here - Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Bethlehem
Lutheran
Church
October 2016
8th & Hawthorne Ave Crete, NE
+Save The Date+
Oct 1 Back Pack Program
Oct 1 7:30 am Run & 8:00 am Pancakes
Oct 2 Crete Food Pantry Sunday
Oct 2 11 am Preschool Cookie Walk
Oct 3 6:30 am All Boards’ Meeting
Oct 3 7:00 am Elders’ Meeting
Oct 4 10:30 am Tabitha Worship
Oct 5 10:30 am Premier Worship
Oct 6 1:00 pm The Gardens Worship
Oct 9 9:00 am Mission Project
Oct 10 3:30 pm LWML Bible
Study-Mites
Oct 15 Skala Wedding
Oct 16 LWML/Russian Orphanage Sun
Oct 22 Beth. Delivers Friendly Meals
Oct 23 Preschool Pancake Brunch in FH
Oct 23 Odvody Family Reunion
Oct 24 2 pm Bethlehem Woman’s Bible
Study
Oct 30 10:15 am Dr Marjie Heier
Speaker – African Missions
BETHLEHEM WORSHIP SERVICE SUNDAYS AT 9:00 AM
HOLY COMMUNION EVERY SUNDAY
WORSHIP SERVICE/HOLY COMMUNION EVERY MONDAY
AT 6:00 PM -CALL 402-826-4359 IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
Fellowship Time/SCRIP Orders: Sunday 10:00 AM
Sunday School & Bible Classes: Sunday 10:15 AM
Blue Valley Food Pantry – The 1st Sunday of month
Special Mission Offering – The 2nd Sunday of month
Russian Orphanage Sunday– 3rd Sunday of month
Preschool/World Relief – 4th Sunday of month
(Donations for LWR items placed in the Blue LWML Tote)
Weds. Join us! 4:30 pm Bell Choir & 5:30 pm Vocal Choir
Midweek Meals 5:30 pm & Midweek Classes 6:00 pm
Every Wednesday Sept. – May for Grades 5-8.
(Unless otherwise announced.)
BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH
“BUILDING ON A FIRM FOUNDATION”
In The Records Last Month:
Baptism: Theodore Alan Younker, 9-11, Son of
Ted & Kayla (Heitman) Younker.
Sponsors/Witnesses: Mitch & Julie Sailors, KC, MO
BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH
8th & HAWTHORNE AVE.
PO BOX 249
CRETE, NE 68333-0249
e.mail:bethlehem.lutheran.crete@gmail.com or
Website:www.bethlehemlutherancrete.org
Church Office 402-826-4359
Pastor: Rev. Ronald Benson,
e.mail: prb@bethlehemlutherancrete.org
Morning Office Hours M-Th,
Lambs of Christ, Preschool
Teacher: Rhonda Beethe, lambsofchristcrete@gmail.com
402-826-4375 for Lambs of Christ Preschool
Also our Director of Children’s Ministry
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Agenda – Board of Elders Meeting Minutes
September 12th, 2016 -- 7:00pm
Jim Heitman called the meeting order at 7:05pm. Pastor Benson opened the meeting with a prayer. The minutes from
the previous elder meeting were reviewed. Dave Bauer made a motion to accept the minutes and the motion was 2 nd by
Kevin Bruns. Motion carried.
Pastor Reports – Pastor Benson discussed the Open House dates and times. Also discussed his activity and attendance
at several community events along with a schedule for Midweek/Confirmation. Also discussed August church
attendance which was 131 for the month. Up from 118 in August 2015. Pastor Benson provided a handout to all elders.
Elder Reports – Pastor Benson, Jim Heitman, Dan McElravy, and Fred Beile will meet each Thursday before the Elder
meeting each month.
Old Business – Membership list discussion/questions – all will commit to reach at least one member per month.
Electrical survey and fuse box progress – Dan McElravy updated the board on the different option and quotes. Part A
would include a new fuse box that would cost $650 through Matt Meyer or $1,600 through Eric’s Electric; Part B would
include the survey to create a map to see what is all connected and that would just be an hourly rate charge. Dave
Bauer motioned to accept the quote from Matt Meyer to move forward on the work of the new fuse box for $650 and
the hourly rate to do the survey as long as we have members/trustees there to help the day it is scheduled. Jeremy
Brandt seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Church Sign progress – It is up and running; looks really good. Organist schedule is set for the rest of the year.
New Business – Transfers – We received transfer letter and information for Pastor Benson. Dave Bauer “happily” made
a motion to accept Pastor Benson’s transfer in and the motion was seconded by Kevin Bruns.
Elders for September 2016 – Sunday’s at 9am is Brandon Draeger and Rick Pieper. Monday at 6pm is Chris Wittstruck.
Elders for October 2016 – Sunday’s at 9am is Jim Heitman and Mike Malone. Monday at 6pm is Jeremy Brandt.
Nominations for 2017 – several open positions that will need to filled.
Wedding (Skala) October 15th – will need an elder to be available this day. Will discuss again at the October 3rd elder
meeting.
Sound System – current quote is $3,600 to completely fix the problem. We are still getting bids.
Chamber of Crete sent another letter to renew the membership. Dave Bauer motioned to pay the $90 fee to utilize the
newsletter. Chris Wittstruck seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Lynn made a request for a door offering to benefit Jen Barber and family which would include card donations and gift
cards. Jim Heitman motioned to do this on the last Sunday of September and then given to the special cares committee
to deliver to Jen Barber and her family. Dave Bauer seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Advent Services starting on Nov. 30th and Pastor Benson would like to have them this year. Dave Bauer made a motion
to have our Advent services in 2016 starting on Nov. 30th and Chris Wittstruck seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Preparing for Receiving the Lord’s Supper statement that is printed in the bulletin was discussed and modified. Brandon
Draeger motioned to accept the new statement recommended by Pastor Benson and Dave Bauer seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Continued discussion of having Holy Communion every Sunday. Dave Bauer made a motion to begin having Holy
Communion every Sunday starting on October 2nd, 2016 and Brandon Draeger seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Pastor Benson discussed having volunteers to help read the New and Old Testaments readings during Sunday service.
Dr. Heier wants to have an informational meeting about the medical missions – Dave Bauer motioned to have her come
during the service on Sunday, Oct. 30th and Chris Wittstruck seconded the motion. Motion carried. We will move the
voter’s meeting back one week.
Closing prayer by Pastor Benson
Motion to adjourn by Dave Bauer and Kevin Bruns seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Next Elder Meeting – October 3rd, 2016 at 7:00pm
In attendance – Jim Heitman, Pastor Benson, Kevin Bruns, Dan McElravy, Chris Wittstruck, Dave Bauer, Jeremy Brandt,
and Brandon Draeger.
Respectfully submitted by Brandon Draeger - Secretary
October Newsletter
Family, Fall, and Fire Safety will all be themes in October this year. In Jesus time we will have
the Bible Events of Joseph and his brothers, Moses and The twelve spies report. We will learn how
families are blessings but also how to forgive each other. Right now plans are being made for
firefighters to visit and a field trip to Crete FoodMart.
Pumpkin Festival, Lambs of Christ will have scarecrow on display
at 10th and Main Street. We will also be hosting a Cookie walk along
with Bethlehem for a carnival game. Please join us at the Pumpkin
Festival for all of the Fun. Sunday, The Pumpkin Festival is
downtown Crete on October 2 between 11:00AM and 4:00PM
Pancake Feed Lambs of Christ will be holding their annual
Pancake Feed On Sunday October 23. We will be serving pancakes,
sausage and all the fixings from 10:30 AM -12:30 PM. Please join us
in support of Preschool Mission. Children will sing at Bethlehem at
the 9:00 AM Service and again at the Pancake Feed.
Rhonda Beethe
Director of Children’s Ministry
October 2016
Thank you, two small words that come from a very thankful heart. I’m thankful
to serve here at Bethlehem with you. Your encouragement has been heartfelt
and has deeply touched me. The many generous gifts given to me this past
month are appreciated. May God continue to bless children’s ministry here at Bethlehem.
Sunday School , I would like to thank all of the families who are participating in Sunday School this fall.
If you have not already done so please fill out the Sunday School Registration form. I am also looking
for people willing to serve as Substitute Teachers. Please contact me if you would consider serving in
this capacity. We have very dedicated teachers but everyone needs a break from time to time. Thank
you! I am making plans for the Christmas Service presented by the Sunday School Children. Please
watch the Weekly News and the bulletin for updates for the date of the program and practice times.
October Acolytes
October Flowers
Sun. Oct 2 Valerie Johnson & Kaylee Rimel
Eldean & Diane Hansmeyer
Sun. Oct 9 Brady Nosal & Garrett Rockenbach
Deb Brixius
Sun. Oct 16 Brady Nosal & Garrett Rockenbach
LWML/Skala Wedding
Sun. Oct 23 Jera Schuerman & Connor St. Denny
Gene & Paula Creamer and family
Sun. Oct 30 Jera Schuerman & Connor St. Denny Crossbearer: Zach Vyhnalek; Flowers: Ron & Kate Dittmer
Acolytes: If it is necessary to miss the assigned service, the student (or the parents) must call another student and
exchange dates. After doing so, call (402-826-4359) or email: bethlehem.lutheran.crete@gmail.com (the church office)
to inform the secretaries of the change so they can correct the schedule for the bulletin and church calendar.
October Greeters
Sun. Oct 2 Donna Henning & Chad Henning
Sun. Oct 9 Ron & Kate Dittmer
Sun. Oct 16 Wilma Chrastil
Sun. Oct 23 Marilyn Heitman
Sun. Oct 30 Marilyn Heitman
October Coffee Time
Jerry & Nancy Schlamann
Jim & Jane Fahrnbruch
LWML Women in Mission
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Elders per home
Jim Heitman – Doris Ahl to Kenneth Dittbrenner
Dave Bauer – Ron & Kate Dittmer to Eldean & Diane Hansmeyer
Jeremy Brandt – Phil & Judy Harms to Wayne & Teresa Hunt
Kevin Bruns – Brad & Jennifer Jenny to Darin Kotas
Gene Creamer – Heidi Kovar to Byron & Janet Melichar
Brandon Draeger – Bill & Lola Mae Meyer to Vera Patton
Mike Malone – Joy Petracek to Richie D. Schellhorn
Rick Pieper – Donna Schlake to Bill & Connie Vanourny
Chris Wittstruck – Wilma Vergith to Melvin & Carol Znamenacek
Special Thank yous go out to: Mark Meysenburg and John Lentell our IT people for the church and
the Preschool; also to Diane Hansmeyer, she will be calling you for our Altar Flowers. Thank you
always for the Flowers. And thank you to Myrtha Wolverton for all the years she has been calling.
Thank you, also, for Fred and Esther Beile for taking the food that has been gathered to the Food
Pantry.
MINUTES – LWML MEETING –SEPTEMBER 12, 2016
Nancy Schlamann opened the meeting with the devotion – Pray for a Bountiful Harvest. In fall, we think
of the harvesting of grains, vegetables and fruits. Scripture tells us of another very important harvest –
the harvesting of souls for the Kingdom of God. In the LWML pledge we consecrate ourselves “to the
great task of bringing the lost and erring into eternal fellowship with Him.” One way we do this is with
the Mite Boxes - to fill them with our loose change and support our mission grants. And we pray
earnestly for those who administer the grants and those who benefit from the grants that the harvest
may be bountiful. When the mission grants are paid and we hear of their success, let us give thanks to
our Bountiful God who desires all people to be saved.
President Ruth See called the meeting to order. Attendance was taken with 3 members present.
We discussed the items the officers’ meeting felt were important for the society.
We passed out the calendar for the yearly meetings and discussed some changes on it. We will be
packing for Lutheran World Relief on Saturday morning October 29th at 9:00 a.m. Esther will be
ordering backpacks for the school kits.
The Bible study was The Shield of God’s Protection. The devil shoots arrows with unearthly fire tips.
Only a divine shield will quench them promptly. This shield of faith extinguishes all the doubts,
whispering and evil suggestions of the wicked. We pull those arrows out of our shield and lay them
before God as a sacrifice of praise because His shield of faith provided the protection we needed.
Is the enemy firing on you because you are on the front line? Or have you become a “pew sitter”? Pew
sitters spend ample time evaluating from a distance rather than engaging. The longer pew-sitters sit,
the more they find wrong. They point out every negative aspect of a situation, but rarely offer
productive solutions. Oftentimes these things pointed out are so insignificant that the big picture never
receives consideration. ARE YOU AN INACTIVE PEW-SITTER OR ENGAGED WARRIOR? WE ARE
NOT WHINERS- WE ARE WARRIORS!!!!
Satan’s flaming arrows bring out the verbal force of temptation. They set the mind on fire with lies. We
need to hold up God’s shield of faith and emerge victorious. Spiritual warfare is not for the fainthearted
or weekend Christian. It requires constant vigilance, an unshakeable faith and engaged warriors. THERE
ARE NO PEWS ON THE SPIRITUAL BATTLEFIELD.!
LWML Sunday is October 16. We will furnish the altar flowers and also serve for the fellowship
hour/Bible Class.
The fall rally will be Sunday October 2 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Lincoln.
Our next meeting will be Monday October 10 at 3:30 pm at the church. All ladies of the congregation are
invited to attend our Bible study and meeting.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted, In Christ,
Nancy Schlamann/Secretary/Treasurer
OR
Lets make a joyful noise unto the LORD!!: Come and join the Bell choir or the Vocal Choir.
Ringing and singing in the holidays and any other time we can. Call the church office for more
information – 402-826-4359.
We are starting our fall projects for gathering care kits for World Relief. Kit Ideas are:
Sewing Kits
School Kits
Personal Care Kits
Baby Kits
2 Material pieces
5 Notebooks
2 dark bath towels
2 receiving blankets
2 yards each
5 Pencils
2 washcloths
5 cloth diapers
2 new spools Thread
5 pens
nail clippers
1 hand towel
Ruler
lg tooth comb
2 bars ivory soap
Pink eraser
toothbrush
2 gowns or pajamas Pencil sharpener
2 bars soap
2 pair socks
They will also take
24 ct box crayons
Hat &/or Hooded sweater or jacket
Plastic sacks for making Draw string back-pack
2 t-shirts & 2 diaper pins
Bed-mats --- Tooth paste and other sample personal items are boxed separately.
Video Presenters for all of October: Learn with us!
Sunday’s:
October 2 - Roylene
October 9 - Jim F.
October 16 – Colten
October 23 – Mike M.
October 30 – Ruth
Monday’s: Wayne or Ruth
BLC SCRIP
NAME
PHONE
Business
Abloom
Blue River Meats
Burger King
Casey’s
Casey’s
Casey’s
Crete Floral & Gifts
Crete Floral & Gifts
Crete Lumber Co.
% Amount
10%
10%
4%
3%
3%
3%
10%
10%
Cristina’s
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
5%
5%
10%
Foodmart
Isis Theatre
5%
15%
Ken’s Pharmacy
9th Street Grill
Pizza Hut
Radio Shack
Runza
Shopko
10%
10%
8%
4%
5%
3%
Tammy’s Hallmark
True Value
True Value
Valentino’s
Walmart
Walmart
10%
5%
5%
9%
3.5%
3.5%
Amount on Card
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$25.00
$50.00
$10.00
$25.00
$10-up*
*Larger amounts call
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$25.00
$5.00
$10.00
$25.00
$10.00
$10.00
$25.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$25.00
$10.00
$25.00
$10.00
$25.00
$100.00
DATE
CHECK #
Number Ordered
Marilyn
TOTAL
THIS PAGE
Please allow at least one week to fill your orders. Thank You!
For Questions or to place an order,
Call Marilyn McElravy at 402-826-0505
Kathy Spanjer 402-826-5582
Connie Lentell at 402-826-2049
Total Price
$
OUT OF TOWN STORES
Business
Aeropostale
American Eagle
Applebee’s
Arby’s
Bath & Body Works
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Best Buy
Cabela’s
Carlos O’Kelly’s
Chili’s
Claire’s
Cracker Barrel
Eddie Bauer
Family Christian
Gap/Old Navy
Home Depot
J.C. Penny
Jo-Ann’s
KFC
Kohl’s
Long John Silver’s
Maurice’s
Menards
Office Depot
Office Max
Outback Steak
Olive Garden
Panera Bread
Payless Shoes
Sears
Target
TJ Maxx
Toys-r-Us
TCBY
%Discount
7%
10%
10%
8%
13%
7%
3%
11%
9%
11%
9%
9%
10%
9%
9%
4%
6%
8%
8%
4%
8%
7%
3%
4%
5%
8%
9%
9%
13%
4%
2.5%
7%
3%
BLC SCRIP
Amount on Card
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$10.00
$10.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$10.00
$25.00
$10.00
$10.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$20.00
$5.00
$25.00
$5.00
$20.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$10.00
$20.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$20.00
Number Ordered
Total Price
$
TOTAL THIS
PAGE
Please allow at least one week to fill your orders. Thank You!
For Questions or to place an order,
Call Marilyn McElravy at 402-826-0505
Kathy Spanjer 402-826-5582
Connie Lentell at 402-826-2049