BETHESDA NEWS “A community caring for all God’s people,

being transformed by Christ's love,

serving others as a witness of God’s grace and peace.”

Bethesda Mennonite Church

www.bethesdamc.org April 3, 2016

The Marriage Enrichment Class will continue to meet on Sundays at 4:00

p.m. throughout the month of April.

Parent Child Dedication will be held on May 15, 2016. Please notify the

church office at 402-723-4562 or sign up in the church office if you would

like to dedicate your child.

Are you interested in being a delegate (youth or adult) for the Central

Plains Mennonite Conference, June 16-19, 2016? Please notify the church

office if you have interest or sign up on the east bulletin board. The

conference this year will be held in Des Moines, Iowa. Further information

will be coming in the weeks to come.

The Church Council prayerfully asks for someone in the congregation to

offer their abilities and time in performing an annual review of Bethesda’s

financial records. Contact Jay Dee Janzen at 402-723-5440 for an

explanation of the scope of this review, and the abilities that it would take

to facilitate this important function. When you are convinced that God is

encouraging you to serve Him and your church in this way, contact Steve

Michel, Church Council Chair, at 402-723-5734.

A membership class is being formed for those who would like to explore

the life of the Bethesda Mennonite faith community. If you have interest,

please contact the church office, 402-723-4562, and one of the pastors will

contact you.

The Technology Management Committee would like to keep you aware

that funds are still needed to move forward with replacement of the sound

system in the sanctuary. You may designate your gift for sound and we will

begin the project when donations are in place.

2016 Year Books have arrived! You will find them in each rack or in a

box in the narthex as you enter the sanctuary.

WEEK AT A GLANCE SUNDAY, April 3

8:45 A.M. Deacons Prayer Time

9:30 A.M. Worship

10:40 A.M. Sunday School/Bible study of John

4:00 P.M. Marriage Enrichment Class

TUESDAY, April 5 8:30 A.M. Staff Meeting

7:00 P.M. BWM Gathering

WEDNESDAY, April 6 9:30 – 11:00 A.M. Women’s Bible Study (The Upper Room)

7:00 P.M. Adult Bible Study – Proverbs, Prophets and Parables

7:00 P.M. Mission:Possible

7:00 P.M. Powerhouse

7:00 P.M. CORNERSTONE

8:00 P.M. Chancel Choir

THURSDAY, April 7 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. Bethesda Preschool Enrollment

SATURDAY, April 9 7:00 A.M. Pastor Seth’s Men’s Bible Study

Next SUNDAY, April 10, 2016 9:30 A.M. Worship Service

Sermon – Pastor Jim Voth

Offering – Local Church

Organist/Pianist – Sandra Quiring

4:00 P.M. Marriage Enrichment Class

The last meeting for Mission:Possible will be April 13, 2016. They will

resume in fall.

CHURCH FAMILY

Please pray for those with health concerns, grief or family needs. Hospital Dismissal:

Rachelle Schweitzer Prayer:

Pastor Max Villatoro & Family

Death: Ruth Ann Franz, wife of Randy Franz, died on Sunday, March 27, 2016. She is survived by her children; Caleb (Savannah) Franz, Hadley (Julie) Franz, Audra (Benjamin) Mohnkein, Emmett Franz, and Olivia (Adam) Jahnke; and seven grandchildren. Proceeding her in death were her parents, Glen and Delores Goertzen-Rempel and infant son, Levi. Funeral services were held on April 2, 2016, at the Towering Oaks Church, 1159 Hwy 62, Berryville, Arkansas 72616. Memorials may be given for medical expenses or the Grandview Music Fund. For notes of encouragement and memorials, please address them to, Randy Franz 73-CR 447 Berryville, Arkansas 72616.

Greetings from Thailand where it is the hottest time of the year at an

average of 40º Celsius (104º Fahrenheit!). During this time of year, we are

reflecting upon the death of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life on the cross

for all of us.

We also celebrate the power of his resurrection and proclaim the victory in

our daily lives. Please rejoice with us as ten people were baptized on Easter

Sunday. We gladly welcome the new believers who receive Jesus as their

Lord and Savior. Praise the Lord!

We'd like to also take the opportunity to remember you, our dear brothers

and sisters, who walk with us on this mission. Thank you for your faithful

partnership through your love, prayers and financial support. We ask that

you continue to pray for these new believers and for our work in Thailand.

Pray that God will send more workers to continue spreading the Good News.

Happy Easter and rejoice in the Lord always! He is alive! ~With love, Pat & Rad Houmphan

You are invited to study the Gospel of John through the visual arts,

including video and the art of Bible journaling. Do you like to doodle in

your Bible? Does underlining verses or adding Bible study notes in the

margins help you understand and remember scripture? Then you may want

to explore a form of Bible note-taking that looks like art – Bible journaling.

The class will meet from April 3 to May 22 during the Sunday School hour

in the conference room. Bring your Bible and a pencil. Doodler or not,

come to study the Gospel of John! Contact Jan Friesen if you are interested

or have questions – cjfriesen@mainstaycomm.net.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Midweek Food Supply Drive…

On Wednesday April 13, Midweek kids will have their semi-annual food

supply drive. We will be collecting canned and non-perishable food items

door-to-door throughout the community. Suggested items include canned

soup, vegetables, apple sauce, instant oatmeal, box dinners, etc. Please meet

in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m. We will end the year with root beer floats

for the children and teachers in the Fellowship Hall. Children may be picked

at 8:00 p.m. Living Water Rescue Mission is asking for help to raise money for the

mission. Bethesda women are invited to join them for the Annual Ladies

Brunch fundraiser on Saturday, April 23, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Arbor

Drive Community Church at 1527 N Blackburn Avenue York, Nebraska.

They have also sent an invitation to all golfers to the June 24, 2016 Masters

Classic golf fundraiser at the York Country Club. Information is posted on

the east bulletin board if you would like to get involved helping the mission.

YOUTH NEWS

CORNERSTONE (junior high) will meet Wednesday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m.

for a time of worship in the Powerhouse room. Powerhouse (high school) will meet Wednesday, April 6, for a game night

starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Crossroads Coffee House. CORNERSTONE Parents:

Don’t forget to check out the new CORNERSTONE AT HOME blog at

www.bmcfaithformation.com/cornerstone-at-home. This blog has a weekly

update about our topic for the week and a conversation starter question to

engage your youth in intentional faith formation at home. Parents are the #1

source for a child’s faith development, even above the church, so check out

this simple tool already prepared for you! High school youth, please put this date on your calendars:

July 9-16, 2016 – Service Trip to Ashland, Montana Check out the calendar of events for Wednesday night activities at

www.bmcfaithformation.com by clicking on the junior high and high school

links.

FINANCIALS

Worship Offering Sunday, March 27, 2016

Worship Attendance – 478

Sunday School Attendance – 98

Bethel College ....................................................................................... $20.00

Dayspring – Congo ................................................................................ 300.00

Reach International – Sam/Sherri .......................................................... 100.00

Benevolent Fund ...................................................................................... 75.00

Technology Improvement Fund/Sound .............................................. 1,750.00

Radio/Live Streaming ............................................................................ 128.00

Sunday School Offering .......................................................................... 85.47

General Operating Receipts .............................................................. 12,320.40

Worship Offering.......................................................................... $14,778.87

Maundy Thursday Offering ..................................................... $1,837.00

(Sound $500.00, Benevolent Fund $1,337.00)

Bethel College Choir Offering ................................................. $1,178.00

Viola Friesen Memorial ............................................................ $1,240.00

MCC $750.00

Bethel College $490.00

April 5, 2016, 7:00 p.m. Scripture is a God-breathed work of Creativity.

Praying the Psalms, please bring your Bible.

Lesson & Feature – Kathy Friesen & Jan Friesen

Tickets will be available this evening for the 7th Annual

“Celebrate Women” dinner, Monday, May 2, 2016, at 6:30 p.m.

Bethesda Women’s Ministries is celebrating April

birthdays on Thursday, April 14, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., at the

home of Shar Doell. If you have an April birthday, please

sign up on the BWM bulletin board and join Shar

at her home at 961 10th Street.

The 7th Annual “Celebrate Women” event will be held Monday, May 2,

2016, at 6:30 p.m. Special speaker, Mary E. Klassen, will bring us a message

on the topic “Jesus was an Artist.” Mary lives in Goshen, Indiana. Tickets

will be available at the BWM meeting on April 5 and in the church office

beginning April 6, 2016.

Bethesda women are planning a road

trip to the Mennonite Central

Committee building in North Newton,

Kansas, on Tuesday, April 12. Come

learn more about MCC, help with

projects and enjoy good fellowship. We

will depart from the church parking lot,

via the church van, at 6:00 a.m. and

return around 8:00 p.m. Please sign up

on the BWM bulletin board in the east

hallway. For questions, contact Barb

Voth at 402-723-4607.

Bethesda Preschool has a Facebook Page!

Be sure to “like” us for

preschool updates and happenings at

https://www.facebook.com/bethesdapreschoolers

“The Mission of Bethesda Preschool

is to provide a Christian preschool education for young children

within an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and guidance.”

Bethesda Preschool Enrollment Night

You are invited!

All preschool aged children (age 3 by July 31 - Pre K) are invited to attend

early enrollment night at Bethesda Preschool located in the Bethesda

Mennonite Church on Thursday, April 7, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to see the preschool, meet the teacher, ask

questions, find out about the schedule for next year, and enroll your

student!! For the 2016-2017 school year Mrs. Lewis is planning to continue

as the Preschool Director/Teacher. Interested families will be asked to fill

out enrollment paperwork during the evening. To secure your child’s spot

for the 2016-2017 school year, an $80, non-refundable deposit must

accompany your enrollment paperwork. Scholarships are available for

families who qualify. * The preschool is located inside the west doors of the church. Take a left

inside the doors and then a right at the next corner. You will see the

preschool!

For questions, please contact Kori Lewis, Preschool Director/Teacher at

402-723-4603.

Get your Craft On! Make a Fun Door Hanger! Grab your friends and plan to have a fun afternoon of crafting, fellowship

and fun! Kriefel’s Kreations will be at Bethesda on April 24, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. to

help you make your own wooden door or wall hanger. They will provide

the shapes, paints, special supplies and guidance for you to make your one-

of-a kind art!

Here are the fun details:

Because shapes need to be cut out and primed before the 24th, you need to

SIGN UP on the east bulletin board by April 8, and SELECT YOUR

SHAPE. You may choose from a mason jar, birdie, watermelon slice or

stacking stars. There will also be finished door hangers available for purchase at the event. All ages are welcome. Children must be at least 5 years old and

accompanied by an adult to participate. The cost for each person/shape is

$35.00. Payment must also be made by April 24, to reserve your

spot. Checks may be sent to Bethesda Preschool, PO Box 130, Henderson,

Nebraska 68371 or left in the church office. Please note “Kriefel’s

Kreations” on your check. This is a fundraiser for Bethesda Preschool. If you have questions, contact

any committee member: Carrie Epp, Kori Lewis, Tammy Ott (Glen), Abbie

Rempel, or Molly Thieszen. Drinks and snacks will be provided. You can also check out Kriefel’s Kreations on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/kreifelskreations.

Swan Lake Christian Camp and Retreat Center’s 2016 camp schedule has

been placed on the east bulletin board. You are encouraged to register online

at www.myslcc.com. The summer schedule is as follows: Cottontail Day Camp $20.00 June 16

Chipmunk Day Camp $20.00 June 17

3rd Grade Camp $120.00 June 13-15

4th Grade Camp $150.00 July 5-8

5th Grade Camp $225.00 June 19-24

6th Grade Camp $225.00 July 10-15

Jr. High Camp $225.00 July 31-August 5

Sr. High Camp $225.00 July 24-29

Reminder: All grades refer to 2015-2016 school year. Campers who register

by May 1 will receive a free t-shirt.

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