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THE BETHEL BEACON 2016
BILL SWITZER, Pastor
Sunday School @ 9 am Worship time @ 10:00 am
Church Telephone #: (402) 873-6218
Emergency: (402) 6369-0842 (Pastor Bill)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bethelucchurch.com
Find us on
BETHEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
2400 CENTRAL AVE. NEBRASKA CITY, NE 68410
just thinking...
In a perfect world, we would always get
what we want, right? In a perfect world
we would never have to answer: “Why
were we not chosen?” “Why? Are we not
acceptable and lovable?”
The cynical answer is: “All he wanted was
the money!”
If we want a “why,” the explanation will
ultimately be unsatisfactory. We will still
be disappointed and disheartened, reject-
ed. The pain and frustration and anger,
the sense of unfairness, doubt, and
violation of good faith remain with us.
It is like trying to explain why the young
person died; it is like trying to explain why
I have cancer; it is like trying to rationally
understand cause and effect where the
cause is unknown.
The “why” ultimately can never be
satisfactorily answered. We do not live in
a perfect world; God did not create a
perfect world.
As a famous person once said, “It is what
it is!”
So, the choices we have are simple: do we
give up or do we forgive the world for not
being perfect? Can we forgive God for
creating a world of imperfection? Can we
go on despite all of this?
In the final analysis, “why” he didn’t
choose us must become “What do we do
now?” How do we respond?
The simple and difficult merge into one:
can we acknowledge that our God given
ability to forgive and to love are the
weapons God has given us to live fully
and meaningfully in a less than perfect
world, even when we feel disappointed
and hurt.*
You know…a Biblical character that asked
these same questions. Know who it is?
Pax vobiscum,
Bill…
just thinking
*Kushner, Harold S. When Bad Things Happen to Good People.
1981 Schocken Books. p. 148
IN OUR PRAYERS IN OCTOBER:
Justin Williams, Betty Blankenship, Logan Drabek, Mason Wieckhorst, Ella Mathisen, Ruth Wurtele, John Ensign, Alice
Oelke, Don Grundman, Linda Clark, Roy Murphy, Tim Worcester, Kay Nannen, Gerald Jensen, the family and friends of Leta
Bremer, the family and friends of Marcelo Kronemberg, the family and friends of Joel Lundak, the family and friends of Delrosa
Riege, and all who struggle with chronic illness, including those who reside in their homes and long-term care facilities.
Our annual Thanksgiving dinner will be Sunday, November 13th following worship.
Turkey, potatoes & gravy, stuffing, rolls, drinks, and table service will be provided
by our 3 councils/boards and Women’s Fellowship. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.
______________________________________________
The Building and Grounds committee would like to thank everyone who
came and volunteered their time for our fall clean up day on October 15th. About 15 people showed up and much
was accomplished.! Thank you!
______________________________________________
The Search Committee would like to inform everyone that Pastor Jamie Kent has decided not to accept our
call to be the new settled pastor at Bethel UCC.
______________________________________________
Please remember that your 2016 pledge sheets are due on Sunday,
November 13th.
There will be a Building and Grounds mtg.
@ 9 am on Saturday,
November 5th.
________________________
Sunday, Nov. 6 is the first day of practice for our
Christmas program AND it’s 1st qtr. Attendance awards.
Also that day……
______________________
Nebraska City’s annual Advent Recital for 2016 will be held again at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Sunday, Dec. 4th
from 6-8 pm.
Thank you to everyone who
brightened our sanctuary
with flowers, and who
sponsored bulletins during
the month of October.
Committee
LOOKING AHEAD TO DECEMBER
Fri. 2nd: CWU Christmas Tea @ Bethel
Sun. 4th: Communion/Food Pantry, Advent Recital at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 6 pm
Tues. 6th: Board of Christian Ed. Meeting 6pm
Sun. 11th: Sunday school Christmas program and
Election of Officers
Tues. 13th: Women’s Fellowship 12 pm, Spiritual Council meeting 5:45 pm, Church Council meeting 7 pm
Sun. 18th: No Sunday school or Youth Fellowship
Tues. 20th: Ministerial Association meeting 9 am
Sat. 24th: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with communion at 7 pm
Sun. 25th: Christmas morning worship 10 am (no Sunday school)
Mon. 26th: Office closed
Mon. 28th: Meals on Wheels 11am
Sun. Jan. 1st: No Sunday school
Mon. Jan. 2nd: Office closed
*Choir practice every Wednesday at 7pm
BEST WISHES TO THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR BIRTHDAYS & WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES IN NOVEMBER
Carol Beccard 1st Jamie Horstmann 1st Dylan Vock 1st Brenda Wieckhorst 1st
Jim Wozny 2nd Christine Rivett 5th Molly Hermann 10th Kassi Holman 10th
Hailey Herzog 11th Zoie Mills 12th Betty Joe Adkins 14th Braiden Moyer 16th
Keston Holman 20th Jane Vock 22nd Stephen Luther 25th Ben DeVorss 26th
Michael Mills 26th Dylan Holman 27th Connie Jensen 29th Bonnie Wurtele 29th
Matthew Ramold 30th
The Board of Christian
Education minutes for October
were not available at time of
printing.
__________________________
Leslie & Janice Dawson
~ Nov. 3, 1989 ~
Bill & Katheryn Walters
~ Nov. 9, 1963 ~
Jim & Rev. Charlene Wozny
~ Nov. 22, 1972 ~
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY!
Growing for the Future is a unique online, interactive virtual conference focused on beginning farmer and rancher issues,
including: mentorship, business planning, USDA programs women and veterans in farming, conservation and much more!
The conference is completely online, and features farmer-to-farmer webinars, live Q & A, a discussion board, a resource
center and free giveaways! Call 1-202-554-1600 and register now for free to join us in December for this
unique opportunity!
December 5-8, 5 pm—8 pm EST
Tentative Agenda
December 5th
Tom Driscoll- Grant Writing 101
Paul Goeringer – Managing Legal Risk on the Farm
Harrison Topp- Less Than or Equal To: Turning Mentor Relationships into Healthy Business Partnerships
Farm Labor Live Discussion with the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program
December 6th
Barbara Patterson– Farm Bill Breakdown
USDA Sarah Campbell – NAP: How it Benefits Beginning Farmers
Michael Kovach- Sticking With It: Surviving the 'Seven Year Itch
Brian Massey Interview- Urban Farming as a Beginning Farmer
December 7th
Bridget Holcomb- Managing your farm/businesses/nonprofit: It all comes down to communication
Michael O’Gorman– Beginning Farmer Needs for Veterans
FarmHer - Live Q&A, 7:00PM EST
Lisa Kivirist – How She Does It: Women Farmers Generating Income through Diversification
December 8th
Bill Stevenson- Co-Ops 101
Ben Dye– Technology and Farming, FarmLink
JoAnn Baumgartner– Biodiversity on the Farm
Tom Giessel: Farmers Union Progressive
CHRISTMAS MISSION PROJECT 2016
Each year one of our Christmas projects is to donate to Every Child’s Hope Evangelical Children’s Home. They have a “Christmas Store” that the children can choose gifts from that they give to their friends and families. It is these items that they are ask-ing UCC congregations to donate. A list of the items needed is in-cluded below and posted on the bulletin board outside of the office. Your dona-tions will need to be turned in to the office by Sunday, November 20, unwrapped. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
GREAT OPPORTUNITY!
It may surprise you to learn just how much the Bible says about finances! There are
more than 2,300 verses on how to handle money and possessions God’s Way!!! In
fact, Jesus said more about money than almost any other subject in the Bible!
Crown Financial Ministry offers a 10-week personal Bible study that will begin on
Sunday January 8th 2017 from 8:00-10:00 AM. It will be facilitated by Darcy and
David Carpenter who participated in this study at their church in Overland Park KS 10
years ago. Now they want to “brush up” on what they learned and to bring this
incredible opportunity to Bethel. The study provides solutions for both the symptoms
and the root cause of financial problems once and for all. It combines solid biblical
teaching, powerful online tools, and hands-on practical experiences. The Crown
Financial Study is a 10-week journey with the potential to change not only your
finances but also your life!
Please contact Darcy Carpenter at 816-223-2602 (cell) or
[email protected] to learn more about the details and/or to sign up.
You can also check out www.crown.org. Space is limited to 15 people so prayerfully
and quickly consider joining Darcy and David for an amazing journey to financial
freedom!
CHURCH COUNCIL
Church council met Sept. 13, 2016 at 7pm. Present were Jen Hamilton, David Carpenter, John Vock,
Loren Mleynek, Peg Johnson, Jane Kreifels, Pastor Bill, Sandy Ried, Margaret Brust, Sarah Bando, and
guests Darcy Carpenter, John Brust, Steve Luther.
The meeting was called to order by President Jen Hamilton. David made a motion to accept the minutes,
seconded by Loren, and the motion passed.
Darcy Carpenter would like to lead a bible study on biblical finances, possibly on Sunday mornings with a
cost of $25 per person. Jane made a motion to proceed with promoting this for January, a second was
given by David and the motion passed. John Brust and Steve Luther spoke regarding lawn mower
repairs. John Vock made a motion to repair the lawn mowers, with a second by Peg and the motion
passed.
Sandy gave the financial report. Peg made a motion to approve the financial report and pay the bills.
David seconded the motion and the motion passed. John made a motion to approve the presented 2017
budget. David seconded the motion and the motion was approved. The budget meeting will be Oct. 16.
Spiritual Council-no report. Board of Christian Ed- The hayrack ride is being planned. The Christmas
program will be Dec 11th with practices to begin in Nov. Pastor’s report- The confirmation classes will be
involved on 5th Sundays. The council decided to open the doors in front of the altar in the Duensing
Chapel more often. Secretary’s report- The Thanksgiving dinner will be Nov 13. Council will bring the
meat, Spiritual Council- stuffing, Board of CE-potatoes & gravy, Women’s fellowship-beverages.
Members are to bring a side or dessert. Women’s Fellowship report- A soup dinner will be held after
church on Oct 16. They will host a CWU tea on Dec.2. Search committee report given by Maggie. Jen
made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Search committee. The motion was seconded by
Peg and the motion was passed.
The next meeting will be Oct. 11, 2016. Loren made a motion to adjourn. Jen seconded the motion. The
meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Kreifels, Secretary
CHURCH COUNCIL
The Church Council met on Oct. 11, 2016 at 7pm. Present were Jenn Hamilton, David
Carpenter, Peg Johnson, Connie Jensen, Loren Mylenk, Jane Kreifels, Maggie Brust,
Sandy Ried, Sara Bando, Pastor Bill and guests Chip Johnson, Dennis Marshall, Mike
Redelfs, and Dean Griepenstroh. John made a motion to accept the minutes of the
previous meeting. Loren seconded the motion and the motion passed. The financial
report was discussed. David made a motion to accept the financial report. Peg seconded
the motion and the motion passed. Spiritual Council report- All the councils are assigned
foods to bring for the Thanksgiving Dinner. There will be no communion on Jan 1. There
will be communion on Christmas Eve and not on Christmas Day. The biennial review is on
hold. Search committee report- David made a motion to invite Pastor Jamie Kent to visit
and preach on Oct 16 with the financial package as previously approved. Loren seconded
the motion and the motion was passed. Jane made a motion to no longer publish the
proposed budget on the website. David seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Board of Christian Ed report-Christmas program practice starts on Nov 6. The hayrack
ride was held this month. Pastor Bill gave his report. The secretary gave her report.
Women’s Fellowship report- The soup dinner will be held Oct 16. Memorials report-The
lawn mower has been repaired. Building & Grounds report-A sign will be placed on the
elevator lift for a weight limit. The parsonage cleanup is Oct 15. The church office monitor
is not working. Friends of Faith has given us a $500 grant which will be used to provide
Thanksgiving Dinners for the needy and the remainder for cleaning the floors in the
church.
New business- John made a motion to have the financial secretary prepare the
annual budget and present it to the council for approval, in lieu of having a budget
committee. David seconded the motion and the motion was passed. The nominating
committee is at work searching for council members. The Christmas offering envelopes
will be donated 50% to OCWM and 50% to the general fund. Kevin Barrett will be
contacted about snow removal. Any potential pastors will be responsible for their own
snow removal. The next meeting will be Nov 8th at 7:00 pm. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Kreifels secretary
Bethel United Church of Christ Spiritual Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 5:45 pm
Pastor’s Office
Present: President Dennis Marshall, Vice-President Burt Weible, Secretary LaVonda Bando, Larry Bando, Cindy Weible and Pastor Bill Dennis called the meeting to order. Pastor Bill opened with a word of prayer.
Burt made a motion to accept September Spiritual Council meeting minutes. Larry seconded. Motion carried. Pastor Report: Conducted Leta Bremer funeral; Doing hospital visits; Board of Christian Education working on the children Christmas program to be held on Sunday, December 11; The Confirmation classes will be doing the 5th Sunday service on October 30 and also will be serving a meal after church service, too; Emmaus newspaper had pictures of the confirmation class when they down in St. Louis; Sunday, November 20 after church service will be decorating for the Advent season; Sunday, November 27 will be the first Advent Sunday; Coming up will be the Church Budget meeting, election of officers meeting and January annual meeting; Will need a supply pastor for Sunday, January 1. Burt made a motion that Bethel Church will join the Community Thanksgiving Service at First Christian Church on Sunday, November 13 at 6:00 pm. Cindy seconded. Motion carried. Old Business: Leftover quasquicentennial souvenirs will be put out on this coming Sunday for members to be picked up at the Harvest Soup Luncheon. New Business: Burt made a motion the biennially roll of members review was postponed until if we see if we get a new pastor. Larry seconded. Motion carried. The Spiritual Council was informed to bring three crock pots of dressing for the Bethel Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, November 13. Communion will be served on Christmas Eve service on December 24 with walk through communion. In January communion will be served on Sunday, January 8. Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 5:45 pm. Larry made a motion to close the meeting. Burt seconded. Motion carried. The meeting closed, by joining hands and saying the Lord Prayer. Secretary, LaVonda Bando
SPIRITUAL
COUNCIL
BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
Fall 2016 It has been a busy summer and fall at Bethel. Items of concern which have been taken care of include fixing the light at Pastors pulpit, a newly installed men's room vent fan, gutter cleaning and Hosta planting at the parsonage, a new basketball hoop and a lot of flower bed cleaning. Thank you to everyone who helped with those projects in any way. We held a fall clean up day on Saturday, October 15 where approximately 15 people worked very hard to tackle a long list of cleaning, fixing and updating issues at both the church as well as the parsonage. Jobs completed include cleaning the inside of the parsonage, trimming bushes for the winter, new shelving in the mower shed, a new kitchen faucet, lots of new light bulbs, new screen in the parsonage garage door, cleaning the pews and window sills at the church, disinfecting the nursery toys, installation of new church kitchen sink aerators and painting the back of the church yard sign. A big thank you to everyone who has helped with all of these projects and more. The Pavers Company arrived on Friday, October 14 and completed the new asphalt work on the north parking lot on Saturday, October 15th. They returned the next week to stripe the lot. Curb work and parking stops are planned for the near future. Thank you to John Brust for his continued attention to this project. It's been a frustrating season for the church mower as it needed repairs that proved difficult to diagnose. That issue has since been solved and we appreciate all of the help with that process. We also thank all of those volunteers who have taken the time to mow the church/parsonage yards this season. That is a lot of work and we appreciate how beautiful our property looks because of your efforts. The next meeting of the Bethel Building and Grounds will be Saturday, November 5th at 9am. These meetings are held quarterly. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please note we do not have any one person who handles the maintenance of the church properties at this time. It has only been through word of mouth and documenting issues (not necessarily custodial) that need attention on the church bulletin board that things get done. We all need to work together to see that our property is properly taken care of. Respectfully submitted, Jen Hamilton, Secretary
2017 Bethel UCC Officer Ballot
Submitted by nominating committee
(Arlin Rohlfs*, Teri Stukenholtz*, Sarah Bando, Jane Kreifels)
Church Council
Norm Brown, Chip Johnson, Mike Redelfs
Spiritual Council
Dean Biere, Carol Biere, Paula Ramold
Board of Christian Education
Carrie Ferguson, Kassi Holman, Jen Tietz
Pastor Parish
Danielle Barrett, Maggie Brust, Teri Stukenholtz
Delegates, Nebr. Conference
Greg & Paula Ramold, Michelle Francis Alt: Sarah Bando
Delegates, Heartland Assoc.
Norm & Nancy Brown, Connie Gieseking Alt: Jerry Gieseking
The Nominating Committee expresses its appreciation for the involvement of all those
who have agreed to serve. It is the dedication of the persons who accepted these
positions that will keep our church going forward in the years to come.
May God Bless You and Guide You…..
ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING 2016
A congregational meeting was held on Oct.23, 2016. The meeting
was called to order by President Jen Hamilton. Pastor Bill opened the
meeting with a prayer.
The minutes of the last meeting were read by Sarah Bando. Dean
Griepenstroh made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected.
Loren Mleynek seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Sandy
Ried, financial treasurer, presented the 2017 budget and answered
questions. Burt Weible made a motion to approve the budget. Jason
Holman seconded the motion. Ballots were distributed.
The motion passed by 100%.
Adeline Vock made a motion to adjourn. Cassie Holman seconded
the motion. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Kreifels, secretary
Bethel United Church of Christ
2400 Central Avenue
Nebraska City, NE 68410
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
SCHEDULED TO SERVE NOVEMBER 2016
LAY LEADERS Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Kassi Holman Sue Griepenstroh Dean Griepenstroh Burt Weible GREETERS Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Jane Kreifels & Cindy Kreifels Sharon Kotas Janice Dawson Harold & Gladys Huss USHERS Nov. 6 Nov. 13—Nov. 20 Nov. 27—Dec. 4 Stephen Luther, Janice Dawson Jason & Kassi Holman Dean & Sue Griepenstroh Burt & Cindy Weible David & Darcy Carpenter Jamie Horstmann, Sara Horstmann SOUND SYSTEM Nov. 6 Nov. 13—Nov. 20 Nov. 27—Dec. 4 Burt Weible Harold Huss Dennis Marshall
ACOLYTES Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Landon Ferguson Katherine Luther Mason Hamilton Matthew Ramold Lilian Graham Elizabeth Luther Gray Carpenter Brianna Johnson
FLOWERS ~ Sarah Bando COOKIE FELOWSHP ~ Sandy Ried & Katie Chapin
