The Beacon of Bethel Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 The Beacon of Bethel Lutheran Church Let God s light shine before all mankind. Where Faith Grows = office@bethelwillowick.org February 2018 PASTORAL MESSAGE Greetings in the name of our Risen and Glorified Lord and Savior, As I sit and contemplate what to write in this pastoral message, I'm reminded of the fact that so many people have no working knowledge of how forgiveness should be a part of their lives. It saddens me, because I run across so many situations that if the individual would follow Matthew 18 it could and would be so easily solved. And sadly, it is our human emotions that take over and rule our hearts. Betrayal is probably the most common and it, of course, leads to anger, mistrust and unwillingness to forgive. Why do so many humans feel the need to harbor anger and resentment? Why is it that so many of us here at Bethel still feel the need to not follow Matthew 18? How many of us have left our Church community and our fellowship because they got their feelings hurt? Maybe I can wager a guess. Our official roster lists 330 baptized members and 354 communicant members, and yet our average weekly attendance is less than 70. This situation has been discussed by many groups in our Church, including Ladies Aid, the elders, and Church council. No solutions have been offered, except the most obvious, which is reaching out to those who have left. And yet, that s where it stands; no one reaches out to them and no one invites their friends. What if someone came into your house and said something to you that really, I mean really embarrassed you, or angered you? Would you leave your house and never say a word to that person and harbor that hatred? What if you did something embarrassing or offended someone in that same house - would you leave and not say anything? I think not. Yet that is exactly what many among our community have done. Whether it was someone else s error or their own, they have left their Church home, never saying a word of why or what has occurred. How can a family member take that hurt away or offer their repentance or ask for forgiveness if no one knows the offense? Every one of us has been hurt by another human being. I would ask everyone, whether they are family or friends of Church members, to come back and let us know how we may have offended you and allow us to apologize and be forgiven. Matthew 18:15-18 reads; "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. If we remember to focus on the cross, we can truly know that Jesus has already forgiven us, and we can pass that forgiveness on to those whom we love and have fellowship. In His Service Rev. Donald P. Beaumont Rev. Donald P. Beaumont pastor@bethelwillowick.org Joshua 24:15 As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

2 Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. 5 Martin Luther Drive Fort Wayne, IN Worship for Shut-Ins Sermon Summaries These Worship services on WRLM can be viewed on Time Warner Cable channel 12 and U-verse channel 67 at 11:30 am on the following days: Weekly Scripture Readings & Sermon Summaries February 2018 February 4, 2018 Fifth day after the Epiphany Psalm: 103:1-5; Old Testament: Isaiah 40:28-31; Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 Like Eagles - Sermon Text: Isaiah 40:28-31 Rev. Dr. Walter Maier III At times we are wearied by life s challenges, and find it difficult to move forward. But there is One who never gets tired, who is almighty, who understands our situation. He loves us, and has saved us, and will renew our strength so that we can soar like eagles. February 11, 2018 The Transfiguration of Our Lord Psalm: 50:1-6; Epistle: 2 Corinthians 3:12-13; 4:1-6; Gospel: Mark 9:2-9 You Sure Look Different - Sermon Text: Mark 9:2-9 - Rev. Paul Shoemaker When a person s appearance changes we take note. If it is for the good, we look for good news. If it is for the bad, we look for bad news. Jesus appearance changed for the good. What news does Jesus have for us? February 18, 2018 First day in Lent Psalm: 25:1-10; Epistle: James 1:12-18; Gospel: Mark 1:9-15 Contrasting Adams - Sermon Text: Mark 1: Rev. Dr. Daniel Brege Adam, God's created son, failed in every way; he succumbed to the temptation of Satan and ate of the forbidden tree, bringing the curse upon paradise...making it into a wilderness. For us God's beloved Son became the Second Adam; He entered the wilderness of man's fallen world, He overcame Satan's temptations, and by obediently going to the tree of the cross and rising from the dead, paradise is restored for mankind. February 25, 2018 Second day in Lent Psalm: 22:23-31; Epistle: Romans 5:6-11; Gospel: Mark 8:27-35 What s Your Final Answer? - Sermon Text: Mark 8:29 - Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer Jesus question to Peter is the most important question that people (including us) ever will have to answer. What are the lifelines you can go to for answers? What s your final answer? Tel: (260) 471-LOVE (5683) Toll-Free: (888) info@worshipanew.org

3 DATE READERS USHERS ELDERS COUNTERS Sat Scott John Linda Feb 3 Feb 4 Sat Feb 10 Feb 11 Wed Feb 14 7pm Sat Feb 17 Feb 18 Wed Feb 21 7pm Sat Feb 24 Feb 25 Wed Feb 28 7pm Dee Alice * Peggy Gertrud Gunter Brian Halle Steve Donna Holly Jeanne Jim S. Karen Scott Karen Linda Brianna Virginia Jim K. Herman John Ken Herman John * Ken Linda Jan Scott Jan Scott Jack Jeanne Jack Jeanne Jack Jeanne Linda ASH WEDNESDAY PRAYER Merciful God, you called us forth from the dust of the earth; you claimed us for Christ in the waters of baptism. Look upon us as we enter these Forty Days bearing the mark of ashes, and bless our journey through the desert of Lent to the font of rebirth. May our fasting be hunger for justice; our alms, a making of peace; our prayer, the chant of humble and grateful hearts. Members who are serving this month February 2018 Altar Guild: Candy Smith Bold: Communion * Denotes a change

4 FROM THE SOCIAL COMMITTEE: COMING IN FEBRUARY: COMNG LATER: Wednesday March 7 th at Lenten Soup Supper day, February 18th POTLUCK & A MOVIE Dinner at 5pm Movie at Last Days in the Desert day March 18 th POTLUCK & A MOVIE Dinner at 5pm Movie at - Do you Believe? CHRISTIAN SYMBOL Lark Birds became prominent in Christian art during the Medieval and Renaissance eras. The lark came to symbolize the humility of the priesthood because it flies high and sings only when flying upward. Though our feelings come and go, God s love for us does not. C.S. Lewis A REPENTANT HEART Until we taste the bitterness of our own misery, we will never relish the sweetness of God s mercy. Until we see how foul our sins have made us, we will never pay our tribute of praise to Christ for washing us. If you would know the heart of your sin, then you must know the sins of your heart! William Secker OUTREACH COMMITTEE NOTES Here is what we have planned so far: IN FEBRUARY: We will be donating tissue and hand sanitizer to area schools. IN JUNE: The 8 th Annual Bethel Outreach Golf Outing Friday, June 15, 2018 Details to follow. Mark your calendar!

5 LWML PRAYER SERVICE Bethel is actually hosting this zone event this month!!! We would like a wonderful turn out from our congregation and could obviously use lots of extra hands to help with set up, registration table, the serving of food and clean up. The NE Zone LWML Prayer Service will be held on Saturday, February 24 th. Registration begins at 9:30 with the service at 10:00 am. A light breakfast will occur during registration and lunch will be served following the service in our basement. We will be finalizing plans at the February Ladies Aid meeting. Please plan to attend that meeting or let Robin know if you are able to help out with the February 24 th event. Please see the poster in the narthex for the prayer service details. For more info, Robin Bartley at stuartbartley@yahoo.com. Ladies Aid Happy New Year! The ladies gathered even in this terrible cold. We received many thank you s from Christmas donations and gifts we took to our home bound. We also had an update from Nichelle as she prepares for Lima, Peru. She has successfully sold her house and moved in with her parents as she saves every penny for her trip. We will continue to support her as our mission. Our number one discussion fell on LWML as we prepare to host the Prayer Service! Please save the date on your calendar for February 24 th. At 930am we will expect ladies from our zone to arrive. There will be a continental breakfast, the prayer service, and then the lunch! We need all hands on deck to help us run smoothly. Please come to our next ladies aid meeting or contact Robin Bartley if you are able to assist. It is a wonderful time to worship with other women. You never know who you will meet, and friendships will blossom, even in the coldest season. We briefly discussed the Mother's Day Banquet. If you are able to help please attend a ladies aid meeting and help us plan! We are always excited to hear from others due to their fresh eyes and exciting ideas! Please bring your dues to Jeanne. They are $3.00 for the whole year! Our next meeting is February 6 th at 7pm. We will be having our auction for Bethesda. Please bring a homemade item for this auction! Anything you cooked or baked, sewed, knitted, etc. We have sold loaves of bread, cookies, muffins, hand towels, scarves, and more! Make sure to have your money to bid. Please contact us if you wish to attend and need a ride! We are more than happy to make sure we get you to church and back home. Altar for February is Candyce Smith. Hosting for February is Sara Omlor and Robin Bartley Article submitted by Candyce Smith

6 Georgia Saxby 2/1 Jeffrey Humble 2/2 Sandra Gifford 2/3 Kristin Gregory 2/6 Shirley Craig 2/10 Bill y 2/13 Harry Crispin 2/19 John Foisel 2/20 Love is patient and kind; Love does not envy or boast; It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; It is not irritable or resentful. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Dianne & Joe Sprafka Rich & Eileen Mascha 2/16 2/25 Erika Corrigan 2/21 And now these three remain: Corey Snodgrass 2/23 FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE. Marie Hein 2/25 But the greatest of these is LOVE. 1 Corinthians 13:13 Lisa Beer 2/26 WHAT DO I HAVE? What do I have, Lord, that you would need me as a servant? Eyes, he said, to see the beauty in all that I ve made and my children as they travel life s highway. Hands, he said, to reach out and touch hurting souls, to give a hug or encouraging pat on the back. Feet, he said, to lead my children through this world of strife and to help them run from sin and follow me. Mouth, he said, to lift up your voice and sing praises to me so others may hear the joy in your heart. Ears, he said, to listen to my still, small voice of love and to hear my children when they cry for help. Heart, he said, so you may know the full love of my Spirit and love my children as I have loved you. Thomas Butler 10 BIBLICAL WAYS TO LOVE Listen without interrupting. To answer before listening that is folly and shame (Proverbs 18:13). 1. Speak without accusing. Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19). 2. Give without selfishness. The righteous give without sparing (Proverbs 21:26). 3. Pray without ceasing. We have not stopped praying for you (Colossians 1:9). 4. Answer without arguing. Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife (Proverbs 17:1). 5. Share without pretending. Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Christ (Ephesians 4:15). 6. Enjoy without complaining. Do everything without grumbling or arguing (Philippians 2:14). 7. Trust without wavering. [Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:7). 8. Forgive without punishing. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13). 9. Promise without forgetting. A longing fulfilled is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12). From various websites; all Scriptures NIV

7 Below is a list of our elderly who do not get out much. Please remember them with notes, cards, a phone call or a visit in person and most of all in our prayers. Vivian Anderson Marjorie Jackson Charles Babinyecz Marge Kenerson Harry Crispin Helen Kovach Trudy Dorn Ralph Kruse Joanne Drury Irene Kurz Ethel Giuffre Norma Pecsok Helen Herborn Manfred Ruhe OUR NEW HOME A preacher who had always feared death felt powerless to comfort others who were facing it. Toward the end of his life, he moved to another house. When all the furniture had been packed, he lingered in the home where he d raised his children and prepared many sermons. An assistant interrupted those reflections by saying, Everything s gone, sir, but the new house is better than this one. Come away. The preacher never forgot this lesson. God has prepared for his children a home infinitely better than earth an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands (2 Corinthians 5:1, NIV) SPECIAL DATES African-American History Month Transfiguration of Our Lord, February 11, 2018 Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2018 First day in Lent, February 18, 2018 Second day in Lent, February 25, 2018 THE LIMITED POWER OF ASHES The cross, with which the ashes are traced upon us, is the sign of Christ s victory over death, wrote Thomas Merton. The words Remember that thou art dust and that to dust thou shalt return are not to be taken as the quasi-form of a kind of sacrament of death It might be good stoicism to receive a mere reminder of our condemnation to die, but it is not Christianity. Perhaps we should structure Ash Wednesday worship with the imposition of ashes early on. Then their dusty symbolism can be supplanted by the forgivenessflavored bread and wine of Holy Communion. Yet even if the service you attend is laid out differently, remember that ashes mark you only temporarily. Jesus resurrection and the empty cross of victory assures you already of everlasting life, which begins now MEETING NEEDS My neighbor s material needs are my spiritual needs, said 19 th -century theologian Israel Salanter. In other words, when someone else suffers hunger and poverty, when people endure a natural disaster and lack shelter, when another human being is sick or injured in all such cases, God calls us to action. And God knows that whatever we do to meet those material needs will meet our spiritual needs at the same time. It might be our spiritual need to expand our horizons into neighborhoods, cultures or situations where we re uncomfortable. We might need to grow in love for people different from us. By serving others, we might find our own sagging spirits nurtured with a sense of well-being or even joy. And as we reach out to help, surely we ll notice others doing the same thing, and our spiritual need for renewed faith will be met. Heidi Mann