Bethesda Butler Lutheran Parish PO Box 426 Bristol, SD 57219 Pastor Chris Strohm Bristol Church Office 605-492-3123 Pastor s Cell 605-218-0852 Parish Email bethesdabutler@nvc.net Parish Website www.bethesdabutler.com
The love a parent feels for a child is strange. There is a starting point to our love for everyone else, but not this person. This one we have always loved, we loved them before they even existed. No matter how well-prepared they are, all moms and dads experience a moment of total shock, when the tidal wave of feelings first washes over them, knocking them off their feet. It s incomprehensible because there s nothing to compare it to. It s like trying to describe sand between your toes or snowflakes on your tongue to someone who s lived their whole life in a dark room. It sends the soul flying. ~ Beartown by Frederick Bachman Hello Everyone, My grandson was born today, my third one, I was not in the delivery room this time. I was in the birthing suite waiting with one of my other grandsons waiting for his brother to announce himself to the world. It seemed like forever until they finally wheeled the baby into the room with my daughter right behind him. After checking if she was alright I went to the baby and with just one look all the worry, all the angst, all the stress is just washed away for the moment as I gazed upon the tiny miracle lying before me. Love is a strange emotion. It is hard to describe because it seems to encompass, surround, and overcome all the other emotions. In that hospital room my grandson, Rowen, only wanted one person, me. Everybody else, his mom, her boyfriend, the nurses, his brother, even my wife were just people he tolerated but for whatever reason I was the one he wanted. I am the one he lights up for when he sees me. I m the one he looks for when he s playing to make sure I m still there. I m the one he feels safe with, he wants to cuddle with, and I m the one he doesn t want to leave. It s strange this love a child has for their parents or their grandparents. My oldest grandson is the same way, as if the rest of the world fades away when I enter the room. I feel the same way for my grandsons, for my daughters, for my wife. As hard as it is to explain this love a parent has for a child or a child for a parent it is even harder to explain the love that God has for us. Everything we know, every word we use falls so short of the reality. God loves us, God loves you, this we know for the Bible tells us so. A simple song to explain a vast truth. The Bible tells us that God so loved the world that he sent his only son, not to condemn the world but in order that it may be saved through him. When Jesus came he did not come with all the power and glory that he had at his command. He did not come with an army of angels to subdue the world and force everyone to worship him. Instead he came in the night as a helpless babe, a babe who was loved by his mother and father even before he was born. He lived and died and lived again to let us know that we are not alone. We have not been abandoned. He came to and lived among us to let us know that God loved us, that God is right here with us, that the face of God lights up when we are seen. We are the ones that God looks for to make sure we are still here. We are the ones that God wants to cuddle to let us know we are safe. We are the ones that God doesn t want to leave. We are the ones that when God looks at us the rest of creation fades from view. You are loved by the God who created the heavens and the earth. I can t explain it, the same way I can t explain snowflakes on my tongue. But this I know to be true, you were loved before you were born and will be loved long after you leave this earth. God s peace my friends, Pastor Chris
Bethesda WELCA Bethesda WELCA met on May 9 th at 1:30 p.m. at Sun Dial Manor. Nine members attended. Erma Knutson provided a wonderful music presentation. She played familiar hymns and many of the residents could sing right along. Bonnie Dolney led in devotions from Genesis 2:20 reminding us that Eve was the first mother. There are many differences between her beginning stages of motherhood and today s mothers. We mothers wear many different hats but we need to remember to keep Christ first in our lives. After the residents were served pie and coffee provided by Bethesda WELCA, Jane Goehring and Bonnie Dolney presided over a short business meeting. The purpose statement was read by the members. The secretary s report and the treasurer s report were read and approved. Old Business: *Jane Goerhing purchased a 4 foot table and Carol Raap purchased a 6 foot table. *Carol Raap showed samples of a couple of crystal crosses she had decorated for the silent auction at our luncheon. *Committees were discussed for the luncheon and a few changes made. New Business: *Our June, August, and September meetings will being at 7:30. We will meet before that at 5:30 to do some cleaning in the upstairs above the office and other areas. *We are in need of members on the altar committee. If you would like to serve, please contact Bonnie Dolney or Jane Goehring. *Bethesda WELCA is in charge of furnishing 4 dozen bars/cookies for the synod convention to be held June 28-30 at Abbey of the Hills. Prayers concerns: Maddy Daam, Kris Knutson, Landry Eschenbaum, and John Dyste. Meeting closed by praying the Lord s Prayer. Secretary, Alice Jean Peterson Butler WELCA The Butler WELCA met at church on Monday, May 7, 2018 AT 6:30 pm with 7 members present. Janet was hostess. The Bible Study was from 2 Kings 22: 1-23: 7 entitled "Bible Study." Julie Flattum had the Offering Meditation. The Purpose Statement was read. Secretary s report was read and approved. Treasurers report: April Offering - $65.00, General Fund - $1009.25, Altar Fund - $316.07. Mission Action report: Janet received a Thrivent Grant and used it for Personal Care Kits. There are enough supplies for 60 kits. Kathy Buhler advised that hand towels and diapers are needed for Baby Care kits. Kathy Nolte will apply for School Kits. Julie reported on the Spring Gathering. It was a record attendance and they had a wonderful speaker. The Fall Gathering will be at NeSoDak on Sept 19. Butler WELCA is in charge of registration. WELCA Synodical Convention is June 28-30 at the Abbey in the Hills. We need to bring 4 dozen cut bars on a platter. Need to register by June 1. A motion was made and seconded to send $50.00 to the WELCA Synodical Convention Offering. A motion was made and seconded to send $300.00 to the Runners Club. The next meeting will be on Monday June 4th at 6:30 pm at the church. Lorraine will be hostess and Carol will have the Offering Meditation. We closed with praying the Lord s Prayer. Carol Flattum, Secretary
Bristol Community Library Summer Reading Club For the Entire Family Date: May 26 August 11 Prize drawing dates: June 23, July 21 and August 11 Age groups: children, teens and adults Thrivent Action Team Project ======================================= Attention Bethesda Members: Items for the Silent Auction being held in conjunction with the Ladies Luncheon on July 18th should be at the church the day before or no later than 10;00 AM on the day of the luncheon giving the committee time to properly display your item. Items may be left in the potato room prior to that day. Be sure to clearly label your item "Silent Auction" ***************************************************** Believe in the Journey Ladies Luncheon Bethesda Lutheran Church Wednesday, July 18 th Silent Auction opens at 11am Luncheon at Noon Guest Speaker: Dee Dee Raap Motivational Speaker/Author Tickets $10 in advance ================================= Bethesda Usher List for June & July June 10 Fran Morehouse, Sue Lone June 24 Karin & Morrie Bartell July 8 Bonnie & George Dolney July 22 Linda & Gary Anderson Lance Edward Johnson, son of Russell and Jennifer Johnson, was baptized April 29 th at Bethesda. Welcome to the church family Lance! =========================================== If you are unable to serve, it is your responsibility to find a replacement. ------------------ Community wide Vacation Bible School for kids ages three years through sixth grade will be June 7-8 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and June 9 th from 9am -12:30. at the Pirate Activity Center, Bristol. Call 492-3635 to sign up for VBS. Directed by Westside Wesleyan Church. Lester Herr will celebrate his 96 th birthday on June 3 rd. Greetings may be sent to: Lester Herr PO Box 337 Bristol SD 57219
Believe in the Journey Psalm 25:4 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. WELCA Luncheon July 18, 2018 Silent Auction begins at 11:00 a.m. Lunch begins at 12:00 noon Posters, Advertising, and Tickets.Jill Hansmeier Guest Seating...Kay Espeland and Glenda Bakken co-chairs, Kathryn Bury, Bonnie Dolney Guest Book Nadine Sauer Tickets..Geneva Iverson Food Committee.Karin Bartell, Bonnie Anderson, Jane Goehring Servers...Sharon Johnson, chairman, Gayle Horter. Amy Peckham Decorating.. Carol Raap, chairman, Fran Morehouse, Linda Anderson, Janet Lardy, Jenny Wickre, Nola Roitsch, Geneva Iverson Announcing Door Prize Winners Linda Anderson, Carol Raap Program with devotion.. Alice Jean Peterson Silent Auction. Jill Hansmeier, chairman and Alice Jean Peterson Monday Night Set up ~ tablecloths, napkins, silverware, cups (turn over) Pam Dylla, chairman, Gail and Dennis Huwe, Mark and Lisa Anderson, Kris and Nick Hubsch, Jon and Robin Anderson, Gene Williamson, Brent and Vickie Zimmerman, Danny and Janel Lone, Theresa Hansmeier Chairpersons: contact your workers and ask others to help if needed. THANK YOU for your help! Silent Auction items and door prizes for the luncheon will be appreciated. The tickets for the luncheon are $10.00 and they will be on sale in June. All church women are reminded to give $10.00 to help defray the cost of the luncheon AND also purchase a ticket. THANKS MUCH!
6/03 6/10 6/17 6/24 JUNE BETHESDA WORSHIP ASSISTANTS Ushers Reader Organist Altar Guild Deacon At Butler Fran Morehouse, Sue Lone At Butler Karin & Morrie Bartell Gayle Horter Alice Jean Peterson --------------------- Kathryn --------------------- Gail Linda Anderson Bonnie Anderson Pam Dylla JUNE BUTLER WORSHIP ASSISTANTS 6/03 6/10 6/17 6/24 Ushers Glenn At Bethesda Glenn At Bethesda Bethesda Financial Report Needed weekly to meet the budget: $1,350.79 DATE OFFERINGS OTHER 4/22 $325.00 $283.57 4/29 $959.01 $ 50.00 5/06 $250.00 5/13 $1,569.00 Reader Tammie ----------------- Julaine ----------------- As of May 19, 2018 Total 2018 yearly receipts: $24,379.49 Total 2018 yearly disbursements: $30,536.97 Thank you for sharing your time, talent and financial offerings for the glory of God. June 3 June 3 June 4 June 4 June 5 June 7 June 7 June 9 June 14 June 18 June 22 June 22 June 23 June 25 June 26 Lester Herr John Wickre Steve Witt Briana Eickhoff Joanna Lone Janet Coyne Dianne St.John Marcia Orr Linda Witt Kathy Buhler Paul Orr Aubrey Horter Miranda Huwe Levi Stern Jamie Horter We apologize if we missed your birthday. Please let us know and we will include it on our list for next year. Birthday blessings to you!
JUNE 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Synod Assembly in Sioux Falls 1 Synod Assembly in Sioux Falls 2 2 nd Sunday after Pentecost (green) 3 9am Communion Worship at Butler 3 rd Sunday after Pentecost (green) 10 9am Communion Worship at Bethesda 6:30 Butler WELCA 4 5 6 Pastor s Office Day 11 12 13 Pastor s Office Day 6:30 Bethesda Council Meeting 5:30-8:30 VBS at the Pirate Activity Center 7 14 2pm Pastor Chris preaches at Sun Dial 8 5:30-8:30 VBS at the Pirate Activity Center 9:00-12:30 VBS at the Pirate Activity Center 9 15 16 7:30 pm Bethesda WELCA 4 th Sunday after Pentecost (green) 17 9am Worship at Butler Coffee fellowship following worship 18 19 20 Pastor s Office Day 21 22 23 11am Pastor Chris preaches at NeSoDak 5 th Sunday after Pentecost (green) 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 9am Worship at Bethesda with Runner s Club Noisy Can Offering Pastor Chris gone to Youth Gathering ------------------- --------- ------------------- ------
7/01 7/08 7/15 7/22 7/29 JULY BETHESDA WORSHIP ASSISTANTS Ushers Reader Organist Altar Guild Deacon At Butler Bonnie & George Dolney At Butler Linda & Gary Anderson At Butler Lila Erickson Kay Espeland - --------------------- Kathryn --------------------- Gail Gail Huwe Janel Lone John Horter JULY BUTLER WORSHIP ASSISTANTS 7/01 7/08 7/15 7/22 7/29 Ushers Paul and Larry At Bethesda Paul and Larry At Bethesda Paul and Larry Reader Steve ----------------- Julie ---------------- Gerry Date: July 26, 2018 Location: Augustana Elmen Center Theme: "Spirituality of Elderhood" Featured Speaker: Joyce Rupp Joyce Rupp is well known for her work as a writer, international retreat leader, and conference speaker. She is the author of numerous bestselling books, including Praying Our Goodbyes, Open the Door, and Fragments of Your Ancient Name. Fly While You Still Have Wings is among her publications earning an award in the spirituality books category from the Catholic Press Association. Registration is now open at augie.edu/aging July 1 July 1 July 1 July 2 July 3 July 5 July 6 July 8 July 9 July 10 July 10 July 11 July 12 July 14 July 18 July 19 July 27 July 29 July 31 Theresa Hansmeier Katy Wickre Glenda Bakken Jim Peterson Pat Sass David Orr Morrie Bartell Cambria Bonn Karley Lone Muriel Bohn Kyle Hubsch Kevin Burkel Sara Vedvei Jane Goehring Judy Williamson Karah Burkel Carol Raap Adalyn Schnaible Kyle Whitmyre We apologize if we missed your birthday. Please let us know and we will include it on our list for next year. Birthday blessings to you!
JULY 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 6 th Sunday after Pentecost (green) 1 9am Worship at Butler Pastor Chris gone to Youth Gathering 6:30 Butler WELCA 2 3 4 No Office Hours 5 6 7 7 th Sunday after Pentecost (green) 8 9am Communion Worship at Bethesda 9 10 11 Pastor s Office Day 12 2pm Pastor Chris preaches at Sun Dial 13 14 8 th Sunday after Pentecost (green) 15 16 17 Pastor s Office Day 18 19 20 21 9am Communion Worship at Butler 9 th Sunday after Pentecost (green) 22 9am Worship at Bethesda WELCA Ladies Luncheon 11am Silent Auction Noon Luncheon 23 24 25 Pastor s Office Day August Newsletter items due 26 Aging Faithfully Conference at Augustana Shepherd/Vehe Wedding Rehearsal at Bethesda 2pm Jerod Shepherd & Sandra Vehe Wedding at Bethesda 27 28 10 th Sunday after Pentecost (green) 29 30 31 Bristol Zucchini Festival 9am Worship at Butler
June 3 Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Psalm 81:1-10 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 Mark 2:23--3:6 June 10 Genesis 3:8-15 Psalm 130 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 Mark 3:20-35 June 17 Ezekiel 17:22-24 Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 [11-13] 14-17 Mark 4:26-34 June 24 Job 38:1-11 Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Mark 4:35-41 July 1 Lamentations 3:22-33 Psalm 30 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43 July 8 Ezekiel 2:1-5 Psalm 123 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 Mark 6:1-13 July 15 Amos 7:7-15 Psalm 85:8-13 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:14-29 July 22 Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 23 Ephesians 2:11-22 Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 July 29 2 Kings 4:42-44 Psalm 145:10-18 Ephesians 3:14-21 John 6:1-21 Congratulations to Annie Witt who was confirmed at Butler on May 6 th. Annie s Faith Project