| Bethany Lutheran Church Red Lake Falls MN |
|
February Newsletter
From the Pastor
Remember your 8th grade composition teacher who taught you that “less is more,” when it comes to writing? An abundance of words does not make our message stronger, but only weakens it, leading the reader to boredom, confusion, and frustration. “Less is more” when it comes to writing. But “less is more” is also true when it comes to living. Often we think that “more is more”. If we just have more channels to watch, more games to go to, more money to spend, we will be happier. But can you really enjoy a hundred channels on TV? Do you really want to watch non stop basketball games on ESPN? Can a billionaire really enjoy spending a billion dollars? A woman suffering from chronic illness once said, “When you have limited energy, you are much more careful with how you use it.” Perhaps those are words we could all benefit from. How can we use our time and resources more carefully? Perhaps if we start with God, He will help us to choose more wisely. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NIV) Pastor Gary “Revelation” Bible Study Sunday Evenings Feb 3rd - 24th 7:00 pm Sundae Sunday “Sundae Sunday!” will start with a potluck meal following the service on February 3rd. Then sundaes will be served and the baskets will be awarded to the winners. Tickets for the baskets will be $1.00 each, or 12 for $10. The proceeds will go to the Northland's Rescue Mission in Grand Forks. Many thanks to Thrivent for seed money for this event. If you have items you would like to donate to the baskets, please contact Linda Graff. February Beacons Pastor Gary and Linda are seeking the assistance of the February Beacons to serve the potluck lunch for Sundae Sunday, February 3rd. If you are a February Beacon and are available to help, please let Pastor or Linda know. Congratulations To Andy and Patty Olson on the birth of their son Maverick Charles. He joins siblings Hunter, Ashtin, Daisy, and Lincoln. Women of Bethany The WELCA meeting this month will be Febuary 20th. The board meeting is at 6:30 pm and the general meeting is at 7:00 pm. All confirmed women of Bethany are invited to join us! “WITNESSES” Paraphrase Theater Johnathan Swenson will present a series of “eyewitness accounts” to the person of Jesus Christ. These first person mini plays will bring the gospel to life. Mr. Swenson is a trained actor in theater and music and an ordained minister. He has been a keynote presenter at over four hundred conferences and church gatherings. His unique combination of artist and theologian allows him to have a powerful impact on audiences of all ages. The date is Wednesday February 6th, 7:00 pm, Zion Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls. The cost free! This will be our confirmation class for Wednesday Feb. 6th. We will leave from the church at 6:00 pm. Additional drivers are needed. Sponsored by the Thief River Falls Lutheran Church Conference. Members of congregation are invited to join us. Kathy Murphy (253-4458) has volunteered to organize rides. |
Newsletter PDFs
February
Birthdays 1 – Kurt Casavan Keith Herberg 2 – Aleshia Lagerstrom Steve Seeger Perry Duden 3 – Pete Tydlacka 6 – Cathy Gilleland 7 – Nancy Haglund 8 – Lisa Reich 9 – Sadie Bernier Steve Philipp 10 – Marne Thompson 11 – LeAnn Ellefson LeRoy Hoffman 14 – Fern Brevik 16 – Keith Leines 17 – Lacie Hovland 18 – Alysa Gums Parker Holt 19 – Scott Herberg Arizona Hams 20 – Chelsey Pletschett Carolyn Roff 22 – Kole Kleven Peter Tydlacka Amber Danielson 25 – Michael Halvorson 26 – Kale Miller Brett Piersol 27 – Linda Johnston February
Anniversaries 1 – Wes & Sherry Largis 6 – Aaron & Ashley Gagner 23 – Dale & Mary Knutson 24 – Knute & Sue Knutson Lynn & Nancy Seeger | ||||||||||||
Mary Circle
Mary circle will not be meeting February 6th but instead will be attending Johnathan Swenson's "WITNESS" paraphrase theater that evening, 7:00 pm, at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. If you would like to attend, please let Kathy Murphy (253-4458) know and meet at Bethany at 6:00 pm to ride share.
Prayers for Healing
Prayers for Healing will be offered during communion on February 17th. As you are communing, either hand the pastor a note or motion with your hand that you wish to have prayers for yourself or a loved one. Pastor and his assistant will lay their hands on your shoulder and offer prayers for you at that time.
Youth Serve At Care And Share
Our youth will be serving a meal at the Care and Share homeless shelter in Crookston on Wednesday, February 20th. This will take the place of our regular confirmation class and youth will get an “extra credit” point for participating. The meal will be prepared by the youth after school and then taken to Crookston to be served to the residents. Should last from about 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. During the month of February a box will be in the parish hall for “personal items” collected for the residents. Needed are items such as deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, washcloths and towels, diapers size 4-5, men's boxers, and socks. Thanks to Thrivent Action Teams for seed money for this event.
Youth Ski Trip
The Youth Group will be skiing at Buena Vista on Friday, March 1st right after school until it closes at 9:00 pm. There will be a cost to attend. More information coming soon. Questions can be directed to Jenny Schmitz and Hannah Seeger.
Quilting
Come join the fun! Winter quilting Wednesdays beginning at 9:30 am. You don’t have to know how to quilt as we need people to tie knots, thread needles, cut fabric and enjoy the day with the group! Lunch included. We will meet each Wednesday EXCEPT the week of circle when we will meet on Monday at 9:30 am (Feb 4th).
Church Council Members
Thanks to outgoing council members Gerald Bjorgan, Lorri Ann Hartel, Darold Johnston, Ann Piersol, and Jenny Schmitz. Thanks to new council members Kevin Harming, Cheryl Matzke, Lacie Hovland, Brook Rufsvold, and Shellby Baird and Mariah Peterson (who will be sharing a Youth Representative position).
Installation of Council and WELCA Officers
During the worship service on February 10th, we will have an installation and prayers for our new church council, as well as the new WELCA Officers.
1st Communion Classes
Communion classes for fifth and sixth graders will start Feb. 24th at 9:00 am (in place of Sunday school) and continue through March 24th. 1st communion for these young people will be celebrated on April 7th at 10:00 am.
Lent Starts March 6th
Easter is April 21st
Confirmation
Notes were recently sent out to parents of confirmation students regarding their youth's progress in confirmation. Please take advantage of Wednesday evening worship services if your young person is behind in requirements. Confirmation is tentatively scheduled for May 5th at 10:00 am.
No Confirmation
Please note there will be no confirmation on February 13th due to parent/teacher conferences at the school.
Conference Gathering
On Thursday evening at 7:00 pm on February 28th at Zion Lutheran in Thief River Falls, we will have the annual spring gathering of our Thief River Falls Conference. We will hear from the Bishop and his staff about how things are going in the Northwestern Minnesota Synod. A representative of Pathways Bible Camps will give us a report on how things are going there. This will be a good time to meet people from other churches and come up with ideas for the coming year. This year's “Witnesses!” event (see above) is an example of area churches networking together to provide good ministry to the people of our area. Mainly for pastor and church council but others are welcome to attend too.
Respite Care Support Group
Meets February 14th at 6:30 pm at Bethany. Call Julie Praska-Moser of Lutheran Social Services for more information (218-686-6228).
Local Food Shelf
We now have a box in the parish hall for donations to our local Red Lake Falls Food Shelf. Items they are looking for include the following: paper towels, toilet paper, kleenex, tooth paste, toothbrushes, deodorant, laundry soap, dish soap, hand soap, shampoo and conditioner.
The Red Lake Falls Food Shelf 2018 Review
This year the Red Lake Falls Food Shelf served a total of 1,136 people giving out 19,472.22 lbs. of food, 4,678.6 lbs. of produce, and 527 vouchers. A voucher is worth $10 that the customer uses to purchase perishable food items or fresh fruits and vegetables at a local grocery store, either Brent's Fresh Foods in Red Lake Falls or D&R in Oklee.
Last year the Red Lake Falls Food Shelf served a total of 1,168 people giving out 19,702.96 lbs. of food, 5,963.75 lbs. of produce, and 552 vouchers.
We would like to thank all who donated food/grocery/clothing items, produce, grocery/birthday bags, and/or monetary donations throughout last year. All of your prayers and support are greatly appreciated! Thank you for seeing Jesus in those in need! May God bless you abundantly for your generosity!
The Red Lake Falls Food Shelf
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.
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.
Grief Support in 2019
Hospice of the Red River Valley offers several grief support services including individual support through home or office visits and calls, support groups, youth grief support, and a grief support resource library that houses topics on caregiving, death and dying, chronic illness, hospice care, dementia, suicide, grief and loss, pet loss, parental loss, children and teen literature, rituals and ceremonies, and inspirational and motivational stories. Support groups include “Grief Journeys for Adults,” “Grief Journeys for Widows,” “Grief Journeys for Men,” and “Pregnancy and Infant Loss.” For a schedule of these meetings and other grief support events visit www.hrrv.org or call (800) 237-4629.
Mary circle will not be meeting February 6th but instead will be attending Johnathan Swenson's "WITNESS" paraphrase theater that evening, 7:00 pm, at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. If you would like to attend, please let Kathy Murphy (253-4458) know and meet at Bethany at 6:00 pm to ride share.
Prayers for Healing
Prayers for Healing will be offered during communion on February 17th. As you are communing, either hand the pastor a note or motion with your hand that you wish to have prayers for yourself or a loved one. Pastor and his assistant will lay their hands on your shoulder and offer prayers for you at that time.
Youth Serve At Care And Share
Our youth will be serving a meal at the Care and Share homeless shelter in Crookston on Wednesday, February 20th. This will take the place of our regular confirmation class and youth will get an “extra credit” point for participating. The meal will be prepared by the youth after school and then taken to Crookston to be served to the residents. Should last from about 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. During the month of February a box will be in the parish hall for “personal items” collected for the residents. Needed are items such as deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, washcloths and towels, diapers size 4-5, men's boxers, and socks. Thanks to Thrivent Action Teams for seed money for this event.
Youth Ski Trip
The Youth Group will be skiing at Buena Vista on Friday, March 1st right after school until it closes at 9:00 pm. There will be a cost to attend. More information coming soon. Questions can be directed to Jenny Schmitz and Hannah Seeger.
Quilting
Come join the fun! Winter quilting Wednesdays beginning at 9:30 am. You don’t have to know how to quilt as we need people to tie knots, thread needles, cut fabric and enjoy the day with the group! Lunch included. We will meet each Wednesday EXCEPT the week of circle when we will meet on Monday at 9:30 am (Feb 4th).
Church Council Members
Thanks to outgoing council members Gerald Bjorgan, Lorri Ann Hartel, Darold Johnston, Ann Piersol, and Jenny Schmitz. Thanks to new council members Kevin Harming, Cheryl Matzke, Lacie Hovland, Brook Rufsvold, and Shellby Baird and Mariah Peterson (who will be sharing a Youth Representative position).
Installation of Council and WELCA Officers
During the worship service on February 10th, we will have an installation and prayers for our new church council, as well as the new WELCA Officers.
1st Communion Classes
Communion classes for fifth and sixth graders will start Feb. 24th at 9:00 am (in place of Sunday school) and continue through March 24th. 1st communion for these young people will be celebrated on April 7th at 10:00 am.
Lent Starts March 6th
Easter is April 21st
Confirmation
Notes were recently sent out to parents of confirmation students regarding their youth's progress in confirmation. Please take advantage of Wednesday evening worship services if your young person is behind in requirements. Confirmation is tentatively scheduled for May 5th at 10:00 am.
No Confirmation
Please note there will be no confirmation on February 13th due to parent/teacher conferences at the school.
Conference Gathering
On Thursday evening at 7:00 pm on February 28th at Zion Lutheran in Thief River Falls, we will have the annual spring gathering of our Thief River Falls Conference. We will hear from the Bishop and his staff about how things are going in the Northwestern Minnesota Synod. A representative of Pathways Bible Camps will give us a report on how things are going there. This will be a good time to meet people from other churches and come up with ideas for the coming year. This year's “Witnesses!” event (see above) is an example of area churches networking together to provide good ministry to the people of our area. Mainly for pastor and church council but others are welcome to attend too.
Respite Care Support Group
Meets February 14th at 6:30 pm at Bethany. Call Julie Praska-Moser of Lutheran Social Services for more information (218-686-6228).
Local Food Shelf
We now have a box in the parish hall for donations to our local Red Lake Falls Food Shelf. Items they are looking for include the following: paper towels, toilet paper, kleenex, tooth paste, toothbrushes, deodorant, laundry soap, dish soap, hand soap, shampoo and conditioner.
The Red Lake Falls Food Shelf 2018 Review
This year the Red Lake Falls Food Shelf served a total of 1,136 people giving out 19,472.22 lbs. of food, 4,678.6 lbs. of produce, and 527 vouchers. A voucher is worth $10 that the customer uses to purchase perishable food items or fresh fruits and vegetables at a local grocery store, either Brent's Fresh Foods in Red Lake Falls or D&R in Oklee.
Last year the Red Lake Falls Food Shelf served a total of 1,168 people giving out 19,702.96 lbs. of food, 5,963.75 lbs. of produce, and 552 vouchers.
We would like to thank all who donated food/grocery/clothing items, produce, grocery/birthday bags, and/or monetary donations throughout last year. All of your prayers and support are greatly appreciated! Thank you for seeing Jesus in those in need! May God bless you abundantly for your generosity!
The Red Lake Falls Food Shelf
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.
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.
Grief Support in 2019
Hospice of the Red River Valley offers several grief support services including individual support through home or office visits and calls, support groups, youth grief support, and a grief support resource library that houses topics on caregiving, death and dying, chronic illness, hospice care, dementia, suicide, grief and loss, pet loss, parental loss, children and teen literature, rituals and ceremonies, and inspirational and motivational stories. Support groups include “Grief Journeys for Adults,” “Grief Journeys for Widows,” “Grief Journeys for Men,” and “Pregnancy and Infant Loss.” For a schedule of these meetings and other grief support events visit www.hrrv.org or call (800) 237-4629.
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.
Powered by
