SHEPHERD’S NEWS - Bethesda Lutheran...

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEPresident

Joyce [email protected]

1st Vice PresidentNancy Kunert

[email protected]

2nd Vice PresidentJanet Camin

[email protected]

Recording SecretaryAnn Kachmarek

[email protected]

Corresponding SecretaryTheresa Winn

[email protected]

Financial SecretaryNancy Hall

[email protected]

TreasurerGail Nicolaus

[email protected]

Budget ControllerJanet Broadus

[email protected]

Shepherd’s News EditorKaren Carter

[email protected]

Website Manager Bonnie Mosbrucker

[email protected]

Pastoral AdvisorPastor Kasimir Kachmarek

[email protected]

ParliamentarianDan Kunert

[email protected] by Terri Breese, Bethesda

FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

As Bethesda Auxiliary embarks on another year of faithful service, let me review what we have accomplished in the past fiscal year:

• We supported 33 college-aged Bethesda Camp interns. • We paid registration fees for 78 high school volunteers who attended camp as companions to

the people we support in Indiana, Texas, Wisconsin and Oregon.• At Camp SonRise we funded a much-needed outdoor shelter (see pictures on page 8).• We continued our support of Hogares Luteranos el Buen Pastor (Good Shepherd Lutheran

Homes) in the Dominican Republic.• We helped fund attendance to the People First Convention in Washington State for people

supported by Bethesda who are members of this self-advocacy group.• We are creating greater awareness of Bethesda by sending Bethesda Auxiliary representatives

to district and national LWML conventions.• Our talented grant writer, Terry Putnam, is busy again writing LWML mite grants. These grants

not only help to fund our projects but create greater awareness of Bethesda Auxiliary. Though our pledges are down for the coming year, I am certain, with His help, we will be able to continue our strong support of the people we serve.

Bethesda is undergoing many changes. Much needed upgrades in the homes and all aspects of a functioning business are being addressed. Enthusiasm is high at all levels. Bethesda Auxiliary’s partnership has been acknowledged with an advisory position on the Bethesda Board of Directors. This is an honor for us. I have appointed Karen Carter, from Wisconsin, to serve on this board. Her expertise from her work experience and her affiliation with Bethesda Auxiliary puts her in a perfect place to serve at this time. Keep her in your prayers; she will represent us well.

I am looking forward to the Bethesda Auxiliary Governing Board meeting this month in Denver. We are inviting Bethesda supporters from other areas where Bethesda has programs. These groups do not have the many strong supporters we have. I pray the future holds the possibility of joining forces and working together as one.

Please keep praying for leadership. We need leaders at all levels, from members of your local congregation to the Governing Board. If you feel you have the calling, consider a position.

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master,” Matthew 25:23.

Reaching Forward in Faith and serving in love,

Joyce Schultz

Volume 61, Issue 3, September 2015

Latest information from the Bethesda Auxiliary supporting Bethesda Lutheran Communities SHEPHERD’S NEWS

BethesdaAuxiliary.org

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.

—Revelations 2:10

BETHESDA AUXILIARY 1

CNH UNITGreetings!

We have added new officers to our Unit Board: Maggie Priebe, President (Tracy, California); Amy Buchanan, Vice President (Lathrop, California); Yvette Lanza, Treasurer (Sunnyvale, California); Joyce Pulliam, Recording Secretary (Stockton, California); Nancy Hall, Membership and Corresponding Secretary (Half Moon Bay, California) and Rev. Kalvin Waetzig, Pastoral Advisor (St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Tracy, California).

Our Unit Pledge has been increased to $5,000. All donations and/or memorial gifts should be

mailed to our Financial Secretary, Nancy O’Brien, at 754 Ridge Road, Santa Clara, CA 95051.

Many good things are developing within Bethesda Lutheran Communities and Bethesda Auxiliary. Maggie Priebe and Nancy Hall will be attending the September Governing Board Meeting of Bethesda Auxiliary in Denver.

They will also be meeting in Fresno with Rev. John Halakhe, the Bethesda Ministry Consultant in central California.

There will be more news in the next newsletter about these meetings and what our Unit is planning as our new officers get to know each other and develop plans for the coming year.

If you would like to schedule a speaker for your congregation

or service group, contact Maggie Priebe at 209-914-1935.

Reaching forward in faith as in love we serve Him.

Nancy Hall [email protected]

Whoosh! Summer has passed by again! The Lord has shown His continual faithfulness by providing a new Financial Secretary for our Unit. As in many Units, when there are vacancies in our officer rosters, positions are combined, traded among board members and totally left in God’s hands to see us though with hope and, at times, humor.

Financial Secretary has been one of those difficult-to-fill offices in our Unit for years! The Lord has blessed us with Connie Yohe to fill that position and we are so excited to have her join us as we support the ministry of Bethesda.

Please send donations to: Connie Yohe, 992 Peridot, Hemet, CA 92543. You may contact her at [email protected].

We will continue to anticipate and be grateful for the Lord’s presence in our Unit and our personal lives. To Him be the glory!

CA SOUTH

Joyce Pulliam (left), Recording Secretary; Amy Buchanan, Vice President; Nancy Hall, Membership; Rev. John Halakhe, Bethesda Ministry Consultant; Rev Kalvin Waetzig, Pastoral Counselor and Maggie Priebe, President.

Installation of new officers Joyce Pulliam (left), Recording Secretary and Maggie Priebe, President, with Rev. Kalvin Waetzig.

John Boscacci (left) and Stacie Zimmerman ready for the fireworks, California.

2 SHEPHERD’S NEWS

COLORADO UNITPraise and thanks to God for a wonderful 2015 Annual Celebration. Special thanks to Mike Thirtle, Bethesda President and CEO; Cathy Brondos, Bethesda Board of Directors; Sue Hart, Bethesda Ministry Consultant; Becky Gambardella, FACES Congregational Disability Ministry; Allison Orton, Bethesda Camp Intern; Wanita Wood, Ad Crucem Christian Card Ministry and Rev. Bob Eckelman, retired Pastor and Police Chaplain for City of Brighton.

The Cross and Bell Award for 2015 was given to Helene Grater. Donna Steele nominated her for many years of hard work. Helene is currently serving the Colorado Unit as Publicity Chairman and Historian.

Kathy McFall, Brighton, was elected Recording Secretary and Delaina Klein was re-elected Treasurer for two-year terms. Thanks to Kathy Heitschmidt for serving as Recording Secretary for the last four years.

Memorials or donations should be mailed to Bethesda Auxiliary, c/o Kenetha Mann, 2639 South Kline Circle, Lakewood, CO 80227. Include name and address of family to be acknowledged. Memorial was received for Darlien Gerk. Donations received from Wanita Wood and Zion

Lutheran Church. Our Savior LWML Commerce City hosted a tea in May and profits were sent to Bethesda. Evelyn Van Galder collects cans and sends the money to Bethesda. Thanks be to God for all support from all God’s children.

Area Chairman reports craft sales beginning in March through May have amounted to more than $3,900. Thank you to all who donated items and helped with these sales. Do you have craft or bazaar items you have made and want to donate? Call

Donna Steele at 303-936-5555. The following churches have scheduled Fall sales: University Hills – September 20; Concordia – September 27; Trinity – October 18; Redeemer Harvest Dinner – November 6 and Peace, Arvada – November 15. Our Savior Commerce City will have a craft fair with other vendors on October 3. There will be a bake sale, car show and brunch. Call 303-288-9577 for additional information.

Your Love Makes A Difference,

Helene Grater

Sept. 20 – University HillsSept. 27 – ConcordiaOct. 3 – Our Savior Commerce City

NEWS FROM SUE HARTWe have numerous ways for you and your groups to get involved at Bethesda in Colorado. The people we support look for volunteers to come into their homes to lead a Bible devotion, activity, prayer and singing. Come and throw a party or BBQ. Provide volunteers for work around the house. Plan a game day or just come and spend time in getting to know the people who make Bethesda their home. Children, youth and adults are always welcome. Blessing Bethesda at Christmas (gift cards for Christmas gifts) and the Bethesda Food Bank are year round opportunities for your group to consider supporting. For more information, contact Colorado Ministry Consultant, Sue Hart, DCE, at [email protected] or phone 303-304-9657.

Autumn Sales Oct. 18 – TrinityNov. 6 – Redeemer Harvest DinnerNov. 15 – Peace, Arvada


Ann Kachmarek, Governing Board member and Oregon Unit Board Recording Secretary, and her daughter, Hannah, hosted a two-day garage sale at their home in Hillsboro in June. They raised over $800 for Bethesda Auxiliary’s Oregon Unit. Thanks to all who donated items for the sale, and to Ann and Hannah for all of your hard work. You are both a blessing to us and our ministry.

BETHESDA AUXILIARY PERSONALIZED POTTERY MUGSThe Oregon Unit of Bethesda Auxiliary is selling beautiful, handcrafted, gray pottery mugs, trimmed in blue. The Bethesda logo and an individual’s name can be glazed on the mugs in blue. The name can be in either script or pressed into the clay. The cost of the mug is $10. This makes a great gift for staff and people Bethesda supports whom enjoy coffee, tea or cocoa. Mugs can be ordered from Sylvia Schlicting. Call 503-598-6722 to place an order.

Once again, Helen Huffman led the Macy’s “Shop for a Cause” for charitable organizations. This opportunity on Saturday, August 29, garnered a lot of interest and dollars.

Oregon Unit’s Traveling Gift Table can be booked for Sundays this Fall and Winter. Schedule it along with a Bethesda/Bethesda Auxiliary Sunday at your congregation. Call Terry at 503-842-7740 or email [email protected].

Don’t forget to consider the RADA Cutlery and Columbia Empire Farms products as you plan your Christmas shopping

or for Fall Bazaars at your church. Email Terry or call Sylvia for Columbia Empire Farms products (jams, sauces, hazelnuts, pepper jellies, candies, etc.).

OREGON UNIT

IDAHO UNITGreetings from Idaho!

Summer is gone and cool fall is here.

In June, we held a Yard Sale in Twin Falls; over $1,400 was raised to assist in our unit auxiliary project to help support those served by Bethesda. As usual, there was a lot of fun, fellowship and sharing the news of the Auxiliary and Bethesda with those attending sale.

Thank you to the Auxiliary groups throughout Idaho that raise funds throughout the year. We have a wonderful group of ladies who are very supportive.

We thank God that we have the opportunity to partner with Bethesda. Our prayers are with Bethesda Lutheran Communities and the work that they do.

Serving in faith and love,

Janet Draper/Williard

YARDSALE

4 SHEPHERD’S NEWS

DES MOINES LWML 36TH BIENNIAL CONVENTIONIn June, thousands of LWML women, inspirational speakers and guests celebrated the 36th Biennial Convention at the Iowa Event Center in Des Moines. All were blessed with friendships, old and new.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

“Bountiful! Sow – Nourish – Reap,” was the theme. Oh, how awesome and how quickly the days went by!

The Auxiliary Booth was conveniently located next to the LWML Store and close to a food vendor. Hundreds of people stopped to talk with Auxiliary members, Terry Putnam and Karen Carter. Jim Pressnell, Bethesda Vice President of Religious Life, and Mona Fuerstenau, Director of Ministry Partnerships, joined Terry and Karen. The message of the Auxiliary, Bethesda and those supported by Bethesda was received with open minds and hearts. Hundreds of brochures, newsletters and information sheets were distributed. Interest was received from individuals, societies, congregations, LWML zones and districts.

Please pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to nourish the seeds sown so that our membership may increase and those supported by Bethesda will reap the bounty.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

Jim Pressnell, Terry Putnam and Barb Below, Assistant to Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of LCMS.

Each day the stage changed to represent Sow (Thursday), Nourish (Friday), Nourish (Saturday) and Reap (Sunday).

Kris Bueltmann, Bueltmann Photography


Mail completed membership form with the suggested membership donation of $5 made payable to Bethesda Auxiliary to unit of choice or, if you do not live in an area supported by a unit, send your membership form(s) to Auxiliary Financial Secretary.

Name _________________________________________________

Church ________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________

City/State/Zip __________________________________________

Phone ________________________________________________

How did you hear about us? _____________________________

_______________________________________________________

Auxiliary Financial Secretary/CNH Unit: Nancy Hall 2337 Winged Foot Road Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Colorado Unit: Yvonne Wernet 504 East Kellogg Holyoke, CO 80734

Oregon Unit: Lorraine Duato 604 NW Adwick Dr. Beaverton, OR 97006

WA/Alaska Unit: Joyce Scramlin 10035 – 132nd NE Kirkland, WA 98033

CA South Unit: Pam Fechner 300 Juel Hemet, CA 92544

Idaho Unit: Naomi Hopkins 932 Robertson Buhl, ID 83316

Utah Unit: Carol Petersen 5076 Gurene Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Wisconsin Unit: Karen Carter W18054 Stuve Rd. Whitehall, WI 54773

qPlease renew my membership qI am a new member

Check which auxiliary unit you are interested in: qCalifornia/Nevada/Hawaii Unit qIdaho Unit qWashington/Alaska Unit

qCalifornia South Unit qOregon Unit qWisconsin Unit

qColorado Unit qUtah Unit

MEMBERSHIP FORM

JOIN TODAY

The Bethesda Auxiliary, a nationwide, 4,000-member volunteer organization, prayerfully and financially supports Bethesda Lutheran Communities in its mission to provide services that share the good news of Jesus Christ with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Beginning as the Good Shepherd

Auxiliary in 1956, the Bethesda Auxiliary has been a steadfast benefactor for people with developmental disabilities. From providing household items to sponsoring a comprehensive disability ministry curriculum, the Auxiliary has offered a wide-variety of support and has been a valuable partner to Bethesda.

The Bethesda Auxiliary is expanding nationwide to provide service opportunities to people of all ages, including the ability to share their gifts, participate in their hobbies and make new friends.

6 SHEPHERD’S NEWS

Bethesda’s new website will be more user-friendly, highlighting great stories happening across the organization including how the Bethesda Auxiliary enhances the lives of the people we support. Through an easy-to-use interface including more video and photos, our website will encourage people to support Bethesda as they watch and read testimonials from people we support, families and guardians, donors, volunteers, Auxiliary members and employees.

The new website will be a wonderful tool for advancing our ministry and strengthening community relationships. You will be proud to share it with your friends and family. Visit BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org after September 15 to see the new website.

WA/AK UNITThe Unit board met on July 8 at the home of Colleen Schafer. The good news is that we already have receipts for $10,275 toward the 2015-16 pledge of $15,000. The gift table already has travel plans to Tonasket in September.

The not so good news is that the Washington/Alaska Unit of Bethesda Auxiliary is in dire need of members to fill board positions to effectively continue. We currently have an elected financial secretary and chairs for membership, the gift table and Campbell’s UPCs. Needed are vice president, treasurer, and secretary. The difficulty in presenting a slate

of candidates in recent years has been that meeting attendance is a commitment

that many people cannot assume. The board is changing its meeting strategy to utilize email more and only meet twice a year in person. The term of office is two years. A letter was mailed to contact ladies encouraging them to prayerfully consider recruiting officers for the open positions. Colleen Schafer has been acting president for several years; she is willing to stay on the board for another year as advisor to the president.

To join in this rewarding mission or to suggest volunteers, please contact: Colleen Schafer, Acting President: 425-488-9203

Janet Broadus, Financial Secretary: 425-806-8812 or [email protected]

Mona Quammen, Parliamentarian: [email protected]

Trudy Glassett thanks members for continued trimming of labels from Campbell’s products. It is amazing how many items are “purchased” for the needs and wants in the Renton homes. Send labels to: Trudy Glassett, 5501 Doon Way, Anacortes, WA 98221.

BOARD

MEMBER

OPENINGS!

BETHESDA LAUNCHING NEW WEBSITE IN SEPTEMBER


PASTORAL ADVISORThis was an unusually low attendance year at the Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Hillsboro Kiwanis Club. Since I was in charge of the food and supplies, I had to deal with leftovers. Non-perishables were put into storage for next year. But 300 half-pints of milk, donated by Dairy Gold, needed to go to a worthy organization. So the next day, a Sunday afternoon, I divided the milk into boxes and set off to deliver them to eight Bethesda group homes in the Hillsboro area.

The reason I share this is to give you and idea of the joy I experienced visiting with the very people I served for 20 years as Chaplain. They just love to have people come to visit them. They especially love to visit with people who are not paid to spend time with them. I thought I was bringing them a gift of a box of free milk, but instead I brought them something more precious-—I brought them the gift of my personal presence. It was a gift of love from the bottom of my heart, but it turned out that I received an even greater gift of their love and gratitude. Not gratitude for the milk, the staff thanked me for that, but gratitude, that I cared enough to bring it to them in person.

This is the same joy which we could all experience if we participate in the Auxiliary’s “Adopt a Home or Individual” project. I realize that not everyone lives close enough to Bethesda group homes to visit in

person, but many do. This could be a great way to revive many of the Auxiliary groups that existed in the Fresno and Bakersfield areas, in the Visalia and Porterville areas, in the El Toro and Mission Viejo areas, as well as around San Diego. It could also increase activity around Renton, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, as well as in the other 11 states where homes are located. Many of these personal visits could include a spiritual dimension by including some singing, prayers and scripture readings. It could also include sharing about our church or simply sharing what Jesus means to me. These visits could be done by small teams of two, three or more people.

Now you ask, well what about those that don’t live close enough to visit in person? They could send post cards or greeting cards, make phone calls or send boxes of cookies or other gifts of love. It’s just a wonderful way for all of us to be a blessing to the folks and would also be a way through which every one of us could be blessed beyond our wildest dreams.

Yours in Christ,Pastor “K” Kachmarek

The Camp SonRise outdoor shelter was completed in early June and enjoyed by more than 180 people with developmental disabilities and the volunteers who were paired with them. The shelter was used to review Bible lessons and build Bible study theme woodcrafts, pottery and other art projects. It also provided a shaded area near the pool. Throughout the summer volunteers painted the shelter and landscaped around it.

BETHESDA AUXILIARY SUPPORT IN ACTION

8 SHEPHERD’S NEWS

WELCOME NEW BETHESDA LEADERSWe are excited to welcome Jedd Lapid, Vice President of Development, and Jim Pressnell, Vice President of Religious Life, to Bethesda. Both are eager to work alongside you, the members of the Bethesda Auxiliary, to grow Bethesda’s ministry.

Plans are in process to attend LWML rallies and retreats this fall. New friends in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Northern Illinois were met at the Des Moines Convention and expressed an interest in learning more about the Auxiliary and Bethesda.

Cathy Egan, President of the Watertown Parent/Guardian Group, and Kathy Meyer, a parent of a person Bethesda supports from Appleton, will be joining the Auxiliary Governing Board at their September meeting in Denver. We look toward the future with joy as

more people join us in our mission.

In October, Bethesda Rhinelander will be the recipient of an ingathering at a Minnesota South Zone LWML Rally hosted at St. Martins, Winona. An auxiliary member will share the story of the Auxiliary and Bethesda with attendees.

With the holidays come special needs for those supported by Bethesda. Adopting group homes and/or individuals is a great way to become involved with the auxiliary’s mission, even if you have no homes in the area.

Please contact Karen at 715-694-2199 or [email protected] for more information.

WISCONSIN UNIT

JEDD LAPID, VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENTJedd Lapid will lead Bethesda’s national development team while growing Bethesda’s donor-base and engaging current and potential supporters.

Lapid has previously worked at the American Red Cross, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Lapid has a master’s degree in religious studies from Cardinal Stritch University, and a bachelor’s degree in international business, also from Cardinal Stritch.

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead Bethesda’s development strategy into the future,” Lapid said. “Together, we will mobilize and energize our supporters and develop a new population of donors.”

JIM PRESSNELL, VICE PRESIDENT OF RELIGIOUS LIFEBethesda has called Jim Pressnell to lead the organization in its efforts to build inclusive faith communities that support people of all abilities.

Pressnell joins Bethesda after serving as the Director of Church Relations at Concordia University-Portland since 2007. Pressnell has a bachelor’s degree in Greek and Hebrew from Concordia University-Ann Arbor, and a Master of Divinity in Theology and Theological Studies from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.

“Bethesda has taken important steps to move forward into the future of supporting people with developmental disabilities, especially in the development and support of their faith lives,” Pressnell said. “I am excited to empower congregations across the country to open their arms to people of all abilities through inclusive disability ministries and support networks.”

Cathy Egan shows off a new pillow to her daughter, Anne, on her first day in her new

home in Watertown, Wisconsin.


MISSIONReaching forward in

FAITH, WORD and DEED by sharing the love of Jesus

with people who have developmental disabilities in partnership with Bethesda

Lutheran Communities.

VISIONCreate greater awareness

of the needs of people with intellectual and

developmental disabilities in partnership with Bethesda

Lutheran Communities.

Electronic Service Requested

MISSION TRIP TO THE

DOMINICAN REPUBLICTwo remaining spaces on the team! This is your opportunity to learn of and be part of our Lord’s work in the Dominican Republic. Cost of the trip is approximately $1,500 - $1,800 and is the responsibility of each team member. We will see (and be part of) what the LCMS missionaries are doing in the country, how the church is growing, and their mercy and ministry to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Contact Terry Putnam for more information: [email protected]

NOV. 3-10, 2015

JOIN US!

600 Hoffmann Dr.Watertown, WI 53094

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAIDWatertown, WIPermit No. 130

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