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Bethel Beacon
BE.THE.Light Volume 54 Issue 2
Pastors:
Julé Ballinger
Erika Buller
Jim Gustafson
Bethel Lutheran Mission Statement
Bethel Lutheran Church is a community of believers called by God to invite all people into a living relationship with Jesus
Christ, build them up in the faith, and send them out to be witnesses in word and deed to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
BE.THE.Love
2015
F
E
B
R
U
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Y
From the new desk of Pastor Erika
Lovely to meet you all, thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your community of faith. My
name is Pastor Erika Buller and I am your new associate pastor. By ways of biographical information:
I grew up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. I went to Augsburg College in Minneapolis where I had a
Youth and Family Ministry major and an English minor. I have worked for many summers at camp in
the Great Northwoods of Northeastern Minnesota with Voyageurs Lutheran Ministries. Camp ministry
has been instrumental in shaping my call to ordained ministry. After college I worked as a youth direc-
tor, in retail, and in the corporate world. I started studying at Luther Seminary in 2010. This is also
where I met my husband, Michael. Michael and I have been married a bit over a year; so far we have
faced many challenges together, including this one-- being a pastoral couple in our first calls. Al-
though we are new to North Dakota, we are not new to harsh winters, since both of us are Minnesota
kids. Michael is also quite busy on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights as he pastors a two-point
parish in Abercrombie and Galchutt. We are adjusting to new schedules and a new kind of life to-
gether as a very busy clergy couple.
Just so you know a bit more about me…your new pastor likes: wool socks, being outside, hiking and
canoeing, bright colors, black coffee, travel, reading novels, Dietrich Bonheoffer, kale chips, autumn,
Pinterest, bicycling, BBC television shows, vintage style, knitting Norwegian mittens, poetry, being an
auntie, gummy bears, laughing, seeking beauty in the world and in people I meet. Your new pastor
dislikes: peas, mushrooms, and sharks.
As I have said, this call to serve at Bethel Lutheran as your associate pastor is my first call. What an
honor and a gift! A huge thank you for those members from Bethel who attended my ordination ser-
vice at the end of November, it meant so very much to me for you to be present in that worship service.
Also thank you for the ways in which you “pounded” me with pantry stuffs, office supplies, yarn, as
well as your great prayers and love. Thank you very much, I feel very welcomed indeed.
You know when pastors start sermons “When I was in my first congregation…” and then continue into
a heart-warming story about how the relationship with their very first church formed them as a pastor?
You, dear Bethel, will be that place for me. I believe quite strongly that churches rise up and form
their pastors; I am honored to learn, to serve, and to grow in your company. Let me take the opportu-
nity now to thank you for the lessons you will teach, the grace you will extend, and the many ways we
will share life together in this place. I am excited, I am terrified, and I am hopeful for the great things
God is up to. Thank you in advance for the work we will do together in love for this church, this com-
munity, and for God’s world.
In Christ,
Pastor Erika
CONTACT INFO: Phone 642-4472
fax 642-2477
Pastor Julé: [email protected]
Pastor Erika: [email protected]
Pastor Jim: [email protected]
Mary Anderson: [email protected]
Alveda Wurl: [email protected]
Jana Olson: [email protected]
Missy Klose [email protected]
Clare Byron: [email protected]
Lila Gedrose: [email protected]
Building Hours
7am-5pm Monday-Friday
9am-1pm Saturdays
7am-1pm Sundays
Financial Update as of December, 2014
Year to date Income $449,862.78
Year to date Expenses $451,395.51
Deficit - $ 1,532.73
http://bethelwahpeton.com
or
www.facebook.com/bethelwahpeton
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER?
If you or someone you know desire membership please contact:
Pastor Julé at [email protected] or Pastor Jim at [email protected]
or call the church office at 642-4472.
Dollars for Jesus
In January, 2015, $120.00 was given in
vouchers from the “Dollars for Jesus” fund.
The Board of Stewardship would like to share a few facts about our
congregation’s benevolences and the Eastern North Dakota Synod.
1. The mission of the church is supported by a “proportionate share” of
each congregation’s annual budget.
2. The Synod supports agencies and institutions like Lutheran Outdoor
ministries, Lutheran Campus Ministries, Luther Seminary, LSS, and
North Dakota Conference Churches.
3. The Synod has expenses for the offices of the Presiding Bishop, the Secretary and the Treasurer.
3. The Synod’s 2014 Expense Proposal included the following major purposes:
*Supporting Congregations & Evangelical Outreach
*Stepping forward as a Public Church to meet human needs
*Growing our Global & Ecumenical Companionships
*Bringing Forth Leaders
*Governance Procedures
*Stewardship & Mission Funding
*Coordination & Support of the Work of the Church with Resources.
If you have further questions, check out the Eastern North Dakota Synod website.
http://www.eandsynod.org/
Thank You! I want all of you to know how very grateful I am for the
wonderful retirement party and all the expressions and
well wishes you have shared with Cyndy and I! We are so
blessed to be part of this wonderful family!
Thanks be to God and to all of you!
Pastor Jim
February 18
Supper 5-6:15 pm
Worship 6:45 pm
to brunch
Sunday, February 8
10:00 am—Fellowship Hall
MENU: French Toast, sausage, fruit, muffins, coffee & juice
Free will offering
Provided by Board of Outreach—-EVERYONE WELCOME!
Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University
Interest & Preview Meeting
Monday, February 9 at 6:00 pm in the Faith Center
Join us for a special sneak peak at the course, get a chance to ask questions and maybe sign up!
Are you living paycheck to paycheck? Facing an unsure retirement future? Unsure how to set up a family budget?
Want to save for something special?
Join the thousands of people who have graduated from Financial Peace University.
This 9-week faith-based class will give you the tools to take control of your finances. Many of our own congrega-
tion members are successful graduates.
Hope to see you there!
Join us each
Wednesday in Lent 5:00 – 6:15 pm Supper in Fellowship Hall
6:45 pm Lenten Worship in the Sanctuary
“God’s Work, Our Hands” Bethel Lutheran 125th Anniversary!
~ Quasqui-Centennial ~ 1890-2015
Guest Pastor
Rev. Jim Bjorge
FEBRUARY 8, 2015
9:00 & 11:00 am
Attention parents!
We are offering parents of our Wednesday school
kids a place to relax, unwind and enjoy fellowship
with other parents.
Join us in Bethel’s Gisvold Lounge
Wednesday nights
from 5:30 to 6:30pm
for coffee, snacks and conversation.
LENTEN SUPPERS 5:00–6:15 PM
Everyone Welcome—Free will offering All donations will go toward our camperships fund.
February 18 Taco Boats — Board of Christian Education
February 25 Scalloped potatoes/ham — Board of Property
March 4 Chili & White Chili — Board of Lay Ministry
March 11 Loaded Potatoes — Board of Outreach
March 18 Soup, breads — Board of Stewardship
March 25 Chef’s Choice— Executive Committee
PLEASE SIGN UP TO BRING A PAN OF BARS TO SHARE.
Sign up sheet is located outside the church office.
Bethel Members
During this Lenten season the “Noisy Offering” will be used for the purchase of
a well through the ELCA World Hunger’s Walk for Water project. This project
helps provide clean water to those in need in 60 countries around the world, in-
cluding the U.S. Your efforts are always appreciated.
If you wish to give by check, please make check payable to Bethel
Lutheran Church with “WALK FOR WATER” noted in the memo line.
BeFrienders is hoping to add an additional
group this year. If you are interested in becom-
ing a BeFriender please talk to Pastor Jim! We
are hoping to train this Summer.
Also, if you yourself would
like to have a BeFriender, or
know someone who would,
please talk to Pastor Jim.
Take Stock In Our Youth—Youth of Bethel Stock Sale
You are invited to participate in a special fundraiser supporting our youth. Our
Senior High youth are asking for your support for their summer mission trip by
inviting you to become shareholders in their service, learning, and leadership.
Benefits of being a stockholder include: special news updates from the youth
before and during their trip, an invite only Stockholders Banquet to be held after
their return, and the confidence your investment in your youth will bear much fruit.
Watch your mailboxes for more information coming out the end of February and
you can expect a phone call the middle of March. We thank you for your support!
~Bethel Youth
Evening Book Club
The Evening Book Club met on Tuesday, January 20 to discuss Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy,
and Hard Times by Jennifer Worth. We rated the book with 4 out of 5 stars. This book provides a very good
depiction of the times and events that took place during the 1950’s. The author provided vivid accounts of the
life and hardships of those living in poverty-stricken London at the time. We discussed interest in reading the
other two books that are part of this series and watching the television show which has been broadcast on BBC
television and PBS.
We will meet again on February 17, at 7:00 p.m. in the Gisvold Lounge. The book selection for February is
The Mulligan by Nathan Jorgenson. Please come and join us!
Bethel’s Daytime Book Club
On January 13, the Daytime Book Club met to discuss the book “On Hummingbird Wings” by Lorraine Snel-
ling. This is a story of a hypochondriac mother & two daughters; one lives in the same town as Mom, and the
other comes from New York. We all enjoyed this easy read and related to many of the personality frictions that
occurred while Gillian (from NY) is trying to get her Mother out of bed & back in the world of the living.
February 10 Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. This is the classic tale of romantic
suspense. The second Mrs. De Winter walks in the shadow of her
mysterious predecessor, Rebecca. She is determined to uncover the
dark secrets and shattering truths of her husband’s first wife.
March 10 The Walk by Richard Paul Evans. The Walk is the first of an unfor-
gettable series of books about one man’s search for hope; a life
changing journey, both physically & spiritually. This series (5 books)
is in the church library.
2015 would be a great year to join a book club if you’ve had the thought. We always welcome new members.
Reserve the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. and join us for a fun-filled morning!
“ The more that you Read, the more things you will Know. The
more that you Learn, the more places you’ll Go.”
~ Dr. Seuss ~
Adult Education
Sunday mornings in March in the Faith Center. Who is this Man? The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus
Join us this Lenten season for this five-session DVD-based study based on John Ortberg’s book.
Jesus' impact on our world is highly unlikely, widely inescapable, largely unknown, and decidedly double-edged.
He is history's most familiar figure, yet he is the man no one knows. And yet . . .you can miss him in historical
lists for many reasons, maybe the most obvious being the way he lived his life. He did not loudly and demonstrably
defend his movement in the spirit of a rising political or military leader. His life and teaching simply drew people
to follow him. He made history by starting in a humble place, His influence has swept over history bringing
inspiration to what has happened in art, science, government, medicine, and education; he has taught humans
about dignity, compassion, forgiveness, and hope.
We will meet at 10:10am Sunday mornings in March in the Faith Center.
Sessions:
March 1- The Man Who Won't Go Away March 22 - Why It's a Small World After All
March 8 - A Revolution of Humanity March 29 - Three Days That Changed the World
March 15- The Power of Forgiveness
Once again it is time to write a new Beacon article. I hope everyone has had a pleasant
January. As usual the weather has been unpredictable. Like we say in this area, “if you
don’t like the weather wait ten minutes it will change.”
The 3rd graders and their parents attended Bible instruction classes January 7th and 14th.
On January 14th they received their Bibles at Worship services that evening. It was very touch-
ing and special to witness such a holy occasion.
We have also been blessed to have Alicia Bertram become our new 3rd-6th music director. We are so happy to
have her and her family join our community!
February 18th the Board of Ed will be serving our 5:00 supper. The menu is “Taco Boats” so I hope you will
all come.
February 22nd Pastor Erika will be installed and a potluck will follow. Seems like this article is all about food.
We have had a lot of changes lately and they are all good.
Blessings to you all,
Lila Gedrose
REMEMBER THE “SOUPER” CHALLENGE
Please bring cans of soup for the Richland/Wilkin Food Pantry
Library Notes. . .
Some authors whose materials are in the Bethel Library are very popular, and these are circulating all the time.
Below are titles these authors have written out of their usual genre.
B Albom, Mitch, who is known for his fiction such as Five People You Meet in Heaven, first
921 wrote Tuesdays with Morrie, a true story about Albom's getting to know his dying college
AL professor.
FL Karon, Jan, best known for children's books and the Mitford Years series, has compiled a
082 journal of inspirational quotes, common sense, profound wisdom, and
KA good humor for uplifting reading.
FL Kinkade,Thomas, the famous artist and author of such fiction as Harbor of the Heart and The
232 Way Home, wrote Touched by the Light, a collection of inspirational reflections.
KI
B Kingsbury, Karen, whose fiction fills two Bethel Library shelves, in 2014 published The Family
921 of Jesus, a collective biography of those closest to Jesus, for example Joseph, Elizabeth, and
JE Mary.
FIC Lucado, Max, who has written at least one book for almost every category of the Dewey
LU Decimal System, has written a beautiful Christmas story, The Christmas Candle, which has also
been made into a movie, which Bethel Library has on DVD.
FL Macomber, Debbie, the popular dimestore novelist whose fiction fills a shelf at Bethel Library,
241.4 has written an inspiring study of the joy of giving, One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of
MA Generosity.
For the month of February these titles will be displayed on the shelves in the northwest bookcase. After that
you will find them in their respective sections. FL's are arranged in numerical order in the north wall book-
cases. B's are in the lower shelves of the southwest bookcase in numerical and then alphabetical order. F's are
in the south wall bookcases in alphabetical order by the author's last name. Bethel Library enjoyed a stellar
circulation record in 2014. Keep reading! It's what keeps we librarians working.
February Schedule:
Feb 4 7th and 8th Grade Sm. Group/9th Grade Lg. Group (10 Commandments)
Feb 11 7th and 8th Grade Lg. Group (Judas Iscariot) /9th Grade Sm. Group
Feb 18 7th and 8th Grade Sm. Group/9th Grade Lg. Group (10 Commandments) – Ash Wednesday
Feb 25 7th and 8th Grade Lg. Group (Pontius Pilate) /9th Grade Sm. Group
March Schedule:
March 4 7th and 8th Grade Sm. Group/9th Grade Lg. Group (10 Commandments)
7:30 pm – 8th Grade Funeral Mentor Event – At Willow Creek Chapel
March 11 7th and 8th Grade Lg. Group (Mary Magdalene) /9th Grade Sm. Group
March 18 7th and 8th Grade Sm. Group/9th Grade Lg. Group (10 Commandments)
March 25 7th and 8th Grade Lg. Group (Thomas) /9th Grade Sm. Group
ANNUAL 9TH GRADE RETREAT. . .
On January 1st & 2nd we took fifteen 9th Graders to Bear
Creek Lodge in Verona, ND for the annual 9th Grade
retreat. This retreat was a great experience and I believe
the youth had just as good of a time if not better than
the adults. The youth were outstanding and I am very
proud of them. They also gave Pastor Erika a nice warm
welcome, which may have included a little basketball
competition later in the evening. The 9th graders also had
their Mentor event on January 21, 2015 which covered
the book of Mark with Pastor Jim. They have had a busy
month!
Youth Mission Trip News:
Due to scheduling conflicts we unfortunately had to cancel the Fish Fry we had planned. The
youth are still working hard on putting together their next Fundraiser. The time is sneaking up
on us quickly!
On Sunday January 18th we had 30 kids come out to
Three Rivers Gymnastics to Break the Freeze and
blow off some energy! It was a great time had by all
and bonus, No one got hurt!!
Bethel Church: IN MEMORY OF RUBIE MAKASH given by Marcia Pederson
IN MEMORY OF BROOKE BASSINGTHWAITE given by Deb Tobias
IN MEMORY OF REUBEN JOHNSON, father of Renee Speidel, given by Ken & Erlys Skoog
IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE given by Bruce & Linda Christianson; Fern Anderson; Mark & Wanda Sherven
IN MEMORY OF RODNEY HINGST given by Dennis & VonDaLee Grandalen
Bethel Choir: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE, mother of Denise Miller, given by Paul & Char Oehlke
Landscaping
Fund: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE given by Art & Linda Grochow; Geri Coyne; Esther Krause
IN MEMORY OF GRACE PATTERSON given by Monica Zentgraf
IN THANKFULNESS given by Stan & Marilyn Sirek
IN MEMORY OF RUBIE MAKASH, mother of Colleen Krohn, given by Ron & Kate McBeth; Carol Manock; Karen Lutz
IN MEMORY FO DR. PERRY ENGSTROM, father of Pam Erlandson, given by Ron & Kate McBeth; Carol Manock;
Keith & Nadine Torgerson
Faith Tool Boxes: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE given by Sonja Christensen
IN MEMORY OF RODNEY “RAY” HINGST given by Sonja Christensen
IN MEMORY OF RUEBEN JOHNSON, father of Renee Speidel, given by Carol J. Manock; Donna Marohl
Children’s
Library: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE given by Bob & Jeri Oscarson
Youth: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE given by Bev McRoberts; Paul & Sybil Jacklitch
IN MEMORY OF BROOKE BASSINGTHWAITE given by Paul & Sybil Jacklitch
Endowment
Fund: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE, given by Dee Jensen
Global Missions: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE, given by Doug & Judy Peterson.
The Memorial Committee’s main objective is to be the resource for any one person or group of people
that would like to give a memorial, honorarium, or commemorate an occasion to Bethel Lutheran
Church. It is the committee’s responsibility to formulate a catalog of specific items, keep a record of all
memorials and to acknowledge those that have given gifts.
If you have any questions regarding memorial items or wish to give a memorial item or honorarium
please contact one of the committee members: Doug Peterson@642-6776; Corrine Romereim@6426038;
Luther Sannes@642-5140; Mark Stone@642-2377 or Bev McRoberts@642-6745.
The committee thanks the members of Bethel for their continued support.
About BeFriender Ministry:
The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing not curing, not healing, and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is the friend who cares. --Henri Nouwen in Out of Solitude
Everyone is, at times on a difficult journey and needs a caring companion to listen without judgment and provide support. That, in a nutshell, is what BeFriender Ministry is all about. Bethel's leadership team attended a week long ecumenical training in Fargo and has, in turn, trained seventeen members of our congregation who are ready and willing to provide a listening ear to anyone in need.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A BEFRIENDER VISIT YOU,
CONTACT PASTOR JIM AT 642-4472 or [email protected]
These are the people known to have birthdays in February If you have a birthday
in February and your name is not listed, we do not have your birthday in our church
records. Please contact the church office with your birth date so we may have it for our
records.
MAY EACH OF YOU HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
2/1 Kari Cvancara
Emily DeVries
Sara Gerdon
Michael Grefsrud
Linda Kocher
Charlene Oehlke
2/2 Jacob Goltz
Pam Hendrickson
Jaden Zaun
2/3 Evelyn Erickson
Richard Opoien
Ivy Schulz
2/4 Thomas Bernotas
Jon Doll
2/6 Bjorn Birkelo
Roy Hofmann
2/7 Terry Dohman
Brady Grefsrud
2/8 Alyssa Amos
Kevin Berger
Harriet Bjorke
Autumn Rossow
2/9 Justin Birkelo
Kyler Flack
Laikyn Marohl
2/10 Adam Erickson
Arline Hudson
Isaac Prochnow
Bryce Smith
2/11 Alex Johnson
2/12 Dale DeVries
Medora Good
Colette Leinen
Alice Myhra
2/13 Darci Eggen
Joann Ham
2/14 Lachelle Bumgarner
Doris Holen
Kijia Homes
Aaron Stone
2/15 Mike Munter
Catherine Prochnow
2/16 Alvin Eckre
Wyatt Meyer
2/17 Tenley Hills
Bailey Long
Brian Uhlich
2/18 Michelle Anderson
Lisa Bassingthwaite
Sonja Christensen
Kyla Knudson
Karen Pausch
Caitlyn Pithey
Brittany Scott
2/19 Deborah Loberg
Felisa Mastel
Donna Sherven
2/20 Bob Asche
Jessica Mastel
Ryland Pauly
2/22 Mark Long
2/23 Ashlyn Johnson
2/24 Gregory Buboltz
Terra Gregor
Maggie Hendrick-
Shannon Herman
2/25 Eric Christianson
Erick Erickson
Michael Kemmet
Joncy Mastel
Ethan Petersen
2/26 Myron Braun
Kelsey Darwin
Abigail Tschakert
2/27 Matthew Berger
Callie Knudson
Hailey Knudson
Jay Townsend
2/28 Jace Johanson
Lori Meyer
Worship VOLUNTEERS
If you are unable to serve on the assigned date and cannot find a replacement please call:
USHERS —Linda Miller -899-3479 COFFEE SERVERS—Carol Sturdevant -642-4355
READERS & COMMUNION ASSIST—Doug & Judy Peterson at 642-6776 or 640-7010 Please notify the church office of the change at 642-4472.
9:00 am Service
If you are unable to serve on the assigned date please try to find a replacement. READERS please call—Doug & Judy Peterson at 642-6776
or 640-7010 . Please notify the church office of the change at 642-4472.
11:00 am Service
February 1 February 8 February 15 February 22
Reader Sheila Dolan Dee Jensen Esther Braaten Jeff Hage
Ushers Wayne Braaten;
Sonja Christensen;
Harvey & Gale Link
Linda Johnson;
Deb Loberg;
Steve Hendrickson
Dennis & VonDaLee Grandalen;
Marty & Dianne Skramstad
Charlene Clute;
Patrick & Vicki Trappen
Communion Assist Gil & Esther Braaten N/A Luther & Barb Sannes;
Blake & Tracy Peterson
N/A
Coffee Servers Rhonda & Scott Thiel;
Sonja Christensen
Brunch provided by
Board of Outreach
Gloria & Terry Dohman;
Beth & Robb Dohman
Judy Koppang;
Inez Lunde
February 1 February 8 February 15 February 22
Reader Jane Berndt Jessie Tschakert Kelly Voss Brian Quamme
Ushers Paul & Char Oehlke Bob & Ginny Buck Jay & Rikki Townsend & family Greg & Darcy Meide
Communion
Assist
Linda Miller;
Kathy Hammer
N/A Pam & Alex Hendrickson N.A
Coffee Servers Kathy Hammer Kathy Johnson Bob & Crystal Asche
March 1 March 8 March 15 March 22 March 29
Reader Bonnie MacIver Norma Nosek Cyndy Gustafson Cindy Borchert Karen Nelsen
Ushers Clint Gilbertson;
Cyndy Gustafson;
Dee Jensen
Marilyn Anderson;
Linda Azure;
Larry & Norma Bontjes
Randy & Jean Hoerer;
Clare Byron
Gil & Esther Braaten;
Arlene Bakken
James & Trudy Jacobson;
Geri Coyne
Communion Assist Cyndy Gustafson;
Sonja Christensen
N/A Phil & Bonnie MacIver;
Jane Krump
N/A N/A
Coffee Servers Bonnie & Phil MacIver;
Norma Nosek
Linda & Frank Azure;
Jeannie & Lynn Bjore
Kathy Dimmer;
Janet Farmen
Phyllis & Neal Folstad;
Jody & Gary Friskop
Liz & Ralph Graalum;
Pam Hendrickson
March 1 March 8 March 15 March 22 March 29
Reader Muriel Hedrick Alison Voss Kathy Hammer Linda Miller Emily Hendrickson
Ushers Meryl Hansey;
Bob Buck
Paul & Sybil Jacklitch Bob & Ginny Buck Perry & Denise Miller
Communion Assist Paul & Char Oehlke N/A Jay & Rikki Townsend N/A N/A
Coffee Servers Paul & Char Oehlke Jeff Beyer Kathy Hammer;
Jessie Tschakert
Bob & Crystal Asche Troy & Darla Thimjon