BETHEL WEEKLY NEWS BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH ONE CONGREGATION TWO LOCATIONS NOVEMBER 29, 2015

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1 BETHEL WEEKLY NEWS ONE CONGREGATION TWO LOCATIONS BELL ENSEMBLE TO PERFORM AT MOA TODAY (SUNDAY) Please plan to come out to the Mall of America TODAY, Sunday, November 29 at 2 pm, to support Bethel s Bell Ensemble as they stir up a blizzard of music in the rotunda! The bells will also play on Friday, Dec. 4 at the Phipps Center during the Hudson Candlelight Stroll, and on Friday, Dec. 11 at Bethel s Blue Christmas service. ONE:1:ONE IN THIS SEASON OF ADVENT! Join us in this month of Advent in our ONE:1:ONE initiative! What is it, and what does that mean?... Just plan to pray for: ONE PERSON... FOR ONE MINUTE... AT ONE O CLOCK over these next four weeks. We ve provided some small dot stickers to use as a reminder on your cell phone, watch, computer clock, or whatever helps you remember to pray. Just think of what God can do when all these prayers are offered up for the needs of so many! Join us, please! POINSETTIA ORDER ENVELOPES NOW AVAILABLE If you d like to order a poinsettia to decorate the sanctuary at either Bethel campus for the Christmas season, order envelopes are now available at the welcome center and in the pews Downtown, and at the welcome center at the Highlands campus. Poinsettias are available in red, white, and pink and cost $8.00 each. Please place your order by Sunday, December 13. REMEMBERING BETHEL WITH AN END OF THE YEAR GIFT? As we come to the close of the calendar year and our fiscal year at Bethel, please consider making a gift to Bethel to put us over the top. We want to be able to close the year in the black and will need your help to make that happen. (Please don t restrict your gift, that doesn t help us as much ) Any and all amounts are greatly appreciated as we keep the mission and ministry of Bethel active, vital and growing! Thanks so much! ~ Pastor John Lestock SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS, SUNDAY, DEC. 13 Everyone is invited to the Sunday School Christmas programs! Listen to a heartwarming Christmas story told by children through the eyes of children. The programs will be performed the second half of both worship services. 9:30 am, Preschool: The Search for a Pillow 11 am, Grades K-5: Alex s Gift WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT BETHEL! Bethel believes that God is at work in our life together to transform and renew the world by making followers of Jesus. You are welcome to be a part of this community of those who celebrate the forgiveness and hope that are God s gifts to imperfect people through Jesus Christ, to grow in your faith, and to join in serving human need in his name. The people and pastors of Bethel look forward to sharing your life-journey in any way that is helpful to you. If you are a visitor to this beautiful area, we hope your visit was refreshing; your travels are safe, and your homecoming joyful. If you d like more information about Bethel, please stop by our welcome center or speak to a pastor. CHILDREN ARE WELCOMED AT BETHEL! Parents will find bags of soft toys for children at the entrance to the worship areas. Thank you for doing what you can to help in creating a worship environment where all can participate by keeping distracting noise and movement to a minimum. If you prefer, a nursery is available Sunday mornings at the Highlands campus (9:30 am).

2 BETHEL S VISION FOR MISSION To WELCOME all people to know Jesus Christ and come to faith in him. To provide the means for growth for Christian maturity, EQUIPPING people with the power of faith in Christ for everyday life. To challenge each member to take a personal share of God s mission, SENDING them to bring Christ s compassion, hope and joy into the world, our communities and homes. ONE CONGREGATION TWO LOCATIONS bethel@bethelhudson.org DOWNTOWN CAMPUS 920 Third Street Hudson, WI (Administrative Office) Office Hours: M-F: 8:30 am-4:30 pm Sunday: 8 am-10 am HIGHLANDS CAMPUS 504 Frontage Road Hudson, WI BETHEL S PASTORAL STAFF John Lestock, Senior Pastor Alicia Hilding, Assoc. Pastor Ben Hilding, Assoc. Pastor Bob Bipes, Visitation Pastor BETHEL HIGHLANDS PRESCHOOL 504 Frontage Road Hudson, WI , ext. 401 Kari Jo Fore, Director B E T H E L HAPPENINGS THANKS TO OUR HELPING HAND MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS! We would like to say MANY THANKS to the Manchester family (Andrew and Karen, Sam and Luke) for the yard work they did for us through Bethel s new Helping Hand Ministry! ~ Ron and Mayelva Rimer BETHEL BOOK CLUB MEETS DECEMBER 2 The Bethel Book Club will meet on Wednesday, December 2, from 1-3 pm at the Downtown campus. We will discuss Miriam s Song by Mark Mathabane; Carolyn Shurb will facilitate the discussion. All are welcome! THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF THANK YOU VERY MUCH to everyone who blessed the quilts and kits at the dedication services on November 14 and 15, and to all who contributed so generously to the Lutheran World Relief Quilt & Kit Shipping Fund. A grand total of $1,537 was received and sent to LWR. LWR expresses their appreciation: "Thank you for your prayers and your tireless work assembling Quilts and Kits for our brothers and sisters in need around the world. The recipients of these gifts could be described as 'the least of these' that Christ calls us to serve -- the sick and the weary, the abandoned and sometimes forgotten. Your gifts of Quilts and Kits make such a difference to families following disasters like the Nepal earthquakes and the Syrian refugees flowing into neighboring countries and Europe. You provide items that bring comfort and promote good health -- and perhaps even more than that -- you provide items that let people in their darkest hour know that they are not alone. These gifts of love and comfort, promote health and education and provide the building blocks for a more promising future. Thank You!" MANY, MANY THANKS, ALSO, to all the very talented and dedicated Women of Bethel Quilters, Gathering Groups, and everyone who contributed fabric and supplies for the quilts and kits, helped with the cutting, sewing, tying, assembling, providing publicity, packing and delivering the quilts and kits for Lutheran World Relief. All of your beautiful work and generosity in 2015 has made it possible for us to deliver to LWR: 50 Quilts, 114 School Kits, 16 Fabric Kits and 50 Personal Care Kits. In addition to LWR, over 100 quilts were distributed this year to Luther Point Bible Camp, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Dorothy Day and Operation Help. Also in 2015, a total of 110 AIDS/Hospice Kits and $ for shipping, as well as 7 Ace bandages and 517 rolled bandages, was given to Global Health Ministries. The wonderful work of your hearts and hands will give immeasurable blessings to those who suffer around the world. May God bless the givers and receivers of these extraordinary gifts. THANK YOU Thank you for the prayers, cards and visits when I was in the hospital for hip surgery. Also thank you to Jim, Barb & Alex Milinar through the Helping Hands Ministry with the yard work and other jobs that needed attention. Thank you again. ~ Anne Sime

3 FAITH FORMATION FAITH FORMATION UPDATES SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS Save the date for the Bethel Christmas programs: Sunday, December 13! This week, the Sunday School students begin preparing for their Christmas programs while learning about the birth of Jesus. Each age group has their own program: Preschool: The Search for a Pillow Grades K 5: Alex s Gift 12/6 Christmas program preparation (during Sunday School) 12/12 (Saturday) Christmas program practice :30 am, K-5 th only 12/13 Christmas Program during the second half of worship 9:30 Preschool: The Search for a Pillow WEDNESDAY NIGHT LESSONS 6th Grade How can God be three-in-one? 7th Grade How do I stop doing things I know I shouldn t do? 8th Grade Advent 9th Grade Prayer SENIOR LEAGUE, 7 PM, DOWNTOWN CAMPUS Following student-led worship, Senior League will a game night featuring Ga-Ga, spoons, Quelf, Pictionary and Telestrations. UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS Parents check out these exciting events for students they might make great Christmas gifts!. MONTANA SKI TRIP (GR. 9-12) Friday, January 15- Tuesday, January 19, 2016 This annual adventure west includes 3 days of mountain skiing at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky! For more details and to sign up, go to bethelhudson.org/youth-ministry/senior-league BETHEL YOUTH STAFF Pastor Ben Hilding, Pastor of Youth and Family Jean Elliott, Director of Youth Ministry (Confirmation & Senior League) Cindy Halunen, Director of Faith Formation (Sunday School and 6th & 7th Gr. Faith Formation) Missy Austreng, Coordinator of Faith Milestones Marcie Andrews, Youth Ministry Communications Assistant KEY DATES IN FAITH FORMATION: Dec. 13 Christmas Programs the second half of worship Dec. 16 Grades 6 & 7 and Confirmation: Christmas Party and the Real Story of Christmas with Pastor John Dec. 23 & 30 No Confirmation or Grades 6 & 7 MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCK-IN Friday, Jan. 29, 7 pm midnight, Downtown campus Come one, come all middle school students for a lock-in complete with pizza, snacks, games (Salvation!), devotions, Ga- Ga and more! Cost $10/ student. Sign up, pay through bethelhudson.org/youth-ministry. MIDDLE SCHOOL SKI TRIP (GRADES 6-8) February 26 28, 2016 Middle School students will travel to Spirit Mountain in Duluth for a fun weekend of skiing with friends! For details and to sign up, go to bethelhudson.org/youthministry.

4 WORSHIP SUPPORT TEAMS 8 AM SUNDAY, DOWNTOWN & 11 AM SUNDAY, HIGHLANDS Acolytes 8 am Henry Seiser, Drew Bjork 11 am Connor Harrison, Nick Johnson Ushers 8 am Edith & Slater Lampman 11 am Dave & Lori Grambow Greeters 8 am Skip & Joan Jewett 11 am Dick & Norma Newberg Communion Assistants 8 am No communion 11 am Linda James, Lori Grambow Welcome Center Downtown June Waalen Cookie Caller Downtown Jerry & Georgia Adams 9:30 AM SUNDAY, HIGHLANDS Worship Support Team *team leader(s) *Brian & Chelle Ullom, Deb Green, Kevin & Jill Knoke, Ricky & Missy Lien, John Olson, Jim & Jan Orf, Jamie & Jean Johnson, Bobbe Henderson, Bill Swanson Greeters Mark & Terry Jepperson Videographer Alan Park Projectionist Kevin Carrier, 9:30 am Aethan Hart, 11 am Confirmation Students Ella Stein, Seth Gunderzik, Luke Bekemeyer, Andrew Knoke, Julia Hammer, Cole Ober, James Maalis Welcome Center Jane Dahlin Nursery Grace Yaeger, Sarah Roach, Stella Ullom Hospitality/Coffee Holter family 5:30 PM SATURDAY, HIGHLANDS Projectionist Vicki Datt Usher Ken Larson P O W E R OF PRAYER THOSE WHO ARE SICK OR IN NEED OF HEALING Laura Bankes, Pastor Bob Bipes, Andrea Deacon-Jones, Allen Ecker, Shirley Halyburton, John Haugo, Ken Heiser, Jessica Johnson, Harvey Keene, Ardis Kelly, Cheryl Klanderman, Jean Krauss, Kim Lagerstrom, Ruth Lewis, Dan Lindquist, Andrew Mack, Rosalie Munn, Terri Pomeroy, Rick Possehl, John Richmond, Rosemary Riemenschneider, Kay Shager, Jerry Shurb, Tim Smith, Chuck Stene, Mary Tuler, John Wenzel, Marilyn Whitchurch and Jason Yndestad. THOSE SERVING OR DEPLOYED Jeffrey Berg, Charles Burns, Jordan Kein and Steven Moreus. SYMPATHY We offer our sympathies and prayers of comfort and strength for Brian & Chelle Ullom and family at the death of Brian s mother, Louise Ullom. Jesus said: I am the resurrection and the life. HEALING MINISTRIES PRAYER God of the Great Thanksgiving, I am grateful for all that you have provided my family, my community and the United States of America; I give thanks to the Native Americans who lived on this land before my ancestors arrived. I am blessed to be among the great crowd of believers worldwide; together we share the good news of the gospel so that the harvest will be abundant. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him. Psalm 67 TODAY S QUOTE The Kingdom of God is the kingdom of already, but not yet! ~ R. Alan Wood WORSHIP ATTENDANCE, NOV , 2015 Saturday, Nov. 14: Highlands, 5:30 pm 36 Sunday, Nov. 15: Downtown, 8 am 110 Sunday, Nov. 15: Highlands, 9:30 am am 73 Sunday, 11/29 Monday, 11/30 Tuesday, 12/1 Wednesday, 12/2 Thursday, 12/3 Friday, 12/4 Saturday, 12/6 8 am Celebration worship 9:15 am Adult Bible Cl. 9:30 am New Song worship BH 9:30 am Sunday sch. BH 10:40 am Chime Choir BH 11 am Great Awakening worship BH 12:15-3:15 pm Cookie caller pick-up 9 am Visitor collators 1 pm Youth Team mtg. 5 pm OCC pkg. center 5:30 pm Young Adult Bible study BH 5:30 pm Bell Ensemble 6:30 pm Monday Funday Activity 7 pm Boy Scout #140 and Venture Crew 7 pm Holy Yoga/Gentle BH 8:15 am Habitat for Humanity 9:05 am BHP Community Chapel BH 12 pm Offering counters 12:35 pm m BHP Community Chapel BH 5:30 pm Bell Ensemble 6:30 pm Endowment Committee mtg. 7:30 pm Bethel Chorale rehearsal 6:30 am Men s Fellowship 8:45 am Watson study group 9:05 am BHP Community Chapel BH 10 am Staff meeting 1 pm Bethel Book Club 2 pm Prayer team 4 pm Education mtg. 5 pm CFA 5 pm Gr. 6 & 7 classes 6 pm Gr. 8 & 9 conf. 6 pm CFA 7 pm Forever Praise choir 7 pm Senior League worship & activity 9 am Women s Bible study BH 1 pm Hardanger 5 pm HOME meal 5:30 pm Bethel Bell Ensemble BH 7 pm New Song 12 pm OCC pkg. Center 7 pm Senior League marathon Senior League marathon 7 am Men s Bible study 9 am HHQ Christmas party 5:30 pm Gathering worship BH

5 BETHEL HAPPENINGS TANZANIA SCHOLARSHIPS NEEDED As we head into the Thanksgiving season, think about a wonderful gift you and your family could give to the students at our Tanzanian partner congregation. In Tanzania, students attend free government schools through 6th grade. After that, the average cost of a year of secondary school is $400/year/student. At many schools, this includes the student s room and board as well as their tuition. Typically only students whose families who can afford the $400/year/student are able to continue their education past 6th grade. With your contributions, however, the Cathedral congregation can award scholarships (or partial scholarships) to students whose families can t afford this expense. Bethel is offering a Service of Hope at 7 pm on Friday, December 11th in the sanctuary of the Downtown campus. This service is for anyone who may be experiencing grief during the holidays and needing a time of rest and renewal. It would be a great service to invite someone to who you know that has experienced difficulty or loss because of illness, death, depression, deployment, divorce or anything that can make the holidays hard. The service will include prayers, Scripture, a message and music that will acknowledge God's presence and peace during difficult times in our lives. Refreshments will follow. Many Bethel members have been supporting this effort for over 10 years. These gifts have not only benefitted the individual students, but also the Cathedral congregation, the city of Iringa, and the country of Tanzania. Every entity becomes stronger as more and more students have the opportunity to obtain an education. In 2014, Bethel members donated $21,280 toward student scholarships which allowed 53 students to attend secondary school. Previous sponsors have received a direct regarding 2016 scholarships, but we d love to involve additional families in this program. A $400 donation would be wonderful, but we are happy to accept any amount you can contribute. If you re interested, please contact Kit Elert at kit.elert@elert.com by tomorrow, Monday, November 30 with your commitment amount. We would then need to receive your commitment check by the end of December. The check should be made out to Bethel with Tanzania Scholarship in the memo field. You can drop the check off at the office or drop it in the offering. A group from Bethel will be traveling to Tanzania in March They will have the opportunity to meet many of the sponsored students at that time. Asanta Sana (thank you very much!) for your dedication to this mission.

6 BETHEL HAPPENINGS SERVING IN HOLIDAY WORSHIP In December there will be a number of special worship services. It takes many hands to create a warm and welcoming worship experience. Can you help? If so, please contact Kathy Jeska (office , kjeska@bethelhudson.org, or home ). Kathy s hours in the church office (Downtown) are 10 am-3 pm, T, W and F. YOUNG AT HEARTS REMINDER The Young at Hearts will travel to the Plymouth Playhouse to hear Christmas My Way on Tuesday, December 8. The bus will leave the Downtown campus at 10:30 am and return around 5 pm. WOB ACCEPTING GRANT REQUESTS Grants requests to the Women of Bethel may be made for special Bethel projects and charity organizations. Please submit your requests in writing (no form needed) and drop them off at the church office Downtown or give to any WOB board member on or before next Sunday, December 6. Requests will be considered at the Dec. 7 WOB board meeting. ARE YOU A PART OF A SMALL GROUP, OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO START ONE? Being a part of a small group is a great way to get connected and to grow and be challenged in your faith. Did you know that we have numerous small group Bible studies and Bible study kits that are available to be checked out from Pastor Alicia's office? If you are a small group leader or facilitator, consider setting up a time with Pastor Alicia to take a look through the resources before you begin your next study. Are you not currently part of a small group but would like to start a new one? If so, Pastor Alicia would be happy to help you start a new group. If you have any questions about Bethel's Small Group Ministries, please feel free to Pastor Alicia at ahilding@bethelhudson.org or call her at , ext. 23. HELPING HAND MINISTRY Bethel s new Helping Hand Ministry is off to a great start! We continue to look for those in need of a helping hand, and those who would like to help. Individuals and families of ALL AGES are welcome to join our Helping Hands team. Please contact Kim Evers at kjevers04@yahoo.com or for more information (please note change). BETHEL TO HOST RCC CONCERTS The River City Chorale will hold two Christmas concerts at Bethel s Downtown campus, December 19 at 3 pm and 7 pm. General admission tickets are $5 at the door. COLLECTION CONTINUES THROUGH 12/6 Operation Help has asked Bethel to provide only conditioner and shampoo (family-size sets) for this year s Christmas Campaign for children and their families living in the Hudson school district. Collection bins are set up near both welcome centers through next Sunday, December 6. Thank you for considering this local service project. SALVATION ARMY NEEDS BELL RINGERS Bell ringers are urgently needed in St. Croix County on Dec. 17 and 18. Other days are available, too. Please call to schedule a day OR sign up online: NATIONAL LUTHERAN CHOIR CONCERT Christmas Festival: The Spotless Rose. Dec. 11, 4:30 pm & 8 pm and Dec. 12, 8 pm. Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis. Tickets & info: 6

7 BETHEL HAPPENINGS LIFE-CHANGING FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY RETURNS IN JANUARY! We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! Classes consist of video teaching, discussions and small group activities. Classes will be held weekly from 1-2:30 pm, Sunday, January 10 Sunday, March 6 in the children's theater at the Highlands campus. Previous class members are always welcome to attend. Registration and payment is taken through the Dave Ramsey web site; for a link, please visit Bethel s web site (Adult Ministry/Small Groups). For more information, please contact Bethel members and course leaders, Kelly and Kevin Carrier at kcarrier2000@msn.com or visit You don't want to miss this opportunity! Start the new year off on a good note! *If you would prefer not to register online, please Pastor Alicia (ahilding@bethelhudson.org) or call her ( , ext. 23) to register.