BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION 703 BROADWAY U.S. POSTAGE PAID EMMETSBURG, IA 50536 EMMETSBURG, IOWA 50536 Change Service Requested PERMIT #2 A Monthly Newsletter Linking the Ministries of Bethany Lutheran and Lost Island Lutheran Churches label A Monthly Newsletter Linking the Ministries of Bethany Lutheran and Lost Island Lutheran Churches to keep members and friends informed. Bethany Lutheran Church: www.bethanylutheranemmetsburg.com Lost Island Lutheran Church www.lostislandlutheranchurch.com Facebook: Bethany/lostislandparish Church office hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:00AM - 12:00 PM Pastor F. Peter Morlock email: bethanypastor22@gmail.com 712-852-4450 or 712-298-4097 Office Secretary: Diane Clasing-Steger 712-852-4450; email: offsecr@gmail.com Financial Secretary: Carla Firkins email: luthsecr@gmail.com Youth Director: Kristin Rienhardt email: Kristin.Rienhardt@blc.edu 712-790-6470 Bethany organist: Janis Campbell Lost Island organist: Tim Nielsen Vicar Sarah Schilcher: SSchilcher@wartburgseminary.edu Lost Island Worship 8:45 AM; Sunday School 10:15 AM Bethany Worship: Sunday 10:30 AM; Sunday School 9:30 AM Sept-May 12 THANK YOU! That is what I must say to all of you who supported our recent High School Mission trip to St. Louis. We had a very busy week, working in and among the folks on the North Side. We were hosted by Transformation Christian Church and World Outreach Center, and got to spend some time with them in worship and in fellowship during our week. Our youth were in two groups. One of them, along with Kristin and Stacey worked with a day camp that sought to give children and youth something positive to do with their time during the day, and some experiences they might not otherwise have. In many ways the week was a tough one for this group in that they were working with kids who had neither any real sense of boundaries and behavior nor how to build positive relationships. This were also kids who were for the most part of a different racial and economic group than our youth. Our youth had great fun with these kids almost every day, but the reality of the differences that our youth saw sparked some conversation and reflection that was not always comfortable. Our other group, which I led contained youth from the other church that was serving in our site. We divided our time between a shelter for woman and children escaping abuse situations, a day care, and a retirement program for adults with cognitive disabilities. While perhaps not as challenging as the other group, we also learned a lot as we worked with our groups and reflected on our experience. For some, working with these groups every day was a new experience, and often challenging; for others not so much. We were able to reflect on the importance of providing stability and a calming presence for those coming out of a situation 1
(Cont d. from page 1) where that was not normal. We marveled at a playground full of diverse cultures and races that was playing together without care, and we played games and laughed with adults who were glad for conversation and interaction. In the evenings we went to the Arch, joined our host church for worship, which was different than what we are used to, and participated in a workshop on racial awareness and justice issues where we talked about our implicit and explicit biases and where they come from. Each day began with devotions and ended with worship and reflection time in our groups. During free time we made friends with Broadway Methodist Church in Bowling Green KY, who were on this journey with us. We spent our last day at the City Museum which is a wacky fun place. It was a good week; one that stretched us in many ways. Coming soon the youth from the trip will be offering their own reflections during a worship service. We hope you will attend. For myself, I am proud of the way our kids engaged in the learning and work of the week, and the way they hung in when it got tough for them. They were honest about their feelings and honest about their faith. We all grew. We could not have done this without your support. Pastor Peter Ladies Circles Schedules for Lost Island and Bethany Lutheran Churches: Mary Martha Circle meets on August 15, Bev Hayden is Hostess Ruth Circle will not meet in August. Next Meeting is September 20th. Ruth Duhn is the Hostess. Tabitha Circle will meet at Alaire s at 6:50 pm on August 6th. WE WANT YOU FOR THE VENTURE CREW!! Bethany has agreed to charter a Venture Crew, and is seeking youth and young adults ages 14-21 to join the crew. Crew 446 will begin meeting this fall, and we would like you to join the adventure. Venturing is a program designed to give young adults an opportunity to explore and pursue their interests in a hands on way. We could do outdoor adventures that build outdoor knowledge and skills...we may do indoor adventures with the residents of a local care center. We will do community service projects...we will have FUN! Along the way we will also work to develop leadership skills and confidence. But none of this can happen without you! If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, or have ideas about adventures for the crew, please contact Pastor Peter. 2 JUNE2018 Bethany Lutheran Church Treasurer s Report Attendance average: 82 MONTHLY BUDGET NEEDS: NO REPORT FOR JULY INCOME MONTHLY BEGINNING BALANCE (5,784) MONTHLY BUDGET YEAR TO DATE BALANCE YEAR TO DATE BUDGET Offerings 9,969 13,972 72,713 83832 Lost Island Miscellaneous Income Sunday School 0 2,600 13,000 Bethany would like to encourage online monetary offerings. The local Emmetsburg banks each provide a FREE online bill pay service which can arrange recurring weekly or monthly payments. If you need more information, contact your local Emmetsburg bank at your earliest convenience. NO REPORT DUE TO THE TREASURER BEING GONE 11 50 15,600 Total Income 9,969 16,572 85,763 99,432 EXPENSES Personnel Expenses 5,804 9,494 61,034 62,964 Program Expenses 505 507 2,356 3,042 Office & Convention Expenses 1,165 538 3,580 3,228 Property Expenses 1,254 1,875 12,030 11,721 Western IA Synod 431 350 2,440 2,100 Damascus Road 50 50 300 300 NO ELCA Donations 0 83 763 498 TOTAL EXPENSE 9,209 12,897 82,503 83,853 Income Less Expenses 760 3,675 3,260 15,579 GENERAL FUND BALANCE (5,024) If you have any questions concerning the finances of the church please feel free to call me at home in the evenings. Thanks! Carla (June 30th payroll is not included in these figures)
ATTENTION MEN & WOMEN OF BETHANY Bethany s Board of Education is asking that you please help them out by becoming a Sunday School Teacher for the upcoming school year. Some classes have a shared teacher others have just one. We do have substitutes should you need to be gone for your normal Sunday teaching. Sunday School starts on September 9th (Rally Sunday). If you are interested in becoming a teacher, please contact either Pastor Peter (298-4097), Laura Reinders (480-0860), Kristin Rienhardt (790-6470) or the Church Office (852-4450). A Note From Vicar Sarah: It s hard to believe that my year with you has come to a close. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you, from the bottom of my heart, for the amazing internship experience you have provided for me. I have learned so much from you, both inside and outside of the church building. You have taught me what it means to be a pastor, and what it means to do ministry in a small town. But beyond that, you have taught me how to embody Jesus commands to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves and what it looks like to faithful to God, and to one another as a church. I have been awed by the ministry which I have witnessed in this place and have no doubt that God is using both of your congregations to do incredible things in this world. It is my sincere hope that you, as members of both Bethany and Lost Island, will continue to do the work of God as you are called and to be an example of faithful living in your communities. FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 Quilt Preview: 5:00-7:00 PM Scandinavian Feast: 5:30-7:30 PM Glenn Henriksen Concert: 7:00 PM (free will offering) SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 Quilt Viewing: 9:30-12:00 (noon) 5K Run/Walk: 8:00 am Lunch: 11am - 1pm Afternoon: pie and ice cream AUCTION: 1:00 PM And so, I will leave you with one last blessing. As I have loved to give each Sunday as we depart after worship, each to our own destination, now I give you this same blessing as I bid you all farewell and return for my final year of seminary education. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious onto you. May the Lord look upon you with favor, and grant you peace. Amen. -Vicar Sarah MEMORIALS In Memory of Janet Mortenson for the Radio Fund from Brian and Janis Campbell, Angie Hetrick, Danny and Linda Umbrell, David and Elaine Sidles. In Memory of Janet Mortenson for the Scholarship Fund from Frank and Marit Veltri. In Memory of Janet Mortenson for the Youth Fund from Jeanine and Daniel Strodtman, Beverly Hayden, Marcella and William Frevert. In Memory of Janet Mortenson for the Courtney Davis Fund from Paul and Teresa Saxton. The Western IA Synodical Woman s Organization held their annual convention June 28, 2018 at St. Paul s in Atlantic, IA. Attending from Bethany were Kim Campbell who is on the Synod Board. Elaine Nauss, Delegate from Bethany and Pat Vician, alternate. Total attendance for the Convention was 57. Elaine and Pat did not stay over. Keynote Speaker was Michael Ferjak who spoke on Human Trafficking. Michael has been in law enforcement for a number of years. As much as we would like to say It can t happen here but it can. We need to keep our eyes open for children not in school at times they should be is one example. Here is Michael s phone number: 515-419-1084. **The 2019 The Western Iowa Synodical Women s will hold their convention June 22, 2019 at Bethany in Emmetsburg. 10 Thank you to the Women s Group for sending Elaine and Pat to the Convention. 3
Hello Everyone, I can't believe it is August already! I hope you have had a great summer! Looking ahead to a great fall season of youth ministry! August 12th: Noisy Offering for VBS choice August 19th: Mission Trip Presentation by High schoolers September 5th: Kickoff to Youth Group and bring a friend SACK (2nd-5th grade) After school for 1.5 hours Connect (6th-8th grade) 7:00pm-8:00pm LIFE (9th-12th grade) 8:00pm-9:30pm September 9th: Rally Sunday at 9:30am (Kickoff to Sunday School) For any and all youth programs (one per child) you need to fill out the registration form please. It is online or you can fill out a paper copy that is next to the office. This is a way for us to get a hold of you and to know if the kids have allergies or anything, but also to know their shirt size! If you have any questions please ask. Thanks! In Christ, Kristin CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! -Help with Sunday School, Youth Group, Service Projects, and more. How can you help these youth grow in their faith as well in community with others? By sharing your gifts and talents and more importantly your time with them! Contact Kristin Rienhardt for questions or if you would be able to help! **For the past month or so, our radio broadcast over KEMB has not been working. Please know that we are looking into this and are trying to correct the problem. Please have patience while this is taking place. We hope to have this fixed very soon. On Sunday, August 19, Pastor will be giving a Blessing for the Student s Book Bags. We ask that all students (Kindergarten College) bring their Book Bags with them to Church for this Blessing. Quick note - The Stewardship committee is looking for some creative people to help with planning and presenting a project. It would involve some art work, writing, prepping a dinner and other things. If interested, call Pastor Peter or Joe Neary. Also, since we missed Church one Sunday in April, please consider playing "catch up" with your offering. Thank you. 4 Vacation Bible School will be held July 31st August 2nd, 2018 at the Lost Island Lutheran Church, Ruthven. Registration forms can still be picked up at both Bethany and Lost Island Churches. You can also register by going to LostIslandLutheranChurch@gmail.com. Join us at Lost Island Lutheran Church to Celebrate VBS! Sunday, August 5 - Joint Worship Service at 10am on the lawn Pot Luck Meal at 11:30am Lost Island will grill hamburgers and hot dogs Please bring side dish or dessert to share. IN OUR PRAYERS: We remember those in special need of God s love and care including: Adam Sikora, Laura Neary, Lincoln Coakley, Dorothy Moore, Owen Lux, RoxAnn Hanson, Phyllis Schroeder, Linda Umbrell, Vicki Ellis, Orville Stephas, Janis Campbell, Debra Zanfes, Jim Anderson, Fern Schmidt, Heide Rienhardt, Garwin Anderson, Lois Quam, Pastor Trudy Peterson, Rod Snavely, Nancy Ziegler, Bob Mortenson, Lucille Anderson, Richard Omundson and those we name in our hearts. Special Prayers for Paul and Hailey Abbot, parents of Daisy (age 16) who was killed in a car accident in LeMars on July 19th. Two of their other children were also injured in the accident and we offer prayers for their recovery. *Our missionary: Courtney Davis in Papua New Guinea. *Our companion synods: The Southern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania-Yakobi Parish, companion with Lost Island and the Evangelical Lutheran Church Laz-Paz Parish in Chile, companion with Bethany. We would like to thank the Funeral Group IV for serving the meal and providing the salads and desserts for Janet Mortenson s funeral on the 1st of July. The family appreciated all the work each of you did! 9
ORGANIST LOST ISLAND VOLUNTEERS Tim Nielsen ALTAR GUILD August Amee Norris, Madison Norris, Karyn Leininger READERS Aug 5 Punky Kropf Aug 12 Madison Norris Aug 19 Karyn Leininger Aug 26 Tim Nielsen COMMUNION Aug 5 Troy Leininger ASSISTANT Aug 19 Kadin Norris School will soon be starting. The labels are taken to West Elementary and the Catholic School. Box Tops, Pizza Ranch Wagon Wheels off pizza boxes, Pop tabs, Campbell Soup labels and postage stamps. There are white boxes on the credenza in the overflow room to collect your labels. Thank you. Please remember and prayerfully consider including Courtney in your prayers and financial support. Checks should be made to Bethany Lutheran Church with a memo For the ministry of Courtney Davis, Acct. #305075. Courtney s blog at: cdchronicles.wordpress.com E-mail address: co.davis@sil.org.pg Courtney has returned to Papua New Guinea in January 2018 as a career staff member. She teaches music in the school as well as conducting Bible Studies, etc. 8 BETHANY VOLUNTEERS GREETERS Aug. 5 Barb Haack, Connie Helgeson *Willard & Glenyce Schmeling Aug 12 Greg & Rachel Haack *Darlene Naig Aug 19 Dawn Freeman, Sharon Omundson *Dan & Michelle Jackson Aug 26 Brian & Amy Malm Family *Chuck Duhn * Back door greeters please move to front door if no one comes to greet here LECTORS Aug 5 Deb Quamme Aug 12 Frank Veltri Aug 19 Stephanie Larson Aug 26 Amelia Ort COMMUNION ASST. Aug 5 Jacki Ellingrod, Jonah Hackbart-Morlock Angie Hetrick Aug 19 Mark & Darca Saxton Joe Neary ALTAR GUILD AUGUST Elaine Sidles USHERS: Aug 5 Burdell Naugle, *Greg Sween, Dan & Mica Theesfeld Aug 12 Michael Jacobson, *Ben Gustafson, Henrik & Nolan Gustafson Aug 19 Lonnie Naig, *Ron Chapman, Mark Schroeder, Steve Woodruff Aug 26 Ryan Veldboom, *Lon Twait, Tianna Murray, Reagan Schurg BETHANY FUNERAL SERVERS FOR GROUP I John & Stephanie Larson, Dale & Marian Evens, Elaine Nauss & Michael Jacobson Co-Chairpersons Lorna Brennan Bob & Linda Halverson Wilma Nielsen David & Judy Cole Randy & Deb Jones Sharon Omundson Shawn & Jennifer Connelly Aletha King Joel & Somer Saxton Gina Cowden Don McEwan Phyllis Schroeder Angie Cowden Tiffany Keller Bob Scott Ina Crocoll Pat & Amy Martini Bob & Connie Schubert Carroll & Mary Christianson Amanda Murray Ryan & Molli Veldboom Jerry & Catharine Dillion Darlene Naig 5
AUGUST 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 5:30 8 pm VBS at Lost Island 2 10:30 am Bible Study at 2:00 pm Communion at 5:30 8 pm VBS @ Lost Island 7-8:30 pm Faith on Tap @ The Cornerstone 3 4 5 * 10:00 am Joint Church Services Between Lost Island & Bethany At Lost Island with Communion Vicar Sarah s Last Sermon* Pot Luck following Services 6 6:00 pm Night Quilter s 6:50 pm Tabitha Circle @ Alaire s home vacation 7 8 5:30 pm Board of Youth Meets 9 10:30 am Bible Study at 10 11 12 8:45 am Lost Island Worship 10:15 am LI Sunday School 10:30 am Bethany Worship Noisy Offering Sunday VBS Choice Vicar Sarah and her Family s Last Sunday 13 14 15 16 10:30 am Bible Study At 7-8:30 pm Faith on Tap @ The Cornerstone 17 18 19 8:45 am Lost Island Worship, Comm. 10:15 am LI Sunday School 10:30 am Bethany Worship, Comm. Youth Led Contemporary Service Bethany Blessing of School Book Bags 3:30 pm Vespers Karyn & Troy Leininger Help @ Vespers 20 6:00 pm Night Quilters 21 7:00 pm Council Meets 22 Articles for the September Newsletter are due today. 23 10:30 am Bible Study at 24 25 26 8:45 am Lost Island Worship 10:15 am LI Sunday School 10:30 am Bethany Worship 1 3:30 pm Round Robin Pastor 27 28 Assemble the Newsletter @ 10 6 29 30 9:00 am WIC 10:30 am Bible Study at 31 7