The Bethlehem Lutheran Church council was called to order in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit on Wednesday, June 5, by V.P. C.

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1 BETHLEHEM STAR BETHLEHEM STAR JULY 2013 Office: Phone: Discipleship Have you ever tried to imagine what heaven is like? I m sure we all have. It will surely be totally different from this life. But, there will surely be continuity in some ways, too, such as enjoying the presence of loved ones. Let s think about the one thing that won t change at all our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our discipleship to Jesus will continue into eternity. The relationship we have right now with Jesus Christ will continue into eternity. We believe that the relationship we have right now with Jesus continues to build and strengthen in eternity. The word for that relationship is discipleship. In fact, it is how heaven is organized. Discipleship to Jesus is the organizing principle of heaven. Do you imagine heaven as being like a fabulous resort? I think many people do, because of all the jokes I ve heard about heaven. Even though we know that those jokes are just imaginary stories, they still affect our understanding. So, let s fill our minds with the thought that our discipleship to Jesus is the one thing that never changes. Heaven is all about our discipleship to Jesus. Heaven is organized according to our relationships with Jesus. Jesus is our Lord and Savior: we are his faithful followers. We don t follow as a mass or a mob, though. We follow as personal disciples. Even though we are called Jesus flock and call Jesus our Good Shepherd, heaven s organization is based on discipleship. Jesus knows each of us by name, and each of us responds personally to Jesus individual call. When Jesus sent his disciples out to spread the Good News, he told them to make disciples of all nations. That means that we all are sort of like Matthew at his tax collector s booth, called to leave his old life behind to follow Jesus. So, discipleship surely continues in heaven. But, our discipleship begins in this life. Just like we can t imagine St. Peter or St. Paul in heaven apart from their close relationship with Jesus, a relationship that was begun in this life, we must imagine our own relationships with Jesus in this life continuing in the resurrection. This reminds us to work on our relationships with Jesus here and now. Our present discipleship to Jesus is a treasure that we re storing up in heaven to enjoy for all eternity. What we do right now as Jesus disciples is eternally important. Jesus is the one who creates the relationship. He calls us to follow him. We hear and follow. May we all hear his voice and follow him into eternity! Pastor Mahlon

2 JUNE COUNCIL MINUTES MISSION STATEMENT: Bethlehem Lutheran Church is a place where Christ is born in our hearts. We worship Him as our Savior and King and are sent forth to serve Him in word and deed. The Bethlehem Lutheran Church council was called to order in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit on Wednesday, June 5, by V.P. C. Sandager Pastor Mahlon led devotions Marriage between man & woman. Attendance: Pastor Mahlon, C. Sandager, B. Beyer, R. Rentschler, C. Westphal, G. Warner, B. Leenderts, D. Buffington, D. Warner, L. Boeve, N. Bekedam, L. Rentschler, D. Sandager, M. Bass, R. Spath, W. Hoyme. Excused: P. Opheim, D. Bundesen, B. Vaughn, J. Bass, D. Leenderts, K. Kueter, S. Page, J. Solberg The secretary s report was read and approved. The treasurer s report was read and accepted, subject to audit. See Report inserted in Newsletter. Pastor s report: Remember Cheryl Pavel & Dennis Erickson who are patients at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Gwen Sells has moved to Tuff Village. 25 Youth took part in Lock-In on Sat. June 1 Synod Assembly in St. Peter, MN. on campus of Gustavus Adolphus, June 7th-9th. Will return for Sunday services on the 9th. Shall we have council meeting in July? No full council meeting in July, Boards will meet on their own. Next Council meeting Wed. Aug. 14th. Pastor s Vacation from July 29th-August 11th. Trustees: Chair: D. Bundesen & Sec. B. Vaughn Sophie Gehrke Benefit at the Hills Rez on Sat. July 6th. Scholarship Committee: D. Sandager, R. Spath and C. Westphal. Due June 15th. Rules for using Basement. NO nails, NO tape can be used on the walls. NO sliding tables or chairs across floor. >When painting use roll of paper or drop cloth. Paint on new carpet. Approval to do drain tile from city. Tile into old drain. Lawn & Grass.What to do? Need to use different mower. Anyone have a lawn mower? Quilting machine used at the parsonage. What is the extra cost of electricity used? Estimated 25 cents a quilt. No issue. Approved Bills Thanks for helping with landscaping at parsonage. Deacons: Set July & August Schedule Will get fill in for Pastor - August 4 & 11 Looking for more ideas for special music June 30th Special Music using bells. Board of Education: restocked kids bags used in church Reviewed Vacation Bible School Friendship Days will hand out VBS registration forms at inflatable's. Reviewed Confirmation requirements Blessing of back packs on Sun., Aug. 18th. Reviewed Sunday school schedule Prepared list for 2nd grade Bibles and those entering Sunday School. Old Business: None New Business: Addendum to fee schedule stating price list for organist..changed to Contact organist for fee s price. The meeting adjourned with prayer. Brenda Beyer Upcoming Calendar of Events July 7th - 11th VBS July 20th- Wedding Sandager/Rozeboom July 27th - Baptism of Sol Viva Sandager- Balser on Saturday in Trinity Chapel. Jason Martens leading worship on Sunday, August 4th and 11th. Pastor on vacation.

3 Acolyte Schedule JULY - AUGUST During the summer months duties to the ushers are light candles/help with communion trays. Thanks NO CHURCH COUNCIL OR BOARD MEETINGS IN JULY! Office Closed - July 4 BIRTHDAY S CONTINUE Cami Verhey 22 - Dennis Erickson Randy Beyer James Berdahl 23 - Pearl Sundem 26 - Jayden Kueter 28 - Dan Ellingson Margaret Erickson 29 - Jean Wysong Dana Huisman 30 - Dennis Roning 31 - Jan Solberg JUNE BIRTHDAY Addition Cash Wilsey [sorry I missed your birthday...hope you had a fun day!] HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY S 1 - Sheryl Nielson Keaton Huisman Zach Wagenaar 3 - Nick Wassenaar 4 - Shirley Sandager 5 - Zach Wysong 6 - Miranda Hite {Anderson} 7 - Ann Jess 8 - Angie Wysong JU- LY 12-Aiden Kerkhove- Brandt 13 - Paul Jess 14 - Jason Martens 15 - Pam Sells 16 - Marcia Brandt Charise Kneip 17 - Peggy Goettsch 18 - Dana Dahlquist 19 - Lori Rentschler Jaxon Steensma {continued next column} CAMI S CORNER VBS will start on Sunday, July 7th. The one thing I miss with VBS is that it is held at night. I know..we get more to volunteer and help, but I miss the many faces that would stop in the office just to say Hi and hearing them practice their music. Thanks to those who volunteer their time & those who brought in food to help with meals. Remember program will be on Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 pm. in Bethlehem. I hope everyone can attend the Benefit for Sophie Gehrke. This will be held at the Hills Rez on Saturday, July 6th. Ben Clair Church & Sophie s Soldiers will be serving a free will offering meal at 6:00 pm. All proceeds go to Sophie to help with medical expenses. Donations may be made and sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Sophie Gehrke Fund. Summer is here...i hear from several parents that you are all staying busy with swimming lessons, T-ball, softball, camps & family vacations. HEAVENLY HUMOR... A little boy decided he was going to read the Bible, so he opened his grandma s huge, old leather-bound bible that had been passed down through the family for generations. As he turned the pages, a fragile, old pressed leaf fell out. He gently picked it up and ran to his grandma, Grandma! Grandma! I found Adam s underwear! HAPPY 4TH...BE SAFE! Keeping you posted

4 2013 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL INFORMATION: This years Theme: GOTTA MOVE! KEEPIN IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT Vacation Bible School is July 7th 11th On Sunday the schedule is from 5-8:30. Please drop off your child at 5:00. Anyone who signed up to bring food, please have it in the church basement by Friday, July 5. Schedule: Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday is 5:30-8:30. Bring your child at 5:30. Thursday schedule time 5:00-8:30 pm. Please bring your child to the Tuff Home by 5:00 pm. on Thursday. The students will then walk to church to begin VBS at 5:30 pm. for the final night of VBS. Fee: $12.00 per child must be paid with registration. Funding available. ** Supper will be served every night for all students, teachers and helpers. Program will be at 7:30 pm. on Thursday, July 11th in Bethlehem Lutheran Church 7th, 8th, and 9th graders - just a reminder that you must help during VBS. Any questions contact Kari OPEN YOUR HEART AND HOME to a German or French exchange student for the coming school year Volunteer host families (with or without children) are needed to provide food, a bed and a loving home for the coming school year, one or two semesters, starting in August. EMF students have medical insurance, spending money for their personal expenses and expect to share their host family s daily life including household responsibilities. They speak English, are well-screened and eager to experience life in America. Their stay here is sponsored and supervised by EMF (Educational Merit Foundation), a non-profit, educational exchange program. For more information on EMF students, please call Marie-Claude Dijoud now at or visit our web site at New Thrivent Rep We now have a new Thrivent Representative who has replaced Dale Slieter (who was killed in a motorcycle accident) and he is from our own congregation! I am happy to say that Jeff Bass has full filled all the requirements and has opened an office on the main street in Luverne. His office is in the old Creeger building, the right hand side (east), and down the hall. His phone number is and it is his cell phone number. I hope you will call him as make investment plans. He has a variety of products. If you are a Thrivent member, he s the go-to guy with your questions. I hope everyone will welcome into your homes and welcome his phone calls as he begins a new career in this field. Jan Solberg BASEMENT UPDATE!!!!! Total Expenses for Basement: $97, Donations: $63, Exchange State Bank of Hills Loan: $36, TIME & TALENT TEAM #3-JULY Dan & Marie LaRock Doug & Lois Boeve Scott & Heather Harris Jim Boeve Billy Horsman Jake & Jeff Nelson Adam & Dana Huisman Marilyn Nelson Mark Nelson Lucas Sandager Mike & Nancy Sandager Mike & Robin Spath Charlie & Dawn Sandger Zach Wagenaar David & Nancy Swanson ** If you are not on the list for July and would like to help out, please sign up! Sign up sheet in the narthex.

5 BENEFIT FOR SOPHIE GEHRKE At the Hills Rez on Saturday, July 6th, Ben Claire Church along with Sophie s soldiers will be provide a meal starting at 6:00 pm. Free will donation! Come join the fun! There will be inflatable s, raffles, games, food, fire works and more! It will be a great time for the whole family!! The Big Raffle item is a Summer Bash Party including hamburgers, buns and chips for 50 people and entertainment by Six Mile Road. Other prizes include IPad, whole hog, fire pit and many other items. Raffle Tickets: $2.00 per ticket Purchase on July 6th at the Hills Rez or in advance from Sophie s Soldiers: Marilyn Nelson...Sandy Bush...Deb Haak Bonnie Leenderts Ann Boeve Heidi Gehrke ** Donation may be made and sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church - designated Sophie Gehrke Fund. 5K Race at 4:00 pm. Proceeds going to Sophie. Sign up with Donna Burgers Please join us for a fun night for the entire family and help defray Sophie s expenses. BAPTISM S Charlie Katherine Wilsey baptized on Sunday, June 23. Parents: Christopher & Angie Wilsey Sponsors: Cody Wilsey, Santanna Wysong, Tracy & Zach Wysong Roslyn Emma Knight baptized on Sunday, June 30. Parents: Joshua & Amanda Knight {Bob & Twila Kirsch great granddaughter} Sponsors: John Fallenstein, Becky Fallenstein & Noeleen Killick PRAYER: I m not praying for anything for myself..just a new bike for my brother that we both can ride. A hungry little boy was beginning to eat his dinner when his father reminded him that they hadn t prayed. We don t have to, said the little boy. Mommy is a good cook!