This past summer has been the ‘summer of love’ at Bethesda! There have been more weddings this summer than any can recall. Love is in the air!!

One of the things I like to tell young couples preparing for marriage is to expect the unexpected on their wedding day. I tell them that almost certainly something will happen that wasn’t quite planned.

I should give them the same advice for their married life to follow.No wedding day goes off without a hitch! As married life goes on we discover the

‘hitches’ just keep coming. Every marriage is required to face the unexpected. Yet, the pressures and tensions that exist in marriage as a result of unrealized or faulty expectations are the very conditions under which God shapes us more and more into the individuals and couples He calls us to be. Paul Tripp writes,

“The death of the dream happens to every couple. None of us gets our dream in the way that we dreamt it, because none of us is writing our own story. God, in his love, writes a better story than we could ever write for ourselves . . . He will take us places that we never intended to go because, in doing so, we become more of what he re-created us in Christ to be.”

I am excited to begin a new 6-week teaching series this fall (begins September 9th) called ‘Hitch’ – ‘Married with a Hitch.’ During this series we will look at some of the tensions and expectations that produce both pain and opportunity in our mar-riages. We will specifically be looking at 6 uncommon graces to heal and grow your marriage. During the series we will be looking at what God’s Word has to tell us about this 6 uncommon graces. I might also recommend to you several books which are part of my study for this series. I will be leaning considerably on the book, What

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CONTENTSWide-Eyed in Haiti 2–3

Advent Conspiracy 4–5

Building Expansion Update 6

New Wednesday Opportunities 7

HomeStars 7

Bethesda World Missions 8–9

Children’s Ministries 10–11

Youth Ministries 12

Bethesda Milestone Celebration 13

LIFEgroups 14

Adult Bible Fellowships 15

Sunday Service Schedule (Beginning Sept. 9th)

Sanctuary9:00 am – Traditional 10:30 am – Contemporary

Walker Hall10:30 am – Eleeo

(Modern Worship)

Worship Schedule! Expect the Unexpected

Sept./Oct. 2012

WWW.BETHESDALUTHERAN.ORG

NEWSBethesdaLutheran Brethren ChurCh

Continued on Page 16

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From July 14th through July 22nd this summer, a group of ___ students and _____ adults from Bethesda traveled to Haiti. Here is a short Q & A with Chad Shiffer, Director of Bethesda Youth Ministries, about that trip.

You have been on mission trips to Haiti before, correct?

Actually no, I’ve never been to Haiti before. My first mission trip I took when I was 16 years old, spending 5 weeks in Switzerland with Teen Missions Intl. Two years later I went to Venezeula, and later led trips with my wife Elaine to Uganda, the Bahamas, and India, all with Teen Missions. I’ve also been a part of leading trips to Washing-ton DC, Chicago, and New Orleans.

How was this trip different from others you’ve been on?

I think the biggest difference was the scope of pover-ty. In every country there is poverty; I’ve seen slums and remote villages that have very little, but the country-wide poverty in Haiti is astounding. Things were bad before the earthquake and it’s worse now. It was also different in that our goal going in was to work with the Haitians, not for or

instead of, but it was a partnership, and that’s a slight philo-sophical difference from some of the other trips I’ve taken.

Were there any changes you noticed in the youth from our church (or leaders) change from the first day to the last day in Haiti?

Most of the team were wide-eyed and very quiet on the drive from the airport to our project site, taking it all in and kind of in shock at such a different culture. By the end of the week everyone was used to the differences, much row-dier, had made friends with many Haitians, and many were sad to leave.

Were there any memorable experiences or God sightings that encouraged you?

Getting our luggage at the Port-au-Prince airport, pack-ing everything into the bus and being cramped for the ride to our project site, seeing our students interact with and become friends with the Haitian Yung Goddis (young men for God), talking with Yon and Jana (the Experience Mis-

Wide-Eyed in HaitiA Look Back at the 2012 Summer Youth Mission Trip

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sion staff) about Haiti and their own mission experiences, hearing the story of Justin and his near-death encounter (a tin roof blew off in a windstorm and landed where he had been standing a minute earlier), seeing our team play with young Haitian kids in the orphanage and Kids Club, the ex-tended prayer time we had one night, seeing Cindy Tewalt helping a young girl learn to read English, watching our students work hard, seeing students and leaders stretched in their faith, watching students interact with others who they normally wouldn’t, sleeping outside every night (or trying to sleep with all the animal sounds!), eating incredibly deli-cious beans/rice/chicken, and the time my work guys were taken up the road to a small roadside restaurant and fed a great meal at 3 in the afternoon by the family whose house we were working on.

What were some of the work projects everyone was assigned

Two were tearing down and then rebuilding retaining walls, one was a roofing job, and one was a combination of digging and building. We had few tools to work with but most work teams had a Haitian tradesman who knew what he was doing and brought us in to help out. We mixed con-crete and mortar with shovels, bent and tied steel for support columns, sifted rocks, loaded and unloaded blocks, hauled rocks/etc in buckets, dug a pit, roofed 2 houses, knocked down bad wall and removed debris.

How did the Haitian people respond to the team?

The Haitians were gracious hosts and partners, the kids loved us, and the Yung Goddi’s became good friends with many of our students.

What was the most difficult part of the trip? The best?

The most difficult part was often feeling useless while the Haitian workers did their job and feeling helpless seeing the enormity of the problem of poverty in Haiti.

The best was just getting to know our Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ and being able to help and encourage them, even in the little that we accomplished and the short time we were there. Also was encouraged by the Haitian’s attitude and faith, loved hearing Christian church services going on in the community near us, encountering a differ-ent culture, living how the people there live, and knowing that we were following God’s call to help the poor and op-pressed.

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The Results of our [Advent] Conspiracy

Dear friends at Bethesda,Through the Advent Conspiracy project in 2011,

Bethesda collected and donated over $18,000.00 to go to-wards the provision of wells in needy Chadian communi-ties. Here is a brief summary detailing the seven different wells that were installed. Part of this donation also went towards providing a motorcycle to Pastor Malloum Eloi, a Chadian missionary who works with me. This motorcycle enables him to maintain a constant contact with these well recipient communities for the sake of the Gospel.

The Well at KoukaThe village of Kouka is made up of a mixture of Fulbe

and Bilala peoples. They have been without a well ever since the foundation of this community and have had to walk for about 7 kilometers in the dry season to the near-est well. In the rainy season, they collected water from the nearest low-lying watering hole.

Now, thanks to the Advent Conspiracy and your gener-osity, they have constant source of clean water. Pray for the people of Kouka, and pray that they will come to know the source of eternal life giving water (John 4:14) Thank you Bethesda!

The Well at KengaKenga is essentially undeveloped farm land. The people

of Doh-Fulbe own this land and want to develop it for their

own fields. This picture shows the well being put in.Now that the well is installed, many families will move

out to this area for the growing season. Because of the well, they will be able to work their fields, and provide water for themselves and their livestock.

They rejoice, Bethesda, because you have enabled them to have access to this precious water in a dry and weary land. Pray that “…as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations” Isaiah 61:11

The Well at CelitelFor years the Fulbe people of Celitel have been drink-

ing water from a muddy watering hole that dries up for half the year at which point they have to walk for three miles to the next available well.

Now, thanks to the Advent Conspiracy, this commu-nity has access to good, clean abundant water in their own yard. This middle picture shows water from the well filling up a gourd which will be carried to the household and will quench thirsty throats.

The people of Celitel live in a harsh and dry land, both in the physical and spiritual sense. Pray, Bethesda, that these dear ones will cling to God, the “spring of living wa-ter” (Jeremiah 2:13), and that the thirsty will “come to the waters” that provide eternal satisfaction (Isaiah 55:1).

By Dan Venberg

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The Well at MoubiMoubi is a community of people that live on the out-

skirts of a larger village. This community is looked down upon by the neighboring Borno people, and has often been refused access to neighboring wells.

Now that the Advent Conspiracy has helped them to in-stall a well in their own place, they have a heightened sense of worth and pride. They are so grateful for this clean and refreshing water.

Pray, Bethesda, for Moubi and its’ people, that they will be blessed by God, that they will come to know Jesus, the one that can create within them a “spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14).

The Well at FouleFoule is a Fulbe nomad camp in the middle of the bush.

In the past, they have moved from place to place, seeking water and good pasture. They now have a desire to settle down into a sedentary lifestyle.

This well, a gift from you, Bethesda, will allow them to not only settle down, but to invite their extended family members to settle down with them. They will farm and they will raise livestock. They are very excited about the opportunity to settle.

Thank you Bethesda! Pray that the people of Foule will will know the love of the Great Shep-herd, who can lead them beside “quite waters” (Psalm 23:2).

The Well at SouloungouSouloungou is a Fulbe village situated deep in the bush,

about 8 miles from the river. Their most time consuming chore every day was fetching water from the river…a full time job!

Now, thanks to the Bethesda Advent Conspiracy proj-ect, they have their own well in their own back yard. This water is a huge blessing. This water is not only abundant and close, but is healthier than the often dirty and disease ridden river water.

Thank you, Bethesda, for your prayers for the people of Souloungou. Pray that they will one day walk along the banks of the river whose water contains the water of life, and alongside of which grows the tree whose leaves provide healing for the nations (Revelation 22:2)

The Well at GassiLutheran Brethren

International Mission runs a conference facil-ity and guest house in N’djamena, the capital city of Chad. Our source of water for the Center was our own well, but was too shallow to pro-vide ample, clean wa-ter. Because of the very generous giving from Bethesda through the Ad-vent Conspiracy project, we were able to sink a new, deeper well and mount a second water tower that now provides up with clean, fresh water. Thank you once again, Bethesda, for the tremendous gifts that these wells are for us and for so many Chadians. Thank you for your continued involvement, prayers and encour-agement towards God’s mission in Chad. Know that by pro-viding this water for these people, you are doing it for Jesus. To God be the glory. Amen!

Bethesda, we cannot thank you enough for what you have done through this gift. Not only have these commu-nities been blessed through the provision of abundant and clean water, but also these wells have opened a door for us into these villages. We can use these open doors to enter into these communities, build on established relationships, develop trust, and share the message of the Gospel of God, and the good news of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus, the source of eternal life giving water.

Thank you for your partnership in this mission Bethes-da! We are very appreciative and we look forward to see how God will further use your blessing to be a blessing to the peoples of Chad.

Your LBIM missionaries in ChadDan and Rachel Venberg family

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We continue to work on the plans for the proposed build-ing expansion, as directed by the congregation at our annual meeting in January. In the proposed addition, we seek to add an atrium to create a welcoming community space, to modify and increase classroom space for improved security for our children and for maximizing educational space for all ages. The plans also include a prayer chapel and a redesign of the offices to accommodate our growing staff and to improve ef-ficiency. As we continually review the drafts of the design, we see it taking shape in ways that can enhance our ministry, offering new opportunities, and providing even better facili-ties for important events like Touched Twice.

After interviewing a number of architects and contractors, the Elder Board and Building Committee chose to work with Jane Duren, an architect at Ayres Associates and chose Hoeft Builders as our construction management firm. In August, the Building Committee began working with Jane and with Christian Peterson, the Project Manager from Hoeft. Jane is doing excellent work to design the best structure for us, and Hoeft has begun their work on cost estimates for the project. We expect that by the beginning of October we will have a new design with highly accurate cost estimates to present to the congregation. Following that presentation, we anticipate a congregational meeting in mid to late October, where the congregation will vote on the project.

Do you have a friend, neigh-bor, coworker, or relative who is going through a difficult time? Here’s a great way you can help them — tell them about our Stephen Ministry! Stephen Ministers are members of Bethesda who have received spe-cial training to provide high quality, confidential, one-to-one, Christian care to people who are grieving the loss of a loved one, coping with a cancer diagnosis, going through a divorce or separation, battling a chronic illness (or caring for a spouse or parent who is chronically ill), experiencing a

great deal of stress, facing the loss of a job -- or encounter-ing any of countless other life challenges.

Stephen Ministers meet weekly with their care receiv-ers to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. (Males are matched with males, and fe-males are matched with females.) The caring relationship lasts for as long as the person needs care. It’s free, and it’s a powerful way you can help a hurting friend.

Our Stephen Ministers also meet the second and fourth Mondays of each month to have continuing education as well as peer supervision. During September and October we will be learning how to care for those who have experienced loss and needing long term care. We will also have special speaker John Bryant.

To learn how to connect someone you know with a Ste-phen Minister, talk with one of our Stephen Ministry Leaders: Judy Draper, 715-831-0189, or Paul Green, 715-839-9468.

Our Stephen Ministers are there to care!

Stephen Ministry

A Great Way You Can Help a Hurting Friend

Proposed Building Expansion Update

The 7th Annual Pastors Masters Golf Scramble will be held on September 17th, 2012 at the Links at Northfork in Ramsey, MN.

This event has been an encouragement to pastors as well as others serving in full time ministry. Many people from our congregations from the Central Region as well as from other regions have not only participated but have tak-en this opportunity to golf with their pastors. Friendships and ministry visions and goals have been strengthened dur-ing the outing to this links style golf course.

Sponsors have allowed for special features such as winning a car with a hole in one, awards for drives and putts, and memorabilia such as cups, golf balls, and t-shirts. There is still time to sponsor this event.

All proceeds go to the Pastors Masters Support Fund that provides funding to support the spiritual, mental, and physical rebuilding of pastors in the Central Region. Many pastors have already been helped through this fund both in preventing crisis and dealing with ministry related crises. If you are interested in sponsoring or would like more infor-mation about this event, please call or email Pastor Aage Larsen: 715-235-7775 pastoraage@oakridgelbc.org

The 7th Annual

Pastors Masters Golf Scramble September 17th, 2012

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HomeStars Here we go with the new school year and the 8th year of

the HomeStars ministry. We are excited about all we have to offer this year. Given we are having a presidential election this year we are focusing on the election process and US his-tory in our classes. Our classes for kids of all ages will start up on the second Tuesday of September (9/11) running from 12:30 to 3:10. Starting on the same day at the same time is our mom’s meeting which will focus on starting the home-school year strong with a review of Wisconsin homeschool laws. Make sure you come early as the second Tuesday of the month will start once again with our monthly family activity from 10:30 to 11:45. This month we are excited to have Brent and Sandi Weibe presenting the great things they are accomplishing in Papua New Guinea. September field trip will be a visit to the Como Zoo in St. Paul on Septem-ber 4. The October trip will be to one of Wisconsin’s very own cranberry bogs. Other activities for the year are being planned. Visit our website at www.homestars.me for more details.

If you are homeschooling or considering it, join Home-Stars and take part in all the activities and encouraging fel-lowship. Contact Linda Swenson at 715-834-0713, or check out our website at www.homestars.me.

A Homeschool Support Ministry of Bethesda Lutheran Church

We hope that as we kick-off our new Fall schedule, you’ll take advantage of our mid-week opportunities along with the offerings on Sunday morning. We’ve added a few more opportunites on Wednesday nights to include the whole family.

Beginning September 12th, we plan to offer meals for each Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll be serving meals from 5:15–6:15 pm. We have a solid team of people to help with the meals already, but there are still ways you can help! (Contact Holly Hermann for details.)

Our Wednesday Night Activities will follow the meal at 6:30–7:45 pm. We’re starting 15 minutes earlier this year to help families get home a little earlier, and we hope this will make it possible for more for children and adults to par-ticipate in our activities. These valuable activities include “Adventure Club” activties for children ages 4 through 5th grade, The Bridge youth group for students in grades 6–8, Confirmation for 8th and 9th graders, and small groups for high school students.

This year, we are expanding our options for adults, as well, including LIFEgroups, the Wednesday Night Bible Study (studying Ezekiel), and Crossroads — short teaching series on helpful topics. Our first series is 4 weeks on Par-enting: Essentials of Discipline.

We invite you to make Wednesdays at Bethesda part of your weekly routine! Come enjoy a great meal, and enjoy good conversation. Then take advantage of the opportuni-ties for children, youth, and adults!

New Opportunities on WednesdaysCrossroads: A New Opportunity for Adults on Wednesdays

Beginning, September 12, we have a new opportu-nity for adults. Crossroads is made up of short segments of biblical teaching on practical topics. Our first 4 week series is Parenting: Essentials of Discipline. Whether you’re a parent of a toddler, a school-aged child, teen-agers, or all of the above, we invite you to participate! It’s also a great chance to bring a neighbor! We’ll watch a brief video from Focus on the Family and then have time to break into groups to discuss each week’s topic.

Sept. 12: Why Your Child Needs DisciplineSept. 19: Irresponsibility vs. DefianceSept. 26: Anger vs. ActionOct. 3: Finding Balance in Discipline

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Gronseths: • Pray that Stephen will transition successfully into college life

at Bethel University. • Pray for wisdom in managing the Coffee House, in dealing

with the personnel who work there, and in balancing the business and ministry aspects of the Coffee House.

• Pray that the Lord will bless all who come in contact with the Coffee House.

Wiebes: • Praise the Lord that the family’s return airline tickets to Papua

New Guinea (PNG) were miraculously extended! The airline’s generosity saved them over $7,000 in new tickets!

• Brent, Sandi, and family are returning to PNG on January 8, 2013.

• Pray that Brent and Sandi’s pledged support level would rise to 100%. They currently have seven new financial partners, and four current partners who have increased their giving.

• Pray for more opportunities to share with small groups and churches what God is doing in Papua New Guinea.

• Pray for wisdom for Wycliffe mission leaders, as they consider an opportunity to purchase a large guest and meeting house near their village that could be used as a translation center in the region. Brent and Sandi would very much like to help manage such a center, and promote vernacular Scripture translation.

• Praise the Lord for the opportunities that some family members have had this summer to minister through Vacation Bible School and a youth mission trip to Haiti.

Wiles: • Pray for John and Kathryn as they participate in Barnabas

Leadership Team Meetings September 4th–11th. The leadership team will be evaluating the ministry, planning for the future, and interviewing potential staff. Pray that the team will continue to be of one heart and spirit.

• Pray for John and Kathryn as they attend the Pastor to Missionaries Conference October 2nd–5th. John will be the Bible Teacher for the conference. He will emphasize the theological foundations that enable global workers to thrive, and will also be teaching some practical skills to accomplish that. Please pray that this might be effective in the lives of the pastoral care providers who will attend.

• John and Kathryn will be in Asia October 6th–November 27th, spending about a week in each of seven cities. Pray that they will teach what God wants them to, be 100% present with each individual/family whom they counsel (there will be dozens), and that His servants would be enabled to thrive in Him.

Contruccis: • Praise the Lord for a good trip to Papua in July! The 3-day

Leading From Your Strengths Seminar was well-received by the more than 50 staff in attendance.

• Pray for Kent as he visits current and potential ministry partners this fall, from September 15th–October 10th. Both Kent and Nancy will be at Bethesda on September 30th. Pray that God will work in the hearts of those they come into contact with, and enable them to catch the vision for reaching isolated peoples with the Gospel through Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).

• Pray that new financial and prayer partners will join Kent and Nancy’s team, as financial support has been declining at the same time that the financial support required by MAF has been rising.

• Pray for Kent as he presents an Inside-Out Safety Seminar October 18th–20th to new MAF staff preparing for field service.

• Pray for Nancy, as Kent will be traveling away from home for an extended period of time in September and October. Separation from each other for long periods is difficult.

• Pray for daughter Sarah, who is continuing to work with women making jewelry in Uganda, Africa. Please pray that Jesus would be especially near to her, as she has encountered some setbacks that have been discouraging to her.

Venbergs: • Pray for Dan, Rachel, and family, as they will go off

Lutheran Brethren International Mission support at the end of September.

• Pray for the Lord’s guidance as Dan and Rachel seek employment. Rachel will need to take a refresher course before she can renew her nursing license.

• Pray that Gabe, Sylvia and Tevi have good years at their respective schools. Pray especially for Gabe to make friends at Hillcrest Academy, and to have teachers with whom he can establish rapport.

• Praise God for the wells established in Muslim villages through the Advent Conspiracy! Seeds have been planted for the Kingdom of God through the supply of clean, life-giving water to these villages.

• Pray for the people of Chad, especially in the area of Doh, that there will be an abundant harvest, so that people don’t die of starvation.

Bethesda World Missions

Praise and Prayer for Bethesda’s Family Around the World

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Note from Lutheran Brethren

International Missions:

Steve and Janice Flude and their family

have been on an extended home assignment

because of the health issue of their daughter

Emma. Because she continues to struggle

with these issues they are not able to return

to their ministry at the Lutheran Welcome

Center. Therefore, their ministry with LBIM

ended on July 31st. We thank God for this

family’s ministry and ask that you please

continue to pray for them.

From the Fludes:Change. It happens to all of us. Sometimes we know it’s

coming, sometimes we think it may be coming, and other times we really have no clue it is going to happen. Change means transition. Transition is hard and can really cause turmoil, not only in our day-to-day life but also internally, in our hearts and minds.

Over the years we have written many prayer letters. We have talked about trusting God, surrendering everything to God, believing God and staying on the Path (Will of God) that God has set for us even when our situation didn’t make sense. Well, here we are again. Our situation has changed, again. Our transition is in progress. We are making neces-sary adjustments and choosing to trust, surrender, believe and stay on the path, albeit new path, the Lord has for us. He has been here with us every step of the way, giving us enough light for each step and asking us to trust Him that He will light the next step when He is ready for us to take that step.

Our daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with an Autoim-mune Disease and under that umbrella she has Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. She has been receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Washington. Her care is ongoing so we will not be able to return to Chad. Our hearts are there but our children are our first and most important ministry. Steven recently gained employment, working for the county which we live in. God is good, all the time. Romans 8:28. We started our journey in Chad with T-shirts Kirsten Hoizner had made for all of us with that verse on them. It is true for each of us each day of our lives. He makes all things work for His glory! Amen.

We have reflected back on how much the Lord has done for us and with us. How far He has taken us, not only in our relationships with Him, but also in miles! We ponder

the blessings He has showered upon us - how many people have come together in spirit to pray for us, the efforts peo-ple have put out on our behalf, the love and concern shown our family and the tremendous amount of money given so we could go where the Lord had planned for us to go from the beginning of time.

Transition doesn’t have to be all negative though. The Lord is faithful. His promises are true. He will never leave us or forsake us. He has a new plan for us here in the States. We are willing, even though our hearts desire is to be in Chad, to do what He calls us to do here.

We are so thankful and grateful for our time spent serv-ing with Lutheran Brethren International Mission. It has been a privilege.

May the Lord continue to bless you and your families in the years to come.

Steve and Janice FludeAlex, Payton, Gracey, Emma, Keturah, Liddy,

Ethan, Tawnee, Esther, Hudson and Samuel

What Next in Chad:• Paul and Teresa Szobody, Philip, Matthias, Titus and

Micah have graciously consented to manage the Lu-theran Welcome Center temporarily.

• We praise God for a couple who has offered to take over the managerial position at the Center beginning in mid-October until a permanent solution is found.

• Praise God that Nathanael, Carrie, Selma and Cyr-il have accepted the call to ministry among an un-reached people group. They will be leaving for lan-guage study in France at the end of August for the coming school year.

• Pray for the two other couples who have sensed the call to the ministry among the unreached of Chad.

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Children’s MinistriesChanges for this Fall

Parents, please note the following changes at Bethesda for this fall.

Starting Sunday, Sept 9thSunday School during the 9 and 10:30 am worship ser-

vices begins on September 9th! The children will be be-ginning “The Greatest Adventure” as they discover God’s treasures found in His Word! For parents who regularly at-tend the Eleeo service in Walker Hall, please note the new starting time for that service at 10:30 instead of 10:45. All children should be dropped off and picked up in their class-rooms. Please check the maps posted on the walls for where your child’s class is meeting (10:30 1st grade has moved to room 313).

Starting Wednesday, Sept. 12th Bring your family and join us for a meal each Wednes-

day from 5:15–6:15 in the fellowship hall. Jr. Adventure Club (formerly KOK for 4 yrs. -3rd gr.) and Adventure Club 4:5 (formerly Bible Explorers for 4th/5th gr.) start at 6:30 and end at 7:45. This is a 15-minute time shift from last year. There are also classes for adults at this time (nurs-ery provided), which you can read about on Page 7 of this newsletter.

Please note – Children’s Choir will not be offered this year.

RegistrationRegistration is required for your child/children. You can

fill out a card in your child’s classroom or at the table by the resource room. We also have nametags that will be made for your child once they are registered. These nametags help en-sure the safety and security of your children at Bethesda. You will also receive a Parent Handbook once your child is regis-tered. This booklet will explain Bethesda’s Children’s Minis-tries in detail. Please let us know if you do not receive one.

Immediate Volunteer Opportunities in Children’s Ministries!

In order to be able to offer Sunday school and our Wednesday night Adventure Club for the kids and their friends we need many more teachers, helpers, and music leaders who love Jesus and desire for the kids to know and grow in Jesus!

Many classes will not be able to be offered unless you step forward to serve. Here is what is still open.

9:00 Sunday SchoolKindergarten/1st grade — part-time teacher2nd/3rd grade — teacher and helperMusic leaderRecord keeperNursery volunteers and nursery supervisors

10:30 Sunday School3 yr. old teacher and helper4 yr. old teacher and helper

Kindergarten — teachers and helpers (2 classes)4th/5th grade — small group leaderRecord keeperNursery volunteers and nursery supervisors

Wednesday Adventure ClubPreK/Kindergarten — small group leaders and helpers

(2 classes)3rd grade — teacher sub for approximately 2 months

and helper4th/5th grade — large group teacher and small group

leaderMusic leadersNursery caregiver (paid position)

Please contact Dawn for more information. We also have job descriptions available in order to give you a better idea of the time commitment and what’s involved. Please prayerfully consider if God would like you to find your place in Children’s Ministries this year! We (the leader-ship) provide you with training, support and hold you up in prayer. We consider it a privilege to be able to partner with you in this journey of pointing young ones to Christ!

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Since the Bethesda Library moved down to Room 309, library usage has dropped. Please don’t forget about this fantastic resource, located right across from the gym!

To complement Pastor Paul’s current sermon series on marriage, we have many marriage resources on display for you to check out. We hope you’ll take some time to browse through these offerings!

Also, if you have checked out items from the library, don’t forget to return them. We currently have a very large list of missing items that were either never actually checked out (that is, no check-out card was left) or have been checked out for a very long time (and many of these are newer items that others would like to check out, too). Within the next few weeks we’ll put out a list of miss-ing items. Please look at home, in backpacks or bookbags, to see if you’ve got anything from the library, and return them soon!

Help Fill our Snack Tub!

Children’s Ministries could use your help in making sure the Sunday school children receive a snack each week in class. We would appreciate it if you picked up a box or two of crackers, fruit snacks, granola bars, animal crackers, vanilla wafers, etc. the next time you were at the grocery store and dropped them off in our red tub by the resource room. Thank you for thinking of the kids in this way!

Children’s Ministries

Impacting the Next Generation

“One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.”

—Psalm 145:4This is what teaching means to me. It is my chance

to impact the next generation. It is my chance to evange-lize. Street corners terrify me (so do teenagers) (some-times, even my neighbors). But little ones on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings — this is how I can spread the Good News. This is how I can tell the old, old Story.

When I started teaching, I read the material and told the story. God is faithful to allow these efforts to be fruitful.

Over the years, my life has become so enriched by the lessons that can be learned from a simple (or complex) Bible story. I am so blessed to be permit-ted to tell the stories of the Bible to little minds that are so open to the hope that these stories give.

—Christine Strasburg

ProgramsSunday School Bethesda offers two hours of Sunday School, during the 9:00 am and 10:30 am services.

Wednesday Adventure ClubJr. Adventure Club: (PreK–3rd Grade) 6:30–7:45 pmAdventure Club 4:5: (4th–5th Grade) 6:30–7:45 pmAll Children’s Ministry Programs begin the week of Septem-ber 9th! Contact the Church Office at 715-835-5073 if you haven’t yet registered your kids!

Dawn RicoChildren’s Ministries Directordawn@bethesdalutheran.org

Karen RateringChildren’s Ministries Assistantk.ratering@sbcglobal.net

Library News!

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Youth Ministries

High School CalendarSeptember 5 — In Concert “The Wedding”

Chippewa Valley Bible Church, 7pmSeptember 9 — Kickoff Sunday – HS Sunday Class

9 am — “New Answers”September 9 — HSM Orientation for High School-

ers and Parents, 6–8:30pmSeptember 12 — HS Lifegroups beginSeptember 15 — APPLE Walk For Life, Owen Park September 22 — Girls of Grace (Grace Church, Twin

Cities)September 26 — See You At The PoleSeptember 28–29 — Leader Training at iPoint with Walt

Mueller (1 pm Fri. to 10 pm Sat.)

Greetings from the Youth Committee!We have some exciting news to share with you as well

as a couple needs for the Middle School and High School Ministries.First, the exciting news:

Todd Waldie has accepted the position as the Director of Middle School Ministries. Todd and his wife Leah have been married for almost 5 years and have two children. Af-ter dealing with a very slow housing market in Pipestone, they now have an accepted offer on their home in Pipestone, MN (pending inspection) and are hoping to be here in Eau Claire sometime in October. Todd obtained his Certificate of Theological Study in Youth Ministry from the Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls, in 2007 and his Bach-elors in Religion from Faith Evangelical Seminary in 2012. He was an interim youth director in Fergus Falls from 2007–2008 and a Youth and Family Ministries Coordinator in Pipestone from 2008–2009. Since 2009, he has worked as a machine operator at J&B Group in Pipestone.

Please pray that the sale of Todd and Leah’s house and move to Eau Claire goes well. Second, the ministry needs:

With our Middle School and High School ministries starting the middle of September, we are in need of assis-tance in several ministry areas, as outlined below:• Small Group breakout group leaders for The Bridge

(Middle School) – Wednesday nights, 6:15–8-ish. These individuals interact with a group of 4–6 Middle

School students, following the large group teaching time, to discuss several prepared questions, intended to help the students apply what they have just heard. You will get to know and love these students as you play, worship,

and learn with them! Other opportunities are available to meet with students on your own and at a variety of MSM outings.

• Sunday School teachers for Middle and High School – Sunday mornings, 9 am and 10:30 am.

These individuals will take curriculum that has already been selected (LIVE New Testament) and facilitate dis-cussion with a group of 10 to 12 students.

• Sophomore Guys Lifegroup Leader(s) – Wednesday nights, 7–9pm in a home

The smaller group setting is a great one for personal re-lationships to develop and personal faith to flourish! We have a great group of guys just waiting for an adult to help them study the Bible 1st semester and then discuss the topic of purity 2nd semester.

• ONE23 Leaders – Sunday nights, 6:45–8:45 pm These individuals will build relationships with students, en-

courage them in their Christian faith, and facilitate discussion during nightly “breakouts”. Students look to older adults for wisdom and guidance as they navigate the rough waters of high school! Other opportunities are available to meet with students on your own and at a variety of HSM outings.

If you are interested, please contact Chad (715-497-6689) or chad@bethesdalutheran.org as soon as possible.

More information will be shared with parents, students, and all interested at our orientation sessions:

High School Orientation, on Kickoff Sunday — Sep-tember 9, from 7–8:30 pm

Middle School Orientation, on Kickoff Wednesday — September 12, 6:30–7:45 pm

Sincerely, The Youth Committee (Cindy Waller, Rosie Fischer, Don Henning,

Mark Reeves, Jay Anderson, Chad Shiffer)

Middle School Calendar

Wednesday, Sept. 12 — Confirmation Orientation

Wednesday, Sept. 12 — MSM Orientation - 6:30–7:45pm (Walker Hall)

Saturday, Sept. 15 — APPLE Walk For Life

Wednesday, Sept. 19 — The Bridge - 6:30–7:45

Wednesday, Sept. 26 — The Bridge - 6:30–7:45

Fri/Sun, Oct. 12–14 — Middle School Mania

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By Cat Jacoby & Holly HermannIt’s hard to believe that Bethesda

started in a tent next to the railroad tracks. Many nights were spent in fervent prayer for the Lord to pro-vide a place to worship in, and then in 1924 the North Side Presbyterian Church at 918 Fay Street was pur-chased. Over the next following 30 years attendance grew. In order to meet the need of more space, two acres of land were purchased at 310 West Polk Avenue in 1955 and then in 1976 the current location on 123 W. Hamilton Avenue was purchased in anticipation of even greater growth.

On the evening of August 26th we as a congregation honored those who have been faith-ful members for 50 years or more. They witnessed and par-took in how the Lord has raised his church from humble beginnings to where we worship now. Each member was prerecorded answering predetermined questions and then we listened to how their lives were shaped and transformed by being apart of this wonderful church. The interviews brought both tears and laughter and were enjoyed by all.

The honorees and their length of membership are: Carl & Anita Brunkow (50 years), Howard & Twylah Juliot (50 years), Sondra Meier (50 years), Darlene Stokes (51 years), Susan Sandland (53 years), Beatrice Hill (55 years), Steve Johnson (58 years), Gene Dokkestul (59 years), Ruth John-son (63 years) and Eleanor Revne (72 years).

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.

They speak of the glorious splendor of your majes-ty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will pro-claim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

—Psalm 145:3–7

If you would like to view the video presentation you may watch it on Bethesda’s website at www.bethesdaluther-an.org/media/videos.php.

Adult Choir to start in SeptemberTime to gather again for a great time of singing and

fellowship. Please mark your calendar for September 12, 6:45 pm. We will plan to sing that next Sunday, Sep-tember 16th, so hope to see all of you there.

We would welcome new members as well. Anyone interested in joining the choir should call Lil, 835-5031 for more information about what is involved in being a member of the choir.

Looking forward to another wonderful year of min-istry in music.

Lil LarsonBethesda Choir Director

Wednesday Night MealsWednesday night meals will be served every week

starting September 12th, from 5:15 to 6:15 pm. This is a good opportunity to get the whole family over to church and spend a little time in fellowship before all the Wednes-day night activities begin. Remember that along with our Wednesday evening children’s activities, we’re also offer-ing “Crossroads,” a series of short-term topical classes for adults. Make Wednesday a night for the whole family.

Our weekly menus will be published ahead of time in the bulletin and on line! (No meals will be served on 12/26/12 and 3/27/13 due to school breaks. Meals and Wednesday night activities will also be cancelled if schools are closed for inclement weather.) These meals are funded by dona-tion and are FOR EVERYONE, so come and enjoy!

50 Years at Bethesda: A Milestone Celebration

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LiFEgroups LEARNFROM GOD’S WORD

APPLYIT TO LIFE

CONNECTWITH ONE ANOTHER

MondaysGroup Demographic: Men’s Bible StudyMeeting Location: Bethesda, Fireside RoomMeeting Time: Mondays, �:�0 am–�:�� amContact: Mark Miller, �1�-���-����

Group Name: Solid Rock Café —WomenMeeting Location: Bethesda, Rooms �11 & �1�Meeting Time: Mondays, �:�0 pm–�:00 pmContact: Jane Louden, �1�-���-�0��

Group Name: Empty NestersMeeting Location: Bethesda, Fireside RoomMeeting Time: 1st and �rd Mondays, �:00 pm–�:00 pm,

beginning Sept. 1�th. Contact: Brian and Janet Amundson, �1�-���-0��1

TuesdaysGroup Name: Rachel Bible Study — WomenMeeting Location: Bethesda, Fireside RoomMeeting Time: First Tuesday of each month, 1:00 pmContact: Louise Koxlien, �1�-���-����Current Topic/Curriculum: “Life Lessons from Joshua”

Group Name: Solid Rock Café —WomenMeeting Location: Bethesda, Room �1�BMeeting Time: Tuesdays, �:1� pm–�:�� pmContact: Sue Hennemann, �1�-���-1���

Group Demographic: MenMeeting Location: Bethesda, Room �0�Meeting Time: Tuesdays, �:�0 pm–�:�0 pmContact: David Verhaagh, �1�-���-�1��

WednesdaysGroup Name: Godly Girlfriends StudyMeeting Location: Bethesda, Room �1�BMeeting Time: Wednesdays, �:�� pm–�:00 pmContact: Brittney Malone, �1�-���-����

Group Name: Common Ground Group Demographic: Singles, Couples w/school-age kidsMeeting Location: Bethesda, Room �0�aMeeting Time: Wednesdays, �:00 pm–�:00 pmContact: Jay and Andrea Anderson, �1�-���-����

Group Name: Wednesday Night Bible StudyMeeting Location: Bethesda, Room �11Meeting Time: Wednesdays, �:00 pm–�:00 pmContact: Pastor Venberg, �1�-��1-��0�

ThursdaysGroup Name: First Place � Health —WomenMeeting Location: Bethesda, Fireside Room (10�)Meeting Time: Thursdays, �:�0 pmContact: Kristin Verhaagh, �1�-���-����

FridaysGroup Name: Men’s Bible StudyMeeting Location: Bethesda Room �0�Meeting Time: Fridays, �:�0 am–�:�0 amContact: Nathan Dietsche, �1�-���-��01

Group Name: Rise Up! —WomenMeeting Location: Bethesda, Fireside Room, beginning

Sept. 1�thContact: Jackie Vold, �1�-���-����Current Topic/Curriculum: Life Changes Bible Study on

the Book of Romans

Group Name: Circle of Friends —WomenMeeting Location: BethesdaMeeting Time: Fridays, �:1� amContact: Mandy Heard, �1�-���-����

LIFEgroups are small groups of people who meet regu-larly to grow in their relationship with Christ, discuss how their faith intersects with their daily lives in caring commu-nity, and encourage one another as they find ways to serve Jesus’ cause.

The goal and purpose of our LIFEgroups is spiritual and personal growth in Christ. We are confident that par-ticipants and leaders alike will be transformed, as we learn and process together, serve together, pray together, and support each other in our journeys with Christ.

Below is a list of current, ongoing LIFEgroups at Bethesda. In early September, watch for an opportunity to sign up for new LIFEgroups, beginning soon, or contact one of the groups below that might best fit your interests and schedule

New Groups Starting in September!Contact Pastor Brian if you would be interested in

facilitiating a new LIFEgroup.

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Adult Bible Fellowships (ABFs) are small groups within our larger church community. We are committed to deepening our relationships, as well as growing new relationships. ABFs meet during one of our two worship hours. We invite you to spend part of your Sunday morning in worship, and then gather with others in an ABF setting for fellowship and to help you grow in your relationships to

God and with each other. Bethesda has a number of ABFs available. Although ABF

goals are similar, each group has its own identity. ABFs will begin regular meetings on September 9th. Though contact names are listed, groups are open, and anyone is encouraged to just “drop in.”

Sundays • 9:00 amBranches

Room 204c (Fellowship Hall), Ages 30-60Contact: Deb Hubbell at 715-839-0594 or dahshop@yahoo.com

SojournersRoom 305, Ages 30–50

Contact: Allen or Jeanne Sternke at 715-597-3526 or jeannesternke@yahoo.com

To Be DeterminedRoom 204c, 20s–40s

Contact: Mike and Alissa Amundson, mna95@hotmail.com

Sundays • 10:30 amKingfolk

Room 204c (Fellowship Hall)Retired, or nearing retirement

Contact: Augie Wirkus, 715-831-0460

Seekers of GodFireside Room, Room 102

Retired, nearing retirementContact: Beth Smith, 715-875-4553, or Dennis and Diane Peterson, 715-839-8648.

From your Connections Coordinator . . .Are you interested in meeting oth-

ers? Do you want to make a contribu-tion that matters? Do care about personal growth for yourself and others? Do you want to feel like you really belong? That is what getting involved and volunteer-ing to serve is all about.

Each of us has different passions, things we will put ahead of the humdrum things we have to do. It could be playing with children, cooking, cleaning, teach-ing, leading, planning or making sure all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed!

What ever it is, we have a place where your gifts and passions will fit.

Please stop by the Information Desk to pick up a list of areas of opportunity to serve here at Bethesda, or find the link online and e-mail me a copy! Not sure what your gifts and passions are? Let me help you discover them!

Holly HermanBethesda Connections Coordinator

(holly@bethesdalutheran.org)

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BethesdaLutheran Brethren ChurCh

123 W. Hamilton AvenueEau Claire, WI 54701715-835-5073www.bethesdalutheran.org

C3Christ … Community … Cause

A vision for clarifying who we believe God is leading us to become.

Did You Expect? by Paul David Tripp. Also, Sacred Mar-riage by Gary Thomas, and Safe Haven Marriage by Ar-chibald Hart & Sharon Hart Morris.

Now there are several things that I would like you to know as we begin this venture together: a) This will be a series about Jesus. It will be about His

Word and wisdom and presence by His Spirit in our marriages. It will be a very practical series, but we will not approach the Bible for a set of tips and fixes to humanly improve our marriages. We will want to see our marriages and our struggles and healing in them as part of God’s redemptive plan for this world.

b) This will be a series for single people. Make no mis-take, a series on marriage is not just for those who are married, but also for those preparing for marriage or remarriage, for a person considering the kind of person they should marry and the kind of person they should be preparing themselves to be in marriage. It will also be for those who care about the marriages

of friends and families. (Remember some of the best marriage instruction we have in the world came from a couple of single people: Jesus and the Apostle Paul!)

c) This will be a series to share with a friend. Please prayerfully use the ‘Pick 3’ prayer card that was dis-tributed recently in worship services, and commit yourself in this way: “I will pray and seek to invite at least 3 people this fall to the gatherings of my spiritual family.”

Married with a Hitch! I believe lives will be changed, marriages re-stored and grown as we hitch ourselves and our marriages to God’s uncom-mon graces.

Pastor Paul

Expect the UnexpectedContinued from Page 1