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A Publication of Bethel Lutheran Church

A member congregation of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

7171 Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights OH 44130-4946

(440) 843-6663

www.gobethel.org

Be heLight

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A Publication of Bethel Lutheran Church

In This Issue. . . Prayer Concerns………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………..….3 Bethel Happenings ……..…………………………………………………….………………………………………………..4-10 Birthdays & Anniversaries .…………………………………………….….………..…………………………………….11-12 Calendars…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……13-14

Be heLight

Let your light shine

before others so they

may see your good

works and give glory to

your Father in heaven.

Matt 5:16 NRSV

Church Office 440-843-6663

Office Hours Mon – Fri 9am – 1pm

Steven M. Krebill, Pastor 440-785-9614

Erika Haskell, Director of Music 216-409-9037

Kathy Victor, Administrative Assistant 440-843-6663

Christie Scott, M.E.E.C. Director 440-243-6266

M.E.E.C. Office 440-888-9922

The Congregation, Reporters

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MISSION STATEMENT

The people of

Bethel Lutheran Church

are called by God to be

faithful to the word of God

and proclaim it to all people.

We share Christ’s love

and forgiveness

by being Christ’s hands,

feet, arms and voice

as we gather and

as we scatter.

FROM THE PASTOR- SPRING 2015

Deadline for the December/January BeTheLight is November 15th

The purpose of BeTheLight is to inform our members,

friends and visitors of worship services and to encourage

spiritual growth, Christian Education opportunities,

missions and outreach, activities, fellowship events and

volunteer opportunities. This newsletter is meant to be an

informational tool of Bethel Lutheran Church where we

serve together as a family in Christ.

The BeTheLight welcomes contributions and letters.

Copyrighted material (including prayers and inspirational

verses) cannot be published without written permission

from the author.

Ongoing Prayer Concerns

PERSONS IN NEED OF HEALING

Chuck Behm, Deborah Braun, Carl Burgess, Warren Burgess, Marshall Camp,

Jennifer English, Robert Hintze, Karen Horner, Aaron Jardina, Carol Jones,

Brigitte Kern, Lynn Kostura, Joyce Larson, Irene Miller, Pamela Misischia,

Eric Nemerovsky, Kirk Nemerovsky, Ann Nemeth, Donald O’Dell,

Mary Sollers, Janet Sopko, John Stefanik,

PERSONS WHO ARE HOMEBOUND Eleanor Olschewsky~Mary Reinke~Velma Wolff

Please keep these friends in your

thoughts and prayers.

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Experiencing the Joy of Generosity

Commitment Sunday coming in October

Beginning on October 2 at Bethel Lutheran Church we will begin a three-week stewardship emphasis titled Experiencing the Joy of Generosity. This three-week period will be an enriching time for our congregation. Through the Holy Spirit, God continually reaches out to us and daily gives us his love, grace, and mercy. Faithful stewardship is our faithful response of gratitude for God’s generosity to us.

The three weekly themes for Experiencing the Joy of Generosity are as follows:

October 2: “The Joy in Receiving God’s Blessings”

October 9: “The Joy in Managing God’s Blessings”

October 16: “The Joy in Sharing God’s Blessings” –Stewardship Commitment Sunday.

During these three weeks, our worship will focus on these themes, which consider our joy and generosity in Christ. The last Sunday, October 16 will be stewardship commitment Sunday, when we will all be invited to bring forward our estimates of giving for 2017 during the offering as an act of worship, dedication and thanksgiving to God.

God’s people truly experience joy as we spend time getting to know God through his Word and participating in the Lord’s Supper. The Holy Spirit helps us begin to understand how much God loves us and what God has done for us. We experience true delight, or we might say a heavenly bliss, knowing that God loves us and is with us. When we do God’s will and bear much fruit, he fills us with his joy. This is beautifully expressed in the book of Nehemiah when the people committed themselves faithfully to building the wall of Jerusalem. Their rejoicing was evident at the dedication of the wall. “And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away” (Nehemiah 12:43).

Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God transforms us into truly generous, loving and giving people. With new hearts of faith, we care for others. In giving to others and our church, we experience the joy of generosity. In this three-week emphasis, you will come to understand that “Giving generously is one of the smartest, most intellectually sound and emotionally satisfying decisions you will ever make.”

May God continue to bless us as we faithfully steward our lives and all the blessings that he has entrusted to us.

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REFORMATION SUNDAY WORSHIP ON OCTOBER 30

TO INCLUDE AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM

On Reformation Sunday, October 30, our festival worship will feature guest musicians and the rite of

Affirmation of Baptism for two of our young people, Max Geraci and Molly Weaver. Remember to wear red

that day as we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther and our other forebears in the faith and their witness to the

Gospel of Jesus Christ.

REPORTS FOR THE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT BOOKLET DUE OCTOBER 17

If you have a ministry report to be included in the 2016 report booklet which will be distributed in advance of

the Annual Meeting in November, please email it to Kathy in the church office at bethelstaff@sbcglobal.net.

Deadline for reports is Monday, October 17.

ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY REMEMBRANCE

On All Saints' Sunday, November 6 we will remember in the prayers the names of all of our friends and

loved ones who have died in the Christian faith in the past year. In the church office, we have the names of all

members of Bethel who have died, but not the names of non-members whose funerals that Pastor Krebill may

have conducted. So, if you have names you would like included in the list that day, please call the church office

at 843-6663 by NOON Friday, November 4 to have them included. This year, we will be projecting names

on the screen as part of this remembrance, so that is why it is important to call the church office with the correct

spelling AND pronunciation of the name you would like to be included, and also to keep the deadline.

Remember, these are the names of those who have died in the last year.

Also, again this year, we are inviting worshipers at both services on November 6, to bring a flower to

place in front of the altar at the processional at the beginning of the service. Bring one flower for each loved

one you wish to commemorate. This can be anyone, and does not have to be those who have died in the past

year

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Also on All Saints’ Sunday, we will be welcoming two new members into our community of faith. Say “hello”

and warmly welcome Mike and Mary Bethe Petzke, who have transferred their membership from Good

Shepherd Lutheran Church in Brooklyn. Be sure to check the Gathering Place hallway toward the end of

October for a picture and biography of Mike and Mary Beth.

SAY HELLO TO OUR “MINISTRY IN CONTEXT” STUDENT, CHRISTY KRNAC

For the past year, Christy Krnac, a student at Trinity Lutheran Seminary has been meeting regularly with Pastor

Krebill as we serve as Christy’s “Ministry in Context” site. Although not the same as internship, Ministry in

Context provides a similar although more limited opportunity for seminary students in their first years of

formation, to experience what happens in a typical congregation. Christy had been dividing her time between

Bethel and Parma Lutheran Church, where she was employed as a youth ministry person. Now that position has

ended and Christy will be with us more often at Bethel this year, even as she continues her studies at Trinity

Seminary during the week. Be sure to say “hello” and welcome Christy into our congregation and ministries.

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"Caring for each other as we age"

Together with our neighboring ELCA congregations we are seeking to provide support

to members by encouraging participation in monthly gatherings where information,

encouragement & prayers will assist you with the challenges that aging brings to life.

The information is helpful to all seniors and their families.

Wednesday, October 19 at 1:30pm

Parma Lutheran Church will host a Medicare Update.

5380 Broadview Rd. at the corner of Tuxedo Ave. in Parma (216-351-6376)

Jim Aust is a county Co-coordinator of volunteers with OSHIIP Medicare counseling (Ohio Senior Health

Insurance Information Program) and will be presenting a program outlining what’s new in Medicare and

what counseling resources are available. All resources are free and unbiased.

Jim has no affiliation with any insurance companies.

If you are already on Medicare, you are encouraged to review your plan choices every year during open

enrollment. This year Open Enrollment starts October 15th and closes December 7th.

Remember - Do not choose a Part D drug plan on the basis of its premium/name or friends advice. The best way to pick a plan is according to the specific drugs you take, because Part D plans do not cover

all drugs and they charge widely differing co-pays, even for the same drug.

Learn how you can compare coverage and costs for your own drugs among different plans by using the

plan finder program on medicare.gov, at a local counseling meeting or call Medicare at 800-633-4227

Medicare comes with many expenses — premiums, deductibles, copays — that many people

find hard to pay. If your income is limited, be sure to check out two programs that can reduce

those costs if you qualify. Under a Medicare Savings Program, your state pays the Part B

premiums and maybe other expenses. Under the federal Extra Help program, you get low-cost

Part D prescription drug coverage. Learn more to see if you qualify for either program.

Questions call Parish Nurse Jill Koubal (216/573-1595)

Mark your calendars for the next gathering at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran on

Weds. November 16 "Funerals - Witnessing to a Faith-filled Life"

.

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♫ SAVE THE DATE ♫

The Second Annual

Strongsville City Jazz Swing Band Concert

to benefit

MEEC’s Marilyn Edwards Scholarship Fund”

is planned for

Sunday Afternoon, October 23, 2016 at 3:00 pm.

The Strongsville City Jazz Swing Band is under the direction of Jim Wonnacott

and Ken Mehalko. Vocalist Kim Wasielewski complements the band with her refreshing

vocal renditions of many pop favorites. If you would like to reminisce with the big band

sound this is the concert for you. The Strongsville City Jazz is one of the most versatile

groups of its kind in the Cleveland area, playing everything from jazz classics to swing

music from the big band era. The fine musicians who make up the band bring a wealth of

experience that includes entertaining at Playhouse Square and former venues such as The

Front Row Theater, Kenley Players, and The Coliseum. Many band members have

performed with some well-known ensembles, including The Glenn Miller Orchestra,

Warren Covington, Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, and Jimmy Dorsey big bands and The

Cleveland Jazz Orchestra.

These musicians donate their time and talent, and love to come to Bethel to play in

our acoustically live space. All proceeds from a free-will offering will go to Middleburg

Early Education Center’s “Marilyn Edwards Scholarship Fund”.

MEEC parents work hard at various fundraisers throughout the year. Even so, it’s

a constant struggle to keep tuitions affordable and to help families who need financial

assistance. Consequently, Middleburg Early Education Center has established “The

Marilyn Edwards Scholarship Fund”, which is administered by the Board of Trustees.

When funds are available, the Board awards scholarships to families who could not

otherwise take advantage of the excellent services offered by MEEC. This Jazz Band

concert will make it possible for several children to receive partial scholarships for the

next school year.

Please mark your calendar and come out on October 23rd to enjoy the concert and

support a worthy cause. Bring a friend. A time of refreshment and fellowship will

follow.

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Bethel’s Annual

Pork and

Sauerkraut

Dinner $10 - Adults

$5 - Ages 7-13

Free - Ages 6

and under

Take-outs Available

Saturday, November 5, 2016

4:30 — 6:30pm

Tickets on Sale October 16, 23, 30

In the Gathering Place

Tickets will also be available in the church office

Weekdays 9AM-12PM until October 30

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Holiday Craft Workshop 2016

We will be having our 10

th annual Holiday Craft Workshop on Saturday, November 12 from 10:00 a.m. to

1:00 p.m. This will be held at Bethel in the fellowship hall. This is for any children ages three through 6th

grade. There will be 12 craft stations and a cookie station. We ask that you sign up as soon as possible. Due to

limited space, we only have room for 50 children. We also need to have an adult or older sibling stay with the

children you sign up, for any assistance they may need. We need about 26 people to work the tables. The fliers

with all the information and the signup sheets were sent home on Sunday, September 25. You can also

register by filling out a registration form in the Gathering Place. There is a brown envelope in the kiosk with

the forms in it or you can call Jackie Bailey and register over the phone or through e-mail. The registration

deadline is Sunday, November 6. You must preregister for this workshop no walk-ins will be accepted. It

you are interested in helping or have any questions please contact Jackie Bailey at 440-842-5034 or

jackiembailey@sbcglobal.net.

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Celebrate Special Days in October. Send a greeting card, flowers, a gift. Call or visit. National Days October 5, "Do Something Nice" Day: Buy a coffee for the next person in line, compliment a tired clerk, smile at ten people, hug someone, help someone load their groceries, thank your mail carrier and newspaper carrier, thank your parents, share a toy or game, share a snack, let someone go in front of you in line, live generously, build a house -- help Habitat for Humanity . . . . October 9, "Clergy Appreciation" Day: Thank your clergy for the work they do. October 12, "Emergency Nurse's" Day: The first to see you, they ease your discomfort. October 15, "Sweetest" Day: Although 80 percent of Hallmark's "Sweetest Day" cards have a "love" or "romance" theme, the day is also an opportunity to remember the sick, aged, and friends, relatives, and associates whose helpfulness and kindness we have enjoyed. October 16, "Boss's" Day: Show appreciation to bosses for being kind and fair. October 19, "Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce" Day October 19, "Medical Assistant's" Day: For their work to make our hospital visit easier. October 22, "Make a Difference" Day: Improve the lives of others. October 23, "Mother-in-Law" Day October 26, "Day of the Deployed" Day: Honor our brave men and women who are sacrificing, or have sacrificed, their lives for our country. Acknowledge their families from whom they are separated. October 30, "Speak Up For Service" Day: Recognize the often unnoticed good deeds of service by young people actively involved in their communities. October 31, "Girl Scout Founder's" Day: Appreciate not only the founders, but all the good things Scouting does. National Month October, "Church Library" Month: Visit and use our library, help the staff. For more National Days and National Months, see http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com . . . from your Adopt-A-Member ministry

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October Birthdays and Anniversaries

2 Ryan and Jennifer English (Happy 6th) 3 Irene Miller

4 Dan Karp 4 Max Reardon 5 Wanda Herzog 5 Wayne & Carol Derschau (Happy 53rd) 6 Doris Smith 6 Julius & Ann Nemeth (Happy 65th) 10 Inge Schuster 11 Jackie Bailey 11 Laura Elewski 11 Courtney Kolomijez 12 Will Karp (Happy 21st Birthday!!) 13 Jeanne Whitsel 14 Jim & Jackie Kottke Bondor (Happy 27th) 15 Cliff Riedel 17 Yvonne Camp 18 Marshall Camp 19 Dan & Merri Karp (Happy 25th) 22 Tyler Zwolenik 29 Carolyn Riedel 30 Gary Einheit 30 Michael Salmen

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November Birthdays and Anniversaries

2 Eileen Miller 3 Marty Cool

3 Bradshaw Rescola 5 Alan Nemerovsky 7 Joyce Lange 7 Pam Ciccarello 7 Bridgett Bartlett 8 Konrad Stiene 9 Abby Whitsel 15 Rose Carradine 17 Dick Larson 19 Talia LoPiccolo 20 Del Drier 21 Mark Pamer 23 Alan Bobrosky 28 Eleanor Olschewski 30 Marshall & Yvonne Camp (Happy 53rd)

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October 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Men’s Bible

study 8am

Bailey

Wedding

2

Life Together

9am

Worship

9:45am

3 Animate

Faith class

(GP) 7pm

4

Lectionary Bible

study 10am

Council Meeting

7pm

5 Choir 7:30pm

6 Al-Anon 10am

GFF 7PM

Road to

Emmaus 1pm &

7pm

7 AA 8:30pm

8 Men’s Bible

study 8am

9 Life Together 9am

Worship

9:45am Faith Explorers

6pm

10 Animate

Faith class

(GP) 7pm

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Lectionary Bible

study 10am

Men’s Luncheon

11:30am

12 Choir 7:30pm

13 Al-Anon 10am

GFF 7pm

Road to

Emmas 1pm &

7pm

14 AA 8:30pm

15

Men’s Bible

study 8am

16

Life Together 9am

Worship

9:45am

Stewardship

Commitment

Sunday

17

Animate

Faith class

(GP) 7pm

18 Lectionary Bible

study 10am

19 Choir 7:30pm

20 Al-Anon 10am

GFF 7pm

Road to

Emmaus 1pm &

7pm

21 AA 8:30pm

22

Men’s Bible

study 8am

23

Life Together 9am

Worship

9:45am

MEEC Jazz

Concert 3pm

24

Animate

Faith class

(GP) 7pm

25 Lectionary Bible

study 10am

26 Choir 7:30pm

27

Al-Anon 10am

GFF Birthday

dinner &

Halloween

dance 7pm Road to Emmaus

1pm & 7pm

28 AA 8:30pm

29 Men’s Bible

study 8am

30

Life Together

9am

Worship

9:45am

31

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November 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Lectionary Bible

study 10am

Council Mtg 7pm

2 Choir 7:30pm

3

Al-Anon

10am

GFF 7pm

4

AA 8:30pm

5 Men’s Bible

study 8am

Pork and

Sauerkraut

Dinner 4:30-

6:30pm

6 Life Together

9am

Worship

9:45am

7 8

Lectionary Bible

study 10am

9 Choir 7:30pm

10 Al-Anon

10am

GFF 7pm

11 AA 8:30pm

12

Men’s Bible

study 8am

Holiday Craft

Workshop 9-2

(FH)

13 Life Together

9am

Worship

9:45am

14 15 Lectionary Bible

study 10am

16 Choir 7:30pm

17 Al-Anon

10am

GFF

Thanksgiving

& Birthday

Dinner 7pm

18 AA 8:30pm

19 Men’s Bible

study 8am

20 Life Together

9am

Worship

9:45am Annual Meeting

after worship

21 22 23

Church office

closed

24 25 AA 8:30pm

Church office

closed

26 Men’s Bible

study 8am

27

Life Together

9am

Worship

9:45am

28 29 Lectionary Bible

study 10am

30 Choir 7:30pm

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