| Bethany Lutheran Church Red Lake Falls MN |
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August Newsletter
Vacation Bible School
Absolutely awesome! We had a team of great volunteers, music that rocked, and wonderful Biblical themes that were easily conveyed to the children thanks to some very good material. And the kids? All of us volunteers had many “holy moments” where our children ministered to us, touching us with their faith, enthusiasm, and love for God. Absolutely awesome! Absolutely awesome and yet also kind of draining! As someone once said, “Young children are made for young parents!” Kids have enormous amounts of energy and require enormous amounts of energy to keep up with. Where do we get that energy? I recently read of a “church without God”. It seems that some people out east wanted all the benefits of a church without the “God part”. They organized and rented a meeting space, recruited some inspirational, but not religious, speakers. And hired a band to play some lively, but not God centered, music. It was kind of like community ed, with more of an emphasis on community and providing people with a place to feel at home at. For awhile this church “without God” flourished, attracting as many as 6000 people to its “not worshipful” Sunday morning gatherings (note that they were not “services”). They even expanded to other cities and neighborhoods. But then, just as quickly as the movement started, it petered out. And the reason was quite simple. Community requires “sacrifice” and when the people you attract want only to “receive”, it’s hard to maintain that spirit of community. That spirit of “service”. (Do you notice the difference between a Sunday morning “service” and a Sunday morning “gathering”!) Why should we “serve”? Why should we care? Why should we do the hard work of loving our neighbor and making sacrifices for him or her, if all we are thinking about is, “What’s in it for me?” A church without God is kind of empty when it comes to power and a reason to make sacrifices for one’s neighbors. But with God, everything is different. When we worship we are reminded that everything we have is a gift from God. Every breath, every talent, every step we take is a gift from God. And when we stumble we have a support group that is bound by baptism to help us recover, and lift us up. When we need forgiveness, we mutually confess our human fallenness and need for God’s unconditional love shown us in Jesus. God made a big “sacrifice” for us in sending Jesus to be our helper, savior, and friend. And if our “servant God” loves us that much, we have a reason for helping and “serving” one another. As John put it, “we love, because God has first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) I am so glad we have a church “with God”! Because thanks to him, we can reach out to our youth and world, year after year, decade after decade, and constantly be renewed in our energy and love. What a blessing it is, to have a church “with God”! Pastor Gary * for more about this church without God movement look up the following.. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/07/secular-churches-rethink-their-sales-pitch/594109/ Thank You A big thank you to all of our volunteers and helpers who served VBS so faithfully and joyfully. Thanks to Peggy Miller, Linda Johnston, Vicki Duden and daughter Alexis, Linda Graff, Lorna Solberg, Vicki Peterson, Kale Miller, Morgan Koshenina, Daphne Harmoning, Madilyn Waldal, Mariah Peterson, Shellby Baird, Jana Sletten, Missy Sletten, DeeAnn Leines, Sandy Bertilrud, Allison Aakhus, Men's Bible Study and Pastor Gary (hope I haven’t forgotten anyone!). We had as many as fifty kids and sixteen volunteers “serving” in the name of the Lord! |
Newsletter PDFs
August
Birthdays 1 – Gunnar Broden 4 – Michael Klein Jarvis Kuznia Harriet Pearson 5 – Jim Gilbertson Randy Myhre 6 – Jana Sletten 8 – Landon Sauve 9 – Katie Halvorson 10 – Rylee Engelstad 11 – Marie Seeger 13 – Linda Graff 14 – Brenden Larson 17 – Linda Hoffman Karl Kleven 18 – Mavis Arvidson ShyAnn Larson 19 – Margaret Lee 20 – Clyde Fering 21 – James Hanson 22 – Hannah Seeger 24 – Mark Peterson 25 – Dawn Halvorson Jordyn Knott Judy Lundeen 26 – Bob Harmoning Jim Roff Halle Vigstol 27 – Brent Guenthner 28 – Kurt Ellefson Lincoln Olson 29 – Nick Knutson Laurie Seng 30 – Sheila Reich August
Anniversaries 6 – Dano & Kelsey Stephens 14 – Peter & Rachelle Tydlacka 15 – Gary & Dawn Halvorson 21 – Kevin & Chelsey Pletschett 25 – Karl & Carly Kleven 28 – Matt & Laura Cota 31 – Mark & Susy Herberg | ||||||||||||
Also, thank you to Chris Van Emmerik for attending the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Milwaukee, August 5-10.
New Members
Welcome to our new members Lorna Solberg and Lorae Benoit. Lorae is a resident of RLF and works at Hillcrest and the school. Lorna works at hope and lives out in the country near Huot park. Welcome to Bethany, Lorae and Lorna! We will be having a new member’s welcome to them in August or September.
Mystery Trip
The Women of Bethany Mystery Trip is scheduled for Sunday, August 4th. Meet at Bethany at 1:30 pm. Let Sheila Reich or Alison Lacina know if you plan to attend.
Youth Group Lock-In
We will be having an end of summer Youth Group activity on Monday, August 12, 2019 starting at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. Alison Lacina and Jenny Schmitz will be hosting a lock-in at Bethany Lutheran Church. We realize fall sports practice starts this day so come when you can and if you aren't able to spend the night plan to join us for a meal and activities.
Taco in a bag will be served around 7:00 p.m. followed by tie dying t-shirts, games, snacks and other late night fun. We'll also spend some time discussing what our youth group would like to do during the upcoming year as well.
This event is open to all Bethany youth who will be in grades 7-12 for the 2019-2020 school year. There is no cost for the event but you will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow and air mattress or cot if you have one.
We'll plan to have breakfast in the morning and then youth can go home. If you need help with transportation we will be able to get kids home in the morning.
We do need to have you RSVP so that we can plan accordingly. Please respond to this email or email, call or text Jenny Schmitz at jschmitz@rlfedu.org or 218-684-1703.
Board of Ed
Our board of Ed met in June to discuss ideas for improving Sunday school attendance. It seems that we start out strong and steadily lose kids throughout the winter (about 50-70 % attendance loss). Changing the time and day to Wednesday evening was one possible response. This would involve a change from Sunday morning Sunday school to a week night, perhaps Wednesday evenings. Ideas for improving Sunday school attendance throughout the year are welcome. VBS saw a high of 55 kids attending, we have that same potential for Sunday school attendance.
Board of Ed will also be meeting on August 18th, 6:30 pm (tentative) to make plans for Sunday school.
Blood Drive
Wednesday, August 14th 12:00-5:00 pm at Bethany Lutheran Church.
Baptism
Erika Roff, daughter to Bobbi Roff, will be baptized August 11th during our worship. Welcome to God’s family Erika!
Benevolence and Other Giving 2019
• January - $500 Senior Nutrition Site, $300 to VIP of TRF, $200 Conference 2 “Witnesses” event (planned for this fall provided the weather cooperates!)
• 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)
• Non-benevolence donation of $130 to Lutheran Gifts program for 2 goats and one pig (Sunday School Kid’s Pig Money)
• May Benevolence - $1000 to Northwestern Minnesota Synod
• June Benevolence - $1000 to ELCA Hunger Fund
New Members
Welcome to our new members Lorna Solberg and Lorae Benoit. Lorae is a resident of RLF and works at Hillcrest and the school. Lorna works at hope and lives out in the country near Huot park. Welcome to Bethany, Lorae and Lorna! We will be having a new member’s welcome to them in August or September.
Mystery Trip
The Women of Bethany Mystery Trip is scheduled for Sunday, August 4th. Meet at Bethany at 1:30 pm. Let Sheila Reich or Alison Lacina know if you plan to attend.
Youth Group Lock-In
We will be having an end of summer Youth Group activity on Monday, August 12, 2019 starting at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. Alison Lacina and Jenny Schmitz will be hosting a lock-in at Bethany Lutheran Church. We realize fall sports practice starts this day so come when you can and if you aren't able to spend the night plan to join us for a meal and activities.
Taco in a bag will be served around 7:00 p.m. followed by tie dying t-shirts, games, snacks and other late night fun. We'll also spend some time discussing what our youth group would like to do during the upcoming year as well.
This event is open to all Bethany youth who will be in grades 7-12 for the 2019-2020 school year. There is no cost for the event but you will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow and air mattress or cot if you have one.
We'll plan to have breakfast in the morning and then youth can go home. If you need help with transportation we will be able to get kids home in the morning.
We do need to have you RSVP so that we can plan accordingly. Please respond to this email or email, call or text Jenny Schmitz at jschmitz@rlfedu.org or 218-684-1703.
Board of Ed
Our board of Ed met in June to discuss ideas for improving Sunday school attendance. It seems that we start out strong and steadily lose kids throughout the winter (about 50-70 % attendance loss). Changing the time and day to Wednesday evening was one possible response. This would involve a change from Sunday morning Sunday school to a week night, perhaps Wednesday evenings. Ideas for improving Sunday school attendance throughout the year are welcome. VBS saw a high of 55 kids attending, we have that same potential for Sunday school attendance.
Board of Ed will also be meeting on August 18th, 6:30 pm (tentative) to make plans for Sunday school.
Blood Drive
Wednesday, August 14th 12:00-5:00 pm at Bethany Lutheran Church.
Baptism
Erika Roff, daughter to Bobbi Roff, will be baptized August 11th during our worship. Welcome to God’s family Erika!
Benevolence and Other Giving 2019
• January - $500 Senior Nutrition Site, $300 to VIP of TRF, $200 Conference 2 “Witnesses” event (planned for this fall provided the weather cooperates!)
• 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)
• Non-benevolence donation of $130 to Lutheran Gifts program for 2 goats and one pig (Sunday School Kid’s Pig Money)
• May Benevolence - $1000 to Northwestern Minnesota Synod
• June Benevolence - $1000 to ELCA Hunger Fund
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
