Bethel Banner Nov 2012 - Northfield MN

Bethel Lutheran Church

1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 507.786.6674

[email protected]

www.facebook.com/bethellutheran

http://bethelnorthfield.org/bethel-banner-newsletter/

Adult Ed 18

Befrienders 17

BWHF 22

Calendar 12

Children/Nursery 6

Council 10

Creation Care 16

Finance 10

Library 17

Living Faith 15

Mission & Justice 16

Mission Interp. 14

Music & Worship 3

Scrip 7

Thank You 23

WELCA 22

Worship Servants 20

YES 9

Youth 8

Inside this issue:

The Bethel Banner

The Bethel Banner

The Bethel Banner

The Bethel Banner

Volume #496 November 2012

… and much more!

Give Thanks to the Lord! Recently, Lutheran churches in Africa (Zambia Diocese) reached nearly 5,000 church and community leaders with information and

training about malaria. In the awareness sessions, they were informed of malaria testing (critical in the first 24 hours) and treatment options. With the current worldwide eradication effort focused on Africa, it is possible that malaria can be under control on that continent in

one generation.

When I first wrote of this appeal in the fall of 2010, the World Health Organization estimated that over 1,000,000 people, mostly children, die every year from the disease

Praise the name of God with a song and magnify him with thanksgiving at our Thanksgiving Eve worship service on Wednesday, November 21, at 7 p.m. All are welcome!

Bethel’s Stewardship Committee has identified the ELCA’s continuing program to eradicate malaria in Africa as the recipient of Bethel’s special Thanksgiving 2012 offering. You may remember that Bethel’s special Thanksgiving 2010 offering supported this humanitarian effort with contributions used for mosquito nets. The distribution and success of the nets has been so effective that our 2012 contribution will be used for education and training. Thanksgiving, continued on Page 2.

The Process: The entire process to donate blood takes about 45 minutes. You will register inside the church and then go out to the bus where you will answer a health history questionnaire, get a mini-physical, donate blood, then relax, and have a snack! You can speed up the process by going to www.mbc.org/idonate on the day of the blood drive and doing your health history online.

Please save the date - Sunday, December 2, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - to give this gift. Questions? Bethel's contact person is Karen Mader, 645-9309.

The Gift: This is truly the season of giving. What a perfect time to give a blood donation that can help save as many as three lives. A Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) bloodmobile will be at Bethel on Sunday, December 2, 9:30-1:30 p.m. MBC was established as a private, nonprofit agency in 1948 and has continued through the years with their single-focus as a blood bank resource for Minnesota and N.W. Wisconsin.

The Need: Memorial Blood Centers supplies over 30 hospitals in the region and needs to collect over 2,000 units of blood every week. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It could be your family member, your neighbor, or even you.

Bethel's First Blood Drive

Page 2 The Bethel Banner

Mondays ♦ 7-8 p.m. - WELCA Bible Study

(first Monday of each month)

Wednesdays ♦ 4:30-5:30 p.m., Classroom 62 -

Wednesday Series

Thursdays ♦ 8-9 a.m. - Bethel Women’s Study,

Fireside Room

♦ 8:30-9:30 a.m. - Men of Bethel - Classrooms 61B

Sundays 9:45-10:30 a.m.

♦ This is the Life - Confirmation for Adults

♦ Adult Faith Forums

Monthly and Semi-Monthly Groups ♦ Membership Matters, for prospective

members, offered on February 17, and April 14

♦ STARS luncheons

♦ Adult Retreats

♦ Via de Cristo

♦ Monthly WELCA circles open to all women. If you are interested in joining a circle, please contact the church office.

Find out more about these and other upcoming offerings on pages 18-19. Want to lead a group? Contact Pam Santerre at 786-8951.

Adult Ed at a Glance

Disciples for Christ and His Kingdom.” Because our lives are changed by God’s love for us through Jesus, we want to work in God’s Kingdom. What a joy! The double miracle is that working in God’s Kingdom with our time, talent, and treasure continues to transform us.

At the Sunday morning worship services on November 4, 11, and 18, you will hear three Bethel members share their personal stories of stewardship and change.

You are also invited to a brunch served between services on November 11 or 18 (Please feel free to attend on either date.). During the 45-minute brunch, you will have the opportunity to hear a Bethel member share his story of “Changing Lives and Making a

2 Corinthians 5:17-18:

17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

Your Stewardship Committee is busy planning several fall events for you. This is your invitation to attend these timely and informative events as you consider how you can support Bethel’s ministry locally, nationally, and globally.

This year’s theme is “Changing Lives, Making a Difference.” In September, Pastor Charlie stated in a homily, “At Bethel, we teach people about Jesus… and we also change lives and make a difference.” Pastor Charlie was so right. Bethel is about “Building

Difference” and to learn more about Bethel’s goals and needs for the next year.

As we plan for the next year, we need your financial support. Because of you, Bethel is an effective congregation in preaching, teaching, music, children and youth ministry, mission and justice, outreach, growth, and much more. Everyone of us is needed to ensure that Bethel’s ministries stay strong and grow.

Bethel’s Stewardship Committee Noel Stratmoen, Chair and Steward

Changing Lives, Making a Difference

because malaria symptoms went untreated.

But here is the good news. Because of the all-out effort to combat this deadly disease, the World Health Organization’s latest news release estimated that the death rate from malaria is now about 650,000 people a year.

Bethel can claim to be part of the good news. Furthermore, we can continue to support this ongoing effort. In early November you will be receiving a letter from Bethel’s Stewardship Committee with more information. Begin now with thoughtfulness and prayer as you consider how you can support this continuing humanitarian effort.

Thank you for all that you give.

Noel Stratmoen, Chair and Steward Bethel’s Stewardship Committee

Offering, continued from page 1.

justice, and opportunity for all, and while it is right for us to hold them accountable to such action, they still operate in sin, just like anyone else.

I had a good teacher who put it well. As followers of Christ we are called to

think critically about who we elect, praying for God’s guidance and for God’s will to be done. Then, having made our decision, we should all gather to pray for forgiveness. It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it has served me well in faith to be reminded of this stark truth.

Second, Jesus is ultimately still the Lord of heaven and earth. We are prone to forget that from time to time. This does not get us off the hook in this world. As Martin Luther put it, as Christ has come to us and taken up residence in our lives we are to be “little Christs” to one another, walking and serving as Christ in the world, which includes honoring our duties as citizens to elect good leaders. But we still confess and trust that God is God, and we are not. And God promises to bring about God’s purpose in Christ.

November 2012 Page 3

Friends in Christ,

It’s October 16th as I write this. By the time this Banner gets to you we will be thoroughly immersed in the week of the election. It will be the talk of many a gathering and will dominate the news. Some people’s hopes will be granted while others’ will fall short, bringing much elation from some and much worry to others.

No matter how you will have chosen to vote (or not vote) and no matter which candidates rise to office, I’ve found it fruitful to keep two things in perspective with regard to our faith.

First of all, we’re electing sinners…and I mean this in the most hopeful and compassionate way. While there is certainly the truth that we believe some candidates will be better than others, all of them, like you and me and everyone else, is plagued with sin. These people are not saviors. So while we hope and pray and expect for them to do their job with integrity, honesty, and wisdom in order to promote goodness, safety,

The prophet Isaiah writes, “Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth.” (25:8b).

With you, I await that glorious day and hope for its coming soon. In the meantime, we live and move and find our being in the hope of Jesus, confessing the sin that is always present, and living in the promise that we are made new.

In these times of transition of leadership and the many unknowns which lie ahead, may you all continue to cling to that truth and hope, and may you be given great courage to work for justice, love all your neighbors, work for good for the world, and be the light of Christ in any darkness.

From the Associate Pastor...

Looking ahead...

Bethel member Claire Larson is seeking youth (Grades 7 and up) and adults to play in the Bethel Band on Sunday, December 23. The band will be providing prelude music for both services so you would be free by 10:50 a.m. and will also lead a Christmas Carol sing during the Sunday School hour. Please contact Rhonda Reece if you have questions. Save the date! Sign-up information will be in the December Banner.

Bells, Brass and Strings!

The St. Olaf Handbell Choir, under the direction of Bethel member Jill Mahr, will give a concert here at Bethel on Sunday, November 11, at 2:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. I'm certain this concert, as in previous years, will be delightful! Bethel's own youth bell ensembles (which Jill also directs), will join the ensemble. You don't want to miss this one!

Music and Worship Notes

Rhonda Reece, Director of Music and Worship

786-8874 [email protected]

The Bethel String Ensemble (youth in grades 6 and up, as well as adults) will play in worship on Sunday, December 30. On that day there is one service only at 10 a.m. We will play a medley of Christmas Carols. Save the date!! Sign-up information will be in the December Banner.

Please join the 200+ Bethelites who currently serve in music ministry. May all our music be to God's glory!

… we’re electing

sinners…and I

mean this in the

most hopeful and

compassionate

way.


a righteous life.” Ah, so our gray hair is a sign of our righteous life! Splendid. I fit the gray hair part. So this is how we are going to save the world. We older adults, one by one, will tell our stories (of our righteous life) as a model to others. Perhaps better is to tell stories on each other.

So as a first step toward saving the world, I have a story. One of the best college administrators I encountered in my ten years as a department chair is Thora Phelps. Since Thora has been a Bethel member for decades, perhaps you all know her.

Thora’s work at St. Olaf College involved connecting St. Olaf alumni with academic departments. It’s my experience that most administrators are good at thinking of important policies that will further the mission of the organization they lead. However, implementing those thoughtful policies

The other day I was looking online at books about aging. One I ran across, What Are Old People For?: How Elders Will Save the World by a physician, William Thomas, seemed especially intriguing. Written in 2007, I wondered how I had failed to see the book when it came out? I could have been saving the world for years. ☺

What especially caught my eye was the opening line of the editor's comment: "We live in a society that opposes aging." "That’s pretty funny," I thought, but from my perspective, not any more humorous than Dr. Thomas’ statement that we older adults are going to save the world. "How in the world are we going to do that?" seems to be a reasonable question.

So I looked for a Bible quotation that might help me out. And what did I find? Proverbs 16:31 (NIV) “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by

is generally up to others.

But not for Thora. She would make the connections between alumni and departments herself. She scheduled the room. She posted the announcement and sent the invitations. She did all the work. Thora was a model of Servanthood at its best. All a busy department chair had to do was find agreement among the department faculty members for what they would like to do and then show up for the event. Thora’s approach is a truly amazing way for a leader to act!!

Incidentally, Bethel’s own Pam Santerre is that kind of leader too, but since she isn’t an older adult, I guess I can’t really talk about her yet.

[Editor's Note: Long-time Bethel member Bruce Roberts will be offering his thoughts on Christian living, life as a senior, and other topics on a regular basis in the Banner. Many thanks, Bruce!]

Gray Hair is a Crown of Splendor

One Older Adult At A Time: Saving The World By Bruce Roberts

Bethels STARS*, Mark Your Calendars! The STARS Christmas Luncheon and Program will be held on Thursday, December 6, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the Valhalla Room at St. Olaf College, with a King’s Room buffet luncheon and a program to follow. The cost is $15 per person. Sign-up at the information table in the narthex or call the church office by Tuesday, December 4.

*Bethel Seniors Together in Retirement

The monthly Senior Coffee will take place on Monday, November 5, at 10 a.m. in the CLC. Bring some treats to share and enjoy an hour of fellowship. For more details, contact Mary Nystuen at 645-4011.

Henry Mueller is again organizing a Tuesday bowling group for Bethelites ages 50+ at the Jesse James Lanes, starting on Tuesday, November 13, at 2 p.m., at a special rate of $3 per line plus free shoes and balls. This is not a high-stress league, but a chance to have fun with friends. Contact Pastor Henry at 663-0143 for more details.

In the immortal words of Uncle Sam, We Need You! There are lots of opportunities for older Bethelites to stay involved and connected at Bethel. From reading to kindergarteners at BAM to tying quilts, from playing in a musical ensemble to posting on our Facebook page, we want and need your involvement, your history, your stories, and your experience. Contact the church office to volunteer or to find out more.

Seniors ~ Seniors ~ Seniors ~ SeniorsSeniors ~ Seniors ~ Seniors ~ SeniorsSeniors ~ Seniors ~ Seniors ~ SeniorsSeniors ~ Seniors ~ Seniors ~ Seniors

Of Special Interest to our Seniors

and high school youth will meet in the Bethel Youth Center at 9:30 a.m. that morning. If you want a Sunday of good conversation, please join us for some discussion around topics that affect and interest our youth!

All adults, 50 and up, are invited to bowl on Tuesday afternoons at the Jesse James Lanes. Bowling starts on Tuesday, November 13, at 2 p.m., at a special rate of $3 per line plus free shoes and balls. Come as often as you can. No averages are kept. Contact Henry Mueller at 663-0143 for further information or just show up.

On Tuesday, November 20, Bethel Women Having Fun will go to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to see the "China's Terracotta Warriors: The First Emperor's Legacy" exhibit and dine at their cafeteria. Sign up at the information table by November 1. The cost is $16 for admission, plus lunch, leaving Bethel at 8:45 a.m. In December the fun continues on the

All Bethel members can take part in the Annual Fall Scrip Sale, November 11 — December 16. Gift cards are available in the narthex; your purchase will support summer trips for our youth. Look for details on page 6 or call Lori Cowdin.

The Annual Youth Service Sale has begun and will continue through mid-November. Check out the great services that are available on tables in the narthex and help our Bethel youth earn money toward their summer trips!

Let’s Talk! is a time during the Sunday school hour for youth, parents, and other Bethel adults to meet in the youth room for discussion groups. There will be three “Let’s Talk!” Sundays throughout the 2012-13 school year. A different topic is highlighted each session, and discussion questions are provided. Our first discussion will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, November 4. All middle

Bethel News


second Tuesday, December 11, when BWHF will travel to the American Swedish Institute to see their Christmas exhibit, with lunch at ASI's new restaurant Fika. Look for the sign-up sheet in mid-November.

All Bethel members are invited to take part in the annual Advent Fair on Sunday, December 2, noon-2 p.m. Join us for lunch and activities that will enhance the observation of Advent in our homes. For more details or to help, contact Pam Vig at 786-8878.

Bethel's Sunday worship services are broadcast on NTV on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. At Northfield Hospital you can view the worship services on channel 14 on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 10 a.m. DVDs of our worship services are available at Paula's desk. We hope to be webstreaming soon, too!

Bethel staff has been talking and praying about all the different ways that we communicate with each other.

Bethelites are good at face-to-face communicating; poke an ear into the CLC during Bistro or Sunday fellowship hour. Ask an adult education group to share their ideas with each other. Join an ACTS group. And it's not just adults: you might even need earplugs on a Wednesday afternoon for all the "communicating"!

There's a fair amount of phone calling, too, for finding volunteers, requesting prayers, and reaching out to each other. And tried and true snail mail isn't yet a thing of the past, as the Banner, giving statements, greeting cards, and other items regularly land in your mailbox.

Then there are newer modes of communication.

You already know that Bethel has a website (www.bethelnorthfield.org) and two Facebook pages (one for youth - www.facebook.com/pages/Bethel Lutheran Youth, and one for everybody - www.facebook.com/bethelnorthfield).

We also use email quite a bit around here. In an effort to manage all of our email more professionally, the look of our emails will be changing. You'll still receive the same kinds of information and can reply to the same email addresses you already have in your address books. Our new format will not only look better, it will help us manage our email lists more efficiently.

While we will still be mailing, calling and talking, we'll also be making some changes over the next few months. We hope to roll out a new version of the Banner, formatted for smart phones. We're working on on-line registration options for events and trips, and web access for our worship services. You just might see some blogs and tweets, too. Who knows!?

If you have any feedback for us, feel free to drop a note, make a call, post a comment or send an email. We

want to know how you like to receive and share information.

Bethel Embraces the Digital Future

our Age 3-Grade 5 Sunday School classes. Children whose last name begins with A-L will participate in the 8:30 service. Children whose last name begins with M-Z will participate in the 10:45 service. If you need to switch services, please contact Pam Vig immediately.

Advent Fair – The season of Advent begins on Sunday, December 2. Please join us from noon-2 p.m. for food, fun, and Advent projects that will aide us in preparing for and enhancing the observation

Due to Thanksgiving, there will be no BAM on Wednesday, November 21.

The 5th Grade Holy Communion Retreat is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17. All 5th grade families should have received a mailing regarding this. If you did not, please contact, Pam Vig, at 786-8878 or [email protected].

Our worship services on the third Sunday of Advent, December 16, will be led by

myself and remember that there is value in just being.

But our children don’t have that frame of reference. Most people under the age of 30 can’t remember a time without a multitude of technological distractions. As a result, it is imperative that we guide and create time in our lives, our children’s lives, and our family lives to unplug…to notice the world and the people around us…to get comfortable with silence and solitude.

As we nestle in for the winter months, let us be mindful of those times when we reach for our technology of choice and ask ourselves why we are doing so. Is there something specific we need to accomplish or are we simply looking for distraction out of habit? I encourage you, during the month of November, to have conversations with the members of your family around being mindful of our use of technology. Are we using it to

I had just gotten into the car to drive across town to run an errand. I hadn’t gone more than a block before I found myself thinking, “Who should I call?”

Suddenly I realized what I was doing. With the ability to communicate with someone else at any time of the day or night literally at our fingertips, we allow ourselves fewer and fewer opportunities to just be…to take notice of the world around us, and more importantly, the people around us.

Some of us are uncomfortable without a multitude of distractions to take our mind away, while others of us simply like to multi-task. If we have a few minutes, we immediately think, “What could I be getting done with these few minutes?” and then we start doing it.

I’m old enough that I am barely holding on to the shirttail of the waves of technology that come at us day after day. And so it is easier for me to catch

accomplish something, out of habit, out of boredom, or as a distraction?

There are many benefits to the wonderful technology that is available to us. But let’s be aware of how, when, and why we are using it. And just as we make time to check our email, Facebook, and Twitter accounts, let’s make sure we make time to check in with the person sitting next to us in the car, across the room from us, or even just walking towards us – and not with a text message but with a face to face, look-you-in-the-eye conversation.

And let’s make sure we carve out time for ourselves to simply be – to notice the world around us, to think, to ponder, to be aware, and to thank God for the many blessings that are all around us if we simply take our eyes off our screens long enough to observe them.

Psalm 119:108 – Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me thy ways.

Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries

786-8878

[email protected]

Children’s Ministry Update

Church and Home Ministry ~ Partners in Faith By Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries

of the season of Advent in our homes. A simple lunch will be served, and activities for all ages will be available. If you would like to help with the food or with serving in an activity area for a 30-minute shift or if you have advent activity ideas, please contact Pam Vig.

Children ~ Families ~ Children ~ Families


our Advent box. Each week she would fill it with devotional material, activities, and a surprise. Even when the kids had moved into high school, they would still reserve those Sunday

evenings in Advent.

During those years we would sing, pray, and celebrate a season that I fear too often goes unnoticed. How quickly we move into the Christmas season. But our family’s experience taught us that Christmas gained even more meaning because of time spent in Advent…

waiting…anticipating.

From the Scrip Table... The Annual Fall Scrip Sale starts November 11 and will run through December 16 with all orders arriving by December 23. During the fall sale, Bethel members can designate any Bethel youth to receive the earnings from their card purchases. Because Scrip has cards to make everyday purchases at Target, KMart, Cub, Kwik Trip, SuperAmerica, Holiday, and Walgreen's, Bethel members can support our youth trips without a special occasion although Scrip can easily be ordered for your favorite restaurants and retailers also. If you've never purchased Scrip before, the Fall Sale would be a great time to see how easy Scrip is to purchase and use!

Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator

786-6674 [email protected]

have to see to believe! Stop by the bulletin board outside of the nursery and prepare to ooh and aah!

Babysitting List ~ Our new and updated version of Bethel's Babysitting List is hot off the press! We have

Nathan Hoekstra, our November Artist of the Month, has some

original artwork on display that you

Nursery News paper copies available in the nursery or you can request a copy via email by emailing Juley Jenkinson, our Nursery Coordinator.

After all these years, our adult children still remember the tune and most of the words: “The King of glory come, the nation rejoices, open the gates before him, lift up your voices.”

It was a song that became part of our family Advent. When our children were still at home, every Sunday evening during Advent became a special event. My wife Lynette receives the credit. In the midst of crazy schedules between schools and church, she decided that Advent offered a unique opportunity for family devotions. She decorated a huge box,

Making Advent a Family Tradition


Children ~ Families ~ Children ~ Families

How can we strengthen families and support faith development in that setting?

Let me suggest this Advent as time to begin in your own homes. Discuss Advent as a family. Plan Advent activities as a family. Even sing, if you want to: “Sing then of David’s Son, our Saviour and brother, in all of Galilee was never another.” (The King of Glory)

Shalom,

Harold Usgaard Bishop, Southeastern Minnesota Synod

December 2, 2011

with your family that evening. Confirmation classes will resume as normal on Wednesday, November 28.

Sales, Sales, Sales ~ Bethel Youth fall fundraisers are starting off with the annual Youth Service Sale and the Fall Scrip Sale. These are both great ways to earn money toward your summer trips — 8th Grade Mission Trip to Minneapolis, Christikon trip for 9th grade, and the high school mission trip. Each youth's earnings will go into your individual trip accounts. Please call or email Barb Farmer, the Scrip Team, or the Youth Fundraising Team if you have questions. Start planning for summer now!

2012 Confirmands – Your Confirmation pictures are due to arrive by November 1. You may pick them up in Barb Farmer’s office.

Parents of Bethel graduates – Your children are probably getting settled by now at school, on an exchange program, in the service, or working away from home. If you haven’t already done so, please pass along his/her address and email address for our Bethel files. They may be left with Barb Farmer or in the church office.

⋅ The first in a series of three 6th Grade Lord’s Prayer Retreats is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, November 11, from 12 to 3 p.m. All 6th grade youth are invited. We will meet in the Bethel Youth Center for pizza at noon; bring $5 for lunch and supplies. If you are a parent able to help with this retreat, please contact Barb Farmer.

Let’s Talk! is a time for youth, parents, and other Bethel adults to meet in the youth room for discussion groups. There will be three “Let’s Talk!” Sundays throughout the 2012-13 school year. A different topic is highlighted each session, and discussion questions are provided. Our first “Let’s Talk” will be held during the Sunday school hour on Sunday, November 4. All middle and high school youth will meet in the Bethel Youth Center at 9:30 a.m. Join us for discussion with some of your favorite Bethel adults (Feel free to invite some.) led by our Bethel 7th grade youth!

Hi League will meet on November 14 and 28 this month. Plan to take a study break and join your Bethel friends for faith, fun, and food! We’ll meet in the Bethel Youth Center at 7 p.m. both evenings.

There will be no confirmation classes, 6th Grade Connections, or Hi League on Wednesday, November 21. Please plan to attend the Thanksgiving Eve service

Bethel High School Seniors & Parents

⋅ Please put Sunday afternoon, November 4, on your calendars for the first of three Faith Stepping Stones retreats for seniors & parents. This retreat is focused on looking back at blessings, assessing the present, and looking ahead to changes as families begin this transitional year. We will meet in the Bethel Youth Center following the second service from 12–3 p.m. This is a great time for seniors and parents to take time for each other during this busy year. Please RSVP to Barb Farmer by Wednesday, October 31.

⋅ If you miss the first Senior Stepping Stones Retreat on the 4th of this month, don’t forget to pick up a packet to begin your senior quilt. Each senior is provided with squares that family and friends can decorate and return to Bethel for assembly into a quilt that will be presented to him/her on Senior Sunday in June. Quilt packets may be found in Barb Farmer’s office. It’s a good idea to try to pick them up now so you can distribute squares to friends and relatives and have them returned to you over the holidays; they will be due back to Barb on January 15..

Sixth Graders ~

⋅ 6th Grade Connections will meet in the Bethel Youth Center at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7. A parent planning team meeting will take place in room 61A at 6:30 p.m. that evening.


Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth

Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries

786-8877

[email protected]

Attention Youth Musicians Do you play an instrument? We'd love to have you in the Bethel Band or the Bethel String Ensemble! Look at page 3 for details.

Youth Ministry News


service. Help take part in this easy, fun, and important service. Grab a friend or go with your family. It takes about 30 minutes and the people you deliver to live in retirement homes very close to Bethel. Get signed up in the Youth Room or this web link: http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/732345631841830094.

November 18: It's time again to help at the Advent Festival here at Bethel! The YES team will be

Calling all middle and high school youth! Get ready to say "Y.E.S." to fun service projects throughout the school year. The Y.E.S. team wants your involvement in several opportunities to help others in our community and beyond. Here's what the team has planned for November…

Every Sunday: We need youth to deliver Meals on Wheels for the BLUE Route after the second

Just Say Y.E.S. … (That's Youth Energized to Serve)

producing a couple simple craft projects (i.e., fleece blanket and cards) to give away to those in need. We could use several middle and high school volunteers to demonstrate and help make these simple projects with the younger kids at Bethel. Please sign-up for an hour shift to help with the YES team. Contact Cindy Kreis, Barb Farmer, or sign-up on the Advent Festival sheet in the youth room.

On Sunday, October 7, congregational meetings were held between services and after second service. The goal of the meetings was to update the congregation on the status of Bethel’s building campaign and to solicit opinions on how to proceed once the current campaign ends on June 30, 2013. About 200 people attended the meetings.

Tracy Nelson presented a PowerPoint review of the building project and the two campaigns that funded it:

⋅ 2007-2010 - Building Bethel’s Second Century campaign raised $2.3 million

⋅ 2008 - Building remodel and addition at total cost of $5.5 million

⋅ 2009 - Secured permanent loan for $3.5 million

⋅ 2010–2013 - Building Our Future, Keeping Our Promise campaign raised $1.76 million.

Through committed, generous giving, Bethel members will have reduced our loan to about $1.5 million by June 30,

2013.

Discussion focused on the question of how we should proceed, with some options being:

⋅ A third fund drive led by a professional agency

⋅ A third fund drive led by Bethel members

⋅ Asking current pledges to be extended by one year, plus ask new members and those who were not able to give before, to make a new pledge

⋅ Move the current monthly payment of $10,973 into the operating budget understanding that weekly giving would have to increase substantially

⋅ Several people asked about further expansion and if that should be added into a third campaign. We have plans from 2007 for three additions: education wing estimated cost of $540,000, CLC expansion estimated cost of $255,000 and new

sanctuary estimated cost of $1.5 million.

Doing nothing is not an option but we are not in panic mode. We have a healthy, vibrant congregation and have time to discuss our options and personally reflect on what our contribution can be.

Many more comments were made and the full minutes of the meeting as well as the PowerPoint presentation are available upon request to Sandy Peterson in the church office. If you have questions or are willing to assist with the next stage of planning, please contact Don Pavek, President, or the church office.

Watch for more to come….

Thanks for Attending the Congregational Meeting

Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth ~ Youth


Highlights of the August Church Council Meeting... The Trustee reported that new cart dollies and a few tables were purchased. The new blinds have been installed in the Youth Center. He has someone that is going to do a video inventory of the entire facility so we have it for insurance purposes. The paperwork has been completed for a refund from Dupont for the trees that were damaged.

The Personnel Committee is working on answering many areas that the audit brought up.

The Treasurer reported that budget worksheets are being prepared for the 2013 budget processes. At the end of August, the 2012 income was almost equal to the 2011 income. Expenses were slightly higher than 2011. With the debt reserve included, income is $29,000 less than expenses through August. Building fund review showed enough surplus to pay the September payment as well as prepayment of $30,000 on the 5-year loan. There will be 3 counters instead of just 2 on Sunday mornings as that was a recommendation of the Audit Committee.

The Steward reported that his committee continues to work on the fall campaign and they are nailing down the details.

At-Large to the Kitchen reported that the training for the Church Kitchen Lady Law has taken place and was well attended. They will now work on developing a kitchen guideline book.

At-Large for the Constitution submitted a preliminary copy and Council moved to forward it on the SE MN Synod for their input.

A Capital Campaign Task Force was established to look into options.

The Nominating Committee was convened and will start working on a slate of candidates for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation.


Year-to-date

Benevolences

Make Giving Simple through Simply Giving! In this age of multi-tasking, multi-sensory, and multi-everything, we're all looking for ways to make our lives simpler. Take one item off your "to do" list by signing up for Simply Giving, which allows you to make donations to Bethel on a scheduled, automatic basis. It's a win-win: it is convenient for you, and it provides much-needed donation consistency for Bethel. Simply Giving can be used for your regular faith-based giving (your Sunday offering) and/or your building fund pledge to the capital campaign securely and confidentially. Best of all, the amount and schedule (monthly, quarterly, annually) can be changed at any time, quickly and easily, if your circumstances change.

How to get started ~ To set up electronic donations, simply complete the authorization form which can be found on Bethel’s website (bethelnorthfield.org) or on the information table in the narthex. Donations can be debited automatically from either a checking or savings account. Return the completed form to the church office, attention Darla Dahl.

Financial News and Notes

Darla Dahl, Church Accountant

786-6687

[email protected]

Capital Campaign

Capital Campaign 07/01/10 - 06/30/13

Results as of 09/30/2012

Pledges 1,746,659

Pledges Received (1,279,810)

Pledges to be Received 466,849

Non-Pledges Received 90,929

1/15/2009 Building Debt 3,500,000

Scheduled Principal payments (301,770)

Additional Principal payments (1,474,361)

09/30/2012 Building Debt 1,723,869

Building Debt

As of 9/30/12

SE MN Synod 20,625

Cannon River Conf.-ELCA 295

Community Action Center 2,475

Lutheran Social Services 8,250

Global Mission/Justice 3,500

Benevolence Contingency 310

ELCA World Hunger 2,560

Sunday School- ISLA 416

Sun. Sch.- 8th Gr. Mission Trip 445

Total Sunday School 861

CAC Food Shelf 14,761

Soup Suppers 2,692

Total CAC Food Shelf 17,454

Easter Offering 2012

Habitat- 50% 2,790

Torch- 25% 1,395

House of Hope- 25% 1,395

5,580

Malaria 70

Good Samaritan Funds used 3,033

$65,012

Sunday

Monday

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Wednesday

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Saturday

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December 2 ~ Bloodmobile, Advent Fair

December 6 ~ STARs Christmas Luncheon

December 9 ~ Advent Choral Festival

December 15 ~ Decorate for Christmas, Lefse at the NRC


Look for more information about events at Bethel on our

website at: www.bethelnorthfield.org

Mark Your Calendars

Weekly Wednesday Schedule

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From Our Mission Interpreter... By Lois Stratmoen

according to the Rev. Stephen Nelson, who serves as director for global community at ELCA churchwide ministries.

Included among this year's mission personnel is a librarian from Wisconsin, earning a Master of Divinity degree, who will teach theology and English in Papua New Guinea, and a lecturer at an ELCA seminary, who will teach pastoral care and counseling in Ethiopia.

Long-term service positions are carefully developed with the priorities of ELCA global companion churches, according to Nelson. "Our global companions request ELCA personnel to fill positions identified as critical needs," he said, adding that these are positions that work to build the capacity of our companion churches in their theological education institutions, congregations, leadership development, and in other ways.

The mission personnel will begin their service with orientation in Toronto, before moving to their respective areas of service.

Information about ELCA Missionary Sponsorship is available at www.ELCA.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Global-Mission/Engage-in-Global-Mission/Support/Global-Mission-Support.aspx.

we navigate this. We don't know what it means, we don't know what it will be like, and we cannot even imagine the ways in which this experience will transform who we are. Yet we know this is what we are being called into.”

Financial support for ELCA missionaries is made possible through the generosity of congregations, individual members and others across this church.

“The ELCA Missionary Sponsorship program is an excellent way to make a direct connection between the hearts of our people and the ministry of ELCA missionaries around the globe. Together, God's work is truly happening through our hands,” said the Rev. Lanny Westphal, who directs missionary sponsorship at ELCA churchwide ministries.

"Support for missionaries is more urgent now than ever before," said the Rev. Twila Schock, a former missionary and former director for missionary sponsorship. Schock is senior pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Belvidere, IL. “Our church has not waivered in its commitment to supporting our missionaries,” despite some economic setbacks, said Schock, adding that the ELCA is experiencing resurgence in the number of fundable long-term missionaries.

For 2012 there are also a number of ELCA pastors and lay members returning as missionaries. A former missionary couple who served in Thailand and Seoul are now being called to work with the Nairobi International Lutheran Congregation, and another couple who worked with the International Church of Copenhagen is now being called to a ministry of leadership development in the Lutheran Church of Senegal,

Have you wondered what is happening to the mission outreach to other countries? We don’t hear as much about it as we once did. Is it still an active program of the ELCA? Following is an article I found in an ELCA news report this summer. I hope you will find it informative and interesting.

ELCA experiencing growth in the number of long-term mission personnel

CHICAGO (ELCA) - The Rev. Tessa Moon Leiseth, her husband, Jon, and their two children will soon call Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, home for the next four years. Tessa is among 15 new missionaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) beginning service in July.

The ELCA is one of the few mainline denominations that fully support its long-term mission personnel. Every year 225 ELCA mission personnel serve in more than 40 countries, working hand-in-hand with global neighbors teaching, preaching, healing, peacemaking, building, and growing communities. Of the 225, some are self-funded volunteers and others are serving a two-year commitment.

As the Leiseth family eagerly awaits their new journey, they acknowledge that it will be hard to leave family and friends, particularly their home in Moorhead, Minn.

“There is a mixture of grief, fear and anxiety,” said Tessa Leiseth. “We are leaving our safety net: what we know, things to which we are accustomed, and things that make us feel comfortable.”

Even so, a clear and compelling call drives them forward, she said. “That is the rock and anchor we hold onto as


Living Faith By Pam Santerre

Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister

786-8951

[email protected]

There are so many reasons that I belong to Bethel: to worship, to serve, to grow in faith. One of the primary reasons is because of you, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Being part of a faith community reminds us that we are not alone in our everyday journeys; we are here for one another and God is here among us.

Jan Roberts has started a support group for women who have had or are currently being treated for cancer. She shared the following reflection at the first gathering and I asked for her permission to share it in this newsletter. It’s an invitation to women who have experienced cancer to join this group. But it also speaks volumes about how important our presence and support is to one another, especially as we face life’s challenges.

� One August day last year, I was standing in middle of a large Mayo Clinic lobby talking to a woman standing next to me. I told her that I was going to have surgery for cancer the next day, but I couldn’t cry. Ironically, at that very moment Pastor

Charlie called me on my cell phone to ask how I was doing. He asked if he could pray with me. As he prayed, I cried – right there in the middle of that huge lobby. “I cried,” I later told the woman with whom I had been talking. She said, “I know, I was watching you. I cried too.”

The other day as I prepared to attend our first Cancer Mutual-Help Gathering for Bethel Women, I asked myself, “What brought me here? What do I need?”

I feel safe here at Bethel. My history is at Bethel. When I was 30 years old, I came to this particular house of God. I have stood at the altar with numerous sorrows and joys. I feel a special kinship with Bethel Lutheran women who have walked along similar paths throughout the years. Comfort comes from open relationships. I feel that way with both my long-term friends and my new friends. Just as I personally gain so much from going to the Lord’s Table on Sundays and from the phone calls and cards from Bethel members, I can now share the peace of abundant grace with

other Bethel women who have experienced cancer.

Our once a month mutual help gatherings at Bethel are, importantly, completely confidential. Your telling your story is a gift to the rest of us. Your listening with care and respect to our stories is also a gift. For each of us, both Luke 6:31 and Matthew 18:20 come to life.

What we give to each other is the ministry of presence:

⋅ We comfort by our experience.

⋅ We inspire by our example.

⋅ We encourage by sharing our hearts.

Jan Roberts

� The Cancer Mutual-Help Gathering for Bethel Women meets the second Monday of each month, from 1–2 p.m. in the Bethel Chapel.


you're feeling, and let them know what they can do to help you have a more enjoyable holiday season.

Plan holiday activities that will bring you pleasure. And minimize those that may be difficult. For example, if holiday shopping was something you did with your loved one and it will now intensify your grief to do it alone, give cash gifts instead. [Or find other ideas at Bethel's Alternative Giving Fair.] On the other hand, if decorating your home will conjure up good memories of your loved one, be sure to do it.

For some, the holidays can be painful. To cope with your feelings this holiday season, follow this advice from the National Hospital and Palliative Care Organization and the American Hospice Foundation.

Be prepared for intense feelings. You may feel angry, panicked, depressed, guilty, fearful, or lonely, even if you haven't felt that way in a while. It's normal for these feelings to be stronger at the holidays.

Seek support from friends and family members. Talk about how

Coping With Grief During the Holidays Decide how you want to handle holiday traditions. For some, keeping the same traditions is comforting. For others, it's easier to cope with the loss of a loved one by developing new traditions.

Take time to remember your loved one in a special way. You may want to share family stories over a meal or volunteer for a charity that your loved one supported.

~Reprinted from Mayo Clinic Health Solutions


be many opportunities for you and your loved ones to receive gifts which will “pay it forward” and follow the outward mission of our faith. Watch the weekly Banner for more information.

November 4 between services in the sanctuary.

The Alternative Giving Fair will be held November 18 — December 9 in the narthex. There will

Don’t miss the last of our fall speakers on Faith and Consumerism; Dr. Peder Jothen, a member of our congregation and a member of the St. Olaf religion department, will speak on “Ethics, faith, and consumerism” on

From the Mission and Justice Committee Vision Statement: Since we believe that service is both an obligation and a privilege of the Christian life, we seek to provide opportunities for Bethel members to learn about the needs of others in our

world and to put their knowledge into action, heeding Christ's call to "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Minute for Mission LPGM has supported ministries and programs that empower women, encourage families to educate their daughters, and provide greater access to healthcare for women. The bestselling book and recent PBS documentary, Half the Sky--Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, by Nicholas D. Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn, affirms what LPGM does and how we do it, while helping us to realize that our work is far from complete. Encourage your friends or small group to read the book or watch the movie, and then challenge them to make a difference for a woman in Africa or India through LPGM.

containers of meals which are then delivered to shut-ins. The routes are

divided by sections of town and will take the volunteer about 45 minutes to an hour. Families with children are especially encouraged to volunteer; individuals, couples, or friends – everyone is needed.

To volunteer, email Chris Valek at [email protected] or call her at 645-4192 . You can also sign-up on-line at http://doodle.com/-

Sign up now to help with Bethel’s yearly three-week time commitment to the Meals on Wheels program from November 25 – December 15.

There are five routes to fill each day, seven days a week; Bethel’s YES kids already fill the Blue Route on Sundays. Other groups from town also commit to certain days.

Thorough instructions are given for drivers; basically, drivers go to the hospital at noon and pick up 3-4

Help Deliver Meals on Wheels

monthly, $960 annually. The savings will result in 904,627 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide being emitted. That cut will mean a decrease in heat-trapping gases in our atmosphere.

Learn more about MNEnergyChallenge.org by going online or by stopping at the Creation Care ministry table on November 4.

151 households! That is how many Bethel households are currently signed up for the Minnesota Energy Challenge.

Bethel continues to be a leader among over 250 congregations in the state, with our congregation being in 5th place in the friendly competition. The 151 Bethel households have agreed to cut energy use by an amount of $78

Creation Care

Creation Care Tip: The average person generates 4.5 pounds of trash per day, and 1.5 tons of waste each year. Even though 75% of that waste is recyclable, only about 30% is recycled. Recycling is an important step to preserving our environment. It takes just a few minutes of your time, but its impact will benefit future generations.

Here are a few of the other titles that have recently become available in Christian Historical Fiction:

Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard Von Bingen by Mary Sharratt (just released on October 9)

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross (an international bestseller!)

Non-fiction:

You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman

Who Is This Man?: The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus by John Ortberg, author of When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box

And for kids:

Ronnie Wilson’s Gift by Francis Chan, suggested for ages 4-8.

P is for Pumpkin: God’s Harvest Alphabet by Kathy-Jo Wargin, suggested for ages 4-7.

If your harvest is in and the cooler weather has been keeping you in, too, then what better time to head to church to enjoy browsing for a good book!

Your Bethel Library is happy to provide books by several local authors including Professor Jim Farrell of the St. Olaf American Studies Department. Farrell, who spoke at the Mission and Justice forum on October 28, authored One Nation Under Goods: Malls and the Seductions of American Shopping.

Your Bethel Library also tries to provide books that some of our members have been reading or have recommended. For example, the Stewardship Committee recently read Not Your Parents' Offering Plate by J. Clif Christopher, and now this, too, can be found in the Bethel Library.

The Swipe Series by Evan Angler, suggested for ages 8-11.

The Bethel Library has so many great books, it's hard to know where to begin! One new feature of the library that could help you is the Book Recommendation Board. All Bethel members are invited to post reviews of Bethel library books they have read, so that other Bethelites can get a better idea of what a particular book is about, as well as what another reader has liked or disliked about the book. Check it out!


Library Corner

The words “given and shed for you” are offered to Bethelites nearly every week at worship during Holy

Communion. These words are spoken to affirm God’s love for us. We need words to encourage us daily. Despite our reasoning that loved ones should just “know how we feel,” there is something deeply comforting in hearing the words spoken. The husband in “A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol” answers his wife’s lament that he never tells her he loves her, by simply explaining: “Honey I told you I loved you the day we were

Befrienders By Marci Groenewold

married. If anything changes I’ll let you know.” Although this sounds silly, many of us have never heard our parents say they love each other. We may never have heard our parents tell us they were proud of us or loved us.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give praise for all of our blessings including those closest to us. This Thanksgiving consider blessing your spouse, children, friends, siblings, coworkers, subordinates, and neighbors with a kind and affirming word. Phrases like, “I love you,” “Wow, you did a great job,” “Keep up the good work,” or “I appreciate you”

are gifts you can give to those you care about most. These words cost nothing, but their value is priceless.

Blessings from Bethel's Befrienders

†

A core Befriender principle: “Active Listening." For more information, call Marci Groenewold, (649-0760), Knight Stanley (612-877-0893 ), Jean Miller (645-5353), or the Bethel office (786-6674).

Next Bethel Befriender meeting: Thursday, January 24, 2013, at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Room.

Adult Ed, continued on Page 19.

The Bethel Banner Page 18

Financial Associate, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans® Representative.

November 18—December 2 – Alternative Giving Fair - Sponsored by the Mission and Justice Committee

January 6—20, 2013 – The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien, and Christianity in Culture – Led by Greg Walter, Bethel member and Associate Professor of Religion at St. Olaf College. Who wouldn't like hobbits? They are capable of surprising those who know them well. The Lord of the Rings has not only great merit as a creative work but also deep theological significance since Tolkien explored many important questions of friendship, forgiveness, evil, and the strange. We'll take time to think about some characters, the plot, and some of Tolkien's reflections on the world of Middle-Earth itself. Most of all, we'll see the vital importance that imagination plays in the life of faith. Who knows what life with hobbits will bring?

February 3 – Parents, Kids and Money Matters – How to speak to your 6 – 10 year olds about money. A Thrivent educational workshop offered by Andrew Gray, Bethel member and Thrivent Representative.

February 10 – Intergenerational Lenten Event – Watch for more information in future issues of the Banner.

February 17—March 24 – “We’ll Leave the Lights On” Lenten Forum Series – Guest speakers, including Marilyn Sharpe, will share their thoughts about why younger Christians are leaving the church and how we as a faith community can find new ways of reaching out to and discipling the next generation.

April 7 – Estate Strategy Essentials - Learn the three essential elements of

The heart of Bethel’s mission is to build and equip disciples for Christ and His Kingdom. Through adult educational opportunities, we trust that God is actively nurturing faith, growing knowledge and empowering our community to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Please consider participating in the following adult education opportunities:

For all Adults on Sunday For all Adults on Sunday For all Adults on Sunday MorningsMorningsMornings, from 9:45–10:30 a.m.

This is the Life (Confirmation for Adults) - November 4 and 25 and December 2 in the Fireside Room ~ A class for all adults, and especially for parents of confirmation-aged youth. Led by Pastor Charlie, this class considers what it means to be a Christian by reintroducing you to the tenets of our faith: the Bible, the Ten Commandments, Apostles Creed, Lord's Prayer, Sacraments, and Vocation.

Mathetes – Join Pastor Tim in the Fireside Room beginning in January.

Adult Faith Forums – in the sanctuary

Mission and Justice Sponsored Forum on Consumerism — The final speaker in this series is Bethel member Dr. Peder Jothen. See page 14 for details.

November 11 and 18 — Stewardship Brunches (No forums are scheduled to encourage all adults to attend these delicious brunches.)

November 18 — Identity Theft: It Could Happen to You — In less than an hour, you’ll learn how identity theft can occur, what steps may prevent it, and what to do if your identity is stolen. Find out how to keep yourself and your family from becoming victimized by identity theft. This educational workshop will be presented by Andrew Gray,

Bethel Adult Education Offerings estate planning. A Thrivent educational workshop offered by Andrew Gray, Bethel member and Thrivent Representative.

April 14 - May 12 – Bethel Member Testimonies

On Sunday AfternoonsOn Sunday AfternoonsOn Sunday Afternoons

Membership Matters - February 17, and April 14, 12 to 1:30 p.m. in the Christian Life Center. Visitors have two more opportunities this year to attend Bethel’s Membership Matters class. If you are looking for a church home, you are invited to join the Bethel staff on one of these dates for a casual pizza lunch and conversation about Bethel’s mission and ministries and our hopes and dreams for the future. While not required, Membership Matters may help you decide if Bethel is the right congregation for you! Nursery care will be provided. Contact the church office if you would like to attend.

Adult Ed Opportunities Adult Ed Opportunities Adult Ed Opportunities during the Weekduring the Weekduring the Week

Monday Evenings

WELCA Bible Study ~ Audrey West’s study “Gathered by God” is a word study on gather’ covering topics such as: gather to learn, gather for fellowship, gather for support, gather to be empowered, gather to be sent. This study is open to anyone, including circle study leaders and will meet most months on the first Monday of each month, 7-8 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please contact Barb Holm at 507-301-8184 if you plan to attend and need the study materials.


Men of Bethel (MOB), 8:30-9:30 a.m., Bethel Classrooms 61B - Pastor Henry Mueller leads a study on "The Bible on Trial - Beyond a Reasonable Doubt," a new DVD produced by the Lutheran Laymen's League, which received a 2011 Telly Award. This is a wonderful opportunity for new members to join the study. "Spirited" (pun intended) discussions are guaranteed.

Luncheons, Retreats Luncheons, Retreats Luncheons, Retreats

Bethel Seniors Together At Retirements (STARS) Luncheon Events:

Christmas Luncheon and Program at the Kings Room, St. Olaf College - December 6, 11:30–1:30 p.m.

Via de Cristo Retreat Weekend

Via de Cristo is a Spanish phrase meaning "Way of Christ." A Via de Cristo weekend is a highly structured

Wednesday Afternoons, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in Bethel Classroom 62

Through November 14 - Making Sense of the Christian Faith - Last fall, Pastor Charlie led Making Sense of Scripture study, which is the first of three Making Sense series of book studies by David Lose. The second study in this series, Making Sense of the Christian Faith, led by Pastor Duane Everson, is offered this fall. This is an exciting and inviting exploration of the major theological doctrines of the Christian faith.

January 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2013 - Mission and Justice Book Study on Consumerism

February 6, 2013 - ELCA Social Statement on Criminal Justice - Greg Walter presents an overview of this significant work by the ELCA.

February 13, 2013 - ELCA Social Message on Mental Illness - Pastor Curt Johnson introduces this important study on a sensitive topic that affects many families at Bethel and in the larger community.

February 20 - March 27, 2013 - A Lenten Journey Through Prayer - Learn and experience new ways of entering into prayer.

Thursday Mornings

Bethel Women’s Study, 8-9 a.m., Fireside Room — Women of Bethel meet each Thursday for good coffee and rich conversation. At our October 25 meeting, we began discussing The Faith Club: A Muslim, a Christian, a Jew—Three Women Search for Understanding. New attendees are always welcome to join us at any time and can pick up a copy of the book at Monkey See, Monkey Read in downtown Northfield. For information, contact Pam Santerre at 786-8951.

Adult Education, continued from page 18.

three-day retreat designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people and bring them to a new awareness of living in God's grace. Via de Cristo is open to all adults, single or married. If you are interested in attending a Via de Cristo retreat, or have already attended one and want to volunteer to work a weekend, please contact Mike and Sandy Ahrens or Roger and Vikki VanVeldhuizen for more information.

November 15-18 - Via de Cristo weekend (men and women) at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Austin

Are you interested in leading an adult education event or class? Curricula, ideas, and help are available. Contact Pam Santerre at 786-8951 or [email protected].


November Worship Servants

November 4 November 11 November 18 November 25

Assisting Minister (8:30 a.m.)

Carol Lysne Mike Ahrens Lu Lindstrom Noel Stratmoen

Assisting Minister (10:45 a.m.)

Libby Glimsdal Christina Schwietz Hannah Mahr Knight Stanley

Reader (8:30 a.m.) Orpah Johnson Heather Kuehl Bethel Youth Brent Rauck

Reader (10:45 a.m.) Kristi Huettl Karin Smedsrud Bethel Youth Dottie Hammer

Acolytes (8:30 a.m.) Kit Geissler, Joey Glampe

Maxwell Gorden Mercer, Marcus Hauck

Claire Bussman, Annika Richardson

Signe Hauck, Tatum Hauck

Acolytes (10:45 a.m.) Maiah Hennager, Grace McDonald

Madelyn Meyer, Vera Paton

Madeline McDermott Cecelia Kivell

Caroline Peterson, Lilly Prestemon

Sacramental Ministers (8:30 a.m.)

Mike & Sandy Ahrens, Wendell Arneson & Beth Christensen, Carol Cole

Connie DeGrote, Jill Eastman, Sandy Ahrens, Kitty Runzheimer, Rose Turnacliff

Bethel Youth Abbie Meierbachtol, Dot Swanson, Marcia Omdahl, Sandy Reiman, Wayne Kivell

Sacramental Ministers (10:45 a.m.)

Jean Mueller, Dan Foley, Karin Smedsrud, Cindy Kreis, Sandy Peterson

Jeanette Nelson, Ben & Jill Fisher, Brent Rauck, Need 1 more

Bethel Youth Marci Groenewold, Roger & Vikki VanVeldhuizen, Barb Farmer, Pam Vig

Ushers (8:30 a.m.) Ellis Lysne, Dick Johnson, Bob Vanderhoof, Dale Turnacliff

Marilyn & Gordon Kelley, Char & Dave Jacobsen

Bethel Youth Steve Meierbachtol, Kyle Nordine, Jim Moberg, Tony Huettl

Ushers (10:45 a.m.) Rolynn & Nancy Ensrud Barb & Tadd Henwood

Steve & Carol O’Neill Roger VanVeldhuizen Chad Jenkinson

Bethel Youth Rolynn & Nancy Ensrud Gerry & Carol Gengenbach

Greeters (8:30 a.m.) Pearl Arndt, Kay and John Arndt

John & Kay Arndt Nancy & Greg Carlson Danielle & Mark Amundson

Greeters (10:45 a.m.) Denise Halvorson, Knight Stanley

Ryan & Amanda Heinritz Carol & Gerry Gengenbach

Renae & Lonnie Schuster

Nametags (8:30 a.m.) Debra Bjornard, Marilyn Nelson

Ted & Margie Vessey Pat & Jan Stahley Ruthe & Gary Sherman

Nametags (10:45 a.m.) The Antoine family Lonnie & Renae Schuster Kristin & Justin Stets Danielle & Mark Amundson

Coffee Servers The Antoine family, Pearl Arndt, Debra Bjornard, Denise Halvorson (treats only), Knight & Rhonda Stanley, Scott & Linda Cloud

Join us for a Covenant Brunch!

Join us for a Covenant Brunch!

Ruthe & Gary Sherman, Carol & Gerry Gengenbach, Lonnie & Renae Schuster (treats only), Randy & Heidi Muller Peterson, Pat & Jan Stahly

The Bethel Banner The Bethel Banner


A Measure of Our Commitment

October Worship Attendance average per Sunday

2009 2010 2011 2012

603 599 598 *805

Average Year-to-date Worship Attendance

2009 2010 2011 2012

477 475 479 *499

*Does not include October 21 or 28, 2012.

The Bethel Banner is published monthly as a ministry of Bethel Lutheran Church of Northfield, Minnesota. The congregation is invited to submit articles to the church office. Articles are due by the 15th of each month. Questions, suggestions, or comments? Contact editor Lisa McDermott at [email protected], by phone at 645-0740, or call the church office at 786-6674.

November 2012 November 2012

November 4 November 11 November 18 November 25

Altar Care Lu Lindstrom Alyce Kivell Tom & Rosann Brawley Sandy & Mike Ahrens

Communion Angels

Alice Dale, Arlene Neil Sharon Stoeck, Kay Gredvig Carol Cole Elaine Deim, Dick and Orpah Johnson

A/V Room (8:30 a.m.) Jordan Ett V Liam Fisher A

Seth Hanson V Jack Beaumaster A

Jordan Ett V Ruth Nelson A

Seth Hanson V Liam Fisher A

A/V Room (10:45 a.m.)

Andrew Kivell V Dan Langenhough A

Nathan Dahlen V Ben Coleman A

David Kreis V Joseph Kreis A

Nathan Dahlen V Rose Mibus A

Service Group Chairperson: Heidi Muller Peterson, 663-6152

Thanksgiving Eve, November 21, 7 p.m.

Assisting Minister

Sacramental Ministers

Altar Care Ushers

Mike Ahrens Kitty Runzheimer, Sandy Ahrens, Marci Groenewold, need 2 more

Lu Lindstrom Gerry & Carol Gengenbach 2 needed

Reader

Marci Groenewold

A/V Room

Tim Freeland

Invitation from the women of St. John's: The women of Bethel are invited to join the women of St. John’s on Thursday, November 1, at 1 p.ml. at St. John’s Hall for a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Women of the ELCA. Our guest speaker, Kathy Magnus, is the author of “Women of the ELCA 25 Years: We Make a Difference,” which was published in the June issue of the Gather magazine. Kathy Magnus served as the vice president of the ELCA from 1990-1997 and for several years as staff of the Lutheran World Federation. Coffee and treats will be served after the talk. The St. John’s women look forward to having you join them in celebration of their mutual ministry as Women of the ELCA. For more information, contact Jane Rinehart at 612-840-6450.

After all that celebrating, come back to Bethel for the annual WELCA Doing

Meeting on November 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the CLC, where the celebration will continue while helping those in need

WELCA Notes through Lutheran World Relief. Items needed for the layettes are:

⋅ 2 cotton tee shirts;

⋅ 2 long- or short-sleeved gowns or sleepers (no feet);

⋅ 2 receiving blankets (flannel, crocheted or knitted up to 52 inches square);

⋅ 4 cloth diapers;

⋅ 1 jacket, sweater or sweatshirt with hood;

⋅ 1 baby cap;

⋅ 1 hand towel;

⋅ 2 bars of gentle soap in original wrapping; and

⋅ 2 diaper pins.

We will also be wrapping shoe boxes for Christmas Sharing. Cash donations are also welcome. Contact Arlene Neil or Winnie Johnson for more information. All are welcome!

Skateboard/Scooter/

Stroller/Bike/Tricycle

Parking is available at the

southeast corner of the

staff offices wing.

Thanks for Using it!

Bethel Women Having Fun

Bethel Women Having Fun is a traveling fellowship group to which all Bethel women are invited! You can join the fun

one month out of the year, or all of them! Most events take place on the third Tuesday of each month, leaving the Bethel parking lot in the morning and returning in the afternoon. For more information, contact Lu Lindstrom or Judy Code.

Here's what the group has planned for this year:

November 20 — Terra Cotta exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art

December 11 — American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis

January — Faribault Woolen Mills and Cheese Caves, Faribault

February — Channel 5 Twin Cities Alive (TV show), Minneapolis

March — Backstage Tour of the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis

April — Old Log Theater in Excelsior

May — Fun at the Bethel Garage Sale!

June — TBD; contact Lu or Judy with your ideas

July — Showboat Theater in St. Paul

August — Potluck at Lu Lindstrom's house


flannel sheets, which can be used for padding, to the WELCA/quilt closet in the corner of CLC; and

2. Attend a workshop/how-to session on Saturday, November 10 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Sizes, cutting, some requirements from LWR, directions on how to use the many available fabrics, and a short "let's do it together" segment will be offered.

Call Joyce Stephenson or Dottie Hammer for more information. All are welcome!

In a bulletin from the Baltimore headquarters, Lutheran World Relief has challenged Lutheran churches to increase their quilt output to 500,000 for 2013. The need is growing, and LWR sees an opportunity to unite giver and someone in need.

Bethel plans to increase our 2013 output to 100. Our regular quilting group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the morning and more "Knot-tie-ers" are needed! We are also calling on members who like to sew but can't make the regular meeting time to contribute in two ways:

1. Bring shabby/thin blankets, mattress pads, or

the 2013 LWR Quilt Challenge

As I reflect on my recent surgery, I feel that I was again blessed with a very competent and skillful medical team. This coupled with the gift of love, the healing, and most of all the Peace supplied by the Great Physician, gave me the greatest "coordination of benefits" that a person could have.

Everyone needs something that is very real and very constant in their lives. For me, the "constant" in my life is the power of prayer and the important role it plays in my Faith Walk. The Lord has supplied me with the above-mentioned gifts and my gift to Him is to share this with you and to thank you for the well wishes, the concern, and the prayers that you have offered for members of my family and me during this time. We ask for God's continued

blessings in your life and the peace of the Lord will be with you every day as you continue in your journeys with Him.

I will provide for their needs before they ask, and I will help them while they are still asking for help. Isaiah 65:24

Iver Christopherson

Thank you for your generous contribution of 20 pounds of produce to the Community Action Center food shelf for August 2012. CAC clients are always grateful for the compassion of Northfield neighbors.

There are people in our community who may not know where their next meal is coming from, and we cannot abide that. Because of your generous

partnership, CAC can make the promise that "no one goes hungry in Northfield," and no one need even face the insecurity of their next meal.

The CAC Board of Directors and I are grateful for the thoughtfulness and support of your members. Thanks again.

Jim Blaha Community Action Center of Northfield

� Bethel often receives more thank you notes than we have space available. Some of those published are edited due to space constraints. Thank you for all you give!

We have so much to be thankful for...


The Bethel congregation once again had the largest contingent of walkers for the September 30

CROP Walk. 42 people registered to walk that day from Bethel and there were a few more who just walked for the enjoyment. The total number of walkers and helpers was 300 people. I don’t know how many pets came this year but there were several.

A special word of thanks to each and every one securing sponsors and donations toward the fight against hunger and poverty. And, thanks to everyone who didn’t walk but were sponsors for our walkers. Thanks as well to the members of the Mission and Justice Committee for their participation and support. To all, your support helped us contribute $2,854 from Bethel walkers alone.

The total contributions at this time amount to $26,342. These are

We Walk Because They Walk preliminary numbers. Traditionally, there are contributions that keep coming in for several weeks. If you didn’t sponsor a walker but would still like to donate to the Walk, please leave your contribution either in the offering or at the church office. Checks should be made out to CWS/CROP Walk. We will provide final numbers in a future Bethel Banner.

Please remember that one quarter of all financial contributions are designated for the work of the CAC here in Northfield. We are walking to overcome hunger at all levels-local, domestic, and global. “As we have done so for the least of these our brothers and sisters, we have done so for Christ.”

~ Clark Cary

Head to Sunny Nicaragua with ISLA! Many Bethelites have participated in Interfaith Services to Latin America (ISLA) trips over the past few years, serving the people of Jalapa, Nicaragua, with construction and medical services. You need not be a carpenter or a doctor to participate; willing hands and hearts are the requirements!

ISLA will be heading to Nicaragua this winter, January 9-21 and March 10-22. If you are interested in joining one of these mission trips, download a brochure and application at www.isla.cc. The deadline for the registration for the January trip is November 15.

Bethel Lutheran Church is a body of believers redeemed by Christ who

Call and welcome all people; Act to serve our neighbors in need; Respond with God’s love to one another; and

Encourage spiritual growth.

Bethel Staff Timothy McDermott, Senior Pastor ................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Charlie Ruud, Associate Pastor ......................................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries .................... 786-8877 .......... [email protected] Rhonda Reece, Director of Music and Worship ............ 786-8874 .......... [email protected] Sandy Peterson, Office Administrator ............................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister ........................................ 786-8951 .......... [email protected] Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries ..................... 786-8878 .......... [email protected] Darla Dahl, Church Accountant ....................................... 786-6687 .......... [email protected] Paula Mathison, Secretary/Receptionist .......................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Catherine Engle, CYF Assistant ........................................ 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Bruce Dueffert, Lead Maintenance ................................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Ken Hu, Janitor .................................................................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Dan Kallman, Adult Choir Director ................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Jill Mahr, Youth Handbell Director .................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Elizabeth Shepley, Children’s Choir Director ................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator ............................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Tim Freeland, A/V Room Manager ................................. 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Church Library ..................................................................... 786-6674 .......... [email protected] Bethel Banner submissions .................................................. ........................... [email protected] Pastoral Care Emergencies ................................................. 649-0323

Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 ● ● ● Phone: 507-786-6674 Web: www.bethelnorthfield.org

www.facebook.com/bethellutheran Email: [email protected]

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Bethel Banner Nov 2012 - Northfield MN