A Monthly Newsletter Linking the Ministries of Bethany Lutheran and Lost Island Lutheran Churches

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1 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION 703 BROADWAY U.S. POSTAGE PAID EMMETSBURG, IA EMMETSBURG, IOWA Address Service Requested PERMIT #2 Bethany organist: Janis Campbell Lost Island organist: Tim Nielsen Lost Island Worship 8:45 AM; Sunday School 10:15 AM Bethany Worship: Sunday 10:30 AM; Sunday School 9:30 AM Sept-May 12 label A Monthly Newsletter Linking the Ministries of Bethany Lutheran and Lost Island Lutheran Churches *********************************************************************************************************** FROM OUR PASTOR A Monthly Newsletter Linking the Ministries of Bethany Lutheran and Lost Island Lutheran Churches to keep members and friends informed. Bethany Lutheran Church: Lost Island Lutheran Church Facebook: Bethany/lostislandparish Church office hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:00AM - 12:00 PM Pastor F. Peter Morlock bethanypastor22@gmail.com or Office Secretary: Teresa Saxton ; offsecr@gmail.com Financial Secretary: Carla Firkins luthsecr@gmail.com Youth Director: Kristin Rienhardt Kristin.Rienhardt@blc.edu O House of Jacob; come, let us walk in the light of the Lord... Isaiah 2:5 As I write this a long golden autumn is drawing to a close. The days are becoming crisper and shorter and you can feel the season chang- ing. The Season of the church is also changing and we build toward Advent and the coming of Emmanuel God with us. As much as I like to fuss about the changing of the weather, and as much as I don't particularly care for dark, cold, and snow, I find myself

2 brimming with anticipation as we build toward Advent and Christmas. There is something about these seasons that stirs my soul and fills it with Hope. The ancient Church fathers Aquinas and Augustine were very familiar with this stirring of the soul. Both wrote extensively on this longing for God, this seeking for God, this restlessness that is deep within us. We are created to be in relationship with God, thus we are always seeking Him. The good news of Advent and Christmas is that God doesn't wait for us to come and find Him; instead He himself comes to seek us. Not content to let us languish, God bursts into our midst to fill us with light and hope and to still our restless souls. God bursts into our midst to bring forgiveness and life. (Continued on page 2) 1

(Continued from page 1) We will hear again, over the coming weeks, that old familiar story...the ancient texts.

Take time to "Be Still" as the psalm says. Come to worship, eat at the table; hear the proclamation and Rest in the Lord. "The Advent of our God...Shall be our theme for prayer.

Christmas goodies will be served following the concert. Come and enjoy the beautiful sounds of the season. Bring a friend or two!

The Hanging of the Greens is a service for the first Sunday in Advent.

3 (Continued from page 1) We will hear again, over the coming weeks, that old familiar story...the ancient texts...we will sing the Advent and Christmas hymns and explore themes of Waiting and watching, light and dark, despair and hope. I Invite you to join us for all of it. Take time to "Be Still" as the psalm says. Come to worship, eat at the table; hear the proclamation and Rest in the Lord. "The Advent of our God...Shall be our theme for prayer. Come let us meet him on the road...a place for Him prepare." (LBW #22) Glenn Henriksen Christmas Concert The evangelism committee will host Glenn in a piano and organ concert on Dec 11 at 2 pm. Christmas goodies will be served following the concert. Come and enjoy the beautiful sounds of the season. Bring a friend or two! The Sunday school classes will decorate the Christmas tree the 1st Sunday of Advent, November 27. We will be doing the Hanging of the Greens during the worship service. The Hanging of the Greens is a service for the first Sunday in Advent. It is based on the English tradition of decorating the home with wreaths, garlands, a Christmas tree, and evergreens for Advent and Christmas. In a church setting, it readies the sanctuary (and church members) for the season. We are in need of more volunteers for greeters, lectors and communion servers for Young adults, youth (6 grade & up) & new members are encouraged to participate. Please contact the church office to add your name to a list-or it might just appear! offsecr@gmail.com or Thank you. *********************************************************************************** Pastor Peter NOVEMBER 2016 Bethany Lutheran Church Treasurer s Report Attendance average: 126 MONTHLY BUDGET NEEDS: $13, INCOME MONTHLY BEGINNING BALANCE (6,079) YEAR TO DATE ACTUAL YEAR TO DATE BUDGET Offerings 8, , ,593 Lost Island Sunday School 5,000 30, ,500 Total Income 13, , ,093 EXPENSES Personnel Expenses 7, , ,504 Program Expenses 747 4,784 6,006 Office Expenses ,941 5,544 Property Expenses 1,063 21,053 19,338 Western IA Synod 0 2,966 2,937 Damascus Road NO ELCA Donations TOTAL EXPENSE 9, , ,792 Income Less Expenses 4,258 8,367 37,301 GENERAL FUND BALANCE (1,821) Annual Meeting and Church Constitution Update On January 22, 2017 Bethany will conduct its annual meeting immediately following the church service. Please make plans to attend the meeting so that we will have enough attendees for a quorum needed to conduct business. A key agenda item is the approv- al of a revised church constitution. The latest draft of the revised constitution is available in the church office Monday through Friday from 9 AM until 12 PM. The latest revision is also posted on the church If you have any questions concerning the finances of the church please feel free to call me at home in the evenings. Thanks! Carla (These figures are up to November 20th) web site at The Church Council will finalize the revised Contributions to Bethany should be in the church office by constitution at the December 20 council meeting. The final draft of the revision will be posted on the web site and will be available in the church office on December 21. If you have questions about the December 28, constitution, please contact Dennis Mandsager at dennis.mandsager@gmail.com or at (712)

Youth Ministry News Hello Brothers and Sisters, Looking back at November...We had youth attend recharge and outreach at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp.

Thank you to all that helped and supported the youth at the Harvest Soup Dinner.

4 Youth Ministry News Hello Brothers and Sisters, Looking back at November...We had youth attend recharge and outreach at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp. The youth have been discovering who God is and there are not enough weeks to discover all of his glory, mystery and goodness. Thank you to all that helped and supported the youth at the Harvest Soup Dinner. The youth used some of the Soup Supper Money and the Noisy offering to go shopping for the Upper Des Moines-Adopt a Family Program. Looking Ahead to December: Dec. 2 nd : Lighted Christmas/Holiday Parade. All ages are invited to join on the float to sing carols with the youth. Meet at church at 5:30pm. Come and dress warm. Hot chocolate will be provided at the church for those on the float. Dec. 4th: Outreach at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp, 6th-12th graders, 5-8pm, $3 per person, Christmas Extravaganza Dec. 7 th : All youth involved in the Christmas program will practice right after school at the church. Any Sunday School teachers available to help with that practice, please let me know. Dec. 11 th : Christmas Program with meal to follow. Noisy Offering going to Courtney Davis Missionary Fund. Dec. 14 th : Ugly Sweater Party (youth bring your ugly sweaters) for SACK and LIFE, service project included. Dec. 21 st : Youth groups watching a Christmas movie, more to come on ending time based on movie chosen. Last youth group until the new year. January 3rd is the tentative date for a 24 hour experience with the International Justice Mission. 8th-12th graders (student leaders) come at 3pm for sessions and prep and leave at 3pm the following day. 6th and 7th graders can attend from 5pm-10pm. The month of January there will be Penny Wars between the youth and the adults of the congregation (all money made will go to the cause). More details to come. There are encouragement bags for the kids down in the youth room. Please take time to write encouraging notes for them throughout the year. It helps them grow and know that they are doing what God has called them to do. May God bless you this month of preparation and keep you safe in the winter weather and the upcoming traveling season. May you not forget in the time of busyness to "Be still and know that I am God."-Psalm 46:10 It is easy to get distracted when it comes to holidays. So remember to stay focused on the true reason for the season. In Christ, Kristin

Bethany would like to encourage online monetary offerings. The local Emmetsburg banks each provide a FREE online bill pay service which can arrange recurring weekly or monthly payments.

3 Merry Christmas from LSI The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 As Christmas approaches, we give thanks for you!

5 Bethany would like to encourage online monetary offerings. The local Emmetsburg banks each provide a FREE online bill pay service which can arrange recurring weekly or monthly payments. If you need more information, contact Philip Bieber (philipjbieber@gmail.com) or your local Emmetsburg bank at your earliest convenience. 3 Merry Christmas from LSI The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 As Christmas approaches, we give thanks for you! Every day, as a ministry partner of LSI, you help bring the light of Christ to others. At LSI, we know many people experiencing deep darkness. We know adults with disabilities who have no caring family presence in their lives. We know families in Des Moines who spent 20 years living in refugee camps and are finally regaining some hope for the future. We know teens who are aging out of the foster care system and fear they will never belong to anyone or have a family to love them. LSI s work is Christmas work, shining love, compassion and light in places of darkness, despair, abuse, neglect, addiction and crisis. We could not do this important work without you, and we are so grateful. Wishing you a blessed and merry Christmas from LSI! Our Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more at and A New Kind of Family For Kristie, respite caregiving through LSI s Services for People with Disabilities is more than just a job. It s a time for her to be with family. Kristie has helped to take care of Trevor since she began working with LSI. Trevor stays one night with her family most weekends and during many weeknights, he spends time and eats dinner with Kristie s family. He gets to come over and go to sporting events, or go camping, or go to family functions with us, Kristie says. He likes to interact with my own children, who are about the same age. The whole family has developed a relationship with Trevor, and even extended family members consider him as one of the kids. Respite care has been a great outlet for me and my kids, and it s a growing opportunity for all of us. I ve developed a relationship with Trevor s family. It gives them a break, and my kids can learn and grow, Kristie says. This gives me an opportunity to work with kids and still be able to do things with my own family. It doesn t interfere with my life. It adds to it. 10

LOST ISLAND VOLUNTEERS SCANDINAVIAN TEA The Scandinavian Tea will be held Wednesday, November 30th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $7.00 for adults, $2.

6 LOST ISLAND VOLUNTEERS SCANDINAVIAN TEA The Scandinavian Tea will be held Wednesday, November 30th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $7.00 for adults, $2.00 for children Everyone s help is needed to make the tea a success!! We are counting on you to make what you have made in the past: Rosettes, Krumkake, Rye bread, Christmas bread, etc. Please contact Elaine Nauss at or Linda Umbrell at if you have any questions. ALTAR GUILD December Lenora Kropf, Pat Henningsen December 4 Alan Oppedal READERS December 11 Madison Norris December 18 Karyn Leininger December 25 Alaire Nielsen COMMUNION December 4 Craig Thu ASSISTANT December 18 Alan Oppedal December 25 Steve Pitt ORGANIST Tim Nielsen Don t forget about making items for the bake sale. Suggestions for the bake sale in addition to your usual delicious items would include pies, fancy cookies such as cut-out Christmas cookies, frosted cookies, etc. THANK YOU!!! ACOLYTES December 4 Owen Lux December 11 Olivia Sorenson December 18 Kate Sorenson December 25 Owen Lux Please remember and prayerfully consider including Courtney in your prayers and financial support. Checks should be made to Bethany Lutheran Church with a memo For the ministry of Courtney Davis, Acct. # Courtney s blog at: cdchronicles.wordpress.com address: co.davis@sil.org.pg

Tabitha Circle will meet December 21 at 6:40 PM at Assisted Living dining room at Ruthven Community Care Center. Time for caroling on will be announced.

Poinsettias to decorate the church are always welcome. If you would like to share one, please put your name on it so that it may be returned to you.

7 Tabitha Circle will meet December 21 at 6:40 PM at Assisted Living dining room at Ruthven Community Care Center. Time for caroling on will be announced. Noisy offering for November 13 for UDMO Adopt A Family & Youth activities was The December 11 noisy offering will go to Courtney Davis Missionary Fund. Poinsettias to decorate the church are always welcome. If you would like to share one, please put your name on it so that it may be returned to you. Please call the church office if you are giving a plant as a memorial of a loved one so we can acknowledge it in the bulletin. The Board of Education invites you to come for a Taco lunch following the Youth Christmas program on December 11. Hospice of Palo Alto County will observe the Community Memorial Service at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Emmetsburg on Sunday, December 4 at 5:30 pm. This will be a candlelight nondenominational service for anyone in the community who has lost a loved one. Ornaments will be provided by the area funeral homes as well as refreshments and fellowship following the service. The Hospice Tree Lighting service will be held at the hospital lobby (entrance 20) on Monday, December 19 at 5:30 pm. A short service will be held with loved ones being recognized with a symbol of light on the Holiday Tree. Families can request to have their loved one s name put in the Holiday Remembrance Book prior to the service. Donations are welcome. Join us this Christmas Season December 11 December 11 the concert December 24 December 24 December 25 10:30 AM Bethany Children s Christmas Program, Taco lunch 2:00 PM Glenn Henriksen piano/organ Christmas Concert Christmas refreshments after 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Service, Holy Communion at Bethany 10:30 PM Christmas Eve Service, Holy Communion at Bethany 10:00 AM Christmas Day Service, Holy Communion at Lost Island 4 9

8 MEMORIALS

9 BETHANY VOLUNTEERS GREETERS December 4 Dave & Elaine Sidles *Lonnie Naig, Gary Frink December 11 Maxine Lashbrook, Elaine Nauss *Terry & Pam Rouse December 18 Jane Heykes *Dale & Marian Evans December 24 Willard & Glenyce Schmeling 5 pm *John & Stephanie Larson 5 pm December 24 Volunteers 10:30 pm Volunteers 10:30 pm December 25 Service at Lost Island *Back door greeters please move to front door if no one comes to greet there LECTORS December 4 Brian Campbell December 11 SS program December 18 Phoenix Campbell December 24 Deb Quamme 5 pm December 24 Kim Campbell 10:30 pm December 25 Service at Lost Island COMMUNION December 4 John & Stephanie Larson, Don Nauss ASSISTANTS December 18 Danny & Linda Umbrell, Dianne Hough December 24 Frank & Marit Veltri, Joe Neary 5 pm December 24 Brian Campbell, Kim Campbell 10:30 pm HEAD USHERS December Michael Jacobson, Lonnie Naig ASSISTANT USHERS side ushers during offering December 4 Dan Umbrell, Frank Veltri December 11 Paul Saxton, Pat Martini December 18 Phil Bieber, Brent Mehan December 24 Head Ushers choose December 25 Service at Lost Island ALTAR GUILD December Kathy Mehan (Darlene Naig, assistant)

In Memory of Don Wichman: Scholarship fund, Deb & Dan Quamme ******************************************************************************************* FUNERAL SERVERS FOR

Bob & Lynell Payton Stacy Berkland Jason & Dana Jacobson Tim & Molly Rodemeyer Joe & Jennifer Boevers Bernie & Linda Janssen Willard & Glenyce Schmeling Diane Clasing Teresa

Betty Naig Roger & Carol Walker Barb Haack Burdell & Barb Naugle Allen & Beth Will ACOLYTES December 4 Parker Schmeling, Ben Saxton December 11 Braxton Cooke, Riley Schmeling

Pastor Ellerbusch, Linda Laws, Ed Gentry, Kim Campbell, Bonnie Anderson, Gary Frink, Karyn Davis, Rod Snavely, Nancy Zeigler, Bob & Janet Mortensen, Lea Schipull, Lucille

8 5 *Our missionary: Courtney Davis in Papua New Guinea *Our companion synods: The Southern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania-Yakobi Parish, companion with

We remember with love: Nancy Frink, Tim Naig, Wilma & Carroll Olson, Mary Ann Rouse, Elaine Thompson, Delores Thompson, Lyle Edwards, Marge Trelstad, Robert Thorinson, Don

10 In Memory of Don Wichman: Scholarship fund, Deb & Dan Quamme ******************************************************************************************* FUNERAL SERVERS FOR GROUP II Brian & Janis Campbell, Kim Campbell, Dan & Linda Umbrell-Co-Chairpersons Garwin Anderson Beverly Hayden Bill & Eleanor Ortman Lucille Anderson Dianne & Randy Hough Bob & Lynell Payton Stacy Berkland Jason & Dana Jacobson Tim & Molly Rodemeyer Joe & Jennifer Boevers Bernie & Linda Janssen Willard & Glenyce Schmeling Diane Clasing Teresa Jensen Dan & Michelle Theesfeld Bill & Sharolyn Dickey Troy & Sarah Krug Becky Walker Chuck & Therese Duhn Amy & Brian Malm Leroy & Marlene Walker Marvin & Ruth Duhn Mike & Betty Naig Roger & Carol Walker Barb Haack Burdell & Barb Naugle Allen & Beth Will ACOLYTES December 4 Parker Schmeling, Ben Saxton December 11 Braxton Cooke, Riley Schmeling December 18 Kelsey Petersen, Olivia Sanders December 25 Service at Lost Island IN OUR PRAYERS: We remember those in special need of God s love and care including: Lois Quam, Pastor Ellerbusch, Linda Laws, Ed Gentry, Kim Campbell, Bonnie Anderson, Gary Frink, Karyn Davis, Rod Snavely, Nancy Zeigler, Bob & Janet Mortensen, Lea Schipull, Lucille Anderson, Norma Larson, Lisa Mignolet, Richard Omundson and those we name in our hearts. 8 5 *Our missionary: Courtney Davis in Papua New Guinea *Our companion synods: The Southern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania-Yakobi Parish, companion with Lost Island and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile. November 6 was All Saints Sunday. We remember with love: Nancy Frink, Tim Naig, Wilma & Carroll Olson, Mary Ann Rouse, Elaine Thompson, Delores Thompson, Lyle Edwards, Marge Trelstad, Robert Thorinson, Don Wichman, Dorothy Brownlee, Lila Johnson, Daniel Sidles, Elaine Schentzel, Sheila Anderson, Charles Christianson, Shelly Conry, Marleen Theesfeld. DECEMBER 2016 The Many Voices Choir will present a Christmas Holiday Concert Sunday, December 4 at 2 PM at the Emmetsburg High School Auditorium. The concert is hosted by the Palo Alto Arts Council. Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

The Bethany adult Sunday school class is studying The Rich and Lasting Legacy of Martin Luther and the Reformation. Come & learn.

3 4 8:45 am L Island Worship, Communion 10:15 am Lost Island Sunday School 9:30 am Bethany Sunday School 10:30 am Bethany Worship, Communion 5:30 pm Hospice Service at Holy Family 5-8 pm Okoboji

Henriksen concert 3:30 pm Lakeside Vespers 5 1:30 pm ECC Communion 6 pm Night quilting 6 7 12 noon Men s Bible Study, lunch 1:30-3 pm SACK (grade 2-5) 5-7 pm Confirmation 7-8:30 pm LIFE (grade 6-12)

11 The Bethany adult Sunday school class is studying The Rich and Lasting Legacy of Martin Luther and the Reformation. Come & learn am Bible Study at ECC (pastor) 2 5:30 pm Lighted parade Ride the float! 3 4 8:45 am L Island Worship, Communion 10:15 am Lost Island Sunday School 9:30 am Bethany Sunday School 10:30 am Bethany Worship, Communion 5:30 pm Hospice Service at Holy Family 5-8 pm Okoboji Outreach Night 6-12th gr 11 8 :45 am Lost Island Worship 10:15 am Lost Island Sunday School 9:30 am Bethany Sunday School 10:30 am Bethany Worship, SS Program Taco lunch after worship 2 pm Glenn Henriksen concert 3:30 pm Lakeside Vespers 5 1:30 pm ECC Communion 6 pm Night quilting noon Men s Bible Study, lunch 1:30-3 pm SACK (grade 2-5) 5-7 pm Confirmation 7-8:30 pm LIFE (grade 6-12) :30 pm Cub Scouts noon Mary/Martha Circle, Jacki Ellingrod-Potluck 12 noon Men s Bible Study, lunch 3:30-5 pm SACK (grade 2-5) 5-7:00 pm Confirmation 5:30 pm Youth Board meeting 6:30 pm Sarah Circle, Potluck, Elaine Nauss 7-8:30 pm LIFE (grade 6-12) :30 am Willow Ridge Communion 10:00 am Pastor lead Bible ECC 12 noon Ruth Circle, Wilma Nielsen, hostess TBA Lost Island Caroling 18 8:45 am Lost Island Worship, Communion 10:15 am Lost Island Sunday School No Bethany Sunday school 10:30 am Bethany Worship, Communion 1-3 pm Nursing home services 19 6 pm Night quilting 20 *Articles for January due 7 pm Council meets newsletter noon pm pm 1: :30 6:40 Men s Bible Study, lunch pm SACK (grade 2-5) Confirmation pm LIFE (grade 6-12) Tabitha Circle RCCC pm Christmas Eve Service, Bethany 10:30 pm Christmas Eve service Bethany am Lost Island Joint Worship Christmas Day am Assemble newsletters 6:30 pm Cub Scouts 28 con you No No firmation th groups 29 9 am WIC Clinic

A Monthly Newsletter Linking the Ministries of Bethany Lutheran and Lost Island Lutheran Churches

BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION 703 BROADWAY U.S. POSTAGE PAID EMMETSBURG, IA 50536 EMMETSBURG, IOWA 50536 Change Service Requested PERMIT #2 A Monthly Newsletter Linking the Ministries