Advent and Christmas at Bethany

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1 Volume 55 Issue 11 December 2015 Bethany Lutheran Church Mission Statement Reaching out in Worship, Fellowship, Learning, and Love --- we are God s people. Advent and Christmas at Bethany Sunday, November 29 - We will decorate the church after worship for the Advent and Christmas season. All are welcome to stay and help. This is also the deadline for poinsettia orders. If you didn t get your formed mailed in, you can call the church on Monday, November 30 by 2:00 p.m. to have your order included. Saturday, December 12 - This will be the dress rehearsal day for the Sunday school Christmas program. Our morning begins at 9:00 a.m. with dress rehearsal. After we re done, we ll have a light lunch and cake to celebrate Jesus birthday. Also, the youth will prepare Cookie Jars and cookies to sell on Sunday, December 13. Pre-ordering won t be necessary this year and the cost of the jars will be $5 again. Sunday, December 13 - Our Sunday school kids will perform the Christmas program during the worship service. After worship, the youth will have their Cookie Jars and the cookies they ve already made available for pick-up. Thursday, December 24 - As is our tradition, we ll have 2 Christmas Eve worship services. The first service at 4:30 p.m. will be geared more towards families and will be candlelight. This year, we ll hold our later service at 9:00 p.m. This will be more solemn in nature and will be candlelight as well. Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church 2515 Madison Ave. Burlington, Iowa Phone: (319) Fax: (319) Pastor Andersen s contact information (Home) (Cell) Our Staff Rev. Ralph Andersen, Interim Pastor Cory Byrne, Organist Amanda Stevenson-Cosgrove, Dir. of Youth & Family Michelle Huppenbauer, Admin. Asst. & Interim Custodian Candy Wagner, Choir Director

2 From the Pastor Prepare the Way of the Lord!! Advent, the beginning season of our church year, starts on four Sundays before Christmas, this year on November 29th. It s supposed to be a time of preparing and anticipating the coming (birth) of Christ Jesus. We light a new candle each of the four Sundays in Advent, and through the centuries the following meaning associated with each candle has evolved: Nov. 29: The Prophecy Candle, which is a ray of hope as we recall God s saving activity which was foretold by the prophets and came alive in history. May this truth light our path. Dec. 6: The Bethlehem Candle, which reminds us that the Divine was revealed in a humble way, in the Babe of Bethlehem. It s also a reminder that God is present with us, in our world, every day. Dec. 13: The Shepherd s Candle, which reminds us of our responsibility to share the Good News - the story we have heard so many times. We share by serving. Jesus spoke of himself as the Good Shepherd, who cares for his sheep. Dec. 20: The Angel s Candle, which represents the light of the gospel announced by angels: To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord! (Luke 2:10) Glory to God in the highest! Mary Jo and I enjoyed our trip to Hawaii - a first - and we now join with you in preparing for the approaching holiday. In this new Advent Season we hope to see you at worship and fellowship. Pastor Ralph Andersen HOMEBOUND CARD MINISTRY Please help remember Bethany s members who are in nursing homes or homebound by sending them a card. A birthday or a thinking of you card is a special way of showing God s love. The holiday season has arrived, so send a card today and let them know you re thinking of them. Names and addresses are available on the table in the fellowship hall. Please remember to mark the spreadsheet if you send a card. TREBLE CLEF CLUB On Sunday, December 13, the members of the Treble Clef Club will be presenting their 29th Annual Musical Christmas Club. The location is First United Methodist Church Washington St, Burlington, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The program includes a beautiful variety of vocal and instrumental music of the Christmas season. Admission is free. Donations will be accepted for the Treble Clef scholarship fund, which provides summer music camp scholarship to local students. THANK YOU! We would like to thank our church family for all the help, comfort, and prayers given to us and our loved ones, especially our mom, Rose. Thank you all so much!! ~ ~ The family of Ray Foster

3 December 2015 Lay Leaders Head Usher: Spencer Honsey December Team Captain: Spencer Honsey Ushers 6 - Jackie Chubb; Judy Locke; Pam Taylor; Marilyn Ward 13 - Scott & Jan Creighton; Bob Hoxie; Bob Sogard 20 - Jeff, Kim and Joseph Engle; Bill Mundt 24 (early) - Todd Chelf family 24 (late) - Spencer & Mary Honsey; Mark & Bonnie Rosenberg 27 - Steve & Sue Rogers; Todd & Kaye Sladky Communion Assistants As of the publishing of this newsletter, the Communion Assistants hadn t been turned in to the office. Please watch your bulletins for this information. Acolytes 6 - Aunika Johnson and Maddie McClurg 13 - Samantha Gerdes and Emily Peterson 20 - Olivia Engler and Abi Schonrock 24 (early) - Maddie & Dylan McClurg 24 (late) - Joel Jensen and Isaac Morehead 27 - Haley Engler and Karly Roberts Altar Guild Eleonore Benninghoven; Lynda Johnson; Pam Luder; Dee Dee Walker Fellowship As of the publishing of this newsletter, the sign up board had not been updated. Stop today and pick your date to help out. Missionary Support 6 - Ray & Rose Foster 13 - Open 20 - Jim & Sharon Martindale 27 - Todd & Laurie Chelf Lector 6 - Todd Chelf 13 - Melissa Hopp 20 - Jessica King 27 - Todd Sladky Greeters 6 - Bob & Debbie Hoxie 13 - Gerald & Lila Janssen 20 - Pam Luder and Pam Taylor 27 - Spencer & Mary Honsey Flowers 6 - Jan Creighton 13 - Tiffany & Michelle Huppenbauer 20 - Poinsettias 27 - Poinsettias PLEASE NOTE The deadline to submit information for the monthly Chimes is the 25th of the month; however the deadline for January will be December 23. You re welcome to your submissions, leave a note on the desk in the office, or call the church office. Thank you! December Birthdays 2 - Annette Peterson; Kyle Peterson 4 - Stephanie Cook 5 - Scott Creighton; Nancy House; Megan Rogers; Rebecca Ward; Anne Wischmeier 7 - Matthew Morris 8 - Jean Funck; Steven Swanson; David Whitmore 9 - Savanna Evans; Jeremy Schreurs 10 - August Anderson; Michael Clark; Justin Miller 11 - Jeremy Helling; Shayla McIntyre; Allison Lenz 12 - June Stoermer 13 - Jackie Chubb 14 - Samantha Gerdes; Patty Milton; Holly Williamson 15 - Madison Hand; Carole Pinney; Scot Rogers 16 - Joel Jensen 17 - Brandon Beach; Alex Schneider 18 - Adam Cox; Hayley Sansone; Betty Stanley; Christopher Wallace 21 - Jaelyn Adam; Andrew Engler; Beverly Felland; Thomas Helling 23 - Cindee Franciskovich 24 - Chad Tarrence 25 - James Hand; Joshua Rice 26 - Nathaniel Johnson; Carrol Schwarm 27 - Linda Hermann 28 - Daniel Cox; Gail Jensen 29 - Kandace Durbin 30 - William Mathews; Jacalyn Shofe; Julia Wischmeier 31 - Benjamin Chelf; Jonathan Chelf; Candace Wagner

4 The meetings for December that have been scheduled as of the publishing of this newsletter are listed below. Watch your bulletins for any date & time changes, or additional meetings scheduled. Staff Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 12:00 p.m. Rebecca Circle Wednesday, December 2, 1:30 p.m. Sarah Circle Tuesday, December 8, 1:30 p.m. Worship & Music Committee Wednesday, December 9, 11:00 a.m. Finance Committee Wednesday, December 9, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 16, 6:30 p.m. Men s Breakfast Saturday, December 19, 8:00 a.m. Church Council Sunday, December 20, 10:30 a.m. Property Committee Monday, December 21, 6:30 p.m. Book Club Tuesday, December 29, 5:00 p.m. FINANCIAL UPDATE NOVEMBER ATTENDANCE November 1 90 November 8 90 November November NOVEMBER GIVING 11/1 $3,104 11/8 $3,137 11/15 $2,764 11/22 $3,156 Total $12,161 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ If you change your mailing address, please let the office know ASAP. For every returned piece of mail we get for an incorrect address, we are charged 75 cents. December Office Schedule Friday, December 4 - closed for vacation Thursday, December 24 - closing at noon Friday, December 25 - closed Thursday, December 31 - open regular hours Friday, January 1 - closed ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Please Note! Because of Federal Privacy laws, if you or a member of your family are hospitalized and would like the Pastor to visit, you must contact the church and let us know.

5 CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES November 15, 2015 Present: Bill Mundt; Dan Wischmeier; Mark Rosenberg; Mike Hopp; Jim Martindale; Todd Morehead; Rachel Lindeen, Scott Creighton, Absent: Lila Janssen; Mike Morris Ellen Shepherd Devotion was provided by Todd Morehead. Discussion of The Great Permission was continued. For December we will cover pages 111 to the end. Mark Rosenberg motioned to accept the minutes of the September council meeting. Jim Martindale seconded. Motion carried. Financial Report Both a written and oral report were presented by Dan Wischmeier. Approximately $3,000 of the General Fund balance is designated for Roof Repair. Scott Creighton motioned to accept the financial reports. Jim Martindale seconded. Motion carried. Staff Reports Youth - Amanda provided a written report. Scott Creighton motioned to accept the Staff reports and Jim Martindale seconded. Motion carried. Committee Reports Christian Education - written Endowment - An oral report was provided. There is currently $430,000 in the General Fund and $202,000 in the Scholarship Fund. Evangelism/Stewardship - verbal Fellowship - none Finance - written and verbal Property - written Social Ministry - written Worship & Music - verbal Mark Rosenberg motioned to accept the committee reports and Rachel Lindeen. Motion carried. Old Business 1) Continue with out Blessing Campaign, currently at $10,345. 2) Working on Pastor Andersen s replacement for the winter months. Beginning after Christmas - Easter. Meeting with Pastor McMannis on Wednesday 11/18 3) Reminder that budget numbers for 2016 are needed. New Business 1) Facility Use Request. Request by Golden Oldies for use of hall for Bingo. Council requested more information regarding liability and gambling license. 2) Nominating Committee. Will be working on putting together a nominating committee. There being no further business, Jim Martindale motioned to adjourn the meeting and Scott Creighton seconded. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Rachel Lindeen, Secretary REMINDER FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE 2016 Budget requests need to be turned in by the next Finance meeting, Wednesday, December 9th Annual Reports will be due in the office by Thursday, December 31. Happy Anniversary Late last spring, Ray Foster stopped by the office. He wanted to make sure I put a special anniversary wish to his wife in the December Chimes. When I questioned, December? he was very clear he wanted me to be sure to include it. I immediately wrote myself a sticky note and put it in my planner on the last week of November so I would remember it. So even with his passing this last week, I am honoring his request and including this wish. Happy 63rd Anniversary to Rose Foster. It s quite apparent Ray loved you very much. ~~Michelle FAREWELL AND SEND-OFF A preliminary plan to have a farewell and send-off to Pastor Ralph and Mary Jo as they will be leaving for the winter months is tentatively scheduled for the first Sunday in January. Watch your bulletins for more details.

6 SUNDAY SCHOOL Christmas program practice continues on Sunday, December 6. On Saturday, December 12, we ll have our dress rehearsal, starting at 9AM. All students involved please plan to be there. After rehearsal is over, we ll have a light lunch and celebrate Jesus birthday with cake. Don t miss all the fun!! CONFIRMATION Confirmation will meets on Wednesday evening, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. here at Bethany. On the 9th, we ll gather at Faith Lutheran Church on Sunnyside, 7:00 p.m. to attend their Advent service. Then on December 16, we ll meet at Bethany again and have our Christmas party. We will not meet on December 23 and December 30. If you re in this program, please make note of these dates, locations and times. L.I.F.T. Living in Faith Together is a joint effort between the Lutheran Churches of Burlington. This program is for 3 year olds - 6th grade. We meet the 2nd Sunday of the month at 5:00 p.m., enjoy a meal together, then rotate through music, games, crafts and story time and end our time together at 6:45 p.m. with a group prayer. This program is FREE!! L.I.F.T. meets again Sunday evening, December 13. Join us! Hey youth!! Once again this year, we ll be selling cookie jars and already prepared and decorated cookies as a fundraiser. We ll meet on Saturday, December 12 to put jars together and get to baking. All youth are encouraged to come. Many hands make light work!! AT CHRISTMAS May God grant you the light in Christmas, Which is faith; The warmth of Christmas, Which is love; The radiance of Christmas, Which is purity; The righteousness of Christmas, Which is justice; The belief in Christmas, Which is Truth; The all of Christmas, Which is Christ! -Donnel s Creek Church of the Brethren Springfield, OH

7 December 2015 Merry Christmas from LSI The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 The Choir will rehearse on Sunday, December 6, 8:00 a.m. and Sunday, December 20, 8:15 a.m. They will sing on Sunday, December 20. All are invited to make a joyful noise unto the Lord!! Below is the list of Saints we recognized on All Saints Sunday this year. James Wischmeier 5/7/ /30/2014 Walter Funck 8/7/1920 3/25/2015 Beverly Taylor Geiger 11/14/1923 4/29/2015 Robert Rex Humiston 4/26/1936 7/1/2015 Elvin Spicknall 11/11/1923 7/14/2015 Edith Mae Kopping 10/5/1925 8/27/2015 Robert Creighton 9/25/1931 9/14/2015 Ione Susan Whetstone 6/29/1942 9/20/2015 Sandra Howell 5/5/1947 9/24/2015 Dennis Augdahl Bradley Becker Dorothy Becker Brian George 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 twenty 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! LSI is proud to be an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Learn more at and Monique Finds A Place for Hope On a rainy morning, the radiant laughter and smiles of two young sisters fill the room. My daughters are very energetic, said their mom Monique, with a tired smile. Monique began partnering with LSI s HOPES (Healthy Opportunities for Parents to Experience Success) when her oldest daughter was just a couple months old. I was a first time mom and young. I was so scared I would be the worst mom possible, Monique said. When parents enroll in HOPES, they are connected with a family support worker who visits them in their home to offer parenting support, track child development and help families achieve their goals. The people at HOPES are my family. I couldn t tell you where I d be without them, Monique said. Monique was struggling to provide for herself without a high school diploma, adequate transportation or family support. She was kicked out of her house and has been on her own since she was a teen, said Linda, an LSI supervisor. She was forced to grow up really fast. She had to sink or swim, and she chose to swim. With support from LSI, Monique earned her GED and went immediately into CNA (certified nursing assistant) classes. Today, Monique needs less support than she once did, but LSI is still there to provide a listening ear and guidance. Her family is now happy, healthy and thriving with optimism for the future. Our futures look very bright. My new goals are to go back to school, work on buying a house, and get my kids into a really good school. Because of LSI, my family will succeed in life.