January, 2013 Volume 54 No 1 VISITOR Bethesda Mennonite Church IS A COMMUNITY CARING FOR ALL GOD S PEOPLE, BEING TRANSFORMED BY CHRIST S LOVE, SERVING OTHERS AS A WITNESS OF GOD S GRACE AND PEACE. For other foundation can no one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. - I Corinthians 3:11 Inside this Issue A Pastor s Reflection.1 Bethesda Women in Mission...2-3 Parent-Child Dedication..4 Black History Event.4 Cemetery Directory..4 Preschool Pies 4 What About Being Anabaptist...5 SOUP er Bowl..5 Immigration Report..6 Grace Children s Home 7 Philippines Typhoon.7 MCC Canner Report.7 Thank you...8 Upcoming Events..8 Prison Ministry News...8 Calendar..9 Faith In Action.10 A PASTOR S REFLECTION Pastor Sherm Kauffman One of the four areas of life, in the congregation and in one s own life, that needs constant cultivation if it is to be vibrant and healthy is tending the soul. We are all aware of the need for devotional reading time and time for prayer. There is a long list of Christian practices that help us nurture this part of our lives individually and collectively. The challenge to the consistent cultivation of these practices seems most often to be time. When do we find the time to do what we know needs to be done? It seems like the tyranny of the urgent often crowds out the importance of the essential. Our spiritual lives have become accustomed to a fast food diet.this challenge is just as strong for pastoral leaders as for others on the faith journey. One needs to give quality time to family and to the congregation. It is so easy for pastoral leaders to get caught up in the chaotic pace of congregational life and pastoral care, all very important and sometimes urgent work, that the tending of our own souls gets short-changed. A gift from my teenage daughter when I was pastor at Bay Shore Mennonite Church brought me up short. It was obvious that I needed to heed the wise counsel of our daughter. It was a poster of a serene wooded scene with a small brook tumbling down over the rock bed. The text on the poster was from Ralph Waldo Emerson: Think me not unkind and rude that I walk alone in grove and glen; I go to the god of the wood to fetch his word to men. This gift generated a life practice that I have embraced most of my years in ministry. It has also informed a practice that I encourage all of the pastoral leaders that I have supervised to use. The practice is that each person should identify one day per month to get out of the office and out of Dodge for a spiritual retreat day. This is not a day off of work it is an essential part of their work. If we are to be spiritual leaders in the community of faith it is our responsibility to tend our own souls well. So don t be surprised if you hear that Pastor Jim or Pastor Andrea or myself, is out of the office on a spiritual retreat day. This practice is being supported by the Board of Deacons. 1
Bethesda Women s Ministries January 2013 Events Sewing and Project Days 9 a.m. 4 p.m. (Note hours changed from 2012) Come all day or as you are able! The days will be spent quilting, tying and stitching comforters, embroidery and knitting. ALL skill levels are welcome! ( Don t know how? Come to learn!!) Meal served at 12 p.m. - Cost $5 per person - Short devotional and announcements around the tables at 12:30 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: Those unable to attend the entire day are welcome and encouraged to come for the noon fellowship meal!! January 8 Lunch Menu: Soup and Breads Devotions: Be God s Voice By Marjorie Smith January 22 Lunch Menu: Baked Potato Bar Devotions: You Know Better By Berdine Buller LET JUSTICE ROLL DOWN. MCC Crafts/Quiet Book Night TUESDAY, January 29 @ 7:00 p.m. **An opportunity for those who are unable to attend the daytime meetings! QUIET BOOKS Work will be done on our popular Quiet Books to be sold at the MCC Sale. Most parts of this project require NO SEWING! MCC SALE CRAFT There will be an additional craft project (or two) that will be made to be sold at the MCC Sale Craft booth. Easy, hands-on, crafty fun that anyone can do! LIKE A RIVER LIGHT SNACKS will be served! Coming in February... The return of 1 st TUESDAY GATHERINGS... Due to the 1 st Tuesday in January falling on New Year s Day (HAPPY NEW YEAR!)... We will postpone our first 1 st Tuesday until February 5. Date: January 21, 2013 Time: 7 p.m. Place: Fellowship Hall Hostess: Jennie Kliewer A sign-up sheet will be on the east hallway bulletin board. *Look forward to lessons throughout the year based on the devotional book Let Justice Roll Down Women Engaging the World by Rebecca Seiling. *Lessons examine the book of Amos and his call to the Israelite people. We will dive into Amos s words and wonder together about their application to us today. 2
In Service for the Lord! BETHESDA WOMEN IN MISSION DECEMBER 4, 2012 MEETING With an invocation and introduction of the evening, Marlene Ott emceed the event. Barb Voth then led a review of the 2012 Bethesda Women in Mission meetings, highlighting the theme for each month: Breathe in January, Delight in Rich Food in February, Walk in the Way in March, Rest for Your Souls in April, Celebrate Women in May, Reclaim Childlikeness in June, Share Burdens in July, Do Not Worry in August, Be Cleansed in September, Nurture Creativity in October, and Rekindle the Gift in November. She made a visual lesson with each theme that ended in a jar of goodies that was given to the twelfth person to sign up for the evening, Carol Anderson. Announcements were made, and then a special thank you was given to Marlene Ott for her contributions to the Bethesda Women in Mission program in the past several years. Recognition was given for her encouragement and leadership in the transition from three Mission Circles to one intergenerational BWM. As a token of thanks, Kathy Friesen and LaVina Quiring gave Marlene a prayer shawl, which was draped on her shoulders. Thanks were also given to others who had contributed in various ways to the programs throughout the past year, whether in planning, presentation, hosting the dessert lunches after meetings, or attending meetings. All have contributed to the success of the BWM. An introduction to the programs to come in 2013 was given. Also mentioned was the recent development and growth of an outreach to the men of Bethesda, now meeting on Tuesday mornings, and planning special activities. Hark, how the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say, throw cares away With those musical sounds, the second part of the evening commenced with a concert of Christmas Carols sung by Liedertafeln. Members of the octet are Kurt & Kathryn Goertzen, Dale & Laura Steingard, Brent & Becky Buller, and Royce & Carol Janzen (Kara Janzen sang for Carol in this program). Liedertafeln was formed some 27 years ago, giving programs in churches, nursing homes and hospitals, and in museums. They have become lifelong friends. From the first song to the three songs which those gathered joined in on, to the final Joy to the World, the wonderful sounds of Christmas proclaiming Christ s coming resounded with joy. The festive evening ended with delightful delicacies served and enjoyed around tables decorated with Christmas Caroler figurines and dolls in winter settings. - Pictures courtesy of Barb Voth Away In A Manger Der Tannenbaum 3
PARENT - CHILD DEDICATION Joe & Dawn Muhs, Holly Marie, Pastor Jim Jay & Elizabeth Goertzen, Grace Sarah, Leo Nolan J. Michael & Amy Meeks, Emily Jo, Pastor Jim And Pastor Jim On Sunday, December 2, three families brought children to the Bethesda worship service, to be dedicated to the Lord, and to commit themselves to teaching faith to those children. As a congregation, we acknowledged our responsibility in helping these families in their journey. Pastor Jim Voth officiated, and Bethesda Women in Mission presented a flower to each of the families. Photos courtesy of Pastor Voth The Cemetery Directory The concrete slab has been poured and the brickwork has been completed. At this time we are looking for a crew of men willing to build the roof early in spring. We need a foreman for the project, who would lead a small crew in building a roof, soffits, fascia, and shingling to complete on the 8 x 10 structure. The data base of 1,280 names has been typed and will be posted after roof construction. If you would be willing to consider building this roof with a volunteer crew, please call or contact Mark Friesen (402-694-8494) or Kathy Friesen (402-723-4245). The Business Board has agreed that this should be completed before Memorial Day, 2013. REMEMBER!!! BETHESDA MENNONITE CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING February 3, 2013 WATCH BETHESDA NEWS IN SUNDAY BULLETINS FOR DETAILS Many Stories One Freedom January 1, 2013 marks the 150 th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. The document signed by President Lincoln began the exodus of millions of blacks and African- Americans from slavery to Freedom in the United States. You re invited to attend a special storytelling night featuring Erin Sams on Sunday January 20 th at 7 p.m. in the Bethesda Fellowship Hall. The night s tale will commemorate just one of the many stories that that led millions to the one true freedom. - Erin Sams PRESCHOOL BAKING During the week of February 4-7, the church kitchen will be busy as the Bethesda Preschool children will be baking pies! The pies will be served at the Ted and Company event to be held later in February. Watch the Bethesda News for details! 4
In Service for the Lord!...AND WHAT ABOUT BEING ANABAPTIST... ANABAPTIST CORE CONVICTIONS: 1. Jesus is our example, teacher, friend, redeemer, and Lord. He is the source of our life, the central reference for our faith and lifestyle, for our understanding of church, and our engagement with society. We are committed to following Jesus as well as worshipping him. 2. Jesus is the focal point of God s revelation. We are committed to a Jesus-centered approach to the Bible, and to the community of faith as the primary context in which we read the Bible and discern and apply its implications for discipleship. 3. Western culture is slowly emerging from the Christendom era, when church and state jointly presided over a society in which almost all were assumed to be Christian. Whatever its positive contributions to values and institutions, Christendom seriously distorted the gospel, marginalized Jesus, and has left the churches ill-equipped for mission in a post-christendom culture. As we reflect on this, we are committed to learning from the experience and perspectives of movements such as Anabaptism that rejected standard Christendom assumptions and pursued alternative ways of thinking and believing. 4. The frequent association of church with status, wealth, and force is inappropriate for followers of Jesus and damages our witness. We are committed to exploring ways of being good news to the poor, powerless, and persecuted, aware that such discipleship may attract opposition, resulting in suffering and sometimes ultimately martyrdom. 5. Churches are ultimately called to be committed communities of discipleship and mission, places of friendship, mutual accountability, and multi-voiced worship. As we eat together, sharing bread and wine, we sustain hope as we seek God s kingdom together. We are committed to nurturing and developing such churches, in which young and old are valued, leadership is consultative, roles are related to gifts rather than gender, and baptism is for believers. 6. Spirituality and economics are interconnected. In an individualist and consumerist culture and in a world where economic injustice is rife, we are committed to finding ways of living simply, sharing generously, caring for creation, and working for justice. 7. Peace is at the heart of the gospel. As followers of Jesus in a divided and violent world, we are committed to finding nonviolent alternatives, and to learning how to make peace between individuals, within and among churches, in society, and between nations. (The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith, by Stuart Murray, pages 45-46) Is this who we are? Who we want to be? Is this the way others see us? Share your thoughts with others in our congregation. ATTENTION!!! CHEFS NEEDED FOR SOUP ER BOWL!!!! The Sunday Evening Committee is hosting a SOUP er Bowl Chili Cook-off as a Family Fun Night in the Church Fellowship Hall on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 6:oo p.m. All interested men of Bethesda wanting to enter the contest by bringing a pot of their own special chili to be shared and judged, please sign up on the posters hanging by the Coffee Spot in the Fellowship Hall, where you will see all of the details posted for this night of fun. Each gentleman's soup will be judged by a panel of guest judges, with prizes for everyone who has entered. ALL of the Bethesda family is invited to this meal of chili, cinnamon rolls, relish and fun. Freewill donation will be to the Bethesda Landscaping Project. - Teresa Friesen & Shirley Friesen 5
Iglesia Menonita Torre Fuerte Iowa City, Iowa In Service for the Lord! Queridos hermanos en Cristo, 11-28-2012 Doy gracias primeramente a Dios y a cada uno de las personas de esta congragacio n y al pastor por el apoyo que nos han brindado en este proceso de migracio n tan dificil. Gracias porque de una manera u otra se han tomado de su tiempo por cado oracio n que han hecho por mi familia y por el proceso migratorio. Se que el SENOR contestara cada una de sus oraciones. Doy gracias a Dios porque se que no solo El esta con nosotros sino que tenemos una familia en Cristo que esta a nuestro lado. Le pido a Dios para que El bendiga sus vidas con abundante amor y paz. Translation: - Max Villatoro On behalf of the Immigration Task Group of First Mennonite Church and Iglesia Menonita Torre Fuerte, THANK YOU! Thank you for each signature, each dollar, and each prayer you have offered on behalf of Max and the Villatoro family. Because of your compassion and care, we were able to collect over 1,000 signatures and $2,350 toward legal fees. While the outcome of Max s case is yet to be determined, we have a profound sense of God s Spirit on the move through the community of believers, and we trust that Max and his family are in God s hands. Please continue to hold them in your prayers. With gratitude, The Immigration Task Group of First Mennonite Church and Iglesia Menonita Torre Fuerte Iowa City 6
In Service for the Lord! Girls Cottage: Jessica Patrie and Caitlain Roberts Ita Cottage: Jessica Patrie, Kendall Church, Stephen Pederson GRACE CHILDREN S HOME Grace Children s Home has an office on Main Street, Bader Cottage on Birch Street, Ita Cottage for Boys on 15th Street, and Girls Cottage on Ash Street. It takes dedicated persons to do the work of these staff. Workers come from Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Oregon, and Henderson. Currently there is a need for workers at GCH; soon there will be need for more help, as some current staff will be leaving to pursue education and/or work elsewhere. Do you know of someone with a calling to work with children that may be interested in working at GCH? From the staff at GCH: We appreciate Bethesda's interest and participation in the ministry of the Home. You do a wonderful job making the boys (and staff) feel like part of the community. That's very important! (pictures courtesy of Amelia Patrie) Office: Carol Janzen, Thayne Sparke, Chuck Patrie, Amelia Petrie, Brian Rader, Laura Jost Not pictured: Lin Friesen Bader Cottage: Hannah Clark, Becca Paige A DEVASTATION HIT THE PHILIPPINES THE FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER WITH TWO TYPHOONS. Dr. Sam and Sherri Evans now face added work with clean-up, medical emergencies, and health issues related to sanitation. Pray for strength to meet the demands, compassion to address the pain and despair, and faith and resources to ease the burdens in extreme conditions. For more information, go to: http:///.reachihe.com (pictures Evans) courtesy of Sherri MCC CANNER RPORT Thank you to everyone who worked on the MCC Meat Canning project! We had a great year again thanks to so many people pitching in. Wiping cans clean instead of washing was a big hit, and the weather was fair. 27,850 pounds of turkey thigh meat was processed during the week to yield 15,714 cans for MCC! The project cost is over $65,000, so please continue to remember the Canner in your giving. - Brent Swartzendruber 7
JANUARY 1: NEW YEARS DAY UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY 8: 9 A.M. BETHESDA WOMEN IN MISSION A special thank you for all the prayers, cards and words of encouragement as Nyla and I went through surgery and now in our days of recovery. Thank you to the ladies group for the beautiful prayer shawl, Marlene Ott and the deacons for the gift basket, Pastor Jim for his prayer and visits and to our family and friends for all the love and support during this time. May God bless each and every one of you. - Twila Nickels Dear friends of Bethesda: Words cannot express how grateful I am for all your prayers, cards and visits. From Marlene Ott on behalf of the Board of Deacons with a gift basket to the Women s Association presenting us with prayer shawls, Pastor Jim s visit in Omaha and all your continual show of support. This truly has been a different journey filled with blessings around every corner. With my sister, my family and all my friends at Bethesda, may the Lord continually raise us all on Eagle s wings! Thank you, Nyla Friesen Thank you for the many concerns and prayers that so many of you have offered on behalf of our family. Norma Friesen and family Thank you for your prayers, visits, calls and food. All was truly appreciated. We felt the power of prayers! May God richly bless you! Brian & Mary Hiebner Thank you for the prayers, memorial gifts, flowers, cards and the food brought to our families. Special thank you to Pastor Jim and the Care Center for their loving care. God bless you for your thoughtfulness and kindness. The family of Mildred Epp JANUARY 13: DEACON INSTALLATION JANUARY 20: 7 P.M. MANY STORIES ONE FREEDOM JANUARY 22: 9 A.M. BETHESDA WOMEN IN MISSION JANUARY 26: TENTATIVE MEDA MEETING JANUARY 27: NOON CHURCH POTLUCK 6:00 P.M. SOUPER BOWL FEBRUARY 3: ANNUAL MEETING FEBRUARY 4-7: PRESCHOOL EVENT FEBRUARY 5: 7 P.M. - BETHESDA WOMEN IN MISSION FEBRUARY 12: 9 A.M. BETHESDA WOMEN IN MISSION FEBRUARY 13: ASH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 17: 1st SUNDAY OF LENT FEBRUARY 24: NOON CHURCH POTLUCK FEBRUARY 26: 9 A.M. BETHESDA WOMEN IN MISSION On December 5 we had our 20th annual Christmas party for 17 work release women who had been regular in Bible study attendance. The evening was spent enjoying pizza, sharing Christmas experiences and sharing gift bags with the women. Thanks to you who have contributed to Prison Ministry. It was an emotionally touching evening for all of us. - Report and pictures by Al & Nadine Peters Thank you everyone for the many prayers, beautiful cards, phone calls, visits, food and gifts I received at the time of my surgery and treatments. Thank you to those who drove me to Lincoln for my treatments, and to the Bethesda Women in Mission for the beautiful prayer shawl. Your kindness, generosity and support was deeply appreciated. God bless you. Kathy Peters Thank you to the Bethesda group that came to Midtown Apts. with caroling, cookies, and fellowship. We appreciate it very much. Have a blessed Christmas. Shari Peters, Executive Director Henderson Housing Authority Midtown Apartments Phone: 402-723-4250 8
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Bethesda Mennonite Church The Visitor Box 130 Henderson, NE 68371 Phone: 402-723-4562 Fax: 402-723-4567 E-mail: bethesda@mainstaycomm.net Website: www.mainstaycomm.net/bethesda Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit 6 Henderson, NE 68371 Return Service Requested A congregation of the Mennonite Church Volume 54 No 1, 2013 Faith has been alive and in action through Bethesda. AS SEEN BY Parent-child Dedication; Preschool, Sunday School, Chancel Choir, and Christmas Eve programs; Women in MISSION; MEN S Prayer group; CPMC Efforts with immigration and citizenship; Prison Ministry; MCC Canner; Work in the Philippines; Hospital Visitations; outreach by the Pastors and deacons; new members joining our faith community; Plans for our annual meeting; Parent-child dedication; And so many more efforts untold..praise be to god! 10