bethlehem star ministry events in december december... · bethlehem star december 2017 ... • an...
TRANSCRIPT
Bethlehem Star December 2017
Worship Services
8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
Learning Hour 9:10–10:00 a.m.
“Gathered
around Word and Sacrament,
we live
the Good News of Christ’s love
throughout our Community and
the World.”
Bethlehem Staff
Pastor Mark Peterson [email protected]
Deaconess Kristen Baltrum Director of Faith Formation [email protected]
Deaconess Sarah Loberg Faith Formation Support [email protected]
Jamie Jurkovich, Communications and Sunday School Coordinator [email protected]
Brenda Harris, Worship Director [email protected]
Nancy Tiff, Office Coordinator [email protected]
Jenny Kelley, Interim Webmaster [email protected]
Karen Haag, Bookkeeper [email protected]
Ministry Events in December
• Manna Bible Study: Mondays, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
• Daily Discipleship Bible Study: Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 a.m., Santa Fe Grill
• Worship at the Peaks Care Center: Wednesdays, 9:45 a.m.
• Adult Choir: Wednesdays, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
• Confirmation: Wednesdays, 7:00–8:00 p.m. (No confirmation 12/20 and 12/27)
• Bethlehem Quilters: Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.
• Women’s Retreat: December 1–3
• Sr. High Late Start Breakfast: December 6, 8:15 a.m.
• First Friday Fellowship: December 8, 6:00–8:30 p.m., hosted by Jenny and Mike Kelley
• Parent’s Night Out: December 8, 5:30 p.m.
• Crismon Tree Decorating: December 9, 9:00 a.m.
• Young Family Cookie Baking: December 9, 11:30 a.m.
• Mentor Ministry: December 10, 11:15 a.m..
• Musical Ambassadors at Safe Harbor Assisted Living: December 10, 11:30 a.m.
• Bethlehem Church Council: December 12, 7:00 p.m.
• Bethlehem Book Club: December 14, 7:30 a.m.
• Habitat ReBuild: December 15, 8:00 a.m.
• BLC/LOC Youth Christmas Service Project: December 16, 10:00 a.m.
• Musical Ambassadors at Bross Street Assisted Living, December 17, 11:30 a.m.
• Worship at Atria Senior Living: December 17, 2:00 p.m.
• Living Nativity: December 17, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
• Naomi Circle Christmas Party: December 18, 6:00 p.m. at the home of Sandy Woodruff
• Prayer Shawl Group: December 19, 10:00 a.m.
• Tuesday Afternoon Bunco Group: December 19, 2:00 p.m.
• Evangelism Ministry: December 19, 7:00 p.m.
• Christmas Eve Worship: December 24, 4:00, 6:30, and 11:00 p.m.
• Middle School and Senior High Youth Ski Day: December 29, 7:00 a.m.
More details of these events and additional information can be found
on our website: www.bethlehem-lutheran.net.
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
2
Pastor Peterson’s Pericopes
In this season of thanksgiving, I give thanks for all the ministries here at Bethlehem, and I especially give thanks for all the volunteers and staff members who keep them going so strong.
Looking back on this year, let me lift up the growth in our ministry, the changes, and the improvements:
Worship
• This fall we added the Boomwhacker Children’s Choir.
• Also, this fall, we introduced a new liturgy, The Mass of Renewal.
• We participated in the Reformation Hymn Fest.
Faith Formation
• Advent Fest was a great cross-generational event.
• We focused on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with education events throughout the year. (Small Catechism emphasis during Lent and a Thursday night Bible study on it as well, Adult Forum on Martin Luther, showing the new movie Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World)
Mission
• We began sending volunteers to assist in worship and fellowship at New Beginnings Prison Ministry.
• We provided three months of housing for Joe Albers and his three kids in the mission house as they waited for their Habitat home to get done.
• We collected a special love offering for propane at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
• Sister Kathleen Weigland from the St. Vincent Mission in David, Kentucky visited Bethlehem.
Stewardship
• We raised $16,000 to help pay down the mortgage.
• We hosted the successful fundraiser “Bluegrass and BBQ” for Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp.
• Several new ways for electronic giving were introduced.
• Greg Schumann set up a special fundraiser/fellowship event at Bandimere Speedway.
Property
• Alan and Debby Olson repainted the fellowship hall.
• The north and south sides of the building were re-landscaped.
• New lights were installed in the parking lot and shed.
• Ryan Bloemker refitted the door on the shed so the new bus could be parked in it.
• New air conditioners were installed to service the fellowship hall, the narthex and the youth room/choir room wing.
• The roof leak in the sanctuary was patched.
• A new cleaning company, Stratus, was hired.
▪ A new church sign has been recently installed.
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
3
Staffing and volunteers
• We thanked Jan Geiser for her many faithful years of service as our bookkeeper.
• Karen Haag was hired to be our new bookkeeper.
• At the first of the year, Brenda Harris started as our new Worship Director.
• We thanked Shelley Kunselman for her many years as our Financial Secretary. Jenny Kelley has been appointed to be our new Financial Secretary
• Jamie Jurkovich was hired as our new Communications Coordinator.
• Deaconess Kristen Baltrum was granted a three-month sabbatical. Deaconess Sarah Loberg coordinated those ministry responsibilities during her absence.
• We are blessed to work with Andrea Kragerud as she begins her seminary journey and call to ordained ministry.
Administrative
• An official audit was done by Lesley Williams, CPA. The church council and audit committee are working on implementing her suggested changes.
• At a well-attended congregational meeting, several changes were made to our by-laws.
• Changes continue to be made to the web site, how we count the weekly offering, and how we communicate with the congregation.
And…we look ahead to a new year of ministry.
Hopes and Dreams for 2018:
• Grow the children’s choir program, adding tone chimes
• Send 17 of our youth plus adult leaders to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston
• Provide full scholarships for our youth for camping ministry at Sky Ranch
• Remodel the bathrooms in north wing
• Send a mission team to Houston to do hurricane clean up
• Put new carpet and paint in the sanctuary
• Begin looking for a new Sunday school curriculum
So much ministry happened this year in all these areas of ministry. Thanks to all of the worship volunteers, those who volunteered on property projects, the teachers and mentors, those who did mission work, those who folded bulletins and counted offerings, those who served on councils and committees, and so many more.
Bless you all for being a blessing in so many ways,
Pastor Peterson
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
4
Worship
December 3 – First Sunday of Advent
• Mark 13:24-37 – Jesus encourages his followers to look forward to the day when he returns in power and glory.
• The Bethlehem Choir will lead worship at 8:00 a.m. and the Revelation Choir at 10:15 a.m.
• Lighting of the hope candle
• The manger and animals appear
• Advent wreaths are hung
December 10 – Second Sunday of Advent
• Mark 1:1-8 – John the Baptist comes to prepare the way of the Lord.
• The Bethlehem Choir will lead worship at the 10:15 a.m. service.
• Lighting of the peace candle
• The angels arrive at the manger
• The Crismon tree lights up the sanctuary
December 17 – Third Sunday of Advent
• John 1:6-8, 19-28 – John the Baptist directs our attention to Jesus, the true Light of the World.
• The Bethlehem Choir will lead worship at 8:00 a.m. and the Revelation Choir at 10:15 a.m.
• Lighting of the joy candle
• The Shepherds arrive at the manger
December 24 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
• Luke 1:26-38 – The Annunciation where God comes with Good News for all people.
• There will only be one service at 9:00 a.m.
• There will be special music with adults, kids, and bells!
• The String Ensemble will help lead worship
• Lighting of the love candle
• Mary and Joseph arrive at the manger
Christmas Eve Worship
• 4:00 p.m. – A joint communion and candlelight service with Light of Christ. There will be a special Christmas message for the children.
• 6:30 p.m. – A candlelight communion service led by the Bethlehem Choir. There will also be a special string quartet. Childcare will be available.
• 11:00 p.m. – A candlelight communion service led by the string quartet. There will be soloists providing special music as well.
December 31 – First Sunday of Christmas
• Luke 2:22-40 – Jesus is recognized as the one who will bring glory to Israel.
• A service of lessons and carols
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
5
Worship Attendance for October 2017
Date Total
October 1 208
October 8 242
October 15 224
October 22 221
October 29 220
Average 223
Advent Worship
Prepare Ye!
Advent is almost here! For many people, the symbol of this season is the Advent wreath, but for me, it’s my brand-new copy of Sundays and Seasons. The cover is a beautiful, shiny combination of green and blue, and the contents are invaluable for planning this year’s worship and music. I fully admit to having fond feelings for my new book. I smile when I see it. It makes me happy! I now feel prepared to face the new church year with my trusty Sundays and Seasons at my side!
To begin our church year, I am comforted by the ordered sequential preparations of Advent. (I grew up in a Christian tradition where Advent was not observed, and that always felt like a sudden great leap into the swirling chaos of Christmas.) My Sundays and Seasons describes the ancient roots of Advent as a time of “waiting in the darkness for the return of the sun.” While modern-day Advent finds us focused in preparation, I hope that we may also experience that calm ancient sense of anticipation while waiting.
I, too, am waiting to pass through Advent and Christmas to mark my first year at BLC in January 2018! In the course of my fulfilling work, I find myself surrounded by kindness and love. Thank you to the congregation in general and the tribe of musicians here in particular! Thanks to Ray Leake, adult choir members, Boomwhackers, string ensemble, brass ensemble, Bluegrass musicians, bell ringers, and all who contribute to worship! I appreciate you!
Please consider joining one of these groups. Thanks and blessings,
Brenda
Faith Formation
Adult Forums for December Sundays, 9:15–10:10 a.m. in the Library Classroom
Romans: A Letter for Today
December 3, 10 and 17
The historical significance of Paul’s letter to the Romans cannot be overestimated, particularly as the 500th anniversary of the Reformation occurs in our time. This letter transformed Luther and provided the inspiration for the Reformation. It was fundamental in his understanding of justification by faith alone. It had a huge impact on Western civilization and still does today.
(As part of her seminary commitment, Andrea Kragerud will be teaching the Forum on December 10.)
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
6
Upcoming Adult Forums
• Art of the Reformation with Pastor Dee Watson – January 7 and 14
• Christianity and Politics with Pastor Greg Mileski – January 21, 28, and February 4
• Mortal Matters with Fran Meyers – February 11, 18 and 25
Mentor Ministry Christmas Party
Join us on December 10, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m. for a traditional Mentor Christmas Party! Pizza will be provided. We will have some reflections on Christmas as well as some fun, games, and all things awesome. BRING A WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT! This should be something of little or no value, but the funnier the better. The item does not need to be purchased or brand–new, but it can be. Contact Deaconess Kristen ([email protected]) with any questions.
Mission
Advent Service Project Update: Newborn Starter Kits
As part of our Advent Fest this year, we decided to undertake a special service project for at-risk newborns. During Advent when we remember the birth of our Savior, it seemed fitting to do something for newborn babies who are also born into challenging circumstances, much like He was. With your generosity, we were able to collect enough baby items and supplies to make four newborn care kits for Lutheran Family Services to distribute to at-risk infants this Advent season. We also collected a box of additional baby items and then hand-crafted eight super cute baby blankets. Thank you to all who participated in this project!
Habitat Build Day for December
Join us on Friday, December 15 from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. for our last build day of 2017. A BIG THANK YOU for all the folks who have volunteered this year, and to the BLC groups that have brought us lunches. To volunteer, please sign up on the West Narthex wall. Please call Bob Cotton at 303-651-6563 with any questions.
Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army
Bell ringing for the Salvation Army is a great family opportunity, mentor activity, or simply a way to serve our community, and there are still many time slots available. To sign-up, visit the board in the Narthex. Available dates are Saturday, December 2; Saturday, December 9; Tuesday, December 12; Thursday, December 14; and Saturday, December 16. Please contact Duane Penny (970-290-2220 or [email protected]) with any questions. Thank you!
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
7
Grocery Cards Needed
Longmont Meals on Wheels has a need for $5 grocery cards from any local grocery store to add to their clients’ holiday bags. This is fun way to give to others this holiday season. The deadline to submit grocery cards is December 19. Please contact the Longmont Meals on Wheels outreach coordinator Annie Christoffersen with any questions (303-772-0540 or [email protected]). [email protected], or visit our website at thelutheranchorale.org.
Gather
Bethlehem Living Nativity
Come start (or continue) a holiday tradition that celebrates the birth of Jesus AND offers something special to our Longmont community on December 17. Bethlehem has been hosting a Living Nativity as a gift to our community for over 30 years. To make this event a success, we need many volunteers to set-up, take-down, support in the kitchen, help with costumes, guide traffic, and donate snacks. Characters in the Living Nativity are also needed, and shifts are only 30 minutes, starting at 5 p.m. and ending with the final shift at 7:30 p.m. Please join us in sharing the news of our Blessed Savior’s birth. Sign-ups begin on the board in the Narthex on November 26. Contact Margee Smith ([email protected]) with any questions.
Connect
Poinsettias
Poinsettias will be on sale in the Narthex through Sunday, December 10 at a cost of $10 each.
Welcome New Members!
On Sunday, November 26, we were honored to welcome several new members to the congregation. We look forward to getting to know each of them better in the coming months.
• Candace Drube (Gold Group) • Brenda Harris (Orange Group) • Paul and Rose Hansen (Blue Group) • Robert Hammond and Ranelle Lang (Blue Group) • Lee Malwitz & daughter Emily (Gold Group) • Jerry and Renea Watts with children, Sophia and Mason (Red Group) • Barbara Wedemeyer with grandchildren, Lily and Emma (Orange Group) • Steve & Julie Winter (Pink Group)
Boomwhackers Return!
With just a little bit of a schedule change…. Beginning January 3, we will return to the joyful noise of the Boomwhacker children’s music program. The time will be from 5:45–6:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and February 7 with no dinner or “homework club.” During the 45 minutes, DK and Brenda will split the group into two smaller groups, Kindergarten–1st graders and 2nd–5th graders. Brenda will lead one group in some music–making while DK leads the other in fun faith–forming activities. Then we will swap! All children will have time with music and fun at their age and ability level. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact either Deaconess Kristen ([email protected]) or Brenda Harris ([email protected])
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
8
Late Start Breakfast Club
Come on over to BLC for some fabulous breakfast that will fill your belly before school fills your brain on Wednesday, December 6, 8:15–9:30 a.m. If you are a non–driver, just get a ride TO the church building. DK will drop off all students before the late–start bell at their school via Josephine, the Church Bus. Please RSVP to Deaconess Sarah Loberg at 303-709-5834 or [email protected] by December 4. The RSVP is REALLY IMPORTANT! Our lovely ladies from the Naomi circle will once again be providing this great breakfast, so let’s help them by letting them know that you will be there. Friends are welcome!
Kids’ Night Out
Don’t miss a great opportunity for a night out while your kids have just as much fun here at church! Drop the kids off on December 8 from 5:30–9:00 p.m. with a sack dinner at BLC for a night of games, crafts, and other activities all under the supervision of the youth attending the ELCA Youth Gathering (and a couple adults). The cost of this great night is a free–will donation (recommended $5/hour/kid). All proceeds help the youth earn money toward their participation at the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, TX next summer. Contact Deaconess Kristen at [email protected] with any questions.
Crismon Tree Decorating –
Bring your Christmas spirit to help “fluff” branches, string lights, and hang crismons on Saturday, December 9 at 9:00 a.m. We also hope to hang heralding angels this year. Coffee and donuts will be there to refresh you as you get the church ready for the season. Many hands will make light work. All are welcome!
Young Family Cookie Baking
It’s the most wonderful time of year where the air is filled with flour dust, sugar is literally everywhere, and chocolate chips go mysteriously missing—it’s Cookie Baking Time! Families are invited to bring the kids and their favorite recipes to the church building where we will have blast baking together on Saturday, December 9, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Additionally, Jill Woodley will teach us some of her mad icing skills! BLC will provide the standard baking ingredients (flour, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, chocolate chips, icing, and sprinkles) but if there is something random and unusual that your favorite recipe needs, please bring it! PLEASE RSVP to Deaconess Kristen ([email protected]) so we know what kind of crowd to expect.
Children’s Christmas Market
Our ever–popular children’s Christmas Market will be back again this year. The market will be open during Sunday school on December 10 and December 17. Sunday school teachers will escort the children to the market where they will find a variety of items available for purchase. Everything in the market will cost twenty-five cents or less. Children can bring a small amount of change to purchase gifts for their whole family. All money from the market will go toward a scholarship for Jose Medida Idaquez, a student in Nicaragua we are helping to support. Please contact Jamie Jurkovich ([email protected]) with any questions or if
you would like to help out in the market.
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
9
Advent Devotions
Thanks to everyone who participated in Advent Fest! The kids enjoyed having an audience for their singing, and it was a joy to see everyone working so diligently on making advent wreaths, paper chains, baby blankets, and tone-chime music. If you missed Advent Fest but would still like to participate in the devotions, please contact Jamie Jurkovich ([email protected]) to get a copy. The devotional has something to read each Sunday in Advent. Also, it’s possible that some of the devotional copies handed out at Advent Fest were missing the page for the second Sunday in Advent. If your copy was impacted, you can pick up the missing page in the bin outside the door of the education/choir office.
Pounded Flower Quilt Now on Display
Be sure to check out the new quilt currently on display in the Narthex. The quilt was joint project between the Summer Sunday School and the Quilters. The children used hammers to pound flowers from the garden onto treated fabric. The colors pounded from the flowers are surprisingly potent and leave a vibrant impression. If pounding the flowers wasn’t enough fun, the children were thrilled to be welcomed into the quilting room to see the project turned into a beautiful quilt. Special thanks to Nancy McLeod, Colleen Beyer, Janice Still, and all the lovely quilters who helped with this project. It was a special experience for our children.
You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.
Deuteronomy 11:18
Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 3:3
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
10
Middle and Senior High Christmas Service Day
Join us on Saturday, December 16, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. for a day of Christmas service with our friends from Light of Christ. We will meet at 10 a.m. in Peace Fellowship Hall to go shopping for Christmas gifts for the teens who live at the Attention Homes (Attention Homes provides life-changing resources for youth in crisis by serving runaway or homeless teenagers). We will shop, wrap gifts, and eat lunch. If you are an adult and can help by driving a car load of youth, please contact Deaconess Kristen at [email protected]. Please RSVP to this activity to Sarah Loberg at [email protected] by December 13.
Middle and Senior High Ski/Board Day at Eldora Mountain
Join us for a fun day on the mountain either skiing or snowboarding on December 29, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pack your lunch and bring extra money for hot stuff like hot chocolate or chili/soup. You have the option to sign up for a lesson directly through Eldora at http://www.eldora.com/plan-your-trip/lessons-rentals/lessons. You may make lesson reservations ahead of time for all age groups. You may also rent gear there for your use or bring gear and hit the slopes! However, you must complete the BLC registration (https://www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/gather/blc-youth-ski-trip.html) to attend the trip. Call DK with any questions at 303-776-3290.
First Friday Fellowship Join us on Friday, December 8, 6:00–8:30 p.m. for First Friday Fellowship. First Friday is a monthly adult fellowship opportunity to get to know other church members in a relaxed setting. No reservations are required; just bring an appetizer and a beverage to share. Our hosts this month are Jenny and Mike Kelley (1711 Roma Court, Longmont, CO 80503). Come and share appetizers and good fellowship!
First Notification of the 2017 Annual Meeting
Please mark January 28, 2018 on your new calendars as the date of the 2017 Annual Church Meeting. The meeting will begin with lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Copies of the 2017 Annual Report will be available in the narthex the beginning of January.
Daily Walk: Reading the Bible in a Year
A year ago, twenty members of Bethlehem committed to reading the Bible every day. We have supported each other on this journey, discussed certain passages through emails, and gotten together in each other’s homes. What a blessing it’s been! The Daily Walk format is wonderful because each day begins with an introduction as well as thoughtful questions and comments. If reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation has always been a goal in your life, please consider joining us January 1, 2018. You may purchase the Bible online. Email Colleen Beyer ([email protected]) to be added to the group email. You will be blessed as the Holy Spirit opens the Scriptures to you. Read a seasonally-fitting excerpt from The Daily Walk below:
Mary of Bethany (John 11) is a woman every Christian should emulate. She is mentioned three times in the Gospels, and each time she is at Jesus’ feet. You cannot physically take May’s position, but in attitude you can. It is the position of submission and dependence.
Mary also was willing to sacrifice her most precious possession in an act of devotion to Jesus. The 12-ounce jar of perfume was worth hundreds of dollars by today’s standards. It may well have been her dowry in anticipation of a wedding proposal. Yet she poured it over the feet of Jesus in an offering of love.
Perhaps you are wondering, what do I have to give to Jesus as an act of worship? The most precious thing you possess is YOURSELF. If you have never done so before, assume the posture of Mary as you read Romans 12:1 and give yourself as an offering today.
We must give not only what we have
We must also give what we are. - anonymous
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
11
Lutheran Chorale Concerts
The Lutheran Chorale is excited to start this season. All are welcome to join us for just the following concerts:
Rejoice Our Light Has Come (Holiday Concert)
Saturday, December 9, 2017, 3:00 p.m., The Sanctuary, 3101 W. 31st Avenue, Denver
Joyous Carols of the Season (Holiday Concert)
Sunday, December 10, 2017, 12:00 p.m., The Lutheran Hospital, 8300 W. 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge
Rejoice Our Light Has Come
Sunday, December 10, 2017, 3:00 p.m., The Lutheran Hospital Chapel of the Good Samaritan, 8300 W. 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge
All concerts are free. A free will offering will be collected if you so desire.
For more information please contact, Linda Thompson 303-666-6642, or [email protected], or visit our website at thelutheranchorale.org.
Finance
Financial Update YTD through October Actual Income $377,018
Budgeted Income 393,417
Income Deficit -$16,398
Actual Expenses $400,740
Net Deficit -$23,722
Deadline for 2017 Donations
Due to this year’s Christmas and New Year holidays falling on Mondays, our usual day to count and deposit donations, anyone who wants to make sure their donation is deposited in 2017 must have the donation to the church by December 24. This deadline also applies to any 2018 donations that are to be prepaid in 2017. If this deadline poses a problem, please contact Jenny Kelley ([email protected], 303-651-6226) as soon as possible.
Financial Reports Presented to Council Available
You can download the Financial Reports submitted each month to council from our Member website under Finances (https://www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/members-resources/finances.html). The key pages are the General Fund Summary and the All Fund Summary. Contact Jamie Adams ([email protected]) for more information or with questions or suggestions.
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
12
Audit Report Update
This is an update regarding the audit on fiscal year 2016 that was completed last spring. Following recommendations from the auditor, we have implemented several small changes in procedures and in documentation of those procedures, to make sure that everyone involved in the financial process has a clear idea of the accepted procedures. In addition, we now have a designated member to pick up the offerings after first service and secure them in the safe; thank you very much, Greg Schumann!
Also, a Church Management Software Committee (CMSC) was created by council to assess whether we could restructure our fund accounts in the current church management software, Church Windows (CW) or whether we needed to investigate other software options. Those serving on this committee, led by Gene Schnabel, are Jamie Adams, Karen Haag, Jenny Kelley, and Eric Kittleberger. After members of the committee reviewed other software options and contacted Church Windows for additional information, it was recommended that we hire a consultant who was very familiar with Church Windows and other options for church management software. We contracted with Mary Lou Turnbull of Steeple Accounting, who was highly recommended. Our first meeting on October 9, 2017, confirmed that we could remain with Church Windows and still accomplish the structure and reporting goals set forth in the audit. She demonstrated methods for restructuring our chart of accounts and made additional suggestions. We are in the process of doing the “restructuring homework” and have our second meeting on November 28. We intend to have most of the items brought in line with the audit suggestions by the end of the year.
The CMSC would also like to acknowledge the help and suggestions from our Counters Team, led by Nancy McLeod: Brian Burrell, Audrey Dillan, Patty Fagler, Mary Fjeld, Lisa Kittleberger, Nancy Koob, Doris Slinger, Nancy Tiff, and Phyllis Wright. Mary and Lisa have recently retired; anyone interested in being on the Counters Team is welcome to contact Nancy McLeod ([email protected], 303-772-6019). For more details, copies of the procedures, or to make suggestions, please feel free to contact Gene Schnabel ([email protected], 303-485-9584) or Jenny Kelley ([email protected], 303-651-6226).
Member Milestones
December Birthdays
December 1 Linda Allour, Kyle Buck-Gengler, Michael Kasperbauer, Jr., Miyoko Sartori December 3 Nancy Tritthardt December 4 Mary Schlagel December 5 Doris Cotton, Rebecca Keesling, Will Tritthardt December 8 Lilah Corner December 9 Jenny Abromski, Ethan Hebbert, Wayne Kluck, Anne Lawhon
December 10 Danielle Allour, DeEtte Eikenberg, John Goodman
December 11 Pam Bischoff, Inga Froyland
December 12 Brooke Lahman, Brittany Pate
December 13 Mike Frank, Viviana Jurkovich, Margee Smith, Reegan Zigler December 15 Cindy Schlagel December 16 Ella James, Gail Schurman, Barbara Wedemeyer December 17 Bev Berry, Ruby James
December 18 Brent Backowies
December 19 Duane Larsen
December 20 Jill Luere, Calvin Ordal, Harold Wollman
December 21 Vincent Byrne, Jeff Hopp, Laurie Parker, Carrie Wissink
December 22 Jerry Phipps
December 23 Ruth Conrad
December 24 Lynda Coonrod, Jim Torrez, Jr., Nolan Zigler December 25 Mary Fjeld
December 26 William Gibson, Ruth Tilson
December 27 Carol Wissink, Dick Zuege
December 28 Dave Beyer December 30 Roxanne Kessler, Beatriz Ramos
December 31 Jayleigh Gordanier
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
13
December Anniversaries December 2 Sharon & Gerry Cole (23) December 8 Lucille & Harold Wollman (71) December 9 Alna & Larry Heil (56) December 17 Diana & Wayne Bruckner (51) December 19 Cindy & Byron Thompson (25) December 20 Nicole & Jesse Ramer (9) December 27 Jenny & Michael Kelley (42) December 28 Trudi & Patrick Boaz (21)
Prayers...
Healing for:
Georgene Mulvaney Gibson, Shirley Kasperbauer, Carol Thieking, Larry Sittner, John Goodman, Dion Borgmann, Harold Wollman,Ray Hill, Barb Blando,Gerry Cole, Bob Dunkel, Greg Schumann, Jim Ferguson, Joe Pieper, Todd Propp, Carolyn Kube, Scott Flanagan, and Doug Eikenberg
Congratulations:
To Evelyn Rose Applegate on her baptism on November 12, 2017. Evelyn is the daughter of Erica and Aaron Applegate and granddaughter of Gail and Carl Schurman.
To Wanda and Gene Schnabel on the birth of a new grandson, Elliot Franklin Mayhew, on November 22. Elliot's parents are Kristin and Ryan Mayhew of Oak Park, IL.
Sympathy for:
The Peters Family on the death of Marvin Peters on November 10, 2017.
Thank You
Office Helpers: Betty Bluhm, Mary Fjeld, Nancy McLeod, and Doris Slinger
Information & News
Keep the BLC Office Up to Date
Please keep the church office up to date with address, email and phone information for your family. Contact Nancy at the church office (303-776-3290, [email protected]) with any changes in contact information.
Bethlehem Star – December 2017 Blessed to be a blessing!
14
Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1000 15th Avenue Longmont, CO 80501 Return service requested
Weekly Announcements are also available on the website. Go to www.bethlehem-lutheran.net, login as a Member and then go to Notes/Weekly Bulletins. Deadline for weekly announcements: The Wednesday before you want the announcement to appear in the bulletin. Submit all announcements through the Members website/Resources/ Submit to BLC news form or the BLC news email ([email protected]). Deadline for the 2018 January Star: December 20. Submit all articles through the Members website/Resources/Submit to BLC news form or the BLC news email ([email protected]). If you have any problems, please contact Aaron Jurkovich or Jenny Kelley.