Worship: Saturday 5:30 pm Sunday 8 am & 10:30 am Wednesday 6 pm. Sunday School: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Toddler Time: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Worship: Saturday 5:30 pm Sunday 8 am & 10:30 am Wednesday 6 pm. Sunday School: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Toddler Time: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m."

Frank Dawson
5 years ago
Views:

6 pm Bible Studies: Saturdays 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Sundays 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. www.ourbethlehem.com Church: (920) 452-4331 infochurch@ourbethlehem.

1 Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Sheboygan Falls, WI Permit No. 11 Address service requested CONNECT WITH US Bethlehem Lutheran 1121 Georgia Avenue Sheboygan, WI WORSHIP & BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES Worship: Saturday 5:30 pm Sunday 8 am & 10:30 am Wednesday 6 pm Bible Studies: Saturdays 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Sundays 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Church: (920) infochurch@ourbethlehem.com School: (920) infoschool@ourbethlehem.com ourbethlehem ourbethlehem Sunday School: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Toddler Time: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Pastor-led Bible Study Led by Pastor Kubow Mondays-6:30 pm Pastor-led Bible Study Led by Pastor Hartman Thursdays-7am All Bible Studies held in the Century Room Rev. James L. Hartman Administrative Pastor Rev. Alan D. Kubow Associate Pastor Patrick Vanic Principal Lutheran Church Missouri Synod MEMBERSHIP Sheboygan Lutheran High School Association Sheboygan Area Lutheran Schools Association

2 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Bethlehem s 125th year has finally wrapped up. Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who helped make the anniversary year such a success, and a special thank you to the 125th Anniversary Committee for all their work. The stories of Bethlehem s history are certainly filled with lessons for today. Three things seem to resonate throughout the many years. Passion. There are countless stories of individuals who dedicated lives to the Lord and served Him tirelessly. From those who first charted the church to today s members, the church and school have a rich history of dedicated volunteers and leaders. We may not always agree (as we are blessed with varied personalities and perspectives), but the Lord always guides us down the path he chooses. It is better to have a passionate congregation than one that is disinterested and disengaged. Perseverance. Bethlehem s history is filled with examples of keeping the faith through good and bad times. For every story of growth, there is a story of turmoil. Building expansions are followed by natural disasters; periods of prosperity are followed by depressions, recessions, and wars. Yet, through the years, thousands of members were guided through tough and increasingly more complex times by working together as a congregation, guided by a Lord who has a plan. Priority. People have busy lives. This has been the case in the past and it holds true today. The causes, obligations, and distractions may be different, but the decision process remains the same. Year after year, individuals have prayed What is God calling me to do? Over and over, God has moved our members to dedicate the gifts they have been given back Him. Whether it be leading a youth group, reading to our school children, decorating the church for holidays, saving spare change, knitting a quilt for those in need, calling on someone who s been missed at church, or shoveling coal into the boiler, many individuals used the blessings they have been given to praise the One who gave them. Certainly there were other things they could have been doing, but none of those things were more important. So this past year, as we ve been able to look back and be inspired by those who came before us, we start looking to the future. Our generation is also bombarded by challenges. Our politically correct society may mean keeping your faith to yourself or risk being labeled intolerant or closed minded - many of you may be experiencing this in your workplace or school. Believing in the 6 day creation or the flood is construed as ignorance of science. Courts, not the Bible, are defining marriage and human life. Even things as simple as charity events are great, but may be devoid of the Christian love that guides us. The internet and social media has physically changed how our younger generations process information. The evil of terrorism seems to be growing. Yes, like those who came before us, these are our tough times. But, we are not helpless. Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me. Over the next weeks and months we will be reviewing and revising our Church strategies to ensure we are positioned to meet these challenges head on. It s time to re-invest and reinvigorate our church, not just in terms of finances and structural improvements, but how we approach our mission. To accomplish our goals will we need your help. Soon a nominating committee will be assembled to fill boards for the many needs our church has. Our prayer is each member follows the lead of those who came before us. Prayerfully consider What is God asking me to do? and use the passion, perseverance, and priority of the past to guide our present and future. Thank you Lord for 125 years of grace and we look forward to the plans you have for Bethlehem in the future.

3 See December Calendar on Website

4 The Bethlehem Visitor December 2015 Contagious Good News! And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. (St. Luke 2:16-17) Dear Brothers and Sisters, This is a contagious time of year. School children pass the sniffles to each other and to their teachers. Adults are constantly washing their hands and disinfecting door handles and railings and telephones to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. But even with all of our precautions, sicknesses spread. There is one kind of contagion that we want to see spread. It is the contagious Good News of great joy! A Savior has been born! He is God's gift to all people. Jesus Christ, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, came into this world to save all people from their death-dealing sins. He has purchased and won us from sin, death, and the power of the devil with His holy, precious blood, shed for us on the cross. We are His forgiven, heaven-bound children! The shepherds heard the Good News of great joy, told them by the angel, and went at once to see the Child. And as soon as they had seen the baby Jesus and worshiped Him, they made known the saying that had been told them... The life-changing, life-saving gift you can give to others in these Advent / Christmas Days is the Good News of great joy concerning Jesus. Come to our midweek Advent services. Invite your unchurched friends and relatives to one of our many Christmas services. Share the joy of our salvation! A blessed Advent and Christmas to you and yours, in Jesus' name! Pastor Alan Kubow

DECEMBER NEWS Living Nativity - Come to Bethlehem and See Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School is once again sponsoring a living nativity Friday, December 11 th and Saturday, December 12 th.

We will have a costumed caste and live animals (Camel, Donkey and Sheep). This is a great way to outreach to our community. We need your help. Please consider being a member of the cast.

5 DECEMBER NEWS Living Nativity - Come to Bethlehem and See Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School is once again sponsoring a living nativity Friday, December 11 th and Saturday, December 12 th. The viewing will take place between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Each viewing will take place very half hour, lasting about 20 mins each. We will have a costumed caste and live animals (Camel, Donkey and Sheep). This is a great way to outreach to our community. We need your help. Please consider being a member of the cast. (There is only moving no real acting). The music and Bible readings will be on a sound system. We need people of all ages, children to adults. We are looking for Angels, Shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and Magi. We are also looking for people to help make the night a success. Ushers and food servers are needed for each evening. We also are in need of some Christmas cookies being baked for this event (Cookies need to be dropped off by noon on Friday, December 11 th in the Century Room. There will be sign-up sheets located in the Century Room. Please contact Deb Schlehlein at or Pat Vanic at (work) or (home) if you have any questions or would like to help in any way. Coffee Fellowship Hour The Fellowship Board is looking for volunteers to serve coffee and sweet treats between services. Can we count on you? Please help...a new 2016 sign up sheet is in the hallway off of the Century Room waiting for you. Our goal in 2016 is to have EVE- RY Sunday filled, so our church family can enjoy fellowship with one another and also get to know our new members better. We ask that anyone signing up, to please stay awhile longer, so the people coming for the 10:30 a.m. service can enjoy it as well. If you can't stay a little longer, please keep the coffee pots and some treats at the table for them. Thank you. Next Visitor Deadline If you would like to submit information for the January Visitor please have your information to the church office no later than Wednesday, December 16, You can it to jodi.damrau@ourbethlehem.com or drop office in the church office with a note attached that it is for the January Visitor. 40 Years of Service for 452-PRAY Dial 452-PRAY is celebrating its 40th year of service. The organization is the area's only telephone ministry, providing daily devotions and prayers. Dial 452-PRAY was founded in 1975 to provide Christ-centered phone devotions, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which can be reached at (920) The devotions are recorded by lay readers from area churches and are read from Christian publications with special permission from publishers. The Bethlehem Lutheran Women's Missionary League spearheaded the ministry when they heard a similar devotional line in Milwaukee. Currently a board of directors oversees the work, along with a pastoral advisor. In the fall of 2012 the tape recorder system was replaced by a computerized system through the efforts of board member Mark Stolzenburg and is currently housed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In 2003 the group launched its web site, which includes information about the group, links to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and local Lutheran churches, along with other Lutheran organizations. Prayer requests may also be submitted via the Web. The group meets bi-annually and is supported solely through volunteers and individual and group donations and can be contacted through its web site.

DECEMBER WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Advent Services Wednesday, December 2, 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The King s City: Safe and Secure Jeremiah 33:14-16 Soup Supper December 2, 5:00 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center sponsored by the Board of Assimilation Advent Service Wednesday, December 9, 8:30 a.

m. and 6:00 p.m. The King Will Have His Day Zephaniah 3:14-20 Soup Supper December 16, 5:00 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center sponsored by LWML Bethlehem Lutheran School Christmas Program Sunday, December 20, 5:30 p.

6 DECEMBER WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Advent Services Wednesday, December 2, 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The King s City: Safe and Secure Jeremiah 33:14-16 Soup Supper December 2, 5:00 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center sponsored by the Board of Assimilation Advent Service Wednesday, December 9, 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. w/holy Communion The King s Herald: Announcing the King! Malachi 3:1-4 Soup Supper December 9, 5:00 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center sponsored by the Altar Guild Advent Services Wednesday, December 16, 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The King Will Have His Day Zephaniah 3:14-20 Soup Supper December 16, 5:00 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center sponsored by LWML Bethlehem Lutheran School Christmas Program Sunday, December 20, 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center Christmas Eve/Day Worship Opportunities Thursday, December 24, 4:00 p.m. - Sunday School Service Thursday, December 24, 6:00 p.m. - Family Service Thursday, December 24, 11:00 p.m. - Candlelight Service w/holy Communion Friday, December 25, 10:00 a.m. - Christmas Day Service w/holy Communion New Year s Eve Worship Opportunity Thursday, December 31, 6:00 p.m. - Holy Communion

7 BETHLEHEM S CRADLE ROLL PROGRAM Exciting News for Bethlehem s Cradle Roll Program The current Cradle Roll Program will feature some new and exciting changes. For many years, several Visiting Moms have been delivering birthday gift bags to the young families that had baptisms at Bethlehem until the child s third birthday. In 2016 a new initiative will begin and Baptismal Birthday celebrations will take place on a quarterly basis at Bethlehem. As an example, all families who have a baptismal birthday in the first quarter of the year will have a celebration in March, At this time the family will be invited to a special presentation at the church service to acknowledge the baptismal birthday, and there will also be a coffee hour honoring them. This will continue to take place each calendar quarter for the remainder of the year. We are looking forward to this new adventure within the Cradle Roll program. If you would like more information about this program or would like to assist in any area, please contact Sharon McCormick at Luke 18:16: Jesus call the children to him and said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. LWML Ladies: Come Celebrate Christmas with LWML! The Bethlehem Lutheran Women s Missionary League (LWML) would love to have you as our guests on Tuesday, December 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the Century Room. Featured will be a light-hearted Christmas skit in which both Mary, the Mother of Jesus and Mrs. Santa Claus are interviewed. Come and find out what that s about and also get to know more about the mission work of LWML. Christmas carol and hymns will be sung and after a short business meeting, refreshments will be served. Try us, you ll like us.

8 SCRIP INFO Scrip Special Orders for the Holiday To insure delivery in time for Christmas gift giving, please have all special orders in by 8:00am on Monday, December 7, the last day for Scrip-on-the-Go sales before the Christmas break will be Friday, December 18th. The last day for Scrip sale will be Monday, December 21st. Scrip will not be sold after any of the Christmas services. Use Scrip For Your Holiday Shopping Are you planning an out of town holiday shopping trip and staying at Quality Inn or Best Western? How about finding that perfect toy at Toys R Us for that special niece or nephew? Maybe you are taking a trip to Disney for the Christmas break. All these are available as SCRIP. Remember, it costs you nothing and benefits our church and school. Please take advantage of the Scrip program. Here is a break down of monies received during the month of October: BLS Tuition $ families BLC General Fund $ families BLC Special Appeal $ families Guardian Angel $ families Lutheran High Debt $ familes Extended Care $ family LHS Tuition $ families CUW $ families **3 new families signed up during the month of October** Scrip is available when school is in session Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.; Saturday evening after the 5:30 p.m. service or between services on Sunday (approx 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.)

BAPTISMS Helena Ann Burns, daughter of Kristopher M. Burns and Hanna F. Loose, baptized November 1. Kristopher Michael Burns, baptized November 1 (adult baptism). Wade Austin Pouliot, son of Robert G.

9 BAPTISMS Helena Ann Burns, daughter of Kristopher M. Burns and Hanna F. Loose, baptized November 1. Kristopher Michael Burns, baptized November 1 (adult baptism). Wade Austin Pouliot, son of Robert G. and Jessica A. (Worth) Pouliot, baptized November 15. Gage James Stirdivant, son of Joshua J. and Lacey L. (Thieme) Stirdivant, baptized November 21. Savannah Lynn Stirdivant, daughter of Joshua J. and Lacey L. (Thieme) Stirdivant, baptized November 21. Cheyenne Lynn Stirdivant, daughter of Joshua J. and Lacey L. (Thieme) Stirdivant, baptized November 21. DEATHS Donald O. Braatz, age 91, passed away on October 23. Kenneth N. Aldag, age 80, passed away on October 28. Audrey L. Keitel, age 91, passed away on October 30. Hazel Z. Goetsch, age 97, passed away on November 5. Robert G. Herber, age 68, passed away on November 6. Richard J. Pask, age 82, passed away on November 10. (non-member) Thomas L. Baalke, age 74, passed away on November 12. STEWARDSHIP INFORMATION Stewardship is about money. True or False? Answer, partly true but mostly false. Stewardship is really about how our love for Christ influences how we use the blessings He continuously bestows on us. He has given all of us different portions of time, talent and treasure. So yes in part Stewardship is about money. The congregation does need money to operate. But it also needs your time and talents whatever they might be. Chad s info

10 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION Pastoral Care When you are hospitalized, please notify the church office (of have a family member or friend notify us). Due to privacy laws the hospitals no longer contact the church. Please Notify Us If you have made any changes to your personal information, such as a new phone number, new address, etc. Please make sure that you notify the church office with your information by call or jodi.damrau@ourbethlehem.com. Thank you for your help. Personal Information Changes If you have changed your name, address, phone number etc. please notify the church office immediately with your information. You can call the church office at or jodi.damrau@ourbethlehem.com with your new/current information. Thank you for your help. Room Reservation Reminder Just a reminder to make sure that you let the church office know ASAP if and when you need to reserve a room so we can be sure that there are no conflicts. Thank you! Visit Us Online Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School is on Facebook.com. Look for updates and information by typing Bethlehem Lutheran School. For more school information, please visit us at our website, VISITOR SPONSORSHIP To help us defray expenses for producing and mailing our monthly newsletter, we have established a sponsorship program which includes a congregational contributor for a cost of $50 per year; and a commercial contributor for the cost of $120 per year. If interested, please drop off your payment or call the church office at Congregational Sponsors: Bev Fischer Lee & Bev Steffen Clifford & Gail Schlegel Fred & Ruth Fibiger Robert & Joan Osthelder Jim & Judy Heinecke Richard & Marjorie Hahn Advanced Disposal Ardyth Gross Anita Krimmel John & Jane Halverson Bob & Lori Gottowski Tim & Evie Grasse Leonard & Rogene Johnson Beverly Bauer Vi Gloede James Schmidt Roger H. & Sandy Fischer Commercial Sponsors: Advanced Comfort Systems Irish Roofing Al & Al s Steinhaus Keith Wyckoff Siding Services Boneck Printing Reinbold Novak Funeral Home Charcoal Inn

11 GREETERS SCHEDULE December 2015 December 5, 5:30 p.m. December 6, 8:00 a.m December 6, 10:30 a.m. Amanda & Valerie Zimbal Jack & Audrey Van Dixhorn Jeff & Lana Holler December 12, 5:30 p.m. December 13, 8:00 a.m December 13, 10:30 a.m. Mary Jo Cyr & Jeanette Gast Mary & Aaron Smith Isabelle Barrington & April Holler December 19, 5:30 p.m. December 20, 8:00 a.m December 20, 10:30 a.m. Lorraine Hermann & John & Kathy Baird Sarah & Aaron Marver Lewis Hartmann December 24, 4:00 p.m. December 24, 6:00 p.m. December 24, 11:00 p.m. Sunday School Service Family Service Candlelight Service Linda Herber & Cristel Hodges Jeanne Chorowicz & Kathy Fricke David & Bev Fischer December 25, 10:00 a.m. Jane Halverson & Linda Schulz December 26, 5:30 p.m. December 27, 8:00 a.m. December 27, 10:30 a.m. Jane Felten & Todd & Easton Bauer Juli Baird & Tessa Marquez David Stroschoen December 31, 6:00 p.m. David & Bev Fischer January 2016 January 2, 5:30 p.m. January 3, 8:00 a.m January 3, 10:30 a.m. Wilma Kasten & Martha Bartz Phil & Rosie Buteyn Shaun & Cory Brachman Thank you all for serving the Lord as greeters. Your smiles and handshakes make everyone feel welcome. If you can t greet on your scheduled day and time, please call or me and I ll do my best to replace you. My phone number is and my is grandmatito@yahoo.com. Thank you

Worship: Saturday 5:30 pm Sunday 8 am & 10:30 am Wednesday 6 pm

Worship: Saturday 5:30 pm Sunday 8 am & 10:30 am Wednesday 6 pm Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Sheboygan Falls, WI Permit No. 11 Address service requested CONNECT WITH US Bethlehem Lutheran 1121 Georgia Avenue Sheboygan, WI 53081 WORSHIP & BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES