Bethany Lutheran Church 4200 N. 204th St. Elkhorn, NE 68022 www.bethanyelkhorn.org www.facebook.com/bethanyelkhorn

Church Office Hours Mon.-Fri. 8:00pm-4:30pm Sun. 8:30-11:45am Phone 402.289.4440 Fax 402.289.3550

Sunday Worship Times Traditional Lutheran Worship….8:00am Contemporary Worship……....….9:15am Contemporary Worship…..…….10:30am

Sunday School

Inside this issue:

9:15 and 10:30am

Wednesdays at The Oasis September—April Community Dinner….. 5:30-6:30pm Worship ……………………….....6:30pm Education…………………...….. 7:00pm

Page 2 Holy Week Page 3 Passion Walk Page 4 Golf Tournament Page 5 Silver Friends Page 6 Family Life Page 7 VBS News Page 8 Senior Adult M

March 2015 NEWSLETTER

Welcome to Worship at Bethany Sundays During Lent

“The God We Can Know” Study Wednesday Evenings During Lent with Pastor Lee Griess

“The God We Can Know” Worship Series During this Sunday morning Lenten series, we will explore the “I Am” sayings of Jesus. Our goal is to learn more about our loving Lord and his life of sacrifice and service to us. This, in turn, will aid in growing deeper in love and faith in this wondrous “God, We Can Know.”

This DVD series, based on The God We Can Know worship series, with discussion is held Wednesdays at 7:00pm in the Activity Center. All are invited as we seek to grow deeper in our faith and understanding during this season of Lent.

Wednesdays During Lent 6:30pm “Giving It Up” Worship Series Each Wednesday evening, through the study of God’s Word, we will focus on things that God wants us to give up, not just for the forty days of Lent, but forever. Instead of just “giving up” superficial things, come and explore things we are to “give up” that will greatly impact our faith and significantly change our lives.

Palm Sunday Worship

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday April 3

March 29

April 2

Passion Walk at 6:00PM

8, 9:15 & 10:30AM

Worship at 7:00PM

Worship at 7:00PM

Easter Worship Celebrations! Sunday, April 5 7:00, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00AM

March 29 Palm Sunday Worship at 8:00, 9:15 and 10:30am Children will wave palm leaves and sing in worship. Also plan to join us for the Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast in the activity center from 8:00am—noon. April 2 Maundy Thursday Worship with Communion at 7:00pm April 3 Good Friday Passion Walk through the neighborhoods begins at 6:00pm from the center entrance. Worship begins at 7:00pm April 5 Easter Sunday Worship Celebrations at 7:00, 8:00, 9:30 and 11am Please note that the 9:30 service may have overflow seating. If you are able, please help us make room for the many visitors on Easter Sunday and consider attending the 8:00 or 11:00 service. Childcare will be available during the 9:30 and 11:00 services. Page 2

Bethany Lutheran Church

Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast Please join us for a wonderful Palm Sunday Breakfast in the activity center on Sunday, March 29. Let's help to support our 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering Team members as they host this breakfast fundraiser to help offset costs for their trip to Detroit. Invite your family and friends to join you on Palm Sunday for a delicious, hot breakfast and great fellowship. If you are interested in volunteering to help serve or would like to make a donation to the Youth Gathering Trip fund, please contact Jon Kehoe at [email protected] or Wendi Grasso at [email protected].

Ordering Easter Flowers The Worship Center will be decorated with a variety of spring flowers and Easter lilies on Easter morning. If you wish to order a plant in honor or memory of a loved one, please pick up a form at the welcome center and place it in the offering plate or return to the church office by Sunday, March 29. The names will be listed with our Easter bulletin. You are welcome to take your plant(s) home after our Easter worship celebrations.

Prayer Room Located just outside the central entrance to the Worship Center, the Prayer Room offers another opportunity to grow deeper in our spiritual lives. Prayer Ministers will be available following each Wednesday Lenten Service and all Sunday morning worship celebrations. Those desiring a quiet place to pray can either pray on their own in this holy space or ask a Prayer Minister to pray with them or for them. Please take advantage of this new resource which enables us to “gather around Jesus to believe, belong, and bless.”

Spring First Communion Class Sunday, March 29, 11:30-1:00pm in the Fellowship Hall If your child is expressing an interest in participating more fully in worship, and feels 'left out' of communion, now may be the time to consider attending. Here at Bethany we allow families to consider the personal readiness of their children. Because nobody can use reason or logic to understand the mystery of Christ's presence in, with, and under the bread and wine, this miracle of the sacrament can only be accepted through faith. We recognize that the faith of a child is completely able to trust that miracle. Class will be held on Sunday, March 29, at 11:30am in the Fellowship Center. One or both parents should attend this 90 minute class with their child, as many of our conversations will focus on family traditions and sharing stories. February 2015

Students will receive first communion as a class on either Maundy Thursday or on Easter at the service of your choice. Registration is required as it enables us to prepare sufficient materials for the class. Register at bethanyelkhorn.org/signup. Contact Shari Schwedhelm with questions.

Good Friday Passion Walk Friday, April 3 Beginning at 6:00pm The Passion is the Christian theological term used for the event and suffering – physical, spiritual, and mental – of Jesus in the hours before and including his trial and crucifixion. The Passion Walk is an opportunity to walk the journey of Christ’s Passion in our own neighborhood. At significant places along the walk, you will be invited to reflect on the events of Jesus’ final hours. Pausing to reflect, you may discover the story of Christ’s Passion coming alive in a new way in the midst of our contemporary lives. Walkers will begin by gathering outside the new central entrance at 6:00pm on Good Friday, April 3. The walk will travel through nearby streets with an approximate total walk time of 45 minutes. Those desiring to participate in an abbreviated walk are invited to gather outside the new entrance at 6:50pm. The Passion Walk will return through the center entrance as the cross enters the worship center and begins our Good Friday worship service at 7:00pm.

Plan Your Own Resurrection Celebration One of the truly exciting things that has started to happen in Christian congregations is that we are finding people who would like to have some voice in planning their own resurrection celebration. This is a beautiful way of emphasizing that death is a natural part of our Christian existence and is only the doorway to eternity with Christ Jesus. As we face the certainty of death in this mature manner, it also serves as a real help to our remaining family and loved ones. This pre-planner enables the family to know your wishes in the event of your death. As we celebrate Easter and the resurrection of our Lord, you are invited to plan your own resurrection. If you would like, consider filling out Bethany’s Plan Your Own Resurrection form and either place it in a safety deposit box or somewhere at home where your family will know where to find it and give a copy to Bethany. This will be kept on file in the office, and can be changed at any time, at your request. It is not meant to be binding on the family, but only to make your feelings and wishes known. Pre planning forms are available in the church office. Page 3

Love All Serve All Mission Contact Devanee Auel, Director of Mission, ext. 241 or [email protected] Becky Rooker, Mission Assistant, ext. 226 or [email protected]

Habitat for Humanity—Elkhorn Coalition 2015 Due to the amazing success of the Elkhorn Coalition’s first Habitat Home in Western Douglas County, we will be building another new home in Waterloo in 2015. The build will begin in the summer and we will need volunteers to help at the home with the build as well as to provide food. If you feel called to help with this fantastic ministry, please look for volunteer signups coming soon. Elkhorn Coalition is currently looking for a family partner to purchase this house. To be a family partner, there

are minimum and maximum income requirements as well as required sweat equity. The homeowner will receive a no-interest loan from Habitat. If you would like addition information or would like to apply (or know someone who would like to apply), there are prequalification applications available in the church office. The Coalition is also looking for community organizations and businesses that would like to partner in the build. Businesses and their employees are enriched by the experience of support-

ing low-income families in the construction of a new home. Working on site creates a productive team-building environment and allows employees to work together in new and different ways. The building experience encourages team cohesion and helps employees to understand the benefits of collaboration. That attitude is often carried back to the day-to-day office environment and helps to build a better corporate team. If your business is interested in becoming a partner, please contact Devanee Auel.

Love All Serve All Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Join us for the 2nd Annual LOVE ALL, SERVE ALL Mission Ministry Golf Fundraiser on Friday, May 15, at 1:30pm at

the Pacific Springs Golf Club. We’re planning on a great day of fun, food, and fellowship. You will even have the chance to win a new car and new golf cart! The cost is $100 for 18 holes of golf, cart, prizes, meal, and fun! It will be a scramble format, so start recruiting your foursome now. Invite family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers for a fun day of golf supporting a great

cause. Sign up at bethanyelkhorn.org/ servenow. Proceeds will go to Bethany’s Mission Fund to support Bethany’s Mission Ministries and partnerships. Sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals are available.

Open Door Mission “We had several of those who we served thank us including one gentleman who wrote Gracie a note on a napkin saying ‘it’s the little things and it’s the thought that counts and remember, serve God’. It really touched both our hearts and we were reminded it feels good to do good.” Tiffany Brettmann who serves at Open Door Mission with her daughter, Gracie Page 4

Bethany sends volunteers to serve at the Open Door Mission on the first Saturday of every month from

11:00am-1:00pm. Volunteers serve in a variety of ways including serving food, food prep, stocking shelves, cleaning or even helping at the distribution center. We encourage families to serve together. Children 8 years and up are welcome to help. To volunteer to serve on March 7 or April 4 visit bethanyelkhorn.org/servenow.

Bethany Lutheran Church

Silver Friends: New Mission Ministry Silver Friends is a new ministry that will positively impact our community by inspiring volunteers to spend time with senior citizens and enrich their Golden years. For many seniors who live in nursing homes, the emotional pain of loneliness is far greater than any physical pain they may feel. Through Silver Friends, we hope to assist senior citizens and enhance their quality of life. To reach this goal, compassionate volunteers meet one hour per week with a silver friend. To build trust and consistency we encourage our volunteers to make a minimum six-month commitment to the program. Nothing is more important in this role than the relationships you develop with your silver friend. These relationships enable you to provide an optimum experience and find true fulfillment in this mission. The Silver Friends ministry is looking for volunteers with a strong passion to work with seniors, patience, compassion, a positive attitude, and excellent communication skills. We will provide training to help you understand the seniors you will meet with and the setting in which they live. These seniors have a vast array of backgrounds and it is important to equip volunteers with the appropriate tools and knowledge. We will also provide volunteers with ideas for their visits. At the end of training you will be matched with your senior friend and a calendar will be established to track visits. Silver Friends volunteer training will take place March 3 from 6:30 – 8:00pm in the conference room. For more information or if you are unable to attend the training but would like to be involved in Silver Friends, please contact April Kelly at [email protected] or 402.598.3246.

Kaya: Sponsor a Child to Attend the First Ever Kaya Camp Bethany has a long standing partnership with Kaya Children and its ministry in La Paz, Bolivia. Kaya enables children and youth to transition from life on the streets through the transition home and into a life with a promising future as a part of the Kaya family. This summer Kaya is holding its first ever Kaya Camp weekend retreat. The Kaya staff and children are thrilled to have a weekend to grow together and grow in their relationship with Christ. Will you help sponsor one of our campers? For only $75 you can sponsor a full weekend camp for one youth/child including transportation, housing, food, activities and materials. To learn more about Kaya and how you can sponsor a child, please visit bethanyelkhorn.org/kaya.

Meet Jose Jose is part of a group of children that spend their days working and hanging out in the streets. Jose has 9 brothers and sisters and learned at a young age that if he wanted to survive he was going to have to provide for himself. Jose’s family lives in extreme poverty, and he has never had a stable place to call home. At 4 years old, Jose’s cousin started taking him to the streets to occupy his days and make money for food. At 10 years old, Jose was having a hard time at school and wasn’t receiving the support he needed so he stopped attending. While doing street outreach the Kaya social workers met Jose. In time he accepted our invitation to come to the Kaya Center, a day program to help at risk children and youth. He had already missed several months of school, but we were able to reenroll him in school while also providing the extra educational support to get him caught up with his class. Although Jose is still a very active, rambunctious child, a year and a half later, the transformation in Jose is remarkable. Each morning he waits enthusiastically for the Kaya mini-van to pick him up and bring him to the Kaya Center, and he is able to attend school regularly. He participates in the activities at the Kaya Center. Kaya provides Jose with a nutritious meal each weekday relieving the heavy burden of not knowing when his next meal will be. We met Jose at a very critical point in his life. Many kids who spend a lot of their time on the streets enter into consumption around this age. The Kaya Center provides a safe alternative to the streets and both academic and emotional support for Jose. Instead of working, Jose is able to play and interact with his peers. Most importantly, at the Kaya Center Jose learns about the perfect love of Jesus. To learn more about Kaya Children International and the children we serve, visit kayachildren.org.

February 2015

Page 5

Family Life Shari Schwedhelm, Director of Faith Formation, ext. 224 or [email protected] Gera Schultz, Children’s Ministry Assistant, ext. 222 or [email protected] Jon Kehoe, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, ext. 223 or [email protected] Wendi Grasso, Youth and Family Coordinator, ext. 221 or [email protected] Amy Walker and Valerie Adams, Nursery Care Coordinators, ext. 220 or [email protected]

Sunday Youth Night! 6:00-8:00PM Here at Bethany we strongly believe that investing in our youth is investing in our future. Sunday nights for youth at Bethany offers a time for hanging out with friends, playing games, and worshiping God together. Though this time is set aside for both middle and high school students, each age group will have their own activities. Beginning at 6:00pm, high school students will have game time while middle school students have a time of discussion and fellowship. At 6:45 the groups will switch. We will come together 7:15 for worship; and close out our evening with snacks. Contact Jon Kehoe with questions or to get involved.

Middle School GLOW Party Friday, March 6 from 9:00-11:00PM $10 for food, fun and friends! Dress in your best neon and white clothes. Prizes will be awarded throughout the night. This event will host an interactive DJ, industrial grade black lights, pizza, pop, snacks and a fun night of glowing. Get your glow on and bring your friends! Adult sponsors needed: Could you spend a couple hours handing out refreshments? Or taking tickets? Or directing traffic? Contact Wendi Grasso to help out.

Bethany Week at Camp Carol Joy Holling! June 21-26 Whether you’ve never been to camp or have come so many times you’ve lost count, Carol Joy Holling Camp is a worthwhile experience for anyone to have. Camp is a place where spiritual and emotional growth happens. Children gain independence and a heightened feeling of overall confidence as they try new things. Each day is full of active adventures in a beautiful outdoor setting. We have an amazing God who loves us to a degree that we can’t fully understand. No matter how many times we’ve been to camp, there are always new and amazing things waiting to be discovered – new friends, new experiences, new trails, and new insights about God. Register today at caroljoyholling.org/registration Camp Discount for Participating in the Evangelism Project! The Invite a Friend Challenge As Christians and especially as Lutherans, we embrace our beliefs but, often, we shy away from sharing them. One of the more successful models of evangelism is connecting with families through kids. When kids find a point of connection, families are much more comfortable trying something new. We are challenging families to intentionally seek a friend to invite to camp. The goal is to seek out friends who may not have a church home. The invited friend should not be someone who attended the camp with the evangelism project last year. The invited friend needs to be close enough in age at attend the same campsite and week with you. Here are the benefits: Your friend attends camp for FREE! You get $50 off YOUR registration when they register. And you BOTH get a great week at camp! This year we have fewer registrations to give away, so start inviting and planning early. Contact Shari Schwedhelm for details.

Save the Date for Movie Night!

Taste of Sunday School March 22 and 29 at 9:15am

High School Movie Night Friday, March 27 6:30-10:00pm

Taste of Sunday School is a two part class for all 2 year old children (and newly turned 3’s who haven’t started Sunday School yet) along with a parent / adult. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to a structured Sunday School class and learn about the special story of Easter. Register at bethanyelkhorn.org/signup.

Middle School Movie Night Wednesday, April 1 6:30-9:00pm Page 6

Bethany Lutheran Church

Announcing Vacation Bible School 2015! Save the dates. Registrations will begin in April.

Sports Camp VBS: UNDEFEATED!

Everest! VBS

EVENINGS 5:00-8:00pm Sunday, June 28—Thursday, July 2

MORNINGS 9:00am-noon Monday, July 13—Friday, July 19

Ages 6 – 12 Sports include: Cheerleading, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Flag Football NEW THIS YEAR – Team 4-5 for ages 4 and 5 to learn the basics of a variety of sports. Each individual sport program will be divided into practice and huddle groups by age for effective skill training and safety.

Ages 3 years – finished 5th grade Embark on an icy expedition where kids overcome obstacles with God's awesome power! Anchor kids in rock-solid Bible truths that will guide them through life's challenges. At Everest Vacation Bible School kids experience God's Word in surprising and unforgettable ways! Each day, leaders reinforce one simple Bible truth—which makes it easy for kids to remember and apply to real life! Each day kids climb the path and learn God has the power to provide, comfort, heal, forgive, and love us forever!

Join us for another great week of Sports Camp VBS, led by college athletes from around the country! In this 5 day camp, athletes are given the opportunity to build their skill in a chosen sport, and also build their faith. Here’s a look at this year’s sports camp theme: Undefeated! The term conjures up images of powerful, dominating figures in history. With the rise of modern day sports, the arena of sport has become the place where these metaphors of life are played out. But in real life, with real people, being undefeated in anything is so rare that most of us will never experience it. In the midst of our daily struggles comes a very basic spiritual truth or reality that says everyone can experience the wonderful fulfillment of being undefeated. During our five lessons in sports camp this week, we will look at five of the words included in the list in Romans 8:37-39 and make real life applications from those words. We will also draw parallels to our own lives by using illustrations from true sports stories, as well as looking at stories from the life of Christ that demonstrate Christ’s power over these issues.

February 2015

Join the VBS Planning Team In some ways our team is a lot like Everest climbers, only we spend months and months prayerfully planning, studying Scripture, and intentionally weaving together every aspect of this journey. We know that VBS matters. We know it changes lives for eternity. And we know it’s a lot of fun! Will you join us? We are currently seeking members for our 2015 VBS Planning Team. To join the team or learn more about it, contact Shari Schwedhelm.

Families, Planning for Summer? Save the Date for These Events!     

Youth Mission Trip - Denver – June 7 – 12 Lutheran Youth Serve Omaha – Kindergarten – 12th Grades – June 15 – 19 Confirmation Camp and Bethany Week at Carol Joy Holing – June 21 – 26 High School National Youth Gathering – Detroit – July 15 – 19 5th into 6th grade Late Nighter – July 31 6pm - 12am

Page 7

Bethany News New Beth Moore Class, Sacred Secrets Beginning March 25 Jesus wants to spend secret time with you—an interior relationship that's unique to just you two. Sacred Secrets is the new 6-session study from Beth Moore that explores the theology of secrets. Secrets can be good or harmful. Some need forgiveness, and some should be kept between you and God. While Sacred Secrets is lighter than Beth's typical Bible studies, it does not lack richness or quality. Discussion potential abounds without any expectation of revealing personal, private information. Join Beth to find out what happens when we let God teach us "wisdom in the secret heart" (Psalm 51:6, ESV).

Tai Chi Beginning in March Tai Chi classes resume in March in the fellowship hall. The 12 week class will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:3010:15am. Tai Chi is a proven intervention that can reduce the risk to seniors falling by nearly 50%. This free class is open to anyone interested in learning techniques to improve balance and overall health. To register or for more information, call Suzi Bazata, certified Tai Chi instructor, at 402.615.0124

Blood Pressure Screening 2nd & 4th Sundays

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Free blood pressure screenings are available in the office on the second and fourth Sundays of the month following each worship service. Please come to the main office reception area for your free screening.

Free screening kits are available in the office each Sunday during March. If you are between the ages of 50-75 or have a family history of colon cancer, stop and pick up this free test. Early detection saves lives.

Senior Adult Ministry Bethany is home to a vibrant senior adult ministry offering many opportunities for fellowship, personal and spiritual growth, service and fellowship.

Forever Young This senior fellowship group meets the third Thursday of each month. Most gatherings are held at Bethany, but will also occasionally meet offsite for various activities. The next Forever Young Gathering will be Thursday, March 19 at 11:30am. Join us for a pot luck lunch in the fellowship hall with guest speaker following the meal. Chicken will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. RSVP to Joy at 402.669.8607 or Nicole in the church office by March 16.

Jubilee A group of people in the time of their lives where they can focus on family, faith and friends. This senior fellowship group generally meets offsite for fellowship and activities. Contact Cheryl Griess with questions at 402.980.5353. The next Jubiliee event will be Tuesday April 28 from 7:00-9:00pm. Wine, cheese and conversation with Bishop Brian hosted by Pastor Larry and Sharon. Plan to come anytime - Bishop Brian will be available at 7:00pm. Bring your choice of beverage. RSVP to the church office. All are welcome.

Bethany Women of the ELCA All women of Bethany are welcome to participate in the activities of the Bethany Women of the ELCA. Some meeting gatherings include Bible studies, participating in Lutheran World Relief events, quilting, mission projects, fellowship and much more. Please contact Donna Franzen at 402.763.9575 or Nancy Harms at 402.289.4987 for more information.  Hope Circle—meets the 2nd Friday of the month at 1:30pm (Contact Elaine Biel at 402.289.2261 or [email protected])  Faith Circle—meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 9:30am (Contact Karen Thompson at 402.496.7690 or [email protected])  Quilting—meets the 4th Thursday of the month at 9:30am (Contact Nancy Custard at 402.289.2471 or Phyllis Barth at 402.289.2103 or [email protected])  Connections—meets every Monday at 6:00pm (Contact Brenda Mink at 402.944.7511 or [email protected])

Page 8

Bethany Lutheran Church