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 of Songs 2:10b-12 Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; 11 for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. 12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. I always forget how much of a joy it is to wake up to birds singing in the morning. Yes, spring has finally returned as we continue to roll along into the month of April, where we will also transition from Lent to Easter. While we typically associate Easter with spring and sunshine, I was reminded recently that the it s the word Lent that actually means spring season. Last newsletter I talked about how Lent is a time where people typically refrain from certain things (food and bad habits), while adding others (prayer and donations), but I failed to connect those practices to spring. If the season of Easter is our summer where the earth is alive again with bird songs, green leaves, and outdoor activity, than Lent should be our spring, where we prepare the earth for another growing season. With roughly one week left in Lent during April, how are your gardens going? What weeds are choking your faith life that still need pulling? What seeds need to be planted and watered in order to grow into faith flowering practices? In the end, all faith practices are an attempt to nurture that joyous faith in Christ, which the Holy Spirit has given us. As Luther says in a sermon on a Sunday after Christ s Ascension If [Christ] is in the heart, he speaks through you, and assures and confirms you in the belief that the Gospel is true. Then, as a result, the confession of the Gospel springs forth. In this season approaching Easter, the Gospel is springing forth all around us and we are invited to take part in that good news. In the season Easter we celebrate more fully what we celebrate every Sunday, which is the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This moment of awe and jubilation, first experienced at an empty tomb on an early morning is the moment we point to, where death has been overcome and eternal salvation is revealed. But so much happens before that moment, and during Holy Week we will be remembering the last days that led up to this glorious moment. Holy Week begins this year on the 9th of April with Palm Sunday, where we will remember Jesus triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem, only to be reminded how quickly this happy moment is clouded by distrust and betrayal. On Maundy Thursday we will gather together to hear of Christ s last supper with his disciples and share in this holy experience through communion and hand washing. And, on Good Friday we will gather once more before Easter Sunday, to hear the story of Jesus trial and execution and contemplate what the cross means in our lives. We have a lot going on in the month of April, and all are invited to join in this experience. Perhaps a Lenten practice that needs gardening for you this year is evangelism, and this month will be a great opportunity to water and grow that skill. Evangelism means sharing the Gospel with another and I admit that can be intimidating or awkward. But with Holy Week around the corner, we all have a fresh opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to worship as we hear the story of the world s salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Christ s invitation to all of us rings out like the lover s song from Song of Songs. Arise, see the flowers, and hear the birds sing. Blessings, Pr. Aaron Holmgren
Page 2 Lenten Worship Pray then this way. Matthew 6:9: An Exploration of the Lord s Prayer. Join us Wednesday evening, April 5 at 7:00 pm. (Includes Holden Evening Prayer) Holy Week Palm Sunday, April 9: worship at 9:00 am with holy communion Maundy Thursday, April 13: worship at 7:00 pm with holy communion & hand washing Good Friday, April 14: worship at 7:00 pm Easter Sunday, April 16: worship at 8:00 am with holy communion & breakfast at 9:00 am Women of the ELCA news Thank you, again, for your generous giving to the Good Gifts project and the March FoodShare Campaign. The final reports will be available soon. Quilt Sunday, April 23 we will celebrate the completion of many quilts and ask God s blessing on them as they are sent on their way. Spring Gathering-Saturday, April 29: Martin Luther at Gethsemane Join us at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel. Guest speaker: Larry Strenge, Southwest MN Synod Office. Reservations are $10 per person. All the women of Bethel are welcome! If you are interested in attending please speak to Jill Duncan. When Believers Consider Suicide Pastor and author Peter Preus presents When Believers Consider Suicide on Sunday, April 23, 2017, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, LCMS (124 Maple St. N. Lester Prairie, MN) at 7:00 pm. This presentation will focus on how Christians are just as susceptible to suicide as non-christians, discuss some common misunderstandings in the Church with respect to sin, faith and grace, and offer help on what to say to the despairing Christian who has suffered from thoughts of suicide. This free event is made possible through a Thrivent Action Team project led by Tammy Diehn following the loss of her sister, Shelly Teubert, who died from suicide on January 21, 2017. Destination: Reformation Join us for a day of worship, education, and fellowship with four outstanding speakers: Dr. Steven Paulson, Dr. Roy Harrisville, Dr. Michael Rogness, and Dr. Paul Westermeyer. Saturday, April 29, 2107, at St. John s Lutheran Church, Howard Lake. The day begins with fellowship and registration at 9:00 am, concludes with 6:00 pm vespers, and is filled with lots of fun in-between. In worship, keynotes, and workshops, we ll explore key Reformation themes of theology, music, and history. The Reformation isn't just an event 500 years ago. It s what the Holy Spirit continues to do through the Gospel. More information is located on the bulletin board. Please register by April 15.
Page 3 Adult Forum topics April 2: The Apocrypha, Forbidden Gospels, and other Lost Scriptures April 9: Atonement Theories (aka Why did Jesus have to die?) April 16: No Adult Forum April 23: TBD April 30: No Adult Forum April Book club The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen Can Improve Relationships by Michael P. Nichols PhD. We all like to think that we are descent listeners but this book really opens you up to new ways to think about conversations, and challenges you to reconsider and re-approach how we all communicate with each other. Three books are available in Bethel s library. Discussion date: Wednesday, April 19, 7:15 pm, 36 Fir St. N. LP May Book club This Odd and Wondrous Calling: The Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers by Lillian Daniel and Martin B. Copenhaver This book is a beautiful look at the life of ministry. While I am still new to this complex, messy, and joyous call, this book helped mentally prepare me with stories that are both funny and deeply meaningful. I think anyone curious about church life and ministry would appreciate this read. Pastor Aaron Discussion date: TBD June Book club Great Small Things by Jodi Picoult A challenging look at race, power, and privilege in this country told through a fictional page turner. Discussion date: TBD
Page 4 Spring Yoga Retreat St. Andrew Village, April 27-30 Join us for a weekend of spiritual renewal and growth! Kateri Kormann, seasoned Yoga instructor, will lead you through a balanced time of Yoga, study, and rest. Also take advantage of guidance from two Pastors and Spiritual Directors who will be present throughout the weekend. This is your chance to take some time to re-focus, relax and enjoy a time of renewal! Fee: $375 Register online at www.gllm.org. Click register for camp, sign in, and select Family Camps and Retreats. GLLM 2017 summer theme is Faith on Fire! Green Lake Lutheran Ministries is excited to be sharing the life-changing love of Jesus once again this summer! Our goal is to provide a safe place for children, youth, and families to learn and grow in their faith in authentic, new, and meaningful ways, all in the beautiful setting of camp. We invite you to spend time with us this summer as we engage in thoughtful Bible study, energetic worships and delightful fellowship along with fun, laughter, and God s abiding love guiding us each day! Attendance at camp is an experience of a lifetime, planting seeds of faith that are powerful and sustaining. Join us this summer and ignite your faith in new and wonderful ways! GLLM Program Team P.S. Make camp a priority this summer and see how it changes your life! Attention: garage sale enthusiasts! Bethel quilters are asking garage sale enthusiasts to keep an eye out for quilting supplies as you are going to your garage sales this season. Supplies are always needed as they work over the winter to complete quilts for people in need. They are looking for sheets in good condition (any color except white), and material (especially cotton), or any other sewing supplies such as thread. Questions can be directed to Lois Severson. Bethel Paper drive ends April 10 Bring these items to the truck in the parking lot: newspapers, magazines, catalogs, phone books, office paper, processed food boxes, cardboard, junk mail, tp/pt rolls, anything paper! PLEASE, NO STRINGS, ROPES, OR PLASTIC BAGS AROUND THE PAPER. PIZZA BOXES WITH FOOD WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Proceeds will go toward landscaping around the church. Questions can be directed to Mary Lou Teubert at 952-467-2542 or the church office 320-395-2125. Bethel is raising funds and helping the planet by recycling 1. Gather up your empty cartridges, old cell phones and old gadgets. 2. Send them to Planet Green Recycle using free shipping labels. 3. Bethel gets a check for every box you send! Go to our recycling website to start today! www.planetgreenrecycle.com/bethellutheranchurch
Page 5 Many hands make light work On Sunday, April 30 please plan to stay after worship to help with our annual spring cleaning of the church. If you are unavailable this day, please sign up to complete a job at your convenience. Thank you I would like to thank the Bethel congregation for prayers, cards, and words of encouragement and support while I was sick. It really meant a lot to me! I am always thankful, and feel blessed, to be a part of my Bethel Family. Warmly, Cheryl Smith Serving Sunday mornings in April ALTAR GUILD: Jill Duncan & Lisa Klobe; Holy Week: Jill Duncan & Tamie Foust USHERS: Pete Hallberg & Brian Duncan LECTOR: Andria Carlson GREETER: Jeff Breidenbach For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:10 Sign up to serve! There are spots available throughout the year to serve during worship and behind the scenes! Sign up on the bulletin board by the offices or go to www.lpbethel.org, click on Worship, and then Worship Volunteer Sign Up! Thank you! Financial corner Thank you April volunteers! *Next opportunity to serve: Altar Guild in May Throughout the year, many of you already support the congregation with your time, talent, and financial contributions but greater participation is always welcome. We encourage you to look into our Simply Giving (electronic) program. It takes just a few minutes to complete a paper authorization form. Forms are located on the church secretary s office door. Completed forms can be given to the church office or Lloyd Wortz, Financial Secretary. For the Month of February 2017 Attendance 216 $ Contributions 8,089.06 $ to meet Budget 8,423.06 $ Difference -334.00 For the Year 2017 YTD $ Contributions 19,156.96 YTD $ to meet Budget 16,846.12 YTD $ Difference 2,310.84
Page 6 Page 6 BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH Council Meeting Minutes March 8, 2017 Council Members attending the meeting include Pastor Aaron, President Nancy Krull, Vice President Ron Foust, Secretary Jan Smith, Treasurer Andria Carlson, Financial Secretary Lloyd Wortz, Finance Board Bobbi Kadrie and Matt Krull, Education Board Stacy Meyer, Trustee Mary Lou Teubert Council Members absent: Wayne and Rhianna Iverson Opening Prayer and Devotions Pastor Aaron Pastor s Report Ten pastoral visits were made. Pastor Aaron gave a summary of the annual meeting of the Crow River Conference. The dues from the event were used to support our African Partnerships and two start-up congregations. He mentioned that in the future the conference configurations might be adjusted to better accommodate the needs of the congregations in each area of the SWMN synod. New Business * Equipping Congregations Update-Six members from the congregation attended the Equipping Congregations event at Willmar in February. Summaries of the sessions attended were given at the Adult Forum on March 5 and at the council meeting. * Outreach Committee- An attempt to determine the current purpose of this committee, and to find interested members to carry out those ideas were discussed. The council will think about this and discuss it with others to gather ideas. * Thrivent Choice funds- Lloyd made a motion seconded by Mary Lou to have a separate Money Market fund to track Thrivent Choice Dollars donated to the church. Motion passed * Child Protection Policy Committee- Lloyd made a motion, seconded by Andria, to establish a Child Protection Policy Committee to draft a policy in the next 6 months. Currently Tamie Foust, Stacy Meyer, and Katie Radtke have agreed to be a part of this committee. Old Business * Easter Breakfast - Ron made a motion, seconded by Matt, that donations for the Easter Breakfast go to the McLeod County Food Shelf. * Constitution/Bylaws review - This seemed to be acceptable as it is. * Strategic Planning - The goal will be to look at the current statement, revise or shorten if needed, and then to use the statement to set goals for 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years out. * Secretary Report Motion by Ron and seconded by Stacy to accept the report. Motion carried. * Treasurer Report Motion made by Stacy and seconded by Mary Lou to accept the report. Motion carried. * Financial Secretary Report Motion made by Ron and seconded by Stacy to accept the report. Motion carried. *Board reports 1) Finance No report 2) Education Plans for a Parents Night Out event are still in progress and an Easter Egg hunt will be a part of the Easter Sunday programming for children in attendance. 3) Trustees Research is being done into a project to make improvements in the parking lot area including the sidewalk, steps to the back door, and will address issues relating to the icy parking lot in the winter. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer and other prayer requests.
Page 7 Page 7 April 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 9a worship 10:15a Sunday School hour, Adult Forum 3 4 5 *bulletin deadline @ noon 6:15p Choir 7p Lenten worship 6 7 1 8 9 9a worship 10:15a Sunday School hour & Adult Forum 10 11 12 *bulletin deadline @ noon 6:30p Council mtg. 13 7p worship 14 7p worship 15 16 8a worship 9a breakfast & Easter Egg hunt No Adult Forum 17 18 19 *bulletin deadline @ noon 5:30p Worship & Music mtg. 6:30p Choir 7:15p Book club at 36 Fir St. N. 20 21 22 23 9a worship Quilt Sunday 10:15a Sunday School hour & Adult Forum 24 25 *Newsletter deadline 26 *bulletin deadline @ noon 6:30p Choir 27 28 29 Women of the ELCA Spring Gathering 30 9a worship 10:15a Sunday School hour & Spring Cleaning 1 2 3 4 5 6 *For Pastoral Emergencies [April 26 through April 30] contact: River of Hope, Hutchinson-320-587-4414-Pastor Laura Aase *All calendar events are subject to change. For up-to-date calendar events, see our online calendar: http://www.lpbethel.org
Page 8 Page 8 Bethel Lutheran Church, ELCA 77 Lincoln Ave. N. PO Box 207 Lester Prairie, MN 55354 Office: 320-395-2125 bethellutheranlp@gmail.com Hours: M, W, Th 11am-5pm Rev. Aaron Holmgren: 320-295-8787 pastor@lpbethel.org We re on the web! www.lpbethel.org www.facebook.com/lpbethel Happy Spring!! Birthday Blessings! 4/6 Iris Rognli 4/9 Kaelyn Schultz 4/10 Charles Severson Laurie Mertz Amy Smith 4/11 Stacy Meyer Jesse Christenson 4/13 Dana Smith Ashlyn Rosenau 4/24 Olivia Radtke 4/25 Matt Meyer Zander Goodin 4/26 Jill Duncan Hannah Smith 4/28 Diane Horsman 4/30 Kim Romer Dick Dobrava, Jr. Baptism Day Blessings! 4/1 Heather Foust 4/4 Jeff Breidenbach 4/6 Victor Groe 4/7 Beth Sawatzke 4/8 Ed Ekdahl Eric Angvall 4/11 Debbie Schott 4/13 Jenna Pariseau Lexi Lesuer 4/15 Jill Duncan Jesse Christenson 4/16 Steve Larson Grady Meyer 4/20 Gary Schott 4/23 James Kiekhaefer 4/25 Georgia Groe 4/27 Harrison Jenkins 4/28 Erin Klobe