| Bethany Lutheran Church Red Lake Falls MN |
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December Newsletter
From the Pastor
In the month of December, preachers all over the world begin to focus on advent preparation. Many of the scriptures readings for advent focus on repentance, and God's call to “prepare” for Christ's coming among us. We are to be like those guests at a wedding banquet, waiting for the bridegroom to appear. Or like servants, faithfully waiting for their master to return from a long journey. The focus is on waiting in faith. Waiting with hearts and minds alert and watching. In the season of advent we focus on waiting for the Jesus who “was, is, and will come again”. In other words, we focus not just on how Jesus came among us as a baby 2000 years ago, but also remember how Jesus is still among us through the power of the spirit, and how Jesus will come again in glory at the end of time. It's important to focus on Jesus coming among us in these three very special ways that we might receive him with joy and thanksgiving. Whether past, present or future, Jesus gives us a lot to watch and prepare for, and we dare not miss out on him! What's a good way to wait? I would suggest opening a Bible. Read for fifteen minutes a day starting anywhere in God's word. Just read it! And to help you in your reading, I would suggest buying yourself a good Christmas present. Buy yourself a good study Bible. There are many good study Bibles to choose from, but I recommend the “NIV Student Bible” with notes and commentary by Phillip Yancy and Tim Stafford. It is packed with excellent notes and commentary that will help you to get the most out of your Bible reading. Pay special attention to the introductions of each book and the “how to read it” notes that are included in each introduction. Yancy and Stafford help us to see the “forest and not just the trees” as they help the reader to discern the main message of each book in the Bible, and not get lost in the details. Have a good Christmas, and remember to put a study Bible under the Christmas tree, either for yourself or someone you love. Pastor Gary Shoe Drive! During the month of December you can donate gently used shoes to a shoe drive that will not just benefit charities in the poorer countries, but one charity in our own backyard. The Care and Share homeless shelter in Crookston is collecting used shoes this December that will be donated to an organization called “FundstoOrgs”. Funds to Orgs collects these shoes and sends them to several small struggling nations in Africa where they are donated to shop keepers to sell for a low price to their neighbors. It helps the shop keeper by boosting their income, but also helps the customer by providing gently used but affordable footwear. It also helps the host organization by providing 40 cents per pound of shoes collected; in this case, to Care and Share. Sounds like a real “win win” way of doing charitable work among the poor! I checked out “FundstoOrgs” on the better Business Bureau web site and found that it had an excellent reputation. If you wish to participate, gently used shoes can be dropped off at Care and Share Shelter in Crookston, Hardware Hank of Crookston, and the Crookston Times. The deadline for drop off is Dec. 31st. What a great way to recycle your used shoes. January Bible Study Starting January 12th at 7 pm, a six week Bible study on the book of Revelation. Last January we looked at the Bible background of Revelation (which can still be discussed with the pastor. I love to talk about the Bible! You are welcome to come in any time!). This study will address other facets of this most influential book. For example, we will look at how the book was interpreted during the time of the reformation in Europe, and how the book was interpreted in the mid 1800's in America. We will learn why this book keeps popping up, and causing a sensation every fifty to a hundred years and how Revelation has affected the art and literature of our country past and present. We'll also look at how Revelation has affected church music and even created whole denominations! Our presenter on DVD will be Dr. Craig Koester of Luther Seminary. |
Newsletter PDFs
December
Birthdays 1 – Dennis Haglund Jill Magnell 2 – Erin Matzke 3 – Wanda Olson 6 – Terry Rewertz 8 – Bailey Miller Vaida Pletschett Wren Pletschett 9 – David Miller 10 – Maureen Hams 11 – Olivia Bulger Gary Halvorson 12 – Faye Klipping 13 – Eunice Hams 14 – Theodore Tydlacka 15 – Gerald Bjorgan Logan Turner 16 – Ames Gagner Murray Turner Bonnie Tydlacka 19 – Lynelle Doyle 21 – Wyatt Sauve 22 – Lynn Seeger 23 – Logan Hovland Shirley Thompson 24 – Cristin Gums 25 – Jesus of Nazareth Keaton Hansen 26 – Amanda Myhre 27 – Nathan Hofstad Gabriela Jorissen 30 – Sheri Lallier Aubree Largis 31 – Zack Landman December
Anniversaries 7 – Jesse & Dianne Casavan 11 – Owen & Dianna Nelson Dennis & Debra Piche 28 – Harvey & Nina Bakke 29 – Maurice & Diane Bjorgan 31 – Jeff & Shari Baird Paul & Rachel Klein | ||||||||||||
Coffee During Sunday School
Starting this December, there will be a pot of coffee and some cookies in the parish hall for parents of children in Sunday School. The coffee and cookies will be self serve at the kitchen window. Please feel free to use this time to visit with your fellow parents while your children attend Sunday School class.
Sympathies
Our sympathy and prayers for the family of Maurice Bjorgan who joined the saints in light on November 19th.
Sympathy and prayers also to the family of Elaine Klein who passed away November 20th.
Baptism
Bennett Ace Sundberg, son of Spencer and Arielle Sundberg, will be baptized on Dec. 22nd. His sponsors will be Kristen and Keith Bond, and Lars Brevik. Welcome to God's family Bennett!
Christmas Schedule
Christmas Eve service at 5:30 pm December 24th.
Christmas Program
The Sunday School will put on its Christmas program on Dec. 15th at 10:00 am in place of worship.
Dec. 22nd & 29th No Sunday School
Dec. 25th No Confirmation, No Women's Bible Study
Dec. 26th - No Men's Bible Study
Jan. 1st - No Confirmation, No Women's Bible Study
Offering Envelopes
Please pick up your 2020 offering envelopes in the parish hall. They are arranged alphabetically by last name. If you cannot find your name, please take a blank one and notify pastor so this can be corrected on our end.
Giving Tree
Help provide a special Christmas to those in need in our community. Take a tag off the Giving Tree, purchase a gift of about $20 (or cash), wrap it, and return it under the tree by Dec. 16th.
Christmas Gift for Pastor
If you would like to contribute to the Christmas gift for Pastor Gary and Linda, please get your submissions to Allen Bertilrud by December 15th.
New Council Members Needed
Church Council is looking for volunteers to fill positions on our church board that will become vacant in the new year. Call President Allen Bertilrud or Pastor Gary Graff if interested in serving.
Women's Bible Study
During the winter months, the Women's Wednesday morning Bible Study will meet at Sunview instead of the church. This new meeting location will begin on December 4th and continue until spring. Enter through the west end canopy at Sunview. Breakfast and Bible Study is from 7:30-9:30 am on Wednesdays.
Worldwide Candle Lighting
In remembrance, please come light a candle for children who have died. Join us for a heartfelt ceremony December 8th at 7:00 pm at St. Joseph Church Parish Center. You are welcome to bring a picture to display. All friends and family are welcome. Candles and refreshments will be provided. Hosted by the Compassionate Friends.
Women of Bethany News
We did Thankoffering in November. We will do yearly giving in December. The details for the Christmas party are below. Also, see our year-long mission below.
Anyone have ideas for giving or service work and money raising? Don't keep it inside! Text or tell anyone and start the fun!
Women of Bethany Year-Long Mission
Many women’s groups sew quilts for Lutheran World Relief or assemble school kits and hygiene kits for neighbors in time of need. The women of Bethany are once again putting together kits for a local hospital—but they’re not what you’d think.
We have decided that this will be a year-long project and 2020 is a year of celebration and acknowledgement of the women of our church.
These kits are for women who have gone through medical exams after sexual assault. Often a victim’s clothing is used for evidence or is not in condition to be worn again. The “Lily Bags” include sports bras, underpants, socks, leggings or yoga pants, tooth brushes, or a small squeezable toy.
In the bag, we include a knitted prayer square with a message of hope and strength. Also, in the bag will be a sticker with the Women of the ELCA logo and another message: “You don’t know how strong you are until strong is all there is left to be.”
We used the lily for our bags because it stands for strength, beauty and vitality, and because it’s the Women of the ELCA logo.
So, as you are shopping throughout the year, especially during the change of season sales, please remember this great need. All items should be new and larger sizes, especially of the sports bras, are greatly appreciated. Sadly, in just 6 months, all of the 16 Lily Bags that were donated to one of our local hospitals were used.
And, we ask for one more very important thing. Please pray for these victims and also those who assaulted them.
Women of Bethany Christmas Party
The Women of Bethany Christmas party is December 15th at 2:30 pm. The Dorcas Circle will have treats and the Mary circle will have a program. Come one and all ladies. No gift exchange but please bring something for the Lily Bags (see above year-long mission).
Shoebox Christmas
Bethany is supporting Spirit Lake Ministry's Shoebox Christmas instead of our usual shoebox gifts as this one does not require us to pay postage. Shoebox Christmas gifts are built from love for children that might not otherwise get a Christmas gift. To start, wrap the bottom and top of the box separately (this will allow us to insert the story of the birth of Jesus). If you have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, ask them what they would like for Christmas. Add that, a few more small gifts, some candy, a winter hat, mittens or gloves, school supplies, toiletries, and books about Jesus. Place a rubber band around the box and the top, then put the age group and gender of the child on top of the box. We are looking for the following age groups: infant, toddler, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13 and up. Please only add new toys and don't put any clothing except the hats/gloves or mittens in the boxes. Boxes need to be filled by December 8th. Cash donations also accepted; others will do the shopping. Contact Vicki Duden or Chris Van Emmerick with any questions.
Volunteers Needed
We are seeking volunteers to create a list of people we can call when we are short-handed for Beacon duties. If you are willing to be an “on-call” Beacon to serve for ushering, coffee host, or communion assistant, please let us know. Talk to Pastor or send us an email.
Thrivent Choice Dollars
$113 in “Choice Dollars” has been donated to Bethany on behalf of Michael Mueller and Jenny Schmitz.
Benevolence and Mission Donations for 2019
• January - $500 Senior Nutrition Site, $300 to VIP of TRF, $200 Conference 2 “Witnesses” confirmation event
• Non-benevolence donation of $868 to Northland's Rescue Mission
• February - $1000 for Care and Share
• March - $1000 Lutheran World Relief for Cyclone Relief in Africa
• April - $1000 Lutheran Disaster Response for flood relief in Midwest (with Thrivent matching funds $1 for every $2 given)
• May 6 - $130 to Lutheran Gifts program for 2 goats and one pig (Sunday school “Pig” money)
• May - $1000 for Northwestern Minn Synod
• June - $1000 to Lutheran World Hunger
• July - $1000 to Pathways Bible Camps
• August - $1000 to Lutheran Disaster Response for relief in the Bahamas
• September - $1000 to Lutheran Disaster Response for relief in Sioux Falls, SD
• October - $1000 to Watrburg's Seminary
• Non-benevolence donation of $3,690 to Sonshine Ministries from the Fiesta Fundraiser
• November - $500 to University of Minnesota Crookston Campus Ministry, $500 to Bemidji State University Lutheran Campus Ministry
Starting this December, there will be a pot of coffee and some cookies in the parish hall for parents of children in Sunday School. The coffee and cookies will be self serve at the kitchen window. Please feel free to use this time to visit with your fellow parents while your children attend Sunday School class.
Sympathies
Our sympathy and prayers for the family of Maurice Bjorgan who joined the saints in light on November 19th.
Sympathy and prayers also to the family of Elaine Klein who passed away November 20th.
Baptism
Bennett Ace Sundberg, son of Spencer and Arielle Sundberg, will be baptized on Dec. 22nd. His sponsors will be Kristen and Keith Bond, and Lars Brevik. Welcome to God's family Bennett!
Christmas Schedule
Christmas Eve service at 5:30 pm December 24th.
Christmas Program
The Sunday School will put on its Christmas program on Dec. 15th at 10:00 am in place of worship.
Dec. 22nd & 29th No Sunday School
Dec. 25th No Confirmation, No Women's Bible Study
Dec. 26th - No Men's Bible Study
Jan. 1st - No Confirmation, No Women's Bible Study
Offering Envelopes
Please pick up your 2020 offering envelopes in the parish hall. They are arranged alphabetically by last name. If you cannot find your name, please take a blank one and notify pastor so this can be corrected on our end.
Giving Tree
Help provide a special Christmas to those in need in our community. Take a tag off the Giving Tree, purchase a gift of about $20 (or cash), wrap it, and return it under the tree by Dec. 16th.
Christmas Gift for Pastor
If you would like to contribute to the Christmas gift for Pastor Gary and Linda, please get your submissions to Allen Bertilrud by December 15th.
New Council Members Needed
Church Council is looking for volunteers to fill positions on our church board that will become vacant in the new year. Call President Allen Bertilrud or Pastor Gary Graff if interested in serving.
Women's Bible Study
During the winter months, the Women's Wednesday morning Bible Study will meet at Sunview instead of the church. This new meeting location will begin on December 4th and continue until spring. Enter through the west end canopy at Sunview. Breakfast and Bible Study is from 7:30-9:30 am on Wednesdays.
Worldwide Candle Lighting
In remembrance, please come light a candle for children who have died. Join us for a heartfelt ceremony December 8th at 7:00 pm at St. Joseph Church Parish Center. You are welcome to bring a picture to display. All friends and family are welcome. Candles and refreshments will be provided. Hosted by the Compassionate Friends.
Women of Bethany News
We did Thankoffering in November. We will do yearly giving in December. The details for the Christmas party are below. Also, see our year-long mission below.
Anyone have ideas for giving or service work and money raising? Don't keep it inside! Text or tell anyone and start the fun!
Women of Bethany Year-Long Mission
Many women’s groups sew quilts for Lutheran World Relief or assemble school kits and hygiene kits for neighbors in time of need. The women of Bethany are once again putting together kits for a local hospital—but they’re not what you’d think.
We have decided that this will be a year-long project and 2020 is a year of celebration and acknowledgement of the women of our church.
These kits are for women who have gone through medical exams after sexual assault. Often a victim’s clothing is used for evidence or is not in condition to be worn again. The “Lily Bags” include sports bras, underpants, socks, leggings or yoga pants, tooth brushes, or a small squeezable toy.
In the bag, we include a knitted prayer square with a message of hope and strength. Also, in the bag will be a sticker with the Women of the ELCA logo and another message: “You don’t know how strong you are until strong is all there is left to be.”
We used the lily for our bags because it stands for strength, beauty and vitality, and because it’s the Women of the ELCA logo.
So, as you are shopping throughout the year, especially during the change of season sales, please remember this great need. All items should be new and larger sizes, especially of the sports bras, are greatly appreciated. Sadly, in just 6 months, all of the 16 Lily Bags that were donated to one of our local hospitals were used.
And, we ask for one more very important thing. Please pray for these victims and also those who assaulted them.
Women of Bethany Christmas Party
The Women of Bethany Christmas party is December 15th at 2:30 pm. The Dorcas Circle will have treats and the Mary circle will have a program. Come one and all ladies. No gift exchange but please bring something for the Lily Bags (see above year-long mission).
Shoebox Christmas
Bethany is supporting Spirit Lake Ministry's Shoebox Christmas instead of our usual shoebox gifts as this one does not require us to pay postage. Shoebox Christmas gifts are built from love for children that might not otherwise get a Christmas gift. To start, wrap the bottom and top of the box separately (this will allow us to insert the story of the birth of Jesus). If you have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, ask them what they would like for Christmas. Add that, a few more small gifts, some candy, a winter hat, mittens or gloves, school supplies, toiletries, and books about Jesus. Place a rubber band around the box and the top, then put the age group and gender of the child on top of the box. We are looking for the following age groups: infant, toddler, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13 and up. Please only add new toys and don't put any clothing except the hats/gloves or mittens in the boxes. Boxes need to be filled by December 8th. Cash donations also accepted; others will do the shopping. Contact Vicki Duden or Chris Van Emmerick with any questions.
Volunteers Needed
We are seeking volunteers to create a list of people we can call when we are short-handed for Beacon duties. If you are willing to be an “on-call” Beacon to serve for ushering, coffee host, or communion assistant, please let us know. Talk to Pastor or send us an email.
Thrivent Choice Dollars
$113 in “Choice Dollars” has been donated to Bethany on behalf of Michael Mueller and Jenny Schmitz.
Benevolence and Mission Donations for 2019
• January - $500 Senior Nutrition Site, $300 to VIP of TRF, $200 Conference 2 “Witnesses” confirmation event
• Non-benevolence donation of $868 to Northland's Rescue Mission
• February - $1000 for Care and Share
• March - $1000 Lutheran World Relief for Cyclone Relief in Africa
• April - $1000 Lutheran Disaster Response for flood relief in Midwest (with Thrivent matching funds $1 for every $2 given)
• May 6 - $130 to Lutheran Gifts program for 2 goats and one pig (Sunday school “Pig” money)
• May - $1000 for Northwestern Minn Synod
• June - $1000 to Lutheran World Hunger
• July - $1000 to Pathways Bible Camps
• August - $1000 to Lutheran Disaster Response for relief in the Bahamas
• September - $1000 to Lutheran Disaster Response for relief in Sioux Falls, SD
• October - $1000 to Watrburg's Seminary
• Non-benevolence donation of $3,690 to Sonshine Ministries from the Fiesta Fundraiser
• November - $500 to University of Minnesota Crookston Campus Ministry, $500 to Bemidji State University Lutheran Campus Ministry
Additional Information
Bethany Prayer Chain
If you wish to request prayers for yourself or a loved one, contact Pastor Gary, Marion Bjorgan, or Linda Hoffman. We'll send your request on to a team of 26 individuals who have committed themselves to praying for your need.
Like Us on Facebook
We now have a new Facebook Page for Bethany Lutheran Church! The quickest way to get to us is by clicking on the link on the homepage of our website. Like our Page for updates and events happening at our church!
Amazon Smile
You can now donate to Bethany Lutheran Church using Amazon Smile. Be sure you are on the Amazon Smile website (smile.amazon.com) and make your regular purchases. A portion of the sale will be donated directly to Bethany.
Local Food Shelf
We now have a box for donations to our local Red Lake Falls Food Shelf. Items they are looking for include: paper towels, toilet paper, kleenex, tooth paste, toothbrushes, deodorant, laundry soap, dish soap, hand soap, shampoo and conditioner.
RSVP Groceries to Go Program
The RSVP Groceries to Go Program is recruiting volunteers to assist with grocery shopping for qualified seniors. If you like to shop and are willing to provide a little companionship to a homebound senior, this may be the volunteer position for you. All volunteers will receive training prior to being matched with a client. If you are interested in being a RSVP Groceries to Go volunteer, or you need assistance with grocery shopping or know of someone who needs assistance, call RSVP at 281-8288, or tsykes@umn.edu.
RSVP Handyman Program
The RSVP Handyman Program helps homeowners, age 60+ by providing men or women volunteers to perform minor home maintenance work. RSVP handymen are skilled and trained. Background checks are performed on all volunteers. Volunteers may install grab bars, replace light bulbs, fix leaky faucets, install smoke alarms, etc. Clients do not pay for the labor, only for the needed materials. If you are in need of a Handyman, or would like to volunteer as one, please call RSVP at 281-8288, or tsykes@umn.edu.
If you wish to request prayers for yourself or a loved one, contact Pastor Gary, Marion Bjorgan, or Linda Hoffman. We'll send your request on to a team of 26 individuals who have committed themselves to praying for your need.
Like Us on Facebook
We now have a new Facebook Page for Bethany Lutheran Church! The quickest way to get to us is by clicking on the link on the homepage of our website. Like our Page for updates and events happening at our church!
Amazon Smile
You can now donate to Bethany Lutheran Church using Amazon Smile. Be sure you are on the Amazon Smile website (smile.amazon.com) and make your regular purchases. A portion of the sale will be donated directly to Bethany.
Local Food Shelf
We now have a box for donations to our local Red Lake Falls Food Shelf. Items they are looking for include: paper towels, toilet paper, kleenex, tooth paste, toothbrushes, deodorant, laundry soap, dish soap, hand soap, shampoo and conditioner.
RSVP Groceries to Go Program
The RSVP Groceries to Go Program is recruiting volunteers to assist with grocery shopping for qualified seniors. If you like to shop and are willing to provide a little companionship to a homebound senior, this may be the volunteer position for you. All volunteers will receive training prior to being matched with a client. If you are interested in being a RSVP Groceries to Go volunteer, or you need assistance with grocery shopping or know of someone who needs assistance, call RSVP at 281-8288, or tsykes@umn.edu.
RSVP Handyman Program
The RSVP Handyman Program helps homeowners, age 60+ by providing men or women volunteers to perform minor home maintenance work. RSVP handymen are skilled and trained. Background checks are performed on all volunteers. Volunteers may install grab bars, replace light bulbs, fix leaky faucets, install smoke alarms, etc. Clients do not pay for the labor, only for the needed materials. If you are in need of a Handyman, or would like to volunteer as one, please call RSVP at 281-8288, or tsykes@umn.edu.
Electronic Newsletter
Want this newsletter sent to you via email? Zap us an email stating so at bethanylutheranrlf@gmail.com.
Please include the above address in your email address book or your spam filter will automatically “bump” our mailings into your garbage folder.
Want this newsletter sent to you via email? Zap us an email stating so at bethanylutheranrlf@gmail.com.
Please include the above address in your email address book or your spam filter will automatically “bump” our mailings into your garbage folder.
