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WELS News—page 2
Women’s Ministry—pages 4-6
Bread of Life—page 7
School of Outreach—pages 8-9
Mission News—page 10
News & Notes—pages 10-11
Birthdays—page 12
Kids’ Page—page 13
Calendar—page 14
Bethlehem Star May 2016, Volume 30, Issue 5
Isn’t it wonderful that our future doesn’t depend on who is or isn’t our next
president? Regardless of how much control the government may or may not take in
regards to the 2nd Amendment we know our Savior will protect us. No matter how
politically incorrect it becomes to remain faithful to the truths of Scriptures there is great
comfort in knowing God will bless us through his Word. It’s great, isn’t it, to know that
our success in life doesn’t revolve around a “comfortable” retirement or the number of
cool vacations we’ve been able to take or the number of friends we have or the kind of
house we’ve been able to afford. There is more to life than a promising career or
solving world hunger or working to promote peace among nations.
Ask King Solomon or the Apostle Paul and they will tell you that all of these
things are fine and dandy but finally they are meaningless without Christ. When
addressing the praise of the Corinthians, Paul simply responded, For I resolved to know
nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. At one point in his
life Paul seemingly had it all it. He was intelligent and gifted. He was well-known
among his people. He was heralded as a great leader of Judaism. No doubt he was
lacking little except Jesus Christ and him crucified. Everything changed the day Christ
made himself known to Paul, the worst of sinners, the one who had led the charge to
annihilate and extinguish the presence of Christians in the world.
It is by grace you and I have been saved, too! The worst of sinners, you and I
have been gifted the holiness and righteousness of Jesus. Blessed in many ways from
a worldly perspective, we are even richer from a spiritual perspective. We know Christ!
We have peace in our hearts! We have the certain hope of the eternal, heavenly future
that is beyond our imagination and impossible to describe with human words.
Isn’t it wonderful that this year’s confirmands—Lauren Butler, Kaitlin Butler,
Amanda Haney, Lillian Letiecq and Mackenzie Morgan—have grown in their
understanding that their future, their purpose in life and their hope is based on Jesus
Christ and him crucified! On May 15th we will acknowledge and celebrate the maturation
of their faith as they join us at the Lord’s Supper.
May they remember along with the rest of us the prayer the Apostle Paul had for
his Ephesian brothers and sisters in Christ, I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you
may know him better. And may we all continue to make Christ known through our
words and actions so many others will come to see and to cherish the peace, the
purpose and the hope found in Jesus!
Pastor Butler
Make Christ Known
9748 Copeland Drive
Manassas, VA
(703) 361-4866
www.bethlehem-lutheran.org
The Board for Home Missions authorized eight new mission starts, three
ministry enhancements, and one relocation during a meeting on April 15.
“Planting eight new churches is a tremendous blessing,” says Rev. Keith
Free, administrator of the Board for Home Missions. “These are eight new locations where the gospel will be
proclaimed.”
The new ministries that will now be supported include new starts in Lehi, Utah; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Rockwall, Texas; Fredericksburg, Va.; Atlanta, Ga.; Victoria, Texas; Meridian, Idaho; and Stevens Point, Wis. Five of these ministries will be second sites for established congregations. Trinity Lutheran in Woodbridge, Virginia will work closely with the establishment of the Fredericksburg church.
Home Missions will also support ministry enhancement at three congregations—Centennial, Milwaukee, Wis.;
Abiding Grace, Henry-Newton County, Ga.; and Risen Savior, Lakewood Ranch, Fla. These existing
congregations will receive funds from Home Missions to support projects that will allow the congregations to
reach more people with the gospel.
In addition, Home Missions will help Peace, Holiday, Fla., with some transition costs as it moves to Trinity,
Fla. This established congregation is already seeing God’s blessing on the new location. Twenty-five adults
have been confirmed at Peace during the past 18 months.
We thank God for the opportunities to expand our work in Home Missions and for providing the resources to
carry it out.
Serving in Christ, President Mark Schroeder
NEWS FROM THE Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Bethlehem Star Page 2
Eight New Home Missions Approved
Page 3 Bethlehem Star
Ladies’ Fellowship Bible Study
Only two studies remain until our summer break. Please come join us at 11:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall as we study God's Word.
Friday, May 6 (This is a week earlier than usual.) Psalm 107 - God Speaks about Deliverance from Trouble
Friday, June 10 Psalm 73 - God Speaks about Doubt
Please bring your lunch and join us for this time of faith-building, fun and fellowship! May God bless you as you serve Him! Heidi Grohs 434.409.9862
If you are interested in attending an evening session of the Ladies' Fellowship Bible Study, please contact Sara Butler.
You are invited to participate!
May 15 Confirmation with Reception, Bethlehem Lutheran, Manassas, VA
May 25 Little Stars of Bethlehem Graduation, Bethlehem Lutheran, Manassas, VA
June 23 Annual LWMS Convention begins in St. Charles, IL
June 28 International Youth Rally begins at Colorado State, Fort Collins, CO
July 21 Women’s Conference begins, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, WI
“The Proverbs 31 Woman” Women’s Retreat by Lori Penha
Our annual Women’s Retreat was held here at Bethlehem on April 8 – 9, 2016. This year we had many
spirited women who just wanted to socialize and get into the Word together. From Friday night’s fellowship to
the amazing Bible study led by Naomi Schmidt, it was laughter, meeting new Christian friends and a leaving
with a new understanding of that intimidating Proverbs 31 woman.
On Friday evening, 22 ladies gathered in the church foyer for fellowship and refreshments. Many brought
tasty treats and snacks which were thoroughly enjoyed as we had opportunity to visit with one another. A
number of sisters in Christ from other WELS churches in the area were there too. Many of those ladies
shared a hotel room that night and returned for the next day’s activities.
On Saturday, 38 women gathered in the fellowship hall for breakfast, the Bible study and a catered luncheon.
The ladies were comprised of members from Bethlehem and four other area WELS churches! As ladies
arrived and registered they were able to begin with a continental breakfast – a beautiful spread of fresh fruit,
rolls, muffins and breads together with coffee, tea and juice.
The guest speaker for our retreat was Naomi Schmidt, a pastor’s wife, currently living in Fond du Lac,
Wisconsin. She is a mother of four daughters and a grandma to six and has a passion for the Word of God
and worship. She currently serves on the Women’s Ministry Committee and teaches several Women’s Bible
Studies.
Speaking for myself, reading from Proverbs 31, has always made me feel like a failure. But Naomi started
out the bible study with “Introduction: Discouragement, with a tinge of resentment.” She had my attention!
She talked about how this is not just one day of this woman’s life, but her whole life. Naomi encouraged us to
not compare ourselves with other women, to not let the devil get us to think that we are unworthy and to focus
on Jesus in whatever chapter of life we are in. God is the one who makes each of us worthwhile. Naomi
stressed that it is important that we lead an active, balanced life serving our Lord with enthusiasm. Some of
the Proverbs 31 woman’s attributes are having strong character, being trustworthy to her husband and family
and that she’s a planner. She is creative and industrious. She’s actively involved with the women who look
up to her. Most women had gardens back in biblical times and as verse 14 says, “She is like the merchant
ships, bringing her food from afar.” So she had interesting things in her garden—before Pinterest!! She is
invested in other people. She “stretches” to help others. She understands her husband and respects him
and other men. She’s ready for the hard times in life and plans accordingly. She knows God is covering her
with a robe of righteousness. Her home is a place of refuge, people feel welcome and safe with her. She
knows God is there with her, making her feel strong and unafraid of what is next. She lives her life being
active, enthusiastic and makes her time matter. These are the things that I wrote down and remember. You
could talk to other women who attended and they will tell you many other things they got out of this Bible
study.
Page 4 Bethlehem Star
“The Proverbs 31 Woman” Women’s Retreat , continued
Naomi had to pare down a 107 page study to 10 pages. As Lynnette Hupman said, “It was like a huge
wedding cake, and we only tasted some of the frosting.” We have copies of the Bible study for anyone who
was unable to attend. You can also see the video of her presentation on our website.
Around noon we sat down again to enjoy a luncheon of soup, salad, breadsticks, and desserts provided by
Olive Garden. To remember our day and its message, each lady also received a bookmark with the Proverbs
31:30 printed on it. Afterwards quite a few ladies hung around for a while simply visiting with one another.
The Retreat is always a time for us to stop and enjoy each other as women and stop and listen to God. That
is what we did and we are blessed.
WELS Churches Represented: Atonement; Baltimore, MD Shepherd of the Bay; Lusby, MD Grace; Falls Church, VA Trinity; Woodbridge, VA Bethlehem; Manassas, VA
Proverbs 31 Woman—Task Attitudes and Applications
Page 5 Bethlehem Star
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
She makes coverings for her bed.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
Am I eager & willing, motivated by the Gospel?
Do I do kind, thoughtful or generous things for my family
and others?
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She makes linen garments and sells them, & supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
Am I creative and open to the opportunities and gifts that God
has given me at this time?
Are my motives and goals God-pleasing?
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She watches over the affairs of her household & does not eat the bread of idleness.
Am I doing my best but still trusting God for the outcome?
Am I a hard worker?
Do I manage my time well?
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
Am I a servant leader, concerned about those around me?
She is clothed in fine linen and purple
Do I see the importance of taking care of myself?
Page 6 Bethlehem Star
“The Proverbs 31 Woman” Women’s Retreat
“The Bread of Life” by Gary Leopold
Currently Bethlehem Lutheran's Wednesday morning small group Bible study is undertaking The Life of Christ. Customarily; we meet at 10:00 am should anyone wish to participate. In April, we reached that point in Christ's life when Jesus walked on water, and so did Peter, for a while. Once ashore at Capernaum, Jesus and his disciples headed off to the synagogue. Other followers who had been at the feeding of the 5,000 the previous day and who wanted to make Him their "bread king" also tracked Him down there. It was against this backdrop that Jesus made His "I am the Bread of Life" declaration that is only recorded in John’s Gospel [Excerpts follow; see John 6:25-71 for full text.] Jesus elaborated, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” Then He reasserted, “I am the Bread of Life.” and further clarified, “Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” When more grumbling and argument ensue, Jesus adds, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” For some this was a deal breaker; they declared Jesus’ Bread of Life declaration was a hard teaching that they simply could not accept. Which particular doctrine proved to be a stumbling block for them? Was it that Jesus is the Son of God come down to earth from heaven? Of was eating Christ’s body and drinking His blood brings eternal life? Or was just the tremendous disappointment that He wasn’t the bread king they wanted Him to be? Not only were they disappointed; they also were incredulous. They rejected what Jesus told them [God’s Word]. Then these unbelievers parted ways with Jesus. What is in a name? God reveals Himself to us through His name. Here we see Jesus reveal that He is the Bread of Life, which is capitalized here to emphasize it is one of God’s name. When it comes to the name Bethlehem Lutheran what probably comes to most everyone’s minds is Jesus’ birthplace – the village of Bethlehem, or the Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Indeed our congregation’s logo is based upon that theme. However, Bethlehem has an even richer meaning. Bethlehem rendered in modern Hebrew is ית לחם pronounced Bēṯ Leḥem, and in modern Hebrew Bet Leḥem - pronounced bet ˈleχem, and in -בGreek – the language of the New Testament, it is Βηθλεέμ, is pronounced bɛːtʰle.ém. What is in our church’s name? Bethlehem means House of Bread! I was not around when our congregation chose Bethlehem Lutheran as its name so I do not know if House of Bread was on anyone’s mind when arriving at that decision. However, it is very cool that we are known as Bethlehem - God’s House of Bread, a sacramental church where we have Christ’s body and blood in the Lord’s Supper, a church where God’s Word reigns even when we encounter hard teachings, a church where believers can congregate to worship and praise God for everything, most important of which is eternal life through Jesus Christ. An afterthought – Some churches have a large stained glass window that serves as a focal point and is based upon that congregation’s name. For example, Good Shepherd Lutheran would depict Jesus as the Good Shepherd. If the time ever comes where Bethlehem has such a stained glass window, I wonder how a Christian artist would depict Bethlehem as the House of Bread that it is.
Bethlehem Star Page 7
“School of Outreach” by Gary Leopold
Bethlehem Lutheran participated in and hosted the School of Outreach conducted by the WELS
Commission on Evangelism on Saturday, April 16th. Frank & Lori Penha, Jim & Jan Kolva, Gary & Kathleen
Leopold, Todd Tucker, Cheryl Vergara, and Pastor Butler took part. Other participating area congregations
were Trinity of Woodbridge, Shepherd of the Hills of Winchester, and Atonement Lutheran of Baltimore.
We were blessed to have Pastors Michael Geiger and Fred Guldberg team-teach the presentation
and join the four congregations’ breakout sessions. Pastor Geiger has served as Worship, Outreach and
Discipleship Pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN since 2009. Prior to that he started
and served Tree of Life Lutheran Church in Cary, NC, as well as served District Evangelism Coordinator for
the North Atlantic District. He also currently serves on WELS Institute for Worship & Outreach
[See http://worshipandoutreach.org/]. Pastor Fred Guldberg has served Star of Bethlehem [founded in 1998]
at Winston-Salem, NC since July 2002.
Each congregation was to complete its Community Profile and submit it prior to the School of Out-
reach. Subject areas were: Parish Area and Population of Parish Area. (We were provided a 9-page
professional demographics report based upon census data for the area that surrounds Bethlehem in a 1-mile,
3-mile, and 5-mile radius; to this we added current major issues and community concerns over the past few
years.) Other subject areas were Economic and Religion.
Then came Part Two - the hard part of answering two pages of Yes or No diagnostic questions about
how Bethlehem is faring at Outreach, Nurture, and Planning. The lead question was “Is there a specific
evangelism/outreach committee (and/or a lay director for evangelism) in our congregation?” Ours was a
qualified Yes inasmuch as our By-Laws stipulate we have a standing Outreach Committee headed up by an
Outreach Chair who also serves on our Church Council. That position was vacated when Jim Kolva took on
his Little Stars of Bethlehem leadership role. Frank Penha briefly stepped in until he became President. As
such Bethlehem’s Outreach program has been without a dedicated director for quite some time. Various
members have attended to necessary tasks, including Pastor Butler; this approach increases pastor’s already
overwhelming workload and although Outreach work goes on, we aren’t consistently putting our best foot
forward.
Case in point was question two – “Is there a follow-up on visitors to our worship services?” Once
again ours was a qualified Yes with a “Not @ 100%” comment. “Is there a planned program for integrating
new members into the life of the congregation?” No. As I continued, I had flashbacks to all those terrible true
& false history and social studies tests in high school. I also experienced a general feeling of guilt as I
pondered if we are really giving the Lord our best. Thankfully during the School of Outreach, I was reminded
of God’s grace and mercy, and heard that it was okay for Council positions to remain vacant as long as the
work is getting done. While I am relieved, I am convinced more than ever how vital it is that someone serve
as Bethlehem’s Outreach Director. If you have an interest in this role, please speak with Gary Leopold, Frank
Penha, or Pastor Butler.
Bethlehem Star Page 8
“School of Outreach” continued
Other support documents included in Bethlehem’s submission were our 2016 detailed Outreach
Budget, our 2015 Fall Festival Report, and our Outreach Director and Outreach Committee Information
Paper. All this documentation is bundled and is going to be made part of Bethlehem’s church records. This
was not Bethlehem’s first School of Outreach. We did one over 10 years ago. Out of that came our 10-year
plan that included our facility expansion and the establishment of our Little Stars of Bethlehem Preschool.
Good planning and leadership helps get things done. It is time to develop a new 10-year plan. President
Penha needs someone to head up Bethlehem’s Long-Range Planning Committee and for other visionaries to
serve by helping develop our plan. This documentation may assist in this effort as well as form the basis for
future School of Outreach events. Speaking of which, Session Two for our School of Outreach consultation is
set for Saturday, October 22nd. It is my prayer that Bethlehem have a dedicated Outreach Director prior to
that; and, I ask that you join me in that prayer.
I feel reinvigorated and empowered by participating in this event; I am certain that I am not alone in
that regard. We are doing many great things, but like so many great teams we are not sealing the deal,
closing out the series, and the championship. We can do better and we will. Make your desire to participate
known; get involved in serving the Lord and our congregation in this way.
Sunday, April 17 was Bethlehem’s Evangelism Sunday. Pastor Geiger had a very engaging,
compelling and wonderful message. In case you were unable to attend or wish to see it a second time, it is
posted on Bethlehem’s Facebook page, as well as on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=VighhE5geJw&feature=youtu.be. He also conducted a fantastic Bible study entitled Friendship Evangelism:
Making it Simple … It involves developing your and my stories to create the venue to share His Story – God’s
plan of salvation. We only got through about 15 percent of this study. What’s more, only a fraction of
Bethlehem’s membership was present. This activity is for everyone. It really needs to be repeated so that we
are able to complete this and so that more of us are better equipped to share our faith. Why? So that some
might be saved!
Pictured, left to right—Pastor Geiger, Sara and Mia Butler, Gary Leopold
Bethlehem Star Page 9
“Sharing Christ in Santa Ana, California” by Missionary Michael Foley
La iglesia luterana Pan de Vida! Bread of Life Lutheran Church has an official communicant membership in the upper 50’s but we have a good number of consistent visitors as well. We began as a Spanish-speaking mission in 2003. In 2006, WELS Church Extension Fund purchased property and a building for our use. We added English to our ministry program about a year after constructing a permanent facility in June 2007.
Our main outreach strategies are English as a Second Language classes for the Spanish-speakers and a preschool for English-speakers. Although our
monetary offerings fall below expectations, God is richly blessing this corner of his kingdom. God’s people are being served. And they are serving—many who have very little find ways to demonstrate their thankful-ness for what their Savior has done for them.
Due to the evangelistic attitude of our members, we have contact with and involvement in the lives of a much larger number of people than are at worship. Many watch our internet streamed services and materials are sent to extended family in many locations. If you would like to see pictures of our congregation and even Spanish and English services from Pan de Vida, check out our Web site at www.pandevidabreadoflife.com.
Keep on praying for us and for God’s kingdom to be extended among us. Thanks to LWMS and everyone for all you do for us.
“We are thankful for the way the Lord has guided His church in Brazil. There are times when we wish we had the manpower to have more group Bible studies for adults around the city. There are over 220,000 residents and lots of new subdivisions in Dourados. But the three workers here have all they can do to keep up with the work at hand. There are 14 people in instruction classes, two services each Sunday, and a different service every Wednesday. Add to that youth group meetings twice a month, a ladies' group, and the normal council meetings and member visits, and there are no nights left for more Bible studies. We do hope to establish another children's class in a new subdivision full of young families when school resumes next year. We'll see if that is also part of God's plan!” Missionary Charlie and Beth Flunker
Confirmation Day is May 15 and this year five young adults will confess their faith before God, family and
fellow believers at Bethlehem: Kaitlin Butler, Lauren Butler, Amanda Haney, Lillian Letiecq, and Mackenzie
Morgan. They will join millions of other Christians through the ages who promise to love and remain loyal to
the one True God with the help of God’s Holy Spirit. Everyone is invited to join these young women in our
traditional congregational reception immediately after the 11:00 am worship service to celebrate!
Calvary Academy Ministries’ welcomes Erik Nelson, his wife Kristin (Rutschow) and four children to their Flor-
ida community. Erik is the new Executive Director and the Campus House the family hopes to reside in needs
help. Pray for this new director and check out the information at www.calvaryacademy.net. Here is a letter
from Destany, age 14. “Calvary has helped me a lot because I went from being a drug addict to a very respectful kid. I
was very rebellious and I didn’t want to listen to what my mom said. I always told my mom I was going to change, but I
never could get myself together. I also was failing in school but then Calvary gave me the opportunity and that
opportunity was what helped me get my life on track. I will never regret coming to Calvary because who know what I’d
be like if I didn’t come. I will never regret coming because now I am a new person. I am so grateful that Calvary’s staff
took me in and made me the person I am today. I will continue to use everything they taught me. I will also always pray
for the hurting families and children that they can get help like I did.”
Bethlehem Star Page 10
Bethlehem Star Page 11
News & Notes continued
Thoughts of Faith (www.tof.org) thanks all who support Chaplain Yuiry as he ministers to Ukrainian troops at the Russian Border. Read about the support needed as Latvian Christians reach out to refugees who are en-tering Latvia by the thousands. Pray these Christians will testify about Jesus Christ so that enemies of Christ might become fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ!
Goodsearch/Goodshop allows organizations to receive funds for searching the internet and shopping online. LWMS is a member of Goodsearch and Goodshop and receives an annual check when people look for Lutheran Women's Missionary Society - LWMS and designate us as their organization. For more information about the service and to sign up check out www.goodsearch.com.
In response to the stories of victims of child abuse, WELS Special Ministries decided to reach out to those in need of healing, and to those who love and care for them. The Freedom for the Captives website (freedomforcaptives.com) is the response to this need. It was created by a team comprised of WELS pastors, seminary professors, psychotherapists, and a legal expert. It has helpful information for survivors, their loved ones, pastors, lay church leaders, and the larger community. Please visit freedomforcaptives.com. You’ll notice that for survivors the website features numerous Bible passages about God’s hatred of abuse, love for the oppressed, and the hope and healing that are found in him. It includes informative articles, book reviews, and frequently asked questions. There is helpful direction about how to find a counselor who is specially trained in helping survivors of child abuse, and it includes links to many such counselors. Pastors will also find helpful information.
WELS position statement: “We strongly oppose physician-assisted suicide for people in each and every circumstance because God’s Word clearly guides us in this matter. We urge the alternative, which is true compassion and care through better education on end-of-life issues, the use of pain management, hospice and palliative care, and delivery of proper and dignified human medical care as defined by the classical version of the Hippocratic Oath.” If you have any questions regarding this position, email Pastor Joel Gaertner at [email protected].
Chi and Rho (looks like an X and P) are the first two letters in the Greek word for CHRIST. This title for our camp communicates our main focus: Christ Jesus, our Savior. Camp Chi Rho is scheduled for July 25-29. EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS JUNE 1! This is a camp set in Elk Neck State Park in Northeast Maryland for middle school-age children (5-8 grades) run by local WELS youth leaders. Senior Counselors (parents and high school teens) are still needed! Speak with Pastor Butler and check out the web site: www.welscyd.net/site/default.asp?sec_id=180000507
Teach ESL Online in Japan! by Anna Sherod (http://kingdomworkers.com/japanedu.php) Aganai (Atonement) Lutheran Church in Higashi Kurume (near Tokyo) is looking for more ways to reach their neighbors with the gospel. They would like to host an English class at their church, led by a native English speaker, via a video-call service such as Skype.
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes offer the chance for people to get to know each other in a non-threatening setting. Church members will be able to invite others along to class and witness their faith in this environment. Participants will also be invited to join in a Bible class led by the local pastor in connection with the ESL classes.
We would like 3-4 volunteers to volunteer weekly online in the early morning, USA time. Here’s how it will work. Once weekly, at 9:00 p.m. Tokyo time (day of the week TBD), you will digitally meet with a group to lead them in English learning exercises and a simple English-language devotion. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] or call me at 414-771-6848.
MAY
05 Ken & Deana Valrance – 2007
06 Todd & Ji Youn Tucker - 2007
10 Jim & Lauren Tertocha – 1986
24 Ken & Kristine Pfeiffer - 1991
25 Glen & Michele Krueger – 1984
28 Dean & Stephanie Chartrand - 1983
01 Tiara Newman
03 Keith Ludeman
04 Benjamin Adams
05 Janice Horne
10 Don Naujock
11 Paul Haney
Kevin Pfeiffer
Mark Tertocha
13 Jan Kolva
14 Justin Tucker
14 Ryan Krueger
17 Michelle Ludeman
22 Amelia Butler
26 Peter Wolf
28 Charissa Chartrand
31 Kristofer Smith
Page 12 Bethlehem Star
TODDLER TIME WITH JESUS:
NOTHING TO BE AFRAID OF!
For various reasons, people are afraid of a lot of
things! They’re afraid of things like the dark, bugs,
clowns, heights and water to name a few. What are
you afraid of? At Toddler Time with Jesus in April the
children learned that “Jesus is with us when we’re
scared.” In the lesson, “Jesus Calms the Storm,” they
heard how the disciples became very frightened of a
terrible storm. They saw how amazed the disciples
were at the incredible power Jesus showed them as
he calmed the fierce wind and waves. (Mark 4:35-41)
The children heard thunder crash and rain pounding
down. They saw the flashes of light and rocked back
and forth as a boat on tumultuous waves. Over the
course of the month, they were taught that Jesus is
with us -- in storms, in the day and the night, when
we’re alone, whenever we’re scared! What’s even
better is the fact that Jesus is with us all the time –
scared or not!
Weekly themes were sky high! All month long white
“cloud” balloons were bounced around by the kids
before and after class. They got to pretend to be a little
rain cloud, pounding their feet for thunder and clapping
their hands for the splash of raindrops. They also
enjoyed floating miniature kites and soaring around
like airplanes during Music and Movement. Our
clothespin airplanes and colorful bubble print crafts
were a big hit!
It’s hard to believe we’ll be winding down our school
year in May with our final Bible story, “David and
Goliath” (1 Samuel 17:1-50). In this lesson the children
will learn that “God is with us.” Weekly themes will be
ladybugs, spring flowers and summertime. Our last
week of class will be a field trip to Frying Pan Farm
Park to see the newborn farm animals, play on the
playground, and enjoy one another’s company at a
picnic lunch.
We do currently have room for new friends in the 9:15
and 10:45 am classes. If you or someone you know is
interested in attending – please come! We love to
have new friends join us at any time!
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