Vibrantly open to the spirit, Bethel Lutheran Church seeks to serve God and its neighbors by joyfully living into the Good News of Jesus Christ!

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November 2018 B E T H E L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H Vibrantly open to the spirit, Bethel Lutheran Church seeks to serve God and its neighbors by joyfully living into the Good News of Jesus Christ!

1 November 2018 B E T H E L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H Vibrantly open to the spirit, Bethel Lutheran Church seeks to serve God and its neighbors by joyfully living into the Good News of Jesus Christ! Pastor s message For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.- Luke 12:12 Vibrantly open to the Holy Spirit Here at Bethel, we make it our mission to be open to the Holy Spirit s calling in our daily lives. Through our mission statement as well as the larger ELCA s phrase God s Work. Our Hands we profess a trust that God s will can be done in and through the things we say and do out in the world. But that ability to be the Church in our daily lives, is only made possible through the workings of the Holy Spirit. This often misunderstood and underrepresented person of the Trinity is God s sustaining breath to the Body of Christ, supplying it with all it needs to live and thrive. The quotation from Scripture found at the top of this letter, comes to us from a set of teachings Jesus is giving revolving around fear and conflict being overcome through confidence in the Lord. In times of persecution or trial, Jesus assures the faithful that the Holy Spirit will provide all they will need to say and do for that time and place. While that is a nice sentiment, sometimes in our lives that assurance can be hard to believe, especially in those moments when we feel utterly lost, hopeless, or confused. Nevertheless, I truly believe the Spirit rests with us in those moments as well, it just might be harder to recognize. So by looking and giving thanks for the funny ways the Spirit interacts with us in the good times, we may find ourselves more attuned to the Spirit in the bad times. I m sure we have all had those moments in our lives when a friend reaches out to you when you needed that interaction the most or you find yourself assisting someone with something in just the right way at just the right time without any foresight or planning. These moments come to us in little ways throughout our lives, and while some may chalk it all up to coincidences, luck, or serendipity, they may actually be moments where the Holy Spirit has done God s work. Taking time to lift up these moments of good fortune in a prayer of thanksgiving for the God who provides our daily bread, helps us have keener eyes for those moments when God s work is far more veiled. Why I bring this up now is because over the last couple months I have noticed some amazing coincidences with our worship liturgy, the lectionary, and the seasons. While I wish I could take credit for these moments as great worship planning, I can only give credit where credit is due and when it comes to these moments, it s entirely the Holy Spirit s work: Moment One: You may not remember this, but way back on Mother s Day, the hymn of the Day was Mothering God You Gave Us Birth. Only after choosing the hymn did I realize the lyrics were inspired by the writings of Julian of Norwich, the date of her Saint s day happening to fall within that same week! Moment Two: Back in the spring the Worship and Music Committee chose to have a Service of Healing whenever there were 5 Sundays in a month. Low and behold the Sunday this pre-scheduled service happened to fall a few weeks ago, was the Sunday when the Lectionary (a predetermined selections of readings for each week made by a committee of churches years ago) included James 5. James 5 being a primary source of scripture which instructs followers of Christ to do services of healing and anoint one another with oil. Moment Three: The children learned Jesus Loves the Little Children and two other songs over the three days of Vacation Bible School. It was then decided that they would sing these songs for a Sunday in the fall. The Sunday they chose to sing, the artwork chosen for the bulletin by Augsburg Fortress used the line Let the Little Children Come to Me which was from the Gospel text that day. Moment Four: For the service where I was out of town I put together reflections for different aspects of the liturgy (a great idea from Jan!). To help construct one of the reflections, I turned to an old book on the liturgy for an explanation of the Kyrie and Gloria. The verse this dusty old book decided to cite to help describe the Kyrie was from Hebrews, the very same text being read on that Sunday. Now these are funny little moments which in the large scheme of things may not amount to much in many people's minds. But for me, in these moments, I recognize that the Holy Spirit has been the 7th person on our Worship and Music Committee team all along. The Spirit has been enlightening and guiding our planning in unexpected ways to create a more meaningful worship experience and for that I am grateful. The secular holiday of Thanksgiving can be a great opportunity for us as followers of Christ to practice this kind of recognition. To look for ways where the Spirit has strengthened community, lifted up individuals, and created opportunities for learning and discipleship. In the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season we are invited to stop and take stock of all the ways the Spirit intercedes in our daily lives. As we did last year, we will be celebrating this season of thanks with our brothers and sisters at Prairie Community UCC in a Service of Thanksgiving on the 18 th of November at 7:00 pm. All are invited to attend this community service of readings, hymns, and prayers. May God who does much more than we can ever imagine or comprehend, continue to strengthen you and keep you in God s grace. -Rev. Aaron Holmgren

2 Page 2 Thank you! A big THANK YOU to all those who donated school supplies to put together school kits for Lutheran World Relief. All in all and supplemented by a Thrivent Action Team grant, our congregation gathered enough supplies to complete 80 school kits! The kits were brought to the Crow River Conference Fall Gathering on September 29 and will be delivered as part of that collection to LWR. Your generosity is commended! Together we have the power to bring about good things in the lives of others both here at home and around the world! New Member s Class We will be offering a New Member s class on Wednesday, November 28 at 7:00 pm with new members being welcomed at worship on Sunday, December 2. Anyone interested or simply curious about what it means to be a member are welcome to attend. Bible studies Hey Ladies! We are gathering again for the Women s Bible Study on the third Saturday morning of the month. We have picked up where we left off last season, with our study on Worry. We will continue using the same study book, since we have lessons to finish yet. Not part of the group last year? No problem! Come check us out anyway! Call Jean Hallberg at for any additional details. Next meeting: Saturday, November 17, 2018, 9:30 am at the church. Wednesday afternoon Bible study meets from 4:15-5:00 pm. These 45 minute Bible studies will be used to help engage Scripture in a quick and meaningful way in the middle of our hectic work weeks. Each week we will cover a short Bible selection. Each time will be unique so anyone can come to any of the studies without feeling behind or lost. All are welcome! Start your day off with a Men s Breakfast Bible study on the last Friday of the month from 6:30 am-7:30 am. Next meeting: Friday, November 30. All men are invited to join! Junior High Youth Gathering Undeniably Known: November 16-17, 17-18, 2018; Willmar Conference Center, Willmar, MN; Rachel Kurtz, band and speaker. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror: then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part: than I shall know fully. Even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 Register online at Deadlines: Nov. 1-Nov. 5 Registration continues, $50 registration rate (Closes at NOON on the 5 th ) Nov. NOON Registration Closed no late registrations on or after this date Grades: 6 th -9 th Cost: $ includes programming, evening snack, breakfast, and t-shirt. Questions regarding the gathering: please contact Gathering Manager, Kaitlin Opdahl: swmnelcajrhighgathering@gmail.com or Questions regarding Gathering registration: please contact Registrar, Shaun Luker: gatheringregistrar@yahoo.com or

Page 3 Bethel s Little Free Library Our Little Free Library is being used! Many books have been borrowed from the library already, and it has been restocked with additional books on hand.

If you have Bibles, children s Bible story books, devotionals, inspirational or faith themed novels, timely non-fiction with a Christian viewpoint, or other faith-based books that you no longer need,

Thank you so much for helping to support this community outreach ministry of our church. Bethel Book club The Bethel Book club meets, at church, on the third Wednesday evening of the month.

NOVEMBER A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Meet Ove. He s a curmudgeon the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window.

3 Page 3 Bethel s Little Free Library Our Little Free Library is being used! Many books have been borrowed from the library already, and it has been restocked with additional books on hand. We are in need of additional books! If you have Bibles, children s Bible story books, devotionals, inspirational or faith themed novels, timely non-fiction with a Christian viewpoint, or other faith-based books that you no longer need, please consider donating them to our Little Free Library. Books can be left in the workroom at church and should be labeled Little Free Library. Thank you so much for helping to support this community outreach ministry of our church. Bethel Book club The Bethel Book club meets, at church, on the third Wednesday evening of the month. Bethel s library has two copies of the books selected for each month. You are welcome to check out a book from the library and also join the book club discussion at any time! NOVEMBER A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Meet Ove. He s a curmudgeon the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him the bitter neighbor from hell. But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time? Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents association to their very foundations. Discussion date: Wednesday, November 21, 7:15 pm DECEMBER A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley As a little boy in India, Saroo Brierley got lost on a train. Twenty-five years later, from Australia, he found his way back. A Long Way Home is a poignant and inspirational true story of survival and triumph against incredible odds, celebrating the importance of never letting go of what drives the human spirit: hope. Movie Night: Wednesday, December 19, 7:15 pm Creative Souls Craft Retreat November 16-18, 2018 & March 22-23, 2019 Whatever your hobby may be, bring your supplies and join us for a weekend of crafting and fellowship! Enjoy a Christian setting in the company of other creative women. This a great opportunity for a mother/daughter, sisters or friends getaway! -Fee: $135 includes double occupancy room, meals, and programming. Register at Click on the black Register for Programmed Retreats button to get started. Contact Karen with registration questions at (320)

Page 4 November Food Shelf Collection our opportunity to serve! At the end of the month we ll gather around tables and fill our plates with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and more.

But each day, many families in our community find themselves in need of nutritional and personal care support. This month Bethel will be collecting donations for our local food shelf.

We will not be participating in the McLeod County Christmas Giving Tree this year since we have learned that the need for restocking shelves at the Food Shelf is great.

Personal care items such as shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, soap, razors, feminine products, disposable diapers and wipes. (This category is greatly needed.

If you have any questions talk to Lisa or Judy. Thank you for serving in November!

4 Page 4 November Food Shelf Collection our opportunity to serve! At the end of the month we ll gather around tables and fill our plates with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and more. We ll give thanks for life s blessings: warm homes, filled plates, gathered family and friends. But each day, many families in our community find themselves in need of nutritional and personal care support. This month Bethel will be collecting donations for our local food shelf. The Bethel W/ELCA Board chose the McLeod [County] Emergency Food Shelf as the primary focus for our congregation during the month of November. We will not be participating in the McLeod County Christmas Giving Tree this year since we have learned that the need for restocking shelves at the Food Shelf is great. Helping to provide the basic needs of our fellow community members will be our goal. There are three ways to contribute: 1. Cash donation 2. Non-perishable food items 3. Personal care items such as shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, soap, razors, feminine products, disposable diapers and wipes. (This category is greatly needed.) You can contribute to any or all categories. Donations will be collected through Thanksgiving weekend, Sunday, November 25. Let this be a season of Thanksgiving for all! If you have any questions talk to Lisa or Judy. Thank you for serving in November! Usher: Brian & Jill Duncan Lector: Ron Foust Greeter: Mona Dobrava Altar Guild: Tamie Foust How do I sign up to volunteer? God made each one of us with unique talents, personalities and skill sets. And when we ask Jesus into our lives, we ve given at least one spiritual gift. We get the most joy and make the biggest difference when we use our God-given talents, gifts and abilities to build the church. (based on Ephesians 4:14-16) To volunteer at Bethel go to click on Worship, and then Worship Volunteer Sign Up. Or, if you prefer, sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board by the offices OR the church office at: bethellutheranlp@gmail.com. Raising funds & helping the planet through Planet Green Recycle Gather up your empty cartridges, old cell phones & gadgets! Bethel will get a check for every box we send! Here is a list of the items accepted by Planet Green Recycle: Inkjet Cartridges Cell Phones/Pagers & Accessories GPS & Radar Detectors Mobile Hot Spots Calculators ebook Readers ipods/mp3 Players Digital/Video Cameras PDAs ipads/tablets Video Game Consoles & Handhelds Video Games & Accessories Look for the collection box in the narthex!

Page 5 Tithes & Offerings Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

68 YTD $ to meet Budget 75,897.27 YTD $ Difference -3,448.59 77,000.00 76,000.00 75,000.00 74,000.00 73,000.00 72,000.00 71,000.00 70,000.

It s a convenient solution when you can t attend services or don t have the cash or checks with you. Simply send a text message to 320-365-0765 with the amount you would like to contribute.

5 Page 5 Tithes & Offerings Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 1 Peter 4:10 For the Month of Septmber 2018 Attendance 300 $ Contributions 8, $ to meet Budget 8, $ Difference For the Year 2018 YTD $ Contributions 72, YTD $ to meet Budget 75, YTD $ Difference -3, , , , , , , , , YTD $ YTD $ to Contributions meet Budget 3 convenient ways to give: Give+ Text offering option Make one-time or recurring offerings by simply sending a text. It s a convenient solution when you can t attend services or don t have the cash or checks with you. Simply send a text message to with the amount you would like to contribute. Within minutes, you ll be sent a text with a link to register. Click on the link and enter your cardholder name or debit card information. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt of your donation via . For future giving, send a text with the amount you wish to give, and it will process automatically! You can even text repeat to make it a recurring donation. Simply Giving electronic option Use Simply Giving for making regular offerings contributions are debited automatically from your checking or savings account. Simply Giving offers convenience for you and much need donation consistency for our congregation. No more checks or envelopes! And, when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, this program will allow your offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis. Questions about Simply Giving or Give+ Text can be directed to Lloyd Wortz, Financial Sec., at or landcwortz@hotmail.com Applications are on the church office door. Coming soon! New Bethel Offering Envelope option Bethel will be using new offering envelopes beginning January, 2019! These envelopes will available for you to fill out while you are at church or you may bring several home to fill out at your convenience. We ask that you completely fill out the front of the envelope, including your assigned envelope number, which is posted on your mailbox. In the meantime, you may continue using your original assigned envelopes or give in whatever manner you choose. We thank ALL givers for supporting our mission!

Page 6 Page 6 BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH - Council Meeting Minutes Monday, October 15, 2018 Council Members attending the meeting included Pastor Aaron, President Ron Foust, Secretary Jan Smith,

6 Page 6 Page 6 BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH - Council Meeting Minutes Monday, October 15, 2018 Council Members attending the meeting included Pastor Aaron, President Ron Foust, Secretary Jan Smith, Treasurer Kathy Young, Financial Secretary Lloyd Wortz, Trustees Mitch & Katie Overbye, Finance Board members Matt Krull and Bobbi Kadrie, Education Board members Stacy Meyer and Amanda Latzig. Opening Devotion: Pastor Aaron lead in an opening prayer of Thanksgiving from the resource Morning and Evening Worship. Council Business: Matt made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Kathy seconded the motion which carried. Pastor s Report: - Pastor Aaron has made 3 hospital and 1 communion visit. - He attended the recent Youth Task Force meeting. - Confirmation has started with 6 youth in the class. - Pastor Aaron attended the Fall Theological Conference of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod, October 7-9, held at Mount Carmel and Luther Crest Ministries in Alexandria. The conference featured three speakers - one focused on the liturgy, another on faith formation through relationships, and one was on communal discipleship and being invitational Christians. - Pastor Megan Preston from Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City will be working with Pastor Aaron in planning a Consecration Sunday to be held in each church. Pastor Aaron will help facilitate the event at Trinity on December 9 th and Pastor Megan will be the leader at Bethel s event on Sunday, January 20 th. A catered lunch will be held on that day when estimate of giving cards will also be collected. Old Business 1. Executing Strategic Visioning for 2018 and beyond The Executive Committee of the Church Council met after the September meeting to examine the progress made in meeting the Strategic Visioning goals for Copies of the findings will be shared with the council next month. 2. Insurance inspection checklist items The work has been completed by the electrician. The information will be sent to the insurance company. 3. Property Committee Update: Work is in progress Stewardship Plan Campaign A Consecration Sunday described in the Pastor s report will be held January 20. The council will be involved the Monday before in a preparation event. 5. Trustee: List to Bethel Secretary for items, cleaning out the garage - Work is in progress 6. Financial Board: Written guidelines for the Audit committee - The financial board will write down what was done last year as that seemed to work well. Bobbi will contact the Endowment committee about including their report. New Business 1. Cemetery Committee Report: Abbe Holmgren and Jeff Breidenbach - An informational report was given about the care and financial needs of the Bethel cemeteries. Two recommendations were made by the committee: a) A special offering be taken on All Saints Day that would go towards cemetery expenses. This would include a temple talk to educate the congregation on how the cemetery money is used. b.) The cemetery committee give quarterly reports to the council so more people would be aware of their needs. Information regarding the cemetery could also be included in the newsletter, a templetalk, and during an adult forum. Lloyd made a motion, seconded by Stacy, that a special offering be taken on All Saints Sunday to support the cemetery. Motion carried. The committee will report to the council every six months. 2. Worldwide Missionary Movement Service, Saturday evenings: Annual Renewal - Bobbi and Pastor Aaron will arrange to meet with the group. 3. Insurance requirements: Renters/Used by groups - Ron made a motion, seconded by Mitch, that the finance board work with Tamie to clarify and refine the Church Usage and Hold Harmless Agreement so when the church is used or rented by groups, insurance requirements are understood and adhered to. 4. Blue Jean Sunday: Stacy made a motion, seconded by Amanda, to set November 11 th as Blue Jean Sunday. The trustees will work with Tamie to make a list of tasks to be completed. 5. Nominating Committee: Ron will activate the nominating committee which includes Mary Lou, Abbe, Jeff, Cheryl, and Rhianna. Secretary Minutes Motion by Lloyd, seconded by Ron, to approve the report. Motion carried. Treasurer Report Motion by Katie, seconded by Jan, to approve the report. Motion carried. Financial Secretary Report Motion by Stacy, seconded by Mitch, to approve the report. Motion carried. Board Reports 1. Education - The committee has followed through with steps to carry out the procedures identified in the child protection policy. 2. Finance The committee set up automatic withdrawal payments with the insurance company. 3. Trustees Bids will be secured for snow removal from Litzau Excavating and Andy s Lawn and Snow. Communications: New offering envelopes will be used next year. A date will be set up to dedicate the new little library. The meeting closed with Round Table Prayers and the Lord s Prayer. The next Council Meeting will be held on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.

7 Page 7 Page 7 November 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Hatlestad Baptism 4 All Saints Sunday 9a Worship 10:15a coffee & fellowship; Sun. school; Adult Forum 10:15-11:45a Confirmation DST ends-fall back 5 12p-5p office 6 7 Noon bulletin 4:15p Bible study 6:30p Choir 7:15p W/ELCA mtg Martin Luther, a Worship 10:15a coffee & fellowship; Sun. school; Adult Forum 12 6:30p Council mtg Noon bulletin 4:15p Bible study 6:30p Choir :30a Women s Bible study 18 9a Praise service 10:15a coffee & fellowship, Sun. school; Adult Forum 10:15-11:45a Confirmation 7p Thanksgiving service Noon bulletin 4:15p Bible study 6:30p Choir 7:15p Book club discussion 22 Thanksgiving Day a Worship 10:15a coffee & fellowship; Sun. School; Adult Forum Newsletter MEFS donation Noon bulletin 4:15p Bible study 5:15p Worship & Music mtg. 6:30p Choir 7p New Member s class :30-7:30a Men s Breakfast Bible study 1 *All calendar events are subject to change. For up-to-date calendar events, see our online calendar:

Page 8 Page 8 Bethel Lutheran Church, ELCA 77 Lincoln Ave. N.

Aaron Holmgren: 320-295-8787 pastor@lpbethel.org We re on the web! www.lpbethel.org www.facebook.com/lpbethel Happy Birthday!

11/14 Jeremy Radtke 11/17 Max Petersen 11/19 Lucas Dye 11/21 Hunter Schroeder 11/22 Judi Luehrs 11/24 Nancy Krull Sarah Walstrom Happy

11/2 Jan Smith 11/8 Dick Kiekhaefer 11/18 Kristie Collins 11/19 Kathy Ekdahl 11/20 Ronald Larson Colton Iverson 11/22 Cheryl Smith

8 Page 8 Page 8 Bethel Lutheran Church, ELCA 77 Lincoln Ave. N. PO Box 207 Lester Prairie, MN Office: bethellutheranlp@gmail.com Hours: M, W, Th 10am- Rev. Aaron Holmgren: pastor@lpbethel.org We re on the web! Happy Birthday! 11/1 Steve Larson Nicole Jaeger Dean Smith 11/2 Lachlynn Sawatzke 11/3 Gary Schott Maren Buss 11/9 Sam Raguse 11/12 Laura Grunloh 11/14 Jeremy Radtke 11/17 Max Petersen 11/19 Lucas Dye 11/21 Hunter Schroeder 11/22 Judi Luehrs 11/24 Nancy Krull Sarah Walstrom Happy Baptism Day! 11/2 Jan Smith 11/8 Dick Kiekhaefer 11/18 Kristie Collins 11/19 Kathy Ekdahl 11/20 Ronald Larson Colton Iverson 11/22 Cheryl Smith 11/23 Zander Goodin 11/26 Connor Meyer 11/27 Adeline Jenkins 11/30 Nicole Jaeger Blood Drive-LP City Hall (37 Juniper St. N.), Wednesday, November 14, 1:00-7:00 pm. *SAVE THE DATE* SECRET PAL REVEAL: December 1, 2018, 9:30 am Vibrantly open to the spirit, Bethel Lutheran Church seeks to serve God and its neighbors by joyfully living into the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Vibrantly open to the spirit, Bethel Lutheran Church serves God and its neighbors by joyfully living and sharing the Good News!

April 2017 B E T H E L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H Vibrantly open to the spirit, Bethel Lutheran Church serves God and its neighbors by joyfully living and sharing the Good News! Pastor s Message Song