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VISITORVISITOR Bethesda Mennonite Church

IS A COMMUNITY CARING FOR ALL GOD’S PEOPLE, BEING TRANSFORMED BY CHRIST’S LOVE,

SERVING OTHERS AS A WITNESS OF GOD’S GRACE AND PEACE.

October 2013 Volume 54 No 10

Inside this Issue...

“For other foundation can no one lay

than that which is laid, which is Jesus

Christ.”

- I Corinthians 3:11

Appreciate Your Pastors Month….1

Bethesda Women’s Ministries….2-3

MCC Canner………………………...4

Opportunities………………………..5

First Graders/Bibles………………..6

Preschool Fall Festival…………….7

Upcoming Events…………………...8

Deacon Selection Process………….8

From the Custodian………………..8

Jr.-Sr. High Kickoff pictures……..8

Calendar……………………………..9

Faith In Action…………………….10

November 3, 2013

At 2 a.m.

Pastors Jim and Andrea:

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Date: Monday

October 14, 2013

Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Fellowship Hall

Hostess: Shar Michel

(Please bring a quilt or wall hanging)

A sign-up sheet will be on the east hallway bulletin

board.

First Tuesday Gathering

October 1 at 7 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Bible Lesson:

“Naming the Hope”

By LaVina Quiring

Feature:

Harmony Nursery & Daylily Farm

Offering for BWM Projects

Refreshments will be served following the

Lesson and Feature

September 3 WOMEN IN MISSION MEETING

Bethesda Women in Mission met on September 3 for their monthly meeting. Af-

ter announcements of upcoming events by Barb Voth, Joan Friesen introduced

the evening. Marcene Ratzlaff led the Bible Lesson, “Complacency and Lavish

Lifestyle” based on Amos 6.

Cathy Wismer followed with a story read as a feature. She chose the book, “The

Table Where Rich People Sit” and shared stories of rich memories associated with

items on display. She encouraged members to share their own treasured memo-

ries. Delicious refreshments were served by Wendy Janzen and her grandmother,

Joyce Burford, during a time of fellowship following the meeting.

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WOMEN’S RETREAT: “POWER MADE PERFECT: HOW’S A WOMAN TO LIVE?”

Focusing on II Corinthians 12:9-10, the Women’s Retreat at Swan Lake, Viborg, South Dakota, provided much to

think about and integrate into the lives of those attending. Elisabeth Harder Schrock and Charlotte Loewen, co-

leaders of the seminars, gave Biblical insight and practical applications from their experiences in life to illustrate

application to modern lives of women. Charlotte challenged those present to look at the scripture in the context of

what is said before and after the focus verses, where Paul talks about the thorn in his flesh. In Paul’s time, anoth-

er way of saying that would be “a barb in the eye”; in our time, it could be “a pain in the neck.” Whatever it was, it

kept Paul from having a “holier than thou” attitude. It did not mean that he was passive, timid, or humble, or

that he put himself down. When we see ourselves full of strength, the effects of divine power may be overlooked.

If we can let go of our ego, and be weak, God’s power can flow through us. We all have fears and worry; this flows

over into our communities of faith. The more anxious we are, the more right we think we have to be. Charlotte

addressed a variety of anxiety management techniques to lower anxiety, such as exercise, prayer, and meditation.

See yourself and family from a broader lens; understand your family in the context of family history, stories, and

humor. Stay connected to family. Part of seeing family in context is looking at immigration and isolation in the

family history. The impact of immigration can effect up to three generations. For some families, that experience

was traumatic, and is not talked about. Secrets in families lead to more anxiety. Make choices such as saying

“no” to the culture around. Be mindful of the here and now. Use Christian contemplation; develop a “Teflon mind”

- don’t let grudges or anxiety stick. These efforts take practice and time to build and become habits. An abusive,

coercive power is born out of the want/need for others to do things a certain way, usually your way; it wields power

with a reactive ego. It is not a power of acting on principles; it is a selfish power. Elisabeth and her husband Ver-

mont, had experience with the Low German Mennonite Colonies in Bolivia from 2008 to 2012. There are 63 colo-

nies with about 60,000 members, about half of which are extremely conservative in theology and living practices.

Although most are now Bolivians, they have a history of many migrations from the 1870’s to the present, from

Russia to Mexico, Canada, Paraguay and Bolivia. Their central belief is that salvation is acceptance by God, ac-

ceptance by God as a community. There is a strong emphasis on doing the “right thing,” and is enforced by separa-

tion or banning. There is a deeper reason for the rules to resist modernization and acculturation: keeping things

the same keeps the community together; change destroys their unity. She talked about the three main issues of

power for the women in this setting, those being shaping children, having information, and a healthy sense of self.

Sunday morning both Charlotte and Elisabeth addressed how women are vessels that God can work through and

flow through. What shapes the vessels are the principles. What are the edges of each of us as vessels? What gets

in the way of God’s love flowing through us? They personalized what they were talking about, and then helped us

define for ourselves what our vessels looked like at the present time. The service ended with communion and the

song “Christ Be In My Mind.”

Seven women from Bethesda attended the retreat, and Henderson provided leadership with music for the sessions.

The theme song for the weekend was “What Does the Lord Require of You?”. In the beautiful setting, with nature

proclaiming God’s glory around us, and good friends with us, Christ was present.

- Margaret Hiebner, Reporter

Pictures by Barb Voth

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In Service for the Lord!

MCC Meat Canner at Bethesda The canner will be in Henderson No-vember 12-15. We will can three full days this year. Canning begins at 5 a.m. and continues through the day until 10 p.m. at night. There is a place for everyone who wishes to volunteer. Please join in this project to feed the hungry in the name of Christ.

2013 CANNER CREW: Toby Penner Enns, Chaco, Paraguay Jason Unruh, Peabody, Kansas Andrew Keeler, Bluffton, Ohio David Bricker, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

The Mobile Meat Canner operates in 33 differ-ent locations across the United States and Canada, from October thru May. Over 10,000 volunteers a year, fill, weigh, stack, wash, and label every can. Over the 2011-2012 season, the collective efforts of all involved produced 556,586 cans (over a million pounds of meat). Types of meat: Turkey, Beef, Chicken and Pork. The finished product is shipped around the world, feeding hungry people, and investing in the future of those in need. Pictures from MCC Canner website

MCC CANNER

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In Service for the Lord!

OPPORTUNITIES

NOVEMBER 3 WILL BE THE DATE FOR PACKING SCHOOL KITS

MCC has requested their most asked for item, which is school kits. Parents in foreign countries which

have short supply of school items, value paper and pencils, something we so easily take for granted.

We will be packing school kit bags on November 3 at 7:00 p.m. We are hoping the youth can start the

evening with a fund raiser supper, after which we will pack bags. The Sunday Evening Committee is

planning snacks . We will need to have a quite a few bags sewn before that day. Cut bags are located in

the box next to the church office.

Shoe strings will need to be put in before the work of packing begins. The cost of the supplies comes to

about $3.25 a bag, which includes the fabric. We would welcome the gifts of the congregation marked

for the School Kit Project. Any amount collected over the expenses will be given to MCC to help in ship-

ping these kits. Lindy Siebert and Adeline Huebert can answer any questions you may have.

Come and enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship as we work together to make great things happen at

Bethesda.

MEDA CONVENTION Are you interested in addressing global poverty and/or integrating faith into the workplace? If

so, please consider attending the upcoming convention of Mennonite Economic Development

Associates (MEDA) to be held November 7-10, 2013, at the Wichita Hyatt Hotel. The conven-

tion theme, “Cultivating Solutions: Harvesting Hope,” will be featured in the sessions. MEDA

serves the working poor around the world, bringing dignity and joy by helping them grow sus-

tainable, locally owned small businesses that are not dependent on charity for survival. More

information is available at www.medaconvention.org or on the east bulletin board. In addition,

we have a special event, “Sustaining your Family Business” on November 7, from 1:00—4:00

p.m. that may interest you.

WOOD RIVER MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION Do you thrive on conflict? Do you avoid conflict at all costs? Do you wish you knew how to

handle conflict better? If so, plan to attend a workshop November 8-9, organized by the Wood

River Ministerial Association, hosted at Wood River High School. Elizabeth-Troyer Miller, a

resident of Wood River and trained mediator, will be leading this workshop. If you register be-

fore October 18, registration is $30.00. Limited registrations will be accepted at the door, de-

pending on the availability of extra workbooks. For more information, please contact Pastor

Matt Troyer-Miller at 308-380-3862 or take note of the information on the east bulletin board.

THANK YOU THANK YOU

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In Service for the Lord!

BETHESDA MENNNONITE CHORCH

Jesus said, "Let the little chil-dren come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

Pictures courtesy of Tara Swartzendruber

DARREN FRIESEN JACE FRIESEN JAYSA MIERAU

AVA EPP

JAYDEN FRIESEN CARTER SIEBERT JACOB BULLER

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BETHESDA MENNONITE CHURCH In Service for the Lord!

BETHESDA PRESCHOOL ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 20, 2013, from 4:00—6:00 P.M.

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE CELEBRATION! COME TO THE FELLOWSHIP HALL! THERE WILL BE FUN

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! There will be games, prizes, face painting, and more!

Kids are encouraged to dress up (no violent costumes, please) and come for a fun-filled afternoon. Plan to stay for lunch, purchase a yummy dessert to take home with you and check out art from Marla Rae, available to order. We al-so will be selling chocolate filled Nativity themed Advent Calendars for the children. No ticket purchases this year...instead, a small admission fee will be charged per child, and they can play as many games as they wish! Up-on leaving, each child will receive a goody bag to take home.

Congregational Members: donations of goodies (cakes, cookies, desserts) are needed for our goody/dessert table. Please bring your items to the Fellowship Hall by 2:00 p.m. on October 20.

Thank you for your continued support of Bethesda Preschool through your attendance at our Fall Festival, your donations, and your prayers! We continue to fundraise for the playground as we hope to add anoth-er play and learn station in the courtyard, as well as a shade struc-ture.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

OCTOBER 1: 7 P. M. - BETHESDA WOMEN’S MINISTRY

OCTOBER 6: WORLD COMMUNION DAY

7 P. M.- SERVICES AT BETHESDA

OCTOBER 20: 4 - 6 P.M. - PRESCHOOL FALL FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 27: MENNONITE HERITAGE SUNDAY

NOON - CHURCH POTLUCK

NOVEMBER 3: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS

EVENING - PACKING SCHOOL KITS

NOVEMBER 5: 7 P.M. - BETHESDA WOMEN’S MINIS-

TRIES

NOVEMBER 7—10: MEDA CONVENTION AT WICHITA

NOVEMBER 8-9: WOOD RIVER WORKSHOP

NOVEMBER 10: MISSION SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 12—15: MCC CANNER AT BETHESDA

NOVEMBER 24: NOON - CHURCH POTLUCK

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Deacon Selection Process: Arlin Hiebner and Marlene Ott are the

Deacons whose term expires in Decem-

ber. Arlin has decided he will go

through the affirmation process. The

Deacon affirmation vote will take

place on Sunday, October 6, 2013, and

absentee ballots will be available Mon-

day, September 23. Absentee ballots

must be requested by the member in

writing (email is permissible), in per-

son or by phone and picked up and

signed for by someone representing

the member doing the requesting. All

absentee ballots must be returned by

noon, Thursday, October 3.

Marlene Ott has decided not to seek

another term on the Board of Deacons.

The Deacon nomination process will

begin in mid-October. We thank Arlin

and Marlene for their service and lead-

ership on the Board of Deacons. May

the Holy Spirit continue to guide the

congregation during this time of tran-

sition.

Daphne Hall,

Congregational Moderator

H

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J U N I O R H I G H S C H O O L

O

O

L

(Junior High

won the

Mustache Photo

Booth Contest)

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 8:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 7:00 BWM

2 10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 7:00 Bible Study 7:00 Midweek 7:00 CORNERSTONE 7:00 Powerhouse 8:00 Chancel Choir

3 9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

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6 9:30 a.m. Worship Offering: MC USA Pat & Rad Houm-phan 7:00 World Wide Communion - FH

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8 8:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 7:00 Board of Dea-cons 8:00 Sunday School Comm.

9 10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 7:00 Bible Study 7:00 Midweek 7:00 CORNERSTONE 7:00 Powerhouse 8:00 Chancel Choir

10 8:30 a.m. Bethesda

Care Team 9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 2:30 Pastor’s Coffee @

Rosewood

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13 9:30 a.m. Worship Offering: Local Church 4:00 Advent Plan-ning Meeting Crossroads Coffee House

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7:00 October Birthday Celebration

15 8:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 8:00 Board of Ed. 8:00 Board of Svc. &

Outreach 8:30 Board of Bus.

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7:00 Bible Study 7:00 Midweek 7:00 CORNERSTONE 7:00 Powerhouse 8:00 Chancel Choir

17 9:30 a.m. Women’s

Bible Study

VISITOR ARTICLES DUE!

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20 9:30 a.m. Worship Child Dedication Offering: CPMC 4:00-6:00 Preschool Fall Festival

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22 8:30 a.m. Staff

Meeting 8:00 Church Council

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7:00 Bible Study 7:00 Midweek 7:00 CORNERSTONE 7:00 Powerhouse 8:00 Chancel Choir

24 9:30 a.m. Women’s

Bible Study 2:30 Pastor’s Coffee @

Rosewood

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27 9:30 a.m. Worship Heritage Sunday Offering: Local Church 12:00 Potluck

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29 8:30 a.m. Staff

Meeting

30 7:00 Bible Study 7:00 Midweek 7:00 CORNERSTONE 7:00 Powerhouse 8:00 Chancel Choir

31 9:30 a.m. Women’s

Bible Study

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Bethesda Mennonite Church

Box 130

Henderson, NE 68371

Phone: 402-723-4562

Fax: 402-723-4567

E-mail: bethesda@mainstaycomm.net

Website: www.mainstaycomm.net/bethesda

Return Service Requested

Volume 54 No 10 2013

The VisitorThe Visitor

A congregation of the Mennonite Church

Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit 6

Henderson, NE 68371

Faith has been alive and in action through Bethesda….

AS SEEN BY… A SAFE CHURCH POLICY; ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE PASTORAL LEAD-

ERSHIP UNTIL A LEAD PASTOR COMES; THE EXCITEMENT AND ENERGY OF OUR

YOUNG PEOPLE; COOPERATION WITH OTHERS TO DO MCC CANNER WORK; OUR MIS-

SION EFFORTS; ALL THE PEOPLE WHO VOLUNTEER TO MAKE OUR FAITH COMMUNITY

ACTIVE, HEALTHY, AND PRODUCTIVE; OUR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION EFFORTS; OUR

WORSHIP TOGETHER…

and so many other efforts—known and unknown…..praise be to god!