has agreed to continue serving as our Interim Music Director. She will coordinate Bethany’s vari-ous musical groups, coordinate special music and help with choosing music for worship services. She will con-tinue to direct the Bethany Choir, the youth handbells and the Praise! worship band.In order to cover Amy’s former duties as Director of Congregational Involvement, Bethany is seeking to hire a member of the congregation to be our Congregational Ministries Coordinator. This person would seek to identify the gifts, talents and interests of congregational members and match them with ministry needs, both within and outside the congregation. The Coordinator would work with other staff to determine priorities for recruiting and training volunteers. We are currently looking for someone to work up to 20 hours per week. Much of this work could be done on a flexible schedule from home. If you are interested in this position, please contact one of the pastors, or request a job application form from Dawn Paul in the church office.Last, but not least, the Bethany Council has approved bringing back Scott Burns, this time as an official Intern through Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Building on the work Scott has previously done, our hope is to give him a well-rounded experience in every phase of ministry, as he pursues his call to become a Deacon in the ELCA. Scott will be preaching once each month, work with various Bethany Committees, assist with Confirmation and offer pastoral care on Fridays. Scott will also be available to cover during our pastors’ vacations and Pastor Grant’s sabbatical. Scott should complete his training by the end of summer.
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FuneralVirgie Anderson
Pastoral Acts
Hey all of you who can sew, love to sew or will sew if you have to! You may know that the Mission Jamaica Teams and friends have made 90 aprons each of the last few years to take to the staff and others in Jamaica. We are taking MJ 2020 off, BUT.....life has a way of giving us motivation. We received an amaz-ing donation of awesome fabric from a woman my sister met, casually, in Ala-
bama. I sorted through it, pulling out larger pieces and had more than enough for 76 aprons!! With additional pieces from last year, we have enough for 90+ to make for MJ 2021!!! If you are like me, the colors of the material will be enough to motivate! This is a different project than the little dresses. Each apron has to be alike (I have patterns and instructions) and we HAVE TO TAKE 90. That’s one for each West Haven Staff including the teachers and cooks, plus one for each of the recipients of a J’Abode home. If you prefer to do it at home, that is fine, I just have to know who and how many. Nothing will happen until about the middle to end of March. I will have them all cut out and counted. If you are interested, please talk to me, Leni Sovacool, at 715-790-0729 or [email protected], please remember to pray for MJ 2020 while we travel this January 11-18!
On Sunday, February 3, 2019, millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl football game. There were parties abundant with food, friend-ship and fellowship. At the same time, there were people worrying about staying warm, finding shelter and a warm meal. Young people around the country demonstrated God’s love by helping their neighbors through the Souper Bowl of Caring. We will be doing this again this year. On Febru-ary 1-2, 2020, middle and high school students will be collecting donations of money and non-perishable food items for the We Share Food Pantry. Thank you for helping to support our community!
Committees and Chairs, please contact the office
with any changes to your committee roster.
Women of the ELCA NewsThank you to anyone who contributed to, or had hands on, making newborn kits, personal care kits, fabric kits, school kits, little dresses for Malawi, hospice kits, rolled bandages, prayer shawls or baptismal blankets. Thank you to those who helped load and/or delivered these items. With your help, we have definitely made a difference in the lives of many adults and children. Thank you to Reaching Out for always making and creating a wonderful meal and gathering place for families after a funeral. It is much appreciated. Altar Guild is appreciated for making sure our altars are prepared and ready for every worship service.Thank you to Audrey Kusilek for taking on the lefse workshop this year. Audrey, you did a fantastic job! Thank you! Over 315 packages of lefse were made and sold. Lefse sales totaled $1,500 and will be used for Bethany Camper Scholarships.Our WELCA Christmas Luncheon was enjoyed by 92 people. It was great to see all of you enjoying this time together. Thank you to those who created lovely table centerpieces. Your time and creativity was enjoyed by all. Thank you to all those who helped set up, serve and clean up. Great food and good fellowship was had by all. The free will offering totaled $424 and will be used to purchase items for hospice kits.Watch for more wonderful things happening in 2020!Blessings!
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Announcements & Opportunities
Next MONTH at CROSSTALK . . . . . . where FAITH meets everyday life .
December 29: No CrossTalk - Happy New Year! Please join us at our ONE worship service at 9:00 a.m. in the Gathering Room.
January 4: Shrimp Farming in Wisconsin by Larry & Laurie FortunaGot a taste for fresh-caught shrimp? Larry & Laurie Fortuna will be happy to hook you up with a couple of tasty pounds from their farm -- in Wisconsin! In 2015, as milk prices were dropping, the fourth generation dairy farmers from Rusk Country felt it was time to try something new. While most farmers might have chosen to dabble in a special crop, the Fortunas have decided to raise Pacific White Shrimp because, as Larry points out, “Who doesn’t love shrimp?” Come and hear their story.
January 12: From the Top to the Bottom - My Grand Canyon Adventure by Peg MartinThe Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, hosts over six million people every year. Peg Martin is part of the 1% of people to get to the bottom of the great canyon. Come to hear the story and see the pictures of the hike to Phantom Ranch on Sunday, January 12.
January 19: Sandy Mathieu, Director/Coordinator of Heart Island Enrichment CenterIf poverty is an issue, there is hope. The Family Enrichment Center provides a nurturing environment where the community comes together to empower and celebrate families and forge community bonds. They are a commu-nity based, non-profit organization serving families in all of Barron County without cost.
January 26: No CrossTalk - Please attend the Bethany Annual Meeting at 9:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
Updates on The Family House: This overnight warming shelter is a community collaboration between the Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul, and The Sisters of St. Joseph of the 3rd Order of St. Francis. It is located at 1111 Heart Island Parkway in Rice Lake. It is housed in the north end of the former convent building, but is a totally separate program from Benjamin’s House Shelter and the Heart Island Family Enrichment Center. Volunteers staff the shelter.Anyone is welcome, including folks under the influence. As Christians, the board believes that no person should be forced to sleep outdoors, even if they have made a bad choice. Shelter stay is based on respect. If clients are respectful to staff and the other residents, their stay will continue. The shelter opens at 5:30 p.m. Individuals may arrive by car or meet at the Rice Lake Public Library by 5:00 p.m. for transportation to the shelter. Residents must leave the shelter by 9:00 a.m. Again, transportation to the library will be provided.Shelter Needs:• Evening meals to feed 14 people. They may be ready-to-eat or frozen. Meals may be dropped off at the shelter
any day of the week after 5:30 p.m. Call Mary at 715 475-9265 if you have questions about meals.• Shelter supplies - Bethany will be collecting supplies January 18 - February 2, 2020. Otherwise, supplies may
be dropped off at the Rice Lake Public Library during their hours of operation, or the shelter after 5:30 p.m.• Paper toweling• Toilet paper• Feminine hygiene products• Soap• Shampoo• Dish soap
The Monday morning Bible Study will resume on January 20, 2020.
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DEADLINES• The deadline for the February 2020 NewsBreak is Mon-
day, January 13.• The deadline for bulletin announcements is on Tuesdays.• All your articles MUST be in the church office on these
dates as it is important that we have enough time and room to fit everything into the Good NewsBreak and bul-letins.
Food Pantry NewsBethany’s monthly collection for the We Share Food Pantry is January 4-5, 2020. This month, the Pantry especially needs canned meats, soup and pea-nut butter. Please bring nonperish-able items with you to worship.
Announcements & Opportunities, Continued
Did you know we publish daily God Pause devotions on Bethany’s website? God Pause devotions are short, meaningful reflections on the following Sunday’s lessons and Gospel. By Sunday, you’ll be ready for an extra meaningful worship experience!
Nursing Home Communion Services
The third Thursday of every month, the ministry team heads to local Nursing Homes and As-sisted Living to provide a com-munion service for the residents. If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact the church office.
For This Month: Thursday, January 16, 2020 11:15 a.m. Heritage Lakeside
1:00 p.m. Brentwood Assisted Living
Can’t make it to worship? We stream the 10:00 a.m. Sunday
service live at bethanyricelake.org. You can also listen to WJMC 96.1 FM & 1240 AM for a live radio
broadcast of the 8:00 a.m. Sunday service.
Tapping into Faith will not meet in January. We will resume on Thursday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the White Stag (208 N. Main Street). We hope to hear from Bethany’s “Reconciling in Christ” Task Force as they seek to make Bethany a more inclusive church, especially in regards to the LGBT community. Tapping into Faith is a monthly oppor-tunity to gather with other Christians for an open and public discussion of issues that are not always addressed in Sunday worship services.
Throught January, the Green Team will be collecting used Christmas lights again. Lights can be placed in the box near the coat rack in the Narthex.The Green Team is still collecting gently used coats, boots, mittens/gloves and hats for children and adults as well as collecting Soles for Souls.Also, the Green Team is ALWAYS collecting used ink printer cartridges, used markers and AA, AAA, C, D and 9 volt batteries for recycling. If you have any questions, please contact any member on the committee or the church office.
Thank you for making the WELCA Christmas Luncheon a spe-cial day for me, as I was completely surprised to be honored for my involve-ment in Bethany’s Quilting for Missions group. Thank you for your kind words and the beautiful poinsettia.It seems I was put in that position for a reason, although never in my wild-est dreams. Being left alone early in life, I needed something meaningful to fill my time. Of course, it takes more than one person to make a project work and it’s been my pleasure and joy to have known and worked with so many special ladies; some who are no longer with us and those who faith-fully keep us going each week; those who work at home and those who donate fabric and sheets. There is no way to thank you enough for this ser-vice, except for you to think of the joy and comfort you bring to those who receive your work.Also, thanks to all who decorated the tables so beautifully for all of us to enjoy and to those who provided the good lunch and all the rest. God’s blessings to all ~ Martha Jacobson
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Thank You NotesThank you to all who helped support the 2nd Suitcase Donations again this year! This is a shortened list but these donations are critical for West Haven; they use 243 disposable dia-pers/day, 80 gloves/day, 48 roll on deodorants/month and the list goes on. If you’d like to see the entire list, please just ask! There are about 100 young people at West Haven; many are bedridden or wheelchair bound and many cannot feed themselves. West Haven receives a government allotment that barely pays the staff at $50/week. Current minimum wage
is $56/week. Never doubt that your donation is needed and will be used! Thank you again for the generosity of Bethany! ~ Lenae, Dave and the Children of West Haven
We are thrilled to take this oppor-tunity to thank you for the gifts you have generously given in the past few years to the “Bold Generosity Cam-paign.” The campaign will officially wrap up on December 31, 2019. Thank you ~ the Synod Council of the Northwest Synod of WI
It is really nice that our congrega-tion can attend a Christmas service where our youth exhibit so much energy and enthusiasm, especially like they did Sunday, December 8. Great job youth! ~ Mal Bailey
Thank you for another year of radio broadcasts of your 8:00 a.m. service. May God bless you all and keep you safe. You are all great people! Thank you ~ Jim Busscher
December Hospitality SponsorshipsIn Honor of Pauline’s 93rd birthday By: Red & Pauline EidahlIn Memory of Brenda Diercks By: Michael DiercksSponsored By: Doug & Mary Jo ElamIn Honor of families By: Byron & Pam Crouse
December Radio SponsorshipsIn Honor of Special Friends Loran Barta, Edie Berg, Nancy Brunner, Red & Pauline Eidahl, Dagmar Ja-cobson, Howard Pitts and Nadyne Reiten By: Hannah CircleIn Honor of Special Friends Kay Dahlgren and Janie Riggs and In Memory of Joyce Johnson, Phyllis Tappon and Dorothy Veit By: Naomi Circle
Sunday SchoolIn Honor of Easton Gbeyetin By: Delores Bjugstad
Flower GardenIn Memory of Virgie Anderson By: Marie Anderson
Memorials & GiftsWELCA
In Memory of Virgie Anderson By: Jean Engstrom By: Joe & Amy Korbel
Radio FundIn Memory of Virgie Anderson By: Donna Gagner By: Dan & Carol Johnson By: Maridale Jacobson
General FundIn Memory of Virgie Anderson By: Chuck, Susie, Spencer & Scott Carr By: Dave & Sue Hildebrand
MemorialIn Memory of Virgie Anderson By: Michael & Darlene Sittlow By: Jim & Carol Sevals By: John & Nancy Mommsen
QuiltingIn Memory of Virgie Anderson By: Bob & Carol Stanonik By: Patricia Sorenson
Good Samaritan FundIn Memory of Roxann Anderson By: Owen Anderson & FamilyIn Memory of Virgie Anderson By: Bun & Paulette Hanson
Music FundIn Memory of Virgie Anderson By: Suzanne Arnevik By: James & Linda Smith By: Russell Pederson By: Patrick Healy By: J.D. & Carolyn Peterson By: William & Nancy Wright By: Dave & Renee Swanson By: Walter & Mary Schultz By: Barbara Nelson By: Dave Lhotka By: Shirley Arnold By: Dottie Anderson By: Mark & Shannon Palma By: Jeanne Stromberg By: Sandra Peterson By: Jeffrey Strong By: Julie Brown By: Roger & Peggy Martin By: Dave & Maureen Bergh By: Tim & Elizabeth Schmidt By: Peter & Mary Bangsberg By: Jim & Donna Sockness By: Bob & Kathryn Damaske By: Christine Welsh By: Hugh & Karen Mommsen By: Ellen Vandeberg Blom
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Chick Feather .....................PresidentBill Evans ...................Vice PresidentJennifer Nelson ..................SecretaryMal BaileyPaul BaribeauTami BowmanMike DiercksRachel EngelAlexa GiddingsMike HusakEd SkawBrad WiedmannDave Wilson
Council
Lead PastorGrant Aaseng Cell Phone 715-205-8789
Associate PastorLuci SesvoldCell Phone 715-225-0979
Ministry AssistantScott BurnsCell Phone 218-341-8575
Director of Education & Youth MinistriesAngie BuchliCell Phone 715-205-2009
Director of Church BusinessDawn Paul Cell Phone 715-296-2817
Communications & Publications SpecialistLeah Hullinger
CustodianAlexa Giddings
Staff
Altar GuildAudrey Kusilek 715-205-8843 ChairCommunity BuildingDave Wilson - Council Rep.EducationAngie Buchli 715-234-9028 Acting ChairJennifer Nelson - Council Rep.Amy Pelle, Sara Scheu, Julie Stone, DeAnna Westphal, Jan WilkingPr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.FinanceWendy Markgren 715-651-0905 Chair - TreasurerChick Feather - Council Rep.Joe EricksonDawn Paul - Staff Rep.Pr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.Green TeamLynn Koob 715-234-4149 ChairEd Skaw - Council Rep.Joel Kohlmeyer, Kathy Lehman, Pete Mueller, Cindy Nymo, Don Storm, Renee Swanson, Eldon VriezePr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.LibraryWendy Halverson 715-651-5887 ChairNorma Bergum, Elaine Gonske, Jill Holtegaard, Julie Hyllested, Amanda StoneMission ConcernsAnnie Antonson 715-236-3133 ChairMike Husak - Council Rep.Joan Gerland, Judy Jacobs,Carol Kohlmeyer, Mary Mueller, Shirley Peterson, Lenae Sovacool, Pauli Storm, Maxine WilliamsPr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.PersonnelEric Pelle 715-236-7795 ChairBill Evans - Council Rep.Jolene Anderson, Larry BrownPr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.
Property ManagementDave Myre 715-458-4130 ChairBrad Wiedmann - Council Rep.Shirley Bergthold, Joel Kohlmeyer, Lynn Koob, Wendy Markgren, Keith Moffatt, Eric Roethel, Tim Schnacky, Dave Sovacool, Eldon Vrieze, Josh WeinstockDawn Paul - Staff Rep.StewardshipKevin Jacobson 715-822-2966 ChairMal Bailey - Council Rep.Rachel Engel - Council Rep.Dave Schoonover, Mark VriezePr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.Trust FundMelissa Tomesh 715-456-1978 ChairMike Diercks - Council Rep.Rick Benson, Ted Hakala, Diane Peterson, Lenae SovacoolStefani Fiedler - AdvisorWelcome TeamKayelon Campbell Murphy Chair 715-651-7843Alexa Giddings - Council Rep.Karen Chilson, Con Eastwold,Diane Peterson, Lynn SulackowPr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.Women of the ELCAGail Weber 715-736-0887 Paulette Hanson 715-234-4919 Co-ChairsJennifer Nelson - Council Rep.Pr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.Angie Buchli - Staff Rep.Worship & MusicPaul Hanson 715-234-6530 Chair Paul Baribeau - Council Rep.Joan Gerland, Marla Koob, Audrey Kusilek, Tammy Roberg, Deb Slagstad, Sonja WilsonPr. Grant Aaseng - Staff Rep.Pr. Luci Sesvold - Staff Rep.
Committee Members
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Offering Update as of November 30, 2019
Fund Amt Budgeted Amt Rec’d Expenses Deficit/ to Date to Date to Date Surplus
General $665,633.85 $598,261.74 $620,645.72 $ -22,383.98
Building Fund Donations YTD: $85,629.52 Current Mortgage: $278,003.13
Thank you for your participation in and support of the life and mission of Bethany Lutheran!
Offering Update
Thank you for a wonderful concert!
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How about joining our Prayer Chain Ministry? You can be on the more traditional phone chain or if you prefer to e-mail, you can be a “Prayer Warrior” through the email chain! Just con-tact the church office ([email protected] or 715-234-9028) and sign up with your e-mail ad-dress or phone number today. Let’s bring more “pray-ers” to-gether and touch lives. Sign up today and share your gift of time!
Bethany CaresThe Community Care Coordina-tors organizes and provides sup-port to members in need of a little help. If you know someone with a temporary need, please contact the church office at 715-234-9028 so we can help.
Worship Participants for December 21-22, 2019
Altar Flowers If you would like to donate flowers as an offering to God from your flower garden for the Altar, please call the church office at 715-234-9028 to reserve a Sunday.
When Your Address Changes: Whenever you’re moving or changing to “temporarily away” with the USPS, any mail Bethany sends to you is returned at a cost per item. Please let Bethany know when your address, email address or phone number is changing. Email new information, send Bethany a USPS address change card or phone the office at 715-234-9028. Thank you.
5:30 p.m. SaturdayHost/Hostess: Larry & Chris Passint Projection: Dave DerroSong Leader: Paul Hanson Piano: Tammy Roberg
8:00 a.m. SundayGreeters: Joel & Carol Kohlmeyer (M) Ushers: Jim Kusilek and Josh Weinstock and Dave & Brenda Myre (N) Readers: Lynn Koob and Jim KusilekCommunion Joel & Carol Kohlmeyer Media: Joe EricksonAssistants: and Lynn Koob Projection: Darcy VriezeOrgan: Susan Barta
10:00 a.m. SundayGreeters: Russ & Cindy Rich (M) Ushers: Mike & Wanda Bock and Bill & Bea Evans (N) Projection: Darrel BlieseBus Driver: Scott Buergi Communion Brady Doporcyk, Greg Hoffmann,Bus Aid: Jim Sevals Assistants: Diane Peterson and Cindy NymoMedia: Brian Giddings
Blood Pressure Screening Available in the Library from 9:00-10:00 a.m.: Amy Adams
Assisting Minister for Sunday: Dave WilsonCouncil Members on Duty: (8:00) Paul Baribeau and (10:00) Jennifer Nelson
