But, many folks still have questions. Like, what are all these groups
Bethany and acronyms? Is Bethany congregation satisfied with the Council‘s
Bells
September 2009 policy which states we will remain under the old
ELCA guidelines? (That policy was printed in the Bells, handed out
after worship, and printed in last year‘s Annual Report. See pg. 6
regarding a proposed vote at the 2011 Annual Meeting to add that
policy to our By-Laws.)
More questions: if we‘re satisfied with our own policy, does that
mean we generally agree to continue in the ELCA? Or does the
The monthly newsletter of congregation want Council to leave the issue of affiliation open for
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH more research, observation, & debate? Or does the congregation
110 West Austin Street, Fredericksburg, Texas want to pursue a vote to leave the ELCA, according to processes
Phone 830-997-2069 Fax 830-990-8916 www.bethanyfredericksburg.com and steps outlined in our constitution? Or, are you undecided?
“Being, Living as, and Making Disciples of Jesus Christ”
What happens to pastors on staff as well as retired pastors in the
JANUARY 2011 congregation if Bethany were to leave the ELCA and affiliate with
another Lutheran denomination? Where would new pastors come
from? Do other groups have seminaries?
A new Research Task Force was appointed by Council after the
Forums, Survey & Info Town Hall meeting to compose a survey and address the ―most
asked questions‖ council hears. They‘re preparing a packet with
on the ELCA some answers to those questions. They‘ll host ―Sunday Forums‖ in
By Pastor Casey Zesch the sanctuary to discuss those questions and others you may have.
Time to check the pulse of the congregation. We‘ll be doing it by
survey after offering Sunday forums and informational packets. HERE‟S THE PLAN:
You‘ll be receiving a mailing from the Council soon. What about?
I‘ll give the basic ―bullet points‖ on the next page, but here‘s the Sunday, Jan 2: Open Forum, 9:15 a.m., sanctuary
background you should know. At the last Town Hall meeting, called Sunday, Jan 9: Open Forum, 9:15 a.m., sanctuary
to hear the report of the Research Task Force, we heard an update Sunday, Jan 16: Open Forum, 9:15 a.m., sanctuary
on controversies in our own Evangelical Lutheran Church in and SURVEY at all 3 Worship Services
America (ELCA) stirred by the 2009 church-wide assembly‘s votes
which allow local congregations to make their own decisions about The survey (which is not a vote) asks your opinion on 3 items:
same-gender relationships and calling pastors in such relationships. (1) the ELCA‘s vote
That Task Force interviewed congregations which left the ELCA, (2) Bethany‘s policy
congregations which took ―leaving‖ votes that failed, and Bishop (3) staying in or leaving the ELCA (or undecided)
Tiemann. Some attended the National Coalition for Reform (CORE)
convention which formed the new North American Lutheran Church If you‘re homebound, please call the church office by Monday,
(NALC). Some attended the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for January 10th, and someone will bring you a survey. If you know
Christ (LCMC) Texas convention. They monitored websites of you‘ll be absent on January 16, you can stop by Berta‘s office in
CORE, LCMC, and NALC. With their report, the Task Force work advance, take the survey, and drop it in a box.
was completed.
2
Pick up “NEW” BETH MOORE STUDY
your To Live is Christ:
copy The Life & Ministry of Paul
Jan 16! Begins Wed, Jan 5, 6:30-8:30PM
Fellowship Hall
11 week study – 9 Wednesdays before
[Congregational Survey Taken] Lent & 2 Sunday evenings. Join us & invite
a friend! Sign up on Berta Allen’s door or
call church office or email Camille at
camillew@beecreek.net.
[All denominations welcome!]
“Der Stat Friedhof
Cemetery”
You may write a check
payable to Bethany & mark
‗Cemetery‘. Place in your
December special offering
envelope, or a pew envelope
WON‟T YOU JOIN FOR 1 YEAR? All major standing on any Sunday morning or mail to the
committees, boards & teams reorganize & set goals for
2011. Lunch will be provided! Parish Ed, Evangelism, church.
Fellowship, Property & Mgmt, Social Concerns,
Stewardship, Youth, Worship We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4: 19
3
4
Congregational Goal PROPOSED BY-LAW CHANGES
To ―Bethany Constitution and By-Laws‖
2011
For Bethany Annual Meeting January 23, 2011
(Congregation will vote.)
PROPOSED CHANGE TO BY-LAWS, SECTION 5, THE ANNUAL
Last year Bethany focused on the part of our mission MEETING
statement ―being disciples of Jesus Christ.‖ This year we Allows flexibility in setting the Sunday in January for the
focus on ―living as disciples of Jesus Christ‖ so that we bless Congregational Annual Meeting
and impact our community and world through service. 1. The annual meeting shall be held on the 3rd a Sunday in
January, as determined by the church council.
A ministry goal is for the whole congregation as it actively
engages in the mission Jesus has for us. It‘s not simply one PROPOSED ADDITION TO BY-LAWS, SECTION 4, THE
committee‘s work, or one particular Bible study, or the pastors‘ PASTORAL CALL
sermon series. It is all the people of Bethany coming Puts into the By-Laws the Bethany Council’s policy regarding the
option, approved at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, for local
together—as individuals, small groups, organizations,
congregations to choose to or to choose not to bless same- gender
committees, council—to focus our work together around one couples or call pastors in same-gender relationships.
all-encompassing goal for 2011.
Add, following # 6, the two following paragraphs 7 and 8:
This year we will continue our practice, from 2010, of Bible 7. While the congregation welcomes gay and lesbian people in to
study and small-group participation…but we will focus on the life of the church, the congregation nevertheless does not
service. Some small groups—such as women‘s circles, authorize marriages, civil unions, or blessings of persons in same-
quilters, Beth Moore tables, youth, blessing-scholarship gender relationships, and such blessings will not be performed on
groups, and others—are already visibly impacting our the church property or by the congregation‘s pastors.
community with service. 8. This congregation will not call a pastor who is or intends to be in
a same-gender relationship.
We want to rev up the engine on service that blesses and
impacts the people of our county and people in need
throughout the world. Our mission is always both local and DOOR FUND
global! We can‘t help it—Christ gave us that commission. Doors say a lot! Many have commented on the
Watch for ways you can serve in 2011. beauty of the new interior doors leading into
the sanctuary, made possible by donations from
Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, cards, a couple of families plus funds from Bethany’s
hugs & expressions of sympathy after the
death of our beloved father Marvin Schuch. Memorial Fund. We have been looking in to
Thanks also to all the persons who visited him new exterior Front Doors at our main entrance.
in Knopp Nursing Home the past 2 years. Special thanks to Should you wish memorials to go for this project,
Danny & Gayle McQuay and Holly for their monthly visits with him
at the Nursing Home, thanks also to Pastors Casey Zesch, Steve donations may be made to the Memorial Fund with
Qualben, Steve Rode & Clarence Rose for all you did for our checked stubbed “front doors.”
father during the past several years while he was home bound or
in the Nursing Home. All your prayers & concerns are deeply ONLINE VISTA The online version of The Vista, the monthly
appreciated. –Berta Allen & Donnie Schuch Families newsletter of our Southwestern Texas Synod, is available at
www.thevistaonline.org.
5
YOUTH NEWS! DISCIPLES’ CROSSWALKS
2011 is a new year, with new opportunities for
study, service, fellowship and just plain fun! The New Year is Have you ever made a promise?
upon us and it is going to be a GREAT one for the Bethany Did you keep that promise?
Youth. This year we will be holding a weekly Bible study and
worship time for our High School Youth. CROSSTRAINERS will Was it a hard promise to keep?
explore our relationship with God. How do we live lives that are
pleasing to God? What is God‘s plan for us?
This month we will
CROSSTRAINERS learn about a
“I Will Follow You” promise God made to
Every Wednesday night 6:30 – 8:00pm Abraham.
A mid-week gathering for Sr. High Students with time for fellowship, This promise was so
faith-talk & worship! Bring a friend for all of the fun. big & took so long to
Food and drink provided.
keep, that God made
Plans and preparation are in full swing for some major trips this the same promise to
year. In June, the Jr. High Youth will travel to Colorado and
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp for a week of confirmation camp.
all of Abraham‘s
The Sr. High Youth will be spending a week at Big Bend descendants.
National Park in June as well. The trips will offer great We will learn about Rebekah, who was important to
opportunities for faith-building, but they also come with some this promise. She was a determined & strong woman
heavy expenses. The Youth Groups will be holding 2 separate who acted out of great love for God & others. God
fundraisers to help defray some of the costs of the trips. We gives each of us special opportunities to
will hold a parents meeting on February 6 to discuss upcoming
fundraisers and how your youth can participate.
serve. Come to Sunday school in
January to learn about Rebekah &
Garage Sale: The Bethany Youth will be holding its Annual
Garage Sale on February 19. If you have items that you would
how we can use our own special
like to donate for sale at the Garage Sale please contact Matt gifts & talents to serve God.
White. All proceeds from the Garage Sale will go toward Workshops include:
defraying the cost of upcoming Youth events. *Making a clay jar!
Upcoming Events
*Playing a camel game!
Jan 5, 12, 19, 26: CROSSTRAINERS – Sr. High Bible Study *Doing fun math & science!
Jan 9: Pizza & Laser Tag (Jr. High) All activities in our NEW Good
Feb 6: Parents meeting - Upcoming Fundraisers News Network room!
February 19: Garage Sale Fundraiser (Sr. & Jr. High Youth)
TEACHERS NEEDED FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sign up Karlene‘s door #99.
8
GENERAL FUND
Beginning Balance January 2010- $10,000.00
For your commitment in making disciples for Jesus by General Fund Income – NOVEMBER $38,189.42
General Fund Expenses – Nov $42,078.34 (-3,888.92)
serving as teachers, mentors & shepherds for Christian General Fund Income – Year $452,925.35
Education in 2010. General Fund Expense – Year $482,749.07 (-27,633.96)
Max & Bonnie Beckmann Virginia Terrazas General Fund BALANCE – End of NOVEMBER--- ($-19,823.72)
(Beginning Balance $10,000)
Lois Bush Jaye Treibs General Fund Designated Accounts: $108,750.80
Donna Bryant Jennifer Jenschke Special Accounts in addition to the above include:
Dee Dahlstrom Pam Schnelle ELCA Loan Fund $35,000.00
Krystal Geistweidt Kendra Ottmers Seminary Scholarship Fund (Compass) $ 6,576.46 (CD)
Winnie Griffin Elizabeth White Contingency Funds: BBVA Compass $152,953.69
Lindy Haley Matt White
Capital Improvement Fund – Income for month $507.26
Judy Kramer Brad & Carol Schulz Expenses: Bethany School (year) $4,900
Beth Luckenbach Ken Smith Capital Improvement BALANCE – End of NOV - $40,081.18
Laura Magee Michael Myers
Kathy Marquart Marc & Camille Williamson Special Offerings: Haiti Disaster - $1375
Jan – Ministry in North Africa ‗Hope for the Nations‘ $2913
Marian Nixon Todd & Tammy Keener
Feb – BLC Youth Activities $750 Mar- New Horizons/Living Well - $2303
Karen Oestreich Jody Donovan Apr-Synod Special Offering - $1046 May-Good Samaritan Center - $3393
Karlene Ottmers Pastor Casey Zesch June-Cross Trails Ministry - $1281 July-Boys & Girls Club $1357
David Otto Jonathan Baethge Aug-Bethany Pre School $8468 Sept $878
Jim & Lynne Parker Travis Jones Oct-Habitat for Humanity $1611
Pastor Steve Qualben Rose Marie Mazanke Nov- Hunger Programs $4502
Kim Sedgwick
Caroline Stafford Faithful Shepherd:
Kay Stech Sharon Millsap
Denise Stehling Office Staff:
Sandy Swearingen Kenneth Treibs & Janet Rode
POTLUCK MEAL
Bethany WELCA News
Craft day starts again Jan. 4 at 9:00 in the triple room. January 16th after services
Circle Meetings for the New Year Start:
Leah - 1st Thursday 10:00 January meeting at Camille
Williamson's home 1046 Royal Oak Loop
Lydia - 2nd Thursday 9:30 Meetings held at Church
The Circles met on December 9 for their Christmas luncheon and
Spiritual Sister revealing. Christmas music was led by Annabel
Wilkinson and a wonderful lesson on the Gifts of the Spirit led by
Denise Stehling.
9
th Jan Sandy/Tom Swearingen
PRESCHOOL –JAN 9 23
Sandy Swearingen
Sandy Swearingen
Darron Dorethy
Brian Maenius
Terry Neans
Rocki Hartmann
Vic/Marian Nixon
Tom Swearingen Rocki Hartmann
After 8AM Service & Jan
30
Jean Weber Jeremy/Kendra Ottmers No Communion
Camille Williamson Bubba/Pam Schnelle Stanley Meier
After 10:30 Services
11
JANUARY 2011 TRADITIONAL WORSHIP JANUARY 2011TRADITIONAL WORSHIP
Date Time COMMUNION ASST ACOLYTES Date Time USHERS GREETERS
(Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays)
8:00 Max Beckmann, Capt.
Richard & Roxanne Bruns Jan
Jan 8:00 Bonnie Beckmann, Jeanette Beckmann
2 Joan Diemer
2 Gerhard Diemer
10:30 Jonathan & Carol Baethge
Norma Grace 10:30
Kenneth Treibs, Capt. Heide Kemper
8:00 Jaye Treibs, Jennifer Jenschke
Jan No Communion Jacob & James Jenschke
9 10:30
Richard Bruns, Capt. Roxanne Bruns
Jan 8:00
Jeanette Beckmann Margie & Patrick Hohmann Gloria Brooks
Jan 8:00 9
May Eilers
16 Willard Dearing, Capt. Laura Durst
10:30 MJ Dittmar, Ricky Durst
Weldon/Jet Itz, Roseda Itz 10:30 Jerry Itz
Jan 8:00
No Communion Jan 8:00 Dan Mittel, Capt. Donna Mittel Judy/Scott
23
16 Sharon & Tom Roarick Brundridge
10:30
10:30
Jan 8:00 Dick Stuewe, Capt. Anton Loest Susie Bryson
30 10:30 No Communion Steven Stuewe, Jewell Weirich
Jan 8:00 Dwight Oestreich, Capt
23 Beth Luckenbach Dorothy Klier
JANUARY 2011 PRAISE & WORSHIP (10:25) 10:30 Margaret & Raymond Klaehn
Date WORSHIP LEADER HOSTS Communion Assts Ernie & Karen
(Communion Ed Kramer, Capt. Loeffler
KIDS MESSAGE 2nd & 4th Sundays) Prayer Minister
Judy Kramer
Joyce Richey No Communion Logan & Colleen Ketron
Jan Ken Smith
Lynette Cornehl Shirley Meier
2 Ken Smith Vonnie Maner, Capt.
Stanley/Shirley Meier Jan 8:00 Isabel Meier
Zander Maner, Victor Meier
30
Carl/Cristol Schoessow 10:30 Jim Green
Jan Tim/Dee Dahlstrom
Carl Schoessow Terry Neans Roseda Itz
9 Ralph/Karen Rode
Carl Schoessow Sem Geistweidt Bubba Schnelle, Capt.
Adam Geistweidt Pam Schnelle
Don & Beth Weeks
Carl Schoessow
Jan Kay Stech Stuart Stech No Communion
16 Kay Stech Ed/Judy Kramer Danny McQuay
Tim Bolton
JANUARY 2011 ALTAR GUILD catch up. "I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt.
The farmer said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be
Traditional Worship:
able to run & play with you like these other dogs would." The little
Marjorie Ottmers, Pat Rice, Berta Allen boy reached down & rolled up one leg of his trousers & revealed a
Praise & Worship: steel brace running down both sides of his leg. "You see sir, I don't
Margaret Borchers & Krystal Geistweidt run too well myself & he will need someone who understands." With
tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down & picked up the little
Have prayer needs? pup &handed it to the little boy. "How much?" the boy asked. The
A prayer minister is available after each contemporary farmer said, "There's no charge for love." The world is full of
―Praise & Worship‖ service in the Fellowship Hall, near people who need someone who understands.
the cross. He or she will pray with you, according to
your needs & requests. 16
15
th
10 Anniversary Christmas Journey
We offer a big Thank you to so many of you who volunteered for the
2010 Christmas Journey. We set another record in numbers of cars,
tour buses & people this year. But the real measure is in the
expressions & comments of the people who came through. A woman Peace & Blessings, Kim Bonillas, Director
from the heart of Mexico commented in Spanish ―hermosos ojos ángel‖
pointing out the beauty of the eyes of the angel atop the stable. A 5-
year old boy told the pastors, ―That was the awesomist thing I ever
At Bethany, we strive to meet
saw!‖ the needs of the whole child.
We touched a lot of hearts with our two-night event; we brought joy We feel that it is our
to many. If you‘ve been involved in Christmas Journey for several responsibility to form a
years, ―Thank you, thank you!‖ If you‘ve never been involved, we
invite you to get involved in 2011. partnership with each
This year we want to thank businesses like Gatti‘s Pizza, JEK‘s Pit parent to nurture the
Stop, Treibs Entertainment, Cole Lewis Artist, Rode Construction, and spiritual, emotional, physical
Fredericksburg Funeral Home (all owned by Bethany members) who
donated pizza, ice, sound equipment, art work, metal frame welding,
& educational needs of each
and a tent. When you see these people, please remember to thank child. We use Pinnacle Curriculum which is a
them. All monetary contributions collected at the exit will go to the faith-based program that offers age-appropriate
Fredericksburg Food Pantry. activities that use an open-ended & hands on
Blessings & Thanks from the entire Christmas Journey Team
approach. In this program, children participate in
A farmer had 4 puppies he needed to sell. A little boy
circle time activities, learning centers, guided &
came by & said, "I want to buy one of your open-ended projects, fine & gross motor
puppies." Then reaching into his pocket & activities, story time, chapel & field trips.
said, "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough DON‟T FORGET OUR ANNUAL FAJITA
to take a look?" "Sure," said the farmer. He whistled out from the
doghouse ran Dolly & four little balls of fur. The DINNER FEBRUARY 20!
little boy eyes danced with delight. Slowly a
smaller little ball appeared. The little pup began
hobbling toward the others, doing its best to
[The second week of the month staff meeting is held on Wed due to
“What is God’s Plan for MY LIFE?” the Deanery meeting.]
January 9th (Sunday) 11:45AM-1:30PM (lunch TURN OUT THE LIGHTS AFTER MEETINGS, PLEASE!
served). An introduction to how Christianity FLOWER CHART: Sign-up charts in the narthex for traditional
services & in the fellowship hall lobby for praise & worship.
connects with your life will be taught by one of our TAKING OUT THE TRASH: Whenever your committee, group or
pastors and designed for anyone who wants to learn organization serves food in the Fellowship Hall, please take the trash to
the dumpster. Thanks!
more about God’s plan for their lives. You can just HOSPITAL: If you are hospitalized, please call or have someone call
show up but if you’d like to join us for lunch on the the church office to let the pastors know for visitation. You need to
specifically put ‗Bethany‘ on your hospital registration form at check-in.
9th, please see signup sheet on Pastor Qualben’s Pastors check HCMH on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & whenever notified of
door! admissions.
LOCK IT TWICE: Please remember when you leave the church at
17
night to lock each glass door twice. (1) crash-bar (2) outside knob.
18
DECEMBER NURSING HOME COMMUNION
Location Day Time Location Day Time
LOST ANYTHING? We have found a number of Knopp Care Ctr Wed Jan 5 9:30 Windcrest Wed Jan 12 9:30
articles left behind during the construction of Knopp #2 Wed Jan 5 10:30 FBG Wed Jan 12 10:30
Heritage Place Thur Jan 6 9:30 Knopp RC Thur Jan 13 9:30
Christmas Journey ranging from cedar clippers to Paige House Thur Jan 6 10:00 Knopp #1 Thur Jan 13 10:30
Tri Star Thur Jan 6 10:30
gloves. If you are missing something, call Jonathan
at 889-2395. Bethany: October/January/April/July
Holy Ghost: September/December/March/June
COMMUNION: For those with walking difficulties, the pastors & Zion: November/February/May/August
communion assistants will bring the Lord‘s Supper to them. Please do 3
things to help: Sit near an aisle, tell an usher or worship host when you
enter & raise a hand as communion distributors walk by.
WORSHIP SERVICE „CRY ROOMS’: Sanctuary for Traditional
SACRED ARTS IN JANUARY
services (unattended); Room #208 for Praise & Worship service Bethany‟s Sacred Arts Ministry for 1st thru 5th
(unattended). Both rooms will be wired to hear either service. graders is held every Tuesday beginning Jan 4 from
SERVING FOOD AFTER FUNERALS: For funerals for members, we 3:45 to 5:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Each course is a
offer to serve sandwiches, cake & tea for the family & close friends. one month, stand-alone course, so that if a child misses
Usually 20 – 50 folks. We‘ll serve up to 75 (after 75, the family will need
to see about additional food). Roseda Itz recruits food makers & food one month, they may enter a new month with everyone
servers. Would you help? Contact Margie Ottmers 997-2069. starting together from day one. We‘ll be picking up
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: You must contact Berta in the church children from FBG Elementary every Tues right after
office for availability of fellowship hall rental. Arrangements include prep school. Snacks at 3:30 followed by Bible Study & prayer
prior to event & cleanup afterward. time led by Pastor Steve with instruction in the ‗sacred
SOFT DRINK CANS “ONLY”: Donate your empty soft drink cans to
Bethany Preschool. Place them outside the basement kitchen door on art of the month‘ by Matt White plus volunteers from our
the west side of the church. (Nothing but cans, please!) congregation, Parents are encouraged to sign up their
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Normal hours are Mon-Thur 8:30 a.m. to children & their friends. See signup on Pastor Steve‘s
5:00 p.m. Offices are manned on Fri am but closed to routine business door.
while bulletins are printed, financial records posted & sermons prepared. 19
Staff meetings usually held Tuesday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m.
‘DUST’
Remember, a layer of dust protects the Wood beneath it. A Highlights – DECEMBER COUNCIL MEETING
house becomes a home when you can write 'I love you' on the Pastor Qualben reviewed the Parish Paper – ―Fifty Years Later: What
Has Changed?‖
furniture. Remember when you used to spend at least 8 hours
Exec Committee approved Berta Allen‘s request to end the
every weekend making sure things were just perfect - 'in case congregation‘s sponsorship of her with the ELCA Board of Pensions
someone came over.' Finally you realized one day that no-one and move her medical coverage to Medicare – an annual savings
came over; they were all out living life and having fun! Now when beginning in 2011 of $7500.
Approved 2011 Parsonage Furnishing Allowance for Pastor Zesch
people visit, you don't have to explain the 'condition' of your ($5,000) and Pastor Qualben ($2,400).
home. They are more interested in hearing about the things Brainstormed ideas on ways to use Bethany Lutheran‘s portion of the
you've been doing. Foundation Grant.
If you haven't figured this out yet, please Prepared preliminary list of 2011 Council Committee Representatives.
heed this advice. Life is short. Enjoy it! Approved draft letter and the Congregational Survey sample from Info
Task Force to be mailed out with pros/cons documentation the week of
Dust if you must but wouldn't it be better 12/27/10 – Info Task Force team will finalize detailed packet and
to paint a picture or write a letter, bake receive approval from Council before being mailed out.
st
cookies or a cake & lick the spoon or plant Approved and appointed Al Muir as 1 Year Person for Audit
a seed, ponder the difference between Committee.
Pastor Zesch gave an update from the Long Range Planning
want & need? Dust if you must, but there's not much time with Committee regarding the property ―Master Plan‖ idea as presented by
tea to drink, rivers to swim & mountains to climb, music to hear & Randy Stehling.
books to read, friends to cherish & life to lead. This day will not Approved recommendation from the Stewardship Committee to send
th
come around, again. Dust if you must but bear in mind, old age $500 of the 4 quarter Non-ELCA funds to World Vision to provide
livestock to needy families.
will come & it's not kind. And when you go - and go you must - Approved recommendation from the Youth Committee to hold the
you, yourself will make more dust! It's not what you gather, but annual Bethany garage sale fundraiser on 2/26/11.
what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived. Approved Transfer In: Keith and Eileen Whited from Holy Ghost
Lutheran Church
Weddings: Bryan James Lange & April Lourell Varnadore, 11/6/10
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH Funerals/Memorials: Roland Chester Hohmann, 10/4/10; Daniel O.
Ministers: All Members of Bethany Lutheran Church Jung, 10/21/10; Ruth Stein Mann, 11/19/10; Marvin E.C. Schuch,
*Rev. Casey Zesch *Rev. Steve Qualben 11/27/10; Lester Lamp, 12-01-10
Pastor of Visitation & Admin: Rev. Steve Rode New Members Received and/or Welcomed 11/21/10: Chuck & Billie
Director of Youth & Children‘s Ministries: Matt White Blankenship, Bob & Lou Ann Fletcher, Nathan Kott, Bob & Lyn Linka,
Council President: Kenneth Treibs Terrie Nixon, Joe & Madeline Sagebiel, Keith & Eileen Whited
Office Administrator: Berta Allen Announced the following four as council candidates for the election at
Worship & Volunteer Coordinator: Marjorie Ottmers the Annual Meeting: Linda Davis, Jim McAfee, Ralph Rode, and Carl
Curriculum Director: Karlene Ottmers Schoessow
Praise & Worship Music Coordinator: Matt White Announced the following three as Bethany Pre-School Board
Plant Engineer: Ron Borchers candidates for the election at the Annual Meeting: Sharon Joseph,
Caretakers: Jonathan Baethge, Curvey Weber, Dieter Kemper Jennifer Raab, Denise Stehling
Preschool Director: Kim Bonillas President Kenneth Treibs requested that Council members volunteer
Staff Asst & Bells Editor: Suzanne Mitchell
to help bag cookies on Saturday for the Christmas Journey.
21
BLESSING SCHOLARSHIPS: A blessing scholarship (of up to $
2011
300) is designed to help Bethany members work together in
a hands-on stand-alone project that will be a blessing to
individuals and families in Fredericksburg and the
surrounding communities (within Gillespie County). If you
have any questions, please contact Pastor Steve.
Church Elections 23
Sunday Bible Study @ 9:15
Church Council (3-year Term) Elect 4
Linda Davis, Ralph Rode, Jim McAfee, Carl Schoessow ADULT & SEEKERS Together
__________________ Meet in sanctuary for ELCA Forums – Jan 2, 9 & 16.
YOUNG ADULT CLASS #115
Bethany Lutheran Foundation of Fbg. Inc BLC WEBSITE www.bethanyfredericksburg.com
(Directors 3-year Term) Elect 2
Ricky Durst, Gary Geistweidt, Joyce Robertson You can’t do that! Yes you can…
Dorothy Klier, Larry Ottmers
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE
Pre-School Board in one year
(3-year Term) Elect 3
Folks signed up to read through the whole Bible in 2011,
Sharon Joseph, Jennifer Raab, Denise Stehling using a printed guide or a One-Year Bible that we’ll be
2010 Nominating Cmte (1-year Term) Elect 5 Total purchasing from The Closer Walk. Many folks find that
*Elect 2 from out-going Council Members: reading daily, manageable, continuous readings from Old
Kenneth Treibs, Gayle McQuay, Beth Luckenbach and New Testaments, plus Psalms and Proverbs, make
Max Beckmann
*Elect 3 from Floor Nominations
Bible-reading goals more attainable. The pastors have paper
guides available, if you use your own Bible. If you missed the
Election of Synod Assembly Delegates: Bethany-order of the ―One Year Bible: New Living Translation‖
(Elect one males, two female) (Tyndale Publishers) and still want one, you purchase it at the
Lynne Parker, Jim Parker, Connie Pressler Closer Walk. These are the first readings for Saturday &
Election-Synod Assembly Delegate Alternate Sunday:
Wilbur Pressler Jan 1 Jan 2
Gen 1: 1-2: 25 Gen 3: 1-4: 26
Matt 1: 1-2:12 Matt 2: 13-3:6
"God be in my head and in my understanding; Psalm 1:1-6 Psalm 2: 1-12
God be in my eyes and in my looking; Prov 1: 1-6 Prov 1: 7-9
God be in my mouth and in my speaking;
God be in my heart and in my thinking;
God be in my beginning and at my departing".
The Sarum Primer Prayer
22
On FRIDAYS, a pastor will be available at 12:05 to meet with 2011 IMPORTANT DATES
those readers who would like to discuss and pray about the
readings for the week. Coming to a Friday meeting is also a Feb 20: BPS Fajita Dinner
good way to stay focused and accountable! Even if you don‘t LENT BEGINS: Ash Wednesday, March 9
come regularly, come when you can. Palm Sunday, April 17
Sign up on Pastor Casey’s door or call 997-2069
Maundy Thursday, April 21
The human spirit is stronger than anything Good Friday, April 22
that can happen to it! George C. Scott Easter, April 24
24
Mar 20: Heritage Sunday
May 1: Confirmation Sunday
June 19-22: Colorado Confirmation Camp
June 26-30: Sr Hi Big Bend
July 25-29: BLC Day Camp
25
Jan 1: New Year‟s Day
Jan 2: Epiphany Sunday
Jan 9: Baptism of the Lord
Jan 9: Sunday Morning Open House in Preschool
Jan 16: Annual Reports Available &
Congregational Survey
Jan 23: Annual Meeting
Jan 29: Council Retreat
Jan 30: All-Committee Meeting