THE BETHANY BUGLE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

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1 THE BETHANY BUGLE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 During the season of Epiphany, you may notice that many of our hymns refer to Jesus as our light. Some of the ones I thought about are: Shine, Jesus, Shine 671; Lord of Light, 688; Christ Be Our Light 715; I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light, 815. The theme of light makes sense because Epiphany is about Jesus being revealed to the nations and you need light to be able to see well. Also, Jesus refers to himself as the Light of the world. Recalling Jesus as the light of the world got me thinking about other images / comparisons we have for Jesus. There are many that Jesus gives himself recorded in the Gospel according to John and Revelation: Bread of Life (John 6), Light of the World (John 8:12, 9:5), the gate (John 10:7), the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14), the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), the way, the truth and the light (John 14:6), the vine (John 15:1, 5), the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13), the bright morning star (Rev 22:16) Other names for Jesus include: Word made flesh, King, Lord and Friend. All these names and ways to describe Jesus make Jesus known to us in all his glory. When we consider the variety of images our understanding of who Jesus can be for us grows deeper. Of all the ways to describe who Jesus is, the one which reflects the faith of most people at Bethany is that of rock. Jesus is your rock, your strength and foundation. Think of all the cherished hymns that refer to Jesus as your rock and foundation: My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less (597); Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me (623); Built on a Rock (652); Christ Is Made Our Sure Foundation (645); The Church s One Foundation (654); How Firm a Foundation (796). Take some time, hum a few tunes or better yet, sing the words if you recall them or have a hymnal. Jesus, your rock, strength and foundation, will help you get through all things and all change. Listen to the Word of God and trust God. Read Matthew 7:24-25 and be like the one who builds a house on rock. Build your life on Jesus. No matter what you are going through right now: a health or financial crisis, depression, addiction, joy, or peace no matter what your emotion or state of being look to Jesus as your rock and your 1

2 strength. Consider how our understanding of Jesus as our strength and rock is rooted in the Old Testament and the Psalms: 2 Samuel 22:1 David spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said: The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, 3 my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. 4 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:47 The LORD lives! Blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation, Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:46 The LORD lives! Blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation, Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." You will always be strong and will endure all things, even your last days alive in this world, as long as you trust Jesus and lean on him for your strength: 1 Corinthians 10:13 No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Peace, Pastor Michelle Salutations! DAYCARE NEWS As the New Year comes in like a force, the daycare is openly welcoming many positive changes. Those changes that have happened in the last few months as well as those that are beginning to take place here in January. Toward the ending of 2015, we passed 2 big inspections, both of which are extremely vital in keeping our facility registered as a ministry, keeping us 2

3 certified as a Paths to Quality Level 3 provider and maintaining one of our major sources of funding. All of those involved in this success in any way should be proud of the work that was done to make it happen. Kudos to us! Since January has begun, we have started a much needed schedule rotation for our staff. Each teacher will now be working 4 ten hour days and will have one day off. Already, we have seen just how much each teacher is enjoying this new setup and just how beneficial it is to the kids and to the business as a whole, cutting down on 90% of the issues we were having logistically. We are in such a better position! Between the months of January and February, we are looking forward to the beginning stages of the upstairs construction for our School-Age Project through United Way. They will be providing structural changes needed in order to be in compliance with the state to operate. We were approved for a grant specifically to cover all expenses and there will be no cost to the church or the daycare in an amount slightly above $35,000! This project should be monumental in the progression of the ministry. As we move forward, our goal is to increase enrollment and continue to provide quality care for all of our children! Netta Williams-Erby, Director of Childcare Thank You! Thank You! On behalf of Michael, the gentleman we have been praying for with cancer, and the daycare staff, they want to thank you for helping to make their Christmas a little brighter. Thanks to the congregation, Abigail ladies, and the daycare board, Michael and his family received several gift cards for different stores and a large fruit basket. Also, it was suggested instead of only helping a couple of the teachers that they should all receive something. Therefore, nine $75 gift cards and two $25 gift cards (for the new staff) to Walmart were able to be purchased. All of these individuals were very grateful. You certainly made a difference! Blessings, Patty Shannon 3

4 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. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The season after Epiphany will be over in a flash this year. Lent begins super early! Ash Wednesday February 10 at 7:00 p.m. Worship with Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion ************************* Lent A Time to Ponder Where Your Treasure Is In the gospel reading for Ash Wednesday, we will hear from Jesus Sermon on the Mount: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:21) And, Martin Luther taught, Anything on which your heart relies and depends, I say, that is really your God. (Martin Luther, commentary on the first commandment, Large Catechism.) Where is your treasure? I pray that you treasure is Jesus Christ. I pray that your heart relies and depends only on Jesus Christ. But likely, your heart at times wanders. Someone or something captures your eye and heart. Lent is a time to repent (turn around) and put Christ first to make Jesus our treasure. Treasure Jesus and your heart will follow. As we strive to treasure Jesus, our gospel readings during Lent remind us how much God treasures us. The devil cannot tempt Jesus during his 40 days in the wilderness to treasure his divinity (Lent 1, Luke 4:1-13). Jesus purpose is not to revel in glory and power but to reveal God s love for us. The second Sunday of Lent, Jesus is the mother hen looking out for the wayward ones, attempting to gather those who are not willing (Luke 13:31-35). The third Sunday of Lent, an unfruitful fig tree is given one more year to bear fruit; it is too precious to be cut down (Luke 13:1-9). The fourth Sunday of Lent, the father treasures his prodigal son, running to greet the wandering son and throwing him a party (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32). After four weeks of pondering how much God loves us, we hear of Mary treasuring and adoring Jesus in a manner that appears wasteful (Lent 5, John 12:1-8). Where are you in these stories? Are you 4

5 willing to be gathered under Jesus wings this Lent? Like the fig tree given extra time and like the wayward son welcomed home, you are given Lent to discover whom and what you treasure. Lent is also a season of baptismal preparation and renewal. As we consider the meaning of baptism, we are asking what we treasure, yet this treasuring has a public dimension. Consider the promises made during baptism and in the affirmation of baptism (confirmation); do you intend: to live among God s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord s supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.(elw, p. 236) Each of these actions involves interaction with others. Lent involves private prayer and pondering our personal relationship with Jesus and as well as expressing and experiencing faith together. In addition to whatever time you set aside during Lent for prayer, devotions or fasting, do not forget to also live into your baptismal promises with you sisters and brothers in Christ. Attend worship, attend the devotion time at Rosegate or Madison Health, participate with the Friendship Group, tell a friend or neighbor about Jesus, spend some intentional time learning about grace in community at a Via de Cristo week-end. The options are many. Listen for how the Holy Spirit is guiding you to treasure Jesus more fully. ************************* Hope-full Living Devotions Midweek Lenten Activity Based on the success and popularity of the devotions offered during Advent at Madison Health and Rosegate, we have ordered the large print Hope-full Living devotions for Lent. Pastor will be working with both Madison Health and Rosegate to set a schedule for the season of Lent. This devotion time is open to all members and friends of Bethany and all residents of Madison Health and Rosegate. 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. 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 5

6 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. Connect Jesus one another the world Transformational Ministry Process Congregational renewal is a spiritual and structural process. It is connecting with Jesus, one another and the world by lining up the congregation s purpose, identity, and work with God s vision and plan. CONNECT is a process designed by the ELCA and the Indiana-Kentucky Synod to encourage and equip congregations to transform into thriving ministries. CONNECT is not another program. This is a process of transformation and involves the whole congregation. To lead the congregation in this process, Bethany selects a team of four to five members who will receive special leadership training and assignments to guide the congregation. Each congregation is assigned a coach by the Indiana-Kentucky Synod s Renewing Mission Table to walk with the congregation to help and encourage. There is a series of four training events over a period of two years. Up to ten congregations can start the Connect process with each new training event. The plan is for Bethany to begin the CONNECT process with the April 2016 training event. At this event, congregations who began the process in October 2015 will be meeting at 6

7 the same time for their continuing training and to share their experiences with the congregations beginning their transformational journey. At the very heart, this process is centered in the belief that God has provided everything that a congregation needs to carry out the ministry God intends for it. Through the work of God s Spirit, congregational members will become energized about the Good News of Jesus Christ and passionate about sharing and living the Gospel. Teams will learn the basic principles of congregational health and renewal and engage in a missional plan for moving forward toward God s promised future. First Training Event: April 29 April 30, 2016 Indianapolis (LINKS 1 and 2, congregations beginning the process will be joined by congregations which began CONNECT in October 2015). Second Training Event October 21-22, 2016 Indianapolis (LINKS 1 and 2: Congregations beginning the CONNECT process will be joined by congregations which began in April 2016) Third Training Event April 28-29, 2017 Fourth Training Event TBA, Fall 2017 Chin Congregation Buys Their Own Church Building The Chin Revival Baptist congregation that has been worshipping at Bethany for more than the past 3 years has purchased their own building. They are in the process of remolding that building to serve as their church. At this time, their plan is to move into their new church sometime within the next two months. Often, Pastor Caleb has thanked us for opening up our space to allow them to grow as a congregation. They have also generously contributed to our ministry to share the cost of utilities and other expenses. Pastor Caleb has even called Bethany their mother congregation. You may have heard of buildings or centers that are known as business incubators. New businesses are given space and various forms of support to get their business started and when they grow, they move out on their own. Bethany has incubated a new church in Perry Township. What an amazing way to spread the Good News of Jesus in our community. Please pray for Pastor Caleb and the Chin Revival Baptist congregation as they prepare for this new step in their ministry for God s glory. 7

8 Congregation Report of November 2, 2015 Council Meeting Netta Williams-Erby, Director of Bethany Early Learning Ministry, reported on several items. Fifty-one students are currently enrolled. There is a need to hire two teachers and three floaters. The State Inspection and the Food Program Inspection are still to happen. Teacher-Parent Conferences will be held November 16 th -20 th. The 3 and 4-year olds will be attending the IRT performance of Peter Rabbit on Dec. 11 with tickets and bus transportation provided by the United Way. United Way task force representatives met with Pastor, Netta and Bruce Bye to discuss a facilities upgrade for afterschool children utilizing the two big rooms and closet at the west end of the second floor. There will be a report to Bethany by the end of December. Pastor Elfers said that the Worship and Music committee and she are proposing that the Christmas Eve Service be held at 1:00 p.m. and is asking for congregation feedback. Advent season worship and activities have been planned. The Chin Congregation has notified Pastor that they have purchased a building and will have it usable by the end of She and Sally Graybeal updated Memorials received since Pastor presented 4 possible options for renewing mission. Council passed the motion to invite Nancy Nyland to come and give information about Mission Redevelopment. Pastor s full report is available in the council folder in the narthex. Treasurer Dick Mathes reported that Bethany s income for October was $19, but included a transfer of $5000 from savings. Expenses were $16, There are high electrical bills and Ace Mechanical bills to pay in November as well as the $4500 for the mortgage. He said that the new process of handling the bills with the BELM is working very well. All bills come to the church. Dick pays them and then gives a spread sheet to the ELM bookkeeper by the 20 th of the month for reimbursement of the ELM portion by the first of the month. Finance chairperson, Bruce Bye, presented the 2016 Bethany Budget Plan, which totaled $214,556. The BELM budget summary showed that an income of $532,728, expenses of $526,560 is expected, The budgets were unanimously approved. The congregation meeting on Sunday, November 15 will give the congregation the opportunity to discuss and approve the budgets. 8

9 Property chair, Lisa Nichols, reported that the BELM restrooms had been deep cleaned and repairs made thanks to Bruce Bye. Arrangements are being made for Mainstyle Carpet to come in to talk about flooring options and give quotes for redoing the sanctuary floor. Membership chair, Ilze Bye, and Pastor have reviewed the church registry and put together lists of members for the council to review for non-activity in membership. The calling tree lists have been updated. Pastor reported that the cost for organ repair is $10,800. The Nominating Committee will be Ilze Bye, Barb Campbell and Joni Webb. Nominated for Finance is Bruce Bye, Mutual Ministry, Marlys Battema. Nominees were needed for Membership, Worship and Music, Social Ministry, and Youth. Complete reports are available in the council notebook in the Narthex. Pastor and council members are available to answer questions. Prayerfully submitted, Ilze Bye, Congregation President ******************** Congregation Report of Bethany Council Meeting, December 7, 2015 Bethany Early Learning Ministry Director, Guinetta Williams-Erby, reported that 2 new employees were hired and 3 new students enrolled in the center. Kelly and Sung, the two new employees, have been shadowing teachers and kitchen staff. United Way approved the grant to BELM of $37,956 to construct the upgrades to the second floor. The upgrades will better accommodate the school age students that are served before and after school and school vacation days. Time frame of the construction is yet to be determined. The 3 and 4-year olds will attend the IRT theater performance, Peter Rabbit, on Friday, December11. Tickets and bus are provided by United Way. Inspections of the Learning Ministry have taken place and the few issues raised are being resolved quickly. Plans for a Christmas program are being discussed. Pastor Michelle said that Christmas Eve worship service will be at a new time1:00 pm on December 24 and there will be a special Christmas service on December 20 at 3:30 pm., titled Christmas Worship for Broken Hearts in a Broken World. The Wednesday Advent devotion services at health centers are going well. Pastor advocated for Christmas help for a gentleman, Michael, living with cancer, and for his family of 2 young sons and a wife. Pastor will be 9

10 on vacation December 25 through January 1. Pastor s full report is available in the Council report notebook located in the Narthex. Treasurer Dick Mathes said that church contributions are down $23,000 for the year. He projects that expenses vs. contributions will even out by the end of the year. Bruce Bye, financial secretary, reported on ELM financial status, on a positive status because of payments from the federal food program and vouchers are now coming in steadily. Bookkeeper, Kristi Bennett, is getting a firm grasp on the ELM finances and the flow of income and expenses. Marcia Cowan, Outreach chairperson, continues to make and send out personal cards to members. Lisa Todd, Property chair, listed the property tasks that had been accomplished. Some council members had been available to look at carpet samples from Mainstyle Carpet Co. The representative is to make out an estimate of cost to replace sanctuary carpet based on samples shown. That figure will be used as a basis to begin a campaign to raise money for carpeting, window replacement and lighting issues. Membership chair, Ilze Bye, with the help of Pastor, submitted a second list of inactive member names to Council to check for any names on the inactive list which should remain on Bethany membership rolls. The first list was acted on at the Nov. 2 council meeting. This action will help update the membership log that has been left untouched for many years. Social Ministry Chair, Cheryl Mullin, read a thank you from Hunger, Inc. for Bethany s contribution of 49 pounds of food in November. Marlys Battema, Mutual Ministry chair, said that peer review evaluation forms would be available soon. The date of Saturday, January 23, 9-12 was set for a Council Retreat. New Business included the election of 2016 Council officers. Elected were: President, Marlys Battema; Vice President, Earleen Ashbrook; Treasurer, Dick Mathes; Recording Secretary, Cheryl Mullin; and Financial Secretary, Bruce Bye. The Annual Bethany Congregation report meeting date was set for Sunday, January 17, Prayerfully submitted, Ilze Bye, Congregation President 10

11 2015 Bethany Lutheran Church Council Members The Rev. Michelle Elfers Cheryl Mullin Social Ministry Ilze Bye President Membership Patty Shannon Christian Education Earleen Ashbrook Vice-President Marlys Battema Mutual Ministry Stewardship Melissa VanLue Secretary Non-Council Ministry Team Leaders Youth Ministry Richard Mathes Co-Treasurer Bruce Bye Finance Eric Yost Co-Treasurer Barbara Campbell Worship & Music Jefimija Zlatanovic Organist Marcia Cowan Outreach Keith Payne Summer Organist Lisa Nichols Property Netta Williams-Erby Daycare Director JANUARY LAY ASSISTANT USHERS COMMUNION CLEAN-UP 3 rd Erv Schreiber Eric Yost Joyce Wilhite Judy Smith Erv Carol. Schreiber 10 th Marlys Battema Eric Yost Joyce Wilhite Judy Smith Judy Smith 17 th Sally Graybeal Eric Yost Joyce Wilhite Judy Smith Patty Shannon Val Subris 24 th Erv Schreiber Eric Yost Joyce Wilhite Judy Smith Melissa Van Lue Rachel Myers 31 st Marilyn Schnake Eric Yost Joyce Wilhite Judy Smith Eileen Braun Donna Thoms 11

12 FEBRUARY LAY ASSISTANT USHERS COMMUNION CLEAN-UP 7 th Eric Yost Bruce Bye Ilza Bye Dick Mathes DonnaThoms 14 th Sally Graybeal Bruce Bye Ilza Bye Dick Mathes DonnaThoms 21 st Erv Schreiber Bruce Bye Ilza Bye Dick Mathes DonnaThoms 28 th Karen Deere Bruce Bye Ilza Bye Dick Mathes DonnaThoms Betty Shalter Margaret Secrest Erv Carol Schreiber Judy Smith PLEASE KEEP OUR BRAVE MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES IN YOUR PRAYERS. Bob Battema Air Force Son Terry & Marlys Battema Tyler Bell* Army Coworker s Son Sally Graybeal Austin Clark Air Force Grandson Roger Kelly Rick T. Duncan Navy Reserves Son Rick & Gladys Duncan Jacob Edwards Air Force Reserves Grandson Gene and Dottie Hussey Alex Gurley* Army 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 An * denotes currently deployed outside of the United States. Mable Hulfachor 12

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