The Star August 2016 Bethlehem Lutheran Church A community gathered so God’s message is

scattered. Wahoo, Nebraska Ph#402-443-3160

Pastor Bob Hayden-rbhhayden@reagan.com - 402-672-1345

Church office hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 - 4:30 p.m. Church web site: bethlehemlutheranwahoo.org

“ This is about as bad as it got in the Dust Bowl”—Omaha World Herald article, Thursday July 21 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” -Isaiah 55:8-11 Dear Friends and Members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Wahoo… I was quite amused by the World Herald feature story in the July 21 Midlands section. A direct comparison of the conditions we recently sweltered through and the drought and the heat of the 1930’s was trying to be made by the columnist. My instant thought was there is absolutely no comparison of the conditions in the Dust Bowl years and what we have been experiencing this summer. My father, who was a young man in those days shared with me a trip he and his parents made across Nebraska to Scotts Bluff in the 30’s. So vivid in his memory was the parched land, sand and top soil drifting up against buildings, lack of vegetation where a lone cow on 120 acres scratched around for grass and often time died of starvation. This comparison by this writer and conclusion caused me to wonder how such a false premise could be thought of, written, and passed by as seemingly fact through the various editors. The only conclusion I could come up with was that the writer was quite a bit lax in their research and fast and free with their words or simply lacked any kind of perspective. Unfortunately, there will be many who read that headline and article and come to believe that conditions and life were as bad as they were during those Dust Bowl years this past summer. I have to believe the article writer wasn’t trying to deceive anyone, perhaps the writer just lacked a proper perspective. We all have a way of viewing things, often based on our experiences and the time we have literally walked this earth. Often our perspective is what we have lived. But, what is perspective and what can the Bible teach us about perspective? Perspective very simply means: the way in which life and conditions of this life are viewed; a way of regarding situations, facts, and judging their relative importance; or one’s outlook, attitude, or way of looking at things; our frame of reference. With this in mind, I can only speculate, and speculate is the right word here that the frame of

Reference of the newspaper article was simply what that writer has previously experienced as it comes to hot weather. Perhaps a more thorough study of the Dust Bowl by that writer just may be beneficial and produce a different perspective. Perhaps through this perspective, we as a culture have become conditioned to believing or wanting fast and quick answers. Many of us live in the moment, in the here and the now and if we do, we make judgments, decisions and form opinions based primarily on our perspectives and our perspective may be flawed or incomplete. The prophet Isaiah offers a much larger perspective about this life…Isaiah offers a Godly perspective. Our Lord, being our Lord, has the perspective of all perspectives. Our Lord has ‘been there’ every moment of His Creation. Our Lord lives in the here and now; but also in that which has ever been and that which will be. Our Lord, having this perspective knows things we cannot possibly know; thinks in ways we cannot possibly think; plans in ways we cannot possibly plan; loves in ways we cannot possibly love. That is why we need a Savior! Isaiah writes: “Just as the rain and snow that falls from the heavens does not return without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed and bread, so my Word will not return empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve its purpose.” Seeking a proper perspective in this world, in this life? Inhale the Word of God; read the Word of God; believe in the Word of God; follow in the Word of God. That is a perspective that will not deceive; will not be false or incomplete; it will be God’s Truth. Blessings Pastor Bob

God’s Work—Our Hands Sunday Throughout the ELCA, Sunday, September 11th has been designated as God’s Work-Our Hands Sunday. Yes, on 9/11 this particular Sunday falls. Feeling that need to always acknowledge the life-saving work of the many first responders who serve us daily, Bethlehem will be hosting an event to offer gratitude to first responders in our community. Police, Sheriff’s Office, Fire & Rescue Members, medical doctors, nurses, medical assistants, care facility workers, pharmacists, physical therapists, state park rangers and managers, funeral directors will all be honored and recognized in both worship and perhaps a meal. We rely heavily on our first responders usually in our greatest times of need and support. This day will help us to thank these fine people for all they do on our behalf. Not because of some of the horrendous things that have happened to first responders across the nation this summer, but because we truly respect these people, we simply wish to not only stand with them, but support them in all ways.

God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday Request for Donations: On September 11th we will be honoring people in service to our communities. We will be putting together some care packages to take to the local care centers, police and fire station and hospital. We are looking for donations of:

Lifesavers— Because they are one! Caramels— Because they help get us out of sticky situations! 100 Grands— Because they don’t do it for the money! Lollipop— For that “POP” of energy they need! Mint Patty— To help you keep them cool in every situation Laffy Taffy—To help keep their sense of humor! Gum—To help your unit stick together! Hershey’s Kisses—To show our love for all they do!

If you would like to donate any of these items, please drop them off at the office. Thank you!

Men’s Group The long-promised reorganization of Bethlehem’s Men’s Group will finally come to fruition. On Sunday, August 21st at 6:00 p.m. in Bethlehem’s fellowship hall, we will have the pleasure of listening to the comments of and perspective of Greg Sharpe, the “Voice of the Huskers”. Not only will Greg speak of Husker football, he will also share his insights of life and his faith life. This is a ‘kickoff’ event for our men’s group as we hope to have a group of men (of all ages—including teenagers) be a part of a group that is sorely needed. This group will be an active group of ‘doing’; meaning that projects within the church and projects, helping hands and assistance of all kinds to our friends and neighbors in the Wahoo area. We will be sharing our thoughts through devotions designed to ask questions that all men can answer and feel comfortable about. As we grow our faith together as men, we will find that our relationships with each other will be strengthened as well as the relationships with our friends, our families and our spouses. This group is NOT designed to be just another club or meeting we HAVE to attend. This will be a gathering where we will come away hungry for the next meeting. Meetings will be lively and fun. At our initial meeting, we will be enjoying a chicken dinner. In future meetings, the group will decide if a meal or snacks will be part of it. The group will decide! Make plans now to hear from Mr. Sharpe and from each other. This will be a great event and one from which we hope to grow! See you there!

August Acolyte Schedule:

August 7th 10:00 AM - Acolytes needed!

August 14th 10:00 AM - Acolytes needed!

August 21st 10:00 AM - Ethan Pehrson

August 28th 10:00 AM - Tabitha Cooney

Please contact the office if you can help!

Dear Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Camp was lots of fun, it helped me meet new people and make new friends. We did team building activities which involved trust falls and lifting people up. we also learned some fun games like Ranchero. At camp we also had to go outside our comfort zone, we had to do a high ropes course, which we were strapped in a harness at 40ft in the air. I also learned some new things like how to plan a worship service. I would like to thank the Congregation and Pastor Bob for making it possible for us to go to camp, it was a amazing experience.

Thank you, Sebastian Lausterer

A Note from Sunday School

It's that time of year again! We are looking for three year olds to participate in Sunday School this year. We will celebrate their joining us with Cradle Roll on Sunday Sept. 18th. if you have a little one or know of someone who would like to be involved, please contact Lori Mortensen (402 218-7642 orlorimortz1@gmail.com) or leave your information at the church office. Also if you are interested in being involved with the Sunday School program as a teacher or substitute this year, please get back to me a.s.a.p. This is always a rewarding way to give back to the church and your help is always appreciated!

Sunday Monday Tuesday

1 6:30 PM Boy Scouts

2 10:00 AM Mom’s Club

7

10:00 AM Worship Service

11:00 AM Fun and Fellowship

8 6:30 PM Boy Scouts

9 9:00 Quilting Old OB 10:00 AM Mom’s Club

14 10:00 AM Worship Service

11:00 AM Fun and Fellowship

15 9:00 AM -3:00 PM WIC FH

1:30 PM Young at Heart 6:30 PM Boy Scouts

16

10:00 AM Mom’s Club

21 10:00 AM Worship Service

11:00 AM Fun and Fellowship

12:00 PM Church Council Meeting

6:00 PM Men’s Group

22 6:30 PM Boy Scouts

23 9:00 Quilting Old OB 10:00 AM Mom’s Club

28 10:00 AM Worship Service

11:00 AM Fun and Fellowship

29

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

30

10:00 AM Mom’s Club OB

August

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

3 4

8:00 PM AA Meeting

5 6

10

1:30 PM Cluster Meeting

11

8:00 PM AA

12

13

17

12:00 PM ACT Meeting

18

2:00 PM Bethlehem

Women

8:00 PM AA Meeting

19

20

10:00 AM Spring

Gathering Planning

Meeting

24

Preschool Open House

4:00—7:30 PM

25

8:00 PM AA Meeting

26

27

31

30

2016

Jeff Cordes 8/1 Chad Fox 8/1 Dennis Groff 8/1 Delaney Holtorf 8/1 Kelli Mattson 8/1 Kaden Christian 8/2 Vickie Pearson 8/2 Serretta Winchell 8/2 Rodney Mattson 8/3 John Robinson 8/3 Jason Beatty 8/4 Gabriel Harris 8/4 Jennifer Knuth 8/4 Barbara Semrad 8/4 Emery Sexton 8/5 Tara Burkey 8/6 Aja Henderson 8/6 Kim Homes 8/6 David Peason 8/6 Ashley Sharpe 8/6 Carl Warford 8/6 Darcy Barry 8/7 EJ Hancock 8/7 Stuart Oden 8/7 Donald Strait 8/7 Alison Brodahl 8/8 Carson Warford 8/10 Sarah Christian 8/10 Jason Libal 8/10 Owen Pokorny 8/10 Susan Gottschalk 8/11 Alyssa Nelson 8/12 Amanda Anderson 8/13 Jacob Barry 8/13 Kim Christian 8/13 Sean Forbes 8/13 Cheryl Dunbar 8/14 Alex Abbott 8/15

Madilyn Buch 8/15 Steven Grieser 8/15 Bryer Hancock 8/15 Matt Nutzman 8/15 James Simon 8/15 Lois Fick 8/16 Christy Urban 8/16 Dennis Chmelka 8/17 Zach Luben 8/17 Angela Luben 8/18 Emily Reimer 8/18 Patrick Hancock 8/21 Rachel Steele 8/21 A.J. Divis 8/23 Paige Peterson 8/23 Dylan Egr 8/24

Kent Pearson 8/24 Ashlee Swanson 8/24 Lakelyn Sharpe 8/25 Jake Westlund 8/25 Shannon Zara 8/25 Tina Westlund 8/26 Deloris Smith 8/27 Thomas Waido 8/27 Aunbrea Zeleny 8/27 Joyce Breunig 8/28 Dwaine Heiser 8/28 Shawn Nelson 8/28 Nick Oden 8/28 Gage Thrasher 8/28 Tracy Buch 8/29 Meagan Mensik 8/30 RoiAnn Lubker 8/31

If you do not see your birthday or anniversary, please let Amy know in the office at 443-3160 or email at wahoo.bethlehem@gmail.com so we can correct our database. Thank You!!!

Gary and Gayle Rasmussen 8/1 James and Kelly MacMillan 8/6 Kyle and Renee Stewart 8/7 Craig and Susan Wagner 8/8 Marshall and Tracy Buch 8/10 Kevin and Judy Stukenholtz 8/10 Jerry and Marilyn Volin 8/11 Don and Lois Fick 8/11 Jason and Michelle Libal 8/11 Khristopher and Amber Lihs 8/11 E.J. and Traci Hancock 8/14 Lyle and RoiAnn Lubker 8/14 Jovan and Julie Lausterer 8/17 Daryl and Judith Swanson 8/18 Everett and Patti Inbody 8/20 Ed and Deb Banks 8/22 Stuart and Mary Oden 8/23 Donald and Tiana Strait 8/25

Happy Anniversary!

Work Day 2016 =

Huge Success! Thanks

to all who helped!

You may have noticed a new look in

the entry! We are blessed to be in a

congregation that is so willing to serve

and donate to those in need. But, it had

come to our attention that many

members were not even sure of what

items were collected and for what cause.

In an effort to make the collected

items/causes more visible and to

"clean" up the entry, the donation

center was created. Items collected and

for what cause are listed on each crate

and tote. Some of the causes are

seasonal and will be changed as the

need arises. (Example: the school

supply crate can be changed to hats

and gloves during the winter.) If you

are involved with an organization that

is collecting items for a certain cause

please let Chaleigh Mattson, Kelli

Mattson or the office know and we will

create a place for it at the donation

center!

Be sure to stop and check it out as you

leave today!

Donation Center!

Thank you to Chaleigh

(and Kelli!) Mattson for

your work on this!

Bethlehem Women: Bethlehem Women met July 21

st for their regular monthly

meeting. There were seven present on a hot, muggy day. Arlene Johnson opened the meeting with “The Possessions of Jesus” followed by the business meeting. Marcia Pearson acted as Secretary in the absence of Diane Reece. Marilyn Volin gave the Treasurer’s report and noted a donation from Joyce Breunig for our projects. Mary McKay reported on our Project’s progress and had looked on line to find our donations to Lutheran World Relief had been distributed to the countries of Uganda, Nicaragua and Georgia (in Russia). In correspondence we received a thank you from the Bruce Burkey Family and an invi-tation to Lutheran Family Services new location in Lincoln, at 2301 “O” street. Arlene had attended a meeting at the Community Church dealing with resources availa-ble on Human Trafficking. The Salvation Army has gotten involved in this dangerous practice and has informational speakers available. We received our offerings and Lucy DeFoil led our lesson on Resolving Conflict from our Gather magazine entitled: The Heart of the Matter – Seeking God” with the theme verse Jeremiah 29:13. Following our closing prayer Mary McKay served us a patriotic themed lunch. FOR YOUR CALENDAR: Tuesday, August 9

th – 9:00 Quilting in the Old Basement

Sunday, August 14th –Appreciation lunch for the congregation following church

Thursday, August 18th – 2:00 Bethlehem Women in the Fellowship Hall

Hostess: Deloris Smith Lesson: Helen Hansen Tuesday, August 23

rd, 9:00 Quilting in the Old Basement

THRIVENT TEAM ACTION AT WORK!! Fundraiser Meal planned for August 14th

Please mark August 14th on your calendar for our fundraiser for LWR shipping costs of kits and quilts. This is to take the place of the month of October’s monetary collection. There will be a free will offering. And to show our appreciation for your generosity, we will treat you to an inside picnic / dinner immediately following the service that day. Volunteers helping will receive a shirt compliments of THRIVENT. All are welcome. And, it is a chance to “Close your kitchen” for dinner that day!

Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council Meeting July 17, 2016 11:00 AM

Minutes Subject to Council Approval 08/21/16

Present: Kim Schnakenberg, Chad Fox, Mike Christen, Keith Obert, Missy Abbott,

Tianna Strait, Jovan Lausterer & Pastor Bob Hayden.

Excused: Ryan Ideus & Michelle Koranda

President Fox called the meeting to order at 11:16am

Opened Meeting with Church Council Devotions led by Pastor Bob, including some ice

breakers, Scripture Overview and Questions to consider.

Old Business:

Lausterer made motion to approve old minutes. Obert seconded. Motion carried.

Obert made motion to approve June Financial Report with the understanding that

Louis Klinzman would not be paid unless he plays the organ at Sunday services. Christen

seconded. Motion carried.

Lausterer made a motion to approve Pastors Activity Report with Obert adding to give

credit to Lori Mortensen for organizing Vacation Bible School and Rhonda and Eric Obert

for hosting VBS Camp Counselors for the week.

Schnakenberg seconded. Motion carried.

Other OLD BUSINESS:

Insurance for Administrative Assistant continued till next month.

Joan Norenberg was not able to attend July meeting about Memorial Committee,

will try again in August

Free Library is up and running.

Clean up day scheduled for July 24 with Luke Simons and Lori Mortensen heading

up crews to help with outdoor projects as well as painting the downstairs hallway

and Sunday School classrooms.

Judy Stukenholtz will be in charge of organizing storage room clean up.

Ice Cream Social that was held on July 14 reported sales of $1400 to $1500.

NEW BUSINESS:

Committee Reports:

Schnakenberg – Mission: Free Library is up and available for use. Diane Reece is

working on draw string backpacks for school supplies

Abbott – Worship & Music: Pastor Bob is working on ideas for this group

Lausterer – Finance: nothing new

Koranda – Women of the Church: was not present

Obert – Property: Clean up day organized for July 24; General Excavating working

up plan; waiting on floor refinishing bid; fence is finished.

Ideus-Endowment: was not present

Strait – Cub Scouts: nothing new

Christen – Education: looking for a new Pre-school Teacher

Fox – Long-Range Planning & Mutual Ministry Committee: Abbott suggested to

contact Collette Rathke to see if she would be interested in Mutual Ministry Com-

mittee

Motion was made and carried unanimously to approve committee reports.

No other New Business reported.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:10 PM and Pastor Bob closed with a prayer.

Next meeting will be held August 21 at 11:00am

Respectfully Submitted, Missy Abbott

2016 Council Members

Chad Fox: cfox@esu2.org, President

Mike Christen: mike.christen@infogroup.com, Vice President

Michelle Koranda: michellek19735@gmail.com, Secretary

Keith Obert: Keith.Obert@continental-fire.com

Ryan Ideus: rdideus@gmail.com

Missy Abbott: missysue13@yahoo.com

Tiana Strait: tianastrait@yahoo.com

Jovan Lausterer: jlaus@wahoolaw.com

Kim Schnakenberg: kjschnak@yahoo.com

“Please donate school supplies to Project Promise School Kits!”

“Do God’s work with your hands”

Shop the sales!

These Kits make a huge difference to those kids who would otherwise be unable to attend school. A simple tangible act

of God’s love . . .

Each kit contains: 4-70 page notebooks 1 30-centimeter ruler 1 pencil sharpener 1 pair blunt scissors 5 unsharpened #2 pencils, 5 black or blue ballpoint pens 1 box 16 or 24 crayons 1 -2 ½” eraser 1 sturdy drawstring backpack style cloth bag (directions for bag may be picked up in mission center)

Nightly Devotions St. James Food Pantry

Community Gardens St. Marks Kitchen Cleaning

Little Free Library Dedication Bethlehem’s Little Library was officially dedicated following the Ice Cream Social on July 14th. Denise Lauver, Wahoo’s City librarian and Bethlehem’s neighbor shared a favorite book with the crowd. John Sutton won the $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble (which he donated back – thanks John!) Thank you to carpenter Bill Reece who constructed the Library, Don Finke, for digging the hole, donating and installing the post. Thanks also to Mission Task Force members: Marcia Pearson, Sherry Hageman, and Corky Forbes.

Wooden Christmas trees – all shapes and sizes.

Shelves, small tables, etc., etc., etc.!

Simple boxes made from reclaimed wood –various sizes Crosses: all shapes & sizes

Mission Marketplace Looking for unique or handmade

gift items to stock the store this fall:

built, knitted, painted, printed,

stitched, welded, canned,

folded or repurposed!

Bethlehem Lutheran Church 504 West 8th St.

Wahoo, Nebraska 68066 402-443-3160

Newsletter mailed 7/29/2016

Nonprofit Org. Permit No. 23

U.S. Postage PAID Wahoo, NE 68066

Return Service Requested

Let Us Know Your Email Address! If you would prefer “THE STAR” via email let us know. Also, having an email address can help us update people faster and without postage costs. Simply email the church office at: wahoo.bethlehem@gmail.com and give us your email.

Our Members at the Care Centers:

South Haven: Virginia Mason, Eunice Brodahl and Robert Peterson Care Center: Jenny Iversen

Saunders House: Tom Lindau & Stanley Dokulil

Please let us know: If you are going to the hospital or having a procedure done please give the office a call to let us know. HIPA rules prevent hospitals from calling us.