A congregation of the:

Jesus often said, “Let anyone with ears listen!” In the vision of Revelation includes a repeated refrain, “Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Listening is important. It is also a gift.

These days, it is a gift to listen to the sounds of summer! Surrounded by trees that are the greenest-green they will be, you can hear an outdoor concert from dawn, well into the night: birds at the feeders – morning doves, grosbeaks, cardinals, and red-winged blackbirds; sandhill cranes at the height of their “vocal” season; frogs offering up their nightly chorus; and on a lake – the familiar call of the loon. Nature’s summertime sounds can slow us down and teach us much.

So as your summer unfolds, it’s a great time to do some intentional listening:

Seek some time apart to refresh and regroup so you can listen to your own heart, body, and mind.

Listen for the voice of God – leading and guiding; frequently speaking in that still, small voice; always reminding you are precious and loved, forgiven and freed in Jesus Christ. If you’re traveling out of town, find a local church to visit and worship there; discover something about another church community and bring home new ideas. Where do you see God at work in other places? Listen for what God is calling you to be and do now and in the seasons ahead.

Listen to friends and family members. Summer provides opportunities to do activities that can include some extra “hang

time.” Long drives in the car, gardening, backyard grilling, watching a game . . . these can be times to listen for the hopes and dreams and hurts of those around you. Besides talking about how busy our schedules are even though it’s summer, listen for people’s “lows” and “highs” and

the places where we see God at work in our lives.

Listen to our neighbors. Living in a time when there is so much polarization and so much need, practice listening to others, without judging. God gave us two ears and one mouth; practice doing more listening than speaking. As the summer Scripture readings in

worship speak about discipleship, listen for who are the people Jesus sends us to go to today. Who is it that seeks help or healing or hope? How can we be part of that?

Listen to our building. I know that, sounds strange, but parts of our facility are calling out for attention: “I need paint.” “I need to be refinished.” And yes, “I need to be replaced” (that would be the voice of the carpet!) This summer we’re doing major preparation to embark upon a Capital Appeal this fall. The goal is: $417,000 over 3 years to allow this church house to continue to “proclaim from floor to rafter, all are welcome in this place.”

Wherever you do, and whatever you do, thank you for your partnership and for your continuing support for Bethlehem’s many ministries. If you have a thought to share, a concern, or a question, please reach out and contact me. My door is always open, and I am eager to listen - to you.

+ Wishing you God’s grace and peace, with love and joy,

Summer: A Season of ListeningJuly/August 2017 Vol. 49, No. 5

Worship Schedule(thru Sept. 3)

Saturday:5:00 pm Sunday:8:30 am

10:30 am12:00 pm*

*Nuer language service

E-Giving Offers Consistency Do you give electronically and miss the physical act

of generosity of placing something in the offering plate? Reusable E-Giving Cards are available in the pews.

Looking to maintain your financial support while “Up North” or away at the ball field? Visit www.bethlehemlutheran.org/give-electronically to make a one-time or recurring gift by credit card or from your checking account.

Many Opportunities to Work With Habitat for Humanity This Summer

Bethlehem will be partnering with Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity for the Thrivent/Apostles Build and Build for Unity projects. The Senior High Service & Learning Trip students will be working at the Build for

Unity project on June 28 & 29. June 28 is also the Wall Raising for the Build for Unity home. You are invited to celebrate this big day with lunch & conversation at Noon, then help raise the walls with the Mohamud-Omar family and then write a blessing for the family on the boards of the walls.

Some initial site prep was done on the Thrivent Builds project this spring and construction resumes late this summer,

with a Wall Raising in September. Shifts open to the public for these projects are posted on www.cmhfh.org/volunteer

Bethlehem has made a pledge to financially support both projects. To make a donation to help meet Bethlehem’s pledge, write a check to Bethlehem and note “Habitat” in the memo line.

Ministry FundYear-to-Date 2017 Offerings: $340,9662017 (1/1–5/31/17) +/- Budget: –$70,870YTD 2016 Offerings: $338,2402017 +/- 2016: $2,7272017 Actual Income/Expenses: –$59,2482017 Budgeted Income/Expenses: $7,095

Mortgage FundYear-to-Date 2017 Offerings: $90,6172017 (1/1–5/31/17)Budget: $96,250 2017 (1/1–5/31/17) +/- Budget: -$5,633

2017 Offerings of Financial Support Report

2017 Plan$988,407

Offerings thru 4/2/17 $195,199 (YTD Target: $261,089)

target

Make a Difference in South Sudan NowMore than 7 million people need humanitarian assistance

in South Sudan – the home of many Bethlehem members and their family left behind. Through our long-standing relationships in the region, the ELCA is able to provide immediate assistance with food distribution, water & sanitation, and psychosocial support. Your gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response are critical to providing life-saving aid to our brothers and sisters in South Sudan. You can help by making an online donation at: ELCA.org/SouthSudanNow

Quilters Create Centennial CookbookOne way the Mission Quilters are marking

their centennial year of service is by compiling a cookbook filled with recipes from quilters of yesterday and today. It also includes recipes from pastors who served at Bethlehem in the past and other historical recipes that have been popular for generations at potlucks, funerals, and Syttende Mai dinners. Purchase a copy in the Square for $10; proceeds will help the quilters complete1,000 quilts in 2017!

Get to Know BLC’s Newest Staff MembersName: Beth McCabeJob Title: Developer for Youth, Family, & Young Adult MinistryBirthday: June 25Family: Mom, Dad, & younger sister: KatePets: One cat (Smoky), two guinea pigs (Popcorn & Paprika)Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese, or

bean and rice tacos.Favorite place you have ever visited: Panajachel, a beautiful city on the shores of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, with two volcanoes right across the lake!Something you consider yourself an expert in: Harry Potter trivia (books or movie, I know both!).If you did not have to sleep, what would you do with your extra time: Ideally, I would read books, learn a new language, or paint more. Realistically, I would probably watch too much TV.What are you looking forward to in the coming months:Getting to know the Bethlehem community better. Everybody has been so kind to me, and I’m really looking forward to getting better integrated into this great place!

Name: Rodney Sik (pronounced Sheik)Job Title: Facilities ManagerBirthday: April 4Family: My wife, PattiLynn, and our kids: Ethan(21), Evalynn(18), Isaak(13), Isabelle (8), and newest arrival Alexis(2 months).Pets: a small dog named BellaFavorite food: Meat and PotatoesFavorite place you have ever visited: I’ve been all over the country. My most favorite would be the Rocky Mountains for the scenery or Florida for the heat in the winter.Something you consider yourself an expert in: Problem Solving.If you did not have to sleep, what would you do with your extra time: Get a second full-time job.What are you looking forward to in the coming months: Making improvements to Bethlehem that will make members proud and visitors leaving impressed with the appearance of the grounds & building.

The Bethlehem STAR

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Ripple Effects Watching Circles of Faith Expand

VBS & Luther Crest Day Camp in AugustChildren ages 3 (& potty trained) through 5 (but not

completed Kindergarten) are invited to register for Preschool Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Bethlehem. Camp hours are 9am–12pm; Monday, August 14 through Thursday, August 17. VBS is led by youth & adults of Bethlehem. There is no cost to attend, but a “free will” offering will be received to help offset supply costs.

Children who have completed Kindergarten through Grade 6 are invited to register for Luther Crest Day Camp also held here at Bethlehem, August 14-17. Four full (9am-5pm) days of fun & learning will be led by counselors from Luther

Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria. Cost to attend is $75/camper.

Register at www.bethlehemlutheran.org/camps

Join the Bikers of BethlehemAll motorcyclists are invited to join the Bikers of

Bethlehem for a ride along the back roads of Central Minnesota on the fourth Sunday of each month this summer. Rides depart from Bethlehem at noon and cover 75-100 miles which includes a stop for lunch. A suggested donation of $5/rider is given to a local charity at the end of the season. All faiths & all motorcycle makes are welcome! To stay informed of BoB activities email: lcobb@bethlehemlutheran.org

All Women of the congregation & community are invited:Women of Bethlehem’s

Garden PartyTuesday, July 11

(rain date: 7/13)

7:00-8:30pm

Renae Bjorklund’s Garden2335 28th Street South, St. Cloud

Bring a treat to share

Thanks for Helping Faith Take Shape A special THANK YOU to all of our Faith Formation

Leaders who walked with, mentored, taught, and made time for our elementary and middle school students this program year. Your ministry matters and is essential as our community learns to walk in the way of Christ.

Faith formation is important to us. It is how we learn to follow Jesus into the world as a community and as families. We are always working to make our ministry better for the sake of our mission and the message of God's love, grace, and mercy we share with others.

Families of elementary and middle school students, would you please take a moment and help shape this important ministry by answering the following questions?

Elementary School Families SurveyMiddle School Families Survey

ECC: The Place to Be - Summer & FallBethlehem Early Childhood Center is the place to be

for Full Day Childcare for your child, aged 33 months-kindergarten entrance. Childcare is available Monday- Friday, 7am-6pm, year round. Enroll now and Science, Arts & Crafts, Cooking, Books, Language Arts, and Outdoor Exploration will be just some of the fun activities that will keep your child growing & learning all summer long!

Registration for Bethlehem ECC’s 2017-18 Half-Day Preschool Program is underway. Children, ages 3–5, may attend 2, 3 or 4 mornings a week from 9 to 11:30am. Extended day options, including full-day/year-round care (see above), are available. We will help you find classes that fit the needs of your family. Call 320.251.6775 for questions and a tour.

More information on both programs is online at www.bethlehemlutheran.org/ECC and Facebook.

Blessing of 2017 Graduates

June 28—August 26, 2017 Bethlehem Lutheran Church; St Cloud, MNSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

7 pm Narcotics Anonymous6:30 pm Endowment Comm.6:30 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

8:30 am Worship10:30 am Worship12 pm Worship–Nuer

language

8 am Mission Quilters

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group5 pm Summertime by George!8:45 pm SbG! Cleanup Crew

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

8 am Mission Quilters10 am BLC Staff Meeting6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)7 pm Boy Scout Troop 14

8 am Mission Quilters6:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group5 pm Summertime by George!8:45 pm SbG! Cleanup Crew

8:30 am Worship10:30 am Worship12 pm Worship–Nuer

language

9 10 11 12 13 14 157 pm Narcotics Anonymous8 am Executive Committee

6 pm Congregational Life6:30 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

8:30 am Worship10:30 am Worship12 pm Nuer language Bible Study 12 pm Sr High Trip Meeting

8 am Mission Quilters9:30 am ARRM Meeting6:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group4:30 pm Church in Society5 pm Summertime by George!8:45 pm SbG! Cleanup Crew

9am-1pm Mission Quilters7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

9am-3pm Mission Quilters11:30 am BLC Staff Lunch6:30 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

Sr High Service & Learning Trip departs for LA

5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

8:30 am Worship10:30 am Worship12 pm Nuer language Bible Study 12 pm Bikers of BLC Ride

9am-3pm Mission Quilters6:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group9am-3pm Mission Quilters5 pm Summertime by George!8:45 pm SbG! Cleanup Crew

8:30 am U-Care Dentistry7 pm Narcotics AnonymousSr High Service & Learning

Trip returns from LA

8:30 am U-Care Dentistry10 am LSS Spirit Award10 am Martha Circle4:30 pm Great River Chorale6:30 pm Endowment Comm.6:30 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

8:30 am Worship10:30 am Worship12 pm Worship–Nuer

language2 pm Worship–St Benedict

Center

8 am Mission Quilters8:30 am U-Care Dentistry6:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

9am-3pm Mission Quilters10 am BLC Staff Meeting12:15 pm Women of BLC6 pm Youth, Family, Young

Adult Ministry Comm. 6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)6:45 pm Church Council7 pm Boy Scout Troop 14

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31 August 1 2 3 4 5

7 pm Narcotics Anonymous6:30 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

9 am Baptism Orientation11:30 am Community Meal at Hope Covenant5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group8:30 am U-Care Dentistry5 pm Summertime by George!8:45 pm SbG! Cleanup Crew

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

8 am Mission Quilters10 am BLC Staff Meeting1 pm Esther Circle6 pm Property Committee6:30 pm Worship Committee6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)7 pm Women of BLC’s Garden

Party7 pm ECC Committee7 pm Beginning Experience

Church Building CLOSED

8 am Mission Quilters8:30 am U-Care Dentistry10 am BLC Staff Meeting10 am Miriam Circle1 pm Esther, Eunice & Naomi2 pm Priscilla Circle6 pm ECC Staff Meeting6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study7 pm Boy Scout Troop 14

28 29 30 July 19am-1pm Mission Quilters5 pm Wedding rehearsal7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

9am-3pm Mission Quilters6:30 pm Be Alive! ensemble7 pm Church Council7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

3 pm Wedding5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group9am-3pm Mission Quilters10 am STAR Mailed10:30 am Martha Circle5 pm Summertime by George!8:45 pm SbG! Cleanup Crew

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

6 7 8 9 10 11 127 pm Narcotics Anonymous8 am Executive Committee

6:30 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

8:30 am Worship10:30 am Worship12 pm Worship–Nuer

language

8 am Mission Quilters6:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group5 pm STAR Deadline5 pm Summertime by George!8:45 pm SbG! Cleanup Crew

8 am Mission Quilters10 am BLC Staff Meeting5:30 pm Church in Society6 pm Congregational Life6 pm Property Committee6:30 pm Worship Committee6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)7 pm Boy Scout Troop 147 pm Beginning Experience7 pm ECC Committee

7 pm Narcotics Anonymous1 pm Safety & Security Team6:30 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

8:30 am Worship10:30 am Worship–

Outdoors11:30 am Picnic on the Prairie

Potluck Lunch12 pm Nuer language Bible Study

8 am Mission Quilters6:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group 5 pm Summertime by George!8:45 pm SbG! Cleanup Crew

8 am Mission Quilters10 am BLC Staff Meeting6 pm Troop 14 Patrol Leaders6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study7 pm Boy Scout Troop 147 pm Troop 14 Committee

5 pm Wedding rehearsal7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

11:30 am BLC Staff Lunch6:30 pm Be Alive! ensemble7:30 pm BLC service on

Charter Cable Ch. 178

9 am Baptism Orientation11:30 am Community Meal at Hope Covenant3 pm Wedding5 pm Worship7 pm Narcotics Anonymous

8:30 am Worship10:30 am Worship12 pm Worship–Nuer

language

8 am Mission Quilters6:30 pm Women’s Bible Study

6:30 am Men’s Breakfast 7:30 am Prayer Group9:30 am STAR Mailing5 pm Summertime by George!8:45 pm SbG! Cleanup Crew

8 am Mission Quilters10 am BLC Staff Meeting12:15 pm Women of BLC6:30 pm St Cloud Call Up (AA)6:45 pm Church Council7 pm Boy Scout Troop 14

Luther Crest Day Camp (9am-5pm) and Preschool VBS (9am-12pm)

Congregation OfficersPresident: Debbie EricksonVice President: Jane MastroiannaTreasurer: Pat Plamann Secretary: Bill Martin-Chaffee

Church CouncilJanet ReaganCheryl RunningScott StensethDan WolgamottDeEtte Wurm

Bethlehem Media TeamSTAR Editor: Christopher KiewelSTAR Assembly: Martha Circle & friends

Lead Pastor: Dee Pederson [217-6532]Adult Faith Formation & Congregational Care Pastor: Janine Olson [217-6533]Youth, Family, & Young Adult Ministries Pastor: Chad Peterson [217-6531]Director of Operations: Lori Fuchs [217-6534]Welcome & Serving Ministries: LaNae Cobb [217-6537]Developer for Youth/Families/Young Adults: Beth McCabe [217-6544]Program Coord. for Youth/Families/Young Adults: Shelly Davidson [217-6541]Early Childhood Center Director: [217-6549]ECC Program Coordinator: Kelli Olson [251-6775]Communications Coordinator: Chris Kiewel [217-6538]Administrative Assistant: Carol Weis [217-6536]Admin. Assistant-Database: Ashley Ogaja [217-6535]Facilities Manager: Rodney Sik [217-6539]Custodians: Jay Ramos, Eric Theede Sudanese Ministries: David Tap [217-6545]Music Coordinator (Traditional): Keith MagsamMusic Coordinator (Contemporary): Jullian EuteneuerAdult Choir Director: Keith Magsam“All God’s Children” Choir Director: Bells of Bethlehem Director: Al MarquardtOrganist: Kaye SchimnichWednesday Worship: Terry ElliottSaturday Accompanists: Marcia Benson, Gail Gunnerson, Jullian Euteneuer Sound Technicians: Jerome Deyle, Peter WilsonWedding Assistant: Nancy Farb

Bethlehem Lutheran Church Leadership

BLC’s phone system includes Direct Dial numbers for office staff. Please use the direct dial numbers listed whenever possible, thanks! When calling the church office (251-8356) during the day you will be greeted by a staff member who will be happy to assist you. After hours the Automated Attendant can help you route your call by topic.

Next Community MealsBethlehem serves the Community

Meal at Hope Covenant Church on the fourth Saturday of each month, up next July 22 and August 26. This is a great opportunity for families to serve together in their community. Assist with meal prep, serving, or cleanup. Contributions of milk, salads, fruit or vegetables are also needed. Sign-up at www.bethlehemlutheran.org/signups

FuneralsAugust 4, 1936 – May 11, 2017

John M. Hovde September 11, 1940 – May 17, 2017

Sylvia M. Mertens

WeddingsMay 20, 2017

Rachel AndersonDietrich Klingbeil

June 17, 2017Rebecca RyanJasper Asplin

Your Name is Important at Bethlehem

All who regularly worship or participate at Bethlehem are encouraged to wear a name tag. Regularly wearing your name tag will help avoid the awkward “You look so familiar, but I just can’t place your name” moment!

So, if you can’t find your name tag or have never ordered one, now is the time to get a new tag. The vinyl badges come in your choice of fastener: magnetic or clip. Stop by the table in Bethlehem Square to order your name tag. A donation of $2/tag is suggested. Then just remember to wear your name tag each time you are at Bethlehem!

Food Shelf Facing Critical Need This Summer

With many families facing the added strain of kids home from school for the summer, more people are turning to Catholic Charities Emergency Food Shelf to help feed their families. Every donation to the food shelf makes a difference! Please

drop off your donations in the marked box in the Square. Not sure what to donate? Grab pre-packed bags (filled with high demand items) at your local grocery store.

Host Homes & Meals for Luther Crest Counselors

There are a number of needs for August 14-17 when Bethlehem hosts counselors from Luther Crest Bible Camp who will lead our Kindergarten-Grade 6 Day Camp. Host homes are needed for 5-6 counselors Sunday evening through Thursday morning; hosts are asked to provide a breakfast on Monday-Thursday.

Also needed are Evening meals (either home-cooked or a restaurant gift card) on Sunday–Wednesday nights.

Can you help with any of these? Great! Go to www.bethlehemlutheran.org/signups to sign-up. Questions? Contact Shelly at 320.217.6541 or sdavidson@bethlehemlutheran.org

July/August 2017

5

www.bethlehemlutheran.org • (320) 251-83564310 County Road 137 • Saint Cloud, MN 56301

A congregation of the:

Bethlehem is partnering with St Cloud Rotary’s Summertime by George! community festival. Enjoy a great Free Concert at Lake George on Wednesday nights this summer; activities begin at 5pm & the evening’s headliner takes the stage around 6:30pm.

Bethlehem is providing a “crew” of 6-8 people responsible for cleaning one area of the park for less than an

hour beginning at 8:55pm. So if you came for a great concert, delicious food, and an energizing community, stay just a little longer to join in serving our neighbors as part of Bethlehem’s crew. An incentive for signing up, Bethlehem’s clean-up crew members have reserved parking close to the ampitheater. Sign-up at www.bethlehemlutheran.org/signups

Enjoy Concert & Community at Lake George

On Sunday, August 13 the 10:30am service will be held outdoors, weather permitting. And following the service, rain or shine, will be the Picnic on the Prairie. The

Congregational Life Board will provide the burgers, hot dogs, and lemonade; you are asked to bring a dish to share (A-K ~ Salads & Sides; L-Z ~ Desserts).

Put ‘Picnic on the Prairie’ on Your Calendar