“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 FootPrints/Bethel... ·...

FOOTPRINTS | | S EA SON AFTER P ENTECOST 2017

Bethel Lutheran Church Magazine Inaugural Issue – Season a er Pentecost 2017

IN THIS ISSUE:Pastor’s columnProfile – Pastor E. DeanReforma on 500Youth in Ac onThe NALCSeasons & Holy DaysChurch MusicFocus on MinistryAnd more . . . .

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

FOOTPRINTS | 2 | SEASON AF TER PEN TECOS T 2017

CONTENTS3

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NEW DISCIPLES AT BETHEL

REFORMATION 500

YOUTH IN ACTION:BUILDING THE BETHEL PEACE TRAIL

NALC

ASK THE PASTOR

PASTOR’S COLUMNPROFILE:PASTOR E. DEAN WINDHORN

SEASONS & HOLY DAYSLUTHERAN CHRISTIANS:WHO WE ARE - WHAT WE BELIEVE

CHURCH HISTORY

CHURCH MUSIC

MISSIONS

CARING CORNER

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

FOCUS ON MINISTRY

BOOKS OF INTEREST

WORD PLAY

CALENDAR & EVENTS

WORSHIP TIMES

FOOTPRINTSVolume 1 Issue 1

ON THE COVER:

Martin Luther Statue, Wittenberg, GermanyPixabay

FOOTPRINTSAfter many suggestions and much prayerfuldeliberation, the Publication Team choseFOOTPRINTS to be the name of Bethel’squarterly magazine. With this name, we honorour commitment to walk in the steps of ourLord and Savior Jesus Christ leaving a legacyfor others to follow. At the same time, we lookback and acknowledge the Bethel believers andour own personal cloud of witnesses who havegone before us leaving their footprints of faithfor us to follow. We hope our humble effortsgive Glory to God and provide enlightenment,entertainment, and knowledge to our readers.God bless you all!

Bethel’s vision is to be a dynamic, life-changing church of fully devoted disciples ofJesus Christ.

Bethel’s mission is to engage the curious,encourage the convinced, and empower thecommitted to be fully devoted disciples ofJesus Christ.

PoWeR SuRGePray dailyWorship regular lyRead Scr ipture dailyServe othersRelate to other Chr istians in FaithGive of your financial resources

Editorial Board:Gay Hanson (Editor in Chief), Susan Adda,Pam Dodane, Pastor Doug Gast, Carole Kuhn,Sarah Manro, John Patterson, Kirk Pfeil, andConnie Woodridge.

Photos are public domain (such as from Pixabay), belong toBethel, or are used by permission of the photographer. Clipart isoriginal or used under license from ChurchArt.com.Original material © 2017 Bethel Lutheran Church .

FOOTPRINTS | 3 | S EA SON AFTER P ENTECOST 2017

SEASON AFTER PENTECOST 2017

Every Christian is a Minister.

“God . . . has made us what we are and given us new livesfrom Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that weshould spend these lives in helping others.” (Ephesians2:10 TLB)

Yesterday, a woman called asking if she and her husbandcould stop by because there was a pressing issue they need-ed help with. When they sat down in my office, they beganby saying, “I don’t know where to start, but we need help.”We also received a call from a young mom because sheneeded almost immediate help for one of her children.Word went out to some Bethel friends and within a couplehours, things were taken care of.

We get calls almost daily from people in our church, in ourcommunity, even from the far reaches of the world and themessage is the same, “I (we) need help.” Don’t we all needhelp from time to time. Sometimes it is physical help . . . .“Can you come over to help me fix something, to movesomething, to check on something?” “I am hungry, do youhave any food?” Or “We don’t have money to buy our chil-dren a backpack to start school, could you help us withschool essentials for our child?” Sometimes it is emotionalhelp people are looking for . . . . someone to listen . . . .someone to share with a compassionate heart . . . . some-one to just be there for us and with us. Sometimes it isspiritual help we need . . . . pray for me and with me . . . .write a card or email with a note of encouragement andhope. None of us is so strong, so wise, so powerful that wedon’t need the help of others from time to time.

In the Psalms there is a continual cry to God for help in thetime of trouble, help to face the enemies, help from God todeliver us from suffering, and help for healing andstrength. In fact, one of the simplest yet most powerfulprayers is three short words. . . . “Lord, help me!”

From the very beginning, God created Adam and Eve to behelpmates for one another. One of the most well-known ofall Jesus’ parables is “The Good Samaritan,” where theneighbor is the one who stopped to give help to the manwho was beaten up. And the apostle Paul was always onthe lookout for those in need. He sent his most trustedcolleagues to help individuals and churches in need ofhelp. And he took up a collection for brothers and sisters inJerusalem in order to help them get through a time of suf-fering. God did not put us on earth just to live for our-selves. He wants us to make a positive difference with theone and only life we have been given. God wants us to helpmake this world a little kinder, compassion, and caring.Learning to love God and love one another is the reason wewere put on this earth.

The apostle Paul counseled his friends: “God . . . has madeus what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus;and long ages ago He planned that we should spend theselives in helping others.”

There’s a word for this: ministry. Every Christian is a min-ister. Not every Christian is a pastor, but every Christian iscalled to be a minister. It is what Martin Luther describedas the “Priesthood of All Believers.” That means you and Iuse our talents and gifts to make a contribution in life to bea giver and not a taker.

The Bible says 58 times, Love one another. Care for oneanother. Pray for one another. Encourage one another.Help one another. Counsel one another. Support one an-other and on and on. We are a church centered on Wordand Sacrament, for sure. But once we are fed, God calls usinto His mission field to help others know Him, feel Hispresence and be touched by His grace. It is the mutualministry of every believer in the family of God to every oth-er believer in the family of God. That is the way God meantfor it to be.

One of the things that continues to humble me, amaze me,and fill my heart with joy and gratitude is how many times,

literally hundreds ofpeople have said, inone way or another:How can I help?What can we do tohelp? Where can weserve? When the wordgoes out, Bethel peo-ple step up. That isthe Spirit of Christ atits best.

The truth is, serving God by serving others is not alwayseasy. Sometimes we’re going to get discouraged. Some-times we wonder if we are truly helping or only enabling.Sometimes we may even get tired of doing good. So whatdo we do when we get disheartened?

First, remember that you are going to receive a rewardthat’s going to go on for eternity. We are building a legacypersonally and as a congregation. The Bible says that God“will not forget how hard you have worked for Him andhow you have shown your love to Him by caring for otherbelievers.” (Hebrew 6:10b). Don’t we all want God to say tous, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

The second thing to remember is that God uses every littlething. Nothing is insignificant when you serve God.Remember Jesus reminded his first disciples that whatthey did had great impact. It was the little things, the faithof a mustard seed trustingly planted, a cup of cold wateroffered in love, and everything that we do for the least ofthose in His name that answer His command “to do it allfor the least of them.” It is the mission of Bethel not only tobe the heart of Jesus but to be His hands and feet as well.What a wonderful church God has called us to!

PASTOR DOUG GASTSenior Pastor

PASTOR DOUG’S COLUMN


EARLY YEARSEldor (E.) Dean Windhorn was born at home on October24, 1934, in Milford, Illinois, to Clarence and AdelgundeWindhorn. He grew up on a farm as one of six children. Hegraduated from Gillman High School where he playedfootball and basketball,sang in the choir, andexcelled academically. Heattended Wartburg Collegein Waverley, Iowa, where hewas active in the WartburgChoir and was student bodyVice President in his senioryear. He was listed inWho’s Who in AmericanColleges and Universitiesfor his achievements. He graduated in May of 1956 andthen entered Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Hewas active singing in the Seminary Choir and toured withthem during his time at seminary. As a freshman, heorganized the choir’s tour. He did his internship at First

Lutheran Church in Torrance, California,which was something of a culture shock for asmall town, Midwestern farm boy, but he didwell there. After returning to the seminaryfor his final year, he graduated and wasordained, as was the practice of the time, athis home congregation of St. John’s Evan.Lutheran Church in Danforth, Illinois, onJune 12, 1960.

E. Dean met his future wife Joyce Koets in high school inGilman, Illinois. Joyce says that their friends and familyexpected them to get married right after high school ormaybe right after they graduated from college, but theysurprised everyone by waiting until she had graduated fromIllinois State University and taught school for a year and E.Dean graduated from Wartburg College and completed hisfirst year at seminary. At the seminary, they lived in themarried student trailer park, and she remembers budgetsbeing so tight that there were a number of group dinners –someone had a carrot, someone else had an onion, etc.They have been married since 1957, have three sons (Doug,Stan, and Steve) and six grandchildren (2 boys and 4 girls).

“PASTOR”St John’s Lutheran Church (ALC) of Fowlerville,Michigan, was Pastor E. Dean’s first call beginning in1960. The church was in a small rural community east ofLansing. It had a parsonage next to the church, and theyheld Sunday school in their basement for a time. Both heand Joyce learned a lot in his first call. Joyce recalls thefirst funeral E. Dean performed there. He was trying to dothings “by the book,” and included hymns in the service.He did not find out until afterward that this congregationdidn’t have or want singing during a funeral. That didchange as some people came to appreciate music in thefuneral setting. Joyce’s other vivid memory of that callcame because E. Dean has a phobia of bats. One eveningshe looked over from the parsonage into the church officeto see him swatting madly at something. She assumed itwas a bat and when she went to investigate, it was to findthat he had been swatting at an SOS pad that he hadmistaken for a bat.

Christ Lutheran Church of Wyoming, Michigan, nearGrand Rapids was Pastor E. Dean’s next call in 1966. Itwas a mission congregation, and by the time he moved onto his next call, the congregation was self-supporting, andthey had built on office space and a Sunday school wing toaccommodate the growth in membership.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Mattoon, Illinois, was the nextcall starting in 1975. By this time, his Bishop hadrecognized Pastor E. Dean’s strengths in mission buildingas well as building projects. Trinity was what was thencalled a package mission, and it was struggling. With apackage mission, the church and the parsonage would bebuilt and then, they would call a pastor to get the people.Since Trinity was located in a town not far from EasternIllinois University, Pastor E. Dean was able to attract anumber of the people from the University, and by the timehe left Trinity, it was an established church and off ofmission status.

PROFILE:PASTOR EMERITUS E. DEAN WINDHORN

High School

Ordained

Windhorn family on E. Dean & Joyce’s 50th Anniversary

Blessing the building—St. John’s


Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran in Rock Falls, Illinois, wasPastor E. Dean’s fourth congregation (1979). Immanuel wasan established congregation that worshiped an average of250 when he was called there to be the sole pastor. He wasblessed with a lot of help from lay members and did a lot ofevangelism during his time there. Through the use of theBethel Series Bible Study program and his evangelismefforts, he brought many people to Christ during his tenure.When he left, Immanuel’s worship attendance was around500. He also led the building program that included anexpanded narthex, an elevator, several offices, a newSunday school wing, and handicapped accessibility.

Pastor E. Dean and Joyce came to the central Indiana areaas a result of an American Lutheran Church drive called“50 more in ’84” that aimed to start 50 new congregations.The church that would become Christ Church, the LutheranChurch of Zionsville, was one of those new congregations.There was a core of people who wanted to start a Lutheranchurch in Zionsville, and Pastor E. Dean was asked to leadthe effort. They met in homes to begin with and then in aschool for four years before the church was built. Pastor E.Dean and Joyce lived in an apartment until a parsonagewas built. Once again, Pastor E. Dean’s gift for missionwork and evangelism resulted in establishing a vital andviable Lutheran congregation. An interesting side note isthat Karen Schoonover attended Christ Church inZionsville as a young woman when E. Dean was there.

Pastor E. Dean retired in1997, although, as Joycesays, he really didn’t retireas he went directly intointerim pastoral service.For many years, hepreached twice a month atFaith United LutheranChurch in Richmond,Indiana.

In 2003, he connected withBethel Lutheran Church inNoblesville, Indiana, where

there was a need for a visitation pastor. Joyce actuallyprovided the connection between E. Dean and Bethel. Shehad begun leading a women’s Bible study with Bethelmembers. After a time, she met Pastor Doug Gast, and theconnection to Pastor E. Dean was made!

At Bethel, he was a part-time Associate Pastor and servedas visitation pastor, preached once a month, planned the8:00 a.m. worship service, trained lay leaders, helpedwith the new member classes, and was the pastoral liaisonto the newly formed Missions Committee in 2012-2013.

50+ YEARS and GOD’S GRACEOver his five calls and other interim and pastoral service,Pastor E. Dean has exhibited great strength and skill inworking with mission congregations and churches needingsome extra care. He has shown a special gift for workingwith churches that needed renewal or were consolidatingand no longer had a pastor in place.

He has also been verygood at churchbuilding projectshaving overseenbuilding or remodelingat all five of his calls aswell as helping withBethel’s expansion!

Beyond his life in theministry, Pastor E.Dean is a loving family man. He enjoys gardening andfishing and is a devoted Indiana Pacers fan. Over the years,he has led a number of tours in the United States, the HolyLand, and Europe (Luther sites in Germany and Rome, forexample).

As a pastor, E. Dean has been known for his depth ofScripture knowledge as well as being a great storyteller,teacher, preacher, joke-teller, singer, and hymn leader. Hehas sometimes dressed up to increase the impact of asermon, such as preaching as Martin Luther forReformation Sunday services or speaking as Joseph, Paul,or Pontius Pilate. He has been asked to sing the Lord’sPrayer for special services and has always had greatrelationships with children.

At the celebration of E. Dean’s45th year of ordained ministry in2005, Pastor Doug remarkedthat in his sermons Pastor E.Dean, “can sing, tell a joke,preach, and tell a story — all in15 minutes!”

In more than 5o years ofordained ministry, PastorEmeritus E. Dean Windhorn,has been a pastor, family man,friend, and colleague, but mostimportantly, he has been a goodand faithful servant of the Lord.

"What is a Pastor Emeritus?"

Emeritus is an honorary title bestowed on someonewho has retired from a position. Emeritus comesfrom the Latin word emereri, which means to earnone’s discharge by service. Giving the title “PastorEmeritus” to a retiring pastor is a way for a church tohonor and express gratitude for the pastor’s service tothat church.

Preaching

Builders: Pastors Doug and E. Dean

Preaching as Martin Luther on a Reformation Sunday

Joyce and E. Dean


Pixabay

REFORMATION 500500 Years ago on October 31, 1517, Mar n Luthernailed his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church inWi enberg se ng off the Protestant Reforma on.

Article by Sarah ManroPhoto: 95 Theses on Castle Church door, Wittenberg


the Book of Romans. In this study, Luther began tounderstand the grace of God as a free gift for thefaithful and not something to be earned throughsacraments and good works as was taught in theRoman Catholic Church. This realization made Lutherfeel born again and accepted!

In addition to his duties asa professor, Luther wasalso priest at the cityChurch. Here he witnessedthe sale of indulgences,documents prepared bythe Church and sold aspayment for the debtsinners owed to God.Indulgences replaced theneed to confess one’s sinsand could be purchased forthe living and the dead.The Church taught that

indulgences would forgive you from guilt and eternalpunishment but a temporal punishment existed,meaning restitution for one’s sins still needed to bemet and could be reduced by deeds of penanceprescribed by the Church. But all deeds could be fullydischarged in this life and the soul went through acleansing process in Purgatory. Indulgencespurchased for the dead would release them fromPurgatory after a certain amount of time. Rarelyoffered were Total Indulgences which would releasethe sinner from Purgatory altogether. But Pope Leo Xhad been spending too freely and was in financialtrouble. He sold Total Indulgences and about 2,000Church offices to raise funds.

Luther was furious! Luther was convinced thatforgiveness could not be bought or obtained throughany human effort. Luther wrote a letter to hissuperiors attacking the Indulgence trade and called forscholarly debate on the subject by drafting 95arguments and posting them to the Castle Church. Hehad no preconceived plan. He just saw a moral andreligious wrong and rose to fight it. A translation waspublished and spread across Germany, and within twoweeks, the Indulgence cash receipts fell significantly.This angered the Pope. He summoned Luther to Rometo answer a charge of heresy. Luther petitioned theElector Frederick the Wise to hold the trial inGermany because he feared going to Rome wouldmean certain death for him. The Elector’s confidentialsecretary happened to be a close friend of Luther’s andhad strong influence on the Elector. This relationshipsecured a devoted supporter and protector for Lutherfor many years. The trial was moved to Germany. TheChurch demanded Luther recant or he and hisfollowers would be arrested and punished. Lutherattended but was not allowed to defend himself. ThePope then sent a representative to Luther with threedemands. First, he needed to correct his errors in hisTheses; second, he needed to promise never to teachhis arguments; and third, he needed to refrain fromanything that disturbed the peace of the Church.

This year we celebrate the 500th anniversary ofthe Reformation!

On October 31, 1517, Martin Lutherposted his 95 Theses on the door ofthe Castle Church in Wittenberg,Germany. These Theses were 95arguments Luther developed to havea scholarly debate, as was commonpractice at the time, on what he sawas areas in the Roman CatholicChurch that needed reform. Althoughwritten in Latin, a translation into the commonlanguage was soon published and spread acrossGermany sparking much more than the scholarlydebate Luther was expecting. This was the start of theReformation.

Martin Luther was bornNovember 10th, 1483. Hewas the oldest of 7children who grew upwith very strict parents.The children were taughtto fear the Lord, that Godwas a frightening,wrathful avenger. Whenhe was older Luther’sparents sent him to theUniversity of Erfurtwhere he studiedphilosophy. At theuniversity, he saw acomplete Latin Bible forthe first time and prayed

for one of his very own. He graduated with a degree inphilosophy. Luther’s father wanted him to be a lawyer.He began the study of law, but he also began to doubtthe state of his own soul. One night he was caught in aterrible storm. He prayed for help and promised hewould become a monk if he was saved. Luther wassaved, and he kept his promise.

The life of a monk required strict devotion andobedience; he prayed 7 hours a day. His main motivewas concern for his own salvation. Luther received thecomplete Latin Bible he had prayed for from asuperior. While Luther was a very devoted monk, hecould not find peace in his soul. The Scriptures madehim feel sinful and that brought him great despair.

In 1502, the Elector of Saxony, known as Frederick theWise, founded the University of Wittenberg. Because anew university had a small income, the Elector usedmonks from the nearby monastery as professors. In1508, the Elector invited Martin Luther to be aprofessor of philosophy at the university. It is at theUniversity of Wittenberg where Luther spent most ofhis life and work. Soon, Luther was persuaded to gethis Ph.D. in theology. And on October 18, 1512, at age28, he received his Ph.D. Luther taught theology of theBible and preferred to be called Doctor of HolyScriptures. In 1515, Luther began an intensive study of

Luther’s birthplace


When Luther asked what errors he had made and triedto discuss them, he was cut off and commanded torevoke. He would not.

Oh his way home, a false kidnapping of Luther wasstaged by supporters, and Luther went into hiding foralmost a year. During this time, Luther translated theNew Testament into German. In printed form, thiswas a masterpiece. He later went on to translate theOld Testament.

When Luther returned to Wittenberg the Pope wantedhim brought as a prisoner to Rome or banished fromhis own country. Frederick the Wise refused andinsisted on a fair trial. Luther prepared for the worstand appealed to the general counsel of the HolyRoman Empire. He feared excommunication. Butbecause the state of agitation was so high in Germany,Rome hesitated and decided to try one more thing tosilence Luther. An agreement was made. Luther wouldstay quiet on the most controversial matters if hisopponents stopped attacking him. But anothercontroversy soon arose. On June 27, 1519, Luther waschallenged to dispute another professor. Not only didLuther disagree with the sale of indulgences but thePope’s right to sell them. For five days the twoscholars argued the 13th Thesis about the supremacy ofthe Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. Lutherargued that Christ, not the Pope, is the head of theChurch and that commitment to the Roman CatholicChurch was not necessary for salvation. Lutherquestioned the Pope and the Church council becausethey were subject to error. He stated only the Biblewas infallible. Because of these statements, Luther wasbelieved to be a heathen.

A Papal Bull, or public decree by the Pope, wasreleased threatening excommunication andcondemning Luther’s teachings. Again, Frederick theWise insisted on a fair trial for Luther. Luther repliedto the Bull by admonishing the Pope. It would be aviolation of Luther’s conscience to retreat. The Popedemanded that Luther’s writings be burned. Inresponse, Luther publicly burned the Pope’s Bull andthen wrote about it. This act was in effect a separationfrom Rome, a declaration of independence from thePope.

Luther never wanted to organize a new church. TheCatholic Church wasalready a finely developedchurch. But guided by hisconscience, courage, andfaith, Martin Lutherchallenged the powerfulhierarchy of the RomanCatholic Church andaccused it of misusing theChristian religion. Bydemanding reform, hesparked the mostimportant grass rootsreligious movement in theWestern world and gavebirth to the Protestantfaith. He continued tolead the Reformation untilhis death on Feb 18, 1546.

Additional facts about Marin Luther:Luther is responsible for reducing the number of

sacraments from 7 in the Catholic Church tothe 2 we are familiar with in the LutheranChurch: Baptism and Communion.

Luther is responsible for the order in which weworship during our services.

Luther wanted singing in church and wrote dozensof hymns himself. “Why should the devil haveall the good music?” Martin Luther

Excluding Bible translations, Luther had morethan 500 publications, including the Large andSmall Catechism.

After great consideration, Luther believed thatcelibacy was a human regulation created byRome and not God. Because of this belief,Protestant ministers can marry and havechildren.

Luther married a former nun, Katarina von Bora,and together they had 6 children.

Source: Here I Stand! The Life and Legacy of MartinLuther (DVD)

Wartburg Castle, Germany where Luther was takenafter being “kidnapped” and where he translated

the New Testament into German.

“I cannot and will not recant anything,for to go against conscience is neitherright nor safe. Here I stand, I can do noother, so help me God. Amen.”

House where Luther died


ERIN & LARRYECKERT

CHARLIE & HENRY

Larry (Jr.) and Erin Eckert havetwo children, Charles, age 5, andHenry, age 2. They look forwardto adding to their family inJanuary as little Eckert #3 arrives.Larry works at the Larry M.Eckert Agency for AmericanFamily Insurance. At the moment,Erin is keeping busy at home inNoblesville on Morse Lake withthe two little ones and preparingfor the next little Eckert arrival inJanuary! They have transferredfrom Holy Spirit at Geist. Theycommented that everyone here atBethel is “consistently friendlyand welcoming”-- they did not feellike “just another number.” Theyfeel the Pastors and staff are veryapproachable with the overall“climate here open and friendly.”Erin was encouraged to joinMOMS right away, even beforemembership. They hosted theWine and Canvas Social Ladies’Night and their children beganattending the Preschool. They areopen to volunteering whenpossible. When not busy withwork or necessary home duties,they enjoy boating, swimming,camping, hiking, fishing and timewith family and friends. Larryparticularly enjoys bass fishingand Erin indoor/sand volleyball.Busy people! They normallyattend the 9:30 a.m. Sundayservice.

SARAH & KEVINMOORE

KATHLEEN & DAVID

Kevin and Sarah Moore havetransferred from Cicero ChristianChurch. They reside inNoblesville. Two childrencomplete their home, David age 12and Katie, 10. David attendsNoblesville West Middle Schoolwhile Katie is at Hinkle Creek.Kevin is a programmer and Sarahis also working outside the homeas a claims adjuster As a family,they enjoy gardening, reading,music, swimming, and traveling.Also “important to this family istheir dog, a Beagle namedNorman!”The Moores mentioned the“welcoming, family atmosphere”here at Bethel and that theyintend to be active here. They willusually be at the 9:30 service,though if service times change,they may attend the later service.

CHRISTINE & STEVEWYATT

ASHLEY & EMILY

Steve and Christine Wyatt havejoined Bethel, transferring fromSt. John’s Lutheran Church inJoliet, Illinois. They have twodaughters, Ashley, age 6, andEmily age 5. The family alsocounts two cats as part of theirfamily. Having been activemembers at St. John’s for over 10years, they already volunteered atVBS and Christine assisted in therummage sale. They haveexpressed interest in our musicareas, Steve as a drummer andChristine plays bells. They live inFishers and the girls will beattending Thorpe CreekElementary school, Ashley in 2nd

grade and Emily in kindergarten.Steve is an Instructional Designerfor U.S. Customs and BorderProtection and Christine holdsdown the home front. They like“spending time outdoors with thegirls; Christine enjoys helping atschool functions.” Steve alsospends time as Jr. ViceCommander at the Carmel VFW.Positives for them here at Bethelinclude “the friendly congregationand the variety of differentministries with so manyvolunteers.” Currently, theyattend the 11 a.m. service.

NEW DISCIPLES AT BETHELWe were blessed to receive into membership three new families in June. All three families have children,and we are happy to “introduce” them so that you might welcome them and know some of their stories!

Don’t forget to welcomethese new families and make

it easier for them to knowwho you are by wearing

your name badges!


PLANNINGThe first step in doing an Eagle Scout ServiceProject is to develop an idea to help the communityor a group with the project. Zack Reising knew hewanted to do something involving Bethel. Afterdiscussing it with his parents, a walking path to apeace garden or labyrinth excited him. Meetingswith Joe Rudy, Kirk Pfeil and others in July of 2015helped Zack morph the idea into a walking trail.He immediately wanted it to encircle the wholeproperty but decided to focus on getting a walkingpath out back that could draw people to the shelterand fire pit. Meetings with his adult Scout Leaders,temporarily slammed the brakes on Zack’s idea,

when they suggested it was too big — too much tohandle. A very frustrated Scout decided to scale itback into phases to make it seem more palatable,but quietly, Zack told his parents he was going to“go big or go home.”Church council approval allowed fund-raisingefforts began, including presentations at eachservice of his project. Within 5 weeks, over$10,000 in donations of cash, materials,equipment and manpower had been raised.It was time to build the trail!

BUILDING THE TRAILA mild winter allowed for a late February/March2016 start on the project. Bobcats and operatorswere coordinated to excavate 6 inches of soil fromthe trail path. Over 380 tons of soil were movedand shaped around the trail to create landscapeplanting mounds. In Late March, landscape fabricwas laid prior to the delivery of 400 tons ofcrushed limestone. Much of this stone was placedon the trail and on a snowy Saturday morning inApril over 65 volunteers came out to rake, level andcompact over 2200’ of trail. Subsequent weekendsallowed for the final stone placements to be made,with finishing touches including some unplanned

trees and a sign that Zack had made with his owndonation at the trail entrance. Done!! Over 450volunteer hours helped make it possible. Fantasticsupport by the congregation and friends of thefamily in the world of Cerebral Palsy, made this atruly special project. On a warm June day after the11 a.m. service, it was formally dedicated as manysupporters, family and friends stood by. What hasmade it even more special are the projects thathave and are springing up because of it. Truly alegacy project that keeps on giving.

The Bethel Peace Trail has become the springboard of many new projects that will strengthen our congregationfor a long time to come. So how did the story unfold and where is it going in the future?

Zach presents his plan to the church council.

By Zach and Jeff Reising

Volunteers working on the trail.

FOOTPRINTS | 11 | S EA SON AFTER P ENTECOST

THE BRIDGEWhen Zack shared his project idea with the HighSchool Youth Group that meets on Wednesdaynights, everyone was so excited. They wanted to dosomething to help Zack and be involved to help thechurch, too. With Joe Rudy’s initial guidance, agroup of the kids, put together a grant proposal tothe United Way Youth As Resources (known nowas Youth Engagement Team) for funds to build abridge over the drainage swale so the trail wouldn’t

get flooded when it rained. They won the grantand were able to build a beautiful, long lastingbridge that adds character to the trail and the backof the Bethel property. Zack was very moved bythis effort and gesture from his fellow highschoolers. It was a great moment of friendship,teamwork and service to the church that was bornout of the trail. It is a now a visible structure thatcan draw the attention of the congregation and thecommunity to come and walk the Peace Trail, andimprove the health of your mind body and soul.

LEGACY PROGRAMAND MOREIn the spring of 2017, the Legacy Program, to honorand memorialize our family and friends, began andhas completely sold out. 41 trees and 7 benches weresold. The trees have all been installed and bencheswill be on the grounds very soon, adding to the trailsamenities. Additionally, 14 Stations of the Crossmarkers were installed in time for a very movingceremony on Good Friday.

What’s next? An extension of the trail from Station14 to the bridge will be done soon, along withtopdressing the trail with a finer stone. Both willallow easier handicap accessibility. A stone parkingoverflow lot has been completed and plans are beingdeveloped for the trail to connect to the church viathe Narthex door on the east side of the buildingthat will allow for other longer range items to takeshape, such as a serenity garden and columbariumproject. It’s so much more than an Eagle ScoutProject, it’s a dynamic engine of growth for BethelLutheran.

Finished bridge financed by youth grant. Volunteers planting trees.

EAGLE SCOUTEagle Scout is Boy Scouting’shighest rank. The requirementsinclude: live by the Scout Oathand Scout Law in daily life, beactive in the Scout unit, earn 21Merit Badges, provide leadershipand service over several years,and lead a major service project

for a community organization.On February 16, 2017, Zack completed his Board ofReview and became an Eagle Scout. After 6 years inBoy Scouts, he achieved its’ highest rank andbecame part of the 5% who attain this honor.Perseverance and a positive attitude to not give upregardless of your challenges made it a reality. Eagle Scout Zach Reising


The NALC is a fast-growingChristian church in the Lutherantradition, uniting more than141,000 Lutherans over 400congregations across NorthAmerica. The NALC embodies thetheological center of Lutheranismin North America and standsfirmly within the global Lutheranmainstream.

We are a church family committedto the authority of the Bible as theinspired Word of God. In keepingwith the Lutheran Confessions, webelieve all doctrines should andmust be judged by the teaching ofScripture.

The NALC has embraced four corevalues which shape our commonlife: Christ Centered, MissionDriven, Traditionally Grounded,and Congregationally Focused.We are a church centered on theunique Gospel of Jesus Christ,animated by missions andevangelism, grounded in the2,000-year tradition of Christianfaith, and organized chiefly toserve our congregations.

A renewed Lutheran communitymoving forward in faith, theNALC is focused on living outChrist’s Great Commission to goand make disciples in NorthAmerica and around the globe.We invite you to learn more about

our church family.The NALC was constituted onAugust 27, 2010, in Columbus,Ohio, at a Convocation organized

by the church reform movementLutheran CORE. One yearearlier, a similar gathering ofLutheran CORE had directed itsleadership to develop neworganizational alternatives forfaithful Lutheran Christians inNorth America. In response tonumerous requests fromcongregations for the creation of anew Lutheran church, LutheranCORE developed A Vision andPlan for the North Am ericanLutheran Church and LutheranCORE, published in February2010. Six months later, our newchurch was formed.The constituting Convocation wasattended by nearly 1,000members and visitors from acrossNorth America. A number of

other churches sent leaders togreet the Convocation, includingthe Ethiopian Evangelical ChurchMekane Yesus, LutheranCongregations in Mission forChrist, and the Anglican Churchin North America. Bishop BensonBagonza of the Karagwe Diocese,Evangelical Lutheran Church inTanzania, preached at the closingworship and, along with retiredBishop Ken Sauer, installed theRev. Paull E. Spring as the firstBishop of the NALC.

The NALC has been blessed withextraordinarily rapid growth. Atthe time of the constitutingConvocation in August 2010,seventeen congregations hadvoted to join the NALC. Six yearslater, that number had grown tomore than 400 congregations. Ofthose, roughly 70 are missioncongregations, reflecting thepriority placed on missions andevangelism by the NALC. We givethanks to God for all that has beenaccomplished, and seek Hisguidance as we move into thefuture with excitement.

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH IS A MEMBER OF THENORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH (NALC).

CORE VALUES OF THE NALCChrist-Centered Mission-Driven Tradi onally-Grounded Congrega onally-Focused


One of the most frequent questions Ihave received revolves around whatLutherans believe about the end oftime (“eschatology”). Specifically,when will Jesus come again, and dowe have to worry about being “left be-hind”?When we talk about eschatology, thereare really two core questions: “What isgoing to happen?” and “How is whatwill happen going to happen?” Basedon Jesus’ own teachings, as well as theletters of Paul and Peter, our threehistorical Creeds – the Apostles’Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Ath-anasian Creed – are clear in answeringthe first question: At the end of time,Jesus will come again to judge the liv-ing and the dead. Those judged right-eous will enjoy eternal life, while thosejudged unrighteous will suffer eternalseparation from God. The world as weknow it will end, replaced with a “newheaven” and a “new earth.”

How (and when) whatis going to happenwill happen is a moredifficult question toanswer. The visions ofDaniel and Revela-tion, along with Jesus’parables give us hints,but we should resistthe temptation topatch them together

to create a timeline or sequence ofevents against which we can evaluatecurrent-day events to “prove” whenJesus will return. Even Jesus was ig-norant about the exact how and whenof it all: But concerning that day orthat hour, no one knows, not even theangels in heaven, nor the Son, butonly the Father. (Mark 13:32, ESV)On occasion, Jesus would tell parablesand vivid stories about divine judg-ment that awaited all (The End of theAge, Matthew 24:3-14; The Abomina-tion of Desolation, Matthew 24:15-28;The Coming of the Son of Man,

Matthew 24:29-32; The Parable of theSheep and the Goats, Matthew 25:31-46). Many of his sayings end with asimilar exhortation: “Therefore, stayawake . . .” (Matthew 24:42). There-fore, you also must be ready . ..” (Matthew 24:44). “Watch, there-fore . . .” (Matthew 25:13). Jesusmeans for these teachings to motivateus for ministry and to help us be clearabout our own relationship with God.Will Lutherans Be “Left Behind”?Thanks to authors Hal Lindsey (TheLate, Great Planet Earth, 1970), andTim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins (theLeft Behind series, 1995-2004), thereis renewed interest in how and whenJesus will return. These authors drawtheir perspective from the teachings ofan Anglican priest named John Nel-son Darby who came to this country in1830. Darby divided God’s relation-ship with us into seven ages, or dis-pensations. His understanding includ-ed a “rapture” in which Christians willbe snatched up to heaven before thebeginning of an increasingly hellishseven-year tribulation. He bases thison Paul’s first letter to the Thessaloni-ans: Then we who are alive, who areleft, will be caught up (Latin:rapiemur) together with them in theclouds to meet the Lord in the air, andso we will always be with the Lord.(4:17, ESV)The Left Behind series envisions thefollowing sequence of events at theend of time:

This current age ends with a se-cret return of Christ and a raptureof believers.

A seven-year tribulation for non-believers left behind, duringwhich some may come to faith.

A visible return of Jesus, who thenjudges the righteous from the un-righteous (Matthew 25:31-46).

The final dispensation of a 1000-year reign of Christ on earth(Revelation 20).

The final resurrection of the just(to heaven) and unjust (to hell).

The inauguration of Jesus’ newheaven and new earth (Revelation21).

Prior to Darby’s teachings, there is noindication that any Christian churchembraced this sequence of events, in-cluding Jesus’ secret return and rap-ture of believers. Rather, Christiansaffirmed what we profess in theCreeds, that Jesus will come againvisibly at some undisclosed time tojudge – once and for all – the livingand the dead. The context of Paul’steaching in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 isimportant, for in the previous versePaul writes, For the Lord himself willdescend from heaven with a cry ofcommand, with the voice of an arch-angel, and with the sound of thetrumpet of God. And the dead inChrist will rise first. (4:16, ESV) The

“cry of command,” “voice of an arch-angel,” and “sound of the trumpet”indicate that when Christians are“caught up” the overwhelming soundwill be heard by all people. Jesus con-firms this when he says, Then will ap-pear in heaven the sign of the Son ofMan, and then all the tribes of theearth will mourn, and they will seethe Son of Man coming on the cloudsof heaven with power and greatglory. (Matthew 24:30, ESV) At least

ASK THEPASTOR ???

IS THERE SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO ASK?By Pastor Al Schoonover

Continued on page 24.


THE SEASON AFTER PENTECOSTBy Carole Kuhn

The Christian world celebrates the Season afterPentecost beginning on the Monday following PentecostSunday in late spring. It continues through the summerending on Christ the King Sunday in late fall,traditionally known as the last day of the Church year.This makes the Season the largest season of theliturgical year. It covers most of the time Jesus was onearth teaching and working his miracles.

This is a time to continue to develop our relationshipwith the risen Christ. We are reminded of Jesus’ gift ofsalvation which should encourage our growth in Christ,and help us focus on the work of the Church in theworld.

Throughout the days of celebration we share a time ofpraise, fellowship and spiritual renewal. It is suggestedas a time to keep our confirmation promise to help makedisciples of all nations by reaching out to others and toshare the gift of God’s love. In a sense, we should thinkof this “season” as a time to let God help us build bridgeswith others in our Christian faith.

Church “seasons” are also identified by a chosen color.For the Season after Pentecost, the usual color is green,as in the trees and plants around us at this time of year.It reminds us of the growth given to our lives throughJesus’ sacrifice.

Pixabay

But you will receive power when theHoly Spirit comes on you; and youwill be my witnesses in Jerusalem,

and in all Judea and Samaria, and tothe ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)

SEASONS & HOLY DAYS


The Bethel Service…What we do (and why)“For where two or three come together in my name,there I am with them.” Matthew 18:20

Whether you are new toattending a Bethel Lutheranservice or have beenattending for a long time,understanding the aspectsof the service help you tounderstand this specialmoment you are sharingwith God and celebratingHis presence.

The service has been carefully planned for worshippers sothat we may place our hearts, minds, and souls into Hiscare and help us understand the liturgy and logic to livinga Christian life.Understanding what is said and done within the servicewill create the foundation for a meaningful experience.We begin with the INVOCATION: “In the name of theFather and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Thesewords are a reminder that we enter God’s presence toworship Him as we were made his children throughbaptism.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS: In every servicewe humbly confess our sins to God and then gladly hearHis proclamation that each and every one of them hasbeen forgiven.

APOSTOLIC GREETING: In the Salutation, thepastor and the congregation greet each other in the Lord’sname. “The Lord be with you.” (pastor) “And also withyou.” (congregation)KYRIE/KYRIE ELEISON: K yrie Eleison is Greekfor “Lord, have mercy.” It is a cry to the Lord for help andstrength and dates from Old Testament times.HYMNS and SONGS OF PRAISE: Grateful andjoyful sounds express our thankfulness for forgivenessand confirm our faith.

PRAYER OF THE DAY: This prayer fits the them efor the day.

WORD OF GOD AND SERMON: Thefirst Bible reading may be taken from theOld Testament or the Epistles - the part ofthe New Testament after the Gospel ofMatthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Here wereceive instructions of the Christian life.The Gospel reading centers on the life andwords of Jesus. It is often the key to thetheme for the day, main event, or lessonwhich we are commemorating. We stand

to hear the words of Christ our King, just like people stoodin the presence of royalty in ancient times. The sermonteaches how God’s word applies to our Christian life.CREED: After the serm on, w e proclaim w hat w ebelieve. We make that proclamation using the words ofthe Nicene or the Apostles Creed.PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION/PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: W ejoin to pray to God about specific joysand troubles in our church and in theChurch around the world. At Bethel,these prayers are written by membersof the congregation.THE PEACE: W e share the greeting of peace asJesus said after His resurrection - “Peace be with you.”OFFERING: Our offer ings are for the support ofthe church. They enable the church to provide the writtenand spoken word of God, Christian education, pastoralcare, and a helping hand to those in need. The gifts ofGod’s people are a response to God’s blessings “as Godhas prospered them.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

COMMUNION: In the Lord’sSupper or Holy Communion, we areunited with our brothers and sisters infaith as we approach God’s altar toreceive the body and blood of Christfor the forgiveness of our sins and thestrengthening of our faith. Lutherans

believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in, with, andunder the bread and wine.LORD’S PRAYER: W e pray to God as our Fatherusing the prayer of the family of God - the prayer thatJesus taught his disciples and us.BENEDICTION: W e receive the sam eblessing that God gave to the ancientIsraelites. The blessing is God’s promisethat Christ will go with us as we leave thechurch and return to the world to serveHim.As you leave the sanctuary, look overhead to read thewords “You are now entering the mission field.”We are to go forth into our week sharing the knowledgeand teachings of our Lord with others.

Bethel

LUTHERAN CHRISTIANSWHO WE ARE - WHAT WE BELIEVE

By Susan Adda


Historical Highlights

1856 – Mt. Pleasant’s Pastor Ambrose H. Scherermet with 8 persons in a broom shop in Cicero andorganized a Lutheran congregation in Cicero, nam-ing it Bethel Lutheran. They met for services in aschool in Cicero.

1862 – Ten families were assessed $4.40 each to ob-tain funds to purchase a lot in Cicero for $44.40. Aresolution was passed to build a brick building.

1864 – The building cost $1,427.85. This left a sur-plus in the building fund of $56.15. This buildingstill stands at the corner of Cass and Pearl Streets.

1873 – Bethel purchased a parsonage on BuckeyeStreet and repaired it for a total cost of $850.00.

1875 – By a ballot of 25-9, the congregation voted topurchase a reed organ for the church.

1898 – Bethel ladies and young people earned$275.00 to buy new pews. These pews were useduntil 1964, when they were sold for $500.00.

1913 – Pastor M.L. Smith was the first pastor to ownan automobile.

1917 – Three men on Church Council (Martin LutherBishop, Otto K. Jensen, and Harry Scherer) wentinto the service during World War I. Their placeswere filled by three ladies of the congregation. Thisis of particular interest because women did not gainthe right to vote until 1920.

1929 – Jacob G. Kepner, oldest living lifelong mem-ber of Bethel congregation, tossed out the first shovelof earth in groundbreaking for the second Bethelbuilding.

Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized ina broom shop in Cicero on October 12, 1856. The Rev.Ambrose H. Scherer, pastor of Mt. Pleasant Churchnear Arcadia, met with 8 charter members to organizethe congregation. The 8 charter members were: Mi-chael Brown, David Garber, David Kistler, CharlotteKepner, Francis Kepner, Samual Kepner, John Apple-gate, and Jacob Kepner.

From 1856 to 1864, the school house in Cicero wasused for a meeting place. The first church buildingwas completed in 1864 at a cost of $1,427.85. It meas-ured 32’ x 48’ and was located at the corner of Cassand Pearl Streets in Cicero.

BETHEL BEGINNINGS: 1856-1929CHURCH HISTORY

In 1875, the congregation installed a reed organ inthe church building, later replaced by a piano, andeventually in 1947 by a Wicks pipe organ.

In 1873, a parsonage was bought, repaired, and fur-nished with a pastor’s study at a total cost of $850.This was replaced in 1929 with the purchase of aproperty on S. Harrison Street.

The original church at Cass & Pearl Streets – built 1864.

Interior of the church at Cass and Pearl Streets.Picture dates from 1896-1908 (45-star flag).

Rev. Ambrose Henkle Scherer wasborn in North Carolina on November22, 1822. When he was 15, his parentsmoved to Hendricks County, Indiana.While working in the woods, he felthe had a direct call, “Ambrose, I needthee in My vineyard.” He walked toOlney, Illinois, to study with his uncle,a graduate of Gettysburg College. He

was licensed to preach in 1852 and was pastor of theneighboring Mt. Pleasant church when he started thechurch in Cicero. He organized a total of 17 Lutheranchurches in central Indiana. Rev. Scherer died in1892. He is buried in Sharpsville Cemetery, TiptonCounty, Indiana.

Bethel

Bethel


Martin Luther, 1483-1546, was not only known forhis deep-seated beliefs that led to the Reformation,he was also a very creative musician. Born into amusical family, as a young person he was in a boys’choir and played the flute. Stories about his musicallove and talent include that he earned money forschool fees by singing in the streets of Eisenach,Germany, and playing the lute. He is quoted assaying “Next to the Word of God, the noble art ofmusic is the greatest treasure in the world...”

His first hymnal was published in 1524 containingeight hymns, four written by Luther. Over his life-time, he, with others, composed for church choirs,organ, and other instruments. He is credited withhaving revised many Latin hymns to German texts,and having written 36 or 37 hymns.

But his most famoushymn is still well rec-ognized today in theChristian world, “AMighty Fortress IsOur God.” He basedthe words on Psalm46, “God is ourrefuge and strength,an ever-present helpin trouble.” (NIV) Itbecame known as theBattle Hymn of the

Reformation as it seemingly increased the supportfor the Reformers’ cause.

Today, it is one of the best-loved hymns of theLutheran church and many other Protestantdenominations.

There are other theories as to why Luther wrote thishymn from it being what he and others sang march-ing into Worms for the Diet to it being a tribute to afriend executed in 1527. The earliest availablehymnal in which it appeared is from 1531. Swedenwas noted as using it like an anthem during theThirty Years’ War. There are a variety of Englishtranslations, up to 100, with different versions usedby different denominations. Lutherans have mainlyused the 1868 translation though a newer transla-tion was completed in 1978. Some churches onlysing the first verse, but they should understand thatthe “he” referred to in the final lines of that verserefers to the devil!

It is said the song is a “picture” of Luther…bold,confident, and defiant…in both words and melody.At the base of the monument to Luther inWittenberg, Germany, is engraved the first line oflyrics of this hymn.

CHURCH MUSICBy Carole Kuhn

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God""Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott"

A mighty fortress is our God,a sword and shield victorious;

he breaks the cruel oppressor's rodand wins salvation glorious.

The old satanic foehas sworn to work us woe!

With craft and dreadful mighthe arms himself to fight.

On earth he has no equal.

No strength of ours can match his might!We would be lost, rejected.

But now a champion comes to fight,whom God himself elected.You ask who this may be?

The Lord of hosts is he!Christ Jesus, mighty Lord,

God's only Son, adored.He holds the field victorious.

Though hordes of devils fill the landall threat'ning to devour us,

we tremble not, unmoved we stand;they cannot over-pow'r us.

Let this world's tyrant rage;in battle we'll engage!

His might is doomed to fail;God's judgment must prevail!One little word subdues him.

God's Word forever shall abide,no thanks to foes, who fear it;

for God Himself fights by our sidewith weapons of the Spirit.Were they to take our house,

goods, honor, child, or spouse,though life be wrenched away,

they cannot win the day.The kingdom's ours forever!


He Healsthe broken in heart

and binds up their wounds.Psalm 147:3

On the first Wednesday in May, Bethel began tohold a special worship experience . . . a service ofhealing prayers, as well as Holy Communion.Though this service might be new to many ofBethel’s people, the practice of laying-on of handsfor healing with anointing is an ancient one, as oldas the church itself. When Jesus sent out his firstdisciples two by two, he empowered them with acommission to “anoint many with oil who were sickand to cure them.” (Mark 6:13) As you readthrough the experiences of the early church in thebook of Acts, they too were gathered in prayer, infaith and calling on the name of Jesus for healing.Acts 28 recalls one of those stories, “His father wassick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery.Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placedhis hands on him and healed him.”

The New Testament writerJames asked those who werepart of his community offaith: “13Are any among yousuffering? They should pray.Are any cheerful? Theyshould sing songs of praise.14Are any among you sick?They should call for the el-ders of the church and havethem pray over them, anoint-ing them with oil in the nameof the Lord. 15The prayer offaith will save the sick, andthe Lord will raise them up;

and anyone who has committed sins will be for-given. 16Therefore confess YOUR sins to one an-other, and PRAY for one another, so that you maybe healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerfuland effective.” James 5:13-16

At least for the firstseven centuries of thechurch’s existence,gathering for prayerand anointing werecommon parts of thelife of the body ofChrist. In recent yearsthe church has redis-covered the power ofthis ancient practice ofour Christian life together. By participating in theact of anointing, we reaffirm not only the miraclesthat come through modern medicine and the doc-tors and medical teams that serve so effectively andskillfully, but also the effective healing that comesthrough God’s healing presence in every area ofour lives. As Pastor Doug has always said, “Gooddoctors, good medicine and good prayers are apowerful combination.”

What is shared in this time together is neither thestuff of TV evangelists, nor is it what is commonlyknown as “faith healing.” However, those presentat the services call on the name of Jesus in faithand do so in the belief that God is the author andthe source of all healing. Whatever brings peopleto the services, whatever problem or trial they arefacing, whatever hardship or heartache they bring,they should know that God loves them and Godcares.

The services held so far have beenblessings to those present, andmany have mentioned that theyhave felt the power of the Spirit’spresence, and are strengthened fortheir journey ahead.

Everyone is welcome to the healing services. Evenif you do not feel the need for healing, being pre-sent to lay hands on others and pray for them canbe a powerful spiritual experience! As Jesus says inJohn 1:39 “Come and see.”

BETHEL HEALING SERVICECARE MINISTRY


One of the fundamental tenets ofMissions at Bethel is that we want tobuild relationships with our MissionPartners. Iglesia Luterana San Pedro(St. Peter’s Lutheran Church) ofMiami, Florida, is an excellentexample of this. Since 2012, Betheland San Pedro have built arelationship based on our commoncall to “make disciples.”

A strong Christian friendship hasdeveloped between Pastor DougGast & his family and Pastor EddyPerez & his family.

The pastors talk, email, visit, andsupport each other. Christianrelationships have also developedbetween Bob & Gay Hanson and thePerez family. Members of Bethelhave visited and worshipped at SanPedro. Pastor Doug has preached atSan Pedro, and Pastor Eddy haspreached at Bethel.

This summer, Pastor Eddy’s familywas able to come with him on hisvisit to Bethel. They were warmlyaccepted into the life of ourcommunity through sightseeing,visits to a museum and a farm, axethrowing, boating on the reservoir,and the “Symphony on the Prairie”

4th of JulyConcert.Pastor Dougeven letthem ridehis JohnDeere lawntractor!

Mostimportantly,theyparticipated inthe worshiplife of Bethel.Pastor Eddypreached at allfour services.His daughterElisabet sangwith the Praise Band and the

Saturdayeveningsingers,and shesangsolos atthe otherSunday

services. Debora, his youngerdaughter, sat in the Audio Visual(AV)booth atall fourservices,learningandhelpingto workour AV. Her experiences will helpSan Pedro to build up their AVsystem. Wife Yuddy contributed hersupport with her presence and somegreat Cuban food for various get-togethers.

Many Bethel members had theopportunity not only to hear Eddy’smessage but to speak to him

personally. Those whopurchased his book,The Blowing Wind, willbe able to get to knowthis man of God on aneven deeper levelthrough his personalfaith story.

In his ministry, Pastor Eddy alsobuilds relationships for Christ. SanPedro averages between 50-60people each Sunday, and the radioprogram, Pastor Eddy does threetimes a week reaches out with theWord of Christ to Spanish-speakingpeople throughout South Florida toCuba and beyond.

Many ofthepeoplewho cometo SanPedro arelegalimmigrants who have heard hisvoice on the radio and know theycan find help, comfort, and theWord of God at his church. Becausethey are new to the U.S., thesepeople often come to his churchneeding to learn basics, such asusing a checking account. As theyget more comfortable in their newcountry and get better jobs, theymove on. However, they do sohaving heard the message of Christ,which is often just as new to them!For Eddy, it is a very rewardingministry of building relationshipsfor God, first through his voice andthen in person!

Support for these ministriesis part of Bethel’s Missionseffort. Our joy and reward

comes from the special relationshipswe are building with Eddy, hisfamily, the disciples of San Pedro,and the world beyond through hisradio ministry. Glory be to God!

MISSIONS“WE ARE ALL ONE IN MISSION”

IGLESIA LUTERANA SAN PEDRO, MIAMI, FLBy Gay Hanson


Sunday School for children ageskindergarten through 5th gradebegins at 10:00 a.m. Children willgather in the Christian Ed roomupstairs until 10:00 a.m. when theteachers will greet and walk them totheir classrooms. Children will gatherback in the Christian Ed room at10:45 a.m. for a large-group recap ofthe lesson and announcements. Theyare dismissed to parents from there at11:00 a.m.

Nursery — Infants and toddlersunder 3 are welcomed into ournursery during the 8:45 service.Nursery attendants read Bible stories,play and love on our youngestmembers while their parents attendAdult Education classes or worship.

Preschool — Children who turn 3years old before December 31st areinvited to join our Preschool SundaySchool Class at 10:00. Gospel LightCurriculum teaches children Biblelessons in a fun, age-appropriate way,with engaging songs, stories, videosand puppets!

K-5th Grade — Children are groupedinto Sunday School classes by age/grade. The curriculum follows theweekly worship themes. The focus forthis group is growing in faith andlearning the basic stories andLutheran concepts that will preparethem for Confirmation in middleschool.

High School — We begin class eachweek sharing at least one good thingfrom the past week. We encourageconversation and discussion in arespectful manner. We encourageactive serving while reminding themof the little eyes looking up to themhere at church. We end each classwith prayer requests and prayer.

ConfirmationConfirmation class for Middle Schoolstudents (grades 6-8) strives to movefaith from the head to the heartthrough a highly interactiveexperience that includes both largegroup presentation and small groupdiscussion. Following class, we attendthe 11:11 a.m. service to worshiptogether. Once a month we willcontinue our time together afterworship with a large group fellowshipactivity. Our goal is to develop asticky, life-long faith through acombination of engaging learningevents, regular fellowship activities,and frequent service opportunities inand beyond the congregation. Join usupstairs in the Student Center.Contact Youth and Family MinisterJoe Rudy for registration information.

MIDWEEK: High School YouthMinistryOur High School (grades 9-12) youthministry meets upstairs in the StudentCenter. A typical night involveshanging out, eating Oreos orsomething awesome, listening tomusic, playing games, watching avideo, discussing the important andthe not-so-important things andwrapping up the evening with Highs& Lows. We welcome all (membersand friends alike), and we encourageeach other throughout the week. Wehave been known to go on trips,mission work, summer camp andBoundary Water Adventure journeys.High School life is too hard to do italone so we try and do it together.

Baptism ClassThis class is for parents who wish tohave their child(ren) baptized. Duringthis session, we explore what happenswhen we come to the font and what itmeans to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.We review the expectations placed onparents and the support they canexpect to receive from the church.

First Communion ClassChildren in 4th grade and up learnabout God’s promises and theimportance of Holy Communion.Classes are held each Spring duringthe Sunday School hour, beginning inLent and culminating with the Rite ofFirst Communion on MaundyThursday. For more information,speak with Kris Lingenfelter .

Discovery:Becoming a Disciple of JesusNext Class: Sundays — September 24to October 15, 2017During this interactive and engaging“new disciple” orientation,participants will grow deeper into thelife of discipleship as we explore keyaspects of our Lutheran Christianfaith, including how God has wiredeach person to be ministers ratherthan simply members of the Church.Contact the church office at317-773-4315 or talk to one of thepastors to register.

CHRISTIANCHILDREN AND YOUTH

CHRISTIAN


Ask theQuestion—ChapelLed by JasonPearson & Lu Olp

The Church oughtto be a safe place where we can bringour faith questions. In fact, a healthyfaith questions and pushes for greaterunderstanding, and a healthy churchembraces those questions withoutfeeling threatened or attacked. Join usas we discuss the questions you bringto the table, along with your cup ofcoffee and sweet treat from the coffeefellowship.

Loose Links—LibraryLed by Suzy Patterson & Tree Rudy

A group of Christian friends whodiscuss, question, and banter aroundday-to-day life situations and use theBible, their own "common sense," andhumor to help each other out. Newparticipants welcome!

An Introduction toIslamfor Christians —Fellowship HallThrough October 1

Led byBob & Gay Hanson,Jim Herr, Greg Marshall, PastorMartins Irbe, Cathy Crosley, andPastor Doug

Aug 27 MuhammadSept 3 The Qur’anSept 10 The Five Pillars of IslamSept 17 The Spread of IslamSept 24 Women and IslamOct 1 Christianity & Islam /

Know Our Faith

The Story — Room 215Through December 17

The "Greatest StoryEver Told" is more thanjust a cliché. God hasgone to great lengths torescue lost and hurtingpeople. That is whatThe Story is all about:the story of the Bible,God's great love affair with humans.During the course of this school year,we will get a birds-eye view of God'sstory with us, exploring 31 chapters inGod's relationship with us. Noprevious experience with the Bibleneeded.

Souls Like Stars: Renew YourMind, Heal Your Heart, UnveilYour Shine — Room 214-216Through December 3

Join Pastor Joe Freemanas we explore the storiesof real people - peoplemuch like you - whoonce felt hopeless andhelpless. Thanks toGod's transformativelove and presence, theyexperienced true love and their heartswere unveiled. Like stars reflect thelight of the sun, you and I werecreated to reflect the glory of ourHeavenly Father. Text available forpurchase ($25).

Generosity: Responding to God’sRadiant Grace—Fellowship HallOct 8 – Nov 19 (no class Oct 29)

According to the Bible,generosity is so muchmore than beinggenerous with yourmoney. The source ofgenerosity that is trulyradical is a gospel-transformed heart thathas received the costlygrace of God. The groupwill have a chance to explore passagesfrom the book of Luke on generosity.

EDUCATIONADULTS

SundaysNew Adult Classes Start August 27th

Coffee time: 9:40 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Class from 10:00 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.

Sausage and Scripture - Fellow ship Hall

Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study meets Saturdays at 7:30a.m. For more information, please contact Kevin Hardie(765-432-6211).

Women on Wednesdays - first upstairs classroomin the education building. Meets on Wednesday morningsat 9:15 a.m. for Bible study. Contact Mary Jo Mikulskiwith questions (260-403-5525).

Monthly Bethel Book Clubs for Women

One group meets the first Tuesday of the m onth at7 p.m. in various homes for fellowship and discussion.For more information, including that month’s meetinglocation, contact Rise Helgemo (317-877-8416).

The second group meets Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. atHarbour Trees Golf Club. Each month’s study includeslunch. For more information, contact Linda Crist (317-758-6748).

During the Week

EDUCATION


Over the years, I have attendedstewardship campaigns at severalchurches – often these messagesfocused on the need andresponsibility to give of ourblessings. However, there hasalways been a slightly differentperspective that has beeninteresting to consider, “Each ofyou should give what you havedecided in your heart to give, notreluctantly or under compulsion,for God loves a cheerful giver.”2 Corinthians 9:7

The concept of a “cheerful giver”evokes mixed emotions whenconsidering a human perspective.In our daily lives, we are focusedon bargains, good deals, andfreebies are always good! How doesthis translate to cheerfully giving?

To better understand how we cancheerfully give of our time, gifts,and finances, we should probablyfirst consider the meaning ofstewardship. To be a steward is to“manage or look after another’sproperty.”

Why would providing God what isalready His give us cheer? Theanswer may be a little further in2 Corinthians 9:11, “You will beenriched in every way so that youcan be generous on every occasion,and through us your generosity willresult in thanksgiving to God.”

At Bethel, we are very blessed to

have many activities, manyengaged volunteers, and a group ofstaff and Pastors that continuouslylook to pursue the mission of theChurch in new ways. Every week,we hear of activities that benefitnot only members and visitors, butalso the community and missionpartners. Ministries continue todevelop as the needs of thecongregation are ever changing.We have also witnessed newprojects exceed all expectations infunding and contribution of timeand skill, such as the Bethel PeaceTrail.

This year, the stewardshipcampaign will focus not only onrecognizing the many existingministries that use ourcontributions to glorify God, butalso provide insight into some ofthe long-term goals for newministries.

By sharing the ways that the manyministries have impacted the livesof members, visitors, and thecommunity, we can celebratetogether and experience the cheerthat God intends for us to feel asfaithful stewards.

We are blessed to be a part of aChurch family where gifts of time,skills, and finances are convertedto such a wide variety of ministries.However, wealso want tocontinue todevelop andexpand theministries ofthe church. By setting long-termgoals for the church, we can sharein the vision and excitement of newministries to come.

So how does this all tie back intoour desire for a good bargain? Thisyear, as we plan our allocation oftime, talents, and finances asstewards, we should consider theimpact that the ministries of Bethelhave had in the past and will havein the future. Whether the foodpantry, youth programs, RespiteRanch, preschool, weekly worshipservices, missions, or any of themany other ministries are mostmeaningful to you, we cancelebrate together that God hasblessed us with the opportunity tohave such a significant impact bygiving so little of what He gave usfirst.

Thanks be to God not only fortrusting us as stewards of theblessings He has bestowed on usbut also for providing us with thetools to share these blessings in away that is fulfilling and brings uscloser to each other and to Him.

FOCUS ON MINISTRYSTEWARDSHIP

By Tom Foreman


IF YOU PLANT ASEED

Words and paintingsby Kadir Nelson

Seeds - both real ones, liketomatoes, carrots, and cabbagesand metaphoric ones likekindness and selfishness - arethe subject of this stunningoversized picture book. By thefinal two-page spread the entirecast of characters (all animalsand birds) learn that some seedsgrow into a “heap of trouble”and others produce something“very, very sweet.”

Picture books are often a youngchild’s first exposure to art andthe illustrations here are actualpaintings, so meticulouslyphotographed you can see thetexture of the canvas. The “reapwhat you sow” message isstraight from the Bible and theillustrations are a feast for theeyes. You can’t go wrong withthis one!

CRY, THEBELOVEDCOUNTRY

by Alan Paton

The date is September, 1946.The setting is South Africa.When the Zulu Anglican pastorStephen Kumalo leaves his tribalvillage and sets out forJohannesburg in search of hislost son he feels “the fear of aman who lives in a world notmade for him…”. His journey isa spiritual as well as a physicalone that brings him close tolosing his faith before ending inboth tragedy and triumph. Thisnovel was an immediate best-seller when it was published in1948 and is still in print. It issearingly beautiful.

LILAby Marilynne Robinson

Lila is rescued as a small,motherless child by Doll, whowraps her in a shawl and carriesher away just before she dies ofutter neglect. The two lead arough, vagabond life. Doll growsold and mysteriously disappearswhile the adult Lila lands in anabandoned shack outside thetown of Gilead, Iowa. Whenkind hands reach out to her, sheis as wary as a wild animal. Willshe be able to accept the lovebeing offered and, moreimportantly, the faith thatstands behind that love? Theauthor never fully answers manyof the theological questions sheraises in her novels (includingGilead, 2004 and Home, 2009).But she asks them withrespectful boldness. Believersand skeptics alike seem drawn toMarilynne Robinson’s books.Perhaps we’re all hoping that,should answers come crashingdown from heaven on thiswonderful, peculiar novelist, wemight find ourselves pricked bya flying splinter of red hotspiritual insight.

BOOKS OF INTERESTReviews by Connie Wooldridge

Reading level:adult

Reading level:high school/adult

Reading level:ages 3-7


You may not hear the term “paraments” as common talk at church, but this term is important to a Lutheran church’sidentity. The altar and pulpit are usually “dressed” in paraments. They transform the worship space visually to reflect the

message and mood of each church season. They are in the color of the day—blue, white, red,purple, or green. There is only one time when no paraments are used—Good Friday. On MaundyThursday, all paraments are removed.

Pastor’s stoles often match theParaments or are in the samecolor and have the same orrelated symbols on them.

WORDPARAMENTS AND BANNERS

WORD

21

3 4 5

five more biblical passages from Danielto Revelation affirm that Jesus is com-ing with clouds and that every eye willsee Him (Daniel 7:13; Luke 21:27;Mark 14:62; Acts 1:11; and Revelation1:7).Nor does the book of Revelation teacha pre-tribulation rapture of Christiansout of the troubles of this world. In-stead, it teaches that God will preservehis people in the face of persecutionand suffering (Revelation 3:10; 14:12;also Matthew 28:20). Additionally,since Jesus will resurrect all believersand unbelievers on Judgment Day,Revelation states that there will be nosecond chance for repentance(Revelation 11:18; 20:11-15).Finally, the Left Behind series causesmore confusion when it promotes theidea that there is not just one return ofChrist (the rapture), nor two (Christ’sreturn to usher in his 1000-year rule),but three comings of Christ. The lastadvent, it teaches, will be at the end ofthe millennial reign or the Great WhiteThrone of Judgment found in Revela-tion 20:11-15. However, when discuss-ing these events, the Bible uniformlyuses singular nouns. We find, for ex-

ample, “time” not times in Daniel 12:1-2; “the hour” not hours in John 5:28-29; “day” not days in Acts 17:31; and “aresurrection” not resurrections in Acts24:15. Together, these aspects desig-nate one event: Christ’s Second Com-ing. There is but one future hope forthe church, the bodily return of JesusChrist. This will be the end of historyon this earth as we know it, not thebeginning of a glorious earthly king-dom.The Lutheran Church has historicallyunderstood the end times from an“amillenial” perspective. We believethat Jesus will not have a literal 1000-year visible earthly kingdom. Rather,we believe that Jesus ascended toheaven after his resurrection (Acts 1:6-11) and is seated at the right hand ofGod. He is reigning now. The thousandyears of Revelation 20:1-10 is under-stood figuratively as a reference to thetime of Christ’s reign as King from theday of his ascension until the Last Day.Accordingly, the millennium is a pre-sent reality (Christ’s heavenly reign),not some future hope (a rule of Christon earth after his return).So what does this mean? What do weknow, if we believe the biblical pic-tures? We trust that there will be an

end; that the injustices and inequitiesof our world do not have the finalword. Second, we are privileged tohear about this mystery that, whateveris to happen, God is in control. Even ifthe end comes about through humanfolly or sin, that end will not occur be-yond the scope of God. Third, this endinvolves Jesus Christ. In Holy Com-munion, we proclaim: “Christ has died.Christ is risen! Christ will come again!”Ultimately, we take our hope and con-fidence from the foundation of whatJesus says and promises, not from ourability to decipher some alleged bibli-cal “code” we glean from selected pas-sages of the Bible. Aside from Jesus, allother ground is sinking sand.

Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod(2004). A Lutheran Response to the “LeftBehind” Series. The Commission on Theol-ogy and Church Relations of The LutheranChurch-Missouri Synod. St. Louis, MO.

Martin E. Marty (2007). Lutheran Ques-tions, Lutheran Answers: Exploring Chris-tian Faith. Minneapolis, MN: AugsburgPublishers.

Barbara R. Rossing (2005). The RaptureExposed: The Message of Hope in the Bookof Revelation. New York, NY: Basic Books.

For Further Reading

Pulpit Fall Altar Frontal

MEANINGS:Can you match the meaning with the symbol? (use each only once)

Answers and more information on the symbols may be found on page 26.

_____ 10 Commandments (Law)

_____ Feeding the Five Thousand

_____ First and Last— Beginning and End (Gospel)

_____ Greek 1st, 2nd, & last letters of the name Jesus

_____ Jesus

Continued from Page 13 Ask the Pastor


ACROSS1. In the beginning was the _____, and the ____ was with

God, and the ____ was God.4. Person who sparked the Reformation in Germany (2 words)6. Luther posted 95 of these to encourage discussion9. Profession Luther was supposed to take up10. Mrs. Luther11. What Luther threw the Papal Bull into13. He sold indulgences in Germany15. He wrote the primary statement of Lutheranism (see 23

Down)16. Unearned, unmerited love of God given as a free gift17. Imperial council that was convened to decide the fate of

Martin Luther18. Documents that were said to shorten time in purgatory21. How we are put right with God24. Town where Luther posted his theses and where he was a

professor25. Book of the Bible where Luther discovered he was saved by

grace through faith26. Holy Roman ________ - person who was to decide Lu-

ther's fate at 17 Across27. An edict issued by a pope

DOWN1. Castle where Luther was hidden after being outlawed2. Town where Luther was born3. To admit that one has sinned4. What Luther promised he would become if saved from a

severe storm5. Luther's statement on being asked to recant (3 words)7. The action of excluding someone from the sacraments8. The Bible12. Head of the Roman Catholic Church14. Knocked Luther to ground and caused him to change

careers19. The wise Elector of Saxony who protected Luther20. Belief in God22. Luther's confessor23. ________ Confession - primary statement of faith of

the Lutheran Church24. Location of the imperial council where Luther was asked

to recant

ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

REFORMATION CROSSWORD PUZZLEPLAYPLAY

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2 3

4 5 6 7 8

9

10 11

12

13 14

15 16

17 18

19 20

21 22 23

24

25

26 27


Bethel Lutheran Church functions on a liturgicalcalendar with seasons and holy days. There are colorsassociated with each of the seasons and holy days.These are shown on this calendar and are reflected inthe paraments in the sanctuary.

DAY DATE CHURCH CALENDARSunday 8/20/17 11th Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday 8/27/17 12th Sunday after Pentecost








Sunday 10/29/17 Reformation Sunday

Sunday 11/5/17 All Saints Sunday

Sunday 11/12/17 23rd Sunday after Pentecost


Wednesday 11/22/17 Thanksgiving Eve Service

Sunday 11/26/17 Christ the King Sunday

August 15, 2017 — November 30, 1917Aug 20 Fall Kick-Off & Church Picnic 10 a.m.Aug 27 Christian Education startsSept 6 Healing Service 7:00 p.m.Sept 5 Preschool school year startsSept 21-24 Men’s Via de Cristo (Camp Epworth)Sept 24 Discovery Class starts (4 Sundays)Sept 29 Circle of Sisters Craft Fair 3:30-7:00 p.m.Sept 29 Fish & Chicken Fry 4:30-7:00 p.m.Oct 4 Healing Service 7:00 p.m.Oct 8 80+ Luncheon 12:15 p.m.Oct 28 Trunk or Treat and bonfire 6:45 p.m.Oct 31 500th Anniversary of the ReformationNov 1 Healing Service 7:00 p.m.Nov 18 Thanksgiving Food Basket DistributionNov 22 Thanksgiving Eve Service 7:00 p.m.

CALENDARLITURGICAL CALENDAR EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

From Page 24: Meanings: 10 Commandments-5, Feedingthe Five Thousand-4, First and Last (Beginning and End)-2, Greek 1st, 2nd, and last letters of the name Jesus-3,Jesus-1.

Paraments:Altar Frontal for Season after Pentecost:The two stones bearing the 10 Commandments Godpresented to Moses on Mt. Sinai. (Exodus 31.18) Theletters IHC (over the cross), which are the Greek 1st, 2ndand last letters of the name Jesus. The cross is theuniversal symbol for Christianity. The Greek letters,Alpha and Omega…the first and last letters of the Greekalphabet. Used together in Christian practice meaningthat Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things.Jesus states “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First andthe Last, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 22:13)Pulpit Fall for the Season after Pentecost:The Lamb is a symbol of Christ, the Paschal Lamb, whodied for the sins of all. The banner the Lamb holds is usedto depict that Christ rose triumphant over sin and death.(John 1:29) The town is the new Jerusalem (Revelation21:2)

Banner:Basket of fish over the cross: This rem inds us ofone of Christ' miracles...the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke9:16). We too are to care for and "feed" others in need.The basket with 2 fish and bread is a common symbol ofthe Season after Pentecost.


Events& Activities


Bethel Lutheran Church20650 Cumberland Road

Noblesville, IN 46062317.773.4315

www.BethelLutheranChurch.com

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH7:00 p.m. – Healing Service

NOVEMBER 23rd7:00 p.m. – Thanksgiving Eve Worship

SATURDAY5:30 p.m. – Casual Worship

SUNDAY8:45 a.m. – Classic Worship

10:00 a.m. – Chris an Educa on Hour

11:11 a.m. – Praise Worship

Communion will be celebrated at all services.

WEEKEND WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

OTHER WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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