THE BETHANY BUGLE MARCH/APRIL 2016

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1 THE BETHANY BUGLE MARCH/APRIL 2016 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Leaving a church is always difficult. Leaving a church means that you are leaving a fellowship. Moving away is difficult because of the distance between friends that grows. Because we know that friendships change with distances, we become sad when someone moves. And yet, one thing never changes. When you are a Christian, when you are baptized, you will always remain part of the body of Christ, even if you no longer worship together in the same congregation. This is good news as well as challenging news. The good news is that even as I leave to go serve a church in Wisconsin, we are still part of the same body of Christ. We are still connected through Jesus. We will no longer see each other every Sunday or for visits. But we are united in Christ and will always remain united in Christ. This is one of many reasons why Holy Communion is so special and important. Through Holy Communion we remember and experience at a spiritual level the forgiveness and love Jesus gave. God gave everything to show love even body and blood. This is love in extreme, love that cannot be destroyed not even by death, and thus, certainly not by moving to Wisconsin. Through Holy Communion we also experience the communion of saints that we profess in our creed, which is the holy bond of all Christians of all times and all places. Over the past four years we have shared Holy Communion together many times. The most special times for me are when we have shared Holy Communion at funerals. With grief and fear of separation so near, the promises and reality of Holy Communion are especially dear. Christ s broken body binds us together as one body even as we are broken in spirit and sin. Christ s blood poured out is his love continually poured out for us. The ones who remain are strengthened through Christ s love and reminded of the bond they have with departed loved ones through the eternal body of Christ. We receive spiritual nourishment with Holy Communion. This is good news, and yet at the same time, the strength of the bonds we have through Christ also presents a challenge to us. Bethany, like many churches has had 1

2 quite a few people over the years leave for a variety of reasons, not just through death or moving out of state. Members have left over disagreements and out of frustration over how difficult situations were handled. The challenge is that we are all still part of the same body of Christ even when someone has hurt us deeply. The challenge is how to accept the fact that those who have hurt or disappointed us are still spiritually connected to us as part of the body of Christ. This does not mean that we will be best friends or buddies with those who have hurt us or broken our trust. It means that we are still connected as members of the one body of Christ and through the love and mercy Christ poured out for us. I encourage you to ponder this connection and what it means to your faith. May this truth of the bond we have through the Christ deepen your faith and increase the love that you have in hearts. As Lutheran Christians, we believe in Gods amazing grace Christ s love and mercy that binds us together with God and with one another. At the same time we believe in law and grace. God s law reveals our sins, our brokenness and need for God s mercy and love. Jesus tells us to forgive one another (even 77 times, Mt 18:22). I ask that you forgive all who have hurt you. At the same time, be wise; do not be hurt in the same way again. Forgiveness does not mean that all the consequences magically go away. As you think about the Ten Commandments, realize that they are a gift given by God to strengthen our love with God and one another. Breaking any one of these commandments means a relationship has been broken (a broken relationship with God or with others). There are consequences for breaking the law, both secular law and God s law. Mercy can include holding a person accountable to re-establish justice through restitution and to prevent future harm to others. Forgiveness means letting go of the pain someone has caused you. Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation. The Holy Spirit brought us together for a time. Now the Holy Spirit is leading me to accept a new call. I will miss you. I will think of you and pray that God s ministry thrives at Bethany. I will think of you often as I celebrate Holy Communion. I pray that you continue to find new and creative ways to join together in God s work and grow in faith. Peace of Christ be with you always, Pastor Michelle 2

3 DAYCARE NEWS Spring is near! Bethany Early Learning Ministry has had many positive changes since the latest newsletter. We have hired 2 new staff, enrolled 5 new children, and we are looking forward to maximizing our enrollment in the very near future to first floor capacity. In the month of March, we are striving to plan a daycare wide Easter Egg Hunt which we are sure that our children will enjoy to the fullest! The staff, children and daycare families would all like to wish Pastor Michelle the best as she dives into her new calling. We appreciate all the positive contributions that she has made toward the ministry during her season here. We pray that everyone has a happy Easter and remembers Jesus as our Savior on that day! Netta Williams-Erby, Director of Child Care Transition Update The council has met with Rev. Rudy Mueller, Assistant to Bishop, about the transition to a new pastor. The council has also met to identify Bethany s needs for an interim. No interim has been identified as of the printing of this newsletter. If you have any questions regarding the transition, please ask any of the council members. Holy week worship will be covered either by pulpit supply or a new interim. Abigails We meet the second Tuesday of the month at MCL for lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a meeting at 12:30 p.m. All ladies are welcome. Bible Study Third Tuesday of the month, 1:00 p.m. Led by Betty Shalter. 3

4 Easter Sunday Flower Garden On Easter Sunday, March 27 th,we will celebrate Jesus resurrection with our traditional Easter Garden in the sanctuary. Please sign up on the sheets in the narthex if you would like to provide flowers and indicate in whose memory or honor the flowers are given. Please have your flowers at the church by Saturday morning, March 26 th, before the Easter decorating at 11:00 a.m. Thank you! MARK YOUR CALENDARS: LENTEN DEVOTIONS Hope-Full Living All are Welcome! Come and join us. Wednesday, March 2 at Rosegate at 3 pm (led by Pastor Michelle) Wednesday, March 9 at Madison Health at 2 pm (led by Betty Shalter) Wednesday, March 16 at Rosegate at 3 pm (led by Erv Shreiber) ************************* FAREWELL, PASTOR MICHELLE! A farewell celebration will be held in honor of Pastor Michelle. March 6 at 11am Fellowship Hall The celebration will be a pitch- in with meat, drinks, table service and dessert provided. A sign-up sheet is in the narthex for side dishes and salads. ************************* Via de Cristo One way to grow in faith during Lent is to attend a Via de Cristo week-end. The following information is from the Indiana-Kentucky Via de Cristo website. If you would like more information, please talk with Pastor Michelle or Sally Graybeal. 4

5 A Via de Cristo weekend retreat is a three day course to review Christian fundamentals, discuss ways to live them actively, and learn some practical tools to keep them vital. The heart and essence of a Via de Cristo retreat is to bring Christians to a full awareness of what is meant by living a life of Grace, adding new strength and vitality to your Christianity. The Via de Cristo weekend begins on Thursday night and ends the following Sunday night. During the three days, those attending live and study together. Each day there is prayer, worship, communion, and singing. All for the purpose of gaining a deeper awareness of one s faith and the response that comes from such awareness. The purpose of the Via De Cristo is to develop in Christians a consciousness of their power and mission to become leaders in Christian renewal, and the desire to continue to live the life of Grace, personally and together with their brothers and sisters in Christ. All activities during a Via de Cristo weekend, including talks and meditations, are surrounded in prayer and total dependence on God. Please keep an open heart and mind as you prayerfully consider attending a Via de Cristo weekend retreat. Many participants return from a Via de Cristo weekend with the desire to share that experience with others. Each person s experience attending a Via de Cristo weekend is unique. Your Via de Cristo weekend will be a gift from God, for you alone. Spring Weekends 2016 Mens #74 Mar 3-6, 2016 Camp Lakeview, Seymour IN. Womens #75 Mar 10-13, 2016 Camp Lakeview, Seymour IN. ************************* HOLY WEEK SERVICES Maundy Thursday Service, March 24, :00 p.m. Good Friday Services, March 25, :00 noon and 7:00 p.m. Easter Sunday, March 27, :30 a.m. 5

6 Special Appeal For Funding Three Projects: Match of $1 for every $2 Contributed We want to thank you for your continued support for Bethany through your time, talents and financial contributions. At the January 24,, 2016 Congregation Meeting, the congregation approved a special fundraising appeal. Cleaning and repair of our pipe organ, estimated cost of $10,500, is an area that needs to be addressed, and the good news is contributions totaling $10,600 have already been made. There are three additional areas in need of funding that are not included in our annual budget, and these are listed in priority order: Exterior Painting $15,500 estimated cost, Replacement Windows $11,400 estimated cost, and Replacement of Carpet in the sanctuary, $25,000 estimated cost. We will complete these projects as funding is received. You can designate your contribution to one of these three areas or choose to not designate your contribution and it will go to the fund that is the highest priority area. A project will be started when the funding needed for the project is received. Our Bethany congregation has been informed that Edith Dransfield has left a portion of her estate to Bethany. The council has voted to contribute $5,000 for each of these three special projects listed above from the Edith Dransfield gift. The $5,000 will be available for each of the three projects on a matching basis. The match will be $1 from the Dransfield fund for every $2 that is contributed by congregation members. Your contribution to this special appeal needs to be over and above your normal contribution since the church continues to have day-to-day normal expenses that must be paid. You can donate up to $100,000 to a charity (in this case Bethany Lutheran Church) directly from your Individuals Retirement Account (IRA) and this amount is not taxed. This comes as a result of President Obama signing the IRA Charitable Rollover into law. Let us know if you have any questions. Note on your contribution For Special Appeal, and say top priority project, or state either Painting or Windows or Carpet in sanctuary. Contact Bruce Bye if you have questions. Thank you. CONNECT UPDATE How is CONNECT different from any other program Bethany has tried? Like past programs, CONNECT does involve learning new tools for reaching out to new members and a self-examination by the congregation to determine what must change to be able to grow. The difference with CONNECT is the connection with the Synod Mission Renewal Team and they expertise, a coach to encourage and hold the 6

7 congregation accountable, and the learning with and from other congregations also engaged with CONNECT. In sum, what is different is a focus on relationships your relationship with God, one another and the community around Bethany. Another difference is the focus on assets and gifts that Bethany already possesses. It is NOT about rehashing the past or navel gazing. CONNECT is about looking up to God and out to the world. When you look at how Jesus evangelized (i.e., showed God s love to bring people into a relationship with God), Jesus not only taught, Jesus also met the needs of the people where they were at. Jesus went out into the world showing God s love. CONNECT is about strengthening our relationships with God and one another so that we are even better at sharing God s love with others. CONNECT is about matching assets and gifts at Bethany with the needs of the community around us to be able to better show God s love. CONNECT is about growth spiritually and in numbers of active members. Yes, CONNECT is about change. Life is all about change. CONNECT is about the change the Holy Spirit is leading Bethany to make - change that reveals the love of Christ and the kingdom of God. Bethany Lutheran Church Council Minutes January 4, 2016 Council members present: Marlys Battema, Bruce Bye, Lisa Nichols, Patty Shannon, Cheryl Mullin, Marcia Cowan Pastor Michelle Elfers Non Council Members present: Dick Mathes, Guinetta Williams-Erby Members absent: Val Subris Meeting was called to order by Council President Marlys Battema at 6:35pm Pastor Elfers gave devotions Minutes of the December 2015 Bruce Bye moved to approve the minutes and it was seconded my Marcia Cowan. Minutes were approved Committee Reports: All written 2016 submitted reports are on file in Narthex Day Care- Number of children enrolled as of 1/4/ Inspection appeal resulted in additional visit with notice of order rescinded. Regulations on UCP & CCDF passed. Food Program inspection date has not yet been 7

8 set. Netta, Christy (bookkeeper) attended refresher course on Food Program Procedure. Food Program reimbursement is current through October 2015 Bruce, Netta and Christy attended Business Owner s Initiative workshop sponsored by the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. As a result, Netta will receive 12 hours of mentoring free of charge. Netta will be attending CCDF meeting on upcoming changes. Two new children were enrolled and a new employee was hired. Netta stated the Christmas program went well as did the field trip to see Peter Rabbit. ELM will be participating in the Pro Kids program to help decrease childhood obesity. Teacher Gladys received her CDA renewal. New teacher work schedule was presented by Netta and approved by the teachers. Four 10 hour days with one day off during the work week seems to be working well Day Care Savings approx. 53,000 as of however January is a three pay period month with payroll being approx. 18,000 per period Day Care snow removal for day care in place but needs to be in writing for clarity Pastor s Report- Connect Activity will be discussed and voted on at Congregational Meeting on January 24, The intent of the program is to grow spiritually and grow in membership. Program representative has been in contact with Pastor Michelle. Program needs congregational covenant to pastor for 12 step commitment for program and process Erv will be leading worship on January 17, 2016 Lenten Services will be suspended this year due to low attendance with possible Noon Bible Study taking its place Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Services will remain Sunday School attendance declining- continuation of Sunday School to be determined Full report as submitted and on file Treasurer Report- Organ repairs will be done as an anonymous donator has contributed the funds for the repairs the 2015 budget fell short by $607. However $23,209 was taken from savings to cover the nearly $18,000 in HVAC repairs and other expenses Full Income Expense report as submitted and on file Finance- Giving envelopes are being distributed. The proposed 2016 budget with explanation informational sheet. Full report and explanation as submitted and on file Property- Patty Shannon and Margaret Secrest were thanked for their assistance with cleaning. No security calls were recorded in the month of 8

9 December; Property Committee is currently looking for references for ELM repairs. Bruce will contact Ron Grow regarding snow removal procedures and agreement Full report as submitted and on file Worship & Music- Chin Congregation purchased a building and plan on moving into it by the end of January Social Ministry- Christmas Eve Service was listed in Southside Times; Bethany does not list in Southsider Voice Outreach 260 cards were sent to Bethany Members, Get Well, Thank You, and Cheer. Membership- no report Stewardship- no report Christian Education- Youth- no report Mutual Ministry- no report Old Business A special appeal will be presented to congregation for special repair/replace project needed. Window replacement- fellowship hall, balloon room, day care offices- $11,400 External wood repair and painting of external wood surface of building- $15,500 New Sanctuary Carpet-$25,000 Organ repair $10,000 anonymous contribution has been made to cover this portion of the special congregational appeal Congregational Meeting will be held on January 24, 2016 immediately following Sunday Service New Business Ilze Bye returned church master key and it was given to Marlys, Chin Congregation to return key upon last service at Bethany. January 10 th will be installation of Church Council Members Devotions: February Meeting was adjourned at 9:10pm Closing Prayer Respectfully Submitted, Cheryl Mullin, Council Secretary ******************** 9

10 Congregational Meeting Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church January 24, 2016 Meeting was called to order at 10:55am by Church Council President, Marlys Battema. Church members present: 34 The meeting was opened in prayer by Pastor Michelle Elfers Pastor Michelle gave a description and commented on her resignation from Bethany and her new call in Wisconsin. She also answered questions from those present. Her last Sunday will be March 6 th. Cheryl Mullin, Social Ministry Chair, told members information regarding Pastor s Farewell Gathering will be forthcoming and will take place immediately after the service on March 6 th Bruce Bye, Finance Chair, presented special appeal information to fund needed repairs at Bethany Repairs included new windows in fellowship hall and other window that were part of the original church structure Discussion followed proceeded by congregational vote, Special Appeal funding campaign was approved Bruce also informed members of the extreme age of the HVAC system and the remainder of the units yet to be replaced. The CONNECT program was introduced in further detail by Bruce Bye, it was moved by Ilze Bye and seconded by Dick Mathes and the motion to participate in the CONNECT program was passed April 28 will be the start date for the CONNECT program Annual committee reports were presented as written for 2015 It was also noted that the current organist contract ends the first of May Meeting was adjourned at 12:30pm Meeting was closed in Prayer Respectfully Submitted, Cheryl Mullin, Council Secretary ******************** Bethany Lutheran Church Council Meeting February 8, 2016 Pastor Rudy Muller, Assistant to the Bishop, opening the evening with a scripture reading and prayer. 10

11 As a guest to the monthly Council from the Synod office Pastor Mueller brought greetings from the Bishop. Pastor Mueller thanked Pastor Michelle Elfers for her service to God, the Indiana Kentucky Synod and the members of Bethany Lutheran Church. Pastor Mueller thanked the members of the council and departed at 8:30pm The February Council Meeting was called to order by Council President Marlys Battema at 8:32pm Members present: Bruce Bye, Marlys Battema, Marcia Cowan, Patty Shannon, Val Subris, Cheryl Mullin, Lisa Nichols, Earlene Ashbrook (via skype) Pastor Michele Elfers requested to be excused from meeting. Non council members present: Netta Williams- Erby Bethany Day Care Director Committee Reports were submitted and approved as written January Council minutes and Congregational minutes were submitted and approved as written. Bruce Bye made the motion for approval and it was seconded by Patty Shannon It was noted that 10,000 dollars was transferred from Bethany savings to cover monthly expenses. This leaves a balance in saving account of approximately 30,000 dollars All reports and meeting minutes can be found in the report notebook in the Narthex. New Business: Kitchen Coordinator job description for BELM was reviewed with discussion, a motion was made by Cheryl Mullin and seconded by Lisa Nichols and the motion carried. CONNECT Process- next step signatures to finalize covenant deferred to February 9, 2016 Building Use Request- Lisa Nichols requested use of the fellowship hall, gym and kitchen to host a baby shower. Lisa will be present and will be responsible for unlocking and locking of building, and clean up. She will also be present on Friday evening during set up. Shower to be Saturday, April 2, Cheryl Mullin made a motion to allow the shower to take place at no charge and Bruce Bye seconded the motion. The motion carried Marlys presented a rebate offer from Rural King purchases made by February 18 th will be eligible for 5% rebate with accompanying original receipt. Old Business: March 6, 2016 immediately after the service a Farewell Pitch-In will take place in honor of Pastor Michelle s service to Bethany. Bethany will provide dessert and the Abigail s, Council, and the Congregation will assist in providing the meal and paper products. Marcia Cowan will ask Carol Schreiber if she might provide her lamb cake to be given to Pastor as a parting gift. Finance - Bruce Bye put together informational and financial packets for members who had not yet picked up their annual statements. He included information regarding the special appeal and will be putting an article in the Bethany newsletter about the special projects/ special appeal. Bruce also update the council on the IRS response to the tax and penalty fees charged to Bethany, Bruce reported a letter was received by the IRS asking for an extension to further review the request 11

12 Repairs to the organ will be made after review and confirmation of quote received Committee reports and council minutes will now be due in church mailboxes the Sunday before the Monday Council meeting to allow members to review reports and pose questions during the Council meeting. Reports will no longer be reviewed line by line unless further clarification is needed. Reports will be approved and submitted. Pastor s Report was deferred to the March meeting due to the late hour of the meeting and the actionable items that need to be reviewed by members. The meeting was adjourned at 10pm Meeting was closed in prayer by Marlys Battema Respectfully Submitted, Cheryl Mullin, Council Secretary 2016 Bethany Lutheran Church Council Members Marlys Battema President Mutual Ministry Cheryl Mullin Secretary, Social Ministry Val Subris Youth Lisa Nichols Property VACANT Membership Earleen Ashbrook Vice President Stewardship Bruce Bye Financial Secretary, Finance Marcia Cowan Outreach Patty Shannon Christian Education VACANT Worship & Music Non-Council Ministry Team Leaders Richard Mathes Co-Treasurer Eric Yost Co-Treasurer Jefimija Zlatanovich Organist Netta Williams-Erby Daycare Director PLEASE KEEP OUR BRAVE MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES IN YOUR PRAYERS. Bob Battema Air Force Son Terry & Marlys Battema Austin Clark Air Force Grandson Roger Kelly Rick T. Duncan Navy Reserves Son Rick & Gladys Duncan Jerry Gustafson Army Family Friend Graybeal Family J.C. Mikits Army Son Janis & Judy Mikits Patrick Porter Naval Reserves Nephew Bill Porter David Timmons Navy Grandson Rick & Gladys Duncan Austin VanLue Army Grandson Melba VanLue Jeremy Wood Air Force Great Nephew Mable Hulfachor An * denotes currently deployed outside of the United States. 12

13 MARCH LAY ASSISTANT USHERS COMMUNION CLEAN-UP 6 th Sally Graybeal 13 th Eric Yost Terry Batema Harold Secrest Margaret Secrest Roger Kelly Terry Batema Harold Secrest Margaret Secrest Roger Kelly Patty Shannon Val Subris Eileen Braun Donna Thoms 20 th Erv Schreiber 27 th EASTER Marlys Battema Terry Batema Harold Secrest Margaret Secrest Roger Kelly Terry Batema Harold Secrest Margaret Secrest Roger Kelly Rachel Meyers Melissa VanLue Betty Shalter LAY ASSISTANT USHERS COMMUNION APRIL CLEAN-UP 3 rd Melissa VanLue Ron Graybeal Sally Graybeal Gary Dirks Shirley Johnson Margaret Secrerst 10 th Erv Schreiber 17 th Earleen Ashbrook Ron Graybeal Sally Graybeal Gary Dirks Shirley Johnson Ron Graybeal Sally Graybeal Gary Dirks Shirley Johnson Carol Erv Schreiber Judy Smith 24 th Sally Graybeal Ron Graybeal Sally Graybeal Gary Dirks Shirley Johnson Patty Shannon Val Subris 13

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15 Bethany Lutheran Church 4702 S. East Street Indianapolis, Indiana