Beacon of Bethel Lutheran Church 440-943-5000

www.bethelwillowick.org

Pastor’s e-mail= pastor@bethelwillowick.org

May 2016 PASTORAL MESSAGE

Greetings in the name of our Risen and Glorified Lord and Savior,

You may be asking yourself “does it ever end?” That sentence could be used in so many different

contexts and situations, and may not even be answerable. But I will endeavor to address it for you.

The answer to “does it ever end” is yes AND no.” Confused yet? The world as we know it will indeed

end, when God’s timing says it will end, as it is written in the Book of Revelation. Chapters 21 and 22

are very clear on the passing away of the old and the coming of the new heaven and new earth. But

then it tells of the everlasting kingdom of God and the beautiful imagery of the temple, the city, and the

streets lined with gold, no need of the sun or moon, because God’s glory will shine on it.

So yes it will end and no it won’t. Have I confused you yet? I’m thinking that you are totally

getting my meaning. So rejoice with me that we have a God who has given us the true meaning of

eternity and it is with Him that we will spend it. Is there anything better that should permeate our

minds during this season following Easter? The freedom out of slavery, life out of death, light out of

darkness, and speech out of silence. Forgiveness and the eschatological (end times) banquet is also an

emphasis during this time. The paraments on the altar are still white, so that we focus on the purity of

Christ and His sacrificial act of love.

Refer to this publication for all the events planned – the Mother’s Day Banquet on the 7th, which

means no worship for that evening. ** A special note: I had asked the question of those who normally

and consistently attend that service, whether they wish to even have Sunday evening worship. Since

only three have responded and two of the three did not wish to attend Sunday, it will be cancelled at

this time. Saturday evening worship will resume on the following Saturday, May 14th.

At the last elders meeting, the discussion centered on the lack of attendance recently and what can

and should be done about it. While no concrete plan was formulated, I suggested that we continue to

reach out to our absent members and discuss their return to Bethel and the fellowship that was

important to them in the past. I also suggested that it should be the duty, task, and obligation of every

one of us to contact them for their return to the family worship time.

May God continue to allow us to keep focusing on the cross and may He always help us to be ready,

in season and out of season, to give an answer about our faith and the Gospel that proclaims it.

In His Service

Rev. Donald P. Beaumont

Joshua 24:15 As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD

DATE

READERS USHERS ELDERS COUNTERS

Sun

May 1

8am

Dee Karen

Russell

Mark Linda

Sherry

Wyn

Sun

May 1

10:30am

Jeanne Sara

Sherry

Dave Linda

Sherry

Wyn

Sat

May 7

6pm

MOTHER’S DAY BANQUET

NO WORSHIP SERVICE

HAPPY MOTHERS

DAY!

Sun

May 8

8am

Scott Eric

Joan

Dave Christine

Dave

Julie

Sun

May 8

10:30am

Wyn Donna

Holly

John Christine

Dave

Julie

Sat

May 14

6pm

Christine Alice

Dave P.

Herman Jan

Scott

Sun

May 15

8am

Karen Maria

Mike

Herman Jan

Scott

Sun

May 15

10:30am

Jeanne Brian

Halle

Mark Jan

Scott

Sat

May 21

6pm

Alice Alice

Dave P.

Herman Jack

Jeanne

Julie

Sun

May 22

8am

Dee Christine

Steve

John Jack

Jeanne

Julie

Sun

May 22

10:30am

Wyn Jim S.

Ken

Mark Jack

Jeanne

Julie

Sat

May 28

6pm

Christine Alice

Dave P.

Herman Jan

Scott

Sun

May 29

9:30am

Karen Sara

Scott

John Jan

Scott

Members who

are serving

this month

May 2016

Altar Guild:

Jen Hummer

Jeanne Schimmelmann

Bold: Communion

* Denotes a change

Bold italics:

Communion

* Denotes a

change

Buehner, Carol 5/1

Ramkey, Sue 5/1

Dingus, Jacob 5/2

Dingus, Joshua 5/2

Krainz, James 5/2

Gallo, Ann 5/3

Beeman, Alice 5/4

Lancaster, Lorene 5/4

Humble, Bubba 5/6

Henning Jr., Dave 5/8

Stevens, Delores 5/8

Uyesugi, Alexander 5/8

Aumann, Tillie 5/12

Horgan, Mike 5/14

Bossman, Matthew 5/15

Szokan II, Timothy 5/18

Adams Sr., Jerry 5/19

Pittock, Russell 5/20

Dayton, Gary 5/21

McElfresh, Sue 5/21

Summers, Tara 5/21

Schimmelmann, Jeanne 5/22

Markiewicz, Marilyn 5/23

Smith, Candy 5/23

Kost, Reese 5/24

Dayton, Joshua 5/25

Effland, Patricia 5/26

Meister, Nicole 5/26

Swaffield, Marla 5/26

Dayton, Stefanie 5/27

Kurz, Irene 5/28

Bunsey, Donna 5/29

Coyne, Marilyn 5/30

Dayton, Matthew 5/30

Prater, Brianna 5/30

“In our thoughts

and prayers”

Below is a list of our elderly

who do not get out much.

Please remember them with

notes, cards, a phone call

or a visit in person –

and most of all in

our prayers.

Charles Babinyecz

Harry & Lois Crispin Ralph Kruse

Rufus Evans Dorothy Marts

Ethel Giuffre Virginia Potting

Helen Herborn Norma Pecsok

Helen Kovach Irene Radencic

Timothy & Nitza Szokan II May 2

Dave & Sharon Henning Jr. May 3

Gwen & Michael Kost May 6

Steve & Christine Risher May 6

Wayne & Maria Swaffield May 9

Dave & Julie Hird May 13

Michael & Dorothy Zielke May 15

These Worship services on WRLM can be viewed on Time Warner Cable channel 12 and U-verse channel 67 at 11:30 am on the following Sundays

May 2016 May 1, 2016 – John 16:33b “Overcoming the World” by Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III, Concordia Theological Seminary~Fort Wayne, IN

The wicked, unbelieving world, moved by Satan, is opposed to God, His Word, and His people. Thus believers in this world will have tribulation. But Christ has overcome the world, and He helps us overcome the world.

May 8, 2016 – Luke 24:44-53 “So Close and Yet So Far” by Rev. James L. Elsner, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church~Stroh, IN

Jesus is gone. He’s left us. Or has He? The Ascension of Jesus teaches us that He reins with us – even while He’s in heaven. How can that be?

May 15, 2016 – Acts 2:1-11

“The Pentecost Harvest” by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church~Decatur, IN

God would use the Jewish Feast of Pentecost. It not only prefigured God's harvest of souls for eternal life, but the actual day provided a wonderfully designed opportunity for many Jews, from many regions, to hear the wonderful news of the Savior, the bringer of true peace.

May 22, 2016 – John 8:48-59 “God’s Own Child” by Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast, Jr., President, Concordia Theological Seminary~Fort Wayne, IN

The Holy Trinity is one of the great mysteries of the faith. Yet, through Jesus Christ, we come to know God as our Father. Through the waters of baptism the Holy Spirit gives us the gift of faith. Therefore each of us can gladly say, “I am God’s own child!”

May 29, 2016 – Luke 7:1-10 “A Soldier’s Faith” by Rev. William Mueller, Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church~Fort Wayne, IN

An unnamed soldier has a need that only the Lord Jesus Christ can fulfill. In the encounter between this soldier and the Savior we see the heart of faith and the glory of God.

Tel: (260) 471-LOVE (5683) ╋ Toll-Free: (888) 286-8002

www.worshipforshutins.org E-mail: info@worshipforshutins.org

Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. 5 Martin Luther Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46825-4996

Worship for Shut-Ins Sermon Summaries

Sponsored by the Outreach Committee of

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH 32410 Willowick Drive Willowick, Ohio 44095

www.bethelwillowick.org

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH takes great

pride and pleasure in announcing our

6th Annual Bethel Outreach Golf Outing

“BOGO 2016” Friday, June 17, 2016

Briardale Greens Golf Course 24131 Briardale Ave., Euclid, OH 44123

SHOTGUN START AT 9AM

Shotgun start at 9am 18 holes of golf, with cart Scramble format Teams of 2 or 4 Includes coffee and donuts in the morning Includes hot dog, chips, beer at the turn Includes a fabulous steak and chicken dinner after 18 holes Door prizes

All proceeds will be used to help outreach programs in our local community. In the event you do not have a foursome, you will be placed with other golfers. Non-golfers are welcome to join us for the celebration and awards dinner at 3:00 pm. Please mention this event to your family, friends, and associates. We thank you for your support and hope to see you there!

QUESTIONS? CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT (440) 943-5000

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Please tear here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Show your support here ▼…………………………AND / OR………… Sign up your team here ▼

B O G O SUPPORT (Please check appropriate line)

TEAM MEMBER NAMES: (Please PRINT)

$75 ea. (by 6-1-16) $85 ea. (after 6-1-16) Paid / Amount

_____ HOLE SPONSOR $100 ( includes a sign on course at one of 18 tee locations) (PLEASE ENCLOSE BUSINESS CARD, .JPEG OR LETTERHEAD FOR SIGN CREATION)

1)___________________________________________ __________

_____ MONETARY DONATION – $ __________ 2) __________________________________________ __________

_____ MERCHANDISE GIFT DONATION

3) __________________________________________ __________

Your name:________________________________________________ Company name:____________________________________________ 4) __________________________________________ __________ Address:__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Non-golfers may join us for dinner at 3pm ($26 ea.) Phone:____________________________________________________ Include total # of non-golfers here > ____________ __________

MAIL CHECKS MADE PAYABLE TO: BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH (marked “Golf Outing”) along with this form to: Bethel Lutheran Church - 32410 Willowick Dr.- Willowick, OH 44095

NEWS FROM LADIES AID Shoveling our way through spring, the ladies met on Tuesday, April 5th. We started with many prayers

for each other and our loved ones. Once again, we have a few big events coming up and managed to

discuss them and still get away with a little bit of fun at the end of our meeting.

April 30th at 9:30am is the Spring Rally! Here we can meet one of the comfort dogs we are supporting in

our mission. The comfort dogs provide love and therapy along with Gods word to many people who have

suffered a tragic event. September 17th is our retreat in Perry for the day. Please plan on attending

these wonderful gatherings where all the women can find strength and comfort in meeting many other

ladies. Feel free to speak with Robin Bartley about either event.

We had our rummage sale and we look forward to sharing the results from that with you in our next

beacon!

Lastly we still have the Mother's Day Banquet for May 7th. The theme is “Mother's Change Lives.”

Jeanne is taking reservations and we must know by May 1st. We will be enjoying beef tips and noodles

with glazed carrots and applesauce. Our entertainment will be the Classic Pops Quartet and all are

welcome to attend their performance! More information to come so keep your eyes peeled for postings

around the church.

Now for the good stuff!

Ladies night out is planned for June 7th at 6:30pm. We have talked about a few locations to eat at

and we seem to be settled on Shogun Japanese Steak House in Willoughby, on Euclid Ave where CJ's

Cafe used to be located. Candyce is taking reservations so please let her know by May 31st. Call the

church office at 440-943-5000. Feel free to leave a message with the number attending. The church

secretary will make sure that Candyce gets the message.

At the end of the night the ladies enjoyed some line dancing with our very own

member Carol! She was a lovely instructor and teaches every Monday night. We

learned a handful of new dances and had such a blast being with everyone.

For May our hosts will be Jeanne and Candyce.

Altar duty will be Jeanne.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3rd at 7pm in the church basement.

Article submitted by Candyce Smith

Secretary – Ladies Aid

SOCIAL COMMITTEE UPDATE This article will be “short and sweet” – like ME! Ha Ha!

Our committee did not meet during the month of April; however, I will update you on

some recent events. We enjoyed a delicious Easter Breakfast after the “SONrise”

service. Thanks to all who contributed baked goods and helped with the clean-up. Also,

we held a “Meal & a Movie” night on the 17th of April. The movie was called “The

Prince of Egypt” and everyone seemed to enjoy it. As usual, no one went home hungry!

The next one is scheduled for May 22nd, and we will be watching “War Room.” This

movie is NOT about war as we have come to know it – it is about the power

of prayer!

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 17th at 7pm. Until then, get outside and enjoy this

wonderful weather we are having!

Christine-Dave-Georgann-Julie-Sandra-Sherry (Committee chairperson) - Steve

(Article submitted by Christine Risher)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - NEWS FROM THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE

“Reaching out to our community”

Thanks to everyone who supported the Outreach Committee by purchasing the jelly beans

that we had for sale! There are still about 15 bags left, and their packaging has been

“updated” to make them ready for any gift giving occasion! Licorice and spice are the only

flavors we have left.

Baby Bottle Blessings are coming back in May – start saving your change. Look for further

details in the narthex.

Plans are under way for B.O.G.O. (the Bethel Outreach Golf Outing) – there is a full page

advertisement with all the details on another page.

We plan on marching in the Willowick parade on Sunday, June 5th. The more the merrier – please feel free to join us!

We did not meet in April. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 9th and we hope to see you there!

Thank You!

Lois Palmer, Outreach Committee Chairman

Mike Bretz, Golf Outing Chairman

Christine Risher - Steve Risher - Joan Spring

(Article submitted by Joan Spring)

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SPECIAL DATES • Ascension of the Lord, May 5, 2016 • National Day of Prayer, May 5, 2016 • Mother’s Day, May 8, 2016 • Pentecost, May 15, 2016 • Armed Forces Day, May 21, 2016 • Trinity Sunday, May 22, 2016

• Memorial Day, May 30, 2016

RUTH — A PENTECOST STORY?

The disciples were celebrating Pentecost, originally a Jewish festival, when the Holy Spirit descended

on them and birthed the church. Pentecost, which began as a harvest festival, had come to commemorate the

giving of the law. The book of Ruth became integral to festival worship.

Why Ruth? This short story doesn’t mention the law, let alone God giving it to Moses. Yet in Ruth’s

devotion to her mother-in-law (“Where you go I will go .... Your people will be my people ... ” [Ruth 1:16, NIV]),

she fulfills not just the letter but the spirit of the law: loving kindness — all the more remarkable because

she’s a foreigner. Boaz, too, demonstrates exorbitant kindness to Ruth.

As Christians celebrate the Spirit bridging differences in Jerusalem, uniting all nationalities by

making the gospel message intelligible to all people, we too can remember Ruth’s story. For in it, God unites

two enemy peoples for his grand purpose: Boaz and Ruth’s marriage leads to King David and, ultimately, to King

Jesus. Today, the Holy Spirit continues to unite all categories of people under Christ’s reign for the good of

the world.

CLOSE TO GOD

I can take my telescope

and look millions and millions of

miles into space. But I can lay it

aside, go into my room, shut the

door, get down on my knees in

earnest prayer, and see more of

heaven and get closer to God

than I can assisted by all the

telescopes and material agencies

on earth.

—Isaac Newton

ALWAYS WITH US

Forty days after Easter, we celebrate Jesus’

ascension into heaven. This occurred 10 days

before Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit

descended on Jesus’ followers, as he had

promised.

Jesus’ ascension reminds Christians that

although his body couldn’t remain present

everywhere, we can universally experience his

spiritual presence. In fact, Jesus’ final words to

his disciples — and to us — contain this key

promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the

age”

(Matthew 28:20, ESV).

CHAPTER AND VERSE

In its original format, the Bible contained no chapter and verse divisions or numbers. Those are

entirely a human convention, intended to make reading easier.

The first modern system of dividing Scripture occurred in the 13th century. Interestingly, the New

Testament was first separated into verses in 1551 — by the son of a French printer, as he rode on horseback!

DISCIPLES NEEDED

The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who, by

profession or culture, are identified as “Christians” will become disciples — students, apprentices,

practitioners — of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the kingdom of the heavens

into every corner of human existence.

—Dallas Willard, The Great Omission

EXPANDED LIVES

In a fascinating, kid-friendly science experiment, a bar of Ivory soap heated in a microwave writhes

and expands into a unique, billowy shape. The change is due to Charles’ Law, which describes how a gas, such as

that contained in pockets inside a bar of Ivory, expands as its temperature increases. The soap can still be

used as normal, though it’s now fragile and flaky.

When the Holy Spirit enters us, we expand as well. Our Spirit-enlarged lives may seem misshapen to

some, no longer conforming to the world’s expectations. But our uniqueness reflects the creativity of our

Triune God, who reveals himself to people in many different ways.

Our hearts expand and soften too, opening to other people’s needs and concerns, while our God-

created purpose remains: to be a force of love and care — of cleansing and renewal — in the world.

Bible Quiz

Which books of the Bible include

an account of Jesus’ ascension?

A. Luke and Acts

B. Matthew and Luke

C. Mark and John

D. All four gospels

Answer: A (See Luke 24:51 and Acts 1:9.)

“God Is the Fountain” God is the fountain whence

ten thousand blessings flow;

to him my life, my health and friends,

and every good, I owe.

The comforts he affords

are neither few nor small;

he is the source of fresh delights,

my portion and my all.

He fills my heart with joy,

y lips attunes for praise;

and to his glory I’ll devote

the remnant of my days.

—Benjamin Beddome

LIFE LESSONS

Late-night comedian Stephen Colbert, a practicing Catholic who teaches Sunday school, faced tragedy

at age 10 when his father and two of his brothers died in a plane crash. As Colbert told The New York Times,

his mom helped him avoid bitterness about the loss:

“She taught me to be grateful for my life regardless of what that entailed, and that’s directly related

to the image of Christ on the cross and the example of sacrifice that he gave us. What she taught me is that

the deliverance God offers you from pain is not no pain; it’s that the pain is actually a gift. What’s the option?

God doesn’t really give you another choice.”

PROCRASTINATORS

A pastor waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday

weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but many cars were ahead of the pastor at the

service station. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump.

“Sorry about the delay,” said the young man. “Everyone seems to wait until the last

minute to get ready for a long trip.”

The pastor chuckled, “I know what you mean. It’s the same in my business.”

A TASTE OF GOD’S LOVE In Lost in Wonder, Love and Praise (Abingdon Press), John Killinger describes a mother’s

love — and how it offers a tiny foretaste of God’s love:

“It is stronger than steel, softer than down and more resilient than a green sapling on the

hillside. It closes wounds, melts disappointments and enables the weakest child to stand tall and

straight in the fields of adversity. I believe that this love, even at its best, is only a shadow of

the love of God, a dark reflection of all that we can expect of him, both in this life and the

next.”