Window on Bethel

December 2013

Bethel United Methodist Church 63 W. Main Mascoutah IL 62258 (618) 566-2989 [email protected]

Rev. Jason Woolever Pastor Office Hours: 8:30 am-12 noon Mon.-Thur. Website: www.atbethel.org December memory verse: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

Through the Pastor’s Window Dear Bethel Friends and Family, I want to start off by thanking you all for being so kind during October with all the pastor appreciation gifts. I felt very appreciated and it was so kind of you to go out of your way to show my family and me the love and give such varied forms of encouragement. Thank you! Then, you shocked my socks off on my 38th birthday (November 3) by presenting me with the mandolin at the end of second service. I was so touched I didn’t know what to say. I have really been enjoying it! What a blessing you all are to me! As we enter this holiday season, my heart is already very grateful for my blessings, and at the same time it is heavy for the losses so many are suffering. The economy continues to stress our nation and individual lives. There is great uncertainty with regard to healthcare. The typhoon victims in the Philippines and the tornado victims in Illinois need prayers and resources. The people God loves so much in East St. Louis and Africa also need our generosity in order to survive and thrive and experience salvation in Christ. My prayer for each of us at Bethel this holiday season is three-fold: 1) I pray that we continue to be grateful. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 2) I pray that we continue to be trusting. Isaiah says to God in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.” Then he says to the reader in verse 4, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the eternal Rock.” 3) I pray that we continue to be generous. Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:17-19, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” May you be filled with the peace and love of the Prince of Peace this holiday season and remember that God is our refuge and strength, our very present help in need (Ps.46:1). Thanks again for all you do! In Christ’s love, Pastor Jason Woolever

P.S. Put it on your calendars! Christmas Eve services with candlelight and communion at 4pm and 7pm this year.

Four Bethel Community Groups in full swing! What are community groups? They are lifesharing, learning Biblical communities. In addition to Sunday school, community groups meet weekly and exist to move adults toward spiritual maturity by studying the Bible, reviewing and going deeper into Pastor Jason’s current sermon, worshiping and praying together, becoming missionaries in their environments, and serving and encouraging one another. (Oh yes, and we DO have fun!!) These adult community groups were formed in order to engage group members to fully grasp Bethel’s Vision/ Mission Statement to Reach, Teach and Help. Ask a member how much they enjoy being “IN COMMUNITY”.

Parenting Beyond Your Capacity Think Orange Book Study

on Christian Parenting to be offered beginning January 9 for 6-7 weeks. Contact Jill Waldis for more information at 5304659 or [email protected]

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Dec ember 2013

REMINDER: BETHEL CHRISTMAS DINNER Sunday, December 8—6:00 pm At Mascoutah Moose Lodge

Children’s Christmas Pageant Our Sunday School children have been working really hard preparing for their Christmas Pageant and are excited to perform on Sunday, December 8. Zack and Hillary will entertain at 5 pm, and we will begin the play at 5:15, A final dress rehearsal will be held on Saturday, December 7, at 4 pm. ~Linda Postula 566-8190 or [email protected]

Christmas sales benefit Project:Shine 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8—HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH will be selling handmade Christmas ornaments to benefit Project:Shine. See one of our Bethel Y4G Highschoolers at their display table. ~Chevonne Walters

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15—252 KIDS CLUB....afternoon—exact time tbd. Cookies sold by the plate/pound/box. Let the kids of Bethel bake your fave treats while supporting Project:Shine. For questions or to donate cookies please contact Angie Kimmel at 618-726-7243. ~Angie Kimmel

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22—MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH will be selling pies and brownies to raise money for Project:Shine, during first two services. If any questions, contact Mark Waldis at [email protected]. ~Mark Waldis

Youth send Christmas messages to soldiers and help with Project:Shine The youth of Bethel sent messages in Christmas cards to soldiers overseas. 85 cards were sent to our soldiers. The youth also voted to collect money for Project:Shine as are all the children of the church. The kids are encouraged to give sacrificially. ~Vicki Hake, High School SS teacher

Merry Christmas from your Church Staff! Pastor Jason—Pastor Zack—Jill—Carol— Suzanne—Jessica—Melissa—Tasha

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The Christmas Cottage is Coming, The Christmas Cottage is Coming... The Christmas Cottage at the Christian Activity Center in ESL will be held December 17, leaving Bethel Church at 3:30 pm. Please help us collect gifts for the kids at the CAC in order for them to give a small gift to their parent/caregiver. Gift examples are: Snuggies, wallets, perfume, jewelry, slippers, makeup, scarves, hats, gloves, candles, purses, flashlights, toolkits, coffee/coffee mugs, etc. Gifts can be dropped off in room upstairs. The gifts should not be wrapped—the CAC kids will wrap them with volunteer assistance. Plain sugar cookie/frosting donations will also be needed for our cookie decorating area for these great kids!! Why not volunteer for this awesome event (age 13 years and up are welcome)?! The gifts need to be delivered to the Center, the shopping area will need set-up, gifts unpacked and organized. Call or email Jill Waldis 518-530-4659/ [email protected] for more info. ~Jill Waldis

Christmas Cantata Our Chancel and Youth Choirs will be presenting “Canticle of Joy,” a cantata for Christmas, on Sunday, December 15, at 7 pm in the sanctuary. Come and be blessed by the sounds of praise for the newborn King! This cantata of praise and worship is a Christmas gift to the congregation and community. Invite your friends! Note to choir: There will be a technical rehearsal on Saturday, December 14, from 1:00-3:30 pm. All singers must attend this rehearsal. ~Carol Sinnard, Director

Come to Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve We are very pleased to offer you two Christmas Eve services again this year! Join us at our Christmas Eve, December 24, Candlelight Services with Holy Communion at 4 pm or 7 pm. This is a beautiful worship experience and a good opportunity to invite family and friends to attend with you.

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Dec ember 2013

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PROJECT:SHINE “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 This verse is the theme of the 410 Bridge Project, a group that works with Think Orange (OUR Sunday School Curriculum) to do mission projects in different parts of our world. This year’s Orange Christmas Mission focus: Two simple things are key to a child’s educational success in Kenya: light—and textbooks. In many schools in Kenya, six or more children share a single textbook, making it difficult to follow lessons and master content. And once a child leaves school, they have vital chores to complete—things like hauling water and working in the field to make sure their family can eat. By the time they could begin to study… it’s dark. Without electricity, they must either skip study time, or use kerosene lanterns that often cause terrible injuries and fires. We can change that! This year, Project:Shine gives your kids an opportunity to raise resources for solar lights and text-books to help kids in Kenya change their own lives… and change their entire communities! Every $65 your kids raise during November and December will provide a solar light and a complete set of six textbooks for one child. Since the textbooks will stay with the school and can be re-used each year, your investment is not just in the individual child, but in the local school—impacting the community for years to come. Help SHINE the light this Christmas!!! ~Jill Waldis, Director of Christian Education

Two new studies begin—join in!  Men’s Wednesday morning huddle will start a new

study called “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan, beginning December 4 through January 29. This is a 7 week study, 6:15 to 7:15 am. See Mark Waldis 618-530-4597 to order your book.  First Place has begun an Advent study on “The Women

of Christmas” by Liz Curtis Higgs on Mondays at 4 pm. Ladies, experience the season afresh with Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. Just drop in and join the discussion!

Financial Peace University is coming to Bethel! I'm excited to say that registration is now open for our first Financial Peace University. This Bible-based curriculum teaches people how to use money in God’s ways. This first class, which will start on Tuesday, February 11, will be limited in size to 16-20 people, so sign up as soon as you can if you are interested. Register by visiting http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/ If you have any questions, feel free to email Curt Ryan at [email protected]. ~Curt Ryan, leader

Thank you. . .  To Tom Zeisset for cutting the wood for the new

outdoor nativity scene and to Dianne Tate for painting all of the pieces.  To Scott Erickson and Alena Ferguson for refurbishing

the indoor nativity scene.  To Billie Stukenberg and Jill Waldis and all who helped to decorate the sanctuary.  To Bethel Church Members, Thanks for everyone who helps with food for our kids! Sincerely, Patty Peek, Director, Leu Civic Center

Youth Pastor Plug Y4G (Youth 4 God) Fall has been a great time for the youth group. We are seeing new faces coming and staying at Bible Study on a weekly basis. We are all growing deeper in our faith through our weekly Bible studies, which are in addition to our Sunday School lessons. This allows us to really go deep and ask questions week after week in small groups. I can’t express how much I have truly loved seeing Jesus work in the lives of these kids. Getting to witness this first hand, and be an intricate part in their lives is such a blessing. Mark Waldis and I took 11 middle school youth to Ignition and had a blast. Ignition is a Middle School Conference at Troy UMC, packed with great worship and seminars. We also had a great time at the annual “Waldis Pumpkin Carving Party”! Y4G enjoyed food, games, and of course our Pumpkin Carving Competition. Check out the Bethel UMC Facebook page for pictures. The church youth lock-in and Moeller bonfire were fantastic! We had 28 kids come out to enjoy sleep-deprived fun and fellowship! CAC is still scheduled for the last Tuesday of every month. Join us on Tuesday, December 17, for the Christmas Cottage! Shout out to all of the volunteers who have been helping diligently with Y4G! This ministry could not be possible without your insight and your constant willingness to help. I appreciate and love you all! ~Pastor Zack

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Dec ember 2013

Here is the leadership roster for the coming year at BUMC as assembled by the Lay Leadership Committee. We are very grateful to those who are finishing their terms in 2013 and look forward to supporting those coming into new leadership positions in 2014. 2014 BETHEL UMC CHURCH COUNCIL Members of the Church Council Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Jason Woolever Chair of the Church Council. . . . . . . . . . . .Jill Adkins Vice-Chair of the Church Council. . . . . Curt Kimmel Chair of Board of Trustees . . . . . . . . . . Tom Zeisset Chair of Staff-Parish Relations . . . . . .Terry Moeller Chair of Committee on Finance. . . . . . . . . Phil Tate Financial Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Zeisset Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Ann Gangwisch Lay Leader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roger Kehrer Lay Member of Annual Conf. . . . . . . Dorothy Kriesel Chair of Nurturing Ministries . . . . Jennice Woolever Chair of Outreach Ministries. . . . . . . . . .Chris Kaelin Chair of Witness Ministries. . . . . . .Sharon Peterson Chair of Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debbie Harris Chair of Family & Fellowship. . . . .Marianna Romine Men’s Ministry Representative . . . . . . . Mark Waldis Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorothy Kriesel Committee on Finance Phil Tate (chair), Terry Moeller, Dorothy Kriesel, Ron Sinnard, Roger Kehrer, Jill Adkins, Mary Ann Gangwisch, Tom Zeisset Board of Trustees 2014: Carol Sinnard, Curt Kimmel, Al Armbruster 2015: Linda Postula, Mark Waldis, Tom Zeisset 2016: Glenda Venarsky, Rick Page, Scott Wetzler Staff-Parish Relations Committee 2014: Gary Miller, June Hightower 2015: Terry Moeller (chair), Kim Crawford, Rob Wieland 2016: Glenda Venarsky, Gayla Fields, Dan White Committee on Lay Leadership 2014: Jill Waldis, Laura Nekola, Ron Sinnard 2015: Mark Waldis, Suzanne Morio 2016: Billie Stukenberg, Zack Funk, Marianna Romine Witness Committee 2014: Karen White, Mark Waldis 2015: Sharon Peterson (chair), Sarah Hoskins 2016: Zack Funk, Hillary Funk Family & Fellowship Committee 2014: Marianna Romine (chair), Amy Miller, Kim Crawford 2015: Patricia Kaelin, Cindy Paul, Kelli Reese 2016: Bridget Kehrer, Charla Nichols, Jim Nichols, DeAnne Renken Nurture Committee 2014: Jennice Woolever (chair), Debbie Harris 2015: Katie Gould, Ron Sinnard 2016: Joyce Shelley, Wendy Schultz, Kim Jokish Outreach Committee 2016: Chris Kaelin (chair), Pattie Murphy, Dorothy Kriesel Worship Committee 2015: Debbie Harris (chair), Karen White, Haylee Foster, Sarah Feliciano

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS! We were very pleased to welcome Jeff and Michelle Morio and family into the membership of Bethel on November 10. Jeff and Michelle have been married for 16 years and live in Mascoutah. Michelle is from Nashville, IL and works as a Vice President for Lanter Delivery Systems for the past 17 years. Jeff has lived in Mascoutah most of his life and works as a Drafting Supervisor in St. Louis at Gravois Planing Mill. He has also been there for 17 years. They have two girls, Tieghan age 13, and Delaney age 8. Tieghan is very active in sports and competes in Club Volleyball, Select Softball, and plays basketball in school. She is in 8th grade at Mascoutah Middle School. Delaney is active in gymnastics and also plays softball where she enjoys pitching like her sister. She is a 3rd grader at Mascoutah Elementary. Both girls are also very avid readers. We were also very happy to welcome Joe and Dana Miller and family into Bethel’s membership on November 10. Joe and Dana have been married for 8 1/2 years. Dana’s family moved to Mascoutah when she was very young. Joe was born and raised in Fairview Heights. They have two young daughters, Kade (6) and Reece (4). Kade is in 1st grade at MES and Reece attends preschool at Marie Schaefer in O’Fallon but will come to MES for kindergarten next year. Both participate in gymnastics at the Civic Center. Joe has been employed as a teacher with O’Fallon District 90 for 13 years while Dana has been a school social worker with Belleville Public School District 118 for 13 years also. Prior to that, Dana worked in community mental health and Joe taught at Grant School in Fairview Heights. Joe and Dana enjoy spending time with family and friends. They share a love of sports, as well. The Millers are looking forward to their membership with Bethel and the great things that are ahead for their girls as they grow up in this congregation!

Congratulations to. . .  Payton Adkins for being selected “Student of the Month” for October at Mascoutah Middle School.  Billie Studenberg’s grandson, Logan, who was selected to the All-Conference team as an offensive lineman and named to the IHSA All-State academic football team in Class 6A from his Springfield, IL high school.

Condolences to. . .  Rich Wager and family in the death of his father, Robert L. Wager, age 87, of Belleville, on November 1, 2013.

Baptisms. . .  November 10—Levi John Hoskins, son of Aaron & Sarah Hoskins, born September 5, 2013.  November 10—Mason Joseph Schmidbauer, son of Joseph & Danielle Schmidbauer, born April 21, 2013.  November 10—Abigail Marie Wright, daughter of David and Marie Wright, born October 10, 2013.  November 24—JennaMarie Josephine Kimmel, daughter of Curt & Angela Kimmel, born April 26, 2013.

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DECEMBER 2013 Sun

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Deadline for Coat Drive Deadline for Christmas Dinner Reservations 1:30 pm Mar-Ka Nursing Home Worship 4:00 pm Community Group

11 am Meals on Wheels 4 pm First Place Bible Study 6:30 pm Community Group

9:00 am Quilting 9:00-1:00 Lego Group

6:15 am Men’s Huddle 9:00-1:00 Lego Group 10:45 am Art Coop 10:45 am Bible Study 7:45 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

9:00-1:00 Lego Group 6:30 pm Community Group 7:00 pm Beth Moore Bible Study

Church Office Closed 9 am Quilting

4:00 pm Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Pageant

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High Schoolers Christmas Ornament Sale 2:00 pm Community Group 5:00 pm Children’s Christmas Pageant 6:00 pm Bethel Christmas Dinner

11 am Meals on Wheels 4 pm First Place Bible Study 6:30 pm Community Group

9:00 am Quilting 9:30 am Parents Day Out

6:15 am Men’s Huddle 10:45 am Art Coop 10:45 am Bible Study 7:45 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

6:30 pm Community Group 7:00 pm Beth Moore Bible Study

Church Office Closed 9 am Quilting 9:00-1:00 Lego Group

1:00-3:30 pm Technical Rehearsal for Cantata

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252 Kids Club Cookie Sale 2:00 pm Community Group 7:00 pm Christmas Cantata

11 am Meals on Wheels 4 pm First Place Bible Study

9:00 am Quilting 3:30 pm CAC Christmas Cottage

6:15 am Men’s Huddle 10:45 am Art Coop 10:45 am Bible Study 7 pm Church Council 7:45 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

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Middle School Bake Sale 4:00 pm Community Group 1:30 pm Terrace on the Green Nursing Home Worship

4:00 pm and 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Worship

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Church Office Closed 9 am Quilting

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4:00 pm Community Group

11 am Meals on Wheels 4 pm First Place Bible Study 6:30 pm Community Group

9:00 am Quilting

EVERY SUNDAY 8:30 & 9:45 am—Contemporary Worship 8:45 am—Children’s Church (childcare provided) 9:00-9:45 am—Youth Choir Rehearsal 9:25-9:45 am—Coffee Fellowship in Asbury Hall 9:45 am—Sunday School for all ages 10:15 am—Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10:40-11am—Coffee Fellowship 11am—Traditional Worship (childcare provided)

BE SURE TO CHECK WEEKLY WORSHIP BULLETINS FOR CHANGES OR UPDATES TO SCHEDULED EVENTS.

Bethel United Methodist Church Rev. Jason Woolever, Pastor 63 West Main Street Mascoutah, IL 62258 www.atbethel.org

8:30 & 9:45 am Contemporary Worship 8:45 am Children’s Church (childcare provided) for children 3 yrs through 5th grade 9:00 am Youth Choir Rehearsal in Choir Room 9:25-9:45 am Coffee Fellowship in Asbury Hall 9:45 am Sunday School for all ages 10:15 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal in Choir Room 10:40-11:00 am Coffee Fellowship in Asbury Hall 11:00 am Traditional Worship (childcare provided)

Mascoutah Food Pantry needs items Ramen noodles—oil—sugar—saltine crackers— dish soap—Kleenex—shampoo—laundry detergent Any non-perishable items will be accepted. Collection baskets are located in church by stairwell. Sunday Service

Bring your extra coats to coat drive Deadline for the coat drive was Sunday, December 1. If you still have a coat that needs to be dropped off, contact Rick Page at 618-7466268 as soon as possible.

December 1

December 8

December 15

December 22

December 29

8:30 Greeter

Jill & Mark Waldis

Jill & Mark Waldis

Jill & Mark Waldis

Jill & Mark Waldis

Jill & Mark Waldis

8:30 Usher

Rose & Terry Moeller

Terry & Rose Moeller

John & Debbie Harris

John & Debbie Harris

John & Debbie Harris

8:30 Advent Reading 9:45 Greeter

Jill & Mark Waldis

Terry & Rose Moeller

Adkins Family

NA

Billie Stukenberg

Billie Stukenberg

Laura Nekola Bonnie Forster Renken Family

Bonnie Forster Laura Nekola Laura Nekola

Cory Hoelscher Billie Stukenberg Cory & Jill LaGrow

Scott & Libby Wetzler

9:45 Usher

Gayla and Darren Fields Matt Aiken Tom Zeisset Kim Hume Roger Grodeon Cory & Jill LaGrow

Kaelin Family

NA

Marla O’Ferrall

Marla O’Ferrall

Marla O’Ferrall

Marla O’Ferrall

Marla O’Ferrall

11:00 Usher

Marianna Romine Charla Nichols

Carroll Lollar

Carroll Lollar

Carroll Lollar

Carroll Lollar

Power Point 8:30 9:45 11:00 Advent Reading Coffee Fellowship

Dan Gangwisch Laura Clark

Dan Gangwisch Debbie Harris Jim & Charla Nichols

Dan Gangwisch Mike Crawford Brenda & Curt Ryan

Dan Gangswisch Debbie Harris NA

Ryan & DeAnne Renken

Charla Nichols

Billie Stukenberg Suzanne Morio

Dan Gangwisch Laura Nekola Laura Clark June Hightower High School Class

Meals on Wheels

Dec 2 E—Mary Price W—Billie Stukenberg

Dec 9 E—Kim Hume W—C & A Lollar

Dec 16 E—Marie Dawson W—DeAnne Renken

Dec 30 E—J Shelley, B Ryan W—B Stukenberg

Leu CC Meals

Dec 3 Kim Astrauskas

Dec 10 K & K Reese

Dec 17 G Venarsky

Dec 23 E—J Shelley, B Ryan W—C Nichols L Nekola NA

9:45 Advent Reading 11:00 Liturgist

Jayson & Lauren Baker

NA