The Spirit of Bethlehem

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Spirit of Bethlehem"

Ginger Isabel Reed
5 years ago
Views:

The Spirit of Bethlehem Bethlehem United Church of Christ 11608 Lax Chapel Rd.

At 5:30am tomorrow morning, eight young people and three adults will embark on their journey to Kentucky in service to God and his people.

1 The Spirit of Bethlehem Bethlehem United Church of Christ Lax Chapel Rd. Kiel, WI (920) Randy s Ramblings July, 2018 Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ, What an exciting time at Bethlehem UCC! As I write this, it s the eve of BUCC s mission trip. At 5:30am tomorrow morning, eight young people and three adults will embark on their journey to Kentucky in service to God and his people. This is a new experience and we aren t sure exactly what to expect. However, we are hopeful that our experiences will open the door to MORE members of Bethlehem accepting the call to mission and service and will lead the entire Bethlehem community towards a more service-oriented focus. We know not everyone can participate in a mission trip, and we are forever grateful for those who supported our trip with their financial contributions. We look forward to sharing our experiences in picture and story at the shareholder s dinner on August 8 th. Two months ago, I wrote about the stewardship committee s commitment to building a sense of COMMUNITY within our Bethlehem family. The premise behind building community as a goal, is that people will feel more like giving their time, talents and resources ($$) to a church they feel connected to and a part of. Our first approach was simply to provide a greater opportunity for fellowship and conversations by holding coffee hours on a more regular basis. Also, by the time this newsletter is published, we will have held our first TAILGATE party prior to a youth volleyball home game. Were you there? In general, the coffee hours have been a success. We see fewer people making an immediate bee-line for the door after worship. While not everyone is partaking in the food and beverages, people are clearly feeling more comfortable to stay and converse, to make connections to build community and establish relationships. This was our goal! However, while we can be happy about our gains, there is still work to do. I encourage each member of our congregation to reflect seriously on the concept of community. Are our behaviors and attitudes fostering the building of community? Or do our behaviors and attitudes discourage, stifle or even sabotage the building of community? Do we participate joyfully in activities and events designed to promote community building? Do we make a point of encouraging others to stay for coffee hours or attend events such as the tailgate party? Do we intentionally initiate conversations with others OUTSIDE of our normal church circle? These are all things that will help our church grow by making others feel valued and welcomed. Continued on Page 4 INSIDE THS ISSUE: Pastor s Pages 1&4 Misc News 2-3 Consistory 4-6 Volleyball/Ladies 6 Merry Christians/Scrip 7 Prayer/Lectionary 8 Bethlehem News 9 July Calendars 10 Articles for the Aug 2018 edition of the Spirit are due on Wed, July 18th. Articles can be ed directly to me at bryanjeanty@gmail.com or leave articles in the mailbox in the church office. Thank You ~Bryan 1

2 LET S SAVE PAPER! In order to help the church reduce the amount of paper we go through please sign up to receive the Spirit electronically. You can do it by signing up in the fellowship hall or ing Bryan Jeanty at bryanjeanty@gmail.com. This is purely voluntary if you don t sign up you will still keep getting the printed copy of Spirit. Do you have someone in college or the military or away from home who would like to hear about the events of Bethlehem sign them up so they can receive the spirit electronically. If you are not able to worship with us on Sunday, you can send your giving envelope/check to the following address: Bethlehem UCC c/o Ruthie Rumpff Lax Chapel Rd. Kiel, WI Consistory: Elder /President: Bob Radder Elder: Traci Rabe Elder: Amy Wempner Deacon: Ross Westphalen Deacon/Secretary: Natasha Verhulst Financial Secretary: Ruthie Rumpff Treasurer : Rick Rabe Mission Statement As Disciples of Christ, we are a loving, caring community of faith, called to witness to God s grace and glory. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit to love, nurture, respect, encourage and challenge each other. Rooted in the tradition of our Christian ancestors, we live our faith through worship, fellowship, teaching and service to others. 2

Bethlehem UCC's Website is LIVE!!! The website is www.bethlehemkiel.org. Check it out!

for the church website: bethlehemucckiel @gmail.

Worship Times: Sunday School begins at 8:00 a.m. Worship time is 9:30 a.m. Rev. Rebecca A.

3 Bethlehem UCC's Website is LIVE!!! The website is Check it out!!!!! Please use the address below to submit information, photos, etc. for the church website: Bethlehem United Church of Christ Lax Chapel Rd Kiel WI Phone: Worship Times: Sunday School begins at 8:00 a.m. Worship time is 9:30 a.m. Rev. Rebecca A. Johnston, Pastor ( revbecky1124@gmail.com) Randy Koppenhaver, Licensed Lay Minister ( randynmel5@gmail.com) 3

4 Randy s Ramblings Continued Or Do we complain about, denigrate, or publicly BOYCOTT coffee hours and other events designed to build community? Are we overly concerned with individual needs, such as who might have to clean up or do the dishes, rather than consider the needs of the entire church community? Do we overtly refuse to participate in something because it s not something we ve always done? These are all things that sabotage or destroy our efforts at building community. Ultimately, it will leave newer people feeling disconnected and devalued and they will eventually stop attending. In 1 Corinthians 10:32, The apostle Paul says, Don t become a stumbling block to Jews or Greeks or to the church of God. I think we all want what s best for Bethlehem but are often unaware of the message our words and actions can send. In the interest of growing Bethlehem, we MUST adopt an attitude that fosters community building, and not sabotage it. Let us not get in the way of making Bethlehem a better place for all. In Christ s love, Randy Koppenhaver, Licensed Lay Minister randynmel5@gmail.com Consistory Consistory Minutes June 12, 2018 The June consistory meeting was called to order by President Bob Radder at 6:35 pm. Consistory members present were: Rick Rabe, Ruthie Rumpff, Ross Wesphalen, Traci Rabe, Rev. Becky Johnston and Randy Koppenhaver. Louie Bowe from the Building & Grounds committee also attended part of the meeting. Building & Grounds Report: Louie gave a report on projects that are in need of being completed at the parsonage. A riser for the septic is needed - estimated cost $300. A dead tree needs to be removed estimated cost $250. Estimates were also received for siding of the old garage (at parsonage). Tom Rabe received an estimate for siding materials through Drexel for $2, The other estimate received was much higher. The price from Drexel does not include a new service door or new windows. The parsonage siding needs power washing and some facia needs to be repaired. A lift will need to be rented to complete this safely. The cost to rent a lift is estimated to be $240. After some discussion, Traci made a motion to approve these projects with the cost being covered by the Building Maintenance/Repair fund. Ross second the motion. All were in favor. Other projects being worked on: The parsonage deck needs to be power washed and sealed Landscaping on west side of church will be taken care of by the Merry Christians A broken window on the new garage will be replaced/fixed Plants/scrubs around the church will be trimmed/replaced Projects that have been completed: Louie & Kathy Bowe power washed the new garage Louie & Kathy Bowe also replaced the broken post at the south entrance Mark Riesterer & Steven Voland trimmed trees at the end of the blacktop near cemetery Parsonage septic has been pumped A huge thank you to Louie, Kathy, Mark and Steven for taking care of these projects!!! 4

5 Monthly Reports: May Collections totaled: $8, Ruthie s report was approved as read May Expenses totaled: $12, Rick s report was approved as read The consistory asks that all members be mindful of their giving when not attending on a given Sunday. Our monthly requirement to meet the budget is $11, This month we fell short $3, To date for the year we are behind $4, The secretary s report (written and submitted by Ross) was approved as read. Pastor s Reports: Randy reported on our Families in Need program. These funds are quickly dwindling and are in need of replenishing because of the number of members who need of our support. The Families in Need program is supported through our Scrip program. 10% of the profit from the Scrip program goes to Families in Need. The Scrip program is easy to use and doesn t cost you anything extra. You can easily purchase a gift card(s) for weekly shopping or to fill your car with gas. This is money that you would be spending anyway and you don t have to take the time to write out a check at the register. Remember, it doesn t cost you anything extra AND you are helping families within our congregation and community. The consistory encourages you to try the Scrip program the next time you are at church. After more discussion and brainstorming additional ways to build up the Families in Need program, Rick made a motion (Ruthie second) to collect jingle change on the 1 st and 5 th Sundays of a month for the Families in Need program. The motion was approved. Pastor Becky talked about Kiel Picnic Sunday with the decision to have worship service here at Bethlehem. Those that may be part of the parade and/or unable to make it to Bethlehem that Sunday are encouraged to attend the service in the park. Pastor Becky will be in Africa August We wish her safe travels. Randy will be preaching while she is vacationing. Pastor Becky also reported that Sunday morning Bible study is well attended and going well. All are welcome to attend. Old Business: Building Use Policy Committee: A committee has been put together and will be meeting over the next several months. The congregation will be updated at the annual meeting. If you are interested in being part of these discussions, please talk to Traci Rabe. If you were in church the last few weeks you may have noticed that the sound system is crackling. This seems to be happening more with humidity. It was suggested that the air conditioning be started sooner to hopefully help with this issue. Mortgage Burning Plans: Keep Sunday, September 9 th open on your calendars! This will be a day of helping our neighbors and the community. We will be ending the day with a mortgage burning celebration. More details to come!! New Business: Stained Glass items: Ruthie volunteer to take care of the stained glass items. She will be displaying and selling them on various Sundays. They make great gifts. 5

Ross reported that the HHT Men s Acapella Barbershop group will be preforming during our Sunday, August 5 th worship service. Please make plans to attend.

6 The consistory decided that we want anyone viewing our website to know that it is safe. A motion was made by Rick and second by Ross to purchase SSL (Secure Sockets Layer for Standard Security). The cost is $80 per year. Ross reported that the HHT Men s Acapella Barbershop group will be preforming during our Sunday, August 5 th worship service. Please make plans to attend. Rick made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ruthie second the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10pm. We closed with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Traci Rabe Elder Youth Fellowship Bethlehem Ladies No meeting in July. Next meeting is Sunday, August 19 th at 8:30 am. On to wash communion glass July 1 st is Shirley, Barb & Doris Mae. Secretary, Polly Jeanty 6

This year s garage sale will be at the Brickbauer home as it has been in the past.

7 Merry Christians Bethlehem s Annual Garage Sale & Bake Sale Volunteers needed: Set Up: Wednesday, August 8 th starting at 4 pm. Sell: Friday, August 10 th starting at 8 am through 4 pm Sell: Saturday, August 11 th starting at 8 am through noon Clean Up: Saturday, August 11 th starting at noon. This year s garage sale will be at the Brickbauer home as it has been in the past. Donate - If you have household items, clothing, toys, seasonal decorations, etc which you can no longer use, consider donating these for the garage sale. Items can be dropped off at the Brickbauer s during the week. If you do not a place to store such items until August, please contact a member of the Merry Christians so that we can make arrangements. Bake Plan to bake some items for the bake sale table that weekend. Sign up sheets for work times are available at the church. Times are flexible. Every half hour can make a difference in sharing the workload. Scrip Summer is for fun and family vacations, consider using scrip to help fund your vacation. We have gas cards available as well as gift cards for restaurants. If there is something special you need, please ask, we can probably order it. I have a list of retailers which you can choose from, just allow a week to order special gift cards. Stop at the scrip table and check it out! The scrip program benefits the repairs and maintenance fund. We also set aside 10% for families in need. Please consider using the scrip program and support these programs. Thank you to those of you who faithfully use the scrip program! Linda Rabe MONTHLY SCRIP STATS: 5/20/18 $1, $ /27/18 $1, $ /03/18 $1, $ /10/18 $1, $ /17/18 $1, $ Mark your Calendars Special Music August 5th HHT Men s A-Capella chorus will be singing 7

Prayer Concerns Those in our thoughts and prayers (Please check weekly Bethlehem Blurb for updated prayer concerns) Those in our thoughts and prayers: Prayer concerns: Lori Behnke: Cancer diagnosis

Family and Friends of Shelly Lorenz-Adair Lectionary Lectionary Readings: July 1, 2018 July 8, 2018 July 15, 2018 July 22, 2018 July 29, 2018 Proper 8 (13) 6 th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 9 (14) 7

8 Prayer Concerns Those in our thoughts and prayers (Please check weekly Bethlehem Blurb for updated prayer concerns) Those in our thoughts and prayers: Prayer concerns: Lori Behnke: Cancer diagnosis Helen Henning: Surgery Ken Behnke: continued treatments Nikki Watson: Cancer Doris Mae Ninmer recuperating at Willowdale Ken Henschel New friends from Puerto Rico as they settle in. Family and Friends of Shelly Lorenz-Adair Lectionary Lectionary Readings: July 1, 2018 July 8, 2018 July 15, 2018 July 22, 2018 July 29, 2018 Proper 8 (13) 6 th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 9 (14) 7 th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 10 (15) 8 th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 11 (16) 9 th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 12 (167) 10th Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 1:1, and Psalm 130 OR Lamentations 3:23-33 and Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5: Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 and Psalm 48 OR Ezekiel 2:1-5 and Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6: Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 and Psalm 24 OR Amos 7:7-15 and Psalm 85:8-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6: Samuel 7:1-14a and Psalm 89:20-37 OR Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, Samuel 11:1-15 and Psalms 14 OR 2 Kings 4:42-44 and Psalms 145: 10-18; Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 8

9 Bethlehem News Let's Party!! Bethlehem will be holding a TAILGATE PARTY at 6pm on June 24th, prior to our home Volleyball game vs. Immanuel/Bethel. Meat, buns, and dinnerware will be provided by the stewardship committee. Please bring your own chairs, beverages and a dish to pass. We encourage you to sign up in the Fellowship Hall so we have idea how much food to purchase. Please join us! Time for Fellowship! The stewardship committee is seeking hosts for our Fellowship/Coffee time after worship on Sundays. There are no expectations. Keep it simple. The goal is to encourage community building. However, in keeping with the theme of stewardship, The committee encourages the use of "fair trade" coffee and discourages the use of disposable cups. If your church group or family would like to host, there's a sign up sheet in the Fellowship Hall. SAVE THE DATE!!! YES!! We have paid off our mortgage. On Sunday, September 9 we are making plans for a mortgage burning celebration. We have several things in the works so plan to be with us all day. The service of burning the mortgage will be in the evening so we can include Rev. Kathryn Kuhn and Rev. Ashley Nolte as they lead us through the largest portion of this project. Look for details as we get closer to the date. Communion for Everyone! We have purchased gluten free wafers for communion. We want to make sure everyone is included in the Sacrament. We will have a 5th usher who will distribute the wafers. If you have other food allergies that prevent you from taking communion, please let Rev. Becky know. Thank you! Sunday Morning Adult Study Join us for Adult study at 8:15am in the library. We will discuss the lectionary text for the week. No homework or prior knowledge required. All you need to bring is your morning coffee or tea Rev. Becky s office hours will be Tuesdays 9am Noon and Wednesdays 9 am -3 pm. If you need to contact her outside of those hours feel free to use her cell phone Randy is going to continue with us at his current status preaching once per month and co-leading in some of the programming. Aluminum Cans please place ONLY aluminum cans into your bags keep aluminum pans and other items separate. Please continue to save your aluminum cans and place them in the old garage next to the parsonage. If you remove the can tabs and place in a separate bag - these can go help support The Ronald McDonald House. Take time to introduce yourself to someone you don t know help them to get to know you and other people in the church. Please wear your name tags at church to help one another get to know you better Summer faith practices Be a gardener. Dig a ditch, toil and sweat, and turn the earth upside down and seek the deepness and water the plants in time. Continue this labor and make sweet floods to run and noble and abundant fruits to spring. Take this food and drink and carry it to God as your true worship. Julian of Norwich, Christian mystic (ca ) 9

10 Community Event: Ice Cream Social Supper Ebenezer UCC Chilton July 11 th 4:00 7:00 pm See Flyer in Fellowship Hall for details 10

The Spirit of Bethlehem

The Spirit of Bethlehem Bethlehem United Church of Christ 11608 Lax Chapel Rd. Kiel, WI 53042 (920) 894-3332 Dear Members and Friends of Bethlehem UCC, As I write to you I am in Evanston for two weeks