December, 2016
Volume 56 Issue 11
Bethany Lutheran Church Mission Statement Reaching out in Worship, Fellowship, Learning, and Love - We Are God’s People.
Christmas at Bethany The Children’s Christmas Program will be presented at the 9:00 a.m. service on December 18. Every year our Sunday School leaders come up with a great Christmas program. Plan on attending this annual event. This year’s Christmas Eve candlelight services will be at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Both services will have communion and individual candles. This would be an excellent opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to worship with you. You might even offer them a ride. Christmas Day is on Sunday this year. I will host a 9:00 a.m. service with communion. The focus will be on the message of the words of the carols. We will sing your favorite carols “A cappella.”
Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church 2515 Madison Ave. Burlington, Iowa Phone: (319) 752-3621 www.bethanyburlington.org
Pastor’s Cell: (360) 623-2184
Our Staff Rev. Paul Hermansen, Pastor
Cory Byrne, Choir Director/Organist
Amanda Stevenson-Cosgrove, Dir. of Youth & Family Sue Hermansen, Admin. Asst.
Dennis Wohlers, Financial Sec’y
Mike & Tammy Morris, Custodians
HOMEBOUND CARD MINISTRY
CHIMES CHANGES IN 2017 As you know, the Church Council voted to discontinue sending the Chimes by regular mail each month. There are already several people who receive it by email and some that pick it up here at church. We’d like to move towards distributing the Chimes by these two options as much as possible. Now, don’t worry...we realize there are those who don’t have access to the internet or who can’t get to church regularly. If you are one of those people, we will continue to send the newsletter to you monthly. However, we need to know who you are. Please contact the church office if you would like to continue to receive the Chimes by mail.
LUTHERANISM Pastors Ryan and Paul lead a class on being Lutheran the first Wednesday of each month in conjunction with the confirmation class at 7:00 p.m. This is for the parents of confirmation students and anyone else who’d like to learn the fundamentals of being Lutheran.
Please help remember Bethany’s members who are in nursing homes or homebound by sending them a card. A birthday or a “thinking of you” card is a special way of showing God’s love. During the summer months, take a minute to send a card with a short note - these folks would love to hear from you. Names and addresses are available on the table in the fellowship hall. Please remember to mark the spreadsheet if you send a card.
2016 FINANCIAL GIVING STATEMENTS The 2016 financial giving statements will not be mailed this year. They will be sealed and placed in boxes outside of the sanctuary for you to pick up after the first of the year.
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY Plans for a new pictorial directory have been taking place for some time now. We will meet with the company publishing the directory on December 6. Several volunteers will be needed to have a successful end product. We will keep you posted.
YOUTH COOKIE JARS The youth will be selling cookie jars after church on December 4 and the following Sundays as long as supplies last. We will have three selections, all containing the dry ingredients for your favorite Christmas cookies. These make great gifts for family, friends and co-workers. All proceeds go to the youth account.
DECEMBER ACTIVITIES The Retired Nurses will be here on Friday, December 2, at 9:00 a.m. They gather in the fellowship hall. Also, Troop #25 has their regular weekly meetings on Tuesdays.
Advent . . . . Being Ready How often have we faced moments in our lives where we may or may not have been ready? Growing up in Minnesota it was always, “Are you ready for winter?” There are many situations in our lives that call for our being ready. Is the young couple expecting their first child ready for parenting? Is the older couple, running short on money and energy, ready for retirement? Last spring when we were trying to get our house ready to sell and were downsizing our belongings, people asked, “Are you ready for the big move?” As it turned out, we cut it pretty close. Every December, on the four Sundays prior to Christmas, we observe the season of Advent. The word “Advent” literally means coming or to come to. The Bible refers to “the advent of our God” as a warning of God’s potential coming discipline. When God’s people went through times of darkness and despair, they longed for God’s coming. At the same time, when God’s people were not necessarily in tune with God, the prophets would sound a warning for the people to get ready for God’s appearance because He may come with judgment. There are two words that capture how we may be best prepared for God’s advent: Awareness and anticipation. The awareness God desires from us is having a sense of concern for all people. In Christ, God is concerned for everyone’s welfare. In His ministry, Jesus had an awareness of both the rich and the poor. Following in the conscience of the prophets before Him, Jesus spoke out about God’s justice when it came to sharing one’s abundance with those having less. For Jesus, when we have Godly awareness of the struggles of others, we can anticipate God touching our hearts to reach out and help. How have you experienced God coming into your life? Has God’s coming blessed or frightened you? This brief season of Advent is our opportunity to turn our attention outward beyond ourselves to God’s presence and activity where we might otherwise not be looking for Him! In Christ, Pastor Paul
MORE HAPPENINGS AT BETHANY On behalf of the family of Jim Dodge, we are grateful for all the love and kind expressions of sympathy shown to us by all of you at Bethany. We wish to thank the ladies who prepared and served the delicious lunch after Jim’s funeral. It was much appreciated. We are blessed to count you as our friends. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Carol, Troy and Blake and families
REBECCA CIRCLE will have their Christmas luncheon on Wednesday, December 7, at 11:30 a.m., at Burlington Golf Club. We need a head count by Sunday, December 4. Please contact Bonnie Rosenberg, 753-6024, if you plan to attend.
Pastor Paul and Sue would like to invite everyone to the parsonage for a Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 10, 2016, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. We want to share our love of Bethany with all of you. Please come for lots of good food and warm fellowship. The Social Ministry Committee is busy during the Christmas season. We will be collecting food for the Salvation Army food pantry. Any nonperishable items are welcome. We will also have the Mitten Tree up. Hats, gloves, and scarves collected will be donated to the Burlington School District and distributed to children in need. Names of children in need will also be hung on the tree. Take a tag, purchase the gift, wrap it, and tape the tag to the gift. Return the gift to church. Thank you for remembering others this Christmas season. COMBINED NEW YEAR’S DAY SERVICE AT BETHANY WITH BRUNCH On New Year’s Eve we are invited to Trinity’s Saturday, 5:30 p.m., service. On Sunday, New Year’s Day, we will have worship at our regular 9:00 a.m. time. However, to bring in the new year with extra blessing, Trinity and Faith will join us. Following our Sunday service at Bethany we will all gather in the fellowship hall for brunch.
December 2016 Lay Leaders Head Usher:
Acolytes
Spencer Honsey
4 - Aunika Johnson; Madison McClurg 11 - Isaac Morehead, Abi Schonrock 18 - Tyler Burch; Drew Engler 24 - Aunika Johnson (early) & Isaac Morehead (late)
December Team Captain: Spencer Honsey
December Birthdays
2 - Annette Peterson; Kyle Peterson 4 - Stephanie Cook Ushers 5 - Scott Creighton; Nancy House; Lector 4 - Scott & Jan Creighton; Megan Rogers; Rebecca Ward; Jackie & Julie Chubb 4 - Madison McClurg Anne Wischmeier 11 - Alberta Quam; Susanne 11 - Jessica King 7 - Matthew Morris Adam; Carol Dodge; Pam 18 - Samantha Gerdes 8 - Steven Swanson; David WhitTaylor 24 - Sue Hermansen more 18 - Jim & Sharon Martin25 - Pam Taylor 9 - Savanna Quam; Jeremy dale; Dan & Julie WischSchreurs meier 10 - August Anderson; Michael Greeters 24 - Elberta Quam; Mary Clark; Justin Miller 4 - Susanne Adam; Donna 11 - Jeremy Helling; Shayla Honsey; Mark & Bonnie Miller McIntyre; Allison Lenz Rosenberg 11 - Madison McClurg; Abi 12 - June Stoermer Schonrock - Jackie Chubb Communion Assistants 18 - Spencer & Mary Honsey 13 14 - Samantha Gerdes; Patty 4 - Jessica King; Mark 24 Milton; Holly Williamson Rosenberg; DeeDee Walker 25 - Scott & Jan Creighton 15 - Madison Hand; Joshua Van11 - Bill Mundt; Rachel LindeVoort deen; Jim Martindale 16 - Joel Jensen Flowers 18 - Mike Morris; Amanda 17 - Brandon Beach; Alex 4 - David & Heather Toyer Schneider Stevenson-Cosgrove; Todd 11 - Tony & Betty Stanley 18 - Adam Cox; Hayley Sansone; Chelf 18 - Poinsettias Betty Stanley; Christopher 24 - (Early) Todd Chelf 24 - Poinsettias Wallace 24—(Late) 25 - Poinsettias 21 - Jaelyn Adam; Andrew Engler; Beverly Felland; Thomas Helling Fellowship 23 - Cindee Franciskovich; Robert Altar Guild 4Hoxie Lynda Johnson; Dee Dee 11 24 - Chad Tarrence Johnson; Kim Engle 18 25 - James Hand; Joshua Rice; 25 Paula Bradway 26 - Nathaniel Johnson; Carrol Missionary Support Schwarm 27 - Linda Hermann 411 28 - Daniel Cox; Gail Jensen 18 29 - Kandace Durbin 25 - Barb West 30 - William Mathews; Jacalyn Shofe; Julia Wischmeier 31 - Benjamin Chelf; Jonathan Chelf; Candace Wagner
L.I.F.T. Living In Faith Together L.I.F.T. gathers on December 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church. We start at 5:00 and are done about 6:45 p.m. This is a gathering for kids, ages 4 - 5th grade and this year our theme is Fruits of the Spirit. December’s theme is joy through a child called Immanuel. We have a bible story, do a craft, sing some fun songs… ALL AFTER WE EAT!!!
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CONFIRMATION December 7 December 14 December 21
7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
We will be assembling cookie jars on December 3 in the fellowship hall starting
at
10:00
a.m.
Expect to watch “Elf” over and over as we assemble the jars. Amanda will provide donuts!
The Youth will be baking bread at the Hospice House on December 17. We will meet there at 9:00 a.m.
Questions? See Amanda or Pastor Paul
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SUNDAY SCHOOL Remember we have Sunday School every Sunday at 10:30 following our worship service. All children ages K through 6th grade are invited to attend.
BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS! Party down in Jesus’ name as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday The party will start after the Christmas play dress rehearsal ends on Saturday, December 17.
The meetings for December that have been scheduled as of the publishing of this newsletter are listed below. Watch the bulletins for any date and time changes or additional meetings scheduled. Men’s Breakfast Saturday, December 17, 8:00 a.m. Executive Committee Tuesday, December 13, 6:30 p.m. Church Council Sunday, December 18, 10:00 a.m. Finance Committee Thursday, December 8, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 6:30 p.m. Christian Education Committee Sunday, December 11, 10:15 a.m.
FINANCIAL UPDATE NOVEMBER ATTENDANCE November 6 November 13 November 20 November 27
82 100 91 64
NOVEMBER GIVING November 6 November 13 November 20 November 27 Total
$4,635.85 $2,234.95 $1,541.60 $1,935.03 $10,347.43
Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ If you change your mailing address, please let the office know ASAP. For every returned piece of mail we get for an incorrect address, we are charged 75 cents. Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ Ꮬ
PLEASE NOTE The deadline to submit information for the monthly Chimes is the 25th of the month. You’re welcome to email your submissions, leave a note on the desk in the office, or call the church office.
ALSO! Because of Federal Privacy laws, if you or a member of your family are hospitalized and would like the Pastor to visit, you must contact the church and let us know.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY November 20 was our pledge response Sunday. Thank you to all who have turned in their 2017 estimate of giving pledge. If you were not able to give yours yet, there is still time to bring it in. We will also have the 2017 envelopes available Sunday, December 4. May God continue to bless you richly as we walk together in service to our Lord.
October Council Meeting Minutes The Council met October 16, 2016 with Scott Creighton, Mike Hopp, Rachel Lindeen, Jim Martindale, Todd Morehead, Mike Morris, Mark Rosenberg, Candy Wagner, Dee Dee Walker, Dan Wischmeier, and Kimberly Engle attending, along with Pastor Hermansen. Financial Reports and Audit We are up-to-date on bills with no money so far this year being needed to be drawn from the Endowment Fund. It’s looking more and more like we may be able to end the year without drawing from that fund. 2017 Budget discussions are underway with the budget to be presented to the Congregation at the annual congregational meeting in January. Committee, Staff, and Pastor’s Report Highlights: There has been a lot of interest in resuming the Saturday evening service. Pastor Paul is evaluating options. The Council voted unanimously to receive Evynne Florence Bonar and Sterling Tharp into Bethany Lutheran congregation by Sacrament of Baptism. The Evangelism/Stewardship committee reviewed plans for the 2017 Stewardship campaign, which is underway. Fellowship committee has planned for several events including the Janssen Hayrack ride. Property committee reported that approval was given to Pastor Paul to schedule a chimney inspection in the parsonage. They also extended thanks to Jim Martindale and Joe Gerdes for tree removal services. Quotes are currently being solicited for removal of the ash tree. Alliant will be contacted to repair the parking lot lights. Social Ministry committee reported that the blood drive was a success, exceeding the goal of 16 donations with 22 total. The committee is putting together a list of volunteers to be bell ringers for the Salvation Army. Worship/Music committee has determined that, for the present, the current sound system is sufficient, but will continue to monitor. Youth committee has been very busy with plans for Trunk or Treat and will volunteer at Hospice House in December. Staff Positions Sue Hermansen has accepted the position of Administrative Assistant replacing Michelle. The Council passed a motion to hire Dennis Wohlers to pick up the financial task portion. Sue and Dennis will coordinate hours to share the office computer. Cory Byrne has agreed to accept the position of choir director recently vacated by Candy Wagner. Note: Because of the timing of the Chimes publication, and because the meeting minutes are required to be approved by the Council before publication, the Chimes will contain the previous month’s meeting notes.
