VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2017

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VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2017 The Reformation was, first and foremost, all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was then, and it still is now.

Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum (The Word of the Lord Endures Forever) is the motto of the Lutheran Reformation, a confident expression of the enduring power and authority of God s Word.

Workers Page 8 Mary Martha Page 9 LWML Page 9 BLS/ELC Page 10 Oct.

1 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2017 The Reformation was, first and foremost, all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was then, and it still is now. The task of reformation never ends, for every person, in every generation, needs to hear the good news of their Savior from sin and eternal death. Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum (The Word of the Lord Endures Forever) is the motto of the Lutheran Reformation, a confident expression of the enduring power and authority of God s Word. ECM, Jonah & Page 2 Trunk or Treat BethKIDS Space Page 3 Shower Trailer Page 4 Jamaica Mission Page 5 LCEF Page 5 HVAC Overhaul Page 6 Projects Page 6 PrimeTimers Page 6 LifeLight Page 7 Miracle Workers Page 8 Mary Martha Page 9 LWML Page 9 BLS/ELC Page 10 Oct. Calendar Page 11 Blessed Cup Page 12 When the Lutheran Confessions were published in the Book of Concord, the group of Lutheran theologians asserted that what they were confessing was not merely their own private opinions, but were asserting publically the truth that they were willing to stake their very lives on, here in this world, and more importantly, before the judgment seat of Almighty God. This is what the Lutheran Reformation is all about, the truth of God s Word. October 29, 2017 Celebrations Church Services Only w/festival Choir 8:00, 9:15 and 10:30AM Lutheran Chorale Reformation Concert 7:30PM Bethlehem Lutheran Church

P AGE 2 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 Jonah Tickets Available October 15 Jonah: A Whale of a Tale musical will be presented

We at Bethlehem believe the story of Jonah is a story about us as well.

We also believe the world is full of Ninevites, people who desperately need to hear about God if someone would

2 P AGE 2 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 Jonah Tickets Available October 15 Jonah: A Whale of a Tale musical will be presented on Friday, November 10 through Sunday, November 12. FREE tickets will be available starting October 15. We at Bethlehem believe the story of Jonah is a story about us as well. We, like Jonah, are far from perfect, and it is good to know God has a place in his plans for us. We also believe the world is full of Ninevites, people who desperately need to hear about God if someone would just tell them. Invite your family and friends who might want to know more about God s love for them! =============================================== Trunk or Treat at 6PM

FULLY ALIVE P AG E 3 Priority Space for KIDS by Pastor David Langewisch Bethlehem KIDs, our growing ministry for children from 3 years old through 4 th grade, is getting priority ministry space.

As a result of careful strategic planning, the Parish Planning Council and Staff Leadership have resolved to give priority space to this ministry.

Understanding some sacrifices would need to be made in order to give KIDs priority space, consideration was given to many options, with the decision being made to remodel our current chapel into KIDs

3 FULLY ALIVE P AG E 3 Priority Space for KIDS by Pastor David Langewisch Bethlehem KIDs, our growing ministry for children from 3 years old through 4 th grade, is getting priority ministry space. Up until now, this important ministry has been forced to move in and out of space every week, adapting to environments not conducive for the learning of our little ones. As a result of careful strategic planning, the Parish Planning Council and Staff Leadership have resolved to give priority space to this ministry. Statistics have shown, 83% of those who know Jesus entered into that relationship in what is called the 4/14 window, in other words, between ages 4 and 14 years. Understanding some sacrifices would need to be made in order to give KIDs priority space, consideration was given to many options, with the decision being made to remodel our current chapel into KIDs ministry space. This will be an awesome resource for our families, close to the worship area, easily accessible, and rightly-sized for the ministry needs. The biggest area of impact for this decision is the worship life of our church. Again, giving careful consideration to all the needs of our church, the different styles and times of worship, and all we learned from the previous consideration of a worship schedule change, it became clear our beautiful sanctuary could accommodate all of our worship services. Starting Sunday, January 7, 2018, there will be a new Sunday schedule. 7:45AM Traditional, 9:00AM Mildly Contemporary (our current 8 & 10:30AM style), 10:30AM Live Band (our current 9:15AM style), and, if there is sufficient interest and commitment from the worshippers, a 12:00PM Traditional service. KIDs ministry will be offered at TWO time slots, 9:00AM and 10:30AM. This is a BIG change for Bethlehem with implications throughout our ministry. However, Bethlehem has shown itself to be a group of people who will make big changes and do big things for the sake of the Gospel.

P AG E 4 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 Living Well Showers Launching by Pastor Drew Ross A year ago Bethlehem received a large grant from LCEF in order to launch a shower trailer ministry on the west side of

4 P AG E 4 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 Living Well Showers Launching by Pastor Drew Ross A year ago Bethlehem received a large grant from LCEF in order to launch a shower trailer ministry on the west side of Denver a first for this entire part of the country. The dream was that Bethlehem would be able to offer regular showers to the homeless and working poor in Denver, in order to play a small part in restoring dignity to some of God s chosen and loved children. Now, one year later, with a mobile shower trailer in our possession, and prepped for operation, we are ready to launch this amazing ministry that we call Living Well Showers. Living Well comes from John chapter 4 and Jesus interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well. From this interaction we witness Jesus restoring dignity to a woman who had been robbed of so much dignity by the people around her, sin, and a life of brokenness. In the story, Jesus offers the woman living water from an accessible well. Much the same way, our prayer is that this shower ministry will offer dignity, love, and hope from a well of God s grace. Ribbon-cutting Ceremony Saturday, October 21, AM If you would like to volunteer in any capacity for this ministry, please contact Pastor Drew (dross@bethlehem denver.com). There are roles available for drivers, shower hosts who are present when the shower trailer is in operation in order to facilitate the 4 shower bays, inventory coordinator, scheduler, and even social media specialist. The need for volunteers is extremely important at this point, and volunteers can be anyone, not just from the Bethlehem community. Two important dates to put on your calendar if you are eager to encourage this ministry: Thursday, October 5 th, from 1:30-6:30PM is a soft launch of the ministry, where we will have Living Well Showers available for showers in the Bethlehem parking lot. This day will allow us to operate the showers and work out any kinks. Saturday, October 21 st at 10AM is a formal ribbon-cutting event to launch the ministry from Bethlehem s parking lot. Mayor Adam Paul will be here with other local officials as we celebrate the beginning of something beautiful for God s people. Consider yourselves invited!

5 FULLY ALIVE P AG E 5 Jamaica Mission Trip by Sarah Ross Bethlehem s family mission team went to St. Mary to work with ACE from July 15-22, We were able to renew relationships and create new ones. We presented a VBS to the students at Mason Hall, helped with farming efforts, served in the infirmary and much more. If you missed our team sharing in church on August 20, you can check out the Facebook page (Bethlehem Jamaica) that was set up to share some pictures and information about our week there. If you would like to know more about ACE, please go to We continue to do fundraising through Aramark which allows us to work concessions during events at Dick Sporting Goods Park. We work the Stadium Grill Cart #2 (cheesesteak sandwiches, brats and drinks) just above section 135. If you are attending a game, please visit our stand as we earn a commission on our sales that goes toward the trip. If you would like to support the trip by working concessions with our team, please get in touch with Sarah or Drew Ross, and we will let you know when the next training is and add you to the schedule. If you are thinking about going on a trip in the future, but the cost is intimidating, we allow you to begin fundraising the year before through Aramark concessions and save those dollars for the next year s trip. It is possible for a family to pay for their entire trip through this fundraising opportunity. We will start having informational meetings this fall for next year's family trip. We will be in Jamaica from June 16-23, If you are interested in learning more (it doesn t mean you have to go), please stop by the Conference Room at 11:45am on October 22 or November 5 for a short meeting or talk to the Ross family, the McLeod family, the Queen family, the Miller family, the Hoff family, the Hischke family, the Rice family, Steve & Andie Bell, Elyse Cattau, Joanna Duchow or Becky Chaplin. You can also sross@bethlehemdenver.com for more info. A deposit of $100 per person is due November 15, =========================================================================================================== Your LCEF Investments Help Bethlehem by Dale Wagner Through LCEF s Shared Blessings Rebate Program, Bethlehem has received $18,270 back in rebate on its loan. These funds were given to Bethlehem because of our members who are LCEF investors. Thank you! Members of all ages are able to become LCEF investors and help grow the rebate. For children, LCEF offers the Young Investors (Y.I) Club. Y.I. Club members earn 3.5% (March 2017) on their Steward Account. School-aged children can have extra credit up to $25 per year added for good grades and up to $25 added for missions projects or community service. For more information about the Y.I. Club or any other LCEF investments, please contact Kim Musselman, Dale Wagner or visit lcef.org.

P AG E 6 Generosity Sparks Projects by Pastor David Langewisch Sometimes generosity pops up unexpectedly in a one-time gift. Sometimes it evidences in a more gradual way over time.

Unexpected gifts $10,000 this past month $30,000 this past spring $50,000 earlier this year.

Normally, a church would have to borrow money to fund a project costing nearly a half-million dollars. Bethlehem s generous members are enabling us to do this with cash on hand.

6 P AG E 6 Generosity Sparks Projects by Pastor David Langewisch Sometimes generosity pops up unexpectedly in a one-time gift. Sometimes it evidences in a more gradual way over time. Both of those have combined to give Bethlehem the opportunity to address some much-needed work on our facility. Unexpected gifts $10,000 this past month $30,000 this past spring $50,000 earlier this year. This, combined with careful savings of the offerings of our church, allows us to do a major upgrade to our sanctuary HVAC system. Normally, a church would have to borrow money to fund a project costing nearly a half-million dollars. Bethlehem s generous members are enabling us to do this with cash on hand. In addition to this project, scheduled for completion at the end of October, we are also able to tackle the dying lighting system in the sanctuary. Again, a $150,000 lighting project would lead many churches to borrow money. Not Bethlehem. Beautiful generosity and mindful stewardship of our resources are allowing us to pay for this project without borrowing anything. We are blessed! VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 Sanctuary HVAC Overhaul by Pastor David Langewisch The main sanctuary and surrounding areas are getting a new HVAC system this month. Haynes Mechanical is heading up the project and things are on track for an October 31 st completion. Work has already started with demolition of the old boiler (the ORIGINAL 1969 boiler), the air handler, and the rooftop condensers. With the installation of new equipment, there will be a tremendous energy and cost savings. The timing of this project was driven by Colorado s shoulder season, in which the need for both heating and cooling is at a minimum. However, we all know how fickle Colorado can be, so patience and flexibility are a key. =================================================== Primetimers October Schedule by Ralph/Georgia Phillips Tuesday, October 3 - Bible Study at 10AM in the Chapel. Sunday, October 15 - Soup Potluck at 12:30PM in the Commons. Soup provided. Bring food items to go along with soup. Dean Bartels will speak about Bethlehem's involvement with the Miracle Workers. Tuesday, October 17 - Bible Study at 10AM in the Chapel. Tuesday, October 17- "Out To Lunch Bunch will go to the Black-Eyed Pea at 1st and Wadsworth after Bible Study. Monday, October 23 - Bunco from 1-4PM in the Commons. Bring a snack to share.

7 FULLY ALIVE P AG E 7 Fully Alive Bethlehem Lutheran Church & School 2100 N. Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood, CO Church office: School office: Visit us online at Bethlehem@ BethlehemDenver.com KLTT 670 Radio Broadcast 11:00 AM Sundays David J. Langewisch, Pastor Drew Ross, Pastor Tim Wendelin, Pastor Nicholas Gonzalez, Vicar (Student Pastor) Nathan Richter, Principal Sandy Wendelin, Director of Discipleship Scott Bubke, Director of Operations Doug Butte, IT Director Becky Chaplin, Director, Ministry to Children Tony Creeden, Marketing/Communications Lauren Dowds, ELC Director Dave King, Director, Worship Arts Fully Alive is published monthly for the members and friends of Bethlehem Lutheran. It focuses on news within the congregation and activities in the church each month. Articles may be submitted to the church office by the 15th of each month for the next month s issue. to: bethlehem@bethlehemdenver.com. The Importance of Letters by Mary Anne Brossman We live in a world almost devoid of letters. ing and texting have taken the place of putting pen to paper. Facebook replaces face-to-face conversation or phone calls. It s sad that few young girls of today may never experience visiting a stationery store. In the old days, our local drugstore had a stationery section. My girlfriend or sister and I would spend a lot of time looking over these precious selections. Even though friends lived only a mile or two away, we would often write a letter to each other several times a year. Our mothers made sure we wrote to grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles and anyone else they deemed deserving of a note. And having a pen pal was very exciting as you could experience another part of the U.S. or even a foreign country. My oldest sister Susan has kept some of mom s letters written to her when she was in the U.S. Air Force in Mom states, Baby Martha has a spring cold and Mary Anne is standing at the back door watching a gravel truck unload on our driveway. Mom was indeed a great letter writer, every Thursday when I was in college I would receive a letter from her that always began with, well, it s another Monday wash day and I have poured myself a cup of this weak coffee left over from breakfast! LifeLight groups have begun our study of Romans. Already we see that not too much has changed through the years as there are political conflicts, heathens running wild celebrating their sinful behavior and government corruption ongoing in the Rome of Paul s day. Did you ever wonder if Paul s Letter to the Romans had been ed or merely texted to the Christians in Rome? Would anyone have ever made a hard copy of his words? Would his letter have reached more people on Facebook? In CPH s People s Commentary on the Book of Romans Armin J. Panning states, we can safely say that God saw fit to serve a larger readership with this letter (Romans) than just its original recipients in Rome. In His wisdom God has provided and preserved a letter that has edified its readers for nearly 2000 years now. Thanks be to God for His Word. Please join us in LifeLight this fall. It s never too late!

P AG E 8 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 Miracle Workers/Habitat Home Completed by Sherri Wells By the time you read this article, our Miracle Workers/Habitat home for Bouchra, Mohammed and their four children

Our financial commitment to Habitat for this year at Bethlehem is $5,000. Due to your generosity, we are currently 47% of the way to meeting that goal.

You may also contribute on our web page at www.miracleworkersbuild.com. Just click on the donate button and follow the prompts. As always, your support is greatly appreciated!

8 P AG E 8 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 Miracle Workers/Habitat Home Completed by Sherri Wells By the time you read this article, our Miracle Workers/Habitat home for Bouchra, Mohammed and their four children will be completed. Thank you to those of you who have been able to assist with the construction of this home; it has been a joy to partner with you to complete it. Our financial commitment to Habitat for this year at Bethlehem is $5,000. Due to your generosity, we are currently 47% of the way to meeting that goal. As we continue our financial efforts, please consider helping us to meet our goal. Make your check payable to BLC noting Miracle Workers on the memo line and place it in the offering plate. You may also contribute on our web page at Just click on the donate button and follow the prompts. As always, your support is greatly appreciated! YOU are making a huge difference in the lives of others. Miracle Workers Dine and Donate is coming in October at Moe s BBQ. On the weekend of October 20, 21, and 22, 15% of the total food and drinks bill will be donated by Moe s to Miracle Workers in support of Habitat for Humanity. You may go to either one of Moe s restaurants during their business hours. More details to follow in the bulletins prior to that weekend. You will need to take along a flyer that will be available at the reception desk. In addition, please LIKE us on Facebook at Miracle Workers Build. All events we are involved in can be found there under the Events tab. Contact Randy and Sherri Wells at or emiliejay@ comcast.net if you have any questions.

FULLY ALIVE P AG E 9 Mary Martha Kicks Off 2017-18 Season by Lynne Robbins Mary Martha Society ladies began the new meeting year with a delicious brunch attended by 33 members, four church staff and

An interesting devotion on rolling the dice of life was presented by Pastor Langewisch. How is my life going to turn out? We should substitute prayer instead of worry when our life is out of control.

9 FULLY ALIVE P AG E 9 Mary Martha Kicks Off Season by Lynne Robbins Mary Martha Society ladies began the new meeting year with a delicious brunch attended by 33 members, four church staff and two visitors as guests. We welcomed the two visitors as new members. Lori Beverlin (Nelly Ulrich s daughter) and Marianna Stuerke became Mary Martha Sisters in Christ. An interesting devotion on rolling the dice of life was presented by Pastor Langewisch. How is my life going to turn out? We should substitute prayer instead of worry when our life is out of control. Turn your anxieties over to God in prayer. A short business meeting followed that included a review of exciting speakers and activity projects for the meetings from October through May. Next month our meeting is Tuesday, October 10 th at 9AM in the Commons. Vicar Nicholas Gonzales is leading the devotion. Waverly Dreher from AAA will be presenting safe driving and travel tips for seniors. All ladies are welcome. Our Funeral Committee could use some help with food donations and servers for funerals. If anyone in the congregation can help by donating food, please call Marlene at If you can help serve at a funeral, please call Evie at Our next 5 th SUNDAY BAKE SALE is October 29 th. Proceeds will go toward our Veteran s Day Reception. ============================================================================================================ Busy Fall for LWML by Jean Waltman LWML held their first meeting of the year on September 9th, and our guest speaker was Vicar Gonzalez. He gave us an enlightening presentation on how he decided to become a pastor and shared about himself and his family. It was decided to donate $125 to the Living Well Showers as one of our mission projects. The group is working on craft items for the annual Craft Fair to be held in November. Proceeds from the sales will go towards mission projects (to be determined) and convention expenses for the next district convention in Boulder in June Our next meeting will be Saturday, October 14th at 8:30AM in the Commons. The members who attended the national convention in Albuquerque will present a convention synopsis as the program. LWML will continue with our monthly collection of hygiene items for Mean Street Ministries. For the October meeting remember to bring lip balm, bandaids, hairbrushes or combs, or gallon zip-lock bags. Everyone in the congregation, young and old, PLEASE continue to collect your mites and bring them to the church any Sunday and deposit them in the large mite box or to any LWML meetings. The mites go to Rocky Mountain District grants as well as National/International grants.

P AG E 10 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 Bethlehem School Employees by Gretchen Herd You might have noticed in the Sunday church bulletin, we have been introducing our amazing Bethlehem School employees with a

10 P AG E 10 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 Bethlehem School Employees by Gretchen Herd You might have noticed in the Sunday church bulletin, we have been introducing our amazing Bethlehem School employees with a snippet of information so you can get to know us better. Another way to meet our school teachers is every 5 th Sunday some are available to greet at the church doors. October 29 is our first 5 th Sunday of the school year please be sure to say hi! Here is a list of ALL school employees and what area they work in. Early Learning Center Classrooms Ocean Room (4-yr-olds) Forest Room (4-yr-olds) Mountain Room (3 ½-4 ½ -yr olds) Sky Room (3-yr-olds) Island Room (2 ½ -yr olds) Jungle Room (2-yr-olds) Our ELC Teachers and Employees: Steven Bell, Ocean Room Jill Bobb, Jungle Room Rhonda Broscheit, Island Room Samantha Broscheit, After Care Safiyer Coleman, After Care Judy Crater, Mountain Room Lauren Dowds, ELC Director Amanda Escarcida, After Care Rita Feldmann, Forest Room Suke Gnagy, Ocean Room Marlene Hilbrecht, Sky Room Cathy Koeltzow, Jungle Room Katilyn Langewisch, After Care Tori Langewisch, Sky Room Denise Lee, Mountain Room Debbie Nathan, Island Room Jessica Noyes, Floater Shayna Pacheco, After Care Kaitlyn Rickey, After Care Stephen Schamp, Sky Room Gary Schwartz, Forest Room Melanie Stair, Floater Kristin Stroope, Sky Room Our School Teachers and Employees: Allegra Braasch, Music Director Tim Bradley, PE, Computer, Childwatch Robin Braun, Band Director Brad Buerck, Jr. High Math Elyse Cattau, Kindergarten Dan Deardoff, Jr. High English Vera Feistel, School Office Annette Gallmeyer, School Office Gretchen Herd, Admissions Director Martha Hischke, 5 th Grade Kris Hock, 4 th Grade Mikayla Hopkins, Childwatch Sara Ipatenco, 1 st Grade Yvette Kampschnieder, Reading Specialist Wendi Lodwig, Kitchen Sherri Lowrey, Art Teacher Alyssa Mader, Childwatch Mischa Nelson, Kitchen Kris Rahm, Childwatch Nathan Richter, Bethlehem Principal Kira Riegle, Childwatch Linda Roybal, Jr. High Social Studies Barb Schamp, 1 st Grade Kathy Schomer, Kitchen Manager Paula Schwartz, Kindergarten Joey Short, Childwatch Robbin Skraznas, 3 rd Grade Kim vonholdt, 2 nd Grade Lisa Taylor, Jr. High Science Wade Winslow, German, Computer Media

11 FULLY ALIVE P AG E 11

Non-Profit Org. U. S. POSTAGE PAID WHEATRIDGE, CO PERMIT NO. 68 The Blessed Cup Turns Two by Mischa Nelson Everything FALLS into place when you put JESUS first.

My head spins with what I have to do and need to complete so I can stay in control. However, I learned that when I look to God, control is not necessary and things FALL into place.

So, when you feel overwhelmed, anxious and/or stressed, look to God, give Him the control. He makes everything FALL into place. It is our Anniversary!! WOO-HOO!

! Tea: Autumn Sunset - an herbal tea with blackberry, peppermint, cranberry and apple Blessedccino: Candy Corn Coffee: Cinnamon Hazelnut Join us on Tuesday, October 26 from 7-8AM for

12 Non-Profit Org. U. S. POSTAGE PAID WHEATRIDGE, CO PERMIT NO. 68 The Blessed Cup Turns Two by Mischa Nelson Everything FALLS into place when you put JESUS first. I read this the other day and it got me thinking. People who know me, know that I am a bit of a control freak. I get easily stressed and anxious about the things I think I must control. My head spins with what I have to do and need to complete so I can stay in control. However, I learned that when I look to God, control is not necessary and things FALL into place. When God takes control, there is no more stressing or anxious feelings, I find peace. This is when I remind myself, I am not the one in control, HE is! So, when you feel overwhelmed, anxious and/or stressed, look to God, give Him the control. He makes everything FALL into place. It is our Anniversary!! WOO-HOO!!! We are turning 2 on Sunday, October 15. Come and help us celebrate with surprising give-aways. October Monthly Flavors CARAMEL APPLE CIDER IS BACK!! Tea: Autumn Sunset - an herbal tea with blackberry, peppermint, cranberry and apple Blessedccino: Candy Corn Coffee: Cinnamon Hazelnut Join us on Tuesday, October 26 from 7-8AM for Donuts with Dad." Buy one donut and get another donut for free. So if you are a dad, a grandparent, and/or an uncle, join us and enjoy a cup of coffee or juice and share a donut with your child. Also, don't forget about Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 28. The Blessed Cup will be there and hope to see you there, too!

Identity Theft: Paul`s Letter to the Church in Ephesus

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 7 JULY 2018 Identity Theft: Paul`s Letter to the Church in Ephesus by Pastor David Langewisch There are many forces that tear away at the very essence of what it means to be a Christian.