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FEBRUARY 2016 OPEN MY LIFE, LORD

Are you open, or are you closed? Perhaps we all spend time in both regions, depend-ing on the day and our mood. The word “closed” implies that we want nothing to en-ter or disturb our well-ordered lives or universe. The word “open” indicates a wel-coming spirit and a desire to receive something—even that which would upset the equilibrium of our lives. By our sinful nature, we tend to close ourselves off to things that would change us. Most of all, we do not want God messing with our lives. During the coming season of Lent, which begins on February 10, we will worship at mid-week services with the theme Open My Life, Lord. At these Wednesday evening services, which we share with Messiah Lutheran Church, we will reflect on what it means to be open to the working of God in our lives. We will, in turn, ask God to open our eyes, our hands, our ears, our hearts, and our entire lives. The sermons at these services will invite our openness to the touch and presence of God. The sched-ule for these services can be found elsewhere in this newsletter. All members of Bethany and Messiah Churches (and the community) are invited to come and worship—to pray for God’s opening of our very beings and to experience the activity of God’s Spirit in our lives. We seek to exhibit a welcoming spirit toward God, knowing that such a spirit is possible only because God makes it happen! That is, God is the one who will open our lives to welcome Him in the first place. That welcome comes to us through Jesus Christ, who, in the process of dying on the cross, opened His arms to all! Come and worship during Lent! Open our lives, Lord!

Pastor Loren D. Mai

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BETHANY CHURCH NEWS Building on the Past – Confident in God’s Future – We Make Christ Known

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 2:00 pm Fellowship Hall

LEADER: Genevieve Bishop

HOSTESSES: February Birthday Group

PROGRAM: Margarete DorschLenten Observance in Germany

SPECIAL OFFERING: Bethany College - Unrestricted Funds

BRING: Nail Clippers

FIRST COMMUNION

Pre-Communion classes will be offered in Lent for youth in the 3rd grade and older

who have not already had their first Communion. Students will meet during the Sun-

day School hour at 9:00 a.m. on February 21 and 28 and March 6 and 20 to prepare for

their First Communion on Maundy Thursday, March 24. A letter will be sent to par-

ents and students in the near future with additional instructions. This is a big step in the

life of young Christians! Join us, beginning February 21.

SNOW REMOVAL ...WE COULD USE YOUR HELP!!

When it snows, come by the church and bring a shovel!!

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OUR LENTEN DISCIPLINE: OPEN MY LIFE, LORD

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10. We follow the Lenten road to Easter, which this year is March 27. The theme for our mid-week services in partnership with Messiah Luther-an Church is Open My Life, Lord. Following is the schedule of suppers and services: Wednesday, February 10 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Services of Holy Communion at Bethany Church Wednesday, February 17 5:45 p.m. Supper at Bethany (Youth fundraiser) 6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer at Bethany Pastor Bill Buschbom preaching Theme: Open My Eyes, Lord Wednesday, February 24 5:45 p.m. Supper at Messiah (Youth fundraiser) 6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer at Messiah Pastor Loren Mai preaching Theme: Open My Hands, Lord Wednesday, March 2 5:45 p.m. Supper at Bethany (Mexico Mission) 6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer at Bethany Bethany-Messiah Youth lead the service Theme: Open My Ears, Lord Wednesday, March 9 5:45 p.m. Supper at Messiah (Messiah Fellowship) 6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer at Messiah Phillip Hett preaching Theme: Open My Heart, Lord Wednesday, March 16 5:45 p.m. Supper at Bethany (Bethany Council) 6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer at Bethany Pastor Rachael Pryor preaching Theme: Open My Life, Lord Thursday, March 24 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Services of Holy Communion at Bethany Church

On the Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday), March 20, we will worship at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. with the special service “Cry of the Whole Congregation.” Bethany Lutheran Church will host the community Good Friday Service on March 25 at 12:15 p.m. This service is sponsored by the Associated Churches of Lindsborg (TACOL). Festive Easter Services of Holy Communion will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church on the Day of Resurrection, March 27, at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. The youth will serve Easter brunch on that day from 8:45 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.

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LIBRARY CORNER

Installation of Church Council

Sunday, January 17, 2016, Church Council Mem-bers were installed for the coming year.

A part of the installation service says that the newly

elected church council “are to seek to involve all

members of this congregation in worship, learn-

ing, witness, service, and support, so that the

mission of Christ is carried out in this congrega-

tion, in the wider church, in this community, and

in the whole world.”

But what are our responsibilities as members of

the church? We are to support these elected lead-ers and share in the mutual ministry that Christ has given to ALL who are baptized! Are we capable and

ready to do that? “We will and we ask God to

help us.”

The following is a list of the members of the Church

Council for 2016: Inge Esping, James E. Nelson,

Joy Everhart, Mike Dreier, Justin Mader, Josh

Nelson, Lois Larson, Marlin Johnson, Amy

Roraback, Brandie Nelson, President; Mary Par-

ker, Terri Nelson, Tom DeWitt, Merle Larson,

Vice-President; Carolyn Gibson, Financial Secre-

tary; Kathey Bengtson, Secretary; Phil Hett, Lay

Assistant; Loren Mai, Pastor.

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

NEW BOOKS TO CHECK OUT

Living Your Strengths by Albert Winseman, Donald Clifton, and Curt Liesveld is designed to help you "discover your God-given talents and inspire your community. It teaches you to identify and affirm your talents, and how to use them for growth and service."

Disappointment with God: Three Ques-

tions No One Asks Aloud by Philip Yanc-

ey. In it, he poses the three questions: Is

God Unfair? Is God Silent? Is God Hid-

den? "Yancy responds to these questions with clarity, honesty, and biblical assur-ance." The book was used a few years ago as study material for our Stephen Ministry team, which donated this paperback copy.

Thank You Note

Kathey Bengston and Rhea Mader would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who helped set up and take down Christmas deco-rations. Every little bit of help makes a differ-ence.

1908 MESSIAH SCORE COMES HOME!

In the parking lot of Messiah Lutheran Church, after the first Messiah practice of

2016, an overjoyed Ericka Lysell was tell-

ing a remarkable story to Jeanne Lucas , a tale of unbelievable coincidence! Ericka sent an e-mail this morning:

“A Messiah score is coming home to

Lindsborg due to Joyce Peterson and her amazing memory. She re-membered that the pastor (Rev. Newcomer) shared at Thyra Lysell Olson's funeral that he had her Mes-siah score. Through some phone calls with family, Ericka Lysell was able to reach him in Oregon and he is sending the score to her in Lindsborg. He shared that it actually belonged originally to Ericka's great-great grandmother Sahlin and was purchased in 1908.”

Jeanne reminded Ericka that the score could be a different edition, and some of the notes could be different. Jeanne was reassured by bystanders that for singers of our caliber, it probably wouldn’t make a whole lot of difference

Thank You Note A big Thank You to my wonderful family and also my church family for all the prayers, cards, and visits while I was in the Lindsborg Hospital, McPherson Memorial Hospital and my stay at Bethany Home.

I'm home now and recovering slowly. When the weather warms up I hope to be with all of you again.

I cherish all your friendliness and God Bless all of you. Wilma Larson

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FEBRUARY Birthdays & Baptisms

BIRTHDAYS:

Daryl Johnson 02/01

Ermal Nelson 02/01

August Peterson 02/01

Gail Albrecht 02/02

Sawyer Lysell-Alkire 02/02

Sarah Woodard 02/02

Angie Howe 02/03

Terry Malm 02/03

Memphis Patterson 02/03

Johanna Swenson 02/03

Dominick Tatum 02/03

Taylor Whittaker 02/03

Jean Ann Wise 02/04

Susan Burch 02/05

Kyle Cushenbery 02/05

Cassidy Hornbacher 02/05

Trampas Miller 02/05

Marilyn Youngquist 02/05

Bailie Bickford 02/08

Craig Blomberg 02/08

Celeste Palmquist 02/08

Mary Ann Chambers 02/09

Richard Johnson 02/09

Leland J. Nelson 02/09

Darwin Nelson 02/09

Dale Patrick 02/09

Jan Buchanan 02/10

Kenneth Malm 02/10

Shane Barber 02/11

Quade Leonard 02/11

Christina Beasley 02/12

Susan Lundstrom 02/12

Margo Lysell 02/13

Sophie Nelson 02/13

Butch Gibson 02/14

Erik Harding 02/14

Allison Koerner-Smith 02/14

Patricia Roraback 02/14

Blake Alexander 02/15

Royce Geiman 02/16

Seth Peterson 02.16

Allyn Gillberg 02/17

Merle Nelson 02/17

Jodie Miller 02/18

Kyle Parks 02/18

Rebecca VanDerWege 02/19

Rose Marie Wallen 02/20

Sandra Berg 02/21

Carole Hudson 02/22

Lois Larson 02/22

Steve Gustafson 02/24

Steven Johnson 02/24

Billy Hudson 02/25

Jim Parker 02/26

Connie Brooks 02/27

Nicholas Dreier 02/28

Elizabeth Spencer 02/28

BAPTISMS:

Amanda Bell 02/01

Leland J. Nelson 02/01

Dale Swenson 02/01

Jennifer Beasley 02/02

Lyle Kelling 02/02

Toren Miller 02/02

Benton VanDerWege 02/02

Eva Anderson 02/03

Matthew Toll 02/03

Michael Bell 02/04

Daryl Johnson 02/04

William Buschbom 02/06

Darren Burch 02/07

Tammy McCalla 02/08

Jared Nelson 02/08

Brandon Nelson 02/08

Dustin Nelson 02/08

Beth Olson 02/10

Landvis Ferm 02/12

Stormy Nelson 02/12

Susan Bryan 02/13

Clayton Couchman 02/13

Carter Couchman 02/13

Kashlei Emler 02.13

Tytus Reed 02/13

Chance Kruckenberg 02/14

Eloise Anderson 02/15

John Bengtson 02.15

Signe Howe 02/15

Ericka Lysell 02/15

Emily Tavelstead 02/15

Kirk Nelson 02/17

Norman Shogren 02/17

Barbara Albrecht 02/18

Clay Pearson 02/18

Avery Spencer 02/18

Lori McKinney 02/20

Christina Beasley 02/24

Dax Hopp 02/24

Gary Johnson 02/25

Karl Malm 02/26

Trinity Malm 02/27

Trampas Miller 02/28

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GLOBAL MISSION SUNDAY

On Sunday, January 31, Bethany Lutheran Church will observe Global Mission Sunday. Pastor

Gary Teske, a member of the Synod’s Companion Synod Team, has visited Papua Guinea sev-

eral times (as well as serving as a missionary there). He has also been a part of Synod delegations

to the Russian Far East. Please join us on January 31 for the Global Mission Sunday worship

services and the pot-luck meal that will follow at 11:45 a.m.

Please note that the offering envelopes enclosed in the January Beacon are for the support of

the MAASAI Girls Secondary School in Arusha, Tanzania, Africa. Those receiving the Beacon

electronically will find envelopes for the MASSAI Girls Secondary School on the Global Mis-

sions table in Trinity Hall. This emphasis will continue through March 2016. Please give gen-

erously!

EPIPHANY – A SEASON OF GLOBAL AWARENESS

The season of Epiphany takes its name from the Festival of

the Epiphany of Our Lord, which occurs on January 6. The

Epiphany story is of the magi coming from the east to wor-

ship Jesus and bring him gifts. This is the first of the many

stories we read during the Epiphany Season that tell us

about how the light of Christ was not buttoned up in Bethle-

hem, but was beaming out into the world and grabbing the

attention of people from foreign lands, cultures, languages

and religions. It is for this reason that we chose the Epiphany Season to highlight our companion

church relationships with the Far Eastern region of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Urals, Si-

beria and the Far East (ELCUSFE), the Kote District of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua

New Guinea (ELCPNG) and with our CoSyn Christians throughout the world.

GLOBAL MISSIONS & LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF

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A Caring Tip . . .

[This month I am sharing a message written by the founder of Stephen Ministries. It isn’t just for

Stephen Ministers, but for every caring person. Sharon Palmquist]

When a significant day like Valentine's Day approaches, a person who has lost a loved one will al-

most certainly feel the loved one's absence more acutely, whether the loss was recent or long ago.

One way to offer the grieving person a special gift on that day is by calling or sending a note, letter,

or card. You can simply say that you were thinking of him or her—and then share a heartfelt

thought or favorite memory about the lost loved one.

Sometimes people worry that mentioning the loss will hurt the grieving person. Most often, the per-

son will greatly appreciate your remembering and caring.

Of course, you can do this any day of the year, but your care will be especially meaningful on spe-

cial days, which are often difficult times for those who are grieving.

And remember, when you reach out to a hurting person, you are not alone. As Stephen Ministers

learn in their training, Christ is at work in and through you to bring hope and healing to the other

person.

Good caring!

Cordially in Christ, Kenneth C. Haugk

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BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH MINUTES

Bethany Lutheran Church Council-Minutes of December 9, 2015 Present: Jane Anderson, Josh Nelson, Matt Clark, Dan Norden, Lois Larson, Brandie Nelson, James Nelson, Justin Mader, Mary Parker, Merle Larson, Matt Stula, Kathey Bengtson, Phil Hett, Pastor Mai Absent: Donna Ruble, Inge Esping, Mike Dreier, Marlin Johnson Justin extended a WELCOME to our guests and new council members, Terri Nelson, Amy Roraback, Tom Dewitt and Joy Everhart. Josh Nelson has been re-elected for another term. Thanks to those Council Members who are retiring, Matt Clark, Dan Norden, Donna Ruble and Jane Anderson. They have all represented Bethany Church extremely well during their term on the Council. Minutes and Financial Report The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed. It was MSC to approve the minutes as written. Contributions during November were approximately $900 greater than budgeted. Contributions YTD are now approxi-mately $7,900 less than budgeted. Expenses for November were approximately $450 under budget. Expenses YTD remain roughly $5,500 under budget. The continued savings on expenses along with the deficit in contributions puts us approximately $2,500 away from our November YTD budget target. It was MSC to approve the financial report as attached. Information Reports Pastor's report is attached. It is a busy schedule in November and December for Bethany Church. Thanksgiving week-ly Advent and St. Lucia are a few of the services held at Bethany Church. The annual congregational meeting will be on January 31. Pastor has made several hospital visits in Lindsborg and Salina both for Bethany Church and Messiah. Two weddings are scheduled in 2016 and marriage counseling has started with the couples. The Memorial Committee met on December 3. The meeting report is attached. Funds from the Evelyn Sangren Trust Fund, The Foundation Be-quest Fund and the Dahlsten Fund were discussed. It was MSC to approve the Foundation Fund Allocations as submitted in the report. The Global Mission Committee met on December 7 and their meeting report is attached. Global Mission Sunday will be on January 31. A video from the ELCA was viewed by the group on Malaria in Africa and the partnership of ELCA campaign. TACOL-Josh Nelson reported the TACOL Thrift Store should make around $150,000 in 2015. Volunteers are always needed and a concern right now. The Board is considering a possible addition on the north side of the Thrift Store pri-marily for storage. Old Business Property Concerns-Justin reviewed some of the property issues that are ongoing for new council members. Nothing new to report on the parking lot repairs. Justin is still waiting on the man to contact him regarding cleaning out the iron bacterium buildup in the water system to the HVAC unit. Hoping we can get them cleaned out sometime this spring or before. Jim Nelson noted he has some millings that could be used for parking lot repair. The up-to-date figure for the pledges that came in from Consecration Sunday is $233,900. Wedding Show-May 1-Kathey will be coordinating the Wedding Show for May 1. There are 2 sets of new altar paraments that have been finished and will be dedicated. It was MSC that the Emma Sundberg Memorial Fund be used to cover the full cost of the paraments. New Business It was MSC to approve the $6,000 housing allowance declaration for Pastor. The Noisy Offering designation for 2016 was submitted by the Social Ministry Committee. It was MSC to approve the designations as submitted for 2016. There is a bequest from the C.J. Christenson Memorial with no designation of its use. It will be discussed further at a later date. The budget reports for 2016 have been received and the committee will meet next week to review. The Annual meeting is scheduled for January 31. The deadline for committee reports is January 4. Council installation for all Council members will be held at both services on January 17. Jane Anderson will do the training for communion ushering and offering pick up for the new council members. It was MSC to set a Special Congregational meeting for Dec. 27 if action is needed to borrow money to eliminate financial shortfall. The meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. A thank you note was read from the vendors of the Farmers Market with a donation of $550 for the use of the Bethany Church Parking Lot for the market. The next Executive Board meeting will be on January 4 and the next Council meeting will be on January 13. Respectfully Submitted, Kathey Bengtson, Secretary

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The MS and HS youth group students are gearing up for an exciting and busy spring. We have a lot coming up in the month of February. We will continue with confirmation, and confirmands will have

the opportunity to attend the Lenten services with their mentors. Ash Wednesday is on February

10th with services at both Bethany and Messiah. Then the Lenten services alternate between both

churches starting with Bethany on Feb 17 at 6:30. The youth will provide the meals on Feb 17th

and Feb 24th as a fundraiser. We need every high school family to bring one gallon of soup each

night. The meals begin at 5:30. The youth will be in charge of the worship service on March

3rd with the HS seniors providing the message. Other events coming up in February, we have

the Valentine Coffee on February 7 from 1-3 at Bethany Home. We will be taking the MS stu-

dents to Youth Quake in Wichita on February 12-14.

We are continuously thankful for all the parents and church and community members who help us out with meals and activities. Ericka Lysell will be going with us to Youth Quake. Ingrid Pohl, Andy & Kelly Carlson, and Jeremy Alkire & Ericka Lysell provided us with meals in January. Jade and Kendall Banning, representing Salemsborg Lutheran Church hosted the HS 5th Quarter in January at Messiah Lutheran Church.

Phil and Jeanne

Valentine's Day, also known as Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint

Valentine, is a celebration observed on February 14 each year. It is celebrated in many countries around the world, although it is not a public holiday in most of them.

St. Valentine's Day began as a liturgical celebration of one or more ear-

ly Christian saints named Valentinus. A popular account of Saint Valentine of Rome states that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted

under the Roman Empire. According to legend, during his imprisonment, he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius. An embellishment to this story states that before his execution he wrote her a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell. Saint Valentine's Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion, as well as

in the Lutheran Church*. The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Saint Valentine's Day, albeit on July 6 and July 30, the former date in honor of the Roman presbyter Saint Valentine, and the latter date in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni).

The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and send-ing greeting cards (known as "valentines"). In Europe, Saint Valentine's Keys are given to lovers "as a roman-tic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart", as well as to children, in order to ward off epilepsy (called Saint Valentine's Malady). Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.

* Pfatteicher, Philip H. (August 1, 2008). New Book of Festivals and Commemorations: A Proposed Common

Calendar of Saints. Fortress Press. p. 86.ISBN 9780800621285. The Lutheran Service Book, with its pen-chant for the old Roman calendar, commemorates Valentine on this date.

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AREA MINISTRY PALOOZA

LEADERSHIP IS AN ACTIVITY THAT EVERYONE CAN

PARTICIPATE IN RATHER THAN A POSITION HELD BY A FEW!

M e et @ C a m p To m a h S h i n ga Sunday, February 21 , 3 -5pm (For everyone)

Monday, February 22 , 9 :30am -noon (Rostered Leaders & PMAs) 7821 E. Lyons Creek Rd. Junction City, KS 66441

Register on l ine @ ht tps: / / reg .abcsignup.com/s_reg/reg_regist rat ion_maintenance.aspx?

vt=EXT&ek=0034 -0011-6685db11e5bf45f6a99634daba28d5ca There will be five events offered across the synod to help equip everyone as leaders in some aspect of their

congregational life. These events will take place on Sunday afternoons from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. They will begin

with a conversation about leadership and include four workshops to help individuals have the tools to lead in

the following areas:

Church Council Leadership This workshop is an interactive exchange for council leadership, newcomers

and veterans alike. Council members occupy a distinctive position in the congregation because of their unique

relationship both with the pastor and the membership. So we’ll take a look at dynamics like the need for both

confidentiality and transparency, Scriptural and spiritual grounding, dealing with conflict, how to find the sup-

port you need, and much more. Facilitator: Bishop Roger Gustafson

Leading Worship—how to make it more meaningful At the center of our life together as the church is the

gathering of God’s people to hear the gospel and share the meal so that we can be sent out as the body of

Christ in the world, to do God’s work with our hands. Worship is important! How can we plan and lead worship

in meaningful ways that invite people into presence of God, to be nurtured and empowered to be “go in peace

and serve the Lord?” Facilitator: Rev. Susan Candea

Leading Bible Study—Consider the possibility that anyone can lead Leading Bible Study – Everyone

can do!

Group Bible study is one of the most meaningful ways we encounter God's Word to us. Many of us, though,

are reluctant to take leadership roles in forming study groups because we do not feel qualified. This workshop

will lift up Bible study methods that we all can lead, as well as provide a forum to talk about challenges we

face in forming and leading group studies in our communities. Facilitator: Rev. Keith Hohly

Leading Stewardship with Hope This workshop is an interactive exchange for stewardship leaders. It will

reach beyond dealing with congregational budgets and look into generating a culture of year-round abun-

dance. Are you looking for resources? Do you want to develop more faithful stewards? Are you interested in

exchanging ideas and broadening your understanding of Christian stewardship? Come talk about how being a

stewardship leader in your congregation can be satisfying and rewarding. Facilitator: Rev. Len Dale

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February 2016 Christian Education Page

Lent begins on Feb. 10; the word Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word that means “spring” or “springtime”. Taken literally, the word means that this is the time of the year when the days lengthen. This season of the church year is a time of preparation, reflection, growth, and change. As God’s people take time to learn more about God and their relationship to God and to others, the season before Easter can be seen as the springtime of the soul-a time of growth in faith and a time to nurture the faith that is already theirs. Purple is the color associated with Lent and is used in churches that observe liturgical traditions. Purple is a solemn color, reminiscent of royalty and repentance. If reflects the serious and somber nature of this time in the life of the church. (Before and After Easter –Aug./Fortress)

Winter Sunday School is here! We are using the Spark Classroom curriculum for our three year olds through 6th grades; this series walks through key Old Testament and New Testament Bible stories each year, in a two-year cycle. The Old Testament stories are presented in the fall quarter and the New Testa-ment stories are presented in the winter and spring quarters.

Feb. 7 A Storm Matthew 8:23-27

Feb. 14 The Centurion’s Servant Matthew 8:5 - 13

Feb. 21 Jesus blesses the children Mark 10:13 – 16

Feb. 28 Jesus heals the blind men Matthew 20:29 – 34

Come to the Adult Forums, Fellowship Hall, 9:05 each Sunday. Come learn something new!

Feb. 7 Troop 120 Boy Scouts Boy Scout Update

Feb. 14 Marc Anderson Discerning a Spiritual Direction

Feb. 21 Bethany College Board Bethany Update

Feb. 28 Kathy Richardson Promoting Lindsborg

K.I.C.K. has moved to Messiah Lutheran this semester! We are in the third quarter of KICK. We are happy to offer two new puppet classes this quarter. We are so thankful for all our volunteers. 65 - 70 chil-dren participate each week in KICK. Extra help is always needed in the kitchen and in board games, if you can help, please let us know. If you have a craft or hobby you would like to share, please let us know. KICK received a $700.00 grant from the Smoky Valley Community Foundation. We also received a $500.00 gift from the Salemsborg/Falun Haunted Trail Proceeds. Thanks to anyone who has donated to these funds.

Mexico Moment - We are excited to make our 3rd trip to Puerto Penasco this year, March 11-19, 2016. We will be working with Salina’s Trinity United Methodist, (Lee Larson’s group) to build a house, work at Two Fish, a Soup Kitchen, and provide a Bible School for the church. Cost is $450.00 per person; scholar-

ships are available. Middle and High youth are welcomed if traveling with a parent. A $225.00 deposit is

due Feb. 14 for the trip. There will be Soup Supper served as a Mexico Fundraiser on Feb. 17. Soup and Homemade desserts are needed. If you would like to participate in this mission trip, please talk to Phil Hett, Rhea Mader, or Joyce Peterson ASAP.

Submitted by Joyce Peterson, Christian Ed Director, 227 2201, joycepeterson@sbcglobal.net

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A WORD FROM PHIL

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21).

What are you giving up for Lent? This is the question of the season. Ash Wednesday signals the beginning of Lent and this year it is on February 10th. Lent is the time we reflect on the journey of Jesus to the cross as we reflect on our own journey. It is a journey of repentance and reconcilia-tion with God. The journey for Christ did not end with the cross for the joy of Easter morning pre-vailed. Our journey does not end in our suffering and death and our journey does not end in our shortcomings. Rather our journey ends in the triumph that is Easter. The triumph that is Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose from the grave so that we can become dead to our sins and join with him in life eternal. This is the journey we are to reflect on.

Traditionally, people give up something during the Lenten season as a physical reminder of Christ’s suffering and death. For as it says in Matthew 6:21, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In this passage, Jesus is telling us that if our treasures are on earth, they will not last. But, instead, put our treasures in the one that lasts forever. In doing so, there our heart will be also. Lent is a time to remind us of where our heart lies. In order to remind themselves of this, some people choose to give up something. Others choose a different way such as daily devotional or daily prayer. However you choose to observe Lent, my hope and prayer for you is that you re-member the journey of Christ to the cross. But, also remember the joy that comes at Easter.

Here is a simple prayer to remind you of that Lenten Journey. It is from the ELW page 27.

O Lord God, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide us now, so that, following your Son, we may walk safely through the wilderness of this world toward the life you alone can give, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

hillip Hett

CHURCH HISTORY Decisions at the Annual Meeting of the Bethany Congregation 130 years ago (January 15, 1886)

included the election of four men as ushers: J. P. Talbot, A. Lincoln, C. V. Rosberg and C.

Lundquist. These duties were listed as the following:

Assist church visitors to find places

See that everything goes smoothly

See that doors remain closed during the altar service,

except at the beginning of “Allena Gud” (to God alone belongs praise and glory)

See that no one stands outside the church during worship service

Eighty years later, in 1966, the annual report shows Melvin (Mannie) Anderson was elected Chief

Usher with Vic Lindholm assistant chief usher, plus 12 other assistant ushers: Hubert Mattingly, L.

Gene Erickson, Melvin Hagstrand, Gilbert Bengtson, Leroy Sundberg, Dan Lindholm, Leland Nel-

son, Eddie Pearson, Jarold Rasmusson, Dennis Johnson, Sam Train and Peter Murfitt. The last

seven named were young men just out of high school and had also served the previous year.

Charlotte Ternstrom

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SERVING BETHANY CHURCH IN JANUARY SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Bill & Jan Ferguson 10:30 a.m. Ushers Karl & Wanda Esping Dan & Katie Hawkinson Acolytes 10:30 am McKenzie Wessel & Ava Brunsell Nursery 10:30 am Sophie Nelson

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Jolene Reese & Ervalene Johnson 10:30 a.m. Ushers Mark & Nancy Lysell Daryl & Marie Shields Matt & Karen Clark Acolytes 10:30 am Olivia Bengtson & Olivia Mader Nursery 10:30 am McKinley Johnson

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Ron & Jan Michael 10:30 a.m. Ushers Ron Rolander, Dan Norden, Brandon & Brandie Nelson Bruce Harding & Alan Leaf Acolytes 10:30 am Sophie Nelson & Drew Nelson

Nursery 10:30 am Tanner Luttig

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Jim & Cindy Copple 10:30 a.m. Ushers Nate Woodard, Warren Webster, Merle & Terri Nelson, Joel Woodard Acolytes 10:30 am Tytus Reed & Haven Lysell Nursery 10:30 am McKenzie Wessel

5TH SUNDAY 8:00 am Ushers Mary & Jim Parker 10:30 am Ushers Darrell & Janet Malpert Dirk Durant Willis & Lois Larson Acolytes 10:30 am Nursery 10:30 am

Sacristans: FEBRUARY Elly Anderson & Julie McCullough

Altar Guild: FEBRUARY Nancy Johnson and Karen Carlson

Offering Transfer: 8:00 a.m. Josh Nelson & Marlin Johnson 10:30 a.m. Inge Esping & Merle Larson

Communion Ushers: Brandie Nelson, Lois Larson, Justin Mader, Amy Rorabach

Ushers: Please hand out bulletins, count the attendance accurately, and help to collect the

offering. IF you are unable to serve on your scheduled date, PLEASE CONTACT SOMEONE

IN THAT CATEGORY AND MAKE A TRADE. Please call the church office by noon on Thurs-

day so that changed information can be included in the bulletin.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SERVING YOUR CHURCH!!!

15

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thus Fri Sat

FEBRUARY 2016

1 11 am Staff

6:30 pm Global Missions

7 pm Boy Scouts

7:30 pm Execu-tive Committee

2 8:30 am Prayer Group

4:30 pm Out-reach

7 pm Bach Rehearsal

3 3:30 pm KICK @ MLC

5:45 pm KICK Meal @ MLC

6:30 pm Confirmation with Mentors @ MLC

7pm Men's Choir

4 8 am SVHS Prayer

2 pm W/ELCA, FH

6:30 pm Ste-phen Ministry, MLR

5 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen, MLR

6 7 am Men's Bible Study @ Bethany Home

7 Boy Scout

Sunday 8 am Worship/Comm

9 am Sunday School

9 am Forum, FH

9:45 am Coffee, FH

10:30 am Worship/Comm

11 am - 1pm BSA

Spaghetti Lunch

1-3 pm Valentine

Coffee @ Bethany H.

3 pm Messiah Re-hearsal

8

11 am Staff

6 pm Steward-ship/Finance

7 pm Boy Scouts

9 8:30 am Prayer Group

2 pm Library

Committee

7 pm Bach Rehearsal

10

3:30 pm KICK @ MLC

5 & 7 pm Ash Wed

Service with Com-

munion

6pm Chancel Choir

8 pm Church Council

11 8 am SVHS Prayer 9 am Piece Art-ists

7:00 TACOL @ Covenant Church

7-8 pm Wom-en's Bible Study@ White Peacock

12 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen, MLR

Middle School

YOUTH

QUAKE

4 PM WICHITA

13 7 am Men's Bible Study @ Bethany Home

Middle School

YOUTH

QUAKE

@ WICHITA

14

8 am Worship

9 am Sunday School

9 am Forum, FH

9:45 am Coffee, FH

10:30 am Worship

3 pm Messiah Re-hearsal

MS YOUTH

COME HOME

15 BEACON

ARTICLES

DUE

11 am Staff

7 pm Property Committee

7 pm Boy Scouts

16 8:30 am Prayer Group@ River-view Estates in Marquette

1:30 pm Visita-tion

7 pm Bach Rehearsal

17

9:30 am Sarah Circle

3:30 pm KICK@ MLC

5:45 pm Lenten Meal @ Bethany

6:30 pm Lenten Service @ Bethany

7:30 pm Men's Choir

7 pm Miriam Circle, FH Kitchen

18 8 am SVHS Prayer

9:30 am Naomi Circle

2 pm Rebecca Circle

6:30 pm Ste-phen Ministry, MLR

19 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen, MLR

20 7 am Men's Bible Study @ Bethany Home

7am -2 pm

Kiwanis Pancake

Breakfast/Lunch

21 8 am Worship/

Communion

9 am Sunday School

9 am Forum, FH

9:45 am Coffee, FH

10:30 am Worship/Communion

3 pm Messiah Re-hearsal

3-5 pm Area Minis-try@ Tomah Shinga

6-7 pm HS Youth @ MLC

22 9 am Handy-man Committee

11 am Staff

7 pm Boy Scouts

23 8:30 am Prayer Group

7 pm Bach Rehearsal

24

3:30 pm KICK@ MLC

5:45 pm Lenten Meal @ MLC

6:30 pm Lenten Ser-vice @ MLC

7:30 pm Chancel Choir

25 8 am SVHS Prayer

26 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen, MLR

27 7 am Men's Bible Study @ Bethany Home

288 am Worship

9 am Sunday School

9 am Forum, FH

10:30 am Worship

11:30 am Potluck, FH

3 pm Messiah Re-hearsal

5-5:45 pm MS Youth

5:45-6:15 MS & HS Meal

6:15-7 pm HS Youth

29 11 am Staff

7 pm Boy Scouts

16

BETHANY LUTHERAN

CHURCH

320 N MAIN

LINDSBORG KS 67456

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

LINDSBORG, KS 67456

PERMIT NO. 04

THE BETHANY BEACON A monthly publication of Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, KS 67456

Church: (785) 227-2167 bethanylindsborg@att.net

VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE: http://blclindsborg.org

FEBRUARY 2016 Issue No. 2

Bethany Staff

Rev. Loren Mai, Pastor Home (785) 227-2807 pastorofbethany@att.net Phil Hett Lay Associate Cell (620)212-3931 phil.hett@blclindsborg.org Gretchen Esping Administrative Assistant bethanylindsborg@att.net Butch Gibson Building Manager Joyce Peterson Christian Ed joycepeterson@sbcglobal.net Matt Stula Treasurer Treasurer@blclindsborg.org Carolyn Gibson Financial Secretary carolyn.gibson@blclindsborg.org Genevieve Bishop Organist Leah Ann Anderson Men’s Choir Steve Gustafson Chancel Choir Lori Nelson Children’s Choir

Bethany Church Council

Amy Roraback…………………………………..227-8430

James E. Nelson...................................227-3639

Tom DeWitt.........................................227-3735

Justin Mader...........……………….............212-1111

Joy Everhart.........................................227-2121

Marlin Johnson…………………..…………....227-3920

Mary Parker…………………………………… ..227-2623

Merle Larson…………………………………....227-7046

Terri Nelson………………………………….…..227-2578

Josh Nelson……………………………………...227-2555

Kathey Bengtson (Sec.)………………….... 227-2615

Mike Dreier…………………………..………....227-5525

Matt Stula (Tres.)……………………... 913-485-0444

Brandie Nelson ………...……………… 785-817-2119

Inge Esping ……………………...………..620-213-2992

Lois Larson …………………………...…………..227-2681

Pastor Loren Mai…………………...…..……..227-2807

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