THE STAR December 2018 Bethlehem Lutheran Church

A Place For You

Wahoo, Nebraska

Ph# 402-443-3160

Pastor Bob Hayden-rbhhayden@reagan.com -

Ph# 402-672-1345

Church office hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Church website: bethlehemlutheranwahoo.org

Church email: wahoo.bethlehem@gmail.com

Celebrate the LIGHT of the World!

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light

has shined…For a child has been born for us, a son given to

us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince

of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:2, 9:6—

Dear Members and Friends of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Wahoo…

A blessed Advent season of anticipation and preparation; a blessed Christmas to you all

from Cindy and I and our family, young and old and those in-between.

Since the ‘turning back of the clocks’ to central standard time on November 4th and the

continuing tipping of the earth on its axis in the northern hemisphere away from the sun, the

amount of darkness we live in has greatly increased. I lament about leaving the house in the

darkness of the morning and return in the darkness of the evening. Typically the light I enjoy is

what I notice through my south-facing office window. On those days of cloud cover, the

lightness is partially hidden by those clouds, but minus the clouds and even on chilly or cold

days, the sunlight offers a sense of hope that soon, (on December 21st to be exact), the tilting of

the earth will be heading in the opposite direction bringing more light into our portion of God’s

Creation. The timing of Christmas on the 25th, three days after the ‘shortest night’ and the

beginning of ‘lighter’ days I think is no accident.

With the latest long political season finally behind us, much darkness was cast whether it

existed or not by candidates presenting their views. Immersed in so much darkness we often

develop a dark view of the world and I think that is unfortunate and sad because just as the

darkness increases in the northern hemisphere of God’s Creation…light increases in the

southern hemisphere…God’s sense of balance and direction on full display throughout the year.

In the darkness of the long night in the little town of Bethlehem some 2000 plus years

ago, a great light entered the world in the form of a divinely human baby boy prophesized some

740 years before the event by Isaiah. This prophecy came at a time of darkness for Israel.

After a number of failed kingships, wars, insurrection, invasion, and uncertainty, Isaiah made

this hopeful promise to a beleaguered people who felt the darkness of the world all too clearly.

Born in the darkness and the cold of that night, a star, the Star of Bethlehem shone

brightly overhead proclaiming to all believers and those familiar with scripture the birth of the

long-promised Savior. He who will be named ‘Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting

Father, Prince of Peace.’ All who saw the Star were drawn to it…the light that overcomes the

darkness.

During this Advent and Christmas season, may you all see, feel, be lifted, energized, and

assured that the Star of Bethlehem shines brighter than any darkness we face. With that Light,

live this season to the fullest offering yourself to others in friendship, in service, and as the

reflected Light from the stable of Bethlehem. May your faith glow this season and forever more.

The Merriest of Christmases from the Haydens

Advent And Christmas Worship Schedules

There are many ‘extras’ in the works for December as we gather in worship.

December 2: First Sunday in Advent; worship at 9:00 & 11:00—Sunday

School at 10:00 AM

December 5: Midweek Advent service at 6:30 PM

December 9: Second Sunday in Advent; worship at 9:00 & 11:00—S.S. at

10:00 plus Saint Lucia presentation and commemoration of 135th

anniversary of

Bethlehem. At exactly 10:00 another long tradition of Bethlehem will be the singing

of a portion of Handel’s “Messiah”. For many years Luther College students joined

Bethlehem in the production. A brief history of both Saint Lucia and Bethlehem

Lutheran will be given.

December 12: Midweek Advent service at 6:30 PM

December 16: Third Sunday in Advent; one worship at 10:00 AM—The

Sunday School will present their Christmas program along with a portion of regular

worship. The service will end with a reenactment of Saint Lucia leading the

congregation to the fellowship hall for the gala gathering and sharing of Christmas

cookies and treats. The entire congregation and community are cordially invited to

participate.

December 19: Blue Christmas service at 6:30 PM

December 23: Fourth Sunday in Advent; one worship service at 10:00 PM

December 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight services; 5:00 PM & 10 PM

December 25: Christmas Day worship at 10:00 AM

December 30: First Sunday in Christmas; worship at 10:00 AM

Many of these services will have special music; please plan to attend as

many as you can. Celebrate the anticipation of and the birth of our Lord Jesus

Christ in worship.

News from our seminarians, Hillary & Evan Christensen...

Hillary (Fick) Christensen and her husband, Evan will complete their first semester at the United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania this December. They are both very thrilled to take up the opportunity to travel to Israel, Jordan and Palestine for 2 1/2 weeks through the seminary in January 2019. They will travel with 40 other students/instructors/lay people and visit biblical sites, research, and lead devotions during that time. Hillary will be in Nebraska over Christmas and will lead the service with Pastor Bob on December 30, 2019 at 10:00 am (one service only this Sunday).

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!

We welcomed the Faris family on October 28th

Matthew, Lacey,

Easten and Hunter

Please join us for our

Sunday School Program,

“A Midwife Crisis”

December 16th at 10 AM

Hillary & Evan in Seminary Ridge Chapel

2018 BLC December STAR Article

Ten members and ten guests enjoyed a

Thanksgiving Co-operative meal on November 15,

2018 at noon.

We opened our celebration by singing Happy

Birthday to Helen Hansen who was celebrating her

90th birthday that day. We then sang grace before

partaking of our meal.

Following our bountiful meal, Pastor Bob led our

November lesson, the third on “Repentance” and

gave us much to ponder.

A brief business meeting was conducted including a

treasurer’s report so we could decide on the

organizations we would give an end of the year

donation.

Our brunch on November 4th raised $388.00 for shipping and we took the remainder

from our treasury. 43 boxes were hauled to Omaha on November 7th and they

contained 719 ½ pounds of quilts and kits.

Arlene Johnson passed around items of correspondence including: invitation to

Helen’s Birthday open house on the 18th, The New Expressions magazine (one posted

in the narthex) a signup sheet for donations of cookies for Christmas on the Prairie on

December 1st and 2

nd, a letter of invitation to 1

st Lutheran in Fremont for a concert they

are hosting on December 4th, registration blanks for Winter Retreat on January 19

th.

We received our regular offerings and then closed our meeting with our Thank

Offering Service led by Helen Hansen. FOR YOUR CALENDAR:

Friday, November 30th – Cookies due for Christmas on the Prairie at the museum

Tuesday, December 11th- 9 am, Quilting (Old basement)

Thursday, December 13th, 2 pm Bethlehem Women (Fellowship Hall), Bring 1 doz.

Cookies to share and pot holders or trivets for the church kitchen.

Sunday, December 16th- Christmas Children’s Program followed by our traditional

Santa Lucia Celebration.

Acolyte Schedule: December 2nd 9:00 AM - Zach Fox and Sam Biggerstaff

11:00 AM - Lukus Forbes and Myranda Lihs

December 5th 6:30 PM - Ava Lausterer and Jake Maas

December 9th 9:00 AM - Easten Faris and Mason Koranda

11:00 AM - Jack Mortensen and Kailey Strait

December 12th 6:30 PM - Alison White and Sam Biggerstaff

December 16th ONE SERVICE—St Lucia and Sunday School Program

10:00 AM - Ethan Havlovic and Audrey Waido

December 19th BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE

6:30 PM - Autumn Iversen and Jaxsen Wilt

December 23rd ONE SERVICE

10:00 AM - Teagan Watts and Jonas Schnakenberg

December 24th 5:00 PM - Graham Nutzman and Lilly Obert

10:00 PM - Braylon Iversen and Ava Lausterer

December 25th 10:00 AM - Lukus Forber and Alex Borchers

December 30th ONE SERVICE

10:00 AM - Lilly Harris and Gabe Harris

December Meals for Middle School Ministry December 5th - Danielle Lausterer and Tom Zeleny

December 12th - Holly Langemeier

Please Note: Half the class will go to Matt Talbot on December 12th.

No Class on December 19th or 26th.

Middle School Ministry gathers together at 6:00 on Wednesdays to dine together, to worship at 6:30 and to a whole-class gathering 7:00—7:45 PM.

The Celebration singers are presenting

a cantata on Sunday, December 2nd at 6pm at the

Performing Learning Center at Wahoo High.

Adult and children's choir. Free will offering.

December Birthdays

Irvin Royal 12/1

Michelle Wilt 12/2

Maurene Johnston 12/3

Dawson Rafteseth 12/3

Ethan Stratman 12/4

Vivian Christian 12/5

Shawn Abbott 12/6

Ryan Watts 12/6

Heather Bartunek 12/8

Lorraine Syverson 12/8

Livia Sharpe 12/9

Hayden Nelson 12/10

Katie Pearson 12/10

Lillian Mann 12/11

Ralph Houfek 12/11

Amanda Price 12/12

Tenley Watts 12/12

Courtney Jacobsen 12/13

Sharyl Bryhne 12/13

Anne Bowman 12/14

Janet Jonas 12/14

Kendra Pearson 12/14

Benita Steffes 12/14

Riley Swanson 12/14

Gaylord Anderson 12/16

Jill Beatty 12/16

Tate Peterson 12/16

Lora Iversen 12/19

Catherine Rafteseth 12/21

Tyler Duckworth 12/22

Alex Christian 12/23

Carol Sayers 12/25

Gavin Iversen 12/26

Todd Kaiser 12/27

Kaitlynn Borchers 12/28

Hadyn Feilmeier 12/28

Ryker Henderson 12/29

Amber Lihs 12/30

Dave Rasmussen 12/30

Brody Boell 12/31

Miley Larsen 12/31

Katherine Strom 12/31

December Anniversaries

Kevin & Lorna Klahn 12/5

Bill & Marcia Pearson 12/7

Kenneth & Alvina Mumm 12/22

Jared & Laurie Pehrson, 12/22

Chris & Katherine Strom 12/28

Brandon & Andrea Mann 12/30

If you do not see your birthday or anniversary, please let Amy know in the office know at 402-443-3160/wahoo.bethlehem@gmail.com so we can correct our database. Thank you!

Sunday Monday Tuesday

2 First Sunday in Advent 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School / Fellowship 11:00 AM Worship

3 6:30 PM Boy Scouts

4

9 Second Sunday in Advent 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM ONE SING - Hallelujah Chorus for all 10:00 AM Sunday School / Fellowship 11:00 AM Worship

10

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

7:00 PM Music & Worship Mtg

11

9:00 AM Quilting

16 Third Sunday in Advent 9:00 AM—12:00 PM St. Lucia 10:00 AM ONE WORSHIP Service— Sunday School Program! 12:00 PM Council Meeting

17 9:00 AM WIC

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

18 7:00 PM Preschool Christmas Program

23 Fourth Sunday in Advent

10:00 AM ONE Worship Service

10:00 AM ONE Worship

Service 30

24 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Service 10:00 PM Christmas Eve Service 31

25 10:00 AM Christmas Morning Service *Newsletter article deadline

First Step Preschool M/W 9:00 -11:00 AM T/TH 9:00 -11:00 AM MWF 12:30 -3:00 PM

December 2018

First Step Preschool MWF 8:30 –11 AM

12:30 - 3:00 PM T/TH 9:00 - 11 AM

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

5 Midweek Advent Service 6:00 PM MSM 6:30 PM Worship 7:00 PM Christian Education

6 7:00 PM AA Meeting

7 Salvation Army Bell Ringing— Wahoo Super

8 Salvation Army Bell Ringing— Wahoo Super

12 Midweek Advent Service 10:45 AM Preschool Progam 6:00 PM MSM 6:30 PM Worship 7:00 PM Christian Education

13 10:45 AM Preschool Progam 2:00 PM WELCA

7:00 PM AA Meeting

14 1:30 PM Krazy Quilters

15

19 Blue Christmas Service 6:30 PM Worship

20 7:00 PM AA Meeting

21

22

26

27 7:00 PM AA Meeting

28 29

December 2018

November 18, 2018 - 12:00 PM Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Council Meeting

Members Present:, Ryan Ideus, Jarred Royal, Mike Christen, Michelle Koranda,

Chad Fox, and Pastor Bob Hayden

Excused Members: Julie Scott, Luke Simons, Missy Abbott, and Colette Rathke.

1. Call to Order: The Council Meeting was called to order at 12:18 p.m. by President

Ideus.

2. October Minutes: October 2018 minutes were presented for council consideration

and approval. Motion to approve by Fox and seconded by Christen. Motion was approved.

3. Review of Financial Reports: October financials were reviewed and discussed.

Motion to approve the October financials by Royal and seconded by Christen. Motion was

approved.

4. Pastor’s Activity Report: Pastor Hayden presented his activity report for the month of

October.

5. New Business:

Final Member Archiving – Council will review, discuss and vote on any motions

regarding the final membership listing in November.

6. Council has decided to wait a bit longer on fixing the Organ until funds to fix it are

available.

**Reminder: Members, who were using Vanco, will need to let Amy know when they have signed up for Push Pay, so the outdated Vanco account can be deleted. Anyone wanting to sign up for Push Pay Online giving can click on the following link to begin setting up your account. https://pushpay.com/g/bethlehemlutheranwahoo?src=hpp You can also set up your account by texting BethlehemLC to 77977. Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned by President Ideus at 2:05 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted: Michelle Koranda

Preschool News!

In honor of Veterans Day, Cindy Hartman, visited our classroom and taught us

why Veterans Day is so important!

Also, during November we were busy thinking about all the things we are

thankful for! We celebrated by making a Thanksgiving feast that the students

prepared. It was similar to the pilgrims first Thanksgiving except we were

thankful we could shop at the grocery store for our food! There was turkey,

cranberry salad, corn, pudding and homemade butter for the corn bread

muffins! Delicious!

We are currently preparing for our annual Christmas Musical. First Step

Preschool 4&5 year old class would like to invite you to our annual Christmas

Musical! It will be held on Dec. 18th, at 7:00 PM. There will be refreshments

served in Fellowship Hall following the musical and a surprise visitor! Everyone

is welcome to share in the festivities!

The staff at First Step Preschool would like to wish everyone a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Debbie, Jen and Julie

: The Council Meeting was called to order at 12:18 p.m. by President

and approval. Motion to approve by Fox and seconded by Christen. Motion was approved.

October financials were reviewed and discussed.

Motion to approve the October financials by Royal and seconded by Christen. Motion was

Pastor Hayden presented his activity report for the month of

Council has decided to wait a bit longer on fixing the Organ until funds to fix it are

**Reminder: Members, who were using Vanco, will need to let Amy know when they have signed up for Push Pay, so the outdated Vanco account can be deleted. Anyone wanting

Stewardship

As we write this article we truly want to recognize that Bethlehem is blessed with so many people that give of their time and talents in support of our ministry. The third part of support is treasures, the financial side. Thank You for your generous support. Your Stewardship Committee continues to track the offerings (income) and expenses in the General Fund and will be working with the Church Council during December and early January to prepare for our 2019 Budget. We are really struggling to make ends meet. At the end of October we had a negative General Fund bank balance of $39,800.91. We have not overdrawn in the checking account as we have “dedicated funds” which covered any overdraft. In September the church council authorized the opening of a “Line of Credit” in case our General Fund exceeded our reserves. On November 1

st we received the second half of the farm cash rent but that still leaves us

short $22,000.00 in the checking account. Last year, on October 31st, plus the farm cash rent on November 1

st we were $3,434 in the black. That means we are about $25,000.00

behind last year for the same period of time. The committee does not look at individual giving but we have recently sent out 135 letters to “giving units” that have made a contribution of record through September. We also sent out 250 letters to “giving units” that have no record of giving through September 30

th of this year. This group also included confirmed high school and college age youth

as they need to understand the costs involved in providing programs and ministerial support to families. All of these letters are generated by the church software. With the combined work of the Stewardship Committee and the Evangelism Committee we have reviewed the total list of members and did not send out letters to those people that wished their names be removed from our “active” file. As we look at a possible year end shortfall in the General Fund, the Church Council and Stewardship Committee will be challenged to see what programs, activities and agencies that we have supported might have to be reduced or cut. This is something we do not want to have to do. In past years we have had very strong offerings in November and December but we haven’t been $25,000.00 behind this late in the year. At year end we will be comparing general offerings with previous years and try to understand what has happened. Please re-read the letter you received over the past month or so and consider making a special offering before we close the 2018 books on December 31

st.

We know that this is a subject that we feel needs to be addressed. We’ll work with the church council to provide more information to them next year as we will be using data that we have collected this year to look at monthly and seasonal trends. Again, thank you for your support and hopefully, your understanding of our situation. We are asking for your prayerful consideration, Jerry Johnson, Chairman of the Stewardship Committee

ST. LUCIA DAY at Bethlehem, December 16th

December 13th is Lucia Day (St. Lucia Day), the beginning of the Swedish

Christmas Season, which ends on January 13th (St. Canute’s Day).

The Swedish celebration begins very early on Lucia Day when the eldest daughter becomes “Lucia”. Dressed in white and wearing a crown of lingonberries, or myrten, with 5 or 7 lighted candles, she sings the Lucia Song—an old Italian song known as “Santa Lucia”. She then serves her family freshly baked saffron buns (lssekatter), ginger cookies (pepparkakor) and steaming hot coffee. The celebration of Santa Lucia was not only in the homes, but in their offices, schools, hospitals, churches and public places where Lucia, “Queen of Light”, appears. (NOTE; we continue this tradition as celebrated at Luther College from 1883 to 1962, and here at Bethlehem.) Lucia Day developed as a tradition during the 19

th century, yet no one knows its

true origin. Some say it began with a young girl who in medieval times brought food and a light of hope to the starving people in Western Sweden. Others say that a young girl on the island of Sicily, Italy was martyred on December 13, 304. A.D. because she embraced Christianity. Since her saints-day happened to fall on December 13

th,

close to the time when there is a return of sunlight to Sweden, Lucia became a symbol of light and hope and faith to the Swedish people. Thus their celebration of December 13

th – Lucia Day.

(Parts of this article are taken from “Of Swedish Ways”, by Lily Lorenzen & Phyllis Strand.)

Submitted by Arlene & Jerry Johnson

Sunday, December 16th, following the Children’s Christmas Program Bethlehem will

continue the “Santa Lucia” tradition in the fellowship hall. Join us for coffee and goodies.

Sunday, December 16th

9 AM—12:00 PM

2018 Second Annual

One Sing Hallelujah Chorus

In 1741, George Frideric Handel composed Messiah without getting much sleep or even eating much

food. When his assistants brought him his meals, they were often left uneaten. His servants would find

him in tears as he composed.

When he completed “Hallelujah,” he reportedly told his servant, “I did think I did see all Heaven

before me, and the great God Himself seated on His throne, with His company of Angels.”

- mormontabernaclechoir.org

Singing the Hallelujah Chorus has been a Christmas tradition for centuries. When Luther College in

Wahoo was in operation, every year students would attend services at Christmas and join in the singing

of the Hallelujah Chorus. “One Sing” started last year at BLC in hopes of reviving an old tradition in a

whole new way.

WHAT IS THE ONE SING?

Everyone gathers to sing one song together, Hallelujah Chorus. We will be singing with the Mormon

Tabernacle Choir along with the largest virtual performance of over 2000 performers. Over 3 million

people have viewed this performance on youtube.

DO I HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SING/READ MUSIC? No, you can watch or even lip sync. “Pitchy”

singing is just fine.

WHO CAN JOIN? Everyone … any age

WHEN IS THIS HAPPENING? Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 10:00 am sharp

WHERE? BLC Sanctuary

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE? 5 minutes

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

To continue an old tradition at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in a new way.

To bring us all together to experience “one song” overwhelmingly considered divinely inspired.

“The power of music that exalts God lifts our spirits and grants us peace.”

Rev. 11:15

If you have a copy of the Messiah tucked away, bring it for your enjoyment. If you’d like to have the

words in front of you, pick up a copy in the narthex just before “ONE SING.” We will not print out the

music. Hope to see you on the December 9th at 10.

All who helped decorate for the Advent Season!

Tom Zeleny for maintenance work in the church!

Steve and Melanie Kerstan for all their “behind the scenes” work!

Joel Lindstrom for helping to get the west door repaired!

Alma Bell Choir for sharing their music with us!

All who helped pack quilts and kits for LWR!

Sam Winchell for taking care of the Middle School Ministry bookwork!

Sherry “Sherlock” Hageman for working so hard to update records for our pictorial

directory and “ E-team” for taking of all the details during the photography sessions.

It is in blessing others that we are blessed with a precious blessing of our own~

Tanzania Scholarship Update Our Tanzania Outreach has been a great success – Thank You to all! We have had Noisy Offerings and had a busy craft Sunday making several items to sell. The total number of Scholarships will be reported later this month! Consider giving a scholarship as a Christmas Gift – A scholarship provided in someone’s name would be a perfect meaningful gift for that someone that has everything. Gift card and form available in Marketplace. Please have this in by December 12th.

Special Christmas at the Marketplace

Sunday, 9th and 16th

featuring

God’s Work – Our (small) Hands gift items

Be sure to shop at Bethlehem for meaningful gift items!

A special Thank You to those who volunteered at the Marketplace during the Community Merry Market: Orv and Karen Johnson, Judy Stukenholtz, Bonnie Burkey, Alicia Holtorf, Sherry Hageman! (the Marketplace took in $394 in sales!)

Bethlehem’s Blessings

Bethlehem Lutheran Church 504 West 8th St.

Wahoo, Nebraska 68066 402-443-3160

Newsletter mailed 11/29/2018

Nonprofit Org. Permit No. 23

U.S. Postage PAID Wahoo, NE 68066

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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: Eunice Brodahl, Robert Peterson & Joe Carr

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. HIPAA rules prevent hospitals from calling us. * Deadline for submitting articles for the January newsletter is December 21st.