FEBRUARY 2019 Volume #569

Sundays at Bethel 8:30 a.m. Worship

9:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

9:45 a.m. Sunday School and Bethel U

10:45 a.m. Worship

Th

e

In this issue… Adult Ed ............................ 14 BeFrienders ......................... 8 Bethel U ............................... 8 Bistro .................................... 5 Calendar ............................ 15 Children ............................. 6 Council ................................ 11 Creation Care .................... 2 FMSC ................................... 13 Finance .............................. 10 Library................................ 13 Mission & Justice ................ 4 Mission Interp. ................... 9 News .................................... 5 Nursery ................................ 6 Retreat ............................... 13 Scrip ..................................... 4 Stewardship ....................... 2 Thanks ..................................3 WELCA................................ 5 Worship Servants............. 12 Youth .................................... 7

…and much more!

1321 North Ave., Northfield, MN 55057 • 507.786.6674 • www.bethelnorthfield.org • www.facebook.com/bethellutheran

16TH ANNUAL VALENTINE DINNER

SO EXACTLY WHAT IS BETHEL U?

Ticket sales have begun

for the 16th annual Bethel Youth Valentine Dinner! Once again, we’ll be treated to an elegant night with a gourmet menu, top-notch entertainment, and free babysitting!

Join us in the Bethel CLC from 5–7:30 p.m.

on Sunday evening, February 10, for a special Valentine’s Day dining experience, Bethel-style. Tickets are $25 per person (an optional $20 senior citizen rate is available) and will still be sold between services on Sunday, February 3. Treat yourself and support the Bethel youth all at once!

Maybe you’ve seen the poster in the Narthex but still aren’t sure what Bethel U is. You might be asking: Am I welcome? Do I need to sign up? Do I have to talk in class? Are there quizzes?!!

*Absolutely.

*Nope.

*Not unless you want to. (There are no dumb questions.)

*That would be fun, but no.

Bethel U is Sunday School for adults and teens. You can go to a different class every week, or the same one all month. Or go to a class three weeks a month and go to coffee hour one week. (You can even bring your coffee and treat to class!) You can take notes - or not. You can ask questions - or not.

Not seeing a topic you’re interested in? Pick up the booklet for next month, or suggest a topic to Pastor Becca.

Bethel’s December Feed My Starving Children volunteers - see how you can join the fun this month on page 13!

Join the fun!

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generosity as a church community. Offerings/gifts exceeded expenses, the mortgage was paid down to the point where it does not detract from our forward mission, several charities have been made stronger and more effective because of our sharing, and our ministries both within our fellowship and beyond have expanded. You have caught the spirit of God’s generosity and how Christ calls us to share our gifts – money, time and certainly talent. Everyone I talk with is excited to be a member of a congregation that is on the move; that understands our collective call to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.

On behalf of the Stewardship Committee and those who lead this congregation in its mission and ministry, I extend our thanks to all of

WOW! After my work with the Stewardship Committee for the past two years and Mission & Justice for several years, I have come to the conclusion that Bethel is an extraordinary congregation on an extraordinary mission. With all the evidences of generosity – our support of our ministry through the congregational budget, our giving to extra causes in our community and beyond, our volunteerism within our church family and beyond and our general attitude of abundance rather than scarcity – Bethel continues to amaze me. But as one of our members publicly stated, after listing the many good things Bethel does year after year, “We can always do more!”

Mission and Justice and Stewardship are always pushing Bethel to do more and you ALWAYS come through! 2018 was a year that epitomized our

A GENEROUS GOD; A GENEROUS PEOPLE

Any fourth grader can get a park pass that will let their whole family into any state or national park for free! Find out more athttps://www.everykidinapark.gov/

Go see what public lands may be in your own back-yard. Visit websites for the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Other local ideas---visit a city park you haven’t been to before, pack a picnic lunch, go on a night hike, grab a field guide and a pair of binoculars and write down all the different species of birds or other animals you spy.

you who make this ministry so dynamic. But as a Bethel member said, “We can do more.” We will all be challenged this year (2019) to go even beyond the achievements of 2018. We plan to volunteer more, to pray more,

to worship more, to focus more on what really matters in people’s lives – and to give more. St. Francis, in a simple statement, perhaps said it best when he prayed, “It is in giving that we receive.” We have an exciting year ahead where

we expect that Bethel, a community of Christ’s followers, will accomplish things in the name of Christ, that we cannot now imagine. And in the end, we will have no words to explain it except a collective and resounding, “WOW!”

~ Gordon Olson, Stewardship

Are you starting to think about your summer vacation? Why not plan a trip that gets your family outside enjoying God’s creation? Here are some tips:

Each year the National Park Service sets up “free park days” when entrance fees to all national parks are waived. Research at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP RETREAT WITH ST. PETER’S St. Peter’s has an annual weekend trip up north for the best cross country skiing in the state and a time for fellowship. The retreat takes place at MapleLag Resort near Detroit Lakes. The group leaves Northfield around noon on Friday, February 22, and returns on Sunday, February 24, in the late afternoon. The cost is $320 per person which includes two nights and six outstanding meals. Cross country ski rental is $25 for the weekend or you can bring your own. You can check out the resort at www.maplelag.com.

If you are interested in attending please reach out to Zach Bahler at 507-993-3802 or zachary.j.bahler@gmail.com. Space is limited so if you are interested please contact Zach as soon as possible.

Creation Care TIP OF THE MONTH

“You have

caught the

spirit of

God’s

generosity

FEBRUARY 2019 Page 3

COUNT ME IN! December Worship Attendance average per Sunday

2015 2016 2017 2018

586 509 680 494

Average Year-to-date Worship Attendance

2015 2016 2017 2018

467 480 472 431

When we joined the Bethel family in 2001, we realized immediately that we were indeed part of a loving family. During the subsequent years, we have experienced your love and support continuously, and during these last few weeks we have been completely overwhelmed by your well wishes (cards, calls, and online messages), your gifts of food and flowers, and your visits after Paula’s hip replacement and Allan’s bouts with pneumonia and gout. Your expressions of love have both comforted and uplifted us. Thank you. We are both improving and hope to be hiking in the not-too-distant future!

~ Allan and Paula Mathison

At our last council meeting, President Brian Jermeland asked us to share stories of Bethel in mission the past month. I don’t think that it was expected that this portion of the meeting would be filled with so many items that we needed to cut them off to get to the rest of the agenda, but people were excited to talk about what God is doing in the world, and how Bethel is cooperating with it. It was obvious that these moments brought energy and inspiration to the people involved. Things like:

Bethel’s group of 25 that went to Feed My Starving Children between Christmas and New Year’s (see the picture on page 1.)

The Limitless! kids incorporating a “Serving Others Daily” element to their weekly lessons, where they create items like origami flowers or fleece blankets to give away to others in our community or abroad.

The 5th grade class who was granted a Thrivent grant to make blankets to share with people who could use a

FROM THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR... warm hug from a group of kids who care.

The FaB ladies, who were asked if maybe one or two people could help at the CAC food shelf over the holidays for an hour here or there. After a sign-up sheet went around the room, the entire months of December and January were covered by our women for two hours each day over the lunch hour.

There were so many more stories, but sharing had to be cut off in order to continue the rest of the agenda. President Jermeland was excited to make this a part of every meeting, proclaiming stories of God’s love in action in other venues as well.

Our new mission and vision statements are all about sharing God’s love, and the sharing of these things is inspiring and brings life.

Mission: God calls Bethel Lutheran

Church to Share Christ’s Love with a Big Heart. A clever way to remember the vision is by combining our name (Bethel) with Love or Light.

MANY THANKS...

In short, BetheLove, BetheLight.

This month, valentines and love seem to permeate our minds and hearts. I thought it would be fun to offer a hashtag challenge to you all. I invite you to notice moments where Bethelites are sharing the love of Christ, and hashtag about it! It could be pictures from events like above, or it could be a picture of a person in prayer. Or a person not “doing” anything, but instead “being” love and light in this world.

Hashtag #BetheLove and include pictures, stories or words of encouragement…whatever you feel like. If you’ve never done a social media hashtag (like me), you don’t have to share your stories or pictures this way; instead email them to the office (bethel@bethelnorthfield.org) or to me (rwoldfreeman@bethelnorthfield.org), and we will be excited to relay them to others!

Thank you for all the ways you share Christ’s love and light with the world!

FROM THE SCRIP TABLE... With this summer's youth trips still over 4 months away, there is still plenty of time to impact your trip accounts with Scrip purchases. By purchasing gas and grocery cards, your budget dollars have extra impact: you receive the full value of your card purchases while an extra 2-10% of your dollars automatically flow into your trip account. That is a win-win for everyone!

Don't have a youth travelling on a trip this summer? Your Scrip purchases can still be use to support a Bethel youth or can be used to support the general scholarship account.

Of course in addition to gas and groceries, there are hundreds of retailers available from whom to order Scrip cards for that birthday or anniversary meal, Valentine gifts for that special someone, or other special occasions. Hotel cards for several chains are also available to order for that upcoming sports weekend or Spring break trip.

Caribou and Starbuck's $10 cards as well as Pizza Hut, Papa Murphy's, Domino's and Subway are available at the Scrip table each Sunday for that meal-on-the-go or sports nights when a fast, easy meal is just what you need.

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Increasing Disparity of Income - A Spiritual Issue? Gordon Olson and Lee Runzheimer will be teaching a course on income disparity on Sundays, February 3 and 10 between services in the CLC Classroom. Our country is experiencing widening gaps in income and wealth among our citizens. What are the root causes? What are some implications for our democracy? Do scriptures offer any guidance? What corrective actions can we take—personally, locally, nationally? The course focus will be on member participation on how to reverse this disturbing trend.

BE.THE.LOVE! Here’s a perfect opportunity to act out our new vision statement - by volunteering at Thursday's Table on Thursday, February 28. The community dinner is served each Thursday from 5 -6:30 p.m. in the Dining Room at the NCRC, located at 1651 Jefferson Parkway.

Please sign up to volunteer at the Information Station or on the Doodle sign up available from the church office.

Enjoy helping and talking with community members - and stay to have dinner, too!

MISSION & JUSTICE FORUM

IT’S ALMOST TIME! Get ready to once again Share God’s Love with a Big Heart by helping with hunger in our community! March will be here soon and that means it’s time for our Bethel youth to join forces with the congregation in working to-wards the challenge of raising $15,000 pounds and dol-lars to be donated to the Northfield Food Shelf. This will

be the 37th year for the MN FoodShare March Cam-paign which raises more than half the food distributed annually through 300 food shelves across the state. The great part is that 100% of the donations we raise here at Bethel go toward helping those facing hunger insecurities in our community of Northfield. What a great way to Share God’s Love!

SATURDAY RESPITE Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA) is pleased to provide an afternoon of structured activities for people with developmental disabilities and a welcome break for their caregivers. On the second Saturday of each month from 2-5 p.m., LSBA hosts Saturday Respite on its campus at 211 Oak Street. The event is staffed by the Family Support Services Coordinator, with assistance from community volunteers. In February, 6-8 Bethelites (children and adults are welcome!) have the opportunity to be part of this monthly respite offering. Please contact Pastor Becca to indicate your interest in volunteering for the Saturday, February 9, event.

Senior Quilting Days ~ Two full quilting days and one back-up day have been scheduled during which all available Bethel quilters, senior parents, and other volunteers are asked to help complete as much of the senior quilt construction as possible. Sewing is optional - other skills are needed, too! Come to the CLC on Saturdays, February 2 and February 9, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (or however much of that time you have). See details on page 7.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

All Bethelites are welcome to join WELCA in a birthday celebration at the NRC on Monday, February 11, at 2:45 p.m. Join the fun and fellowship

BETHEL NEWS

FEBRUARY 2019 Page 5

Fellowship Fun

SOUL SISTERS Be sure to watch the weekly Banner to find out where the Soul Sisters are headed in February!

VISION SEEKERS Our men’s fellowship group is headed out on Tuesday, February 12, to Tanzenwald. The "early to bed" group arrives at 7:30 p.m. and the "night owls" arrive around 8:30 p.m. Think of it as the Bethel fellowship hour for guys except during the evening and the fellowship is happening at local establishments. Contact Zach Bahler (zachary.j.bahler@gmail.com) with questions.

BETHEL WOMEN HAVING FUN The Bethel Women Having Fun will be headed to the Cakewalk on February 19 for coffee and cupcakes. We meet up there at 10 am to enjoy the sweetness of life and hope to see them decorating some cupcakes. Come and enjoy the atmosphere and goodies. It is a sweet treat. Sign up at the Information Station. (In March, we’re heading to the movies, and to the Old Log Theater in April.)

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 15th of each month. Questions, suggestions, or comments? Contact editor Lisa McDermott by phone at 645-0740, or at lmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org, or call the church office at 786-6674.

BISTRO MENU February 6 Beef Stroganoff February 13 Chicken Pot Pie February 20 Sweet & Sour Pork February 27 Pizza Hot Dish

If you are in need of a gluten-free meal, please contact our head chef, Roger Van Veldhuizen, by Tuesday at 5 p.m.

as we celebrate with treats and good cheer! For more information, contact Marcia Omdahl.

Bethel will head to Feed My Starving Children on Saturday, February 16, from 9-11 a.m. at the Eagan location. Sign up at the Information Station.

Channel Your Inner Julia Child! On March 13, we will begin Lenten Soup Suppers. If anybody has a good recipe for soup and would like to help the Bistro crew make it during Lent, contact Roger Van Veldhuizen or the church office. Come and enjoy the soup on Wednesday nights all through Lent!

THANK YOU, ZACH AND RANDY! Many thanks to Zach Bahler, At-Large Member, and Randy Peterson, Steward, who have concluded their terms on Church Council. We appreciate your service and your leadership!

Many thanks to all of you who attended the Annual Meeting of the Congregation in January.

Elections were held:

Brian Jermeland was reelected President of the Congregation.

Gordy Olson was elected Steward.

Greg Walter was elected Councilmember-at-large for Mission & Justice and Creation Care

Don Pavek & Pat Stahly were elected to the Nominating Committee.

Carol Cole, Jerry Williams, and Noel & Lois Stratmoen will be

REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING

representing Bethel at the Cannon River Conference.

Shannon Schulz and Steve Meierbachtol will be representing Bethel at the Lutheran Home of the Cannon Valley (NRC)

Many thanks to all of these servant leaders!

In addition to approving the 2019 budget, the congregation also approved the formation of an Endowment Committee.

A full set of minutes will be available in the 2019 Annual Report or from the church office.

Serving Others Daily (SOD) In Limitless! our 3rd Graders made fleece tie blankets last month to donate to Project Linus. This month our 1st and 4th graders will get to make the blankets. Through Project Linus, all blankets will be given to children with serious illnesses or who have been through a trauma. We are sharing Christ's love with a big heart!

Chimes for 3rd and 5th Graders: Half Steps begins for our Limitless! 3rd Graders on February 6th and continues through May. Grace Notes continues

WHAT’S NEW IN THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY?

Page 6 THE BETHEL BANNER

Children ~ Families ~ Disciples ~ Children ~ Families ~ Disciples

Brenda Atzinger, Director of Children’s Ministries

786-8878 batzinger@bethelnorthfield.org

Sunday FUN-Days:

February 3: An Emoji Party! Emoji's represent all the feelings we have throughout the day. Whether we

are feeling happy ☺, grumpy, sad, or just plain cool, we will talk about how God is with us through it all!

February 10: Be My Valentine! In the spirit of Valentine's Day, we will be spreading LOVE all around Bethel.

NURSERY NOTES

Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator

786-6674 jjenkinson@bethelnorthfield.org

Watch out for all of the little cupids with their heart shaped arrows!

February 17: Tie-Dye Day! Yep, you read that right....we're tie-dying in the nursery! We know we're crazy BUT we're also FUN, and who doesn't have fun tie-dying?!?

February 24: Creepy Crawly Day! We will have fun exploring and learning all about those creepy things

for our 5th Graders through May. Contact Brenda Atzinger or Jill Mahr to sign up!

Dates to Note:

March 10: 4th Grade Holy Worship Retreat at Bethel in the afternoon

April 7: 3rd Grade Holy Baptism Retreat at Bethel in the afternoon

Vacation Bible School- June 10-13 hosted at St. John’s Lutheran Church. This is a combined effort of the children’s ministries at Bethel, St.

Peter’s and St. John’s. More details to come but mark your calendars now!

Do you have extra children's stickers no longer popular with a child? They are needed for classrooms in Honduras. Please place the stickers in the labeled bin in the Recycling Center next to the CLC.

that make us want to S-C-R-E-A-M!

Why do we take our kids to church? Perhaps it’s just what has always been done in our family. Perhaps it’s because we or they have friends who attend. Perhaps it’s because we know that without a strong anchor in the sea of life, our kids will drift aimlessly. Without knowing Whose they are, and that God is always with them and always for them, life is harder than it needs to be.

Schedules are getting harder and harder to manage. When we ask people how they are doing, most often we hear “busy!”, but busy with what? Have you ever heard of the story about the jar of

WHAT ARE WE BUILDING OUR HOUSES ON? sand? A philosophy professor filled a jar to the top with rocks and his students concluded the jar was full. The professor then added small pebbles that slid in between the rocks. This time the students thought it was surely full. Next the teacher added sand, which settled easily amongst the rocks and pebbles. Once again deciding the jar was full, the students watched their professor pour water into the container. Now, it was truly full, but what would have happened if the experiment started with adding sand or water? How would the large rocks have fit in the jar?

What are the large rocks in our lives? Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:24 that “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” With our most precious priorities in place on the calendar, we have lots of room for the pebbles, sand and water that enrich our lives. I encourage us all to take a moment and identify our large rocks, so that we may build our lives upon them.

We are blessed to partner with you on this journey called life!

Thank you for sharing your children with us!

of this process. Some people will sew, but others are needed to iron, cut fabric, or tie knots. Please put these dates on your calendars and join the fun as we work together to continue a beloved Bethel tradition!

Valentine Dinner ~ It’s that time! Our next Bethel youth fundraiser, the annual Valentine Dinner, is scheduled for Sunday evening, February 10. The dinner will take place at Bethel in the Christian Life Center. Information has been sent to all youth about the work shifts that are available. You may stop in, call, or email Barb to sign up for a shift. Don’t miss out on a chance to earn some money toward your summer trips! And if you’re not participating in a summer trip this year, it’s still a way to have a lot of fun and earn money toward a future trip. Lots of our Bethel kids love it as much as our adults; we hope you’ll plan on it!

9ers & Mentors ~ Mentor Bowling is coming up! Join us at the Jesse James Lanes at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 18. More information will be sent by email in the by the first week of February. Please RSVP to Barb by Wednesday, February 13. This is a great chance to get to know your mentor/mentee better in a very casual setting!

Faith & Sexuality Class ~ Our 9th grade confirmation class will continue its series of classes on faith and sexuality. The remaining sessions will be held during confirmation class at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6 and 13.

Parent Confirmation Night ~ On Wednesday night, February 27, all 9th grade parents are invited to attend confirmation with their child. All 9th graders and parents will meet in the CLC during the normal confirmation hour from 7-8 p.m.

Senior Quilting Day ~ Two full quilting days and one back-up day have been scheduled during which all available senior parents and Bethel quilters are asked to help complete as much of the quilt construction as possible. We’ll meet in the CLC from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturdays, February 2 and February 9, with a back-up date of Saturday, February 16. During these work days, we hope to finish all the quilts to the point that they can be completed by people who are able to do the finishing at home. A light lunch will be provided. We have several experienced quilters ready to help, but many hands will be needed and the ability to sew isn’t required to be a part

Youth DISCIPLESHIP: Serving, Growing, Welcoming, Caring!

Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries

786-8877 bfarmer@bethelnorthfield.org

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUTH MINISTRY?

FEBRUARY 2019 Page 7

30-Hour Famine ~ All middle school youth will receive information at the beginning of this month about this exciting chance to learn more about world hunger while also having some fun with your Bethel friends. This year’s lock-in is scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday morning, February 22-23. Information will be sent to all middle school youth with a link to the registration. Parents, we will need chaperones for this event; please indicate your availability on the registration.

General summer trip information was sent in January to all youth who are participating in summer trips. March 15 is your next payment date when half of your balance is due. Families will receive a recap of your fundraiser earnings and balance at the end of this month. Summer trip meetings will begin in March – check the March Banner for the dates & times of those meeting dates.

HIGH SCHOOLERS - Stay current on Bethel Hang Time Happenings!

Hey Bethel 10th - 12th graders & parents, stay up-to-date with our Hang Time happenings! If you want to receive text or Instragram updates, just do the following:

Instagram: Follow bethellutheranyouth

Text: Text @bethelhan to 81010 and you'll be instantly added to our Hang Time group through the Remind app.

BEFRIENDING By Marci Groenewold

For some of us, taking time to sit down and just talk seems to be a waste of time. If we really want to help someone, we feel we must not only do something, but have all the answers too. However, BeFriender ministers believe that listening is often the only thing needed to help somebody. These ministers believe that most people can arrive at their own solutions when someone pays attention and actually listens to them. This is a ministry of “being”, not “doing”.

BeFriender ministers make a conscious effort to hear and understand the other person. By carefully listening to what is said without interrupting, BeFrienders provide healing through kind and gentle conversations. They provide thoughtful feedback to make sure they fully understand what the other person was saying.

If you would like to become a Bethel BeFriender minister, a training session is being offered at St Peter’s Lutheran Monday nights beginning February 18.

This training is being offered jointly with Bethel, St. Dominic, and St. Peter’s churches. Any Bethel member may attend free of charge. Formally trained BeFrienders are welcome to use this training as a refresher course or to attend any session they may have missed during their original training. Please contact a BeFriender coordinator or the church office to register.

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say”. Bryant H. McGill.

Blessings from Bethel's Befriender Coordinators

†

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A core Befriender principle: “Active listening.” For more information, call Marci Groenewold, (507-649-0760), Knight Stanley (612-877-0893), Myrna Luehmann (507-951-7112), or the Bethel office (786-6674).

Upcoming:

BeFriender Training: February 18-April 8, Monday nights, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Fireside Room. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Session 1 Introduction to BeFriender Ministry (February 18)

Session 2 Our Sense of Call (February 25)

Session 3 Attitude of BeFriending (March 4)

Session 4 Listening Skills (March 11) Session 5 Confidentiality (March 18) Session 6 The Visit (March 25)

BETHEL U FOR FEBRUARY

All adults and teens are welcome on Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. You can find a complete listing of our Bethel U offerings on the Information Station in the Narthex.

Explore: Holy Worship, Fireside Room, with Pastor Tim and Pam Vig What is worship and why does it matter? When we gather for worship, we hear God’s word of promise, we confess, we receive forgiveness, we pray, we praise, we are washed in baptismal waters, we receive the bread of life and we are sent back into the world. Worship is at the heart of what we do, and the heart of who we are as followers of Jesus. Pastor Tim and Pam Vig will lead us through a lively course on why we do what we do in worship and why it matters.

Financial Peace University, CLC Classroom, Zach & Maren Bahler (See full description on page 9.) Each attending family needs an FPU membership, which includes a member workbook and online access to a variety of helpful tools and coaches Go to http://www.fpu.com/1077363.

Faith & Contemporary Music, Bethel Youth Center, Bo Aylin & friends Can faith and contemporary music live together in harmony? Some would answer a hearty “yes!” to this question. Others might doubt it. In this course, we will examine some contemporary pieces for themes of faith and hope as we learn more about the inspiration behind them.

Mission and Justice: Income Disparity in our World, Sanctuary or Classroom 62, Gordy Olson and Lee Runzheimer Last year, St. Olaf economics professor emeritus, Bill Carlson, led a Bethel U class session on our economy and statistics that have led us to the place we are. This year, Gordy Olson and Lee Runzheimer will continue looking at income disparity and how it is affecting the middle class in America. Join us as we look at the ways this may be affecting our democracy.

FEBRUARY 2019 Page 9

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY Bethel is offering Financial Peace University (FPU) through Bethel U starting in February. FPU is a 9-week, money-management course taught by Dave Ramsey. Dave and his teaching team will walk participants through the basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future and much more. Here’s more information:

We all need a plan for our money. FPU teaches God's ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FUP presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you have dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more.

The class will be taught using the FPU Flex method. Class members watch the FPU lessons online at home (or wherever is most convenient for them) before the class session. Then, members meet in class each Sunday morning to talk about the lesson, answer questions, and complete the hands-on-learning activities. Each attending family needs an FPU membership ($109 annually - contact the church office if you need help with the fee) which includes a member workbook and online access to a variety of helpful tools and coaches Please make sure to order your materials online before the first class (at least 14 days). To purchase your materials please go to http://www.fpu.com/1077363

If you have further questions please contact Maren or Zach Bahler (zachary.j.bahler@gmail.com) who will be coordinating the class.

A Ministry Report of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA in celebration of the ministry that took place throughout 2018 [abridged - ed.]

We join together in giving thanks for the multitude of ways the Holy Spirit is at work through the ministries of our Southeastern Minnesota Synod!

Developing Leaders

5 Ministers of Word and Sacrament were ordained.

2 Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) candidates were placed in a ministry setting.

23 active ministry candidates across 6 seminaries participated in the candidacy process.

7 candidates for rostered ministry were approved and sent into the wider church to serve as either Word and Sacrament or Word and Service Ministers.

Equipping Congregations

10 congregations took part in Stewardship for All Seasons, utilizing a stewardship coach for a year. [Including Bethel - ed.]

Ongoing strategies like Hope in Christ & Let’s Talk Ministry took place to empower congregations to explore what it means to follow Jesus into a changing world.

42 congregations were in the call process.

17 congregations called a rostered leader.

Accompanying Global Partners

The 2018 Synod Assembly was a significant global highlight! The theme was “Celebrating Our Global Congregation,” and we hosted special guests Bp. Alex Mkumbo (Central Diocese-Tanzania), Bp. Atahualpa Hernandez and Rev. Angelica Bernate (Evangelical Lutheran Church of

MISSION INTERPRETER By Lois Stratmoen

Colombia – IELCO), Rev. Deborah Lyanga (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania), Rev. Benyam Kassahun (ELCA-Global Mission). In addition to presenting at Synod Assembly, our guests visited and preached at St. Olaf College, Luther Seminary, and in congregations throughout the synod.

We launched Hand-in-Hand, a new opportunity for congregations of the synod to partner with our global partners in health, education and entrepreneurial ministries.

We provided pre-visit accompaniment-focused orientations to synod congregations traveling to Tanzania.

In June, Bishop Steve Delzer and Kathy Chatelaine participated in the IELCO Consultation in Alberta, Canada.

In July, the synod hosted Rev. Mawien Ariik, ELCA Missionary in Juba, South Sudan.

In August, Bishop Delzer, Kathy

Chatelaine, and Kari MacIver visited the Central Diocese-Tanzania. Bishop Delzer and Kathy then participated in the ELCT-ELCA Bishops Summit in Moshi, Tanzania followed by a visit with Rev. Wal Reat (ELCA Missionary to South Sudan) in Gambela, Ethiopia and the Reconciliation Lutheran Church, Community Center, and Primary Health Clinic in Juba, South Sudan. Chatelaine is the first woman of the ELCA to visit the Lutheran congregations in Gambela, Ethiopia.

Bishop Delzer and Kathy Chatelaine participated in the ordination service of 24 Lutheran pastors in the Central Diocese of Tanzania. Bishop Delzer preached in Swahili and consecrated the new pastors.

Peace in Christ,

Steven Delzer, Bishop

Page 10 THE BETHEL BANNER

OPERATING RESULTS SUMMARY Revenue exceeded expenses by $28k in December. We budgeted for net income of $20k.

Net Income Dec: $28k net income vs. $20k net income budgeted. YTD $2.6k net income vs. $0 net income budgeted.

Revenue Dec: $119k actual vs. $107k budgeted. YTD revenue is $949k. vs $974k budgeted.

Expense

Dec: $91k actual vs. $87k budgeted. YTD $946k actual vs. $974k budgeted. Drivers include:

Hourly employee cost less than budget because of lower clerical and custodial hours, and lower Adult Formation and Administration because of cost savings. 2018 snowplowing expenses were $6k more than budgeted, causing the Trustee over-run.

Mortgage balance as of December 31, 2018: $268,605.

Nichole Porath, Director of Finance

786-6687 nporath@bethelnorthfield.org

FISCAL HEALTH as of December 31, 2018

ACTUAL Dec 2018

YEAR TO DATE

Actual Budget Fav (Unfav)

Variance Annual Budget

Revenue

Total Revenue $119,116 $949,051 $974,000 $(24,949) $974,000

Expenses

Personnel $61,044 $684,317 $708,653 $24,336 $708,653

Trustee 12,814 87,421 77,385 (10,036) 77,385

Benevolence 3,658 60,302 61,075 773 61,075

Mortgage/Reserves 3,231 38,776 38,776 (0) 38,776

Youth Formation 3,670 33,327 35,650 2,323 35,650

Administration 3,811 26,636 30,281 3,645 30,281

Adult Formation (negative denotes income) 758 3,619 7,485 3,866 7,485

Worship 1,318 7,125 7,050 (75) 7,050

Stewardship 369 4,520 5,045 525 5,045

Congregational Life (negative denotes income) 471 316 2,600 2,284 2,600

Total Expenses $91,144 $946,361 $974,000 $27,639 $974,000

Net Income (Loss) $27,972 $2,690 $- $2,690 0*

*We always budget our revenue to meet expenses.

FEBRUARY 2019 Page 11

ARE YOU AN AMAZON SHOPPER? Your purchases on Amazon can benefit Bethel, too! Bethel now has an Amazon Smile account. By ordering through Amazon using the link below, .5% of the purchase price will be donated back to Bethel. How great is that?! As one Bethel shopper said - It’s such a quick, easy way for Bethel Amazon customers to allocate funds to their church!” https://smile.amazon.com/ch/41-6049270

Benevolences as of December 31, 2018 Budgeted Benevolences

SE MN Synod 32,500

Cannon River Conf.-ELCA 377

Community Action Center 3,300

Lutheran Social Services 11,400

Nfld. Retirement Community 2,500

Nfld. Ministerial Association 25

CAC Thursday's Table 1,200

Global Mission/Justice 9,000

Total Budgeted Benevolences $ 60,302

Non-Budgeted Benevolences

ELCA World Hunger 3,093

ELCA Disaster Relief - South Sudan 495

Total ELCA $ 3,588

Sunday School - Christmas Sharing 245

Sunday School- 8th Gr. Mission Trip 390

Total Sunday School $ 635

CAC Food Shelf 3,119

March Food Drive 19,489

Total CAC Food Shelf $ 22,608

Easter - South Sudan Lutheran Church 7,015

Thanksgiving - Doctors Without Borders 4,480

Christmas- LIRS 5,120

Total Special Offerings $ 16,615

Alternative Giving Fair 11,091

TORCH care packages 218

Good Samaritan Funds used 4,787

Youth Scholarship Funds used 1,340

Quilts: Lutheran World Relief & Christmas Sharing

*Monetary value of gift impossible to estimate.

Crop Walk 3,610

CAC Food Shelf gifts from FaB 600

Total Other $ 21,646

$ 65,092 Total Non-Budgeted Benevolences

Grand Total Benevolences $125,394

% of revenue 13.2%

CHURCH COUNCIL Minutes from Dec, 2018 Kevin Fink shared that as of Novem-ber 30 our expenses are $25k over income. Our income year to date is $34k less than our budget. We experi-enced a $10k loss in November.

Relevant Worship...another date has not been set however, an article went out in the December Monthly Banner asking for volunteers to help with worship and kitchen.

Letters of Call have been sent to Beth-el Members asking them to consider running for the open positions of Steward and At Large.

The 2019 budget was presented to council and discussed. Budget was approved and will be presented to the congregation on January 13 at the An-nual Budget Meeting.

February 3 February 10 February 17 February 24

Assist. Minister (8:30 a.m.)

Carol Lysne Mike Ahrens Grace Casson Noel Stratmoen

Assist. Minister (10:45 a.m.)

Marci Groenewold Christina Schwietz Krista Middlebrooks Ellen Haefner

Reader (8:30 a.m.) Sandy Reiman Rick Roberts Bethel Youth Wayne Kivell

Reader (10:45 a.m.) Barb Farmer Ann Etter Bethel Youth Elizabeth Leer

Acolytes (8:30 a.m.)

Asher Engle, Abigail Atzinger

Stellan Freeman, Abigail Atzinger

Asher Engle, 1 needed

2 needed

Acolytes (10:45 a.m.) Tyler Holz, 1 needed

Silas Leer, 1 needed

CoCo Schuster, 1 needed

Silas Leer, Matthew Haefner

Sacramental Ministers (8:30 a.m.)

Mike & Sandy Ahrens, Wendell Arneson, Beth Christensen, Kitty Runzheimer

Rose Turnacliff, Connie DeGrote, Sandy Ahrens, Carol Cole, Wayne Kivell

Bethel Youth Abbie Meierbachtol, Marcia Omdahl, Sandy Reiman, Lois Stratmoen, Candy Nordine

Sacramental Ministers (10:45 a.m.)

Dan & Jan Foley, Renae Schuster, Dot Swanson, one needed

Ben Chadwick, Renae Schuster, three needed

Bethel Youth Roger Van Veldhuizen, Ben Chadwick, Renae Schuster, two needed

Ushers (8:30 a.m.) Dale Turnacliff, Bob & Donna Vanderhoof, Harley Foster

Boy Scout Troop 344 Bethel Youth Steve Meierbachtol, Roger Glasgow, Larry Narhi, Kyle Nordine

Ushers (10:45 a.m.) Steve & Carol O’Neill, Lisa & Bronwyn McDermott

Boy Scout Troop 344 Bethel Youth Four needed

Nametags (8:30 a.m.) Justin Haefner, Martin & Julie Schwartz & family

Bill & Ruth Hoekstra & family, Ryan & Allison Albright

Jerry & Linda Tickle, Ryan & Allison Albright

Mike Graff, Mark & Bonnie Johnson

Nametags (10:45 a.m.)

Chris & Caroline Bussmann, Abby Haefner

Amanda Miller, Kelly Groenewold

Chris & Caroline Bussmann, Krista Middlebrooks

Dan Wilharber & Gretchen Cary, Karen Mader

Greeters (8:30 a.m.) Ellen Haefner, Martin & Julie Schwartz & family

Bill & Ruth Hoekstra & family, Gary & Sonia Johnson

Martin & Julie Schwartz & family

Jerry & Linda Tickle, Gary & Sonia Johnson

Greeters (10:45 a.m.) Karen Mader Marci Groenewold Ben & Jill Fisher Kevin & Tricia Christopherson family

THE BETHEL BANNER Page 12

FEBRUARY WORSHIP SERVANTS

FEBRUARY 2019 Page 13

February 3 February 10 February 17 February 24

Coffee Servers Chris & Caroline Bussmann, Justin & Abby Haefner, Mike & Mary Graff, Ryan & Allison Albright

Brian & Ellen Haefner, Jerry & Linda Tickle, Kelly & Marci Groenewold, Karen Mader

Chris & Caroline Bussmann, Bill & Ruth Hoekstra, Kelly & Marci Groenewold, Mac & Jackie Gimse

Amanda Miller, Jill & Ben Fisher, Karen Mader

Altar Care Lisa McDermott Rose & Dale Turnacliff Wayne & Alyce Kivell John & Marcia Omdahl

Communion Angels

Vic & Dot Swanson Needed Carol Cole Needed

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN This month’s Feed My Starving Children event will be on Saturday, February 16, from 9-11 a.m. at the Eagan location. Bethel has reserved 15 slots – ages 5 and above are welcome! You can sign up at the Information Station, go to fmsc.org and search for the Bethel Lutheran Church group from Northfield. You can sign up for the rest of the dates, too:

February 16 - Join Code: WN01YK

March 16 - Join Code: XXEK1P

April 13 - Join Code: 098064

May 11 - Join Code: EVYXLZ

FEBRUARY WORSHIP SERVANTS

ENCOUNTERING GOD: A LENTEN RETREAT Saturday, March 9, 2019 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., includes lunch Mt. Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington $45 (scholarships available)

Join Rhonda Reece, Jane Runzheimer, Bob and Maryann Kaul, pastors and musicians, as God encounters us at the beautiful Mt. Olivet Retreat Center. Our theme is “Encountering God: in, with and for us.” We will gather for worship, reflection, singing and sharing and of course, we will enjoy refreshments and a delicious lunch served by the retreat center staff.

Please register by February 15, by signing up at the Information Station or by calling the church office. For more information, please contact Pastor Becca.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE LIBRARY? What are Bethel members reading? This fall, the FAB book group read Gregory Boyle's Tattoos on the Heart. In her comments below, Kitty Runzheimer shares her impression of Boyle's work, which is featured in the Bethel library during the month of February.

"Author Father Gregory Boyle is a Jesuit priest and the founder and executive director of Homeboy Industries, a gang intervention program located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, the gang capitol of the world. In his books, Tattoos on the Heart and Barkin' to the Choir, he breaks down his experience working in the

ghetto into a breathtaking series of parables inspired by faith. Arranged by theme and filled with sparkling humor and glowing generosity, these essays offer a stirring look at how full our lives could be if we could find joy in loving others and in being loved unconditionally."

Now in its 30th year, Homeboy Industries traces its roots to when Boyle served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church, then the poorest Catholic parish in LA. Homeboy has become the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and reentry program in the world.

Page 14 THE BETHEL BANNER

JOIN US FOR ADULT ED! Chris Hebert and The Universal Enneagram: Is Spirituality Different for Men and Women? by Katy Taylor. Contact Pam Santerre for more information at 507-663-8902.

FRIDAYS

The Bethel WoW (Women of the Word) Bible Study group ~ in the Fireside Room, 9-10:30 a.m. weekly. The Bethel WoW Bible Study group continues to meet each Friday morning, but at a new time - now meeting at 9 a.m.! We are currently studying Beth Moore’s Entrusted study of II Timothy. This study will be completed on February 8 unless winter weather intervenes. We are learning to be effective Christians as we share Christ with others and mentor each other through our faith journey. On February 15 we will begin a study of John, The Beloved Disciple, also a Beth Moore study. This will be a 10-week study and will take us till we take a break in May. In our studies we will be finding our way to the heart of Jesus and seeing John’s legacy for all believers - love! Come join us at any time. We meet weekly at 9 a.m. in the Bethel Fireside Room. Any questions call Myrna Luehmann, (507) 951-7112.

All of these discipleship opportunities welcome you to attend regularly, or as your schedule allows. If you would like to lead a group or have a good idea for a class or topic, please contact the church office.

what God wants to give us through Christ’s living word.

THURSDAYS

Faith and Books ~ in the Fireside Room, 8:15-9:15 a.m. weekly Our ladies' are reading Becoming Human by Jean Vanier. Vanier is founder of l'Arche , a world wide group of communities for people who are intellectually challenged. Vanier shows new ways of having greater compassion, trust and understanding. Pr Becca has been involved with l'Arche throughout her pastoral journey and will continue to share her experiences with us. Books are available downtown at Con*tent.

Please share an hour with us - you do not have to "join" or sign up. This is not a "member club". Just drop in, or come in the Fireside room 8:15 am Thursdays. Fresh coffee will be waiting, along with wonderful, fruitful discussion and fellowship. Want more information? Contact Judy Narhi or Kitty Runzheimer.

Men Of Bethel ~ in Room 62, 8:30-9:30 a.m. weekly Beginning February 7, MoB will be viewing and discussing the film First Reformed. The movie stars Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried, and Cedric Kyles; and "it follows a Protestant minister faced with questions of faith and morality while serving as pastor of a dwindling historical church." First Reformed is a 250-year-old Dutch Reformed church in New York state and was a key stopover on the underground railroad on the way to Canada.

Bethel Enneagram Group ~ 9:30-10:30 a.m., meeting on February 14, in the Fireside Room Our February meeting is on Valentines Day♥. We will discuss two articles: What All Christians Need to Know About the Enneagram -A Conversation with author

New members and drop-ins are always welcome at our adult education opportunities. Look for a complete listing of all of our groups in the Adult Faith Formation booklet on the Information Station. Here is a list of our weekly and monthly groups:

SUNDAY EDUCATION HOUR 9:45-10:30 a.m.

Bethel U ~ in various locations Bethel U is our offering on Sunday mornings for Bethel 8th-12th graders and adults together. Look for the complete Bethel U catalogue on the Information Station and a description of this month’s offerings on page 8.

MONDAYS

Martha Circle ~ 9:30 a.m. on the third Monday of each month, Fireside Room.

Monday Evening Women’s Study ~ Every 1st and 3rd Monday, 7-8:30 p.m., Wanda Playter’s house. The group continues to read and discuss The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. The book reflects on the journey of the friendship between the authors. For more information, please contact Wanda or the church office.

TUESDAYS

Lois Circle ~ 12 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Youth Room.

Lydia Circle~ 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Fireside Room.

WEDNESDAYS

Lectio Divina ~ Wednesdays, 6:15-6:45 p.m. Prayer Chapel, with Pastor Becca There are no requirements for attendance - come as often as your schedule allows. May this be a time of trust and transformation as we receive

FEBRUARY 2019 Page 15

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

9 a.m. WoW (Women of the Word)

2

8 a.m. Burnsville Area Music Teachers Assoc Piano Festival/Competition

9 a.m. High School Senior Quilting

3

8:30 a.m. Worship

9:30 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship

9:45 a.m. 3rd Grade Prayer Class

9:45 a.m. Sunday School & Bethel U

10:45 a.m. Worship

4

3:15 p.m. Northfield Youth Choir

6:30 p.m. NAG Auditions

5

1 p.m. Bethel Staff meeting

6 p.m. Stewardship Committee

6

See schedule above

7 p.m. 6th Grade Connections

7

8:15 a.m. FAB - Faith & Books

8:30 a.m. MoB (Men of Bethel)

5 p.m. Personnel Committee

6:30 p.m. Blue Birders Group

7 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 344 Meeting

8

9 a.m. WoW (Women of the Word)

9

9 a.m. High School Senior Quilting

9:30 a.m. AAUW

1 p.m. Laura Baker Saturday Respite

10

Cannon River Conference Assembly

8:30 a.m. Worship

9:30 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship

9:45 a.m. Sunday School & Bethel U

10:45 a.m. Worship

5 p.m. Valentine Dinner

11

2:45 p.m. Northfield Retirement Community WELCA Birthday Party

3:15 p.m. Northfield Youth Choir

7 p.m. BeFrienders/Companions mtg

12

1 p.m. Bethel Staff meeting

7 p.m. Lydia Circle

7:30 p.m. Finance Committee

13

See schedule above

14

8:15 a.m. FAB - Faith & Books

8:30 a.m. MoB (Men of Bethel)

7 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 344 Meeting

7 p.m. Church Council

15

9 a.m. WoW (Women of the Word)

16

9 a.m. Feed My Starving Children

10 a.m. BeFrienders Leadership Meeting

17

8:30 a.m. Worship

9:30 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship

9:45 a.m. Sunday School & Bethel U

10:45 a.m. Worship

18

President’s Day

3:15 p.m. Northfield Youth Choir

6:30 p.m. Mentor Bowling

19

10 a.m. Bethel Women Having Fun

1 p.m. Bethel Staff meeting

20

See schedule above

21

8:15 a.m. FAB - Faith & Books

8:30 a.m. MoB (Men of Bethel)

12 p.m. Troubadour Rehearsal

7 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 344 Meeting

22

9 a.m. WoW (Women of the Word)

7 p.m. 30 Hour Famine

23

30 Hour Famine

6 p.m. Drentlaw Wedding

24

8:30 a.m. Worship

9:30 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship

9:45 a.m. Sunday School & Bethel U

10:45 a.m. Worship

25

Staff Retreat

3:15 p.m. Northfield Youth Choir

26

Staff Retreat

9 a.m. Bethel Mission Quilters

12 p.m. Lois & Martha Circle

27

See schedule above

7 p.m. 9th Grade Parent Night

28

8:15 a.m. FAB - Faith & Books

8:30 a.m. MoB (Men of Bethel)

12 p.m Troubadour Rehearsal

7 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 344 Meeting

CALENDAR - FEBRUARY 2019

On Wednesdays: 3:30 p.m. Limitless! 5:30 p.m. Bistro 6:15 p.m. Ring Forth 6:15 p.m. Let Us Pray 7 p.m. Resonance 7:15 p.m. Adult Choir 7 p.m. Hi-League 7 p.m. Confirmation 8 p.m. Brio

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

NEW ART IN CENTER POD If you don't get a chance to visit the Center Pod very often, it is definitely worth a trip to see the 36 beautiful prints that represent events from the Bible. They serve as an inspirational art display as well as a teaching tool for Sunday School teachers and Limitless leaders, confirmation and adult leaders, and anyone looking for a meaningful illustration when teaching a Bible story. (They are each easily removed from the installation. We simply ask that you not take them out of the building, that you handle them with care, and that you return them to their correct spot before you leave the building.)

Thank you to Brent Kivell for creating the display area for these prints

and to the family of Paul Fjestad (Pam Vig's father) for donating a portion of the funds that were used to purchase them in his memory.

What have our Bethel kids been up to? Making blankets! See page 6 for the whole story!