The RockJan 12, 2018 · Worship Musician Barbara Fisher-Livingston Music Director Hannah Fidler Director of Children’s Ministry Barb Stenger Nursery Care Givers Ashley Collins,

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The Rock The newsletter from Beth Eden United Methodist Church

“A Christian Community, Open and Loving”

VOLUME 63 - JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019 - ISSUE 1

Beth Eden United Methodist Church 3201 Huffman Blvd. - Rockford, IL

815.877.9237 ~ [email protected] www.bethedenumcrockford.org

“This is a good place to visit, to come frequently, and to remain”

Can you hear God’s Voice?

"The best way to make our dreams come true, is to wake up." How can we have a dream come true if we don't do so? Before our dreams can come true, we must first wake up!

I have learned that in Native American culture there is a talisman called a "dream catcher." Actually, they've become quite popular as pieces of jewelry and folk art. A dream catcher looks like a simplistic version of a spider's web, adorned with a few decorative feathers and beads. According to leg-end, parents are to hang a dream catcher over their newborn’s cradle - the “web” then catches only the child's good dreams, while letting the bad dreams escape through the spaces of the web's strands. It is a beautiful symbol!

We must free our good dreams, not keep them to ourselves. We must let good dreams become as prevalent. Please note the different types of dream-ers:

Dreamers by will: Even daydreamers know good words themselves are not enough. The greatest dreamers are also the greatest doers. It is not enough to say "yes." Dreaming of a closer family and truly dear friends ... means you are willing to give your time, your attention, your heart to oth-ers. Dreaming of a safe world for our children ... means we are willing to fight for justice and peace. Dreaming of a more vital, satisfying, spirit-filled church home ... means you are willing to pray and worship with all your spirit while remaining open to the movements of God's Spirit.

Dreamers by words: to dream a whole new vocabulary with words filling the atmosphere as "we can," "yes," and "wisdom". Instead of finding excuses to run and hide, daydreamers must proclaim "we can." We can make our children's lives happier; we can keep our family strong; we can help our

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Contributors Pastor Mario

Sherry Severing Norma Shipton

Barb Stenger Anita Collingwood

Production & Mailing “Royal Order of The Stuffers & Stickers”

Published bi-monthly at Beth Eden UMC

3201 Huffman Blvd., Rockford, IL 61103-2941

Postage/fees are paid in Rockford, IL

BETH EDEN UMC—STAFF Rev. Mario Mayer, Pastor

Email: [email protected] Cell 618.553.7191

Secretary Sherry Severing

Email: [email protected] Office: 815.877.9237

Office Hours: Wed-Fri 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Worship Musician Barbara Fisher-Livingston

Music Director Hannah Fidler

Director of Children’s Ministry Barb Stenger

Nursery Care Givers Ashley Collins, Jessica Burright, Kate Martinez, & Shane Wernick

Custodian Ray Covert

February 13

Weight Watchers meets at Beth Eden UMC on Thursday's at 6:00 p.m. with weigh-in starting at 5:30 pm. They meet on the lower level in the Fellowship Hall. Come check out their new “Freestyle” program.

For more information about Weight Watchers please call 800.651.6000 or go to www.weightwatchers.com.

WALK TO EMMAUS

Have you thought about taking this Spiritual Journey? Plan ahead!

Men’s Spring Walk #156 is March 28-31, 2019 *Walk is at Wesley Woods Retreat Center, Williams Bay, WI

Women’s Spring Walk #157 is April 4-7, 2019 *Walk is at Carmelite Retreat Center, Darien, IL

Men’s Fall Walk #158 is September 26-29, 2019 *Walk is at Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford, IL

Women’s Fall Walk #159 is October 3-6, 2019 *Walk is at Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford, IL

If you are interested in learning more about the Walk to Emmaus you can visit their website at www.nil-emmaus.org or see anyone who has been on

the walk. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss!

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community join together; we can offer reassurance and support and con-cern.

Dreamers by words also dream "yes" instead of "no." "Yes" to possibil-ities instead of "no" to probabilities. "Yes" to risking commitment instead of the "no" of safe detachment. "Yes" to loving without guarantees instead of "no" to all but our own existence.

Holy-Dreamers: Like Joseph in today's gospel text, we must also be God-dreamers, Holy-dreamers. Joseph heard the call of the Holy in his dreams and responded by putting that call into action. The power of the Holy trans-formed the motivation behind all Joseph did. Joseph did not simply have a bad dream and run away from Egypt. He had a Holy dream and immediately implemented God's rescue plan.

Matthew takes great care in setting the scene for Jesus' birth. The gospel writer skillfully sketches the events immediately after Jesus' arrival. Mat-thew's focus, in both cases, is on the proper fulfillment of Scripture, detail-ing Jesus' identity in light of all the predicted indicators of the Messiah's ar-rival. In Matthew 2:13-23, the writer presents three separate scenes, each scrupulously designed to "fulfill" the Scripture text referred to by Matthew.

"Fulfillment" is one of Matthew's primary concerns, and he uses the verb "fulfill" more than any other gospel writer. As in Matthew's birth pro-nouncement, Joseph is identified as the primary actor. Each time, the angel-ic messenger appears to Joseph IN HIS DREAM and directs Joseph's behav-ior, there was no chance for hesitation or disbelief in any of Joseph’s re-sponses - the angel speaks, and he obeys completely. Joseph really believed in dreams as one way that God shows his will and put into practice his re-deeming plan.

Our birthright, our daydreams of good words and strong will empowered by a holy vision, is in danger of drying up as well. Don't let the nightmare visions of others threaten the health of your daydreaming.

But God is still trying to involve us, next Sunday January 6th we will cel-ebrate Epiphany that symbolizes exactly that something that is hidden

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now it has been shown…HE calls the gentiles calling three astrologists to come, to meet the Lord and Savior and to worship the King of kings.

In this occasion, what was God’s way to reveal his purposes? Not exactly to talk to someone in dreams but he used a star that astrologists where called to follow. He is God, He is the Creator, the whole universe obeys his voice. And you, can you hear God’s voice? Can you see His star and how God is calling you to renew your commitment and to fulfill your promises and your personal covenant to obey and to follow Jesus?

Wake up, church! No more dreams without putting them into action. Christ, the little baby Jesus, is now raised from the dead! Wake up to the power the risen Lord brings to your life.

We have a dream for a BEUMC full of the Holy Spirit, for a Church capa-ble to sustain itself in all the ways---a congregation without financial needs and a place where all people can find the love of God. Well, that dreaming place: a more vital, satisfying, spirit-filled church home can be real as we awake... means, to do our very best…means as we are willing to pray and worship with all your spirit while remaining open to the movements of God's Spirit…means, to serve knowing, when we serve in Church we serve Jesus mission.

Wake up, church! No more dreams. Open up to the power of the Scriptures to speak to our life. As God talked to Joseph or the astrologist, so Christ sends a personal wake-up call to each of us.

On the first Sunday in this New Year, when we are making our resolutions this wake-up call should be addressed to Christ's own body, the church. Body parts that have fallen asleep must be shaken back into circulation. Wake up, get up and sign up. Let's bring the whole world back to life!

"The best way to make your dreams come true, is to wake up." How can we have a dream come true if you don't wake up? Before our dreams can come true, we must first wake up!

In His name, Pastor Mario S. Mayer

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Poker Night: Instruction Guide (David Sklansky) Poker Night: Special Edition Strategy Book (David Sklansky) The Governor You Don’t Know: The Other Side of Bruce Rauner (Chris Cleveland) The New Diabetic Cookbook (Mabel Cavaiani, R.D.) The Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren) The Soybean Cookbook (Dorothea Van Gundy Jones) Puzzles (Puzzles of 50 or more pieces are located on the top shelves. Puzzles of less than 50 pieces are on the Children’s shelves.) 10 Puzzles; 100, 300, & 500 pieces (Terry Redlin) Animals of the World; floor puzzle, 60 pieces (Ravensberger) Farm Friends Floor Puzzle; 24 pieces (Melissa & Doug) Magnetic Hide ‘n Seek Farm (Melissa & Doug) The 50 United States of America; two-sided, 60 pieces (lpfpuzzle) More FLASH Giveaways! Some of our shelves are overflowing. THANK YOU! We will periodically be offering free materials (books, magazines, media, etc.) on the three-shelved rolling cart in front of the library. Please take as many as you would like. Re-maining items will be donated to a non-profit organization.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Media (CD’s) 1999 Christmas Sampler (Various Artists) A Katie’s Cup Christmas (Seventh Street Coffee, Inc.) A Kiss for Christmas (The University of Akron Steel Drum Band) A Wind Machine Christmas (Blue Meteor Records) A Winter’s Solstice V (Windham Hill Artists) An Evening in December: Volume Two (First Call and Friends) Christmas (Lance Gibbon) Christmas in Mitford (Hallmark Cards, Inc.) Christmas Piano (Starlite Piano Ensemble) Christmas TRAXX! (Sony Music) Christmas Voices (St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir) Christmas with Babyface (Sony Music) Happy Holidays: Volume 33 (Truserv Corporation) Home for the Holidays (Kohl’s Cares) Mantovani’s Christmas Favorites (Mantovani & His Orchestra) Sing in the Holidays (Sony Music) Songs of the Season: 2001 (Kohl’s Cares for Kids) Songs of the Season: 2003 (Kohl’s Cares for Kids) The Living Room Sessions: Christmas (Chris Rice) The Simple Gift of Christmas (Tim Janis) The Wonder of Christmas (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) What a Wonderful Time (Yolanda Adams) What a Wonderful World (LeAnn Rimes) White Christmas (Marilyn McCoo) Non-Fiction Section 49th annual Tebala Shrine Circus: Under the Big Top Souvenir Program and Activity Book 500 More! Low-Carb Recipes (Dana Carpender) Heaven Sent: More Than Coincidence (Guideposts) Hoyle Casino (Sierra Attractions) Master Cook TM Cooking Light (Sierra) New Dieter’s Cook Book (Better Homes and Gardens)

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As a reminder from the Memorial Committee, memorials remain open for 6 months after an individuals passing. There is a memorial box with cards & envelopes in the Narthex.

Memorials are currently being accepted for: David Boeselager (10/24/18) Tony Kryzaniak (11/30/18) Arlene Standring (12/10/18)

Listed below are the names of beloved sisters & brothers in Christ. Each of their lives and ministries was a great blessing and cherished memory for each of us.

These are the names of persons who have passed away since November 16, 2018:

Anthony Kryzaniak January 16, 1928 ~ November 30, 2018

Arlene Standring December 29, 1924 ~ December 10, 2018

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labors for their deeds follow them.” ~ ~ Revelation 14:13

Pastor Mario will be gone on the Chile Mission Trip from De-cember 28, 2018 to January 9, 2019 and then on vacation from January 10 ~ 24, 2019. If during this time you need anything at all, please call the of-fice. If Sherry is not in the office leave a message, as she will be

checking the machine often! We will have a Pastor on call and they will be happy to assist in any way they can!

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Judy Branson

Doris Collman

Kathaleen Cychosz (Mother of Angela Wernick)

Carolyn Decker

Vivian Dull

Moe Emery (Surgery December 26th)

Hannah & Jim Fidler

Norma Kitchen

Tom Kline (Father of Lisa Jepsen)

Mason Manning (Grandson of Teri Zimmerman)

Mike & Jan Pastuska (Son-in-Law & Daughter of Ginny Pearson)

Al Quinones

Dottie Roberts

Elaina Rossato (Great-Granddaughter of Ruth Plock)

Dolores Rundberg

Frank & Florence Schou

Carl & Mae Schumacher

The Family of

Arlene Standring

Natalie Todora

Dorothy VanMatre

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The Party That Grew (Molly Brett) The Story of Creation (Beth Atchison) The Story of the Good Samaritan (Teresa Olive) Three Presents for Baby Jesus (Joanne Bader) Under the Sea (Bendon) Vampirina (Bendon) Who Will Haunt My House on Halloween? (Jerry Pallotta & David Bie-drzycki) Wide Awake! (Debi Gliori) Fiction From the Heart (Nora Roberts) Love Inspired Inspirational Romance: Brides of Amish Country: The Farmer Next Door (Patricia Davids) Rainbows End (Irene Hannon) The Cowboy’s Courtship (Brenda Minton) The McKaslin Clan: A McKaslin Homecoming (Jillian Hart) Classics: A Bride for Dry Creek & Shepherds Abiding in Dry Creek (Janet Tronstad) Madam Will You Talk? (Mary Stewart) Split Image (Robert B. Parker) The Harlequin Famous Firsts Collection: The Cowboy and the Lady (Diana Palmer) Two of a Kind (Nora Roberts) Large Print Lifeway/Adults, Bible Studies for Life, Summer, 2018 Lifeway/Adults, The Gospel Project Chronological, Volume II, Spring, 2018 Love Inspired Suspense: Forced Alliance (Lenora Worth) Trail of Secrets (Sandra Robbins)

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Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees) Good Night, Little Bear (Patsy Scarry) Henrietta and the Hat (Mabel Watts) Henry and Mudge: The First Book of Their Adventures (Cynthia Rylant) How Big is a Baby? (Virginia C. Holmgren) If You Give a Pig a Pancake (Laura Numeroff) Just Enough Carrots (Stuart J. Murphy) Live Life with Love (Bendon) Little Penguin (Carrie Rarick) Minnie Coloring and Activity Book (Bendon) Monsters: The Abominable Snowman (Rachel Lynette) Moses’ Dry Feet (Joan E. Curren) Mouse Count (Ellen Stoll Walsh) My Big Yard: What do you See?: A Fun-Flap Book (K. R. Knight) Nighttime Ninja (Barbara DaCosta) Noah’s Ark: Stories from the Bible O Christmas Tree: A Story of Friendship and Love (Publications Internation-al, Ltd.) One Rainy Day (Tammi Salzano) Polar Animals All Year Long (Melvin & Gilda Berger) Quest Puzzle Book (Hopscotch & Boy’s) Race Day (Gail Tuchman) Riddle Me This! (D. R. Shealy) Santa Mouse (Michael Brown) Shipwrecked Paul (Claire Miller) Snow Babies (Eric Rosser) Sweetest of Days (Bendon) The Bernstein Bears Go To The Doctor (Stan & Jan Bernstein) The Giant (Joy Cowley) The Gingerbread Man (Scholastic Inc.) The Great Catch of Fish (Lisa Konzen) The Happy Man and His Dump Truck (Miryam) The North Pole: Jumbo Coloring & Activity Book The Paperboy (Dav Pilkey)

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January 2019 My dear friends in Christ, I am excited to share with you my return to Thailand. New construction on the Grace International School campus started in July and is on target for completion in June. The goal is to have the basic facilities up and ready for use in the next school year. That is ambitious yet necessary. GIS will lose their current facilities in June and will need to move on. For the last 4 months I have been working with the architect and library staff on site to review the original library blue print. The new high school/elementary libraries will be conjoined utilizing one common service desk; computer lab and other shared resources. Eventually the library will also be open to the community. This vision was approved over 10 years ago. Yes, ten years! I often wondered if it would become a reality. I have learned to be patient with such change. It takes time to move organizations and com-munities. I will be in Thailand the month of February and will help the library staff create a floor plan for the move. I also will visit the Chiang Rai International Christian School where I helped the librarian design her new library. And, of course, I will take time to re-connect with my dear Thai friends. I am thrilled!!! So, my friends ~ I need your prayers for good health and energy. It is a long trip! ———————----------------------------------------—— With God’s grace we grow together! Your friend in Christ! Judy Long – your ‘retired’ Wycliffe missionary!

NOMINATIONS REPORT 2019-2021 Rev. Mario S. Mayer

Rockford: Beth Eden UMC

A: LEADERS TO BE ELECTED FOR 2019-2021 Church Council: Chairperson: Mike Scott

Lay Leadership or Nominations Committee: Chairperson: Pastor Mario S Mayer

3. Staff Parish Relations Committee: Co-Chairpersons: Barbara Stenger

4. Finance Committee: Chairperson: Dan Todora

5. Trustees Committee: Co-Chairs: #1 Roger Kitchen #2 Jesse McDuell

2019 2020 2021

Gerald Lamb Joan McCarty Darlene Scott

Blake Smith Mike Scott

2019 2020 2021

Marcia Church Dianne Young Terry Meacham

Jean Steckling Moe Emery Kathy Berschneider

2019 2020 2021

Patti Luevano Blake Smith Scott Hoffman

Barbara Stenger Delores Bartlett

NIC Delegate: Kim Emery Lay L: Karen Andrus

2019 2020 2021

Robin Smith Robin Smith Mary Jo Lafferty

Blake Smith Audrey Seebach Dana Meacham

2019 2020 2021

Ray Covert Jesse McDuell Mike Scott

Audrey Seebach Jean Steckling Roger Kitchen

Ginny Pearson

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Happy New Year!

Thank You! The Library Committee wishes to give thanks to this months’ donors of magazines, books, and puzzles: Anita Collingwood, Thomas Covert, Helen Emerick, Nancy S., Audrey Seebach, Jean Steckling, Barb Stenger, Bonnie Vandergriff, and unknown benefactors.

Some of the recent magazine donations we have received are: All Creatures, All God’s Creatures, Birds & Blooms, Guideposts, Northwest, Reminisce, and Woman’s Day. Book donations include, in order of section only: Children’s A Very Special Night (Gill Davies) Bible Stories from the Old Testament Big Nate: Dibs on This Chair (Lincoln Peirce) Brecker Bunny Asks for Help: A Lesson in Fire Safety (Hilary D. R. Bilbery) Children’s Bible Activity Book (Tony & Tony Tallarico) Chomper The Greedy Dinosaur (Janet Allison Brown) Covered in Colors: Coloring and Activity Book (Landoll) Curious George (H. A. Rey) Digby Takes Charge (Caroline Jayne Church) Dog’s Birthday Party (Word World) Farm Babies (Janet B. Campbell) First Animals (Hinker Books) Get Up, Lazarus! (Jonathan Schkade)

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If you would like to have flowers on the altar in honor of or in memory of someone, please let the church office know! You are responsible for order-ing the flowers. You may use any florist you choose. If you’re not sure who to call, Cherry Blossom on North Main does a good job!

Beth Eden UMC, We just wanted to say Thank you for your kindness. Your donations, espe-cially the socks (always needed) were greatly appreciated by the residents of River Bluff Nursing Home. Thank you! With Special Thanks! There are no words to thank you all for your prayers for Dave over the past 4 years. It meant so much to know you were there for us. He loved all the cards he received and I to appreciated all the prayers, cards, and phone calls received from you. Thanks to Darlene for taking all my phone calls. You were always there for me! God Bless you all! With Love and Thanks, Jeanette Boeselager

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6. Memorial Committee: Chairperson:

7. Evangelism Committee: Chairperson:

2019 2020 2021

Dixie Hoffman Bob Bartlett Bona Springer

Nancy Todora Mary Jo Lafferty Lisa Jepsen

Ginny Pearson Audrey Seebach Anita Collingwood

2019 2020 2021

Darlene Scott Elaine McDuell Bona Springer

Terry Meacham Mary Jo Lafferty Lisa Jepsen

Anita Collingwood Dana Meacham

Church Treasure: Kim Emery

Finance Secretary: Scott Hoffman

Counter of Offering Coordinator: Darlene Scott

Counter of Offering Team: Roger Kitchen, Dan Todora, Blake Smith, Joshua Burright

Audit Committee Tonia Kennedy, Spencer Lafferty

Lay Member of the Annual Confer-ence:

Kim Emery (Beginning 2019)

Alternate Lay Leader to Annual Conference:

Moe Emery

The Lay Leader: Karen Andrus

Alternate Recording Secretary: Rhonda Burright, Elaine McDuell

Church Conference Secretary Elaine McDuell, Rhonda Burright

Sunday School Superintendent: Rhonda Burright

Rockford Urban M. Representa-tive:

Terry Meacham

Social Events Coordinator: Darlene Scott

Jolly BE Seniors Club Coordinator: Karen Weiss

F&L Monthly Community Dinner: Elaine McDuell

BE Coffee Area: Helen Emerick

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BETHLEHEM MP – Coordinators: Jesse McDuell, Norma Shipton, Nancy Todora

Santa Shop Coordinator: Barbara Stenger & Diana Gorrell

Church Photographer: Joan McCarty

Director of Music Ministries Hannah Fidler

Director of Children Ministries Barbara Stenger

Worship Musician: Barbara Fisher-Livingston

B. OTHER ORGANIZED COMMITTEES

Congregational Care: Chairperson: Norma Shipton Carol Bennehoff, Nancy Damon, Dixie Hoffman, Carolyn North, Virginia Person, Helen Peterson, Helen Roser, & Audrey Seebach

Mission/Church and Society: Chairperson: Wilma Kuhlmeyer Bob Bartlett, Anita Collingwood, Diana Gorrell, Dixie Hoffman, Tonia Kennedy, Hel-en Roser, & Dolores Rundberg

Youth Council: Rhonda Burright, Tonia Kennedy, Mary Jo McCracken, & Teri Zim-merman

Library: Chairperson: Anita Collingwood Ray Covert, Elaine McDuell, & Bonnie Vandergriff

Drama Ministry Team: Phyllis Flanagan, Dixie Hoffman, Darlene Scott, Norma Shipton, & Nancy Todora

Altar & Worship Committee: Hannah Fidler, Barbara Fisher-Livingston, Phyllis Flanagan (DT), Mike Scott (CC), Jean Steckling/Ruth Plock (CS), Norma Shipton & Sherry Severing (Greeter Coordinators), Jesse McDuell, (MHs), Dan Todora & Jean Steckling (Usher Coordinators), Joan McCarty (Ph), Barbara Stenger

Cyber & Media Shout: Elaine McDuell, Jesse McDuell, Dana Meacham, Seth Schwirblat, & Mike Scott

Stuffers & Stickers: Dixie Hoffman, Jerry Lamb, Virginia Pearson, Helen Peterson, Gary Rieken, Helen Roser, Ken Sanders, Mike & Darlene Scott, Dianne Young

Children’s Worship Team: Rhonda Burright, Marcia Church, Kim Emery, Hannah Fidler, Kelcey Kast, Mary Jo Lafferty, Pastor Mario Mayer, Kim Paine, Barbara Sten-ger, Angela Wernick, & Shane Wernick (These are the volunteers that serve in this tentative new ministry in favor of the little ones.)

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BLANKET SUNDAY IS COMING!

You will have the opportunity on Sunday, March 10 to share in a special offering for blankets to provide comfort in times of crisis in the USA and around the world.

A $10.00 blanket can provide warmth, shelter, privacy, and a means of transporting personal items by people who have lost so much dur-ing a flood, tornado, or are victims of war and escape with only the clothes on their backs.

Please make checks payable to BEUMW, who will forward one check to Church World Service.

GLORY B’S

The Glory B’s will meet on Tuesday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Karen Andrus’ home and Tuesday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Dana Meacham’s home.

FISHES AND LOAVES COMMUNITY DINNER

The Community Dinners will be on Wednesday, January 23 and Wednesday, February 27

from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The dinner is FREE! All are invited to join us!

CLUB 52 It’s time again to sign up for Club 52, which supports Beth Eden’s Youth Group. Letters will go out soon. If you would like to join Club 52, please be sure to return your

card to the church office no later than February 27. Questions, please call the church office at 815.877.9237.

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Sharing one’s faith is sometimes not as easy as it should be. For Roger, his faith has been there and gotten him through some of the most difficult times in his life. We are thankful for his faithfulness and commitment to Beth Eden through all the years that have come and gone and pray-fully for those yet to come. We say great job!

EDENETTES CIRCLE The Edenettes Circle of the United Methodist Women will meet in the Youth Room on Thursday, January 10 at 12:30 p.m. Jean Steckling will be providing our refreshments. Since this is the

first meeting of the year, we will be focusing on making our giving pledge. Come—and invite a friend! A $1.00 donation for the Carrie Lynn Children’s Center is welcomed each month.

“YUM” HOT SOUPS ON A COLD WINTER DAY! The United Methodist Women invite all people of Beth Eden to our annual SOUP LUNCHEON to be held at 11:30 am on Friday, February 8 in Fellowship Hall. Enjoy numerous kinds of soups made by the good cooks of Beth Eden along

with breads and yummy deserts. A program is being planned and will be an-nounced later. There is no charge—a free will offering will be received. Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss this! Please use the sign-up list at the Welcome Center to help us plan the amount of food we will need.

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Bible Readings for the Month of January

January 6 ~ Epiphany Sunday Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-5; Matthew 2:1-12

January 13 ~ 1st Sunday after the Epiphany/Baptism of the Lord Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

January 20 ~ 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

January 27 ~ 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany Scripture: Luke 4:14-20 Sermon: “Good News to the Poor”

Bible Readings for the Month of February

February 3 ~ 4th Sunday after the Epiphany/Holy Communion Scripture: Luke 4:21-30 Sermon: “Rejected at Nazareth”

February 10 ~ 5th Sunday after the Epiphany Scripture: Luke 5:1-11 Sermon: “Are You a Fisher of People?”

February 17 ~ 6th Sunday after the Epiphany Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-10 Sermon: “Who Do You Trust?”

February 24 ~ 7th Sunday after the Epiphany Scripture: Luke 6:27-38 Sermon: “Love Your Enemies and Do Good”

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If you are unable to serve, please find someone to replace you and let the office know! Thank you!!

Liturgist for the month of January is: Kim Emery & Praise Team

January 6 Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 9:30 am Carolyn North & Audrey Seebach & Helen Peterson & Diana Gorrell Kathy Walker Ruth Gilbertson

Ushers: 9:30 am Thomas Covert & Dustyn Wiersema

January 13 Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 9:30 am Ginny Pearson & Ruth Plock & Helen Roser & Ken Sanders Bonnie Powless Helen Emerick

Ushers: 9:30 am Anita Collingwood & Dan Todora

January 20 Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 9:30 am Gary Rieken & Wayne & Dianne Denny & Kathy Jerry Lamb Young Berschneider

Ushers: 9:30 am Dana Meacham & Dan Todora

January 27 Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 9:30 am Carol Bennehoff & Dolores Rundberg & Patti Luevano & Bona Springer Robin Smith Kim Paine

Ushers: 9:30 am Blake Smith & Dan Todora

PERSON OF INTEREST AT BETH EDEN

How many know who Roger Kitchen is? My guess is most or all of you. Not to be “playing favorites”, but I probably know him the best…he is my younger brother. I probably could have written most of this article without asking him any questions, but what fun would that be!

Roger was born and raised in Rockford. He is the fourth of six siblings. He was born as our family was beginning our life at Beth Eden in 1956. He was baptized, confirmed, and become a member here. He was always a happy child and could smile his way out of any trouble. As a youth, he attended Sunday School regularly, was a member of Boy Scouts and Explorers (troop 2), and earned an Eagle Scout award. He was involved with the youth group, was an Acolyte (in the original sanctuary), sang in the first children’s choir, participated in many Christmas programs, and held palms for Palm Sunday. Church was like a second home, sometimes with many members as mentors along the way. As an adult, he has held many positions: Chairperson for Council, Trustee (co-chair), Youth Council, and was a part of forming the co-op of the three churches. He has participated in the Adult Choir, BMP for many years, helped with the Women’s Spring Banquet, went on the first mission trip to Chile, was a part of the production Beth Eden put on called “Jesus Now”, been a part of different skits that were presented over the years, and took over mowing the church lawn when our father was no longer able to do it, probably about 15 years ago. Now he is often seen at the sound board on Sunday mornings or later upstairs helping to count the offerings (of course this is if he isn’t out deer hunting in the fall). When asked about both his best memories and favorite “thing” about Beth Eden, he said that singing in the youth cantatas and in the “Jesus Now” play were best remembered; and that the friendship of the people over all the years that has bonded us together as “family” will always be treasured.

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Kid’s Konnection “FUN in the SNOW”

Saturday, January 12th 1:00-3:00 PM

Come play in the snow and warm up inside after. Wear winter clothes!

Kids ages 3-10 Parents welcomed to help

Kid’s Konnection “Valentine Dance“

Saturday, February 9th 1:30-3:00 PM

Ages 3-10

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Liturgist for the month of February is: Anita Collingwood & Praise Team

February 3 Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 9:30 am Helen Roser & Carolyn North & Audrey Seebach & Ruth Gilbertson Diana Gorrell Kathy Walker

Ushers: 9:30 am Thomas Covert & Dustyn Wiersema

Communion Servers: 9:30 am Audrey Seebach, Ginny Pearson, & Ken Sanders

February 10 Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 9:30 am Helen Roser & Ginny Pearson & Ruth Plock & Helen Emerick Ken Sanders Bonnie Powless

Ushers: 9:30 am Anita Collingwood & Dan Todora

February 17 Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 9:30 am Denny & Kathy Gary Rieken & Wayne & Dianne Berschneider Jerry Lamb Young

Ushers: 9:30 am Dana Meacham & Dan Todora

February 24 Greeters: Main Door Welcome Center North Door 9:30 am Patti Luevano Carol Bennehoff & Dolores Rundberg & Kim Paine Bona Springer Robin Smith

Ushers: 9:30 am Blake Smith & Dan Todora

If you are unable to serve, please find someone to replace you and let the office know! Thank you!!

Page 13

If your Birthday or Anniversary is

listed wrong or missing, please notify

the Church Office so we can correct it.

2 Hudson Sutliff

4 Jesse McDuell

Kim Emery

6 Sherry Severing

Cole Damon

Shane Wernick

7 Ruth Gilbertson

8 Dennis Berschneider

11 Frank Schou

15 Arlene Syverson

Amy Seyller

19 Dan Todora

20 Norma Shipton

Tim Kast

Liam Kast

Lisa Fonda

24 Judy Krause

25 Audrey Seebach

26 Pastor Mario Mayer

28 Karen Andrus

30 Florence Schou

31 Xavier Hart

3 Dave & Kathy Hopkins

10 Brad & Marlise Maurer

10 Pastor Mario & Fabiola Mayer

14 Jerry & Jane Severing

Page 18

Sunday Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wednesday

1

2 Presentation of the Lord Groundhog Day

3 4th Sunday after the Epiphany Communion Sunday

4 7:00 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

5

7 12:30 pm-Edenettes 6:00 pm-Weight Watchers 6:00 pm-Hand Bells 6:45 pm-Chancel Choir

8 11:30 am-UMW Soup Luncheon

9 Kids Konnection 1:30-3:00 pm “Valentine’s Dance”

6 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 10:00 am-Congregation Care Ministry Team

10 5th Sunday after the Epiphany


12

14 Valentine’s Day 6:00 pm-Weight Watchers 6:00 pm-Hand Bells 6:45 pm-Chancel Choir

15

16

13 ROCK DEADLINE 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 11:30 am-Wesley Willows Luncheon 6:00 pm-Community Dinner Mtg. 6:30 pm-Girl Scout Leader’s Mtg


18 Presidents Day 7:00 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

19 7:00 pm-Staff Parish Meeting

21 6:00 pm-Weight Watchers 6:00 pm-Hand Bells 6:45 pm-Chancel Choir

22 9:00 am-Stuffers & Stickers

23 20 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:30 pm-Church Council Meeting

24 7th Sunday after the Epiphany 9:00-9:30 am-Blood Pressure Checks


26 7:00 pm-Glory B’s @ Dana Meacham’s


27 Club 52 Sign-Up Deadline 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:00 pm-Fishes & Loaves Community Dinner

Page 17

Sunday Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wednesday

1

2 Presentation of the Lord Groundhog Day

3 4th Sunday after the Epiphany Communion Sunday


5

7 12:30 pm-Edenettes 6:00 pm-Weight Watchers 6:00 pm-Hand Bells 6:45 pm-Chancel Choir

8 11:30 am-UMW Soup Luncheon

9 Kids Konnection 1:30-3:00 pm “Valentine’s Dance”




12

14 Valentine’s Day 6:00 pm-Weight Watchers 6:00 pm-Hand Bells 6:45 pm-Chancel Choir

15

16

13 ROCK DEADLINE 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 11:30 am-Wesley Willows Luncheon 6:00 pm-Community Dinner Mtg. 6:30 pm-Girl Scout Leader’s Mtg


18 Presidents Day 7:00 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2



22 9:00 am-Stuffers & Stickers

23 20 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:30 pm-Church Council Meeting

24 7th Sunday after the Epiphany 9:00-9:30 am-Blood Pressure Checks


26 7:00 pm-Glory B’s @ Dana Meacham’s


27 Club 52 Sign-Up Deadline 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:00 pm-Fishes & Loaves Community Dinner

Worship Schedule 9:30 a.m.—Worship Service

10:15 am—Children’s Choir Practice 10:45 a.m.— Sunday School for all ages

10:45 a.m.—Praise Team Practice

Page 14

If your Birthday or Anniversary is

listed wrong or missing, please notify

the Church Office so we can correct it.

1 Spencer Lafferty

13 Riley Shannon

15 Jeff Zimmerman

16 Ashley McCarty

18 Caleb Damon

20 Judy Shannon

Athena Bauer

23 Victoria Hart

24 Kim Paine

Jason Maurer

27 Kathleen Walker

24 David & Linda Kobler

Page 15

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus New Year’s Day


3 6:00 pm-Weight Watchers

4 5

6 Epiphany of the Lord No Communion


8 9 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 11:30 am-Wesley Willows Luncheon 6:00 pm-Community Dinner Mtg 6:30 pm-Girl Scout Leader’s Mtg

10 12:30 pm-Edenettes 6:00 pm-Weight Watchers 6:00 pm-Hand Bells 6:45 pm-Choir

11 Human Trafficking Awareness Day 10:30 am-UMWomen

12 Kids Konnection 1:00-3:00 pm “Play in the Snow”

13 1st Sunday after the Epiphany Baptism of the Lord 8:00 am-Trustees Meeting



16 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden

17 6:00 pm-Weight Watchers 6:00 pm-Hand Bells 6:45 pm-Choir

18

19

20 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany Ecumenical Sunday

21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday 7:00 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

22 6:30 pm-Finance Meeting 7:00 pm-Glory B’s @ Karen Andrus’

23 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:00 pm-Fishes & Loaves Community Dinner


25 26 3:00 pm-Wedding

27 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany 9:00-9:30 am-Blood Pressure Checks 11:45 am-BMP Evaluation Meeting


29



Chile Mission Trip 12/28/18-1/9/19


Pastor Mario on Vacation 1/10/19-1/24/19


Page 16

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus New Year’s Day


3 6:00 pm-Weight Watchers

4 5

6 Epiphany of the Lord No Communion


8 9 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 11:30 am-Wesley Willows Luncheon 6:00 pm-Community Dinner Mtg 6:30 pm-Girl Scout Leader’s Mtg

10 12:30 pm-Edenettes 6:00 pm-Weight Watchers 6:00 pm-Hand Bells 6:45 pm-Choir

11 Human Trafficking Awareness Day 10:30 am-UMWomen

12 Kids Konnection 1:00-3:00 pm “Play in the Snow”

13 1st Sunday after the Epiphany Baptism of the Lord 8:00 am-Trustees Meeting





18

19

20 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany Ecumenical Sunday

21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday 7:00 pm-Cub Scouts #389 7:00 pm-BS #2

22 6:30 pm-Finance Meeting 7:00 pm-Glory B’s @ Karen Andrus’

23 7:30 am-Men’s Breakfast @ Spring Garden 6:00 pm-Fishes & Loaves Community Dinner


25 26 3:00 pm-Wedding

27 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany 9:00-9:30 am-Blood Pressure Checks 11:45 am-BMP Evaluation Meeting


29



Worship Schedule 9:30 a.m.—Worship Service

10:15 am—Children’s Choir Practice 10:45 a.m.— Sunday School for all ages

10:45 a.m.—Praise Team Practice





Documents

The RockJan 12, 2018 · Worship Musician Barbara Fisher-Livingston Music Director Hannah Fidler Director of Children’s Ministry Barb Stenger Nursery Care Givers Ashley Collins,