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1 Be helight A Publication of Bethel Lutheran Church A member congregation of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 7171 Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights OH (440)

2 Be fdlafjkl;fjkf helight A Publication of Bethel Lutheran Church Let your light shine before others so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matt 5:16 NRSV In This Issue... Prayer Concerns.3 Pastor Krebill...4 Bethel Happenings God s Faithful Followers 7-8 VBS News....9 Journey Together, Choir & Council updates Bethel Soap Box Ministries. 12 Calendar 14 Birthdays & Anniversaries Church Office Fax Number Office Hours Mon-Fri 9AM 1PM Steven M. Krebill, Pastor Erika Haskell, Director of Music Kathy Victor, Administrative Assistant Christie Scott, M.E.E.C. Director M.E.E.C. Office The Congregation, Reporters 2

3 *Deadline for the October/November 2015 BeTheLight is September 15 th * The purpose of BeTheLight is to inform our members, friends and visitors of worship services and to encourage spiritual growth, Christian Education opportunities, missions and outreach, activities and fellowship events and volunteer opportunities. This newsletter is meant to be an informational tool of Bethel Lutheran Church where we serve together as a family in Christ. The BeTheLight welcomes contributions and letters. The use of copyrighted material (including prayers and inspirational verses) cannot be published without written permission from the author. MISSION STATEMENT The people of Bethel Lutheran Church are called by God to be faithful to the word of God and proclaim it to all people. We share Christ's love and forgiveness by being Christ's hands, feet, arms and voice as we gather and as we scatter PRAYER CONCERNS Persons In Need of Our Prayers Chuck Behm, Deborah Braun, Carl Burgess, Warren Burgess, Marshall Camp, Richard Coniglio, Jennifer English, Robert Hintze, Dorothy Holtz, Karen Horner, Aaron Jardina, Carl Jones, Charlotte Karpinecz, Brigitte Kern, Lynn Kostura, Cy Maszcynski, Donald O Dell, Clifford Riedel, Jr., Mary Sollers, Janet Sopko, John Stefanik, Pat Sterba, Bob Thompson Prayers for Our Homebound Members Lilo Frey, Norm Heger, Ruth Jeckel, Irene Miller, Dorothy Myers, Eleanor Olschewsky, Christa Wisbar, Gerhard Wisbar, Velma Wolff Please keep these friends in your thoughts and prayers. 3

4 FROM THE PASTOR The first few weeks back from sabbatical have been hectic ones. Going from the youth gathering in Detroit, to Camp Mowana and then to VBS in quick succession was a series of joys for me at the privilege of spending time with our children and youth. But it has also been a time of trying to catch up with pastoral care visits and attend to the new concerns that have developed since my return. In some ways it has been like starting a new call all over again, and in other ways it was just like coming home. I ll share more at the special event on September 20, but I can say that having time for rest, study, reflection and celebration of family and special events was a wonderful blessing to me. I tried to be a faithful steward of the time you gave me and was able to accomplish quite a variety of tasks, balancing home time with travel. And that you honored the boundaries of the sabbatical and allowed me that time was a great gift as well. So thank you for your support of this process. It s good to be back!! Pastor Krebill INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT MEMBERSHIP AT BETHEL? If you have been worshiping with us at Bethel and are considering membership in our congregation, we would like to encourage you to continue to worship and participate in our community life. Because of the extension of our summer schedule into September and Pastor Krebill s trip to Germany in October, new member classes will be offered next spring, with new members being invited to officially join us at Easter time. 4

5 SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE CONTINUES THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20 Two special Sundays will extend our worship service format of one service at 9:45 am into September. On Sunday, September 13, we will help God s Faithful Followers celebrate 30 years of ministry in our congregation. On that day we will welcome guests from GFF to serve at worship and also to share with us what this ministry has meant to them. Then on Sunday, September 20, we will have the official welcome back celebration as Pastor Krebill shares with us his insights about what the sabbatical time meant to him. Details of this service and celebration will be announced as we get closer to September 20. One of the goals that received a lot of priority votes at the congregational meetings this past summer was to address the issue of the number of worship services that we offer at Bethel, and to consider keeping a one service schedule throughout the year. On Sunday, August 30, Pastor gave a presentation before worship sharing his thoughts and insights on this matter. Keeping the one service format through September 20 will give our leadership some breathing room to process all of this input in order to make a decision about what our worship format will look like for the rest of the year. Decisions about the number and times of worship services going forward past September 20 will be shared in plenty of time so that we will be prepared at the end of September. 5

6 FAITH EXPLORERS PARENTS' MEETING SET FOR SEPTEMBER 13 On Sunday, September 13, parents of new and returning FAITH EXPLORERS students are invited to an orientation meeting, which will be held in our Gathering Place at 6 PM. FAITH EXPLORERS, or FAITHX, is our ministry to middle school aged youth, grades 7 and 8. Large group meetings for all FAITHX students will begin the following, September 20. Because of Pastor Krebill s trip to Germany in October, we are moving the start of this ministry ahead two weeks so that there will be plenty of time for students preparing to affirm their faith in October to get ready for that event on Reformation Sunday, October 25. FAITH EXPLORERS teaches Luther s Small Catechism with an emphasis on relationships, adult volunteers, group participation, and "exploring faith" rather than on using an academic "school model" for relating to young teenagers. FAITHX also hopes to strengthen relationships with parents and move the emphasis back to the home as the primary place where faith is learned. If you did not receive a letter of invitation, and you have a student, grade 7 or 8 who would like to participate, please contact Pastor Krebill. LECTIONARY BIBLE STUDY RESUMES. BEGINNING ON TUESDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 15th, from 10:00 11:15 A.M. in the Gathering Place conference room, Pastor Krebill will be teaching a Bible Class which will focus on one or more of the three lessons designated for the following Sunday. This study is open to all Bethel members and friends and will continue throughout the year. COME! ENJOY THE LIVELY, INFORMAL CONVERSATION! Don t miss this chance to study the weekly readings from the Revised Common Lectionary that appear every Sunday in the Celebrate insert! This class will provide you with a fresh, new frame of reference when hearing, reading, or studying scripture. You are guaranteed to gain biblical insight and understanding as Pastor invites participants to discover and develop new perspectives and learn different ways of looking at biblical truths. BRING YOUR OWN BIBLES. 6

7 GFF Celebrates "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has designated September 13th as "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday, an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA: one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. And on this day, God's Faithful Followers, one of Bethel's many "Our Hands" ministries, celebrates 30 years of service. God's Faithful Followers provides Christian education and recreation for adults with intellectual, developmental, physical, and mental disabilities. On the last Thursday evening of each month, 70 to 90 GFF guests (including care givers) have fun at a birthday-and-holiday party. Volunteers prepare and serve meals in a seasonal atmosphere, such as guests and volunteers wearing Halloween costumes. And on the other Thursday evenings each month (except in summer) guests worship, make crafts, and enjoy fellowship and refreshments. GFF's Coordinator, Carol Krajewski, and Pastor Steve Krebill, lead the group in songs, worship, and prayer. GFF guests share interactions with people who need each other, not only for companionship, but also for finding meaning in their lives. Many of these people would not otherwise be able to worship or play together. People with disabilities improve their quality of life when they build relationships and have a strong connection with Christ. These special GFF folks like the craft and party evenings for many reasons: Being with friends and volunteers Sharing faith Learning about the Bible Singing and dancing Summer picnics in the park Pastor Steve Meeting congregation members who are involved with events, such as Christmas carolers. The staff at the GFF Group Homes are delighted when seeing the joy on the faces of their residents as they sing songs of praise to God. The logo for God's Faithful Followers is a combination of a cross (God), a heart (being faithful), and footsteps (following). To add a "personal touch" to this year's celebration, each GFF member placed his or her handprint on a large banner, on display at Bethel. History Established in 1985, Bethel s GFF was recognized by Cleveland s Center for Mental Retardation with its Distinguished Service Award for 1998/1999. In 1999, GFF received the Caring 7

8 Church Award from the Christian Council on Persons with Disabilities. Bethel's GFF program has often become a springboard for other congregations to start similar programs. Recognizing the importance of GFF, national organizations (Thrivent Financial) and local businesses (Dairy Queen, West Sprague Road, Parma) provide support for activities. GFF Volunteers GFF s volunteers devote 1,300 hours each year planning, conducting activities (such crafts), cooking, and serving monthly dinners. Current GFF volunteers: Carol and Wayne Derschau, Rita and Otto Eichler, Lauren and Gary Einheit, Lori Harshman, Wanda and Ray Herzog, Donnette Ipsaro, Jean Jarancik, Carol Krajewski, Pastor Steve Krebill, Joyce Larson, Leslie Menges, Lois and Bob Minut, Bob Minut, Jr., Elsie Petrov, Carol Pickens, Ceil Thomas, Bob Thompson, and James Veldhuizen. Former volunteers are being acknowledged in our September 13th service. In noting what GFF means to those who are the hands, Ms. Krajewski says, GFF members have taught us how to show care and compassion for others, to be less inhibited and express closeness through a touch, a hug, and a kind word, to praise God enthusiastically, and to lift our concerns to God in prayer. Volunteers are always welcomed and appreciated. All that is required is a little patience and a lot of love. "God's Work. Our Hands" Sunday is more than GFF Other Bethel ministries in which congregation members are the hands doing God's work include the Middleburg Early Education Center, Vacation Bible School, the Jesse Tree, and most recently, the Journey Together program (local Lutheran churches sharing ideas and projects). These groups, and many others, serve different needs throughout the year. For God s Faithful Followers, however, Thursday evening is church. To our congregation, for its financial and prayerful support for three decades, our GFF guests, their caregivers, and dedicated volunteers say, "Thank You." 8

9 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2015 RECAP SONSPARK LABS Thank you to everyone who participated in making our SonSpark Labs a great success! We had 45 children, about 10 adults each night in the adult class and 42 volunteers throughout the week. About 76% of the children who attended VBS were non-members. We served about 400 people dinner over the five days. We had an amazing week together enjoying dinner, learning bible stories about Jesus, playing games, making crafts and experiments and snack time. We would like to thank all of the volunteers who made this week possible. Our Vacation Bible School program continues to be a great outreach to our community! VBS Director: Jackie Bailey Preschool Class: Jenny Cajka (Helper: Carol Pickens) Kindergarten Class: Rochelle Gold and Summer Nicholas 1 st 3 rd Grade Class: Carol Krajewski (Helper: Donnette Ipsaro) 4 th 6 th Grade Class: Gail Gold Adult Class: Pastor Krebill, Fred Sauvey, Jeanette Yanuzzi and Diane Hail Decorations: The Bailey s Assembly Leader: Pastor Krebill Crafts: Kelly & Bridgett Bartlett, Jennifer & Kayla Geraci, Lauren Einheit, Sue VanStraaten, Lynn Reardon, Christina Kovar and Becky Rescola Games: Russ Bailey (Helpers: Cole Nicholas, Max Geraci, Max Reardon and Tim Kneuss) Snacks: Jeanne Whitsel (Helpers: Eric, Johanna & Emma Whitsel & Lynn Reardon) Dinner: Judy Bailey (Helpers: Diane Hail, Judy Vanke, Jeanette & Karl Yanuzzi) Thank you to everyone who helped set up the Saturday and Sunday before VBS and to everyone who stayed afterwards on Friday evening to help clean up. A special thank you to everyone who made donations of food and money! We could not have done all of this without all of your donations. Thank you to Thrivent Financial for the $250 gift card that was used for VBS expenses. If you would like to view the power point presentation from this year s VBS you can access it at Bethel s website, Thanks again, Jackie Bailey 9

10 Bethel's "Journey Together" Ministry Helps Us and Others In 2013, the Northeastern Ohio Synod introduced an "On the Journey Forward" program. This every-congregation project "sought to become clear about whose we are, who we are, and whom we serve in God's name." The 182 synod congregations were grouped by location. Each congregation formed a team. Bethel's team is Pastor Krebill, Dan Karp, Ray Herzog, Sue Van Straaten, and Elfi Schuster. In meetings with other congregations in our group, we discussed: (a) things for which our church is grateful, (b) what gives us hope, (c) areas where we see God's love, (d) problems and challenges, (e) uniqueness, (f) visions and future, and (g) what we've done successfully. Shared ideas and visions helped all participating congregations, individually and collectively, to better carry out the Journey program's mission. Having established admirable and inspiring practices, the synod's Journey Forward program ended in To continue these practices in 2015, Dan Karp (on behalf of Bethel) coordinated with local congregations to form a new program called "Journey Together." Projects which the new group are doing truly show "We are one church." Among churches in the group, for example, current plans are for congregation members to visit others' churches, pastors trading worship services, and creating a congregation-and-community directory. Projects reaching out into the community are to help the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry and a greater involvement with local food pantries. Choir Rehearsals Resume It is that time again! Choir rehearsals start here at Bethel on Wednesday, September 9 th at 7:30PM. All are welcome! Remember no prior musical experience is necessary. If you enjoy how singing and making music enhances our worship, then why not join the choir? justin.caithaml@icloud.com if you have any questions. See you on September 9 th! 10

11 Updates from Bethel Congregation Council In May, Bethel received a letter from Trinity Lutheran Seminary s director of Financial Aid, Melissa Curtis Powell, encouraging us to support in prayers as well as in more concrete gifts, our seminarian, Lindsay Bailey. At the same time, a letter from the director of ELCA Fund for Leaders, Rachel Wind, arrived, informing Pastor Krebill of Lindsay s selection to receive a half-tuition scholarship for each tuition- bearing year during her course of study. That would leave a balance of $ for Lindsay to pay toward her tuition for this academic year. Since we at Bethel have never had a candidate for rostered leadership before, and since Lindsay has shown such exceptional intelligence and giftedness in many areas, our Congregation Council felt we as members would like the opportunity to help Lindsay defray her remaining tuition balance for this academic year. Council members approved payment of $7, to be paid from Special Fund 146 Bethel Scholarships. Donations to the Bethel Scholarship fund are always appreciated. If you would like to help us continue to be able to support our students that attend Lutheran elementary, high school, college and seminary schools, please feel free to complete one of the special envelopes that you receive in your monthly contribution envelope packet and be sure to note SF146 on the envelope and your check. If you do not have the special envelope a check or cash is certainly welcome in a pew or plain envelope, just be sure to notate SF146. Please join us in support and prayer of Lindsay in her journey forward in life. Lutheran Crisis Center The Lutheran Crisis Center is in need of the following: Can Openers * Silverware * Dishes * Glasses/Coffee Cups Pots/Pans * CLEAN Bedding items (sheets, pillowcases) * towels Please take the time to clean out your closets and drawers and donate today! New items are always welcome as well. Please bring your items to the gathering place coat room. Thank you for helping our Ministry. Ed Costa 11

12 Bethel Soap Box Ministries Update for Bethel Members At the end of 2014, another delivery of personal care items was made to the LMM Women s Re-Entry program. This delivery was different in that the personal care items were delivered in Colorful Cosmetic bags donated by Anita Holtz and Pam Ciccarello. In addition to the bags, we also delivered a Visa debit card worth $250 given to Bethel from the Thrivent Action Team Resources. LMM is going to use the $250 to purchase bus passes for the Women s Re-Entry program. We received a lovely thank you letter from Lisa M. Smith, Associate Director of the Community Re-Entry program. She went on to say how our generosity and giving spirit is a blessing for the women in the program. We are continuing to collect personal care items in the Soap Box container in the gathering place coat room. If you have any small cosmetic bags we would like to continue using them for our next delivery. Bethel members, thank you for your continued support and commitment to this LMM program. Ed Harbart 12

13 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Al-Anon GP 9am 1pm (special use) 6 Labor Day :30 Adult Bible study 9:45 Worship Office Closed Council Meeting 7pm MEEC Parent Night (FH) 7pm Choir 7:30pm Al-Anon 10am GFF 7pm AA 8:30pm :30 Adult Bible study 9:45 Worship/GFF special presentation Faith X Parents Meeting 6pm MEEC In-service day Lectionary Bible study 10am MEEC 1 st day of school Choir 7:30pm Al-Anon 10am GFF 7pm AA 8:30pm :30 Adult Bible study 9:45 Worship Welcome back celebration Faith x 6pm Lectionary Bible study 10am GP (special use) 2-5pm Lectionary Bible study 10am Choir 7:30pm Choir 7:30pm Al-Anon 10am GFF birthday dinner 7pm AA 8:30pm Altar Guild picnic Noon Men s Bible study 8am Men s Bible study 8am Men s Bible study 8am 13

14 September Birthdays 2 Michael Salem 4 Ed Harbart 6 Mary Stiene ~ John Hudak ~ Donnette Ipsaro 7 Gerald Neumann 10 Maria Salmen 12 Ron Zelina ~ Nancy Kuder 14 Hannah Zwolenik 16 Sharon Vasil 17 Marilyn Brown 18 Ardane Ross 19 Jim Bondor 21 Ian Rescola 22 Laura Zwolenik ~ Beth Strobel 23 Julius Nemeth 24 Dorothy Reinker 24 Karl Yanuzzi 24 Nate Haskell 25 Ed Salem 26 Jane Salem ~ Gail Gold ~ Kayla Geraci 27 Beatrice Hovanec 30 Alice Forsthoffer (Happy 98 th Birthday!!) 2 Sy & Kathy Maszczynski (48 yrs) 6 John & Bev Riehl (46 yrs) 12 Gary & Lauren Einheit (28 yrs) 13 Fred & Anita Holtz (47 yrs) 19 Konrad & Giesela Stiene (56 yrs) 21 Tim & Loretta English (19 yrs) 26 Bradshaw & Becky Rescola (17 yrs).and Anniversaries 14