Bethany Lutheran Church

Making Christ Known…

Welcoming! Growing! Serving!

BETHANY BEACON

JULY 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1...Worship Schedule, Devotions 2...Pastor’s Perspective 3...Campfire Nights, Softball, Elderberries, Meals on Wheels Men’s Breakfast, Free Summer Lunches, Thrift Shop, Farmer’s Market, Thank you 4...Praying for Bethany Families Pastor’s Thank You, School Supplies 5...Calendar 6...Birthdays &Anniversaries 7-8Vacation Bible School 10..ELCA statement, Contact information

July2016

RIVER BEND RALLY WEEKEND: We will have worship on Saturday, July 2, at 5:30 p.m. We will NOT have any worship services here at Bethany Sun-day, July 3. We encourage you to take part as a com-munity at the 10:30 service in Estes Park.

SUMMER HOURS: The 11:15 a.m. Contemporary Service will move to 10:30 a.m. for the summer from June 5-September 4.

DEVOTIONS: Join in Morning Devotions at 7:30 a.m., Mon. –Fri. Everyone is welcome.

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Over the last few weeks I have spent a good deal of time in solitude and reflection. Be-

cause my eyes were sore from the packing in my nose I could only read for a short time. I could only watch so much daytime TV. Even Cooper got tired of me being around all the time. So I found myself thinking of all the what ifs concerning my health, I can worry with the best of them, which is not healthy. (Good news the tumor was benign.)

To get out of this pity party I tried to focus my mind on other things. I found my self pon-dering; “Why are we here?” After all it is the ultimate question. With the multitude of uni-verses why this universe? With the multitude of solar system why this sun? With the gather-ing of planets around this particular sun why earth? With all the different places that are inhab-ited on earth why here? With all the chances of genetics mutations why me? All of this can be answered scientifically, along with the corresponding percentile odds of each answer. But the deeper I got into all of these questions the simpler my answer became. Why am I here? I think John said it best in 1 John 4:7-8; “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.” In Genesis 1:27 we read that we are made in God’s image, so with God being love then the image we are made in is love. We are here to reflect God and that reflection is love.

We are a wondrous blend of contradictions. We have been created to reflect God’s love. So on the one hand we are created with a deep need to be in relationships with others, to be in community. Go to any high school athletic event, walk any mall and you will see people of all ages clustered in-groups (in community). Our gathering at Bethany Lutheran is a community of disciples of Jesus. Reflecting God’s love we have been created to need community. On the other hand, we have been created with a sense of self in which we each have our own personal experiences and perspectives which do not always match with others. So, conflict is natural. With conflict comes its twin: gossip. Put together our needs for community and self-assertion hard feelings can emerge.

In Ephesians 4:22-5:2 Paul recognizes that as a congregation we are a community in Christ. As a community in Christ we are called to act Christ like, to love the other. Paul writes, "So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another." (Vs. 25) We called into relationships through the various ac-tivities of the church. We are also called into relationship with God. Being called into rela-tionship with one another and with God we are not here by accident but we have been called together by God. We are a holy community brought together by the Spirit for the purpose of growing disciples and calling others to faith in Jesus Christ. To call others into God’s loving relationship. We are called by the Holy Spirit into a holy community, but we are still human and all to often we fall short of God's calling. We fall short of reflecting the image of God.

Reflecting God’s love we try to show God’s grace. In this we are called to look for the best in one another. Paul Writes, "Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear." (Vs. 29) Paul asserts that real people make real mistakes and that Christians are called to reflect God’s grace and love!

Sisters and brothers, God doesn't expect perfection, God does expect us to partner with each other and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance as we reach out with love. As a commu-nity of disciples of Christ we are called to treat one another and the visitor with grace, and love. I believe we are here to reflect God’s love, joining in God’s love for all. I believe God has called us as to be community of disciples of Jesus Christ, growing together in God's love. With the Spirits guidance we will make this a grace and love filled church for all. Will you join me in lifting up each other and welcoming any whom God sends to us? If so, this com-munity will change lives as we partner together reflecting God’s love. I believe that is the an-swer to “the question”.

In Christ’s Love, Pastor Tim

Ministries of Bethany

Clean the thrift shop-July 18 Work at Thrift Shop –July 29-30

BETHANY MEN’S BREAKFAST Calling all men. We have a new men’s group and we want you to join us!

We meet each Friday at 6:30a.m. We will have breakfast, fellowship, and devotions. See you there!

THE FREE SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM: Many thanks to the mem-bers who signed up to help with The Free Summer Lunch Program the week of June 27-July 1. We also have the week of July 11-15 so please sign up as you can to help that week. The sign up form is in the church narthex. Pat Thorell

THANK YOU I would like to “thank you” for your concern of my Mother over these past several years. Also now for your condolences, cards and memorials. They mean more than

words can say. Cheryl & Gary Lenguadoro

MEALS ON WHEELS I would like to thank all the wonderful drivers and helpers for Meals on Wheels in June. You make my job so easy when you step up to volunteer. The next month to sign up will be October. My sincere thanks go out to: Rita Hoversten, Bob & Avis Johnson, Pat Thorell, Marileigh Beh-rends, Bernice Lancaster, Les & Linda York, Deanne Henry, Jen Dodd, Matt & Jayne Becker, Gary & Marilyn Huffine. Rhonda Picht

ELDERBERRIES We are a group for those 50 years and older. We meet on the third

Sunday of the month at 5 p.m. in the church for a potluck, social time and sometimes have a program. Our July potluck will be July 17 @ 5:00p.m.

BETHANY SOFTBALL TEAM Derrick Elman and Ryan Kuker are in charge of our Bethany softball team. We play

July 8 & 15 at 6:00 p.m. at Legion Field West. Hope to see as many there as possible. Come cheer on our team!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CAMPFIRES We are having weekly Campfires at the camp fire pit on the west end of our property.

We will have treats, camp songs, and fellowship. We are in need of guitar players. Please contact the church if you would like to play. 641-648-3555.

All are invited to join in this time of fun and fellowship.

BETHANYS FARMERS MARKET: Donations of garden produce & baked goods may be left on the Farmers Market table set up in the fellowship hall prior to service on Saturdays and Sun-days. All items are for a free will offering. Funds raised will go to support Bethany’s Social Concerns & Mission projects. If you know of a family that could benefit from items on the table, please pick some up and distribute as needed.

REMEMBER THE BETHANY FAMILIES WITH PRAYER

This month, ask God to protect, direct, and show favor to these members. Give thanks for their presence in this community.

July1-8 Showwalter, Jordon Snyder, Jason, Emily, Jacob, Jonathan Staley, Bill & Dawn Steding, Dennis & Roxie July 9-15 Stenzel, Caroline Stockdale, Daniel, Kathy, Brandon, Trevor, & Austin Sundholm, Jeff, Michelle, Alexander, Jacob Terhark, Amanda July 16-22 Thies, Tony, Mari, & Broderick Thorell, Pat Tibbs, Lisa, Luke, Daniel, Nicholas Tjarks, Frankie July 23-30 Trusty, Steve, Jill, Savannah Truner, Craig & Ruth Turner, Martin & Sandra Tystahl, Susan

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: During the month of July when the school sup-plies are the cheapest, we will have backpacks in the fellowship hall ready to be filled. A supply list will be in the back-pack. Anything crossed off the list is already in the backpack.

5 unsharpened #2 pencils 5 blue or black ballpoint pens One box of 16 or 24 crayons One 2 1/2 inch eraser 4- 70 count sheet spiral notebooks One ruler One pencil sharpener One pair of blunt scissors

THANK YOU!

Thank you for all cards and prayers during my recent illness. Thank you also to the Kobe boys for the lawn work at our house, Lisa Robison for the meal, Mike & Peg Bushore for transporting Bette and I, Gary Huffine for leading worship, Mary Deike for keeping the ship afloat and all those who helped while I was out. Most of all thank you to our Lord for his healing presence. God is good all the time. Amen.

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07/01 Snyder Emily 07/15 Wood Mary Ann

07/02 Borkowski Justin 07/16 Cerna-Koehrsen Rylan

07/02 Butt Olivia 07/16 Hansen Elizabeth

07/02 Hartford Collin 07/16 Loewen Sha

07/02 Lenguadoro Gerald 07/17 Krukow Joshua

07/03 Knight Ann 07/17 Mulford Saylor

07/04 Huibsch Gladys 07/17 Sauerbrei Kristin

07/06 Bicknese Todd 07/18 Heinzeroth Robin

07/06 Elman Noah 07/18 Wood Thomas

07/06 Johnson Rachel 07/19 Mulford Hayley

07/08 Johnson Noah 07/20 Barr Ann

07/08 Shahan Jenna 07/20 Harman Brenda

07/09 Wiese Murphy 07/21 Wiese Daryl

07/12 Hill Clara 07/23 Becker Lily

07/12 Jennison Dylan 07/23 Kruse Stanley

07/12 Kuhfus Debra 07/24 Becker Matthew

07/13 Ahrens Ava 07/25 Pohlman Tyson

07/13 Barr Mckenzie 07/27 Sanders Landon

07/13 McDaniel Brayden 07/28 Dodd Jennifer

07/13 Robison Rylee 07/29 Heitland Sage

07/14 Bicknese Addalee 07/29 Jensen Marjean

07/14 Jordahl Carol Ann 07/29 Mulford Steven

07/14 LaValle Rocky 07/29 Nelsen Jeb

07/15 Qualley Brian 07/31 Duit Tyler

07/01 Carter, Michael & Dara

07/08 Dodd, Doug

07/10 Loewen, Troy & Jessica

07/14 Becker, Matt & Jayne

07/15 Jones, Donald & Lois

07/15 Lancaster, Mike & Jennifer

07/15 Snyder, Jason & Emily

07/18 Ahrens, Scott & Jackie

07/19 Kuker, Ryan & Ashley

07/21 Janes, Kyle & Kari

07/27 Qualley, Brian & Mary

07/28 Bell, Shane & Sara

07/29 Lancaster, David & Bernice

07/29 Dodd, Jennifer

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT

BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Many thanks to all those who volunteered to help make Vacation Bible School a great success!

Emilee Mc Daniel

Kayla Meyer Joelle Krause

Michelle Meyer Kelly Kuker Susan Jones Ryan Kuker

Kim Hartford Jane Becker

Marilyn Huffine Madeline Weeks

Faith Jones Jackson Kobe

Sheli Duit Lisa Doering

Kaitlyn Hoverstein Emily England

Mary Deike Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp Counselors

And especially to

Ashley Kuker & Nikki Allen who coordinated this program together with the extra work

they did while Pastor Tim was ill.

VBS FUN

VBS FUN

MISSION STATEMENT

Through God’s love as revealed to us in Jesus Christ, it is the purpose of Bethany Lu-theran Church to proclaim the gospel of that love throughout the world by creating and

building a community of worship in the Lutheran tradition of Word and Sacrament, providing fellowship, encouraging growth through learning and reaching out in witness

and service.

WE ARE CALLED TO LIVE THE MARKS OF DISCIPLESHIP

As disciples of Jesus we will strive to:

Pray Daily

O

Worship Weekly

E

Read the Bible daily

Serve at and beyond Bethany Lutheran Church

Unite with and be in

Relationship with others

Give of our time, talents, and resources

E

2016 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL:

R.J. Ford, Matt Hill, Sara Kobe, Amber Lee, Pastor Tim Maybee,

Sarah Moehlman, Tom Moravec, Gene Newgaard, Barb Nuss,

Billie Jo Shahan, Jason Snyder, and Joel Weeks

Church Office Hours 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Church Phone 641-648-3555 Church’s E-Mail bethanyiowafalls@gmail.com Church Address 2712 Washington Ave, Iowa Falls, IA 50126 Pastor Tim’s E-mail bethanyptim@gmail.com Pastor Tim’s Cell Phone 515-745-3683 Bethany Web Site www.bethanyiowafalls.net to visit scan here: