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MARCH 2016

THE JOURNEY TO LIGHT AND LIFE

During the month of March, we move from darkness to light and from death to life. In that way,

the season of Lent echoes the movement of the year from winter to spring. In March, the days

lengthen (the root word for “Lent”), and, in our part of the world, the signs of new life abound in

creation.

During Lent, the Christian Church reflects, in a spiritual way, on our movement as Christians

from darkness to light, and from death to life. We realize that, since we are sinful human be-

ings (darkness), we are dependent on God for salvation and mercy (light). We also focus on

the suffering and death of Jesus Christ—which lead to the Resurrection of our Lord, and which

point to our hope of new and eternal life. One of the emphases of Lent is that we recall that we

have been baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus.

In the weeks ahead, the darkness of Lent will give way to the light of the Easter season. Our

journey will culminate in Holy Week with the crucifixion of Jesus, an act which brings us salva-

tion before God. That journey will continue as the promise of God leads us into light and life.

We point to the Cross of Christ—on which Jesus died for the sake of humanity, and then we

point to the empty tomb. Maybe, to put it better, the cross and the empty tomb beckon to us!

We journey on the Lenten road to light and life. May God strengthen us all for that journey.

Pastor Loren D. Mai

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BETHANY CHURCH NEWS Building on the Past – Confident in God’s Future – We Make Christ Known

THURSDAY, March 3, 2016 W/ELCA MEETING WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

2:00 pm Fellowship Hall LEADER: Mim Johnson

HOSTESSES: March Birthday Group

PROGRAM: Pastor Loren Mai, Bible Study

SPECIAL OFFERING: Russian Missionaries

BRING: Bath Towel, 20" X 40" to 52" X 27"

FIRST COMMUNION

Pre-Communion classes for youth in the 3rd grade and older who have not al-

ready had their first Communion began Feb. 21, 2016. Students have been meet-

ing during the Sunday School hour at 9:00 a.m. There are still 2 classes left, March 6

and 20, to prepare for their First Communion on Maundy Thursday, March 24. A

letter was sent to parents and students with additional instructions. This is a big step

in the life of young Christians! Please pray for them!

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER World Day of Prayer is being observed Friday,

March 4, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 224 South Main Street,

Lindsborg, Kansas World Day of Prayer takes place internationally on the first Fri-

day of March every year. In 2016 that will be March 4th. Cele-

brate in symbolic solidarity with women around the world!

The host country for WDP 2016 is Cuba. The women of Cu-

ba call us to explore the depths of God’s love and accept the

invitation to receive the realm of God as a little child (Mark

10:13–16).

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OUR LENTEN DISCIPLINE: OPEN MY LIFE, LORD

The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 10. We are following the Lenten road to Easter, which this year is March 27. The theme for our mid-week ser-vices in partnership with Messiah Lutheran Church is Open My Life, Lord. Following is the schedule of remaining suppers and services: Wednesday, March 2 5:45 p.m. Supper at Bethany (Mexico Mission)

6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer at Bethany

Bethany-Messiah Youth lead the service

Theme: Open My Ears, Lord

Wednesday, March 9 5:45 p.m. Supper at Messiah (Messiah Fellowship)

6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer at Messiah

Phillip Hett preaching

Theme: Open My Heart, Lord

Wednesday, March 16 5:45 p.m. Supper at Bethany (Bethany Council)

6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer at Bethany

Pastor Rachael Pryor preaching

Theme: Open My Life, Lord

Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday), Worship at 8:00 and 10:30 a. m. March 20 Special service:

“Cry of the Whole Congregation.”

A Musical Celebration of the Music of Dr. Walter L. Pelz 3:00 pm at Presser Hall

Maundy Thursday 5:00 and 7:00 p. m. Maundy Thursday Services of Holy March 24 Communion at Bethany Church

Good Friday Service 12:15 p. m. Bethany Lutheran Church, Host March 25 Bach's St. Matthew's Passion 7:30 p.m. at Presser Hall Day of Resurrection Festive Easter Services with Holy Communion March 27 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.

Youth will serve Easter Brunch from 8:45 a. m. until 10:15 a. m. Handel's Messiah Performance 3:00 p. m. at Presser Hall

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LIBRARY CORNER

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Lenten Reading Suggestions

We have a number of excellent books in our church library for your reading enjoyment

during Lent. Grace, Faith, and the Power of Singing by Karen Humphrey Reliving the Passion: Meditations on the Suf-fering, Death and Resurrection of Jesus as Recorded in Mark by Walter Wangerin, Jr A Book of Lent with Daily Devotions by Victor E. Beck and Paul M. Lindberg Tea Time with God by W. B. Freeman Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and Charles V. King

Browse through the #240s section of our

library for more choices.

Thank You Note

January 27, 2016

Dear Bethany Lutheran Church,

Thank you for your generous gift of $451.10! Your gift will be used to further the mission of Camp Tomah Shinga by "Providing opportuni-ties for all ages to experience Christ's love,

grow in faith, and to serve God!! Your con-

tinued support granted fifteen scholar-

ships to families last year that were unable

to pay the full amount to come to camp as

well! We are dedicated to providing excep-tional programs for people of all ages and with your support we are able to continue growing and fulfilling our mission!

Peace, Ben Fulton, Executive Director of Camp Tomah Shinga

BOLD WOMEN'S DAY

Four women from Bethany

W/ELCA attended the Bold Women's Day

led by Kathy Regehr and Trinity Lutheran

Churchwomen in McPherson, Ks. on Sat-

urday, Feb. 20, 2016. Those attending

were Rozann Cedarholm, Cristina Arm-

bruster, Marilyn Youngquist, and Darlene

Handlin. Activities included a luncheon, a

foot and back massage, an art class, yoga,

and a serenity room. In the afternoon

Kathy Voth from Hutchinson, spoke about

"Words Are Important". She empha-

sized eye contact, smiles, greetings, using

people's names, praise, humor, and laugh-

ing at yourself! --Darlene Handlin

A SPECIAL LENTEN/EASTER OFFERING

FOR BETHANY COLLEGE

The Lenten-Easter Offering this year

is designated for Bethany College

and must be especially indicated as

such on the offering envelope. Write

on the check or the envelope "for

Bethany College". Bethany College

began here in this church in 1881.

What would Lindsborg be without

Bethany?? Prayerfully consider our

shared legacy. Thank you and may

God Bless us all!

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March Birthdays & Baptisms

BIRTHDAYS:

Darlene Martin Gadson 03/01

Dorene Schultz 03/01

Ty McCullough 03/02

Betty Nelson 03.02

June Schnitker 03/02

Dave Crouse 03/03

Julia Train 03/03

Joyce Shields 03/04

Gary Shogren 03/05

Joy Everhart 03/06

Cameron Carlson 03/08

Ruby Peters 03/08

Danelle Johnson 03/10

Dorothy Bengtson 03/11

Ryan DuMars 03/11

James Roraback 03/11

Cody Whetstone 03/11

Nancy Lysell 03/13

Jonathan Reinecker 03/13

Vance Eckstrom 03/14

Ann Johnson 03/14

Alexia Murray 03/14

Jay Pearson 03/14

Rachel Sims 03/14

Mary Roraback 03/15

August Brunsell 03/16

Jane Davis Glock 03/16

Adalyn Gustus 03/16

Drew Nelson 03/17

Rachel Bickford 03/18

Maggie Anderson 03/19

Warren Webster 03/20

Darrell Malpert 03/21

Jax Charlson 03/22

Avery Kruckenberg 03/24

Ron Michael 03/24

Robert Brandt 03/25

Ed Leonard 03/25

Eugene Peterson 03/25

Katherine Emler 03/26

Sheila Leonard 03/26

Pearl Christenson 03/27

Mary Jean Peterson 03/27

Stephanie Wessel 03/27

Jennifer Comeaux 03.29

Lorraine Emler 03/29

Kelsey Kagle 03/29

Beth Crouse 03/30

Tucker Dauer 03/30

Cynthia Leroy 03/31

Marjorie M. Shogren 03/31

BAPTISMS:

Jane Holwerda 03/01

Carl Isaacson 03/01

Timothy Rasmusson 03/01

Warren Webster 03/01

Gail Albrecht 03/02

Nancy Johnson 03/03

Mary Jean Peterson 03/03

Jodie Miller 03/05

Marilyn Youngquist 03/08

Richard Johnson 03/09

Bernice Peel 03/09

Jane Brunsell 03/10

Dale Patrick 03/10

Aaron Esping 03/11

Debra Randall 03/12

Olivia Mader 03/13

Trey Lindsey 03.14

Kathy Olson 03/14

Avery VanDerWege 03/14

Richard Nelson 03/15

James Palmquist 03/15

Jane Davis Glock 03/16

Joshua Allbright 03/18

Hollie Blomberg 03/18

Taytum Reed 03/18

Elma (Mim) Johnson 03/19

Ann Mason 03/19

Leah Kuntz 03/20

Julie Ann Neywick 03/21

Johanna Swenson 03/21

Betty Berggren 03.22

Kristine Isaacson 03.22

Genevieve Landgren 03/22

Alexus Patterson 03/22

Memphis Patterson 03/22

Mary Ann Chambers 03/23

Susan Lundstrom 02/23

Carole Rasmusson 03/23

Joyce Shields 03/23

Dan Brunsell 03/25

Bruce Harding 03.26

Jessica Kelling 03/26

Landvis Nelson 03.26

Terri Nelson 03/26

Jan Buchanan 03/27

Don Ferguson 03/27

Jade Hudson 03/27

Lauren Hudson 03/27

Jaryl Hudson 03/28

Jolene Reese 03/28

Josette Alexander 03.29

Troy Harding 03.29

Joy Everhart 03.30

Jay Pearson 03/30

Angie Howe 03/31

Courtney Howe 03/31

Lauren Loder 03/31

Willard Polson II 03/31

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GLOBAL MISSIONS

Please note that the offering envelopes

enclosed in the January Beacon are for

the support of the MAASAE Girls Luther-

an Secondary School in Arusha, Tanzania,

Africa. Those receiving the Beacon elec-

tronically will find envelopes for the MAS-

SAE Girls Secondary School on the Glob-

al Missions table in Trinity Hall. This em-

phasis will continue through March 2016.

Please give generously!

Lutheran World Relief: BASKETS OF PROMISE

This Lenten season we will again be collecting items for “Baskets of Promise.” Please bring an

item or two for Personal Care Kits each Sunday during Lent. Each kit contains:

a bath towelBath Towels need to be from 20" X 40" to 52" X 27"

2-4oz. bars of bath soap

a toothbrush

a nail file/clippers

a sturdy wide-tooth comb

Please put the items in the tubs at the East

entrance of Trinity Hall. Thanks so much for

your support of LWR.

GLOBAL MISSIONS & LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF

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Your Stephen Ministers – Your Neighbors

Bethany Lutheran has so many faithful members. How fortunate we are. As we work and pray, care for and worship with one another, we work to fulfill God’s plan for us to love our neighbors.

It wasn’t too long ago that I was thinking about that idea, the notion of loving our neighbors. It seems simple enough. Surrounded by people who share our values, our ideas, our lan-guage, it’s painless to value our neighbors. It’s a small challenge to love those who are like us. Homogenous communities seem to have less conflict if only because harmony is easier when the community shares many commonalities.

It’s more difficult to love those who see life differently and live in opposition to our ideas about how life should be lived. What do we do when we find ourselves living among those with whom we have little in common, those with whom we bear serious disagreements? Are we still asked to “love our neighbors?” As Christian men and women, do we get to choose to love our neighbors?

So, perhaps we can think about it another way. If we can turn it around, maybe the idea can look a little different. How about, instead of thinking about our neighbors and their many differences, we become a neighbor. If we are the neighbor, how will we behave? Will it matter who dwells next door? If we are the neighbors, how will we speak? Does our lan-guage change depending on who is down the block? Will we still offer kindness? Will we promote love and harmony? Will we welcome others? Will we still attempt to be the face of Jesus?

At Bethany, our Stephen Ministers show every day that they are the neighbors. No matter who needs care, who is hurting, who is reaching out for help, our Stephen Ministers wear the “neighbor” badge, working to comfort, to listen and to share God’s love. The focus is not on judging the neighbors next door, but to be the neighbor who offers a helping hand and a listening, compassionate ear.

-- Holly Johnson

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Bethany Lutheran Church Council-Minutes of January 13, 2016 Present: Inge Esping, Mike Dreier, Brandie Nelson, Tom DeWitt , James E. Nelson, Justin Mader, Mary Parker, Merle Larson, Joy Everhart, Josh Nelson, Amy Roraback, Terri Nelson, Matt Stula, Kathey Bengtson, Pastor Mai Absent: Lois Larson, Marlin Johnson, Phil Hett Devotions were given by Pastor Mai.

Minutes and Financial Report

The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed. It was MSC to approve the minutes as written. Matt Stula reviewed the financials for December and 2015 year end. Contributions during December were approximately $3,000 less than budgeted. Contributions for 2015 were approximately $10,900 less than budgeted. Expenses for December were approximate-ly $650 over budget. Expenses for 2015 remained roughly $6,200 under budget. Total income for 2015 was approximately $9,000 less than 2014. Total expenses for 2015 were approximately $9,800 less than 2014. The savings on expenses combined with the

drop in giving puts us approximately $4,700 negative for the year. It was MSC to approve the financial report as attached.

Informational Reports Pastor's report is attached. Pastor has made several hospital visits in Kansas City, McPherson, Salina and Lindsborg. Ash Wednes-day begins the Lenten Services which will again be in conjunction with Messiah Church. Pastor is doing marital counseling for two couples who will be married in 2016 at Bethany Church on April 16 and September 3. Pastor will be singing in Handel's Messiah which begins practice on January 24. The Bishop and his staff will meet with our Area Ministry February 21 and 22 at Camp Tomah Shinga. The Global Mission Committee met January 4. Final plans were discussed for Global Mission Sunday on January 31. Pastor Gary Teske has agreed to be here as the minister and lead the morning forum. A bake sale will be held that day along with a potluck with proceeds from the bake sale going to the Mexico Mission Trip. Phil Hett advised that the Lenten offering on February 17 will go to-wards the Mexico trip. An up-date letter regarding the ministry in Russia was read from Pastor Brockman.

Old Business Messiah Lutheran Church will have two interims sharing the pastoral duties for the next several months, Amy Pryor and Rev. David Carlson. Christmas Services were well attended. Pastor Humphrey served as guest Pastor for Annandag Jul. 44 attended the Swedish ser-vice.

New Business Election of Church Council Officers-Nominations from the floor were opened. Brandie Nelson was the only nominee for President of

Council. It was MSC that Brandie be elected President. Nominations from the floor were opened for Vice-President. Merle Lar-

son was nominated . It was MSC that Merle Larson be elected to serve as vice-president. Kathey Bengtson will continue to serve as Secretary, Matt Stula will serve as Treasurer and Carolyn Gibson will serve as Financial Secretary. Boy Scout Representative-Justin Mader will serve as the Boy Scout Representative on Council. Response Team-Donna Ruble and David Norlin currently serve on this committee. It was suggested we add a 3rd person. Amy Roraback will serve as the 3rd person on the committee. There have been some additional fund bequests to Bethany Church from the C.J. Christensen Memorial. Discussion followed on the

use of the funds. It was MSC that the funds be designated to the youth program, 1/2 to the general youth fund and 1/2 to the

Youth Gathering Trip Fund. There have been requests for transfers out for Andrew and Leighanne Loges, Norman, Donna and Amy Dauer and Larry and Kathy

Johnson effective December 31. It was MSC to approve the transfers. Budget for 2016-Matt presented the budget for review as submitted by the Finance Committee. Matt went thru the changes in the

budget as attached and discussion followed. It was MSC to approve the budget as submitted.

Approval of Facilities Use-The Swedish Dancers have submitted a Facilities request for a pancake feed on March 20. It was MSC to

approve the request as submitted.

First Time Discussion Annual Meeting, January 31. Reports were due on January 4. Installation of Council Officers will be at both services on January 17. New Council Members will have training for Communion Ushering and Offering Transfer following the meeting tonight. Gretchen will be putting together Council notebooks for New Council Members. Kathey will write an email to outgoing members to remind them to return their notebooks to the Church office. A committee sign-up sheet was passed around for Council Members to re-sign up for the current committee and for new council members to sign up for a committee. Ordination Anniversaries to be celebrated this year are Vance Eckstrom and Phil Youngquist. Pastor will talk with them and set dates. Bethany Church will need voting members for Synod Assembly to be held in Wichita June 2-4. Josh Nelson and Amy Roraback ex-pressed interest in attending. Lenten Schedule-Ash Wednesday is February 10. Weekly Lenten services will be supper at 5:45 and the service at 6:30.

Lenten offering and Easter Offering Designations-It was MSC that the Offerings for Lent and Easter services be designated to

Bethany College. Council has been ask to serve the Lenten supper on March 16 at Bethany Church. Last year it was hot dogs, chips and cupcakes or cookies. The next Executive meeting will be on Monday, February 1 and the next Council meeting will be Wednesday, February 10. Respectfully Submitted, Kathey Bengtson, Secretary

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The BLC and MLC youth have had a great couple of months! We had a very successful Chili Cook

off in January making almost $800 toward Youth Quake. We had a wonderful turn out at the Valen-

tine Coffee in early February and we had an amazing turn out at Youth Quake on Valentine’s Day

weekend! We took 18 kiddos to Wichita and had a wonderful experience listening to speakers and

a band, making new friends and praising God. The High School students also served two Lenten

meals in February.

As I am sure you know, Easter is in March this year, but we still have quite a few things planned.

The Lenten service on March 2 will be a youth service. We also plan to take kids to Winter

Jam, a Christian Rock concert on March 11. As always, we will take a break on the Sunday pre-

ceding spring break. We will also not have youth group on Palm Sunday or Easter so that stu-

dents can spend time with their families. The youth group will be serving brunch on Easter

morning.

All of these amazing things could not have happened without the love and support of our BLC and

MLC congregations. We are so appreciative of all the things you do to support these wonderful

kiddos!

Easter Blessings

Jeanne & Phil

YOU ARE INVITED . . .

THE SMOKY VALLEY W/ELCA

CLUSTER 11B GATHERING

Saturday, APRIL 2, 2016

@ MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH

9 am to 1:30 pm COST IS $5 (INCLUDES LUNCH)

AND THE DANCE GOES ON...FOREVER

"LET EVERYTHING PRAISE THE LORD" Ps. 150:1-6

Bible Study by Pastor Rachel Pryor, Messiah's Interim Pastor

Please RSVP by March 28 (day after Easter) to Mary Lindgren 785-227-2640 or to Sharon

Hoffman 620-712-9113. Babysitting will be provided...let us know the age of your children.

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HOLY WEEK: MUSIC ART THEATRE

The Bethany Oratorio Society has been performing Han-

del’s “Messiah” since 1882, and Bach’s “Passion…” since

1929. During Holy Week each year in Lindsborg, the more

than 300 member community chorus and orchestra are

joined by five professional operatic guest soloists.

Guest soloists for this year’s concerts include: Anders Jalkéus,

(brother of Charlotte Anderson, Lindsborg, KS), bass; Alison

Collins, soprano; Clea Huston, mezzo; Randolph Lacy, tenor;

Leslie John Flanagan, baritone; Brian Stranghoner, tenor.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MARCH 18 & 19

Theatre Production of Lucas Hnath's new play: "The Christians" 7:30 pm @ Burnett Center; Tickets at the door, $15

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 Opening of the Juried Student Art Exhibit

Mingenback Gallery at the Mingenback Art Center Open daily, March 20-27

PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 20

"A Musical Celebration of Dr. Walter L. Pelz" Nationally renowned Composer & Church Organist

3:00 pm in Presser Hall

GOOD FRIDAY, March 25 J. S. Bach's "Passion According to St. Matthew"

7:30 pm in Presser Hall

EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 27 Handel's "Messiah"

3:00 pm in Presser Hall

Tickets are $22 or $25 for each concert, and are on sale now at www.messiahfestival.org or

by calling the Festival office at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8229.

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Easter - We celebrate the day of Easter on March 27; however, Easter lasts more than one day.

In fact, the season of Easter is celebrated from Easter Sunday to the Day of Pentecost, a

week of weeks-fifty days in all. Easter is the oldest festival of the church year. The Great Fifty

Days has been celebrated much longer than some other liturgical seasons, like Advent and Lent. The color of Easter is white and the symbols associated with the season are beautiful and bright. Everything about the celebration points to the glorious resurrection of Jesus. (“Before and After Easter” by Debbie Trafton O’Neal)

Schedule for Easter – Children’s Sunday School classes will be held from 9:00 – 9:45 on Easter.

At 9:30 the three year olds – 6th graders will have an Easter Egg Hunt. Preschoolers are also

invited; parents are invited to join the fun. Please send a basket for your child. After the egg hunt at 9:45, all families are invited to the Easter Brunch served by the youth group.

We are using the Spark Classroom curriculum for our three year olds through 6th grades; this se-ries walks through key Old Testament and New Testament Bible stories each year, in a two-year cycle. The New Testament stories are presented in the winter and spring quarters.

March 6 Jesus Feeds 5,000 John 6:1-14

March 13 The Greatest Commandment Matthew 22:34 – 46

March 20 Holy Week Matthew 21:1-11, 26:17-30

March 27 The Empty Tomb Matthew 28:1-10

Come to the Adult Forums, Fellowship Hall, 9:05 each Sunday. Come learn something new!

March 6 The Messiah Festival of Arts Ericka Kruckenberg

March 13, 20 TBA

March 27 No Forum due to the Easter Brunch

Camp Tomah Shinga – now is the time to think of summer camp. Camp registrations are availa-ble from Joyce Peterson. Registration is also available on line. www.camptomahshinga.com.

Bethany will pay half of the cost of camp. Parents are asked to register their child, pay the de-posit and then let Joyce know the specific week of camp.

Confirmation Camp – All 6th and 7th graders are invited to attend Confirmation Camp as a class

during the week of June 26 – July 1. Please let Joyce or Phil know if your youth will attend.

Thrivent Action Team Grants – All Thrivent members are eligible for these grants. Our Mexico trip received one for “house fixtures and electrical wiring”. Applications are on line and easy to fill out. You receive a kit and debit card in the mail to use. If you’re a Thrivent member consider ap-plying for a grant for some worthy cause. If you have questions about the process, check with Joyce!

K.I.C.K. has moved to Messiah Lutheran this semester! We are in the fourth quarter of KICK. We are happy to offer a new art class this quarter. We are so thankful for all our volunteers. 65 - 70 children participate each week in KICK. Extra help is always needed in the kitchen and in board games, if you can help, please let us know. If you have a craft or hobby you would like to share, please let us know.

Submitted by Joyce Peterson, Christian Ed Director, 227 2201, joycepeterson@sbcglobal.net

MARCH 2016 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PAGE

Mexico Moment - We are excited to make our 3rd

trip to Puerto Penasco this year, March 11-19, 2016. There will be a Soup Supper served as a Mexico Fundraiser on March 2. Check out the display in Trinity Hall and the “clothesline” of building needs.

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A WORD FROM PHIL Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

This semester, one of the classes I am taking at Luther Seminary is called Forgiveness, Reconciliation and Healing. It is a very engaging class on a topic that is difficult at times but so imperative to our faith. For-giveness is a common topic within the church, yet sometimes its very meaning and implication is elusive. In other words we talk often about forgiveness, yet we find it so easy to forgive others. This is human nature. As Christians we must ask ourselves, do we forgive others as Christ first forgave us?

To understand this question, we must first look at what it means that Christ first forgave us. Our faith is not contingent on us forgiving others. Our entry into heaven is not based on any works we do including for-giving others. For as Paul wrote in Romans 3:28, “For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.” God commands us to forgive others, yet God’s forgiveness came first. So, even if we do not forgive others, even if we perform no acts of the law, we are still justified by our faith. While we were still sinners, we received God’s forgiveness. In the proclamation of the Word and celebration of the Sacrament, God declares the promise of forgiveness. We are justified, accepted, by God because of what God has done in Christ and through the Holy Spirit in spite of our shortcomings.

All we do in the name of Christ, all works of love, flow from God’s grace. God poured out love and forgiveness on the cross so we can then love and forgive others in God’s name. This is the foundation of the Lutheran Confessions and the basis of Martin Luther’s theology, a theology which our church professes. God alone saves through grace, not anything of our own doing. So, why do we do works at all? Why forgive our neighbors when our works alone, our forgiveness alone, does not glorify God and in doing so we receive no eternal gain? In response to this, Martin Luther wrote In the Freedom of the Christian, “works, being inani-mate things, cannot glorify God, although they can, if faith is present, be done to the glory of God.” We are called to do all things to the glory of God. Quite simply, we forgive because Christ first forgave us.

So, ask yourself this, do you need to forgive? Are you glorifying God with your works of love? It is a tough question that needs an honest approach. Do not perform good works, do not forgive those who have wronged you because you are required to or simply because it is the right thing to do. No, do so as an imita-tion of Christ’s forgiving grace to you. All of our works of love, including our ability to forgive others, flows from God’s grace. --Phil Hett

CHURCH HISTORY Among the early settlers in the Lindsborg area we find the name of Dr. John Rundstrom who, with his wife Maria and infant daughter Inez, arrived in 1869 from Water Valley, Mississippi. Rundstrom was a medi-cal doctor, born, educated and trained in Sweden.

On March 1, 1870, Kansas Governor Harvey appointed three men to organize the new county of McPherson, Dr. John Rundstrom as Special County Clerk, and John H. Johnson and Samuel D. Shields as Special County Commissioners. Rundstrom’s duties were to record the division of the county into townships and supervise holding an election in each one to determine the location of the county seat, and to elect offi-cials. Rundstrom was elected County Coroner.

Dr. Rundstrom homesteaded two miles south and a half mile west of Coronado Heights. He conduct-ed his medical practice from his home. Daniel Gottfrid who was a young boy at the time recalled that the doctor often rode an Indian pony bareback when he made house calls. He would secure the horse by closing the door of the house he entered on the reins. He also made house calls at Marquette.

Mrs. Rundstrom died in 1876 or 1877, leaving the doctor with two young girls, Inez born in 1869 and Ellen born in 1873. In the 1880’s Rundstrom erected a fine new home on his land. (Gilbert and Irene Bengtson raised their sons John and Don there).

Dr. Rundstrom was a welcomed singer in Bethany Church’s Choir, especially since he and Pastor & Mrs. Olsson were the only ones who could read musical notes. In 1882 Dr. Rundstrom was a member of the chorus when the performance of Handel's “Messiah” was presented for the first time in Lindsborg.

Dr. John Rundstrom spent some years in Sharon Springs, Kansas, and at a sugar cane settlement in the country of Cuba. Finally, he moved to St. Peter, Minnesota, where he died in 1921 at the age of 80. His daughter Inez was the first female graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. She was a profes-sor at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota from 1895 into the 1940’s. Pastor Anton Nelson, former pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, commented that Dr. Inez Rundstrom was his favorite teacher at St. Peter. John Rundstrom’s second daughter, Ellen, was a music teacher. She and her husband had five children and organized a family orchestra. They lived in Lindstrom, Minnesota. --Charlotte Ternstrom

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SERVING BETHANY CHURCH IN MARCH SUNDAY MARCH 6, 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Bill & Jan Ferguson 10:30 a.m. Ushers Karl & Wanda Esping Dan & Katie Hawkinson Acolytes 10:30 am Ty & Trayton Miller Nursery 10:30 am Grant Lysell-Alkire

SUNDAY MARCH 13, 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Jolene Reese & Ervalene Johnson 10:30 a.m. Ushers Mark & Nancy Lysell Daryl & Marie Shields Matt & Karen Clark Acolytes 10:30 am McKinley Johnson & Avery VanDerWege Nursery 10:30 am Ty Miller

SUNDAY MARCH 20, PALM SUNDAY 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Ron & Jan Michael 10:30 a.m. Ushers Ron Rolander, Dan Norden Brandon & Brandie Nelson Bruce Harding, Alan Leaf Acolytes 10:30 am Grant Lysell-Alkire & Bruster Bengtson

Nursery 10:30 am Zack Andersen

SUNDAY MARCH 27, EASTER SUNDAY 2016 8:00 a.m. Ushers Jim & Cindy Copple 10:30 a.m. Ushers Nate Woodard, Warren Webster Merle & Terri Nelson Joel Woodard, Shannon Everhart Acolytes 10:30 am Jessica Kelling & Helayne Mader Nursery 10:30 am Bruster Bengtson

5TH SUNDAY 8:00 am Ushers Mary & Jim Parker 10:30 am Ushers Darrell & Janet Malpert Dirk Durant Willis & Lois Larson

Sacristans: MARCH Jay & Lorraine Emler

Altar Guild: MARCH Susan Lundstrom and Karen Carlson

Offering Transfer: 8:00 a.m. Marlin Johnson & Tom DeWitt 10:30 a.m. Justin Mader & Mike Dreier

Communion Ushers: Inge Esping, Amy Rorabach, Terri Nelson, Merle Larson

Ushers: Please hand out bulletins, count the attendance accurately, and help to collect the

offering. IF you are unable to serve on your scheduled date, PLEASE CONTACT SOMEONE

IN THAT CATEGORY AND MAKE A TRADE. Please call the church office by noon on Thurs-

day so that changed information can be included in the bulletin.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SERVING YOUR CHURCH!!!

15

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thus Fri Sat

MARCH 2016

EASTER

EGG HUNT

MARCH 27

9:30 am

EASTER SUN-

DAY MORN-

ING , GRADES

PRE-3 YR

THRU 6TH

1 8:30 am Prayer Group

4:30 pm Out-reach

7 pm Bach Rehearsal

2 3:30 pm KICK @ MLC

5:45 pm Lenten Meal @Bethany

6:30 pm Lenten Ser-vice @ Bethany

7:30 pm Men's Choir

3 8 am SVHS

Prayer

2 pm W/ELCA, FH

6:30 pm Ste-phen Ministry, MLR

4 10 am Sven-

ska Vänskaps-gruppen, MLR

2 pm WORLD

DAY OF PRAY-

ER @ Trinity Methodist

5 7 am Men's Bible Study @ Betha-ny Home

6 8 am Worship/

Communion

9 am Sunday School

9 am 1st Comm Class

9 am Forum, FH

10:30 am Worship/Communion

11:45 am Christian Ed Appreciation Dinner

6-8 pm Messiah Rehearsal

6-7 pm HS youth @ MLC

7

11 am Staff

6 pm Steward-ship/Finance

6:30 pm Global Missions

7 pm Boy Scouts

8 8:30 am Prayer Group

2 pm Library

Committee

7 pm Bach Rehearsal

9

3:30 pm KICK @ MLC

5:45 pm Lenten Meal @ Bethany

6:30 pm Lenten Ser-vice @ MLC

7 pm Christian Ed

7:30 pm Chancel Choir, MLR

8 pm Church Council

10 8 am SVHS Prayer 9 am Piece Art-ists

7:00 TACOL @ Covenant Church

7-8 pm Wom-en's Bible Study@ White Peacock

1111 am

SVENSKA

VÄNSKAPS-

GRUPPEN &

AMER. SCAN.

ASSOC.

PROGRAM &

POTLUCK, FH

WINTER JAM

MEXICO

12 7 am Men's Bible Study @ Betha-ny Home

13 DAYLIGHT

SAVINGS TIME

BEGINS

8 am Worship

9 am Sunday School

9 am Forum, FH

9:45 am Coffee, FH

10:30 am Worship

3 pm Messiah Re-hearsal

14 11 am Staff

7 pm Property Committee

MEXICO

15 BEACON

ARTICLES

DUE 8:30 am Prayer Group@ River-view Estates in Marquette

1:30 pm Visitation

7:30-9:30 pm Bach Rehearsal

16

9:30 am Sarah Circle

NO KICK

5:45 pm Lenten Meal @ Bethany

6:30 pm Lenten Service @ Bethany

7:30 pm Chancel Choir, MLR

7:15 pm Miriam Cir-cle, FH Kitchen

17

9:30 am Naomi Circle

2 pm Rebecca Circle @ Betha-ny Home

6:30 pm Ste-phen Ministry, MLR

18 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen, MLR

19 7 am Men's Bible Study @ Betha-ny Home

1-3 pm Dress

Rehearsal Pelz

Musical Cele-

bration

MEXICO

MISSION

COMES

HOME

20

8 am Worship

9 am Sunday School

9 am Forum, FH

9 am 1st Comm Class

9:45 am Coffee, FH

10:30 am Worship

11-1:30 pm Swedish Dancer Pancake Meal

3 pm Walter L. Pelz

Musical Celebration

@ Presser Hall

21 11 am Staff

6:30 pm Mes-

siah Dress

Rehearsal

7 pm Boy Scouts, FH

22 8:30 am Prayer Group

7-9 pm Bach Rehearsal

23

3:30 pm KICK@ MLC

NO KICK MEAL

7 pm Bach Dress

Rehearsal

24 8 am

SVHS Prayer

6 pm Men's Choir

MAUNDY

THURSDAY

SERVICES @

5 pm & 7 pm

2510 am

Svenska Vänskaps- gruppen, MLR

12:15 pm TACOL GOOD

FRIDAY SERVICE

@ Bethany

7:30 pm St. Mat-

thew's Passion

@ Presser Hall

26 7 am Men's Bible Study @ Betha-ny Home

27 8 am Worship Communion

8:45-10:15 am

Easter Brunch, FH

10:30 am Worship/Communion

3 pm Messiah Perfor-

mance Presser Hall

28 9 am Handy-man Committee

11 am Staff

7 pm Boy Scouts, FH

29 8:30 am Prayer Group

30

3:30 pm KICK@ MLC

5:45 pm KICK Meal

6:30 pm Confirma-

tion Class @ MLC

7 pm Men's Choir, MLR

31 8 am SVHS Prayer

16

BETHANY LUTHERAN

CHURCH

320 N MAIN

LINDSBORG KS 67456

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

LINDSBORG, KS 67456

PERMIT NO. 04

THE BETHANY BEACON A monthly publication of Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, KS 67456

Church: (785) 227-2167 bethanylindsborg@att.net

VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE: http://blclindsborg.org

MARCH 2016 Issue No. 3

Bethany Staff

Rev. Loren Mai, Pastor Home (785) 227-2807 pastorofbethany@att.net Phil Hett Lay Associate Cell (620)212-3931 phil.hett@blclindsborg.org Gretchen Esping Administrative Assistant bethanylindsborg@att.net Butch Gibson Building Manager Joyce Peterson Christian Ed joycepeterson@sbcglobal.net Matt Stula Treasurer Treasurer@blclindsborg.org Carolyn Gibson Financial Secretary carolyn.gibson@blclindsborg.org Genevieve Bishop Organist Leah Ann Anderson Men’s Choir Steve Gustafson Chancel Choir Lori Nelson Children’s Choir

Bethany Church Council

Amy Roraback…………………………………..227-8430

James E. Nelson...................................227-3639

Tom DeWitt.........................................227-3735

Justin Mader...........……………….............212-1111

Joy Everhart.........................................227-2121

Marlin Johnson…………………..…………....227-3920

Mary Parker…………………………………… ..227-2623

Merle Larson…………………………………....227-7046

Terri Nelson………………………………….…..227-2578

Josh Nelson……………………………………...227-2555

Kathey Bengtson (Sec.)………………….... 227-2615

Mike Dreier…………………………..………....227-5525

Matt Stula (Tres.)……………………... 913-485-0444

Brandie Nelson ………...……………… 785-817-2119

Inge Esping ……………………...………..620-213-2992

Lois Larson …………………………...…………..227-2681

Pastor Loren Mai…………………...…..……..227-2807