The Star October 2017 Bethlehem Lutheran Church A community gathered so God’s message is

scattered.

Wahoo, Nebraska

Ph# 402-443-3160

Pastor Bob Hayden-rbhhayden@reagan.com -

Ph# 402-672-1345

Church office hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Church website: bethlehemlutheranwahoo.org

Church email: wahoo.bethlehem@gmail.com

Psalm 19:1

Here I Stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.

“A mighty fortress is our God, a sword and shield victorious; he breaks

the cruel oppressor’s rod and wins salvation glorious. The old evil foe,

sworn to work us woe, with dread craft and might he arms himself to

fight. On earth he has no equal.”— “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

Dear Friends and Members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Wahoo…

The long-anticipated and event-filled month of October is here! Literally months of

planning are about to come to fruition in the many worship services and special events

that are on our calendar. Please look for that calendar in this newsletter and make plans

now to not only attend but participate. This is truly an ‘all hands- on deck’ month as there

are opportunities galore to participate. This is a once-in-a-life commemoration as we

acknowledge the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.

One of the personal great joys I have had during this process is both attending and

on October 22, helping to preside at a Lutheran-Catholic Commemoration of the

Reformation Service. Two such services have already been held in Omaha and as said

before, on October 22nd

, Father Joseph Faulkner and I will lead a similar service here at

Bethlehem. In that service, choirs from both churches, ushers from both churches,

readers from both churches, and other participants from both churches will unite in a

service of Common Prayer. We will be celebrating our commonality in our love and

worship of Jesus Christ. Please, please plan on attending. Service begins at 7:00 p.m. A

wonderful reception of friends will follow the service.

I quoted the first verse of what many have labeled the “Anthem of the Lutheran

Church” in the great hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Written by Martin Luther in

the 1527-1529 time frame, is based on Psalm 46. The hymn is a celebration of the

sovereign power of God over all earthly and spiritual forces, and of the sure hope we have

in him because of Christ. Many believed the ‘Mighty Fortress’ meant a call to arms,

Luther, however looked upon the ‘Mighty Fortress of God’ for comfort and hope especially

in difficult times.

The hymn became and has become closely associated with Luther himself, as it

embodied in its words and melody so much of the character and fire of its author—that is

bold, confident, defiant, and courageous in the face of opposition. Luther certainly faced

much opposition, trial, and grief in his relative short life. He literally faced death at the

Diet of Worms where, while on trial finished his defense and explanation by saying:

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason…I am bound

by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the word of God. I

cannot and I will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against

conscience. I cannot do otherwise, here I stand, may God help me, Amen.”

God has indeed helped all believers. It is this celebration of God that is the center of all

these activities and services. Once again, please make every effort possible to participate

and attend the many activities and services scheduled. More volunteers are needed to

make this all happen, give the office a call.

Blessings and welcome to the Mighty Fortress.

Pastor Bob

Middle School Ministry News Our classes have begun again with a new curriculum titled: collaborate. This year we are revisiting our Lutheran history and Catechism especially in light of the 500

th

anniversary of the Reformation. We have nearly 40 students this year along with 8 parent guides. During October we will be focusing in on Martin Luther and the Reformation through various media, both printed and video. The students will also be presenting a skit in church on October 22

nd, written and directed by our own Anne Bowman.

A very generous gift of study Bibles for all MSM students from Dr. Jared and Laurie Pehrson has been made. These Bibles are “The Lutheran Study Bible” and will serve our middle school students throughout their lives. Please help me in thanking the Pehrson family for their very generous gift.

Evangelism One of my many regrets is that we have been unable to get an Evangelism Committee up and running effectively. We do have in place a framework and a mission statement. We have some members who would like to be part of the committee, but not necessarily the chair. We need someone to chair this committee for much needs to be done. A co-chair or even tri-chair is possible for this work. This is a committee that is much about fun and planning various activities while reaching out to our own members and to potential members. It is a committee that helps keep the pastor and church staff informed about the happenings and needs of our congregation. In this month of commemorating the Reformation, please consider and volunteer to explore the aspects of an Evangelism Committee. It should be a whole lot of fun and will offer a great sense of purpose. Please stop by the office if you have any interest at all and we will be glad to show you the framework and preparation that has already occurred.

First Communion Class As is the policy and custom of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, parents and their children decide when the ‘time is right’ for first Communion. Generally speaking, those entering the 5

th grade in school have been these students, however, younger and older

students have chosen this time. We will be offering a First Communion Class on Monday & Tuesday, October 23

rd and 24

th at 6:30 p.m. We will then offer that First Communion in

church on Reformation Sunday, October 29th at the 11:00 service. There will only be one

service on that day as we have a luncheon and fun activities to follow. Contact the office if you have a student ready to take instruction.

Stewardship

Letters were mailed out this week by the church council to every giving unit and we encourage everyone to read it and prayerfully consider the two things we are asking.

1. Consider a 5% increase in your giving. Whether your giving is weekly by offering envelope or monthly by electronic pay direct through your bank.

2. If you are not using the electronic pay through your bank we have enclosed a form that you would fill out and take it to your bank. At that point look at last year’s total giving, increase it 5% and mark that down on the form depending on the frequency you wish to have funds given to the church. (Call the church office if you have questions about this process).

We continue to run behind in our offerings and our goal is to have a positive General Fund balance by November 30

th. This will help us in preparing our 2018 Budget.

Reformation Commemoration Planning News

We have again printed in the Star a calendar of the activities during this special Reformation Month. Please refer to it as there are several opportunities to learn more about the impact of the Reformation.

We hope to have something every Sunday during October as part of our regular worship but there are opportunities to attend and/or participate in other activities.

The first three Sunday’s between services, during the Sunday School hour, a three part video “Luther and the Reformation.” The fourth Sunday will be a Forum on “Luther’s Small Catechism.”

October 8th is the Bethlehem Singers Concert at 4:00 p.m.

October 22nd

at 7:00 pm. Bethlehem is hosting the joint prayer service inviting members of St. Wenceslaus Church. Members and pastors from both congregations will be participating in the service. (Very exciting step forward for Christian Unity).

October 25th we will show the movie, “Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World” at 6 PM in the fellowship hall. Bring your lawn chairs, pillows, etc. Treats provided!

The entire month we will be collecting money to purchase a dairy cow (through LWR). This can be done by groups (Sunday School, Middle School, Adult Forums, families) or just placing loose change into one of the containers around the church. As of Friday, September 22

nd we have raised the first $50.00 and we have 1 cow light up on the tally

board.

More articles and information can be found throughout the Star.

Women in Mission New Women’s Bible Study &

Fellowship Group

Come be a part of this new group at Bethlehem!

Together we will explore ways to nurture our faith amidst

our busy, time-demanding and hectic schedules. Take

time for yourself and your spiritual well being . . .

Wednesdays in October 6:00-7:30 pm

Book Study Katharina & Martin Luther

The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Monk

Written by Michelle DeRusha from Lincoln, Nebraska!

A fascinating, behind the scenes look at one of the most well-known Christian couples of all times. Three one-hour discussion sessions held at Cookies and Cream.

October 4, 11 & 18 • 10-11 am

Coffee with the Author On Friday, October 20, at 10 am, we are meeting the author, Michelle DeRusha at The Mill for coffee and conversation!!

Help us stay in touch with you! Has your address or phone number changed? Do we have your email address? If you aren’t getting emails from the church, we don’t have your correct address! Please let the office know your email and of any changes in your address and / or phone number at 402-443-3160 or wahoo.bethlehem@gmail.com. Thank you!

Grace Alone S O L A G R A T I A

500th Reformation Anniversary 1517-2017

I thank you, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son,

that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that

You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings

and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body

and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may

have no power over me. Amen

Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer

Reformation 500 Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses in Wittenberg, Germany, on Oct. 31, 1517, and the resulting debate about Christian teaching and practice led to changes that have shaped the course of Western Christianity for 500 years. ELCA congregations world-wide are observing the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in a variety of events and activities. In commemoration of this significant historic event, Bethlehem offers the following opportunities to increase your faith life and your understanding of Luther: October 1 Rick Steve’s Video: Luther and the Reformation- Part 1 10-11 am

4 Book Study: Katharina & Martin Luther 10-11 am The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk (Three one hour sessions: 4th, 11th, & 18th at C & C) On Fri., Oct. 20, we will meet in Lincoln with the author, Michelle DeRusha. She is a member of Southwood Lutheran in Lincoln! *

4 “Women in Mission” 6-7:30 pm New Women’s Bible Study & Fellowship Group

8 Rick Steve’s Video: Luther and the Reformation- Part 2 10-11 am

8 Bethlehem Singers Concert 4-5 pm

11 Book Study (Cookies & Cream) 10-11 am

11 Women in Mission (BLC) 6-7:30 pm

15 Visit from Martin and Katie! 9 & 11 am Rick Steve’s Video: Luther and the Reformation- Part 3 10-11 am

18 Book Study (Cookies & Cream) 10-11 am Women in Mission (BLC) 6-7:30 pm

20 *Coffee& Conversation with Michelle DeRusha, author Katharina & Martin at The Mill in Lincoln. 10 am

22 Middle School Ministry Skit 9 & 11 am

Forum: Luther’s Small Catechism 10-11 am

22 Catholic& Lutheran Reformation Commemorative Joint Service (BLC) 7 pm

23 Luther Movie (Majestic Theater, Omaha) 7:30 pm

25 Luther Movie (BLC) 6:30 pm Women in Mission 6:30 pm

29 REFORMATION SUNDAY Sunday School 10 am Worship Service 11 am Congregational Meal following service Reformation Festival 1-3 pm For more detailed information regarding the above activities go to bethlehemlutheranwahoo.org

Sunday Monday Tuesday

1 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School /

Rick Steve’s Video: Luther and the Reformation Part 1

11:00 AM Worship

2 6:30 PM Boy Scouts

3

8 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School / Rick Steve’s Video: Luther and the Reformation Part 2 11:00 AM Worship

9 6:30 PM Boy Scouts

10 10:00 AM Mom’s Club 9:00 AM Quilting Old OB

15 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School / Rick Steve’s Video: Luther and the Reformation Part 3 11:00 AM Worship 12:00 PM Council Meeting 6:00 PM Men of Action

16

6:30 PM Boy Scouts 9:00 AM WIC 7:00 AM Worship and Music

17

10:00 AM Mom’s Club

22 9:00 AM Worship MSM Skit 10:00 AM Sunday School / Adult Forum - Luther’s Small Catechism

11:00 AM Worship MSM Skit 7:00 PM— Lutheran & Catholic Commemorative Joint Service

(at BLC)

23 6:30 PM Boy Scouts 6:30 PM First Communion Class

7:30 PM—Luther Movie at The Majestic Theater, Omaha

24 9:00 AM Quilting Old OB 6:30 PM First Communion Class

29 REFORMATION SUNDAY!! 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship / 1st Communion 12:00 PM Congregational Meal 1:00—3 PM Reformation Festival

30 6:30 PM Boy Scouts

31

October 2017

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

4 10-11 AM Book Study: Katharina & Martin Luther, (@C&C) 6:00 PM MSM 6:00 PM “Women in Mission” Women’s Bible Study & Fellowshp

5 7:00 PM AA Meeting

6 7

11

10-11 AM Book Study: Katharina & Martin Luther, (@C&C)

6:00 PM MSM

6:00 PM “Women in Mission”

Women’s Bible Study &

12 9:00 AM Bible Study 7:00 PM AA Meeting

13 Krazy Quilters

14 10:00 AM - Spring

Gathering Meeting

18 10-11 AM Book Study: Katharina & Martin Luther, (@C&C) 6:00 PM MSM

6:00 PM “Women in Mission” Women’s Bible Study &

19

9:00 AM Bible Study

1:30 PM MGM 2:00 PM Bethlehem Women 7:00 PM AA Meeting

20 10:00 AM Coffee & Conversation with Michelle DeRusha, author of Katharina and Martin at The Mill in Lincoln

21

25 6:30 PM Martin Luther Movie: The Idea that Changed the World *Newsletter article deadline

26 9:00 AM Bible Study 7:00 PM AA Meeting

27

28

October 2017

First Step Preschool MWF 8:30 –11 AM & 12:30—3:00 PM

T/TH 9:00 - 11 AM

Reformation Commemoration Concert Are you looking for a free Sunday afternoon outing guaranteed to lift your spirits? If so, come and bring your family and friends to hear the music of the Bethlehem Singers. We will be singing a wide range of music from African-American spirituals to a hauntingly beautiful choral work recently released by Steven Aldredge. The concert begins at 4:00 pm in the sanctuary at Bethlehem Lutheran Church followed by light refreshments on Sunday, October 8.

This concert is a part the ongoing series of events planned at BLC honoring the Reformation 500th anniversary. Martin Luther believed, “Next to the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”

See you on Sunday, October 8, 2017!

“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the

greatest treasure in the world.” - Martin Luther

Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World The rousing adventure story of Martin Luther's life, following his bold quest for truth

—a journey that would reshape the church, and the world.

October 25th at 6:30 PM

at Bethlehem Lutheran (Bring your lawn chairs, pillows,

etc! Treats provided!)

OR… You can see it in the movie theater on October 23rd at 7:30

(hosted by Rejoice! Lutheran in Omaha) Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at…

https://www.tugg.com/events/martin-luther-the-idea-that-changed-the-world-cdzd

Also, view the trailer here!

October Acolyte Schedule: October 1st 9:00 AM - Deena Stang and Kylie Warford 11:00 AM - Sam Flores and Gabe Harris October 8th 9:00 AM - Andrew Waido and Lukus Forbes 11:00 AM - Abbey Borchers and Teegan Watts October 15th 9:00 AM - Carson Reynolds and Marke Zeleny 11:00 AM - Carson Lavaley and Brody Jacobsen October 22nd 9:00 AM - Kyan Lausterer and Griffin Lausterer 11:00 AM - Ethan Pehrson and Branden Koranda October 22nd 7:00 PM - 5 needed October 29th 11:00 AM - Ethan Havlovic and Zach Fox

Bethlehem’s Blessings Thank you to Tom Zeleny for building the “Gaga Pit!” The kids have really been using and enjoying it!

Thank you to the Pehrson Family for generously providing the funds for study bibles for the middle school ministry students.

Thank you to Mary McKay for her many trips to the Lincoln City Mission with donations.

Thank you to all who have been actively involved in planning and preparing for events to commemorate the Reformation.

Thank you to the ladies of WELCA for purchasing new tables for the fellowship hall.

It is in blessing others that we are blessed with a precious blessing of our own~

Piano Player for 11:00 AM Service Needed… Contact Angela at 402-443-6934 if you are interested!

Grant Nelson 10/1 Robert Peterson 10/1 Erinn Blaske 10/3 Emily Gottschalk 10/3 Brianna Triplett 10/3 Carson Maly 10/4 Alexis Pehrson 10/4 Aubrie Pehrson 10/4 Hudsen Wilt 10/4 Orville Johnson 10/5 Kallynn Zeleny 10/5 Ava Lausterer 10/7 Dione Nelson 10/8 Keith Houfek 10/8 Kenneth Houfek 10/8 Jordan Rasmussen 10/8 Roma Smith 10/8 Violet Ideus 10/9 Mike Mortensen 10/9 Angela Biggerstaff 10/10 Mitch Snyder 10/11 Harry Falke 10/11 Anderson Pokorny 10/12 Brett Holtorf 10/13 Tom Zeleny 10/13 Kal Lausterer 10/14 Nicole Pearson 10/15 Julie Reimer 10/15 Mary Oden 10/18

Haley Wagner 10/20 Louis Klinzman 10/21 Karen Johnson 10/22 Phillip Lynn 10/22 Kenneth Mumm 10/22 Jason Swanson 10/22 Hillary Fick 10/23 Braylon Iversen 10/23 Kelly Meyer 10/23 Eunice Brodahl 10/24 Thatcher Hancock 10/24 Logan Lihs 10/24 Joshua Bartek 10/25 Robe Eliason 10/25 Scott Forbes 10/25 Barbara Burkey 10/26 Mike Christen 10/26 Allison Koranda 10/26 Tanner Price 10/27 Jorge Flores 10/29 Candy Zeleny 10/31

Jason & Stacey Schneider 10/3 David & Alyssa Nelson 10/10 Andrew & Sarah Harris 10/11 Jacob & Jill Pokorny 10/14 Jason & Amy Shreck 10/14 Robert & Dione Nelson 10/15 Todd & Julie Scott 10/19 David & Leann Wiese 10/20 David & Kimberly Brodahl 10/21 Marvin & Connie Hageman 10/22 Pat & Kathy Hancock 10/25 Shawn & Michelle Abbott 10/26 Ronald & Tara Cooney Jr. 10/26 Dean & Angela Biggerstaff 10/27

Happy Birthday!

First Step Preschool News We have had a fun and exciting first month at Preschool! We have made new friends and continue getting to know each other! We have been busy learning the classroom rules and routine. We also learned about God’s rules for us, the 10 Commandments!

We enjoyed meeting Pastor Bob and listening to him talk about Fall coming and the weather changing.

During “All About Me Week” we made life size posters of ourselves! We talked about how God made each of us special, who we love and what

our favorite foods are!

We have tasted and sorted apples! We tried to balance apples on our heads and found a star in the middle of our apples! I hope you have had a chance to see our apple tree pictures hanging in the hallway. We used our handprints, footprints and fingerprints to make the pictures! It was a lot of work! We learned about the letter “Aa” during our study of apples.

We are looking forward to our study of dinosaurs and the letter Dd next week! In October we will go to Morrill Hall to expand our study of dinosaurs! We will be doing some fun Fall activities!

Please feel free to visit our classroom!

We are looking forward to many new and fun learning experiences!!!

Debbie, Julie and Alicia

Sunday School Sunday School is off to a great start! We offer Sunday School for all ages between services at 10 AM. They are working on a special song for the Reformation that they will perform at 11 AM on Reformation Sunday, October 29th. Also, Christmas Program Practice will start on October 22nd during Sunday School.

Mission Marketplace The marketplace will reopen soon! We are looking for donations of handmade items from the artists of our congregation! Please bring to the office.

Luther’s Lesson’s

Sola Scriptura. Sola Gratia. Sola Fide. Solus Christus.

Latin. Ironic, isn’t it? A movement that resulted in the liturgy and the Bible in our language (not Latin) is remembered by Latin phrases. By Scripture alone, by grace alone, by faith alone. Through Christ alone. Alone. Without your help. Without human tradition. Without anyone’s assistance. God acts alone through Jesus. Scripture. Given by God. Through which we receive Christ. Grace. Given by God. Through which we receive Christ. Faith. Given by God. Through which we receive Christ. Through Christ alone. God gives us all these gifts because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. All good gifts come from God and benefit all those who believe. Through Christ alone.

Lutheran Theology The heart and soul of Lutheran theology is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God loves you!! That’s good news. All of your sins are forgiven through the death and resurrection of Jesus. This forgiveness is given to you for free. It is a gift of God for you. When we trust in God’s love for us in Jesus Christ, we see God as He truly is, as a God of love. His creation is His gift for us. His Spirit gives us faith. His salvation is given to us freely. His eternal paradise is prepared for us. God is with us. God will never leave us. Joy marks the life of the one who trusts in Christ. But joy isn’t always happiness. Sometimes life is full of trials (crosses) that we must face. Evil is real. Sin has consequences. These things war against us. But even in these things, we know that God is with us. This is not some trite saying or nice thought. We know that God is with us in the midst of suffering, since He is revealed precisely through the suffering of Jesus. The most important teaching of Lutheran theology is that God loves you with no effort, merit or work on your behalf. God loves you. He sent His only Son to die and rise for you. His love is fulfilled in the Gospel. That is good news and fills us with joy. God loves you for all of eternity. Freely. That will never change. Source: www.lutheranreformation.org

Bethlehem Women: Bethlehem Women met Thursday September 21st at 2 pm in the Fellowship hall. Nine ladies were in attendance. Arlene Johnson opened the meeting with a reading from Martin Luther’s works. The business meeting included all the regular reports. As a group we purchased new tables for the Fellowship hall and a banner honoring the Reformation. Our Thank You dinner on August 27th raised $431.00 toward our Lutheran World Relief shipping charges. 55 school kits have been completed by our group. Arlene Johnson is still collecting items for Camp Carol Joy Holling to be brought to convention when she attends September 28-30th. The New “Expressions” newsletter is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex. In March of 2018 we will be hosts for “World Day of Prayer on the 2nd. The country writing the devotions for that day is Suriname in South America. Marilyn Volin celebrated her birthday on the 18th. Helen Hansen thanked us for helping at John’s service. Offerings were received including “coins for a cow.” A project during the month of Reformation for Lutheran World Relief. Following the offerings and prayer, Lucy DeFoil led the lesson on the 1st Article of the Apostle’s Creed. Marilyn Volin served a fall-themed lunch including a delicious apple cake. FOR YOUR CALENDAR: September 28-30th NSWO Convention at Camp CJH

Tuesday, October 10th 9 am Quilting (Old basement)

Thursday, October 19th 2 pm Bethlehem Women (Fellowship hall)

Hosted by Marcia Pearson Lesson Leader Helen Hansen

October 20-22th Saved to Serve at UNL

October 24th 9 am Quilting (Old basement)

Bethlehem Lutheran Church 504 West 8th St.

Wahoo, Nebraska 68066 402-443-3160

Newsletter mailed 9/27/2017

Nonprofit Org. Permit No. 23

U.S. Postage PAID Wahoo, NE 68066

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Let Us Know Your Email Address! If you would prefer “THE STAR” via email let us know. Also, having an email address can help us update people faster and without postage costs. Simply email the church office at: wahoo.bethlehem@gmail.com and give us your email.

Our Members at the Care Centers: South Haven: Eunice Brodahl, Robert Peterson and Lorraine Syverson

Care Center: Jenny Iversen Saunders House: Tom Lindau & Stanley Dokulil

Please let us know: If you are going to the hospital or having a procedure done please give the office a call to let us know. HIPA rules prevent hospitals from calling us. * Deadline for submitting articles for the November newsletter is October 25th.