The MessengerThe Messenger Praising Christ…Growing in Christ…Serving for Christ… Loving like...
Transcript of The MessengerThe Messenger Praising Christ…Growing in Christ…Serving for Christ… Loving like...
The Messenger Praising Christ…Growing in Christ…Serving for Christ…
Loving like Christ!
Address: 3705 S. Anthony Blvd. Phone: 260-744-3228 Email: [email protected] Fort Wayne, IN 46806 Fax: 260-744-3229 Web: www.bethlehemlcms.org
The Newsletter of Bethlehem Lutheran Church February 2021
Take a Walk
One thing that challenges me about the life of Christ is his ability to see
people. He noticed people that others would step right over. He was
aware of the people around him that others might have ignored. Whether
it was a lame beggar, an adulterous woman, or an isolated leper he saw
them when others would just pass by them. He noticed the bleeding
woman who tugged on the hem of his garment. He sat with the rejected
woman at the well. He called out to the vertically challenged tax collector,
Zacchaeus, who was up in the tree above him. This amazes me because of
all the other things he had on his plate. He was walking with and teaching
twelve thick-headed disciples. He was fending off the assaults of the religious elites. He was dealing
with the crowds surrounding him and demanding miracles. On top of all of that, he was getting
closer and closer to the whole reason for his incarnation: death on a cross for the salvation of the
entire world. In the midst of all of that he still took the time to see people. He saw them. He met
them where they were. He showed mercy and compassion.
I’m learning that being a pastor in Fort Wayne is busy. It’s full of the good kind of busyness
that you want as a pastor. I’m meeting with other pastors who have insight into our community. I’m
writing sermons and visiting shut-ins. I’m getting connected to larger ministry efforts in our
neighborhood and city. Even in the midst of doing ministry things, I don’t often take the time to
notice people around me. It may sound funny to you but in the busyness of being a pastor I don’t
often have the eyes of Jesus to see the world around me. This is why this Lenten season I will be
walking. Now, I could always use more steps in my day but this walk will be for a purpose bigger
than that. During Lent, my family and I will be taking walks through our neighborhood trying to see
what Jesus sees. Starting on Ash Wednesday we will be walking the sidewalks just outside our front
door to see exactly what God is doing in our neighborhood. It will help us get to know this new
place where we live, which is great. But it will also help us get to know the places and people that
we typically speed past in our car on any given day. When we had the offer accepted on our home
on Tacoma Avenue we knew that this is where God wanted us to be. Walking the streets with this in
mind will help us understand why He wanted us where we are now. With our heads up and eyes
open we will pray our way through our neighborhood during the forty days of Lent.
Continued on page 7
From the Pastor’s Desk
In Psalm 30 David discusses difficulties in
his life. David has been in "the depths." He has
enemies. He needed healing. He had dismay when
God hid His face. Wailing and sackcloth were his
lot in life. Are you facing or have you dealt with
any of these situations? If so, you may want to
attend our Saturday, February 27, 2021, Men's
Prayer Breakfast to join your friends in the
Bethlehem cafeteria for breakfast at 8am followed
by a study and discussion of Psalm 30, a devotion
by Bill Ihssen, and time for prayer. "When I felt
secure, I said, 'I will never be shaken.' O LORD,
when you favored me, you made my mountain
stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was
dismayed." Psalm 30:6-7 NIV.
Worship Anew
Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc.
5 Martin Luther Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825-4996Phone: (260)471-5683 / Toll-Free: (888)268-8002
February 7, 2021 – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
“Preaching and Healing” - Mark 1:29-39
Rev. Paul Shoemaker
Jesus came preaching the Good News of our
salvation to establish His authority and the truth of His
proclamation. He fulfilled Old Testament prophesy by
healing and casting out demons.
February 14, 2021 –Transfiguration of Our Lord
“Lift the Veil!” - 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6
Rev. William Mueller
When you look at the central figure on the
Mountain of Transfiguration, whom do you see? The
Word of God by the Apostle Paul reminds us of the
constant need to repent and remove the “veils” that
prevent us from seeing and believing who this person
is…the Son of God, Jesus Christ, our Savior!
February 21, 2021 – First Sunday in Lent
“The Lord Will Provide” - Genesis 22:14
Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer
Whatever challenge you face today – in body or
soul – know that The Lord Will Provide! He provides
for and sustains your life. He provides the Way to
everlasting life in Jesus Christ. And He provides the
faith to receive and respond to His many gifts to us.
The Lord “knows my needs and well provides me.”
February 28, 2021 – Second Sunday in Lent
“True Discipleship” - Mark 8:34-38
Rev. Dr. Walter Maier III
We want to be disciples of Jesus. He tells us
what true discipleship means. We are to deny ourselves,
take up our cross, and follow him. Is there any good
news here? Yes, absolutely!
FEBRUARY SUNDAY MORNING
ADULT BIBLE CLASSES
Our series on "The Life of Jesus
Christ: The Early Years" will end on February
7 with the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem to see
the child Jesus.
On February 14, Transfiguration Sunday,
Pastor Ben Ahlersmeyer will begin a new
series, which will take us through Lent to Palm
Sunday. Our Sunday morning adult Bible
classes meet in the Bethlehem cafeteria
following the 9:00 a.m. worship service.
All Bethlehem members and visitors are
welcome to attend. "After Jesus was born in
Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King
Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem
and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born
king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east
and have come to worship him.'" Matthew 2:1-
2 NIV.
Food Bank Report for
November 2020 by Charlotte Ratliff
We provided food to 186 individuals:
The 186 individuals included 49 children under
the age of 18, and 28 individuals over the age
of 60; 4 were veterans. Our congregation
provided 233# food. We bought 1824# of food
from Community Harvest for $894.51.
Associated Churches provided 71130 of
food for Bethlehem’s’ clients. I purchased
160# of food from the store for $125.88. Our
12 volunteers gave 135 hours of their time to
provide 186 individuals with food.
We provided food for the year to 2538
individuals; that included 789 children under
the age of 18, and 384 over the age of 60. Our
volunteers gave 1734 hours of their time to
provide food to the people in our community.
Thanks to ALL of you for all your many
volunteer hours, dedication and support you
give to help provide this mission at Bethlehem.
We received a contribution of $500.00
from the Allen County Christmas Bureau. The
Christmas Bureau is always interested in
assisting a worthy cause and their Board of
Directors are pleased with the good work our
Food Bank and our volunteers do in the
community.
New Women’s Bible Study starting up:
You still have time to sign up for the Women’s
Saturday Bible Study. The next session begins on
February 13th. They’ll be studying Priscilla Shirer’s
“Discerning the Voice of God.”
The Women’s Bible Study group will meet every
other Saturday from 9am to 11am in Room 1. The
cost of the workbook is $15. Contact Jane Miller @
260-373-1710 or Laurie Hapner@ 260-745-7477
for further details.
Missions Opportunities! Donate to our FoodBank!
Food Bank Urgent needs:
Jelly
Pork and Beans
Canned Tomatoes
An In-Between Time
Christmas is over. A time of sparkling lights put on a tree. We celebrated a gift so special. God sent His
only Son, born of a virgin, to live as a man among us: a human, but without sin.
God placed a star that lead the Magi to Bethlehem. We celebrated Epiphany, a sign that this baby was to
save the whole world, both Jews and Gentiles. We continue the Epiphany season on the Church calendar, a
kind of “in-between time.” Advent is over, but Lent is not here yet.
But soon, Ash Wednesday will be here, February 17 to be exact. Lent is a special time for inward reflection.
Our sinful nature can weigh us down if we don’t focus on Easter. Lent can prepare our hearts for Jesus’
death and resurrection.
Our gift to you is a prayer that you too will spend this time to prepare your heart for Easter, the greatest gift
of all.
VISITATION MINISTRY
Please remember to turn in your check-in sheets.
This is the primary means Pastor has to keep up to date on our shut-ins.
Thank you for serving our Lord in this ministry.
Meet Bethlehem’s New Music Director Doug grew up in Boulder, CO and Omaha, NE. He
attended Concordia Teachers College in Seward, NE, graduating in
1987 with a B.S. in Education and a Concentration in Church
Music. In 2007, he received a Master of Science – Family Life
from what is now called Concordia University, Seward. He has
served schools and churches in Battle Creek, NE, St. Louis, MO,
Beloit, WI, and recently here in Ft. Wayne. After 21 years at Mt.
Calvary Lutheran Church, Ft. Wayne, serving as Family Life and
Worship Director, Doug felt the need for a change, and is now
serving part time as Music Director here at Bethlehem Lutheran
Church.
Doug has been married to Natalie (Art and Music Teacher
at LSUS) for over 32 years, and they have been blessed with 4
children: Zachary (married to Rachel), living in Carmel, IN;
Jennifer (married to Matthew), living in New Haven; Micah, living
in Indianapolis; and Aaron, currently a student at Concordia,
Chicago.
Doug is an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh
Steelers. He wishes he could play softball more.
Both Doug and Natalie are excited to become part of the
Bethlehem family, and teaming up with Pastor Ben to enhance the
worship services.
MITE BOX EXCHANGE LWML will be offering the opportunity to collect Mites
every Second Sunday of the month. Empty Mite Boxes
are available at side entrance, and back of church.
Thanks for your help in supporting world-wide missions.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LWML Check out LWML online to learn more about the missionary work
both locally and worldly.
National: lwml.org State/Local: lwmlindiana.org
WOMEN OF BETHLEHEM MEETING The next Women of Bethlehem Meeting is March 9, 2021 at 2:00pm. We will be planning the Rummage Sale
which will be held May 20-21, 2021.
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How Can You Help? One of the Servant Events to be held at the LWML convention is to fill 400 school backpacks for Orphan Grain
Train. The Indiana District has been asked to collect coloring books for this project. The books may be any
size and may have some activity pages in them, but should not have only activity pages. Nothing violent or
gender specific. A few suggested places to buy coloring books are Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Oriental
Trading.
Another Servant Event is making fleece pillows and lap robes. Needed: 250 pounds of loose polyfill. Polyfill
comes in various sizes of bags and boxes can be purchased at stores such as JoAnn Fabric and Crafts,
Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart, and Amazon.com.
Sponsorships for the golf outing are needed. The LWML Indiana District plans to sponsor a hole in memory of
former LWML Counselor Rev. Greg Cynova, who was a pastor at Suburban Trinity, Fort Wayne.
Contributions may be sent to LWML Indiana District Financial Secretary Arlene Wolfgang and noted in
memory of Rev. Cynova for the golf outing. There will also be an opportunity to contribute at the LWML Fort
Wayne Three Zone Rally in April.
WOMEN of BETHLEHEM
Co-Chairmen: Vicky Geisler and Dena Schult ~ Treasurer: Carla Kay ~ Secretary: Rhonda Cheng
February 7
Lutheran Senior Care Ministry
God with us, the light of Your incarnate Word
scatters our darkness and brings comfort and strength
to all who receive it. Let Your light shine on those
who reside in our community’s many care facilities.
Bless Your servants who work in them, that the joy of
Your presence may be made manifest through their
dedicated and compassionate care. Advance,
we pray, the cooperative mission of our congregations
through Lutheran Senior Care Ministry, that our
chaplains may proclaim through this new year the
glad tidings of the Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Lord in Your Mercy,
February 14
Tim, Michelle and Sarah Miller in Southeast Asia
Pray for Tim and Michelle Miller and their team
as they work on the second installment of the Old
Testament Sunday School curriculum. Pray also for
Sarah as she begins teaching her English classes in a
teachers college in another city. Pray also for her
safety as she uses her bicycle as transportation.
February 21
Adoption and Foster-Care Agency Workers
Pray for adoption and foster-care agency
workers, that they would make good decisions
concerning what is best for all involved - enabling
them to find proper families and resources to meet the
needs of the families they serve.
February 28
Orphans and Foster Children
Pray for all orphans, that they might find
Christian families who will nurture them with the love
and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray also for foster
children, that they might find peace among the chaos
as they wait for a good family to be established for
them.
Bethlehem Mission News
Update from the Tim Millers, they are
working on the next installment of the Sunday
School curriculum, which are more lessons from
the Old Testament to follow up on the Exodus
series. They are still not able to cross the border,
but were able to drive Sarah to the city in which she
will be teaching and help her and her roommate get
settled in the house where they will be living. Sarah
has bought a bike, is learning her way around the
area, and has received her teaching assignments,
which she will begin in early February! When we
talked with her via Zoom last week, she was pretty
excited!
Joe Boway was able return home last week
from a quick trip to Liberia to get supplies
distributed to the schools for which they were
intended. They continue to ask prayers for Joe’s
wife, Glendora, who is receiving chemo treatment
for breast cancer. She appears on our weekly prayer
list in our church services.
Ours prayers for this month from LCMS
World Missions center on Children and Families,
and on February 7 we will be praying a special
Epiphany prayer for Lutheran Senior Care
Ministry.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
From the Pastor’s Desk Continued
I’m telling you all of this for two reasons. First, I want you to ask me how it’s going. Ask me
what we’re seeing. Ask me what I’ve learned about my neighbors and the streets they live on. That kind
of accountability is helpful as we attempt to have the eyes of Jesus in our neighborhood. I’m telling you
this also so that you’ll consider walking in your neighborhood as well. I’m not sure how long you’ve
lived where you are but I’m convinced that God has put you there for a reason, too. Maybe you need to
take a walk to learn what that might be. There could be neighbors that need you to notice them. There
could be moments that God is lining up for you as you take those steps out your front door. I was told
once that God’s speed is a walking pace. He walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. He
walked this earth with his disciples along the Sea of Galilee. I think that if we take this season of Lent
to walk at God’s speed then we might begin to see things he wants us to notice. We are considering this
our family devotional time for this upcoming season. I hope and pray that you consider taking up this
practice, too. It’ll take some time and energy. There will be days that we won’t want to do it. But I think
those 10-15 minute walks could be some of the most blessed moments of your day. Consider it and see
what God does through it. May God bless you this Lenten season as we journey with Christ to the
cross. May He also bless you as you journey through your neighborhood, praying for His eyes to see
the needs and gospel opportunities that are just outside your front door.
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LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICES TURN AND SEE
Midweek Services begins at 7:00pm
MIDWEEK SATURDAY / SUNDAY
Ash Wednesday - February 17 February 20 / 21 Turn and See: Substitution
February 24 Midweek Lent service February 27 / 28 Turn and See: Promise
March 3 Midweek Lent service March 6 / 7 Turn and See: Shelter
March 10 Midweek Lent service March 13 / 14 Turn and See: Deliverance
March 17 Midweek Lent service March 20 / 21 Turn and See: Pardon
Palm Sunday - March 28 Turn and See: Passion
Maundy Thursday - April 1 Turn and See: Real Presence
Good Friday – April 2 Turn and See: Death
Easter Vigil - April 3
Easter - April 4 Turn and See: Resurrection
The Joy of Lent? David L. Hansen
“Joy” is not the first thing most of think of when we think of the season of Lent.
I used to joke that whenever I went to buy greeting cards I could never find a “Happy Lent” card (of course,
one of my wonderful friends made me my own “Happy Lent” card and sent it to me).
For the most part, we think of Lent as somber. Serious. Music in minor keys. Why is that?
The themes of Lent often call us to be aware of our shortcomings, to repent and change our lives, and to dig
deeper into the practices of our faith. And so, in the imagination of the church, that has made Lent into a
season of melancholy solemnity.
So let’s look at those practices that are the foundation of the observance of Lent: repentance, prayer, self-
denial (fasting), and generosity:
Repentance This is the one that really seems to send people into a Lenten funk. Who wants to dredge up all the things
they have done wrong? Everything about that sounds depressing!
But have you ever actually done it? Have you ever sat down and laid your faults and flaws, your errors and
mistakes, in the presence of God and another person?
Maybe you’ve never felt like you are carrying around the weight of your mistakes. Maybe you’ve never had
that knot in your stomach from the thing you’ve done wrong that you try to hide from others.
But if you’re like me, you have. The fact is, the more we hold that stuff in – the more we try and hide it from
others and ourselves – the more those sins harm us.
However, when we let them go? The weight lifts. The knot untangles.
The act of confession – done with a trusted person and a full knowledge of God’s mercy – is like casting off
chains.
The practice of repentance and confession allows us to feel free of the burdens of our past. What a joy!
Prayer Ok, but what about prayer? There are definitely ways to spend the day that are more thrilling than sitting by
yourself talking to God, right? Let’s suppose that there are. And yet. When I start my day with prayer, each of
those exciting things becomes even more amazing.
Starting my day with prayer is like putting on new glasses – glasses that allow me to see God at work in the
world wherever I go that day. Surely God was there all along, but prayer opens my eyes to that fact.
When I start the day with prayer, I see more beauty in the world – I am more likely to see God in the wide
variety of people I meet. And the opportunity to see more beauty and kindness every day? What a joy!
Continued on next page
The Joyful Corner
Generosity If I have more money, I can do more things that give me joy. I can buy things to surround myself with,
things that make me happy. I can go on trips. And if I give that money away, I can do less of those things,
right?
Have you ever watched someone’s face light up when you give them a gift? Sometimes it is at Christmas,
or a birthday, or an anniversary. There’s that moment of joy, when you realize your gift has really touched
the person’s heart. Here’s a secret – we can experience that joy anytime. In fact, Lent calls us to experience
it more and more often.
The invitation to generosity – to giving more often and more generously – is an invitation to experience the
joy that comes from sharing with others and making a difference in the lives of others and our
communities. What a joy!
Self-Denial Alright then. But self-denial. Fasting. Surely there is nothing fun about that. Self-denial looks lots of
different ways for people during Lent. Some give up a class of food, others practice giving away some of
their possessions, still others give up habits or hobbies that are a distraction.
We tend to think of the simple life as being hard and austere. And yet there is now a whole movement
around the joy of having less (thanks Marie Kondo!).
As we cut things out of our lives, we are able to become more aware of all the blessings that we have.
Cutting out a favorite food indulgence reminds us of how many food options we have and makes us aware
of those who have less. Cutting out a time-consuming habit can help me to use my time doing things that
are more productive and bring me joy (for example, prayer).
Self-denial is not about making ourselves miserable and unhappy. It is about re-focusing our attention and
our hearts on the things that are most important in our lives and the world.
Yes, fasting for Lent is a great way to cut out the things that are draining my energy and distracting me
from my connection with God and my neighbors. What a joy!
Invitation to the Joy of Lent If we truly give our time, energy, and attention to the practices of Lent, we will discover a new sort of joy.
In fact, starting these practices during Lent can often change our habits in lasting ways that carry over to
the rest of the year.
So perhaps out of all the seasons of the church year, Lent is actually the most joyful.
Visit
www.myfwl.org
to view this month's
issue.
https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemfortwayne
During the time that we are not
receiving offerings during our worship
services, ushers will be at exit doors
following each service to receive the
offerings, or you may deposit your
offering in the slots in the wall-
mounted offering receptacles at the
entrances to the sanctuary. Offerings
may also be mailed to the church at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
3705 South Anthony Boulevard
Fort Wayne IN 46806-4329.
We want to pray for you.
Please call the Church office at 744-3228 if you or your
family member is ill, hurt, having surgery or hospitalized.
Due to COVID-19 visits are only in life or death situations,
but we would still like to pray for you.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Lutheran South Unity School 5401 South
Calhoun Street Fort Wayne, is looking for a part
time and/or full-time secretary for the front
office. Interested candidates should apply by
going to our website LSUSFW.org and filling
out the application under ‘employment
opportunities’ on the bottom of the front page.
2 – Ina Gaunt
3 – Karl Bernabe
Amber Finner
4 – Kayla Wright
5 – Paula Polston
6 – Denali Mitchell
8 – Ruby Bonner
10 – Silas Hill-Roddy
Terri Stewart
11 – Stephen Melcher
12 – Elsi Bernabe
Susan Ramos
13 – Stephanie Davies
Shirley Davis
Delores Tharp
Sue Turnpaugh
14 – David Epperson
Joyce Simmons
Clarence Williams
15 – Nicholas Owen
Morgan Stewart
17 – Donald Essex
Jeron Roland
Cecelia Snow
Carol Vollmer
18 – Amanda DeLong
Tamica Jones
19 – Loistene Branigan
Kole Mault
Kyle Mault
Barbara Owen
Michelle Stewart
20 – Evans Branigan
Marie Smiegal
21 – Elaena Harris
24 – Stanley Franke
Victoria Ramos
25 – Adrian Dance
Janee Moore
26 – Demarlo Hill-Robinson
27 – Trey Cook
Steven Davies
28 – Madalene Eggold
Rita Rincon
Dorothea Thompson
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
February Servants Schedule
Date Acolytes Altar
Guild Elder Head Usher Lay Readers Prayer
Leader Power
point Sound
Live
stream
6 Ellison /
Fry
Ed Ramos 4 – Dan
Bates
Connie Hawkins Connie
Hawkins
Brooklyn
Fuller
7 Harrison
Brooks Peter Schlie
Dena Schult
Kimberly Brooks
Kimberly
Brooks
Sharon
Dietrich
Charlotte
Ratliff
Randy
Hapner
13 Hawkins /
Reinking
Terry
Bratton 1 - Ron
Gallmeyer
Charlotte
Ratliff
14 Aleese
Branigan
Greg
Shediack
Donna Volmerding
Dave Volmerding
Donna
Volmerding
Joseph
Nelson Jr.
Joshua
Hapner
17 2 - Ed Tharp Harrison
Brooks
20
Stafford
Michael
Johnson 3 - Evans
Branigan
Carla
Johnson
21 Alexis
Branigan
Dave
Volmerding
Linda Stafford
John Stafford
Shirley
Davis
Josiah
Hapner
Charlotte
Ratliff
Josiah
Hapner
24 4 – Dan
Bates
David
Volmerding
27 Dietrich
/Emley
Ed Ramos 1 - Ron
Gallmeyer
Brooklyn
Fuller
28 Brooklyn
Fuller John Bates
Suzie Emley
Glenn Emley
Laurie
Hapner
Harrison
Brooks
Laurie
Hapner
February 2021
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 6:30pm - Bd. of Elders
3 4 5 6 8:30am - Men’s Sm. Group.
4pm Worship w/Communion
7 9am Worship w/Communion
10:30am Adult Bible Class-C
8 9 7:00pm Board of Directors
10 11 12 13 8:30am - Men’s Sm. Group.
9:00am Women’s Bible Study
4pm Worship w/Communion
14 9am Worship w/Communion
10:30am Adult Bible Class-C
15 President’s Day
Office Closed
16 17 Ash Wednesday
7pm Worship w/Communion
18 19 20 8:30am - Men’s Sm. Group.
4pm Worship w/Communion
21 9am Worship w/Communion
10:30am Adult Bible Class-C
22 23 24 7:00pm Worship
25 26 27 8:00am -Men’s Prayer Breakfast
9:00am Women’s Bible Study
4pm Worship w/Communion
28 9am Worship w/Communion
10:30am Adult Bible Class-C
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34