Beacon of Bethel Lutheran

Church 440-943-5000

www.bethelwillowick.org

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

November 2015

PASTORAL MESSAGE

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

Once again I sit and contemplate a pastoral message, and I can’t focus my thoughts on anything

except the beauty of creation and my wish to be outside enjoying that beauty which can be seen all

around us. And yes, I know chasing a little white ball around with as little swings as possible is

frustrating, but it’s also relaxing at the same time. Yet here I am, pounding away on the keyboard to

remind you to focus on the cross and my thoughts are still outside on the links. Sounds hypocritical

doesn’t it? To which I could respond with: I'm enjoying God's creation and the beauty that He made for

us. And of course you wouldn’t buy any of it. Please indulge me for a moment and let me just say my

focus wanders as much as yours at times. I have placed in my view lots of crosses to not let my mind

wander for too long and always be able to see the cross. I would encourage everyone to do the same

and focus on the cross in your personal lives as well as your worship life.

Ok, now for the change that has most people talking - a change that will affect everyone who

receives this newsletter. This will be the last mass mailed edition of the Beacon of Bethel. At the

September voters meeting a motion was made and passed, with 2 nays and 3 abstaining, to discontinue

mass mailing of the Beacon. It will, as it has been for many years, be available on our website,

www.bethelwillowick.org. Persons without computer access can receive a copy mailed to them or put

in their church mailbox in the Narthex, thus saving about $80.00 per month. Anyone wishing a mailed

copy or placed in their mailbox must submit, in writing, to the church secretary such a request. Please

do this upon receipt of this mailing so she can compile a database. This was in response to the growing

acceptability of technology and the growing increases in the “snail mail” rates. Please bear with us as

we transition into this new way of disseminating information. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the

Beacon assembly team for their many years of faithful service.

On a cheerier note we end our church year this month and start preparing for the new year. I

personally look forward to a new year, when we prepare for and celebrate our Savior’s birth. I know

the preparations are exciting and bring back childhood memories and the memories shared here at

Bethel these past ten years, but we can make new memories and look forward with fresh eyes and see

the infant priest born for us to save us from our sins and eternal death. Rejoice with me during the

coming Advent season and the new year looking for the time when all is new again. I wish to end this

message as I started not by focusing on golf but on the cross, and by focusing my eyes there I am

reminded of the salvation won for us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In His Service

Rev. Donald P. Beaumont

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

* Denotes a change

DATE READERS USHERS ELDERS COUNTERS

Sun

Nov 1

8am

Karen Christine

Steve

Mark Jan

Scott

Sun

Nov 1

10:30am

Wyn Ken

Sherry

Dave Jan

Scott

Sat

Nov 7

6pm

Alice Alice

Dave P.

Mark * Jack

Jeanne

Julie

Sun

Nov 8

8am

Dee Maria

Mike

John Jack

Jeanne

Julie

Sun

Nov 8

10:30am

Jeanne Brian

Halle

Dave * Jack

Jeanne

Julie

Sat

Nov 14

6pm

Pork & Sauerkraut Supper

NO WORSHIP

Sun

Nov 15

8am

Scott Joan

Scott

Dave Jan

Scott

Sun

Nov 15

10:30am

Dave Donna

Holly

John Jan

Scott

Sat

Nov 21

6pm

Alice Alice

Dave P.

- - - - Linda

Sherry

Wyn

Sun

Nov 22

8am

Karen Karen

Russell

John * Linda

Sherry

Wyn

Sun

Nov 22

10:30am

Wyn Brianna

Linda

Mark Linda

Sherry

Wyn

Wed

Nov 25

7pm

Christine Gertrud

Gunter

Dave * Christine

Dave

Julie

Sat

Nov 28

6pm

Christine Alice

Dave P.

- - - - Christine

Dave

Julie

Sun

Nov 29

8am

Dee Christine

Steve

John Christine

Dave

Julie

Sun

Nov 29

10:30am

Jeanne Ken

Sara

Dave Christine

Dave

Julie

Members who

are serving

this month

NOVEMBER 2015

Altar Guild:

Georgann Beaumont

Jen Hummer

Bold: Communion

Bold italics: Communion

* Denotes a

change

“THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE”

The Outreach Committee has donated $500 to the Parking Lot Fund. This comes from

monies we raised using our parking lot for the SMM festival.

In response to a request from the Willowick Fire Dept., we have donated $250.00 to the

“Fire Pup” training program.

Also, stay tuned for an exciting new fund raiser that we are planning for February, 2016.

This is a new idea that we have come up with to invite the community to our Church to see what

we are all about. We could use additional members to help with planning this innovative

outreach function.

Thank you for your continued support of the Outreach Committee Please join us at our

next meeting on Monday, November 9, 2015, at 7:00pm with your ideas and learn what we

are all about.

Thank You! Lois Palmer, Outreach Committee Chairman - Mike Bretz, Golf Outing Chairman

Christine Risher - Steve Risher - Joan Spring

Article submitted by Joan Spring

“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.

Harry & Lois Crispin Ralph Kruse

Rufus Evans Dorothy Marts

Ethel Giuffre Virginia Potting

Helen Herborn Norma Pecsok

Helen Kovach Irene Radencic

From the Social Committee Christine-Dave-Georgann-Julie-Sandra-Sherry (Committee chairperson)

The month of September was really a busy one for our committee –

we hosted a couple of events that I would like to tell you about.

The first one was our first “Meal & a Movie” on September 20th. About 20 people enjoyed

a nice meal followed by the movie “When Calls the Heart.” By the time you read this article, the

October movie “Where There’s a Will” will be a “thing of the past!” Our November “Meal & a

Movie” will be held on November 22nd. (Please note: it has been advertised as being on the

15th – it has been rescheduled.) The movie is called “Silent Night.”

Our second event in September was the 9th Annual Clambake, and it was a BIG success. We

had just over 100 people; the food was fantastic, thanks to our “Bethel Chefs”, and

the weather was absolutely perfect! Quite a few people pitched in to help with the

clean-up, and we thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts! Hopefully, we will

see you again next year at the 10th Annual Clambake. Quite a few of us hung around

after and gathered ‘round the campfire to relax and enjoy our beverages – some

were there until midnight!

Please join us at our next meeting: Tuesday, November 17th at 7pm – all are welcome!

(Article submitted by Christine Risher)

Dear Friends in Christ: The Trustee’s along with the Planning Committee, with the approval and support of the Voter’s Assembly, has agreed to use the Campaign of Gratitude for the Parking Lot Project. Let us explain what this is about. In order to properly fix the parking lot several things need to be done. The lot will need to be ground down, drainage pipes installed, and 3 to 4 inches of asphalt installed. This is going to cost approximately $100,000.00.

The plan is to use the Campaign of Gratitude to collect this money over the next 5 years. We will continue to maintain the parking lot by patching and sealing during this time. We are not asking you to reduce the amount you currently give to the church, but if you would like to make a donation to honor an event such as an anniversary, a birthday, or as a thank offering we ask you to give it to the Campaign of Gratitude. If you would like to make a donation in memory of someone, we ask you give it to the Campaign of Gratitude. Thank you for your support and consideration. The Trustee’s and The Planning Committee

Stefan Bobic 11/2

Carole Stephenson 11/2

Bill Stamp 11/3

Joanne Drury 11/5

Heather Herborn 11/8

Gary Humble 11/9

Tracy Pittock 11/9

Martha Bretz 11/10

Steve Risher 11/11

Lana Humble 11/14

Tom Lotz 11/14

Jen Hummer 11/18

Jack Schimmelmann 11/19

Karen Poe 11/21

Nancy Frederick 11/27

Ethel Giuffre 11/27

Margery Kenerson 11/27

Dee Maimone 11/29

Bunky Overbaugh 11/29

WEDDING

ANNIVERSARIES

❤

Tom & Barb Lotz 11/7

Dee & Santo Maimone 11/28

Al & Ruth Medved, Jr. 11/29

BETHEL

LUTHERAN

CHURCH'S

PORK & SAUERKRAUT

DINNER will be held on

Saturday. November 14, 2015

Seating at 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm

Adults $9.00

Children $4.00

Tickets will be sold after

each church service or

call 943-5000 for tickets

No tickets will be sold

at the door

DID YOU SEE IT?

WILLOWICK

FOOD PANTRY

We have a ROOF and hopefully MORE by the time you read this! Moving day is getting closer.

When moving day is determined, we will be announcing it to many people. This is a big project and any

one that can help will be welcomed. Thank you for your patience.

Our requested item for November is mac & cheese, a very popular item for our recipients. We are

thankful for all of your donations and the many hours Bethel members contribute to help in the

distributions.

The Willowick Food Pantry Board members from Bethel this year are Jack Schimmelmann, Jeanne

Schimmelmann, and Lois Palmer. Please feel free to ask them about our organization.

The next distribution date is: Saturday, November 21st.

Lois Palmer

Willowick Food Pantry Coordinator

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Ladies Aid In October the ladies gathered to hear about Jack and Jeanne's trip to the Holy Land. Complete with pictures and souvenirs we were able to see the sights and hear about the traveling. It was a joy for us all and we appreciate the time Jeanne took in order to share everything. What a treat for us to see the Jordan River and Christ's manger amongst the funny stories.

At our LWML service we collected $249. Thank you to all that were able to give! The ladies have decided to send $100 to Project Hope as they are in need of cereal for their breakfasts. This is to help so many families in need. The Sauerkraut Dinner will be on November 14th at 5pm and 6pm. Tickets are $9 for adult and $4 for kids. The ladies will be making some wonderful wreaths to sell at the event! Our next meeting is for November 3rd at 7pm in the church basement. Feel free to bring any other ladies in your life! We can also pick up anyone that needs a ride. Give us a call anytime and we will figure out a way to get you there. Our hosts for November will be Joann Drury and Dianne Sprafka. Altar duty for November is Georgann.

Article submitted by Candyce Smith,

Secretary, Ladies Aid

WHAT DOES STEWARDSHIP REALLY MEAN? DOES STEWARDSHIP ONLY MEAN MONEY?

A stewardship definition commonly used throughout the

Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod is this: “Christian stewardship is the free and joyous activity of the child of God and God’s family, the church, in managing all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes.”

Wow, what a definition. Synod has simplified this definition by explaining the 10 basic concepts of stewardship. The following are those concepts and their brief definitions. As you read them rate your relationship with God and stewardship from 1 to 10, 10 being the best:

SERVICE – Live life in responsible service/servanthood to others in Christ’s name.

DEVOTIONAL LIFE – Personal Prayer and Bible Reading.

WORK – Calling from the Lord, the way I use abilities to earn a livelihood.

GIVING/GENEROSITY – Financial support of the Lord’s work in Church and Community.

ECOLOGY/ENVIRONMENT – Care for the good earth entrusted to us.

BODY – Treating the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit – diet – exercise.

TIME – Making the most of the time God has given you.

TALENT – Using the God-given abilities in His service.

TREASURE – Managing possessions as gifts entrusted to you by the Lord.

SELF-MANAGEMENT – Accomplishing realistic personal goals.

How did you rate yourself? Any room for improvement? A lot of things to think about isn’t it?

Your friend in Christ, Jack Schimmelmann, Treasurer

A team is being sought to update the “Book of Life”. It has fallen into disuse for more than 25 years. All information is present – it just needs to be put into chronological order and written in the Book. Please see Pastor if you could assist with this project.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE BEACON

As Pastor explained in his message, the Beacon will no longer be “mass mailed” due to the rising cost of postage, paper supplies, etc. This will save the church about $800 per year. It has been, and will continue to be available on our website:

www.bethelwillowick.org

If anyone has questions or needs assistance on how to use the website, please feel free to call me anytime at the church. Instructions were included in my article that appeared in the October Beacon, along with the survey. For those who responded to the survey in the October Beacon, you will receive it as requested.

Christine Risher

Church Secretary

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

November 2015

November 1, 2015 – Matthew 5:1-12 “Blessed in Hard Times” by Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of Lutheran Hour Ministries No matter what we face at the moment, sickness, struggles, challenges, God's blessing of knowing Jesus Christ by faith will

strengthen us and see us through it all. You can count on it, because Jesus has promised it for you!

November 8, 2015 – Hebrews 9:24-28 “Once For All” by Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker, Emanuel Lutheran Church~New Haven, IN As we age we are more and more aware that we are finite. God prepares us for that day reminding us of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus who died once for all. He will come again in power and glory to take us to Himself and save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.

November 15, 2015 – Mark 13:1-13

“Because of Jesus” by Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN Because of Jesus . . . the world is better. Because of Jesus . . . the world is conflicted. Because of Jesus . . . heaven is our home.

November 22, 2015 – Mark 13:24-31 “Christ’s Eternal Word” by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church~Decatur, IN Christ says that His Words will not pass away; they are eternal. They possess real truth, which by definition is eternal. Such eternal truth and promises center in the Person and Work of Jesus. Heaven and earth will pass away. This is so because of sin in the world. This end of the world will occur when Christ returns.

November 29, 2015 – Luke 21:34-36 “Christmas Hope” by Rev. James L. Elsner, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church~Stroh, IN “Christmas Hope” – sounds like the dreams of children for the gifts they want! But the Hope of Christmas is really wrapped up in the promises of God.

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