BLC Beacon

Cherry Hills Village, Colorado - 303-758-2820 - Fax 303-758-1980 - www.bethany-denver.org - Volume 24, Issue 2, February 2010

Bethany Lutheran Church

Bethany Lutheran Church4500 E. Hampden Avenue

Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113

SouperSunday,TransformingHearts,Lasagna,Journey tothe Cross & Lutheran Malaria Initiative

“Holy God, mighty and immor-

tal, you are beyond our knowing,

yet we see your glory in the face

of Jesus Christ. Transform us into

the likeness of your Son,

who renewed our humanity so that

we may share in his divinity, Jesus

Christ our Lord, who lives and

reigns with you and the Holy

Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen” (ELW Prayer for

Transfiguration).

Imagine if you will this column

to be a “mapquest” of sorts for our

Sundays during February. There

are four Sundays (7, 14, 21, 28)

during the month. Along the way

we will have a “souper” time with

Souper Bowl Sunday. We will

climb the mountain of

Transfiguration on Valentine’s Day

while reflecting about God’s love

and passion for us. On the First

Sunday in Lent we have the

opportunity to support the youth at

their Lasagna dinner. On the last

Sunday of the month we will fea-

ture “Journey to the Cross” (for-

merly known as the Easter Walk).

This is an interactive educational

and spiritual event for people of

all ages. In worship, Pastor Andrea

DeGroot-Nesdahl, Coordinator for

the Lutheran Malaria Initiative,

will be our guest preacher. The

youth of this synod have taken the

lead nationwide in responding to

the call to raise funds and aware-

ness regarding malaria efforts by

the Lutheran Church.

The common thread in all of

these activities is a line from the

prayer, “Transform us into the

likeness of your Son, who

renewed our humanity so that we

may share in His divinity.”

Blessings to you, to us, to our

community as we participate in

this holy transformation.

In Christ,

Pastor Ron

The BeaconThe BeaconPeriodical

Souper Bowl of

CaringSunday, February 7 at the

end of the 8:00, 9:00 and

10:30 service. The Souper Bowl of Caring is

a national event to fight hunger

and poverty. 100% of all money

raised goes directly to ELCA

World

Hunger

Appeal

and

Metro

Care

Ring, a food bank in Denver

which has experienced a 30%

increase in requests for food and a

20% drop in donations. This is a

great opportunity to get your kids,

including the little ones, involved.

We need youth to hold soup pots

at the sanctuary exits at the end of

each of the three services. The

members of the congregation can

"vote" for their team by dropping

money into the pots as they leave

the sanctuary. Contact Jessica

March at

[email protected].

The Lover’s

Delight Lasagna

Dinner Sunday, February 21 in

Fellowship Hall Doors open at

5:00, dinner at 5:45.

The Lover’s Delight Lasagna

Dinner is the first fundraiser for

mission trips to Washington and

Sky Ranch this year. This night

will include a delicious dinner

served by the youth, as well as a

talent show. Tickets will be $10

for adults and $5 for children over

the age of 2. Tickets will be sold

in the narthex January 31,

February 7, 14, and 21. It will take

place in the Fellowship Hall and

the doors will open at 5:00 p.m.

and serving will begin around

5:45. Bring your family, enjoy the

entertainment, and support the

youth!

Holy Hammers and Bethany Lutheran are partnering with Habitat

for Humanity of Metro Denver and Thrivent Financial to sponsor and

build five homes at 4350 E. Bails Place in Denver, 80222. These five

homes will be part of a historic 24-unit Habitat for Humanity communi-

ty to be built in the Virginia

Village neighborhood (near

I-25 and Colorado

Boulevard). Holy Hammers

congregations, including

Bethany Lutheran, will pro-

vide 10% of the cost of the

five homes. Thrivent

Financial and Habitat for

Humanity of Metro Denver

will provide the remaining

90% of the cost of the homes. Construction began on January 8th and it

will complete in May, 2010. The homes will be dedicated in

September/October, 2010. The five sponsor families who are partnering

with Holy Hammers to build these five homes are the Akfakahi - El

Mansouri family (from the Sudan originally), the Bendjebbar -

Ghouilem Family (from Algeria originally), the Hussein - Shash family

(from Ethiopia originally), the Woldermariam - Amaha family (from

Ethiopia originally), and the Fakhraoui – Khadija family. Fourteen chil-

Jesus said to

them, “I am thebread of life.Whoever comesto me willnever be hungry,and whoeverbelieves in me will never bethirsty.” John 6:35 These are

words to chew on and digest and

hunger for, all the days of our

lives. But during Lent this year,

we hope you will reflect on how

Jesus is our Bread for the

Journey. Check out all the amaz-

ing ways you can experience

Jesus as bread beginning Feb 17!

ASH WEDNESDAY

WORSHIP Wednesday, Feb.

17, Noon, 7:00 p.m. -

Imposition of Ashes. These

Lenten Theme 2010 – Bread forthe Journey!

reflective worship services mark-

ing the beginning of Lent feature

Holy Communion and the impo-

sition of ashes.

MID-DAY SERVICES

Wednesdays In Lent – Noon,

The beginning of Lent marks the

beginning of daily noon worship

opportunities. Join fellow wor-

shippers for these reflective serv-

ices. Soup and bread to follow.

EVENING PRAYER

SERVICES Wednesdays in

Lent – 6:30 p.m. Each

Wednesday in Lent, join us for

Taize worship.

Turn to page 3 to the FaithFormation Corner for a description of the many ways toget involved this Lenten season.

Bethany Lutheran and Holy

Hammers Sponsor Five Habitat

for Humanity Homes in Denver

in 2010

continued on page 4......

The Beacon2February 2010

Monthly Meetings For Kids’ Light Parents

Sunday, February 7, 9:00 AM, Room 314

Facilitator: Michelle Okes

What is Light Bearers all about?

• Enjoy fellowship with other parents

• Dig into the same Bible stories that your kids will be learning ~

This month’s topic: Moses and the Burning Bush

• Learn to lead faith talks at home with your child

• Get ideas for family activities to apply the learning to life

• Pray for families in our

faith community

• Learn to create and mark

faith milestones.

Journey to the Cross (formerly known as Easter Walk)

February 28, 2010, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Journey to the Cross is a dramatic telling of the

Passion Week story, in which participants move

through six stations to hear parts of the story.

Through scenery, props, lighting, music, and

costumes, Journey to the Cross creates a sense

of being in a different time and place that allows

the Passion story to come alive. Each storyteller

presents a brief, firsthand account of a person who

encountered Jesus, demonstrating what that person may have been

thinking and feeling as a witness of his life, death, and resurrection.

A new group begins the story walk approximately every 5 – 10 minutes.

Adults are welcome to join any group of children or youth.

Entry into Jerusalem: Room 300

Last Supper: Room 404

Garden of Gethsemane: Room 401

Trial before Pilate: Room 403

Crucifixion: Room 400

Empty Tomb: Room 405

First Communion families and Sunday School classes (Godly Play, Kids

Light, Middle School) will be scheduled for Journey to the Cross and

additional craft activities.

“Do this for the remembrance ofme...”

FIRST

COMMUNIONA Faith Milestone

for students in 3rd grade and older

two part instruction

Sunday, February 28, 2010

2:00 – 5:30 p.m. &

Sunday, March 7, 2010

9:00 – 11:00

Participation in the Lord’s

Supper is an important Faith

Milestone. Instruction in the

sacrament ensures that young

people have a basic understand-

ing and appreciation of the gifts

God gives through Holy

Communion. First Communion

instruction is a family event.

Parents are expected to attend

the instruction with their child

for an opportunity to share this

significant faith experience.

Registration deadline is

February 21. Pick up your reg-

istration brochure at the hospi-

tality desk. For more informa-

tion, contact Joni Grundman

303-300-3304 or joni@bethany-

denver.org

Puppets tell the storyof Paul on the road toDamascus. Children make original drawings of the

light that startled Paul on theDamascus Road.

Taize Worshipon WednesdayEvenings inLent

This year during the five

weeks of Lent, we will be wor-

shiping in the prayer style of

Taize. As we discovered last year,

it is an excellent worship to assist

us in slowing down our busy lives

to “wait upon the Lord”.

Taize is actually the name of a

small village in eastern France. It

is an international, ecumenical

community where young adults

from all over the world have gath-

ered to be in intentional Christian

community since the early 1940’s.

Together they practice common

prayer three times a day which

include meditative and sung

prayer, silence and Scripture read-

ings.

Within our Lenten theme of

“Bread for the Journey” we will

hear texts about Jesus as “the

bread of life.” We will partake of

His holy meal - the bread of His

body and our Body.

We will lift our voicesin quiet, prayerful

praise and meet ourLord in silence.Come join us!

Pastor Ruth Ann

Heart Health -Are YouMaking YourHeart Readyfor Easter?

Bethany’s Lenten Retreat at

St. Malo Retreat Center (near

Estes Park) will start with sup-

per on Thursday, February 25th,

and conclude with lunch on

Saturday, February 27th.

Even though the Retreat

takes place during Lent, it is

NOT a time of somber faces,

sad hearts, and anxious

thoughts; rather it is a time of

preparation, pondering, and

peace. Our theme this year,

THE GOOD BOOK – Hard

Texts and Changing Times, will

give us the opportunity to

encounter our Lord in His Word

and make our hearts ready for

remembering His dying and cel-

ebrating His rising.

Join us; you can register at

the Hospitality Desk on Sunday

mornings. Your heart will be

glad you did.

Labyrinth Wednesdays in Lent offers you

a chance to walk a labyrinth.

The Christian labyrinth became

popular during the Middle Ages

as a means to go on a ‘pilgrim-

age.’ Contemplative, intention-

al, steady steps take one to the

center so to pause before the

Lord.

This is holy ground!

Business

Leaders

Forum

Please join us on Friday,

Feb 5 at 7:30 a.m. in the

Great Hall for our next

Business Leaders Forum.

It's a great way to make

connections with others at

Bethany. Please RSVP to

[email protected]

or 303-639-4348.

Family Ministry Family Faith Night, Saturday, February 6 from 4-7 p.m. Family Faith Night is a spirit

filled evening for the whole family. Fellowship, Worship and fun are the key components.

It is an evening for families of all ages, sizes and shapes. Families will help prepare for the

Souper Bowl of Caring event on February 7. We will bake muffins and rolls, and help make

soup. Dinner is provided for the whole family and our evening concludes with a worship

service designed with youth and kids in mind. Child care is provided for our youngest members. Registration is

required for this event. The cost is $15 per family. Registration forms are at the hospitality desk or by emailing

Joni Grundman at [email protected] or call 303-300-3304.

Souper Bowl of Caring, Sunday, February 7 at the end of 8:00, 9:00 and 10:30 service. The Souper Bowl

of Caring is a national event to fight hunger and poverty. 100% of all money raised goes directly to ELCA

World Hunger Appeal and Metro Care Ring, a food bank in Denver which has experienced a 30% increase in

requests for food and a 20% drop in donations. This is a great opportunity to get your kids, including the little

ones, involved. We need youth to hold soup pots at the sanctuary exits at the end of each of the 3 services. The

members of the congregation can "vote" for their team by dropping money into the pots as they leave the sanc-

tuary. Contact Jessica March at [email protected] and let her which service works for you and how

many kids will be participating.

The Lover’s Delight Lasagna Dinner

Sunday, February 21 in Fellowship Hall. Doors open at 5:00, dinner at 5:45. The Lover’s Delight Lasagna

Dinner is the first fundraiser for mission trips to Washington and Sky Ranch this year. This night will include a

delicious dinner served by the youth, as well as a talent show. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for children

over the age of 2. Tickets will be sold in the narthex January 31, February 7, 14, and 21. Bring your family,

enjoy the entertainment, and support the youth!

Expectant Parents Prayer Group

We want to begin praying now for the safe arrival of your child.

•If you are expecting a child to your family, let the office know so we can begin praying for you and your child.

•We need people to join us in praying for our expectant parents. If this is a ministry you feel called to, please e-

mail [email protected] or call Joni at 303-300-3304.

Announcement of Births and Adoptions

Once your baby has arrived, please call the church office. We want to celebrate their arrival by placing a red

rose on the altar and including them in the prayers.

A Gift for you and your New Child

Bethany also has a gift for your and your newborn. A 3-year subscription to Splash!

Splash! is a faith formation resource for families with young children from

Augsburg Fortress. It includes Splash! Packs, Splash! Music, and Wonderfully

Made! A Keepsake Book of Faith Moments.

The BeaconFebruary 2010 3

Faith Formation Corner - Lenten Theme 2010 -

Bread for the Journey!Lenten Theme 2010 – Bread forthe Journey!

Jesus said, “I am the bread of

life. Whoever comes to me will

never be hungry, and whoever

believes in me will never

be thirsty.” John 6:35

These are words to

chew on and digest

and hunger for, all

the days of our lives.

But during Lent this

year, we hope you will

reflect on how Jesus is our Bread

for the Journey. Check out all the

amazing ways you can experience

Jesus as bread beginning Feb 17,

with Ash Wednesday!

Lenten Retreat, February 25-

27: Join us at St. Malo’s Retreat

Center as we study several texts:

Christ in Culture, Richard

Niebuhr, The Good Book, Peter

Gomes and Have a Little Faith,

Mitch Albom. These will help us

understand the lenses through

which we read scripture and

encounter the world.

Wednesday Midweek Worship:

At noon we’ll have worship with

a brief sermon. Wednesday

nights find us in the sanctuary,

6:30 – 7:15 pm, for Taize. This

time will be reflective and

quiet with songs to center

our minds on Jesus, ‘the

bread of life.’

Labyrinth: Wednesdays inLent offers you a chance to

walk a labyrinth. The Christianlabyrinth became popular duringthe Middle Ages as a means to goon a ‘pilgrimage.’ Contemplative,intentional, steady steps take oneto the center so to pause beforethe Lord. This is holy ground!

h2o Devos: Each day stop to

reflect on Bread for the Journey

with Pastor Ron’s daily devotion-

als. Check them out at

www.h2odevos.blogspot.com .

With the songs of Peter Mayer

and creativity of Pr Ron, you

won’t be disappointed.

What kind of bread are you?

Father Dominic, in Bake and beBlessed, says that each one of us

are a ‘bread type.’ Look for recipe

cards and a devotional booklet to

help you determine if you are rye

or banana nut! Then go, and be

bread for the world!

Confirmation students and men-

tors: will mutually benefit from

conversations during the weeks of

Lent. Thanks to AAA adults for

walking the walk and talking the

talk with our youth. If your con-

versation finishes early, head to

the kitchen for

some pretzel bak-

ing with Pastor

Ron!

Stretch and Pray: Offered each

Wednesday night after worship with

Michelle Stone Kraus leading us in

that vital connection of body and

spirit! It’s easy and fun. Try it out!

Mark your

calendars for

MOST!Something new will be hap-

pening in February -- MOST

…Midweek Opportunities to

Study Together. Beginning

Wednesday February 24, 2010 and

continuing through March 31,

2010 there will be a 5 week Bible

Study based upon this year’s

Lenten theme: The Good Book-

Hard Texts and Changing Times.

These sessions will be 60-75 min-

utes long and will begin 10 min-

utes after worship ends. Come for

some or all of them.

On Wednesday evenings after

Lent, (April 14 - May 19) there

will be a spring Bible study on the

book of Romans, and in the fall

there will be a lively study of the

book, Everything Must Change by

Brian McLaren. This will be fol-

lowed by a Bible study on the

book of Luke. Stay tuned for

more details as we get closer to

the starting dates.

Save the Date!

Stacie Schubert will beleading

Facing the MourningSundays, March 7, 14, 21& 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the

Pastor's conferenceroom. Service Project

for SeniorHigh and

Middle SchoolWorld Vision

Saturday, February 6

9:00am - 12:00pm

The youth will be going to

World Vision to sort corporate

donations that are then repack-

aged and sent around the

world. World Vision provides

hope and assistance to approxi-

mately 100 million people in

nearly 100 countries. In com-

munities around the world,

World Vision joins with local

people to find lasting ways to

improve the lives of poor chil-

dren and families. We are lim-

ited to 50 youth. This does

count as service hours for con-

firmation. If you are interested

in attending, please contact

Joni Grundman at 303-300-

3304 or joni@bethany-den-

ver.org

The BeaconFebruary 2010

42009 Finance and Spiritual

Gifts Update

Accomplishments:

Received $410,000 toward our year-end goal of $560,000.

Received total contributions to the General Fund of $1,934,000.

Received $355,000 toward the Founders Campaign for Debt

Reduction that will help us reduce our long-term debt from

$2,700,000 at the beginning of 2009 to nearly $2,100,000 in

January, 2010.

Implemented the Founders Campaign Savings program which

includes $120,000 from 2009.

Received gifts from two generous bequests that total nearly

$350,000.

Reduced General Fund operating expenses by 10% from 2008

levels (or nearly $150,000 per year).

Several hundred members, including children, have completed

their Spiritual Gifts inventory and are offering their gifts through

many different ministries here at Bethany.

We rejoice in the gifts that God has provided to Bethany and each ofus individually, acknowledging that it all belongs to God, now and forever.

Challenges:

The General Fund incurred a deficit of $76,000 in 2009 due to:

Total expenses for 2009, including operating expenses, debt

service, Founders Campaign savings and benevolence

commitments, totaled $2,010,000.

Decline in contributions to the General Fund compared to

previous years.

Action Steps:

Leadership will begin budget development for 2010/11 starting

this month.

Stewardship Ministry Team will increase faith formation efforts

to specifically address the intersection of money, giving and the

ministry of all of us as the church.

Take the Spiritual Gifts inventory to connect you with your

individual gifts and passions for ministry at Bethany and

beyond.

Decide today how you can contribute financially to Bethany’s

ministries. No matter the amount, every person’s participation is

important.

We lift our challenges to God and ask for wisdom as we steward thegifts and finances for the work of the Lord at Bethany.

dren across these five families will have a new home.

Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to provide decent, affordable

housing to low-income families. Habitat homes are affordable because

they’re sold with zero-interest mortgages, and monthly payments are

based on 25% of the homeowner’s income. Although affordable housing

is a key component in gaining financial stability, expenses like trans-

portation, health care and utilities are other major factors in a family's

budget. In Metro Denver, transportation is the second largest expense

for families after housing. In fact, the average Denver family spends

59% of their income on transportation and housing costs, leaving little

left over for basic necessities. In addition to high fuel costs, many low-

income workers are forced to travel long distances to work due to the

lack of affordable housing options near employment centers. As Habitat

for Humanity of Metro Denver’s first Transit Oriented Development, the

Bails Town-Home Community will allow 24 families the chance to

grow and thrive with affordable housing and transportation options. This

neighborhood is located within ½ mile of the Southeast corridor light

rail and close access to regional bus lines. With demand for housing

within a half mile of light rail stations projected to increase over 300%

between now and 2030, this affordable housing project will provide sus-

tainable solutions for Habitat families well into the future.

Holy Hammers is an interfaith coalition of congregations with the

mission of working together on projects for the community in partner-

ship with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. We believe in Faith in

Action and the Theology of the Hammer, bringing together a wide

diversity of people to build houses and establish viable and dynamic

communities. We find a common ground in using a hammer as an

instrument to manifest God’s love. We meet monthly at one of our

member congregations.

Bethany Lutheran and the other Holy Hammers congregations will

again provide on-site volunteers for the construction of this Habitat for

Humanity home. Construction days again will occur on Fridays and

Saturdays each week from about 8:45 AM until 4:30 PM. We will need

to provide 20+ volunteers on each construction day. If you are interested

in volunteering for this project in any way or if you have questions,

please call Kevin Dempsey at (303) 699-1629 or contact him via e-mail

at [email protected]. You can also look for the Volunteer sign-up

table in the Narthex between services each Sunday or go to the Bethany

web-site www.bethany-denver.org and look for the Habitat for

Humanity project for volunteer sign-up opportunities as well.

Habitat for Humanity....continued from page 1

Join Other Bethany Families For

a Fun-Filled Faith Night!

Family Faith Night is a spirit filled evening for the whole family.

Fellowship, worship and fun are the key components. It is an

evening for families of all ages, sizes and shapes.

Families will help prepare for the Souper Bowl of Caring event

on February 7. We will bake muffins and rolls, as well as help make

soup.

Dinner will be provided for the whole family, and our evening

will conclude with a worship service designed with youth and kids

in mind. Child care is provided for our youngest members.

Registration is required for this event. Cost is $15 per family.

Registration forms are available at the hospitality desk or by e-mail-

ing Joni Grundman at [email protected]. For more informa-

tion, call her at 303-300-3304.

Family Faith NightA Souper Bowl of Caring

February 6, 4 -7 p.m.

Lenten Mentors Needed for ConfirmationStudents:We are looking for AAA adults who are willing to be mentors to con-

firmation students during Lent. The commitment is to meet with a

student, one on one, for a 5 week period on Wednesday evenings start-

ing in Feburary and ending March 24. If you are interested in this

faith forming experience, please contact Joni Grundman,

[email protected] or 303-300-3304.

Bethany families went

bowling on February 7.

The BeaconFebruary 2010 5

2010 Faith Advocacy Day

BECC Specials Are Very Special

In addition to our regular curriculum and daily music program,

“Specials” are available at BECC Monday through Friday. These are

extra-curricular classes for any BECC student. Parents may sign up for

a class of their choice and pay the instructors for their services. We see

the activities as an on-site benefit for our busy families. Some families

even bring their children to “Specials” on days they are not enrolled in

our regular program.

On Monday and

Tuesday we offer

“Jump Bunch” with

Staci Lifshen. This

class is a fun, struc-

tured program that

introduces children

to a wide range of

sports, helps build

coordination, self-

esteem, and a life-

long love of sports

and fitness. The cost for this very popular activity is $35.00 per month.

On Wednesday we offer “Soccer

Shots”. Tammi Haddad introduces

the children to the excitement of

soccer. Her mission is to provide

children with creative, simple play

activities which enable them to

exercise and have fun with soccer.

The soccer shots curriculum places

a high emphasis on both character

development and soccer skill devel-

opment and has been proven successful with thousands of children

throughout the United States. The cost is $40.00 for four weeks.

On Thursday we

offer “Spanish classes”

with our own Pre-K

(Lions) teacher, Zuly

Halter. Zuly introduces

conversational Spanish

and develops vocabu-

lary with games and

songs. She is from

Argentina and has been

teaching Spanish to

young children for many years. She charges $30 per month.

On Friday we offer Youth Life

Skills classes taught by Sensei Josh

from U.S. Martial Arts. The program

promotes and improves: self-disci-

pline, self esteem, attention and

focus, respect, safety awareness,

physical fitness and lots of fun. The

cost of the class is $40.00 a month.

Our “Specials” are offered before

lunch and timed so that the children

do not miss music, outside time or

academics. Many of our

parents say they are grate-

ful for the opportunity to

have their children partic-

ipate in one or more

“Specials” at the center.

BECC “Specials” elimi-

nate the need for parents

to spend weekends or

evenings taking their chil-

dren to other locations for

classes and allow more time for meaningful, bonding time at home.

Thanks again for your support in our Fundraising efforts. Our

BECC Board members sell gift cards for King Soopers, Safeway,

Sunflower Market and Tony’s Meats on the first and third Sundays of

the month in the Bethany narthex. We also sell MetroEcoGuides which

offer local coupons and suggestions for going “Green”.

The Bethany Early Childhood Center islooking for a Music teacher for our pre-school program. She/he must be nurtur-ing, energetic and love music and young

children. It is a part-time morning position(5 mornings for 2 and 1/2 hours). If inter-

ested call Mary Lloyd at 303-758-0266.We would love to welcome you to our

BECC family.

Bethany welcomes guest preacher AndreaDeGroot-Nesdahl, ELCA Coordinator for the

Lutheran Malaria Initiative on Sunday, February 28

The Lutheran Malaria Initiative, currently in the planning phase,

is an unprecedented collaborative

effort among the Evangelical

Lutheran Church in America, The

Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

and Lutheran World Relief to

mobilize the nearly 8 million

Lutherans in the United States to

join the battle against malaria -- a

preventable and treatable disease

that kills more than one million

people a year.

An expression of our faith and

of God's love for all, the Lutheran

Malaria Initiative (LMI) will edu-

cate U.S. Lutherans about malaria, advocate for global health initia-

tives, and raise funds to help combat malaria. By combining proven

field strategies, experience, expertise, and resources, LMI brings

together a worldwide network of Lutheran congregations, partner

churches, missionaries, and service providers in the fight against

malaria.

For generations, Lutherans have been a powerful force for

change, and LMI continues that faithful tradition. The three LMI

partners are excited about this campaign and look forward to a

national launch in the coming months.

The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is made possible through a part-

nership with the United Nations Foundation.

For more information on the Lutheran Malaria Initiative visitwww.elca.org

Dragonflies curb the mosquitopopulation and serve as a sym-bol for malaria-containmentefforts

The Lutheran Malaria Initiative


Dear Beth Anne,

My husband and I did not

pledge this year because we are

worried about losing our jobs,

worried about the rising cost of

living, just worried period. Surely

God and the church understand

why we cannot pledge at this time.

We may not be able to give either.

Worried in Wheat Ridge.

Dear Worried,

In addition to the prophets of

old, there are more modern

“prophets” whose message is also

sound spiritual advice. Let’s look

at one such prophet, Franklin

Delano Roosevelt. In his first

inaugural address to a country

deep into the throws of the Great

Depression he said the following:

“…This is preeminently the time

to speak the truth, the whole truth,

frankly and boldly….So first of

all, let me assert my belief that

“Dear Beth Anne”THE ONLY THING WE HAVE

TO FEAR IS FEAR ITSELF…In

such a spirit on my part and on

yours we face our common diffi-

culties. They concern, thank God,

only material things….Compared

to the perils our forefathers con-

quered because they BELIEVED

AND WERE NOT AFRAID, we

have still much to be thankful for.

Nature still offers her bounty and

human efforts have multiplied

it….Happiness lies not in mere

possession of money…These dark

days will be worth the cost if they

teach us that our true destiny is

not to be ministered unto but to

minister to ourselves and our fel-

low man….There are many ways

in which it can be helped, but it

can never be helped merely by

talking about it. We must act and

act quickly….In this declaration

of a nation we humbly ask the

blessing of God.”

There are countless scripture

reference to our need to trust that

God loves us and will care for us.

Letter from Kirsten Nelson

Roenfeldt

Dear Bethany,

I am excited to share with you what Steve and I have experienced since

we left you last June. Things have been really picking up as of late.

During a few months of “sabbatical” this summer and fall, we enjoyed

the opportunity to train for and then ride a Century: a 100-mile road bike

ride. We spent a weekend in Moab, UT riding in the Skinny Tire Festival

and had a blast. I was particularly proud of my personal fitness accom-

plishment! It was a difficult ride, 3000 feet of elevation gain in 7 miles

right at the start!

I have been blessed by my internship placement at Evergreen Lutheran

with Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward. I started there on November 1st and

have been excited to learn about the congregation and how they do things

here. Each congregation has its own unique personality and characteristics,

and it is so very valuable that I get to experience diverse places and how

they live out their baptismal callings.

I want to thank you again for your support of me as a student in your

midst, learning what it means to be a leader and servant of a congregation.

You have blessed me with invaluable experience. Thank you also for your

financial commitment to my seminary trainin;, that support has made an

enormous difference for us on this journey.

Steve and I are also excited to tell you that we are about to embark on a

whole new adventure: parenthood! Our baby is due July 28, 2010, and we

look forward to sharing him or her with you at some point during the fol-

lowing year of full-time motherhood. Pray for us! For all of our current

adventures: internship, pregnancy and Steve’s constant adventure of teach-

ing 8th graders science.

We love you and miss you. You are a blessing to us and to the world.

Shalom,

Kirsten and Steve Nelson Roenfeldt

There are modern day prophets

such as FDR, and there are expo-

sitions of scripture each Sunday

that reveal a God who has not

abandoned us and has command-

ed us to give and to give gener-

ously. I hope you will feel the

love that can only come from

God and boldly give generously

and trust that God does indeed

keep his promises.

Beth Anne

Lutheran Family Services Thank YouDear Friends of LFS,

Your recent dona-

tion to our

Refugee/Asylee pro-

gram is truly appreciated. This contribution will bring refugee fami-

lies the food that they need as they begin their lives here in Denver.

At Lutheran Family Services, we value your partnership in mak-

ing a difference in our community and thank you for ‘walking with

the vulnerable, through services that heal, strengthen and provide

hope’.

Thank you for giving our mission impact with your compassion,

generosity and loyal support. Your gifts are changing lives for the

better! What a blessing!

Jane Pope Meehan

Vice President of Resource Development

h2oDevos:

Eachday stopto reflect onBread for the Journey withPastor Ron’s daily devotion-als. Check them out atwww.h2odevos.blogspot.com. With the songs of PeterMayer and creativity of PrRon, you won’t be disap-pointed.

Almost two weeks have passed

since the devastating earthquake in

Haiti. The outpouring of gifts from

members of the Evangelical

Lutheran Church in America

(ELCA) to ELCA Disaster

Response has enabled a swift

response on behalf of this church.

Thank you for your generous

financial support which now totals

more than $1.6 million. Thousands

of other gifts are still being counted.

Our community-based partners

are already providing:

•Two water purification systems to

bring clean water to 25,000 people.

•Emergency food and medical sup-

plies to thousands.

•Blankets and tents to shelter

10,000 people who are homeless.

Funding, distributed through three

partners, will increase as giving

continues.

$300,000 has been sent to The

Lutheran World Federation (LWF),

a key responder and member of

Action by Churches Together

(ACT). The funds support LWF

efforts to provide shelter to people

left homeless by the quake.

$150,000 has been sent to

Lutheran World Relief (LWR),

Baltimore, for material aid.

$150,000 has been sent to Church

World Service (CWS) for construc-

tion of temporary water systems

and distribution of water purifica-

tion materials.

ELCA Helping Haiti andThrivent’s Million DollarChallenge

In addition, $25,000 has been sent

to Lutheran Services of Florida for

initial support to refugees and

Haitian Americans entering or

returning to the United States.

You want to help those affected by

the Haiti earthquake. Thrivent

wants to join you.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

will add $1 to every $2, up to a

total Thrivent Financial contribution

of $1 million, when our members

donate to one of the following:

•Lutheran World Relief.

•ELCA Disaster Response.

•LCMS World Relief/Human Care.

•WELS Committee on Relief.

Thrivent Financial will add a maxi-

mum of $250 per member donation,

and donations will be accepted

through March 31, 2010.

For questions or to make a dona-

tion over the phone or via U.S.

Mail, please call 800-236-3736

from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Central time,

Monday – Friday. When prompted,

please say "directory" and enter ext.

83003.


CouncilCorner

The Church Council held their annual Council retreat on SaturdayJanuary 16. This is a day long session that provides a time for thenewly appointed Council to become acquainted with each other anddiscuss relevant topics to prepare for the year ahead.

This year, the retreat was centered around the four keys (or principles)of Faith Formation: rituals and traditions, caring conversations, devo-tions and service. Throughout the day, the four keys would be empha-sized in various ways providing opportunities for the Council membersto have one-on-one conversations, discuss theological issues andrespond to our call to serve others in need (e.g, the earthquake inHaiti). The agenda also included four primary areas for discussion:decision making, financials, the Pew Sitter report and making judg-ment calls. The following provides a summary of each of these areas.

Decision MakingDel Hock led us in this discussion which was facilitated by an articlefrom the Harvard Business Review entitled "How Well-Run BoardsMake Decisions”. One of the key points made in the dicussion wasthat often times boards need to make decisions even if there is imper-fect or inadequate information available. The lack of information can-not be used as an excuse not to make a decision.

FinancialsThe Council had a caring conversation about the monthly financialreport that the Council reviews every month. Don Abram, Treasurer,led the discussion supported by Joel Halvorson, Director of Finance& Administration. It was important for the Council members to havethis time to ask questions about the report and learn more about thefinancial structure at Bethany.

Pew Sitter reportThe Council reviewed a report that was completed by a consultant forthe Fellowship Team. The consultant came to Bethany on a Sundaymorning in November to observe and critique the experience as a visi-tor to Bethany. There were many intersting comments in the report,both strategic and tactical, that Council should be aware of and eitheraddress directly or provide input and direction to the Fellowship Team.Discussion regarding the report will continue throughout the year.

Judgment CallsDerek Birznieks led this discussion which was based on a HarvardBusines Review article entitled "Making Judgment Calls." TheCouncil had a good discussion on this topic, especially as it related tothe experience of the 2009 Council during the budget developmentprocess in the spring of 2009.

Please visit the Council section of the website (www.bethany-denver.org) for more information about the Church Council meet-ings and reports.

7

Town Hall of

Denver Lecture

Series “Tom

Noel, Ph.D. –

152 Years of

Denver!”

Feb. 8, 10:00 a m “Dr. Colorado”

promises to put together a custom

presentation tailor-made for Town

Hall. He has done more than any-

one to make local history accessible

through his series of walking tours

of Denver’s historic neighborhoods,

churches, saloons, and cemeteries.

Nothing compares to his knowledge

and delivery of his fact-filled and

entertaining first 152 years!

Ars Nova Singers “Chanson d’

Amour: A Romantic Recital”,

Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. In an inti-

mate Valentine’s Day recital of solo

and small ensemble music present-

ed by Ars Nova’s professional

singers.

Denver Young Artists Orchestra,

Conservatory Orchestra & String

Ensemble, Sun. Feb. 14 at 6:00

p.m. DYOA’s exceptional musi-

cians present a program

showcasing Works by Saint-Saens,

Schubert, and Tchaikovsky.

Ash Wednesday

Worship,

Imposition of

Ashes, Beginning

of Lent, Feb. 17

at Noon & 7:00 p.m. These wor-

ship services embrace a reflective

atmosphere and mark the beginning

of Lent with Holy Communion and

the Imposition of Ashes.

Bethany Lenten Devotional:

Festival Devotional-“Messiah”-

Handel, Feb 17 available via

website. This devotional utilizes

Handel’s Messiah as its basis, pre-

pared by Festival Director, Forrest

Guittar. A donation is requested for

the Messiah devotional to help

endow the Kathy Eggleston Music

Scholarship Fund.

The Lenten Labyrinth,

Wednesdays In Lent, Bethany’s

Faith Formation Ministry

Department presents the

Labyrinth. Following the path of

the labyrinth is an ancient tradition,

a walking meditation which has

served as an important spiritual

practice since before the time of the

early Christian pilgrims. Additional

information at www.bethany-den-

ver.org

Festival of Faith andthe Arts

SeniorsYoung at Heart

Young at

Heart will meet

on Friday,

February 12,

2010 in the

Fellowship Hall

beginning at

11:30 a.m. This will be a

potluck lunch. Watch the bulletin

for program information. For

more information, please call the

church office at 303-758-2820.

XYZ (XtraYears of Zip)

Join us each Tuesday for fel-lowship, games and fun.

2/2 Meatloaf

2/9 Shrimp scampi

2/16 Baked chicken

2/23 Pork roast

All meals include salad, rolls,dessert and coffee.

The Luther

College

Orchestra is

coming!

Bethany is host-

ing the eighty-plus

Luther College

Orchestra on

Tuesday evening

March 23, 2010.

Part of our hosting

includes finding

rooms for these

college students

during their visit.

If you are interested in helping,

please contact Festival Director,

Forrest Guittar at 303-877-4200,

or via e-mail at gumpman3@com-

cast.net to obtain details.

ScholarshipMoney for2010

The Bethany Foundation

would like to annouce the avail-

ability of scholarship money for

the 2010 school year. All Bethany

members who are attending an

ELCA affiliated college are eligi-

ble. The amount is $1000 and is

often matched by their college.

The application forms can be

downloaded from the church web-

site: www.bethany-denver.org.

The deadline for applications is

May 1st for new students, and

February 1 for renewing students.

If questions please contatct David

Cluasen, 303-730-9004 or dclu-

[email protected].

Affirmation of Baptism is a Dayof Celebration and Reflection at

Bethany


Staff & LeadershipPastors

Ron GlusenkampSenior Pastor

Ruth Ann LoughryAssociate PastorPaul GilbertsonVisitation PastorCaitlin TrussellPastoral Intern

Administrative Staff

Joel HalvorsonDirector of Finance & Administration

Audrey PhillipsCommunications Supervisor

Shelley HookAccounting Supervisor

Lil FilegarCounting Team Leader

Rhonda MerrittOffice Manager

Janice LyonAssistant to Senior Pastor

Gayle NewellOffice Assistant

Sarah HulslanderHospitality Desk Coordinator

Mike JohnsonTechnology Supervisor

Frank DavisFacilities Supervisor

Alfredo GonzalesFacilities Supervisor

Tom MaesFacilities

Ali NaitaqiFacilities

Donna SkultetyWedding Consultant

Chris CharronKitchen Supervisor

Programmatic Staff

Rit VogelFaith Formation Minister of Youth And Children Ed

Joni GrundmanFaith Formation Minister of Family Ministry

Kevin DragsethFaith Formation Minister of Youth

Music StaffSheree WeverstadInterim Organist

Daniel GraceChancel Choir Director

Pat GuittarChildren’s Music Director

Lisa LewisBell Choir Director

Paula WillsWOW CoordinatorForrest Guittar, Jr.

Festival of Faith & the ArtsZack Rodasti

Youth Choir DirectorAlex Rodasti

Youth Choir Director

Bethany Early Childhood Center

Mary LloydBECC Director

Congregational Council

Andy Gift (President)Peggy Furgason (Vice President)

Don Abram (Treasurer)Heather Kekstadt (Secretary)

Doug AldrichDerek BirznieksMaren Diercks

Dan GeorgeBecky Godec

Brenda GreenwaldRon GuseDel Hock

Heather KekstadtBill King

Kevin McAuliffeTerry Pickett

Michelle Stone Kraus

Bethany Foundation

Matt ChristianDavid Claussen

Kathy GiesDavid GiesPaul GodecDel Hock

Terry JeddelohJulie JohnsonBeth Walker

Bethany Early Childhood Center Board

Julie Bock

Judi Burchfield

Stephanie Davy

Bill Moeller

(USPS001-513) is published monthly by Bethany

Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills

Village, CO 80113. (303) 758-2820; FAX (303) 758-

1980. Audrey Phillips, Editor. Periodicals postage paid at

Englewood, CO.

Postmaster:

Send address changes to:

The Beacon, Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E.

Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113

The Beacon

The mission of the Foundation of

Bethany Lutheran Church is to provide a

permanent financial resource for the future

enrichment of our congregation. Through this mission,

we are challenged to provide additional stewardship

opportunities for members, friends of Bethany and our

greater community for the purpose of God’s work. For

more information, direct your inquiries to the church.

Securing Bethany’s Future

8

“Just as the body cannot existwithout blood, so the soul needsthe matchless and pure strengthof faith.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Gift of Life

February has two noteworthy

holidays, Washington’s (now

President’s) Day and Valentine’s

Day. Assuming we are all pretty

much at our limits for politically

related discussions, this column is

instead focused on affairs of the

heart – or more to the point,

Valentine’s Day gift giving.

Blood, that vital fluid that circu-

lates life-giving oxygen, nutrients

and other essentials is a gift you

may not have considered.

Former Bethany member and

Disciple Jerry Retzlaff inspired

this month’s column when he

wrote this recently: “The com-

plexity of the human body bog-

gles the mind. If you’ve studied

biochemistry, you know that blood

by itself is an amazing conglomer-

ation of cells and plasma, chemi-

cals, enzymes and proteins. With

Health and WellnessH2O, hemoglobin, hemeproteins,

metalloproteins, glucose, coen-

zymes, cofactors, mineral ions,

prosthetic groups -- the myriad

functions and workings (let alone

the sight of blood) may make one

faint.

As humans, we share the bond

of blood, yet (also) seek a spiritu-

al connection. As Christians, the

complex becomes perfect simplic-

ity. We know that because of His

undying love and amazing grace,

we are saved and bonded by the

innocent blood of our Lord and

Savior!

It is apparent that the impor-

tance of this particular gift has

always been in our awareness as

people. Some of the earliest

archeological evidence of formal

burial by humans found that the

mineral red ocher was used to

give the deceased a semblance of

vitality going into the unknown

world of death. As Jerry notes,

Christians see blood as a central

element of not only life, but also

salvation and gifting. Christ’s

words to his disciples, to us, are

about the gift. “… after the supper

he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup

is the new covenant in my blood,

which is poured out for you.’”

Luke 22:20.

So, this Valentine’s Day

month, consider a gift to those

who are in such a condition that

the lack of this very essence may

deprive them of life.

Organizations such as the Red

Cross, Children’s Hospital, and

Bonfils Blood Center can help

with one-time giving, or even with

establishing a regular donation.

For more information, try this

link: http://www.bonfils.org/ -- JL

If you have ideas to share with

us or are interested in the work of

the Health and Wellness Cabinet,

please contact Jack Lindsey:

[email protected].

Practice Healthy Habits During Flu Seasonto protect yourself and others from getting sick

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you

use it. If a tissue is unavailable, cough or sneeze into your shoulder or elbow instead of your hands.

• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer stations are now available in the BLC narthex,

the hospitality desk and the fellowship hall in addition to restroom hand washing facilities.

“Sharing of the peace” may be expressed through a traditional handshake or alternately, by other expressions

of greeting such as a touch on the arm, a hand wave or other no-contact gestures of goodwill.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Get the seasonal flu vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. A seasonal

flu vaccine will NOT protect you against 2009 H1N1. Ask your doctor

what flu vaccines are recommended for you.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Keep sick children at home.

• If you have flu-like symptoms (fever with cough or sore throat), stay

home for at least 24 hours after you are free of fever without the use of

fever-reducing medications.

If you are ill and not able to attend church, you are encouraged to continue

participation through Bethany’s website http://www.bethany-denver.org/

where sermons and other valuable ministry information is available. If

you do not have computer access, please call the church at 303.758.2820

for information to be mailed to you and/or for additional assistance.

What else is BLC doing to minimize exposure to the flu?

• Nursery toys are sanitized each week

• Communion Assistants use hand sanitizers before and after communion

distribution

• In partnership with BLC’s leadership and pastoral staff, your Health and

Wellness Cabinet (HWC) welcome your support and assistance to stay

healthy during the 2009-2010 flu season.

Flu is a Serious

Contagious

Disease.

If you are sick with flu-like illness,

the CDC recommends you stay

home for at least 24 hours after

your fever is gone except to get

medical care or for other necessi-

ties. Flu – like symptoms associ-

ated with both the Seasonal Flu as

well as the new, 2009 H1N1 Flu

include:

• Fever • Runny or stuffy

nose

• Cough • Chills

• Sore throat • Headache

• Body aches

• Fatigue

• Some people may also have

vomiting and diarrhea

BLC Beacon

Documents

Transcript of BLC Beacon