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THE BETHEL BEACON ~ MAY/JUNE 2019 Church Telephone #: (402) 873-6218

Email: betheluccurch1887@gmail.com

Website: www.bethelucchurch.com

Find us on

BETHEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

2400 CENTRAL AVE. NEBRASKA CITY, NE

68410

Keith A. Valenzuela, Pastor

pkvalenz@gmail.com

Sunday School @ 9 am Worship time @ 10:00 am

A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR

I recently assisted in a RiderCoach Prep in Papillion; A RiderCoach Prep is a 9-day course, spread over a period of three consecutive weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) where motorcyclists desiring to teach safety courses are trained in the

proper presentation of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) curriculum, methods and practices.

One of the candidates was a retired Omaha motor officer. As I was admiring his personal motorcycle, I noticed it had a small camera lens in front and back of the machine. When I I asked about it, he said, “with all of the shenanigans going

on our roads, I wanted to capture any misdeed that may come my way.”

A recent video I saw on Facebook drove his point home to me: I watched a motorcyclist do an illegal pass on a double yellow line, and the car that the rider was passing swerved into the rider, knocking him off the motorcycle and sending him

tumbling badly. The rider was obviously injured; motorists were able to assist him and pull over the offending motorist.

While the motorcyclist was clearly in the wrong, when asked about his deed to the rider, the driver simply said, “I don’t

care.” He said this several times in response to several questions posed to him….”I don’t care.”

The driver was sentenced to 15 years in prison and charged with attempted homicide.

Is that what our society has come to? Is this our new outlook on our fellow man?

Our social interaction has gone down the tubes. People seem to be put off if a person gets ahead of them in line, whether in traffic, or at the grocery store; or a person says something that doesn’t line up with their opinion or outlook; people are tolerant only if you are in lock-step with their viewpoint or don’t encroach on the parking spot that has their name invisibly

emblazoned on the pavement that only they can see.

It’s a “me” mentality out there….”better watch out for #1, because no one else will.”

However, nobody is perfect. We all have a shortcoming or a flaw. The person who was perfect was nailed to a tree.

That person is Jesus, our risen Savior! He said in Matthew:

“But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which

despitefully use you, and persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians:

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians

4:31-32.

Imagine what society could be if people would take just those two passages of scripture and applied them to their lives!

That’s where we come in; applying it, showing it, living it, sharing it.

Be abundantly blessed, and know that our Lord, Jesus Christ cares for you!

~ Pastor Keith

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Sandy & BJ wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions

of love, kindness and sympathy in the loss of her Father “Arnold Frandson.”

Thank you for keeping us in thoughts &

prayers.

VBS will be Monday, July 29th—August 2nd from 5—7pm at the First Evangelical

Lutheran Church at 315 S 16th St. in

Nebraska City. Meals will be provided!

If you or someone you know would like to help, please let the office know.

Community service hours will be given!

Our Annual All Church Picnic will be Sunday, May 19th following worship at Arbor Lodge. We had a wonderful turn

out last year and hope to see many people there again! You may bring a

salad or dessert to share if you wish, but it is not mandatory. Everything else will be

provided! Come join in the fun!

IN OUR PRAYERS IN APRIL

Justin Williams, Logan Drabek, Mason Wieckhorst, Rachelle Drabek, Don

Grundman, Roy Murphy, Tim Worcester, Helen Ramold, Janice Holman,

Tanya Chapin and Tom Thaemlitz and Adrian, Helen Long, Lou Hauptman,

Larry Blocker, the Voelker family, the Zech family, Carol Biere, Dakota Miller,

KT Bescheinen, Joyce Baldwin, NinaJean Rohlfs, the family and friends of

Robert Heye, those affected by the flooding, and all who struggle with chronic

illness, including those reside in their homes and long-term care facilities, and

those affected by bullying, suicide, and depression.

COME BE A PART OF THE MODD SQUAD!

Mothers, you work hard for the Lord, your family, employer, and everyone

else who is dear to you!

Put aside your responsibilities for just a brief moment and hang with the

MODD Squad (Mother’s Off Duty Day).

This is a non-committee, informal event where pajamas are welcome

(In a non-public setting!)

Movies, coffee, chit -chat, bible study, who knows what can happen with the

MODD Squad?

Our next meeting is June 22nd. Time and location to be announced later.

"Bethel Brotherhood" is a men's fellowship that will meet on the first Saturday

of each month. It's for ALL men! Single, married, gear heads, farmers,

retired.....Meet at the church at 9 am for an impromptu free will breakfast,

chit-chat, bible study, devotion, however the sprit leads.

CONGRATULATIONS NOAH HAMILTON!!!

Come and help Noah celebrate his graduation from MTI’s Progressive

Welding and Manufacturing Tech program on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at

3:30 pm, located at the Peru Community Church in Peru, NE.

Thank you to everyone

who brightened our sanctuary with flowers,

and who sponsored bulletins during the month

of April.

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ATTENTION GEARHEADS!

Bethel UCC is holding their 1st annual “Gearhead Sunday” on Sunday, June 9th at 10 am!

Shine up your Hot Rod, classic car, or motorcycle and join us for our 10 am service, followed by a free

-will lunch!

Afterwards, admire the various cars and motorcycles from River City Classics, the Christian

Motorcyclist Association and others!

Cast your penny vote for “Best of Show” for Hot Rod and Motorcycle; limited-edition shirts will be

available for purchase (cash or check accepted); $15.00 each, $2.00 extra for sizes 2X and larger

and they’ll go fast!

The fun starts at 10 am, Sunday, June 9 th and goes to who know when?

All proceeds go to the Bethel Youth Group program.

Be a Gearhead! Have fun, and we’ll see you on June 9 th!

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Friday, April 19, 2019

Thank you to everyone who helped in cleaning up and adding new mulch to the outdoor worship

area, and to Jerry Gieseking for putting the crosses up! It looks beautiful!!!

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We all had a great time at Pastor Keith’s birthday party in Lorton on April 22nd!

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Mother ~ Daughter Salad Luncheon hosted by Bethel UCC on Saturday, April 13th.

Special thanks to Connie Jensen for organizing the event, NinaJean for providing

our music, and to Mary Redelfs for being our guest speaker. Thank you as well to

everyone who brought their dress and/or a salad. A wonderful time was had by

all!

Our beautiful

models from left

to right:

Madisen Tietz,

Brianna Johnson,

and

Elizabeth

Poggemeyer.

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MAY

Roger & Karen Pieper ~ May 7, 1965

Alex & Natalie Sevening ~ May 14, 2011

Chuck & Shellene Funk ~ May 21, 2011

Stephen & Christine Luther ~ May 25, 2001

Kevin & Jan Pummel ~ May 25, 1975

JUNE

Michael & Brenda Wieckhorst~June 5, 1999

Arlin & NinaJean Rohlfs ~ June 8, 1962

Larry & Tracy Wieckhorst~ 6/10/1989

Vernon & Linda Brooke ~ June 11, 1957

Mike & Mary Redelfs ~ June 20, 1986

Jerry & Connie Gieseking ~6/26/1976

Burton & Cindy Weible ~ June 26th

Daniel & Jen Hamilton ~ June 29, 1996

LOOKING AHEAD TO JULY

Wed. 3rd: Spiritual Council meeting 6:00pm

Thurs. 4th: Independence Day ~ Office closed

Sun. 7th: Communion/Food Pantry Mon. 8th: Board of Christian Ed. meeting 6pm, Church Council meeting 7pm Sat. 13th: Fellowship Hall rsvd. By Dan Hamilton 8 am—Noon Mon. 22nd—Sat. 27th: Vacation time! Pastor Keith in Colorado and Sarah...well….who knows where she’ll end up!

Mon. 29th—Aug. 2nd: Vacation Bible School at 1st Lutheran

Church from 5-7 pm

BEST WISHES TO THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR BIRTHDAYS IN MAY AND JUNE

MAY

Mike Redelfs 4th David Carpenter 5th Rylee Mills 7th Delphine Griepenstroh 9th

Katie Chapin 11th Sharon Kotas 11th Brian Bando 12th Jason Stukenholtz 13th

Grace Sinner 14th Anna Hotsenpillar 18th Dalyce Sudman 19th Emily Meadows 24th

Tyler Vock 25th Katheryn Walters 27th Andrew Stukenholtz 28th Bill Walters 29th

JUNE

Delores Schriener 1st Nancy Brown 4th Josie Meadows 6th Danielle Barrett 6th

Jason Holman 7th Allan Barrett 10th Denise Valenzuela 17th Justace Rinne 20th

Judy Smith 20th Makenzie Johnson 22nd Quintin Holman 23rd Burton Weible 25th

John Carroll 28th

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019

GRADUATING SENIORS!

Christoph Gleich Jason Stukenholtz Matthew Ramold

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Thank you to all who brought Easter lilies to honor and memorialize

their loved ones. They were a beautiful addition to our Easter service!

Thank you as well to everyone who helped in any way during Holy

Week and with Easter services.

In Remembrance of: From:

Gerald Jensen & Sons Connie Jensen & Family

Mark & Ellen Wieckhorst, Mike Wieckhorst, Dale Francis Family,

Paul Wieckhorst, and Dan & Sonny Francis Jean Wieckhorst Family

Michael Wieckhorst Family

LaVonne Grundman LuAnn Murphy

Jack & Evelyn Brust John & Margaret Brust

John & Elfrieda Gawart

In Honor of: From:

Pastor Keith & Denise & our new leaders Sarah Bando

for 2019

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CHURCH COUNCIL

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Spiritual Council Meeting Minutes

The Spiritual Council of Bethel Church was held in the Duensing Chapel on April 3,

2019 at 6:00pm. Present include Michelle Francis, Stephen Luther, Neil Niebruegge,

Dean Griepenstroh and Nancy Brown. The minutes from previous month’s meeting

and were approved as corrected.

The meeting was opened by prayer from the Pastor. Maundy Thursday service will

be a video presentation from Ray Vander Laan.

Pastors report- Crosses have been arranged for the service. Bethel Brotherhood will

have an informal get together on April 7th and the MODD squad is planning on

meeting April 20th. Pastor will be working on fine tuning the confirmation curriculum

that will start in August at 8:30am. Attempting to reach Chris Golden or George

Blessing from B102 about the sound system. Took bulletins to the shut ins with the

last visitation and it was well received.

Old Business-Discussion about the Living Last Supper planned for April 29. Michelle

has been placing flyers around town and Pastor has reached out for advertising to

B103 for this week and News Press next week. Will check with the group to see if our

sound system is workable. Planning on feeding 25 people before the performance. It

was decided that communion will be offered by intinction. The actors will present. It

was decided our portion of the offering will go for Flood Relief. The Youth Fellowship

will be ushers.

New Business-We will be providing Flood Relief meals on Thursdays at 5:15. Last

week we had 37 people. By-Law committee is meeting regularly and are looking for

suggestions on changes that need to be made. Futures services are April 7th

communion, April 14th Living Last supper with communion, April 18

th Maundy

Thursday, April 19th Good Friday Ministerial Association Service and Easter on April

21st. Michelle has a backup plan if Nina Jean is not able to play after her surgery.

Next Meeting Wednesday May 1st at 6pm. Meeting closed using the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Brown

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The Board of Christian Education met on Monday, April 8th. Present were Jen Hamilton, Danielle

Barrett, Sarah Bando, and Pastor Keith. Our meeting opened with a prayer by Pastor Keith.

The high school class is in charge of Sunrise Service on April 21st at 6:30 am. Women’s Fellowship will

help with the breakfast following the service. There will be donuts and juice for the Sunday school

children, along with an outdoor egg hunt and games to play.

Our first vacation bible school meeting is Thursday, April 25th at 6 pm at First Lutheran. VBS will be July

29th through August 2nd at First Lutheran from 5—7 pm. If anyone would like to help out, please let the

office know.

Senior Breakfast and Recognition is Sunday, May 5th. Our seniors, their families, and mentors have

been invited to a breakfast in Fellowship Hall at 9 am. Gifts have been purchased for the senior

recognition during worship that morning. Our seniors are Jason Stukenholtz, Matthew Ramold, and

Christoph Gleich.

May 19th will be a busy day! It is the last day of Sunday school, 4th quarter attendance awards, teacher

recognition during worship, and our All Church Picnic will be at Arbor Lodge following worship. Church

Council will provide the meat, Spiritual Council will bring baked beans or a hot side dish, the Board of

Christian Ed will bring chips, buns, and condiments, Women’s Fellowship will bring the drinks and

dinnerware, and we ask that the congregation bring a salad or dessert.

Our meeting ended with The Lord’s Prayer.

Our next meeting will be Monday, May 13th at 6 pm at the church.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Bando, Secretary

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SCHEDULED TO SERVE MAY 2019

LAY LEADERS

May 5 May 12 May 19 May 26

Sarah Bando Mark Francis Sandy Ried Dennis Marshall

GREETERS

May 5 May 12 May 19 May 26

JaneKreifels/Cindy Kreifels Dean & Carol Biere Delores Schreiner Burt & Cindy Weible

USHERS

May 5 May 12 May 19—May 26

Spiritual Council Holman Family Dean & Sue Griepenstroh/ Chip & Erin Johnson

SOUND SYSTEM

May 5—May 12 May 19—May 26 FLOWERS ~ Sarah Bando

Stephen Luther Dennis Marshall COOKIE FELLOWSHIP ~ Board of Christian Ed.

ACOLYTES

May 5 May 12 May 19 May 26

Landon & Addison Brianna & Makenzie Madisen & Lily Blake & Chloe

SCHEDULED TO SERVE JUNE 2019

(Please call the office or sign the sign-up sheet if you can help)

LAY LEADERS ~ Need volunteers all month FLOWERS ~ Connie Jensen

GREETERS ~ Need volunteers all month COOKIE FELOWSHP ~ Hamilton Family

USHERS ~ Need volunteers all month

SOUND SYSTEM ~ Need volunteers all month

ACOLYTES

June 2 June 9 June 16 June 23 June 30

Mason W. Landon Brianna Madisen Blake

Keston Addison Makenzie Lili Chloe

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Bethel United Church of Christ

2400 Central Avenue

Nebraska City, NE 68410

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Easter crew ready to hunt those eggs!