with us. It is a pervasive theme in both the Old and New
Bethany Testaments. In virtually every instance of covenant relationship
Bells
there is both a promise of relationship & a setting of boundaries. ―I
am the Lord Your God (relationship). You shall have no other gods
(boundary).‖
Today debate rages in the church between the place of
boundaries (the law) & the relationship (grace/gospel). Those who
emphasize the importance of grace & relationship are right to do so,
but there can be no relationship without boundaries. Imagine a
marriage without boundaries. It can‘t work! At that same time,
The monthly newsletter of imagine a marriage with only boundaries & no grace. It would be a
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH place of misery. A great relationship must have its foundation in
110 West Austin Street, Fredericksburg, Texas love & God initiates and sustains our relationship with Him by His
Phone 830-997-2069 Fax 830-990-8916 www.bethanyfredericksburg.com love. Because of sin & temptation, however, we need boundaries &
“Being, Living as, and Making Disciples of Jesus Christ” forgiveness.
Unfortunately, in their desire to do the right thing, the Pharisees
DECEMBER 2010 often focused on boundaries & forgot about the centrality of love.
When Jesus challenged them, He didn‘t throw out the boundaries,
but put them in their proper place. The relationship of love always
came first. The boundaries were there to help define & protect the
relationship, but they couldn‘t establish or sustain the relationship.
Much of St. Paul‘s correspondence with fellow Christians in the
Relationships & Boundaries! New Testament focuses on precisely that balance between
relationship & boundaries & how Christians, saved by grace &
Christmas is about a relationship. In the beginning God created the
inspired by the Holy Spirit, are to live out their lives (see Galatians 5).
beauty of relationships & you were created to be in a unique
We are just a few short weeks away from Christmas. Come &
relationship with your creator & your neighbors through the
worship! Read your Bible! Listen &experience God‘s passion for
Messiah, Jesus Christ (see Matthew 22:34-40).
you through Jesus Christ who came so that you can know the
Part of the symphony of creation was the creation of boundaries
peace &joy that comes only through a relationship with the King of
with the relationships between elements of creation. There were
Kings & Lord of Lords.
boundaries between the light & darkness; the waters & the land.
Blessings & Joy in Christ, Pastor Steve Qualben
Plants & animals, the birds of the air & the fish of the sea all had
their proper place. Adam & Eve were created for relationship, not
only with one another, but with God. They were told to be fruitful & The Three Trees
multiply, to work the land, to fill the earth & rule over it. There was According to legend, three trees grew near Jesus‘
one boundary they were to observe: do not eat from the tree of the manager: an olive tree, a palm tree & a fir tree. The
knowledge of good & evil. Even though the tree was a delight to olive offered its fruit to the newborn King & the palm
the eye & the fruit looked delicious they were told to keep away. tree gave its dates. The poor fir, having nothing to
God set a boundary that was not to be crossed. give but worship, raised its boughs in adoration &
In our confirmation classes we have focused in on two words the angels hung stars on its branches. So the fir
this fall: ―relationships‖ & ―boundaries.‖ Our favorite quote is became the first Christmas Tree.
borrowed from author Tim Hansel: ―Unrestricted water is a swamp:
because it lacks boundaries, it also lacks depth.‖ We have learned Put as much into your head as possible because
that it is God‘s passionate desire to have a reconciled relationship no one can take it away from you but you!
continued next page 2
A Christmas Journey Sunday Bible Study @ 9:15
ADULT BIBLE CLASS-Sanctuary
―LIVING ON PURPOSE‖ – Pastor Casey
Insights from Rick Warren‘s The Purpose-Driven Life,
From a Lutheran perspective.
SEEKERS BIBLE CLASS- #207
―Take it to the Limit-How to get the most out of life”
Andy Stanley – DVD Discussion with Lynne Parker
YOUNG ADULT CLASS- #115
BLC WEBSITE www.bethanyfredericksburg.com
th th
Bible Quiz
Dec 10 & 11 Luke‘s gospel tells about
Joseph & Mary taking the
Drive thru 6:00 – 8:30 baby Jesus to the temple
―to present him to the Lord‖
REHEARSAL & COSTUME FITTINGS (Luke 2:22, NRSV). An old
man approached & said the
Thurs, Dec 9th @ 6:00 p.m. Holy Spirit had revealed to
Fellowship Hall/Sanctuary him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah. Seeing
Jesus & being moved by the Holy Spirit, this man proclaimed
MEAL SIGNUP FOR CHRISTMAS JOURNEY! that the baby was indeed the Messiah. What was the man‘s
STEP UP & GIVE US A HAND! Signup Sheets name?
in narthex & fellowship hall foyer. A. Simeon B. Simon
B. Phanuel D. Zechariah
Transformational PRAYER Continuous thru 2010
Bethany has joined these 13 other Fredericksburg
churches in praying specific petitions for our community
and our world:
St. Mary‘s Catholic First Baptist Church Faith Baptist
Fbg. Methodist Zion Lutheran Victory Fellowship
Bethel Methodist St. Paul Lutheran Holy Ghost Lutheran
What‘s amazing about Christmas is that it began Church Greater Grace
Sonday House Fellowship
Journey Church
in a manger & today, more than 2 billion people
Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up!
around the world celebrate Jesus‘ birth.
3 4
PROPOSED BY-LAW CHANGES
To ―Bethany Constitution and By-Laws‖
For Bethany Annual Meeting January 23, 2011
(Congregation will vote.)
PROPOSED CHANGE TO BY-LAWS, SECTION 5, THE
ANNUAL MEETING
Allows flexibility in setting the Sunday in January for the
Congregational Annual Meeting
Church to Church Walk 1. The annual meeting shall be held on the 3rd a Sunday in
January, as determined by the church council.
Tuesday, December 14th PROPOSED ADDITION TO BY-LAWS, SECTION 4, THE
PASTORAL CALL
On Tuesday, Dec 14, we will walk to the downtown churches for a Puts into the By-Laws the Bethany Council’s policy regarding
brief devotion & song at each church. Walk begins at 6:30PM at Holy the option, approved at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly,
for local congregations to choose to or to choose not to bless
Ghost & will end at Bethany with refreshments. same- gender couples or call pastors in same-gender
relationships.
Add, following # 6, the two following paragraphs 7 and 8:
7. While the congregation welcomes gay and lesbian people in
to the life of the church, the congregation nevertheless does
Dec 24th not authorize marriages, civil unions, or blessings of persons in
same-gender relationships, and such blessings will not be
performed on the church property or by the congregation‘s
6:00 & 9:00PM pastors.
6:00 Traditional in Sanctuary 8. This congregation will not call a pastor who is or intends to
9:00 Contemporary in Fellowship Hall be in a same-gender relationship.
Christmas Day Worship Service DOOR FUND
Doors say a lot! Many have commented on the
th
Dec 25 @ 10:00am Communion beauty of the new interior doors leading into the
sanctuary, made possible by donations from a
“What is God’s Plan for MY LIFE?” couple of families plus funds from Bethany’s
Choose a time: December 16th (Thursday) 7:00-8:30PM or January 9th
(Sunday) 11:45AM-1:30PM (lunch served). An introduction to how Memorial Fund. We have been looking in to new
Christianity connects with your life will be taught by one of our pastors exterior Front Doors at our main entrance. Should
and designed for anyone who wants to learn more about God’s plan for you wish memorials to go for this project, donations
their lives. You can just show up or, if you’d like to join us for lunch on the
may be made to the Memorial Fund with checked
9th, please email us as PQFREDERICKSBURG@YAHOO.COM or give the
church a call 997-2069. stubbed “front doors.”
5
6
DISCIPLES’ CROSSWALKS
MYSTERIES
Jr. High Youth (Grades 6 -8):
In November, the Jr. High Youth took part in the annual SWT Synod
Jr. High Youth Gathering. The event took place at Camp Chrysalis
IN THE BIBLE
in Kerrville. Our youth joined together with approximately 200 youth
from South Texas under the theme ―What‘s Your Story?‖ Over the
weekend we talked about a variety of stories from the Bible. How
God was working in those stories. We also talked about our 9:15 Every Sunday in December
individual stories and how God is actively working in our lives. Do you like to play detective?
Students participated in small group sessions, workshops, devotion Detectives solve mysteries, find clues & work on secret
time and worship all centered around the theme and how our lives
codes. Did you know that there are a lot of mysteries, clues &
are all part of God‘s overall story. It was a great time of learning
and faith sharing. Special thanks to Kathy Marquart and Ken Smith codes in the Bible? Well, there are!
for helping sponsor the event. There is one big mystery all over the Bible. People tried to
Pumpkin Pie Fundraiser: guess WHO was going to be the Messiah and save God‘s
A big ―THANK YOU‖ to all of those who purchased pumpkin pies people. Here are some clues for you:
from the youth group this year. The youth baked home-made
pumpkin pies that were sold just before Thanksgiving for $10. All of His birthday is on Christmas!
the money raised will go toward future youth events. Thanks again His name starts with a „J‟!
for your support. He was born in Bethlehem!
Angel Tree Gifts: If you think this person is JESUS, you‘re right!
This year the youth of Bethany are once again helping with Angel
Tree gifts. On Nov 21st the Jr. & Sr. High Youth Groups purchased The Bible also said that Jesus would have many code names,
gifts to be given to needy families in Gillespie County. The gifts will or nick-names. Do you have a nick-name or secret code
be delivered on Dec 12th by the youth. If you haven‘t yet purchased name? Then, come to Sunday school beginning Dec 5 for our
a gift you may still do so. Please contact Matt White to find out new rotational unit:
what items are still needed. Even if you did not purchase a gift, but
you would like to help deliver the gifts to the families you are “FOR UNTO US A CHILD
welcome to help.
IS BORN”
CROSSTRAINERS You‘ll get to do some cool things like:
God is calling YOU . . . are you ready? A mid-week gathering for Sr. Decorating a quilt square!
High Students with time for fellowship, faith-talk & worship Weds Playing a sheep game!
nights beginning January 2011. Watching a movie & eating popcorn!
Upcoming Events: Don‟t forget the Christmas Program
Dec 12: Sunday school Concert (Sunday School Kids) is Dec 12!
Dec 12: Deliver Angel Tree Gifts (Jr. & Sr. High)
Dec 18: Happy Birthday Jesus Party (Newborns – 5th grade) TEACHERS NEEDED FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
Dec 26–30: Sr. High Ski Retreat (Sr. High) Month of January 2011! Sign up Karlene‘s door #99.
7 8
NEW MEMBERS #Poinsettias @ $8 ea. __ Amt Encl:________
I will bring my own plant:
@ BETHANY (Even if you bring your own, sign form so we have the information for the bulletin.)
Chuck & Billie Bob & Lyn Kinka
Blankenship Terrie Nixon GENERAL FUND
Bob & Lou Ann Joe & Madeline Beginning Balance January 2010- $10,000.00
General Fund Income – OCTOBER $46,488.15
Fletcher Sagebiel General Fund Expenses – Oct $44,788.99 (+1,699.16))
General Fund Income – Year $414,735.93
Nathan Kott Keith & Eileen Whited General Fund Expense – Year $440,670.73 (-25,934.80)
Confirmation: Justin Robbins General Fund BALANCE – End of OCTOBER--- ($-15,934.80)
(Beginning Balance $10,000)
Angel Tree
General Fund Designated Accounts: $102,205.05
Special Accounts in addition to the above include:
ELCA Loan Fund $35,000.00
Seminary Scholarship Fund (Compass) $ 6,576.46 (CD)
FELLOWSHIP TEAM is Contingency Funds: BBVA Compass $152,893.07
sponsoring needy families for
Capital Improvement Fund – Income for month $486.72
Christmas on the Angel Tree(s) Expenses: Bethany School $1,667.82
which are setup in the narthex Capital Improvement BALANCE – End of OCT- $40,861.10
& fellowship hall. Gifts needed Special Offerings: Haiti Disaster - $1375
Dec 5. Pick a family to Jan – Ministry in North Africa ‗Hope for the Nations‘ $2913
Feb – BLC Youth Activities $750 Mar- New Horizons/Living Well - $2303
support this Christmas! Apr-Synod Special Offering - $1046 May-Good Samaritan Center - $3393
June-Cross Trails Ministry - $1281 July-Boys & Girls Club $1357
Aug-Bethany Pre School $8468 Sept $878
Christmas Season Services Oct-Habitat for Humanity $1611
To order a Poinsettia to be used during worship “TAX NOTICE” Offering for 2010
services on Christmas Eve, please fill out the All offerings to Bethany for the year 2010 have to be received in
the church office on or before December 29th at 5:00 p.m. or
form below & return with a check for $8 each postmarked on or before December 31st, 2010. These are IRS
regulations for church donations.
to Bethany. Deadline is Dec 12. NOTE: Any donations for the Bethany Foundation MUST be made
directly to Bethany Lutheran Foundation & mailed to P.O. Box 673,
Fredericksburg, TX 78624.
NAME: ___ ___
Blessing Scholarships: A blessing scholarship (of up to $ 300)
In Honor of: ___ is designed to help Bethany members work together in a hands-
on stand-alone project that will be a blessing to individuals and
In Memory of: ___ families in Fredericksburg and the surrounding communities
(within Gillespie County). If you have any questions, please the hospital visits. It meant so much to have them come & pray with us.
contact Pastor Steve. Kenneth & Annabel Wilkinson
No one is in charge of your happiness but you! Everything can change in a blink of an eye
but don‘t worry, God doesn‘t blink.
MAIN STREET BETHLEHEM ‘TRIP’ DECEMBER TRADITIONAL WORSHIP
th
On Dec 4 Bethany members will meet at ____PM & travel to Burnet Date Time USHERS GREETERS
to view ‘Main Street Bethlehem’. They will view peddlers, the crippled John Stafford, Capt.
Dec 8:00 Caroline Stafford
& aged in the town’s fringe plus experience the presence of animals as 5 Charlette & Clinton Deike Bev Hernandez
they affect all aspects of life in that time…camels, donkeys, sheep, 10:30 Kenneth Treibs, Capt. Berta Allen
goats, chickens & doves. Jaye Treibs, Jennifer Jenschke
They will explore narrow Jacob & James Jenschke
streets to faint strains of Dec
Eldon Feller, Capt. Helen Feller
8:00 Brad & Autumn Holland
ancient music & savor Myrtle Hohmann
12
the smells of fresh goat Willard Dearing, Capt. Guido & Harriet
butter, campfires & hot Sarah & Dayton Eckhardt Klett
10:30 Ron Rice
bread. Then, follow the
Gary Stehling, Capt.
trail to the cave where Dec 8:00 Dr. Ed Stein, Jim Green
19 Clara Kozielski
Mary & Joseph moved in Jerald Klett
10:30
with the animals, their Dick Stuewe, Capt. Al Muirhead Marjorie Otte
place in God’s plan & Steven Stuewe, Ken Otte
secular history to be Dec 6:00 CHRISTMAS EVE
made secure on this 24 PM Dwight Oestreich, Capt Dick Stuewe, Joan Diemer
Vic Nixon, Jr. Gerhard Diemer
night. For the child in their arms was the incarnation of God Himself,
come to the world that all who would place their faith in Him might 9:00 Barb & Wil Rathke
PM Lynne & Jim Parker
enjoy eternal fellowship in His presence.
Dec 10:00
To All Bethany members: Thank you for the cards & 25 AM
prayers during my recent surgery. I’m doing very well
8:00 Dwight Oestreich, Capt.
& can’t thank you enough for your care & concern for Dec Del & Frankie
Oliver & Mary Alice Deike
26 Law
me & my family. May God Bless You, Susan Otte 10:30 Marlene Deike
Thanks to Bethany Lutheran Church members for the
Sharon Joseph, Capt. Jim MacAfee Roseda Itz
donation of $1357 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Texas Jody Donovan, Bruce Woerner
Hill County/FBG. Dianne R. Chase, Ex Director
THANKS TO BETHANY MEMBERS who participated this year in the DECEMBER 2010 ALTAR GUILD
Christmas Child Shoebox program & put together 102 boxes! Joyce
Traditional Worship: Marjorie Ottmers
Robertson
Jaye Treibs, Karen Oestreich, Chrissy Stuewe
Thank you, dear Christian friends, for the many cards, hugs & prayers
Praise & Worship: Lynne Parker & Barb Rathke
during Kenneth’s illness. Thanks also to both Pastor Casey & Steve for
On the Thursday night (Dec 9) before the presentations, you are
Have prayer needs? asked to come to the Fellowship Hall at 6:00PM where you will be
A prayer minister is available after each contemporary fitted for your
―Praise & Worship‖ service in the Fellowship Hall, near in which you are to appear & any information pertinent to that
the cross. He or she will pray with you, according to scene will be given out. It is important that you make every effort
your needs & requests. to come on Thursday night! The Fellowship Team has been busy
recruiting folks to bring food for both nights of the Journey; so, you
DECEMBER TRADITIONAL WORSHIP may come at 5:00PM on Fri & Sat, get into costume & have a bite
Date Time COMMUNION ASST ACOLYTES to eat. Whether you plan to eat or not, you should be there at
(Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays)
5PM; so we can make sure
Jackie Maldonado
Dec 8:00 Dorothy Klier & May Eilers every scene is ‗staffed‘. Those
5 Remington appearing on second shifts
10:30 Lester & Roxanne Frantzen
Leland Geistweidt
Neffendorf should be in the fellowship hall
8:00 by 6PM (no later). If folks are
Dec Jackie Maldonado late, we have to scramble to get
No Communion
12 10:30 other people into costume & out
Seth Seys
to the various scenes. So it is
Rose Marie Mazanke
Dec 8:00
Audrey Gold Jackie Maldonado very important for you to be
19 prompt! Thank you all for
10:30 Seth Seys helping with Bethany‘s
Marian Nixon, Joyce Richey
Debbie Tiemann Christmas Journey presentations to our community & beyond. It
Dec 6:00PM CHRISTMAS EVE truly is a gift & could not be done without your help.
24 Ed & Judy Kramer
Wilbur & Connie Pressler HCM Cancer Resource Center
9:00PM Jim MacAfee & Sharon Joseph 2010 Holiday Open House
―Music & Miniatures‖ Tues, Dec 14, Noon to 3:00 @ 808 Reuben
Kenneth & Jaye Treibs St. Come & enjoy cookies & scale model displays of dollhouses
Ralph & Karen Rode
& railroad miniatures from collectors in San Antonio, Bandera
Dec 10:00 & the Hill County. Free Event! (990-6648)
25 AM CHRISTMAS DAY
Dec 8:00
26 10:30 No Communion
DECEMBER PRAISE & WORSHIP (10:25)
Date WORSHIP LEADER HOSTS Communion Assts
Christmas KIDS MESSAGE
(Communion
2nd& 4th Sundays) Prayer Minister
Lester/Holly Meier No Communion
Beth Luckenbach
Journey & You Dec
5 Beth Luckenbach
Carl/Cristol Schoessow Carl Schoessow
Charles Bierschwale Sem Danny/Gayle McQuay
Dec Danny McQuay
Christmas Journey time is rapidly approaching Geistweidt Erik/Beth Iverson
12 Danny McQuay Adam Geistweidt Lynette Cornehl
& the committee is working hard to get
Darron Dorethy Danny McQuay
everything organized. If you signed up to
help, you should have received a phone Dec Mike Myers Robert Beckmann No Communion
call letting you know where & when you 19 Mike Myers Stanley Meier Stanley Meier
are assigned. You also will receive Brian Maenius
postcards confirming your time & scene.
Dec Pastors Barb/Wil Rathke Pastors Casey & Steve success. The December circle meetings will be combined on December 9 at
24 Lynne/Jim Parker Kenneth/Jaye Treibs 10:30 in the fellowship hall. Women attending should bring a salad or dessert.
Ralph/Karen Rode Leah Circle will setup & Lydia Circle will cleanup. Secret Spiritual Sisters will
Dec Donna Bryant be revealed. NO CRAFT DAY UNTIL JANUARY 2011
Donna Bryant Vic/Marian Nixon Rocki Hartmann
26
Donna Bryant David Otto David Otto Stand up for what you believe!
Linda Pape Lester/Holly Meier Stand for something or you will fall for anything!
Rocki Hartmann
FBG FOOD PANTRY “SHOPPING LIST”
Canned Vegetables, Coffee (ground) Tea Bags, Canned Fruit, Canned
In His Service, Kim Bonillas, Director
Tuna (meats), Canned soups, Spaghetti Sauce, Dried Beans, Rice &
We are looking forward to advent season and all of the special Cereals, Dressings: Mayo, Mustard, Pasta/Noodles, Hamburger Helper,
days ahead. Our Christmas Program will be on Tuesday, December Mac & Cheese, Peanut Butter 2 lb. Flour, 2 lb. Sugar, Tomato Sauce,
21 at 7:00 pm. The children will sing songs to tell of the birth of Jello & pudding mixes & Evaported Milk
Jesus. Following our program, we will have refreshments in the COMMUNION: For those with walking difficulties, the pastors &
Fellowship Hall. Thank you to everyone who purchased Cookie communion assistants will bring the Lord‘s Supper to them. Please do 3
Dough! Our fundraisers are so important to our success and we things to help: Sit near an aisle, tell an usher or worship host when you
enter & raise a hand as communion distributors walk by.
couldn’t do this without all your support. On January 9, the WORSHIP SERVICE „CRY ROOMS’: Sanctuary for Traditional services
congregation will be invited to see the improvements that were (unattended); Room #208 for Praise & Worship service (unattended). Both
made to our two year old classroom and new office space. We rooms will be wired to hear either service.
SERVING FOOD AFTER FUNERALS: For funerals for members, we
would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the congregation for all offer to serve sandwiches, cake & tea for the family & close friends.
the special offerings, prayers and support. To date, we have Usually 20 – 50 folks. We‘ll serve up to 75 (after 75, the family will need to
received $8737.25 which has been used as follows: 430.00 – see about additional food). Roseda Itz recruits food makers & food
servers. Would you help? Contact Margie Ottmers 997-2069.
Refinish chairs (6 more to go), 247.77 – Renovation Expenses, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: You must contact Berta in the church
500.00 – Furniture for Gigglebug Classroom, 4,156.48 -- Daily office for availability of fellowship hall rental. Arrangements include prep
Operations (per Budget), 3,403.00 – Savings prior to event & cleanup afterward.
SOFT DRINK CANS “ONLY”: Donate your empty soft drink cans to
Bethany Pre-School is starting a segment called “Question of the
Bethany Preschool. Place them outside the basement kitchen door on the
month”? If you have a question about the school, e-mail us at west side of the church. (Nothing but cans, please!)
jrichey6@blcfbg.org and we will answer your question in upcoming Bells CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Normal hours are Mon-Thur 8:30 a.m. to
articles. Question of the month: How is Bethany Pre-School Funded? 5:00 p.m. Offices are manned on Fri am but closed to routine business
90% of our income is paid by parents for tuition, registration & supply while bulletins are printed, financial records posted & sermons prepared.
Staff meetings usually held Tuesday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m.
fee. 10% is from fundraising and donations. [The second week of the month staff meeting is held on Wed due to
the Deanery meeting.]
WELCA NEWS Our WELCA Hill Country Conference has two TURN OUT THE LIGHTS AFTER MEETINGS, PLEASE!
Bethany women on its new board. Trish Schmidt is the coordinator & Annabel
Wilkinson is the secretary. The Hill Country Conference Fall Gathering was FLOWER CHART: Sign-up charts in the narthex for traditional services
held at Bethany on Oct 23. Ninety women attended from nine area churches. & in the fellowship hall lobby for praise & worship.
Carolyn McBride was the guest speaker. Three breakout sessions were led TAKING OUT THE TRASH: Whenever your committee, group or
by Sharon Joseph, Linda David & Megan Skelton. A big ―thank you‖ goes out organization serves food in the Fellowship Hall, please take the trash to
to all women of our church who helped make the conference such a great the dumpster. Thanks!
HOSPITAL: If you are hospitalized, please call or have someone call the they die or suffer because they can't get treated.‖
church office to let the pastors know for visitation. You need to specifically At www.elca.org you can read more about recent ELCA work in
put ‗Bethany‘ on your hospital registration form at check-in. Pastors check Indonesia following an earthquake, tsunami, & volcano eruption;
HCMH on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & whenever notified of admissions. in Liberia where ELCA folks still work at Curran Lutheran Hospital,
LOCK IT TWICE: Please remember when you leave the church at night
established by US Lutheran missionaries in 1921, to serve
to lock each glass door twice. (1) crash-bar (2) outside knob.
100,000/year in the war-torn country; in Nicaragua & Pakistan
where flooding brought death & destruction; in Guatemala where at
DECEMBER NURSING HOME COMMUNION least 245 families now have clean water thank to a gift of water
Location Day Time Location Day Time purification equipment from the ELCA; in Mississippi, Tennessee,
Knopp Care Ctr Wed Dec 1 9:30 Windcrest Wed Dec 8 9:30 & Wisconsin where flooding and tornados brought damage.
Knopp #2 Wed Dec 1 10:30 FBG Wed Dec 8 10:30 Plus: Read devotions, ELCA beliefs, social statements, and more.
Heritage Place Thur Dec 2 9:30 Knopp RC Thur Dec 9 9:30
Paige House Thur Dec 2 10:00 Knopp #1 Thur Dec 9 10:30 COATS are desperately needed by folks who
Tri Star Thur Dec2 10:30 come to the Needs Council. Got one?
Bethany: October/January/April/July Drop it off at 209 S. Acorn
Holy Ghost: September/December/March/June
Zion: November/February/May/August
ELCA MAGNIFICENT Highlights – NOVEMBER COUNCIL MEETING
Pastor Zesch reviewed the Parish Paper – ―What Are the Big-Picture
“MATTHEW 25” MINISTRIES Trends in Congregations?‖
With the recent controversy over the ELCA 2009 Assembly decisions Recommended for congregational vote changes & additions to Bylaws
about blessing and ordaining people in same-gender relationships, it‘s Section 5 and Section 4 which allows flexibility in setting the Sunday in
easy to forget some of the awesome ELCA ―Matthew 25‖ ministries that January for the Congregational Annual Meeting & puts into the By-
are happening through you & the ELCA in 2010: Laws the Bethany Council‘s policy regarding the option, approved at
the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, for local congregations to
Haiti: In the first 6 months following the earthquake, the ELCA raise choose or to choose not to bless same-gender couples or call pastors
$11.5 million. ELCA contributed $50,000 on Nov 5 for immediate in same-gender relationships. (see Bells, pg. 6)
relief after Hurricane Tomas. On Nov 15 it committed $500,000 for Approved Nov/Dec letter to be mailed to congregational members
the prevention and treatment of cholera in Haiti, as well as requesting funding for the Bethany Foundation, General Fund, &
continued response to those displaced by the earthquake. Emergency Aid Fund.
China: A respirator unit donated by the ELCA has helped save the Approved dates: 1/29/11 for Council Retreat & 1/30/11 for the All-
lives of more than 80 infants at the People's Hospital in Luzhou, Committee Reorganization
rd
Recruited 3 Year Council Members (Max Beckmann, Beth
China. The ELCA works with the Sichuan Christian Council and
Luckenbach, Gayle McQuay & Kenneth Treibs) as Retreat Hosts.
helps Luzhou City Parish which has a medical clinic that includes
st
Announced 1 Year Person for Audit Committee will be appointed at
counseling and visitations for 16,000 people. The Parish conducts a Dec. Council Meeting.
healing service once a month with hundreds of worshipers coming Reminded Council Committee Reps all Annual Committee reports are
for prayers and the laying on of hands. due 12/1/10.
Cameroon: Dr. Jim & Carolyn Brown serve as missionaries. He is Announced December Council Meeting is set for 12/8 at 7:00 P.M.
st
surgical program director at Ngaoundéré Protestant Hospital—a with 1 Year Council Members (Rocki Hartmann, Ed Kramer, Stanley
hospital of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cameroon. She is a Meier & Carol Schulz) providing refreshments.
nurse and together they work to treat patients and train African Approved Heritage Dinner Date for 3/20/11.
doctors & nurses. ―There are millions of people in Africa who cannot Appointed a group (Info Task Force) of 5 members (Rocki Hartmann,
get access to any surgical care, even the most simple life-saving Beth Luckenbach, Stanley Meier, Lynne Parker, Kenneth Treibs) to
treatments like C-sections or repairing hernias and open fractures. compile documentation for 1/16/11 Survey, Mailings & Detailed
These are done every day in the United States, but many people in Packets preceding Survey – requested Jean Weber to assist.
rural Africa have no access to these kinds of care,‖ he said, ―and
Council members completed sign-up for specific duties regarding
11/21 BLC Turkey Dinner.
Approved recommendation by Stewardship Committee to divide
equally the end of year balance in the ELCA Mission Interest Fund
among Cristo Rey in Pharr, Agua Viva in El Cenizo & Laredo
Ministries.
Approved Stewardship & Finance Committee‘s suggestion to: 1)
Adopt a Corporate Resolution authorizing the Pastor for
Administration to set up a Brokerage Account with Joseph
Financial Partners naming Steve Rode as ―president‖ and Berta BETHANY‟S RENT-A-KID
Allen as ―secretary‖. 2) Establish (Council) a policy that when Yes, rent Bethany‘s youth & let them help you with chores! Your payment will be
securities are donated to the Congregation & deposited in the placed in their Youth activity fund to help with retreats, mission trips & summer
camps! Fill out the form & give to Matt White. A youth member will contact you to
Brokerage Account that Joseph Financial Partners be authorized to
arrange the best time & date. When the work is finished, you will Bring or send the
sell the securities immediately & the funds deposited in the payment to Matt White at church. Do not pay youth directly.
Congregation‘s accounts in accord with the wishes of the donor or,
if none have been stated by the donor, at discretion of the Council. Your name:
Approved Bethany Pre-School‘s recommendation to use Rooms 108, Contact Information (phone, email, text, or Facebook):
110, 113 & the Fellowship Hall as needed on rainy days. Approved ___
2/20/11 date for BPS Fajita Dinner. Address:
Approved Transfer In: David & Carrie Blank, from Holy Ghost
Lutheran Church
Describe the work to be done:
Transfer Out: Rusty & Jeanenne Maenius, Hannah & Katrina, to
Trinity Lutheran, Stonewall
Reported ―Hike for Hunger‖ CROP Walk on 10/17 raised $10,330+ -
Bethany had 18 walkers, plus many donors who gave $1,900+ Payment amount will be: $
Announced date for New members Sunday will be 11/21 (Turkey
Dinner Day) If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Matt White.
Reported Outreach in December: offering short course in Christianity
Prayers
with Pastor Steve, plus invitations to special events (Christmas
Journey, Church to Church Walk, Christmas Services).
PRISON MINISTRY Kairos of Texas is a chapter of the
International Kairos Ministry that ministers the Christian Faith to those MILITARY: CPT Sarah Baethge, Maj. Michael A.
that are imprisoned as well as their families. On November 4th-7th, True & Logan Ketron
Kairos #16 at the Connally Prison Unit in Kenedy, Texas was held. OUR SYMPATHY:
Homemade cookies are a tangible expression of Christian love and an To Kevin & Denise Kunz at the death of his
indication of God’s concern for a group of people who seldom encounter mother, Norma
either in the course of their lives. I had extended the invitation to Kunz.
Bethany to bake cookies and you came through having provided 158 To Audrey Joseph & Dr. Ed Stein at the loss of
dozen cookies for the weekend event. Many THANKS to those of you that their sister
Ruth Mann.
baked these cookies for this occasion as we ended up with around 3500
dozen to be distributed throughout this Kairos weekend. It just goes to
Kevin & Denise Kunz & Family at death of his mother,
Norma Kunz.
show you that God does provide for our needs. Thank you for your
CONGRATULATIONS:
consideration and participation in this very worthwhile Inside Prison
To B. J. & April Lange who were married Nov 7.
Ministry. Danny McQuay
To Adam & Megan Geistweidt on the birth of son Eli
Russell Geistweidt. Grandparents are Tuttie & Kurt
Geistweidt.
You can’t do that! Yes you can…
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE
Dec 1: Annual Cmte Reports Due
in one year
You’re invited to read through the whole Bible in 2011, using a
Dec 4: MAIN STREET BETHLEHEM
One-Year Bible that we’ll be purchasing from The Closer Walk. ‘TRIP’ to Burnet
Many folks find that reading daily, manageable, continuous Dec 5: Angel Tree Gifts Returned
readings from Old and New Testaments, plus Psalms and Dec 9: 6:00 Journey Rehearsal
Proverbs, make Bible-reading goals more attainable. You can use Dec 10 & 11: Christmas Journey
any One Year Bible, but we’ll order the One Year Bible: New Living Dec 12: Children’s Christmas Program
Translation (Tyndale Publishers). If we have 20 or more orders, it’s
$13 paperback or $17 hard cover. If less than 20, it’s more. And, if
Dec 12: Poinsettia Purchase Deadline
you’d like discussion and accountability, Pastor Casey will have Dec 12: Angel Tree Gifts Delivered
brown-bag lunch gatherings at 12:05 each Friday, beginning Dec 14: Church-to-Church Walk
January 7. Dec 18: Happy Birthday Jesus Party
Sign up on Pastor Casey’s door or call 997-2069 Dec 24: 6PM & 9PM Worship Service
23
Dec 25: 10AM Worship Service
Dec 26: Regular Sunday Services
Dec 26-30: Senior High Ski Trip
“EMERGENCY AID FUND”
You may write a check payable to
Bethany & mark ‗Emergency Aid‘.
Place in your December special
offering envelope, or a pew
envelope on any Sunday morning 2011 IMPORTANT DATES
or mail to the church. 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
Feb 20: BPS Fajita Dinner Mar 20: Heritage Sunday
June 19-22: Colorado Confirmation Camp
June 26-30: Sr Hi Big Bend
July 25-29: BLC Day Camp