Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 507.786.6674

bethel@bethelnorthfield.org www.facebook.com/bethellutheran http://bethelnorthfield.org

Adult Education 8

Befrienders 8

BWHF 5

Calendar 10

Children 6

Council/Treasury 12

Finances 13

Library 18

Mission Interpreter 14

Mission & Justice 4

NRC 18

Retreat 15

Scrip 5

Softball 4

Thank You 19

Tornado Recovery 15

Worship Servants 16

YouthQuake 7

Inside this issue:

The Bethel Banner

Volume #479 June 2011

… and much more!

Congratulations, Graduates! Bethel will celebrate with our high school graduates and their families on Sunday, June 5, at the 8:30 a.m. service. Please join us for this special worship celebration.

Neil Barck

Anders Carlson

Steven Carson

Charlie Cloud

Josh Dahl

Marti Dompierre

Taylor Etzell

Brooke Finger

Connor Fink

Emma Fossum

July 20 ~ Polka Dance with the Charlie Sticha Band - Put your dancing shoes on cause we’re gonna kick up our heels! July 27 ~ A Musical Evening with Dan Kallman - Our very own world-renowned composer and musician, and Director of

Bethel’s Adult Choir Watch for more details to follow in the July Banner.

Root beer floats and fellowship for the family starts on Wednesday evenings in July, 7-8 p.m. in Bethel’s CLC. All are welcome. The nursery will be available. July 6 ~ Back and Forth: a Look at an Artist's Journey - Wendell Arneson gives a visual review of his art work from his early days in the Wisconsin dairy land to the years at St. Olaf College. July 13 ~ Old Bethel, New Bethel

Join the fun that's "Brewin’ At Bethel"

Marie Nordine

Lee Pringle

Kristi Rasmussen

Miguel Sales

Samantha Stark

Shelby Stark

Emily Stets

Mike Vogel

Jack Wellman

Elena Huber

Catrina Kelm

Jessica Kelm

Catherine Lewis

Isaac Lindahl

Anthony Ludwig

Ellen Mader

Jenna Mahr

Sarah Murphy

Thomas Neset

Page 2 The Bethel Banner

Keeping Our Ministry Light On By Noel Stratmoen, Bethel Steward

For Lois and me, few things are as reliable as church at Bethel. Even during the Sundays of the summer, there will be wonderful music, an empowering homily from Pastor Tim or Pastor Charlie, the offering, an invitation to the Lord’s Table, and a blessing that we can take to the “streets” for the next week… all in just sixty minutes. What a gift!

As Lois and I look forward to summer and a lighter load/schedule in our

personal life, we know that the ministry of Bethel is still going strong. When you vacation away from Bethel this summer to visit relatives or take in events that cause you to

miss Sunday morning services, please know that in your absence the “light” is still on at Bethel 24/7. You can count on it!

Soooo... as you know that Bethel’s ministries - and expenses - continue, please take an extra moment to make your contribution to Bethel now, before you leave. You will have one less thing to remember when you return, and you will help keep the “light” of Bethel's ministry on 24/7. Have a wonderful summer! [Editor's Note: To find out how to make giving summer giving easy, turn to page 13 to learn about Simply Giving.]

What’s Up Next for the Displays in the Sanctuary? Thanks to the forthright participation of Bethel members in the three feedback sessions about the displays in the sanctuary, the Church Council has plenty of information to consider as they formulate policies and guidelines for their use of the monitors. In April, Church Council appointed a special task force to come up with a range of options for the use of the displays. In addition, the council offered three open feedback sessions to answer questions and receive input and thoughts from the congregation. Pastor Charlie opened each feedback session with a summary of the options presented in the task force’s report, and the report’s concluding question: “How do we best facilitate worship at Bethel Lutheran Church?” Most folks at the gatherings were of the opinion that some use of the displays is acceptable, including at forums and meetings, at BAM, and for presentations during worship. A variety of opinions were offered, from a wish to see the displays take a larger role in facilitating worship, to a desire to see the displays removed. There was no negative feedback on the use of the a/v equipment to tape our services for outreach to the Northfield community

through NTV and Northfield Hospital telecasts. The participants were divided on the use of the displays to show musical ensembles and soloists up close, and the reviews were positive on using the displays to give a better view of baptisms. Some Bethelites (particularly those who sit in the side sections and overflow area) found the displays an aid to worship, particularly in viewing musicians near the piano and the bell choir, while others (including some musicians) found the video images distracting. Several others generally tolerate or like the displays, but drew the line at giving up hymnals and bulletins in favor of “monitor-led” liturgy. Views were mixed on using them before worship for announcements; Bethel is experimenting with these slides because there is so much going on at Bethel -- Pastor Tim’s announcements were taking up too much valuable time during our worship service. There was general support for using the displays continuously in the overflow section. How do we best facilitate worship at Bethel? As we move forward into the future, all of us will be called on to be flexible, compassionate and intentional

in answering this question. Church Council members were encouraged to attend and take notes during the feedback sessions, and will lead our congregation into the future. Discussion of the monitors will continue at the June Council meeting. If you would like to voice an opinion or ask a question, but did not have a chance to do so at the feedback meetings, contact Don Pavek or Pastor Charlie, or leave a note in the church office. (No anonymous feedback, please.)

Attention Bethel Bikers! Spring is here and Bethel members are again riding bikes to and from church. Please park your bicycles in the bike racks at the southeast corner of the staff wing. Bikes left at the entrances and inside the doorways are a liability and a trip hazard. Thank you!

June 1 June 2 June 3 June 4 June 5 June 6 June 7 June 8 June 9 June 10 June 11 June 12 June 13 June 14 June 15

John 1:1-18 Luke 1:1-25 Luke 1:26-56 Luke 1:57-80 Matthew 1:1-25 Luke 2:1-20 Luke 2:21-39 Matthew 2:1-12 Matthew 2:13-23 Luke 2:41-52 Mark 1:1-13 John 1:19-34 John 1:35-51 John 2:1-25 John 3:1-21

June 16 June 17 June 18 June 19 June 20 June 21 June 22 June 23 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 27 June 28 June 29 June 30

John 3:22-36 John 4:1-42 John 4:43-54 Luke 4:16-30 Mark 1:16-39 Luke 5:1-39 John 5:1-47 Mark 2:23-3:19 Matthew 5:1-16 Matthew 5:17-30 Matthew 5:31-48 Matthew 6:1-18 Matthew 6:19-34 Matthew 7:1-12 Matthew 7:13-29

June 2011 Page 3

Dear Partners, We have lots of paper around our house - especially schoolwork that the girls bring home and newspaper advertising sections. (Where does it all come from?!) Lisa also has a few notebooks around; every so often she gets the idea that she should keep a diary about the girls' growing up years. I kept a journal for their first couple of years also, when we were observing them as much as we were interacting with them. I have a couple of partially used notebooks, too. Perhaps you have something similar at your house. A notebook, an old desk calendar, a spare legal pad. Here's one possible use: Keep a Bible journal. I know what you're thinking. "I wouldn't even know where to start!" Or else you're thinking, "I don't have any thoughts worth writing down!" To the first, I have a solution. For the second, well, I think you may surprise

yourself. A few years ago, I suggested a summer Bible reading program, one that would take us through many parts of the Gospels, but in short enough increments that we can read in a hammock or on the dock. I think it's time to try it again.

If you participated last time, most of the passages will be familiar, but may have taken on new meaning since you last read them. If you haven't tried the discipline of regular Bible reading, you may discover some "new"

sections of the Gospels. Don't use the reading schedule as a road to discouragement. If you miss a day, just skip it. If you're confused about a passage, write that down. Jot down a few quick thoughts, not essays. What are your first impressions of a passage? What is revealed upon further reflection, if anything? I'm hoping that you'll find themes and commonalities

in the readings, but don't worry if you don't. Just keep reading. As you read and write, consider these two questions:

Who is Jesus calling you to be? What is Jesus calling you to do?

We won't be turning in our journals, but if you have questions or would like to talk about what you're reading, feel free to give me a call. I hope that your reading will enliven and deepen your relationship with God as you discover God's voice in the Scriptures. Your Partner in the Gospel,

From the Senior Pastor...

As you read and write, consider two questions: • Who is Jesus calling

you to be? • What is Jesus calling

you to do?

Here's the reading list for June: Memorial Day Service The American Legion Post 84 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4393 of Northfield invite you to attend the Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 30. This service is to honor those military personnel who died defending our country. The service will be held at Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 9 a.m. Seating is limited, so please feel free to bring a lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held at the Northfield Armory. Pastor Tim will be offering the prayers.

Page 4 The Bethel Banner

Communities have decided on some of the uses for the increased income. Increasing educational opportunity is one of the main ways. Twenty-three students have received scholarships in some form - direct scholarship and/or payment for school supplies, backpacks, and uniforms. Eco-Palms make a big difference in the lives of the people of the Guatemalan and Mexican communities.

Creation Care Tip: Run laundry only when you have a full load to clean. Wash clothes in cold water to

conserve heating energy. Use detergent that is biodegradable. Dry your clothing by hanging it indoors or out of doors when weather allows.

• Since 1993, LIRS has fought to protect children in federal immigration custody?

• Only one penny of each dollar donated to LIRS goes for fundraising?

• Nine cents of a dollar donated goes for administration needs?

• Ninety percent of your donated dollar is used to help vulnerable newcomers?

LIRS provides a wonderful service to newcomers and is an organization Lutherans can be proud of. On Palm Sunday, Bethel members waved Eco-Palms. Eco-Palms are a project that has helped communities in Guatemala and Mexico learn how to harvest palms in a way that provides them with a better income and preserves the palm forest.

This past year, the Mission and Justice Committee has

been focused on the topic of immigration. There have been speakers, forums, and movies, all bringing immigration front and center. This month, the focus is on Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, with a few “Did You Knows?” Did you know that: • LIRS has welcomed migrants and

refugees to this country since 1939?

• LIRS has resettled over 362,000 refugees?

• In 2009, LIRS resettled 10,900 refugees and helped 241 unaccompanied children find good foster homes?

From the Mission and Justice Committee Vision Statement: Since we believe that service is both an obligation and a privilege of the Christian life,

we seek to provide opportunities for Bethel members to learn about the needs of others in our world and to put their knowledge into action, heeding Christ's call to "Love your neighbor as yourself."

LPGM Minute for Mission In early June LPGM Executive Director Mark Warpmaeker will be joining the leaders of Lutheran Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as together they look at ways to be more effective in Christ's mission. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina & Uruguay (IELU), through which LPGM supports partner congregation relationships, is hosting the gathering. Pray for the leaders of these many churches and their ministry.

Sunday, June 12, 6 p.m. at Babcock Park vs. Methodist White Sunday, June 19, 7:10 p.m. at Babcock vs. St. Dominic's White Sunday, June 26, 6 p.m. at Sechlar #2 vs. Emmaus Sunday, July 10, 2 p.m. All Star Game at Babcock Park - Fundraiser for the FoodShelf

Join the Bethel softball teams as a player or a fan! For more information, contact Steve Reece at 663-7035 or reece@stolaf.edu. And did you hear? We won the first game of the season! Sunday, June 5, 7:10 p.m. at Sechlar #1 vs. Northfield E-Free Oaks

Bethel Plays Softball! Sunday, July 10, 6 p.m. at Sechlar #1 vs. Trinity Red Sunday, July 17, 4:50 p.m. at Sechlar #2 vs. Northfield E-Free Cedars Sunday, July 24, 7:10 p.m. at Sechlar #1 vs. St. Peter's Sunday, July 31, 6 p.m. at Babcock Park vs. Trondhjem Sunday, August 7, 7:10 p.m. at Sechlar #1 vs. St. Dominic's Blue

Join the 2nd Annual Red Barn Campground Trip in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, on the weekend of June 17—19 for a fun time of fellowship, celebration and worship, plus lost of great activities for kids. Signup at the information table. Don’t have a tent or camper, but want to join the fun? Signup and we’ll get motel information to you. Questions? Contact Lisa McDermott at 645-0740.

All Bethel women are invited to join in the fun with this traveling monthly fellowship group! Most trips leave in a carpool from the Bethel parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Watch the weekly Banner for updates and details. Tuesday, June 21, Vasa Lutheran Church Tour Tuesday, July 19, Lake City Boat Trip Tuesday, August 16, Potluck at Lu Lindstrom’s home

Bethel Women Having Fun

Bethel News

June 2011 Page 5

Bethel’s Senior Sunday Service is planned for the 8:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, June 5, in the sanctuary. Please plan to join us in honoring our Bethel high school seniors and parents. The WELCA salad potluck supper has been set for Monday, June 6, at 6 p.m. Our special guest speaker will be Edna Thayer of Elysian. Edna is known as "The Laughing Lady" and in the past 15 years has given over 700 presentations on humor and has co-authored a book entitled A Mirthful Spirit-Embracing Laughter For Wellness. We would love to see a good turnout for our special guest. We promise you good food, good fellowship, and MUCH laughter! Dessert, rolls, and beverages will be provided. Have fun with Bethel Women Having Fun! We are visiting Vasa Lutheran Church in Vasa, Minnesota, on Tuesday, June 21, on a tour led by our own Jerry Williams, who has family connections to this church. He will be telling us about this Swedish church's beginnings; then we will go inside to see the church, including the pulpit that is carved like an open Bible, and then have a museum tour guided by Grace Nelson of Vasa. Our lunch will be at the Old Market Deli in Cannon Falls. We plan to leave Bethel at 9:30, arriving in Vasa around 10:15. Lunch is around 12:30 or so. The sign-up sheet is on the information table. Bethel Women's Book Study ~ Enrich your summer experience by joining Women of Bethel on Thursday mornings from 8-9 a.m. in Bethel's Fireside Room for a cup of coffee and rich conversation. We will begin a new book (not yet selected) on June 23, so if you plan to join us this

summer, that would be a good time to do so. Please watch the weekly Banner or contact Pam Santerre at 786-8951 for more information. Char and Lloyd Martens are celebrating 65 years of marriage with a brunch between services in the CLC on June 26 - give your best wishes to the not-so-newlyweds, and have some treats!

From the Scrip Table... There is still plenty of time to order Scrip for Father's Day gifts and for those special high school and college graduates! How about Scrip from the Men's Wearhouse, Cabela's, Eddie Bauer, Barnes and Noble, or Menard's for Dad?? Or Scrip from Chipotle, Subway, Target, WalMart, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon for the graduate? Then there's Bed, Bath and Beyond, Bath and Body Works, Gap, or The Limited for the that new apartment or new business attire. It is also summer vacation and camping time with Scrip available to order from Gander Mountain, Dick's Sporting Goods, Comfort Inn and Suites, and the Marriott Hotels. And don't forget to fill up at Kwik Trip, Holiday, and SuperAmerica stations. Entertaining? As always, Cub cards are available each Sunday as well as WalMart/Sam's Club and Target cards. As you can see, Scrip can help your dollars work harder for you as you earn dollars toward your youth or family trip account or help fund our scholarships

Earth Village does great work and there is no doubt that this will be an action-packed week with lots of fun, fellowship, and learning. Cost is $65 per child with a $10 sibling discount. Scholarships are available by contacting Pam Vig. Programming is from 6-8 Sunday night and 9-4 Monday-Thursday. However, children may be dropped off as early as 8 a.m. and

picked up as late as 5 p.m. each day. Children are asked to bring their own bag lunch each day. Inside Out and Upside Down on Main Street is the theme for our age 4-Grade 1 (2011-12) Vacation Bible

School experience. We will once again be participating in a joint effort with Emmaus and St. John’s Lutheran Churches. The activities will take place at Emmaus during August 8-11 – the same week as the On the Road experience for our older students. 1st Grade students have a choice of the all-day “On the Road” experience or the half-day VBS experience at Emmaus. Registration packets for Age 4-Grade 1 VBS were sent out in April.

Children’s Ministry Registration Packets for the 2011-12 program year were due May 15. If you haven’t returned yours, please do so

now. Vacation Bible School - Good Earth Village on the Road - August 7-11, 2011 Just a reminder that our VBS experience for children in Grades 1-5 (2011-12 School Year) is being held at St. John’s Lutheran Church this year and facilitated by Good Earth Village Bible Camp. All registration is being handled by Good Earth Village. You can register online or download a registration form at www.goodearthvillage.org. Simply select “Summer Camp” on the home page and then click on “GEV On the Road.” This ministry is open to all Northfield children. Feel free to invite your children’s friends and neighbors. However, be aware that you must pre-register to attend. In order to have accurate numbers for food, crafts, etc., new registrations will not be taken after August 1. Good

activities in them. Encourage your child to explore their Bibles on their own or with you as you follow Pastor Tim’s reading list on page 3.

For younger students pull out their Beginner’s Bible or Story Bible and read a story a night at bedtime or any other time during the day.

For all ages, take your Bibles and/or Bible storybooks on the road with you as you vacation. Go online to find all kinds of Bible reading plans and suggestions for people of all ages.

Our Grade 2-5 students have become very good at bringing their Bibles with them to Sunday School each week (I’m sure the candy reward has something to do with it!). But Sunday School is over and summer is almost here. What will those poor lonely Bibles do for the next three months?

Plan now to keep those Bibles front and center. Encourage your family to incorporate Bible reading into your daily schedule. Our Grade 2-5 students have child-friendly, age appropriate Bibles that have plenty of extra

Bible reading is one of the key components of faith development. And faith development is not something from which we should ever take a vacation.

Have a wonderful summer of faith, family, and fun!

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16.

Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries

786-8878 pvig@bethelnorthfield.org

Children’s Ministry Update

Church and Home Ministry ~ Partners in Faith By Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries

Extra forms are available in the church office. Registration packets for Bethel families are due July 1. Please return yours as soon as possible so we may plan accordingly. VBS Mission Project – Neighbors Helping Neighbors ~ All of our VBS students age 4-Grade 5 are being asked to collect, earn, and save money throughout the summer to support the Northfield Community Action Center. The mission of the Community Action Center is to promote a healthy, caring, and just community for all people through resources, advocacy, and volunteer effort. They provide services to our neighbors in need and make a difference in the lives of families and individuals. The CAC meets basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, and provides crisis support, transportation, and services designed to

Children, continued on Page 7.

Page 6 The Bethel Banner

Looking ahead – Mark Your Calendars! 2011-12 Middle School Youth of Yahweh ~ Please watch the Bethel Banner and your mail for news about our weekly middle school end-of-the-summer happening – The Amazing Race of Grace! Dates are July 27, August 3, August 10, and August 17 . Our Bethel wePOD will lead a weekly faith and fun event to help us all reconnect with our Bethel friends toward the end of the summer. More details will be coming later. Keep a look-out for this fun offering – you don’t want to miss it! Rite of Confirmation ~ All 9ers, families, and friends, please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 9. That’s the date for our 2011-12 10th graders to confirm their faith here at Bethel at 1:30 p.m. Please plan to join us and celebrate the Rite of Confirmation with our youth.

Magical Mystery Tours are back! Just like the past few summers, we’ll be going somewhere unknown every month. You’ll receive notice of the meeting time and place and anything you may need for the event, but no details – that’s part of the fun! Put these dates on your calendars now – June 23, July 28, and August 18. We’ll be sharing these monthly summer events with youth from other Northfield area churches again this summer, so invite a friend! Parents, please watch for details in the mail each month and sh-sh-sh! Keep our destination a secret from your kids – remember, it’s a mystery! Calling all Middle and High School Students ~ We are busy planning for VBS and we could definitely use your help. We will be hosting our children who will be 4 years old by September through Grade 1 students at Emmaus Church during the week of August 8 - 11 for Vacation Bible School from 9 – noon. You can sign on for one hour, one day or more, or for the whole week. Feel free to recruit a friend to sign up with you. Please look at your calendars, talk to your parents, and let Pam Vig know how you can help!

Summer Trippers ~ • There are still a few summer trip

forms that are outstanding. If you have not turned yours in, please do so the first week of June so we’re able to prepare for all trips.

• Your final trip payment is due on June 1st. You should have received a Summer Trip Recap at the end of May that itemizes your fundraiser earnings and states your final balance. Please call or email Barb Farmer if you have not received yours or if you have questions.

• 8th Grade Mission Trippers - we’re packing up! ~ All 8th Grade Mission Trip participants will meet at Bethel at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 13, to discuss trip details and pack care kits to take to the missions you’ll serve in Minneapolis. Please put the date on your calendars! You will leave from Bethel for Minneapolis at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 26.

Bethel’s Senior Sunday Service is planned for the 8:30 worship service on Sunday, June 5, in the Bethel sanctuary. Please plan to join us in honoring our Bethel high school seniors and parents.

Bethel Youth News

Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries

786-8877 bfarmer@bethelnorthfield.org

facilitate neighbors helping neighbors. Students are encouraged to find a container from home in which to save their money. It is our hope that the money in each container will grow throughout the summer. During VBS week in August all of the monies will be collected. You don’t have to participate in VBS to donate to this project. Anyone who wants to can

Children, continued from page 6. collect money throughout the summer and turn it into the church office to be included with the children’s VBS offerings in August. Vacation Bible School Volunteers Needed

We are looking for middle school, high school, and adult volunteers to serve in our Age 4-Grade 1 VBS. We will be in

need of small group leaders as well as leaders in the areas of crafts, decorating, recreation, music, Bible, snack, and nursery care for younger children of volunteers. You may sign on for part of a day, one day, for the whole week, or somewhere in between. Please contact Pam Vig at 786-8878 or bethelchildren@charterinternet to help.

June 2011 Page 7

Page 8 The Bethel Banner

We listen for the first songbird in the spring. We listen for a newborn baby’s cry. We listen as a small

child tells about her first day of school. When we listen we learn. Listening is so important it has been said that it is the reason God gave us only one mouth and two ears. As Befrienders, we are challenged to listen 90% of the time and speak only 10%. Through our silence we can learn from each other and about each other. On Thursday, June 23, at 7 p.m., Pastor Tim and the Befriender coordinators will be available in the Fireside Room to discuss our Befriender surveys, how

Befrienders By Marci Groenewold

Tuesday, June 7: 6:30 p.m.* in Bethel's classrooms 61A & B - Monthly meeting and our annual potluck. Please bring your families and invite others who may be interested in joining the Befriender ministry team. (*Please note time change.) Thursday, June 23: 7 p.m. in the Fireside Room - Befriender Evaluation meeting July: No meeting

Befriender Calendar at a Glance

the Befriender ministry is working both for the Befriender and for their friends, and our plans for the future. We hope you will set aside time for this very important discussion. All trained Bethel Befrienders are welcome to attend. Please note: additional Bethel Befriender surveys are available from Knight Stanley.

Blessings from Bethel's Befrienders †

A core Befriender principle: “Active Listening." For more information, call Marci Groenewold, (645-6257), Knight Stanley (645-2512), Jean Miller (645-5353), or the Bethel office (786-6674).

Healing Your Heart, and share personal stories of loss in a safe and confidential atmosphere. This group is sponsored by the Northfield Grief Coalition and

everyone is welcome to attend. To register or for more information, please contact Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister at Bethel, at 786-8951 or Cathy Cammack, Pastoral Care Associate at the First United

Church of Christ, at 645-7532. Bethel Women’s Study, Thursdays, 8-9 a.m., Bethel’s Fireside Room. Women of Bethel meet each Thursday from 8 to 9 a.m. for great coffee and rich conversation. Contact Pam Santerre at 786-8951.

Workshops, Retreats, Workshops, Retreats, Events, Support Groups Events, Support Groups

For All Bethel Adults

Wait a Minute (A Retreat in Time), A Day Retreat for Bethel Women, Thursday, June 16, 9 – 5 pm, at the

Bethel is committed to building and equipping disciples for Christ and His Kingdom through our Adult Education offerings. We encourage every adult in our Bethel community to engage in learning by participating in the forums, classes, and retreats that are offered. Please consider the following opportunities in adult education, and check the weekly and monthly Banners and www.bethelnorthfield.org for updates throughout the year.

Adult Ed Opportunities Adult Ed Opportunities during the Weekduring the Week

Grief Support Group - May 25-June 29, Bethel’s Fireside Room, 7-8:30 p.m. This is a Christ-centered small group, designed for adults grieving a loss. Participants will learn about the grieving process using the book Understanding Your Grief—Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and

Adult Education Offerings home of Pam Santerre. Step away from your daily routine and give yourself a “time-out” to renew and deepen your spiritual life. Through the use of scripture, prayer, discussion, and reflection, we will experience, as His followers did, Jesus’ love, reassurance, forgiveness, and compassion. This is a one-day version of the retreat held in January. For more information and a registration form, go to page 16.

Wednesdays ♦ 7-8:30 p.m. - Grief and

Loss Support Group, Fireside Room

Thursdays ♦ 8-9 a.m. - Bethel Women’s Study,

CLC

Summer Adult Education

June 2011 Page 9

Five years ago, Bethelites Rhonda Reece and Leanne Barck opened the Northfield Noontime Organ Recitals on organ and piano at Bethel. The community is long overdue for another such recital: Wednesday, July 20, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., with Richard Collman on organ and David Miller on piano in a recital of the music of Emma Lou Diemer for organ and piano in the Bethel sanctuary. Diemer's four variations on the Old One Hundredth ("Doxology") will be a featured work

Calling All Fans of the Organ including a bit of ragtime! There will be a free will offering. Persons of any age can learn to play the pipe organ. One teenager said "Learning to play the pipe organ is WAY COOL!" A retired professional woman said "This is the best way to keep my brain alive that I have found, not to mention coordination of my hands and feet!" Organ lessons engage mind, heart, and spirit as the most awesome instrument ever invented can be explored. Whatever your age, you are

two to three teachers will be on and two will be off. In addition, we are looking for one or two high school students to serve as assistants in each class. Grades 2-5 Faith Quest is the name of our Sunday School experience for our Grade 2-5 students. The year consists of seven 4 week units. Each unit is comprised of four stations. The students rotate to a different station each week. Station Leaders prepare one lesson and present it four Sundays in a row to a different group of children each week. You can sign on to serve as a station leader for one or more units or for the entire year. Guides are also needed for our Faith Quest experience. Guides sign on for half a year or the entire year. Guides are assigned the same group of children each week. They begin the hour in conversation with their small group and then move to the station with their group for the rest of the hour where they serve as an extra pair of hands for the day’s activities. There is no weekly preparation for this position. You just show up and have fun!

Bethel has been blessed with many children. You don’t have to look very far on a Sunday morning or Wednesday afternoon or evening to figure that out. Maybe your own children are grown or maybe you don’t have children. Either way, if you would like to have children in your life, opportunities abound at Bethel. There are many opportunities at Bethel for adults of all stages of life to serve and interact with our children. So start thinking now about how you will plug into our Sunday School and BAM ministries next fall. Teaching on your own or with a high school assistant or adult co-leader are options, as are teaching for part of the year or the entire year or in the case of our grade 2-5 classes for one or more of our four or five week units. Contact Pam Vig at 786-8878 or pvig@bethelnorthfield.org to volunteer or for more information. 2009-10 Sunday School Volunteer Options

Age 3- Grade 1 We are looking for teaching teams of at least four people per class. Each class will have 15-20 students. Each week

Getting to Know Our Bethel Children

BAM Every Wednesday during the school year over 170 kindergarten-grade 5 students ride the Bethel buses to our site for BAM – Bible, Arts, and Music. The afternoon is filled with Chapel, snack, CAT class, choir rehearsal, TNT (Trying New Things - crafts and other projects), recreation, video, chimes, and more. Every week we need several volunteers to make all of these wonderful activities happen. We happily take volunteers from grade 6 - adult! You can sign on for one afternoon a year, one afternoon a week, or anything in between. Activities will take place between 3:30 and 5:45 and we can always fit you in whenever it works best for your schedule. Some volunteer options are only 15 minutes long. Others are 30 minutes, and others are 90 minutes. If you can help in either our Sunday or Wednesday ministries during 2011-12, please contact Pam Vig at 786-8878 or pvig@bethelnorthfield.org.

invited to consider study of the "King of Instruments." Rev. Richard Collman teaches and plays at First English Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls and at the United Methodist Church in Northfield. He would enjoy adding a few students at Bethel. Piano background is crucial. Please call Richard at 645-1357 if you are interested. Late spring and early summer can provide more time to consider such an adventure.

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Page 10 The Bethel Banner

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September 22-25 ~ Bethel Backpacking Trip October 9 ~ Confirmation

June 2011 Page 11

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Page 12 The Bethel Banner

Highlights of the April Church Council Meeting The Trustee reported that he has met with staff about some safety and security and put some new policies into place. Also a cleanup day has been set. Our custodial staff will be doing other major cleaning projects over the summer. The Personnel Officer reported that they are looking at their committee structure. They are working on staff evaluations and setting up a format for evaluations for the pastors. They will also be meeting with staff about the impact of insurance claims on our premiums. The Treasurer reported that 2011 income is 3% over 2010. Total expenses are over income by about $8,000. The Steward reported that him committee has been working with a Bethel member who is willing to present a course on financial basics to various groups. He has also authorized funds for the Northfield Police for anti-drug information and to Good Earth Village for camping scholarships. At-Large for Visual Arts reported that they will be decorating for Easter on April 23. At-Large for the Kitchen reported that they did not meet this month. At-Large for Mission & Justice reported that they have developed a new draft copy of their mission statement. They would like that info included on the website and in new member packets. They will also be selling Divine Chocolates this Sunday. The Task Force for Council Organization presented some ideas and the Council asked them to reexamine their structure in two year terms and bring it back next month. Church Council suggested that we have meetings for the congregation to weigh-in on the displays in the sanctuary. Pastor Charlie will schedule these. The Pastoral Team is considering a cell phone for emergency calls. Pastor Tim, Pastor Charlie, and Pam Santerre would take turns answering it. A taskforce for the staffing and guidelines for the AV Room is needed. Scott S. and Blair F. will do this. A staff learning day has been offered by Pastor Merv Thompson of Lutheran Church of Hope in Des Moines. Five members of the Bethel staff will attend on Tuesday, May 10.

June 2011 Page 13

Year-to-date Benevolences

Enjoy the convenience of electronic giving Bethel Lutheran Church offers electronic giving, which allows you to make donations on a scheduled, automatic basis. If you are writing checks and preparing envelopes every week, you will especially appreciate electronic giving. It is convenient for you and provides much-needed donation consistency for Bethel. Simply Giving can be used for your regular faith-based giving and/or building fund pledge. How to get started ~ To set up electronic donations, simply complete the authorization form which can be found on Bethel’s website (bethelnorthfield.org) or on the information table in the narthex. Donations can be debited automatically from either a checking or savings account. Return the completed form to the church office, attention Gloria West. If you have any questions, please contact Gloria at 786-6687 or gwest@bethelnorthfield.org.

Financial News and Notes

Gloria West, Church Accountant

786-6687 gwest@bethelnorthfield.org

Capital Campaign SE MN Synod 8,333 Cannon River Conf.-ELCA 262 Community Action Center 825 Lutheran Social Services 3,667 M/J Honorarium & Creation Care 184 Benevolence Contingency 110 ELCA World Hunger 1,693 Sunday School- ISLA 587 CAC Food Shelf 14,799 14,799

Total CAC Food Shelf 14,799 Easter Offering 2011 Ruth's House 3,013

Habitat/Humanity 3,013 6,026

Tanzania 100th Anniversary 720 ELCA Disaster- Tornado 200 World Vision (30 hour famine) 348 Good Samaritan Funds used 915 Youth Scholarship funds used 370

$53,838

As of 4/30/2011

Results as of 4/30/2011

Pledges 1,746,659

Pledges Received (717,406)

Pledges to be Received 1,029,253

Non-Pledges Received 48,669

Building Debt 1/15/2009 Building Debt 3,500,000

Scheduled Principal payments (180,742)

Additional Principal payments (1,039,000)

04/15/2011 Building Debt $2,280,258

Capital Campaign 07/01/10 - 06/30/13

Thanks for making Bethel your Thrivent Choice!! Since September 2010, Bethel Lutheran Church has received $2,362 from the Thrivent Choice Dollars Program because Thrivent members have directed their dollars to Bethel. The

number of Bethel Thrivent members who have made Bethel their choice has grown to 24.

If you or a family member have questions about the program or you need assistance, visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836.

Page 14 The Bethel Banner

When disasters happen, what can I do to help?

As Lutherans, we are connected through our contributions to the ELCA in general and by contributions made directly to helping agencies, and we are helping others who have experienced disasters from flooding, tornados, and other weather related misfortunes this spring. One of the agencies helping is Lutheran Disaster Response. Lutheran Disaster Response is a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA ) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS ). They seek to demonstrate Christ's compassion for all people by promoting hope, healing, and wholeness for disaster survivors. Their web site declares their mission to be:

• Bringing Help and Hope • Preparing to Respond

• Getting Involved

• Helping in Hardship

• Caring for the Affected

• Rebuilding Lives A question we might wish to ask - given that we have tornados happening here in Minnesota as well as recently in Alabama and Missouri - could be, “What if a disaster happened close to us today? What can you do?” When disaster strikes in your community, the local Lutherans are the first form of Lutheran Disaster Response. Every time Lutherans act in service to their neighbors in need following a disaster, they are being Lutheran Disaster Response.

From Our Mission Interpreter... By Lois Stratmoen

Flooding along the Mississippi: Even as the high water begins to recede farther north, communities in Louisiana are bracing for record flooding, with the crest still to come as I write this article. How to help? Put together some Flood Buckets to receive donations and download a handout for use in your congregation. Recovery begins in Alabama: Two weeks after the worst single-day tornado outbreak in U.S. history, the long process of recovery is beginning. How to help? Learn about the

response, pray for those impacted, give a gift, and perhaps even volunteer when they are organized enough to have outsiders come to help. YOU are...

Lutheran Disaster Response. Any time Lutherans help their neighbors in need following a disaster, they are being Lutheran Disaster Response for their community. We can serve in important ways. Here are some suggested ways to

serve if disaster strikes in our own community:

• Be informed by receiving regular updates such as those from Lutheran Disaster Response using the LDR Disaster Listserv.

• Organize volunteers to help with clean up and repair of homes and businesses affected.

• Open your doors by holding a special service. People often feel the need to gather for prayer and worship.

• Provide spiritual or pastoral care. Those who have experienced trauma often need careful care and assistance.

• Provide a place where volunteers can rest, clean up, and get a warm meal or send food to the clean-up area for volunteers who are still working there.

Blessings on all who help their neighbors however and whenever they can.

June 2011 Page 15

Wait a Minute: (A Retreat in Time) A Day Retreat for Bethel Women Step away from your daily routine and give yourself a “time-out” to renew and deepen your spiritual life. Through the use of scripture, prayer, discussion, and reflection, we will experience, as His follow-ers did, Jesus’ love, reassurance, forgiveness, and compassion. This retreat will be held on Thursday, June 16, 9-5 p.m., at the Northfield home of Pam Santerre. Our guest speaker will be Barb Holm, who is a spiritual director and a retired school counselor. This is the same retreat that Barb led in January at Mt. Olivet and it was so well received that we wanted to offer it again as a day retreat. Pam lives just north of town and looks forward to hosting a group of ten people for this day retreat. The cost of the retreat is $40 per person, including a bag lunch and refreshments. Complete and return the registration form to the church office or sign-up at the information table in the narthex. Register early - space is limited to ten people.

Please sign me up for the Wait a Minute Retreat

Name: ______________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________

Email Address: _______________________________________________________________________

Payment: _________ Cash _________ Check (payable to Bethel)

Please turn this form in to the church office by June 13, with your cash or check.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, An outbreak of tornadoes tore across the Midwest this weekend, leaving a path of destruction from Texas to Minnesota. Especially hard-hit is Joplin, Mo., where a powerful tornado leveled parts of the community, killing at least 89 people. Residents say the city is completely unrecognizable. The building that housed an ELCA congregation has been destroyed, according to its pastor. Please keep the Rev. Bill Pape and the people of Peace Lutheran Church in Joplin in your prayers.

Tornado Recovery Efforts This outbreak is one of several destructive storms this spring. Communities throughout the Midwest and South have also faced widespread

damage due to floods and severe storms. ELCA Disaster Response is already assessing the situation in Joplin and other areas affected by severe storms and flooding. Your gifts are

needed to help provide for the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by these disasters.

All of your gifts—100 percent—designated for "U.S. Severe Storms" will be used for emergency and long-term assistance following these storms. Please give generously and continue to pray for those whose lives have been uprooted by this disaster.

Sincerely, The Rev. Daniel Rift

Director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal

[Editor's Note: Pastor Bill Pape was Pastor Tim's internship supervisor. If you would like to donate, simply put a check in the offering basket or church office with “ELCA Tornado Relief” on the memo line.]

The Bethel Banner Page 16

June Worship Servants

June 5 June 12 Summer Schedule

June 19 June 26

Assisting Minister (8:30 a.m.)

Carol Lysne Mike Ahrens Lu Lindstrom Noel Stratmoen

Assisting Minister (10 a.m.)

Libby Glimsdal (10:45 a.m.)

Mike Ahrens Christina Schwietz Knight Stanley

Reader (8:30 a.m.) Hannah Mahr, Abby Stets Kristi Huettl Bethel Youth Orpah Johnson

Reader (10 a.m.) Lisa Carlson (10:45 a.m.) Barb Farmer Bethel Youth Pam Vig

Sacramental Ministers (8:30 a.m.)

Catherine Lewis, Ellen Mader, Jenna Mahr, Marie Nordine, Emily Stets

Roberta Ganske, Connie DeGrote, Sandy Ahrens, Kitty Runzheimer, Rose Turnacliff

Bethel Youth Connie DeGrote, Jill Eastman, Dot Swanson, Marcia Omdahl, Wayne Kivell

Sacramental Ministers (10 a.m.)

Jean Mueller, Dan Foley, Cindy Kreis (10:45 a.m.)

n/a Bethel Youth Roger & Vikki VanVelhuizen, Cindy Kreis

Ushers (8:30 a.m.) Sandy Carson, Maggie Cloud, Mandie Cloud, Claire Fink, Dave Nordine

Marilyn & Gordon Kelley, Mac Gimse, Roger Glasgow

Bethel Youth Steve Meierbachtol, Kyle Nordine, Jim Moberg, Tony Huettl

Ushers (10 a.m.) Tim & Lori Freeland, Rollie & Nancy Ensrud (10:45 a.m.)

Ryan & Emily Blumhoefer, Steve & Carol O’Neill

Bethel Youth Gerry & Carol Gengenbach, Gary Hanson, Chad Jenkinson

Greeters (8:30 a.m.) Lee & Kitty Runzheimer, Kristin Kivell

Lee & Kitty Runzheimer Two or more needed Joyce & Ken Snede, Kristin Kivell

Greeters (10 a.m.) Sara Swan & Eric McDonald; Connie & John Gustafson (10:45 a.m.)

Tim & Jill Mahr, Patty & Chuck Paton

Two or more needed Jill & Tim Mahr

Nametags (8:30 a.m.) Clayton & Linda Bliese Gene Ganske, Joyce & Norris Stephenson

Joyce Snede, Joyce & Norris Stephenson

Avis & Larry Petterson, Michelle Olson

Nametags (10 a.m.) Dianne Kelly & Chuck Sandstrom

Roxanne & Chris McCain, Amy Narveson

Two or more needed Anne & Jason Molesky

Coffee Servers Kristin & Emma Kivell; Dianne Kelly & Chuck Sandstrom, Connie Gustafson, Michelle Olson, Ann Etter

Alyce Kivell, Becky & Arlin Johnson, Jane Runzheimber

Alyce Kivell, Avis & Larry Petterson, Sandy Peterson

Kristin & Emma Kivell, Patty & Chuck Paton, Joyce Hoogenakker

The Bethel Banner The Bethel Banner

June 2011 Page 17

A Measure of Our Commitment May Worship Attendance average per Sunday

2008 2009 2010 2011

466 519 530 576*

Average Year-to-date Worship Attendance

2008 2009 2010 2011

485 531 534 541*

* Does not include May 29, 2011, figures.

The Bethel Banner is published monthly as a ministry of Bethel Lutheran Church of Northfield, Minnesota. The congregation is invited to submit articles to the church office. Articles are due by the 20th of each month. Questions, suggestions, or comments? Contact editor Lisa McDermott at lmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org, by phone at 645-0740, or call the church office at 786-6674.

June 2011 June 2011

June 5 June 12 June 19 June 26

Altar Care John & Marcia Omdahl Dot & Vic Swanson

Alyce Kivell Lisa Peterson

Communion Angels

Alice Dale, Arlene Neil Roberta and Gene Ganske, Larry & Avis Petterson

Carol Cole Elaine Deim, Dick and Orpah Johnson

A/V Room (8:30 a.m.) Seth Hanson Patrick Walker

Neil Barck Nathan Dahlen

Jordan Ett Tucker Meillier

Neil Barck Liam Fisher

A/V Room (10 a.m.) (10:45) Mark Lewis Tucker Meillier

Jordan Ett Liam Fisher

Seth Hanson David Kreis

Patrick Walker Ben Coleman

Service Group Chairperson: Kristen Cade, 301-3306

Pastoral Care At Bethel, we teach, preach, and live the truth that every one of us is loved, valued, and belongs. Our pastoral care team and supporting ministries, such as Befrienders, prayer ministry, home communion, etc., provide care that is confidential, Christ-focused, and spiritual. We desire to be connected to you while you are experiencing peaks and valleys in your walk with Christ. Through the good times as well as through the tough ones, whatever your circumstances, Bethel is a loving family that wants to share God’s love for you. Please contact us by phone if you desire pastoral care.

Tim McDermott and Charlie Ruud, Pastors, 786-6674 and Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister, 786-8951

What Will Heaven Be Like? by Kathleen Ruckman The Boy on the Yellow Bus by Crystal Bowman New in the Movie Section Letters to God Second Chances The Way Home I Am Amish Grace Like Dandelion Dust Please note we now have two locations to drop off your book/movie/CD returns: • A new beautiful wood book return

inside the main entrance doors, for those patrons needing to return their material by the due date and the church is closed

• Our book return box in the library Please honor our due dates so we can share our materials with everyone in a timely manor. Our due dates are as follows:

Books - 3 weeks Movies - 3 days

Music CDs – 1 week We thank you in advance for honoring our due dates and returning your materials on time.

New for Tweens and Teens The Elijah Project Series by Bill Myers On the Run The Enemy Closes In Trapped by Shadows The Chamber of Lies

Starlight Animal Rescue Series by Dandi Daley Mackall Runaway Mad Dog Wild Cat Dark Horse

Faith Girlz! Series by Nancy Rue Sophie Under Pressure Sophie Steps Up The Lily Series by Nancy Rue Lily and the Creep Lily’s Ultimate Party Ask Lily

New for Children Gigi, God’s Little Princess - The Purple Ponies by Sheila Walsh Will, God’s Might Warrior - The Creepy Caves Mystery by Sheila Walsh If Jesus Came to Visit Me by Jill Roman Lord The Big Red Tractor and the Little Village by Francis Chan The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews Halfway Herbert by Francis Chan

School will soon be out and summer is just around the corner. That means lake time,

vacations, and warm summer days to lose yourself in a good book. Remember to check out the library for great reads and movies. New for Adults Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman – Memoir/Inspiration Angel Song by Sheila Walsh & Kathryn Cushman – Christian Fiction A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley – Christian Fiction Romance The Noticer by Andy Andrews – Fiction/Inspiration/Allegory The Confirmation by Ralph Reed – Fiction/Political Rooms by James L. Rubart – Fiction New for Young Adults The Codebreakers Series by The Miller Brothers Hunter Brown and The Secret of the Shadow Hunter Brown and The Consuming Fire

Echoes from the Edge Series by Bryan Davis Eternity’s Edge Nightmare’s Edge

Dreamhouse Kings Series by Robert Liparulo The House of Dark Shadows Gatekeepers

The Bethel Banner Page 18

The 5th Annual Northfield Retirement Community Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday, June 6, at the Northfield Golf Club. The day begins with lunch and registration at 11 a.m., followed by welcome and instructions at 12:15 p.m., and a shotgun start and scramble format at 12:30 p.m. Enjoy a steak and shrimp dinner and an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. A variety of prizes will be

News from Across the Parking Lot awarded throughout the day. Monies from the Golf Classic are channeled into the NRC Foundation and support NRC's mission and ministry, "Northfield Retirement Community is a Christian not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development of living environments and outreach services as works of love and mercy for aging individuals."

Help support the NRC's efforts and get a little exercise or just a great meal. No need to be a super golfer; there will be fun for everyone. For more information, contact Tom Nielsen at 664-3474, or visit www.northfieldretirement.org. The event is financially supplemented by the Northfield Rice County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Library Corner

June 2011 Page 19

Bethel is a remarkable place. One might even say a sacred place. God is present in and among this congregation. That is so evident to us in the care and support that you have offered to Ellis and me during the last 18 months as Ellis has undergone chemotherapy for colon cancer. Thank you. Thank you again. Ellis’ treatments continue regularly on a two-week schedule, and we continue to hope that the cancer will be conquered. In the meantime, please keep him in your prayers, and keep on being the faithful witnesses that you are. I continue to write updates to www.caringbridge.org/visit/ellislysne which you can access anytime. Peace.

Carol Lysne Thank you to all who helped to make the 17th annual garage sale another great success! We know that this just could not happen without your help. We thank everyone who set up tables and racks on Monday morning and those who helped put things out, hung up clothes, marked prices, and organized the sale area. Thank you to the men who worked so hard moving and loading furniture. Thank you to all who baked wonderful food for the bake sale. So many people enjoyed the delicious goodies. Thank you to all who helped Saturday in cleaning up and delivering left-over treasures so that our space was ready for Sunday morning. Over $13,500 was raised this year - even with the rain! Furniture was given to the Used-A-Bit Shoppe, whose profits benefit the Northfield Senior Center. Books were delivered to Half Price Books. Clothes and kitchen items go to Third World Friends of Kenyon, which sells items at

their thrift store to raise money for shipping needed materials to developing nations, including Nicaragua. Thanks again.

The Garage Sale Crew Is there an award for the hardest working group at Bethel? One nomination would surely be for the women of WELCA who organize a changing crew of volunteers to turn our serene and spacious church into a teeming treasure trove for shoppers to prowl. As more than one of the "head honchos" explained, the garage sale is an act of love -- and it shows! The fellowship during Garage Sale Week is a great example of hospitality - all are welcome to join in the laughter and new faces are greeted with open arms (mostly open arms caring loads of stuff, but you get the picture). Providing clean (and organized!) goods for sale at reasonable prices to folks who need them is an act of service to our community. The opportunity for others of us to get rid of the clutter in our homes - priceless! Many unsold items are donated to benefit folks in need. If that weren't enough, the proceeds from the sale are used to address needs here at Bethel that would otherwise go unmet. Wow! Many thanks to Bonnie P., Bonnie J., Elaine, Judy, Jackie, Juley, and Marilyn, and the volunteers they gently guide, for the countless hours you spend at Bethel, for persuading so many menfolk to join in the fun, and for leading the rest of us in the festivities! We appreciate your service, energy, and tireless good humor, and for not teasing us - within our hearing, anyway - for the strange stuff we manage to donate to the garage sale every year.

We are so grateful to and for you!

Your Bethel Family For our friends and neighbors at Bethel Lutheran Church: We would like to wish you a very warm thank you for the special Easter food basket we received from you. Receiving the food basket brightened our Easter holiday, more than anyone could ever have imagined! We didn’t even know how we could afford to drive to see our family! May God watch over and bless you all! [The Easter baskets were provided by our 6th graders, who raised money for the baskets at the Family Beach Night Festival.] Congratulations on your stupendous and imaginative campaign for the MN Food Share! Your partnership in ensuring that "no one goes hungry in Northfield" is gratefully acknowledged Thank you for your gift of $14,034.93 to the Community Action Center designated for food purposes. CAC will continue to be innovative - by way of your support - in food programs with the goal of getting more food into the hands of families who need it in our community. It is a daunting task these days, alleviating the impact of poverty on people. Food security is Goal One; we want everyone to know where their next meal is coming from! You help us do just that! Thank you!

Jim Blaha, CAC

X Bethel often receives more thank you notes than we have space available. Some of those published are edited due to space constraints. Thank you for all you give!

We have so much to be thankful for...

Bethel Lutheran Church is a body of believers redeemed by Christ who Call and welcome all people; Act to serve our neighbors in need; Respond with God’s love to one another; and Encourage spiritual growth.

Bethel Staff Timothy McDermott, Senior Pastor .................................786-6674...........tmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org Charlie Ruud, Associate Pastor..........................................786-6674...........cruud@bethelnorthfield.org Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries .....................786-8877...........bfarmer@bethelnorthfield.org Rhonda Reece, Director of Music and Worship.............786-8874...........rreece@bethelnorthfield.org Sandy Peterson, Office Administrator..............................786-6674...........speterson@bethelnorthfield.org Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister.........................................786-8951...........psanterre@bethelnorthfield.org Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries .....................786-8878...........pvig@bethelnorthfield.org Gloria West, Church Accountant ......................................786-6687...........gwest@bethelnorthfield.org Paula Mathison, Secretary/Receptionist...........................786-6674...........pmathison@bethelnorthfield.org Mike Graff, Custodian.........................................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Ken Hu, Janitor ....................................................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Dan Kallman, Adult Choir Director .................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Jill Mahr, Youth Handbell Director ..................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Elizabeth Shepley, Children’s Choir Director .................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator..............................786-6674...........jjenkinson@bethelnorthfield.org Church Library......................................................................786-6674...........library@bethelnorthfield.org Bethel Banner submissions................................................. ...........................lmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org

Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 ● ● ● Phone: 507-786-6674 Web: www.bethelnorthfield.org

www.facebook.com/bethellutheran Email: bethel@bethelnorthfield.org ● ● ● Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Northfield, MN

55057 Permit No. 138