THE STAR May 2019 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

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again. Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to the rest.” --Luke 24: 5-9

Dear Members and Friends of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Wahoo…

So much has happened since the last letter that I fear I am going to leave out

important items I need to talk about. Please bear with me as much of this will be of a

personal nature and as I write this I think it is important for those of you I have the

privilege to minister to…to know that this pastor and all pastors are very human and are

often overcome by the events of the day. March and April was overwhelming in so

many ways.

Throughout mid-week Lenten services we introduced a new to us service…

“The Holden Evening Prayer Service”. I believe this service was embraced by you all

and set the tone for a relaxing, end-of-day, take a big breath and exhale kind of

reflection. Thank you to our musicians, singers, and worshipers for such a wonderful

experience. Meals provided by our senior high youth for all was greatly appreciated and

valuable as well.

Much, much work also went in to our Holy Week and all the details by so many of

you. Again, thank you to our worship and music people, altar guild, ushers, musicians,

lectors, participants in special services and of course worshipers for such great

attendance and participation. My goal for Holy Week was to try and put you in the

streets of Jerusalem those two-thousand plus years ago and help you get a real sense

of the sights, sounds, smells, tension, confusion, and drama that occurred. These were

real events that often in programs or movies exclude or dismiss or sanitize what really

happened.

As we look into May, the pace continues as we have seventeen young people

who will affirm their faith on May 5th. These young people have been very faithful these

past years in their class participation, in their education pieces, and in their service to

Bethlehem and in other places and areas of service. As they have heard and will at

least one more time again from me…Confirmation is not graduation…the tools of your

faith have been given to you…now use them!

On May 12th we will recognize our high school graduates where they will receive

their traditional gift from our quilters…their very own quilt of their choosing. This is a

wonderful tradition and gift the quilters of Bethlehem present every year. Much care and

love is put into every one of those quilts…care and love for our graduates.

On May 19th we will recognize our Sunday School Staff, our Middle School

Guides, our High School leader and all involved in Christian Education at Bethlehem.

On May 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. a very well-deserved reception of

gratitude for Debbie Bordovsky will be held. Debbie is retiring as director of

Bethlehem’s Pre-School. Debbie has devoted many years and countless hours in

helping shape our and our community’s youngest into the fine people they become.

The numbers of young people who have been lovingly taught and cared for is

enormous. Thank you, Debbie for your service and love of children!

Floods or any other unusual occurrence change a person. Working to save

possessions from the rising waters surrounding your home or your neighbors, one must

quickly decide what is most important. Photos and keepsakes always trump furniture

or carpets. It is humbling to be in the midst of a flood and see the raw power of nature

eclipse anything mankind can build. One also finds out how important things often

taken for granted become…clean water, dry place to rest, nourishing food, keeping in

touch with loved ones. Such times brings out the best in people as literally hundreds of

people responded not only in the Fremont-Valley-Waterloo area but throughout the

state, donating supplies and money, donating their time and labor to assist wherever

they are needed.

It is assuring to watch people of different denominations unite in feeding,

housing, helping, rescuing, and working to ease a victim’s plight. A great number of

you responded to my mother’s house on March 23rd

as you brought food, supplies,

tractors, skid loaders, dump trucks, and hard work to help us clean up mom’s house

and yard. Thank you to all of you for helping organize and make this happen. You

lifted our spirits and we are so grateful.

Your best wishes, understandings, and sympathies are also so appreciated at

my mom’s passing. As she entered the hospital late on March 11th, we felt your

prayers for her. As her condition grew weaker and in her passing on March 27th, your

actions and prayers helped to sustain us and honor her with a visitation and church

service worthy of her love for us. We are so grateful for the many cards, memorials,

visits, phone calls and in the post-funeral time. All of us are still processing her loss as

we gratefully thank God for her life and all the lessons and love she freely offered us all.

As a family, we are so grateful that we had quality time and a chance to share

our feelings with our mother and grandmother. As she shared with us, she knew she

needed a new heart valve, but wanted to wait until the health of others in the family was

stable before as she said, ‘burdening’ us with her care. That is one of the few things in

her life she was wrong about…she was never a burden…always a joy. Our hope is

that we can live in her legacy and honor her by the way we live our lives.

Thank you all for so much, Pastor Bob and Family

Worship & Sunday School In May

We will continue with our regular worship at 9:00 and 11:00 on May 5, 12, & 19th.

On May 26th, we will begin our summer schedule with one service at 9:30 a.m. After

careful thought and prayer, I have decided to put Wednesday night service on vacation through the summer but will resume in September. Hearing about various sports schedules and other activities, I have determined Wednesday has too many conflicts and would not be a good alternate worship night.

Middle School Ministry As our class year comes to an end, once again it is with mixed emotions that we

send seventeen of our eighth-graders along as they affirm their baptisms on May 5th.

Our deepest best wishes and hope that all our confirmands will continue to grow their

faith and involvement here at Bethlehem. To our returning and new students next

September, we are grateful for their faithful attendance, service, and studies.

Additional gratitude to our wonderful parents-teachers-sponsors who lovingly give of their time in guiding our young people through our confirmation curriculum. Their involvement and attendance both in class time and in worship offers a magnificent model. Thank you all so much.

Church Council Minutes not available at time of printing. Copies will be available in the office.

Sunday School Our last day of Sunday School is May 19th. We will thank our teachers at both services. Please take a moment to thank our teachers and Middle School Ministry Guides for helping our kids grow in their faith. A special thank you to Lori Mortensen. This is her last year as Sunday School Director.

Directories If you had your picture taken for the directory, please pick up your free copy in the office. We know that information changes quickly and errors are made. If there are mistakes in the directory, please let Amy know so that future printings can be correct! Thank you!

Mark your Calendars! Day Camp (July 15-19 for 1st—6th) &

Vacation Bible School (July 15-18 for Pre-k—Kindergarten) More info to come!

Acolyte Schedule:

May 1st 7:00 PM - Audrey Waido and Graham Nutzman

May 5th 9:00 AM - Marshall Strom and Gabe Harris

11:00 AM - Alexis Pehrson and Alyssa Havlovic

May 8th 7:00 PM - Gage Cooney and Jonas Schnakenberg

May 12th 9:00 AM - Alex Borchers and Lilly Obert

11:00 AM - Audrey Waido and Ava Lausterer

May 15th 7:00 PM - Aubrie Perhson and Graham Nutzman

May 19th 9:00 AM - Alyssa Havlovic and Barrett Lavaley

11:00 AM - Lukus Forbes and Jaxsen Wilt

May 22nd 7:00 PM - Lilly Harris and Madeline Swenson

May 26th 9:00 AM - Sawyer Lavaley and Braylon Iversen

11:00 AM - Teagan Watts and Carter RIcks

May 5th at 11 AM

Congratulations to our Confirmands!

Sam Biggerstaff Easten Faris Zach Fox

Harper Hancock Ethan Havlovic Autumn Iversen

Branden Koranda Mason Koranda Griffin Lausterer Myranda Lihs Jack Mortensen

Dawson Rafteseth

Logan Scott Kailey Strait

Samantha Sutton Alison White Marke Zeleny

Congratulations Graduates

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give

you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

We will celebrate and honor our graduates at the 9 AM service on May 12th.

*Let us know if you have a college graduate—we will recognize them in the June STAR!

Sunday Monday Tuesday

5 Confirmation Sunday 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School / Fellowship 11:00 AM Worship / Confirmation

6

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

7 3/4 Preschool Graduation

12 Mother’s Day / Graduation 9:00 AM Worship / Graduates 10:00 AM Sunday School / Fellowship 11:00 AM Worship

13

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

7:00 PM Music & Worship

14

9:00 AM Quilting

19 Last Day of Sunday School 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School / Fellowship 11:00 AM Worship 12:00 PM Council Meeting

20 9:00 AM WIC

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

21

26 Memorial Day Worship 9:30 AM Worship

27 6:30 PM Boy Scouts

28 9:00 AM Quilting

May 2019

May 2019 Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 6:00 PM 8th Grade Pictures and Rehearsal

2 7:00 PM AA Meeting

3

4

8 3/4 Preschool Graduation

4/5 Preschool Graduation

9 7:00 PM AA Meeting

10 Krazy Quilters

11

15 Debbie’s Retirement Party 4– 6 PM

16 2:00 PM WELCA 7:00 PM AA Meeting

17

18

22

23 7:00 PM AA Meeting

24

*Newsletter article deadline

25

29

30

7:00 PM AA Meeting

31

May Birthdays Sebastian Lausterer 5/1 Melissa Morris 5/1 Kristi Obert 5/1 Ethan Pehrson 5/1 Landyn Holtorf 5/2 Michaela Miller 5/2 Dawn Arduser 5/4 Amanda Christian 5/4 Dani Groff 5/4 Mike Luben 5/4 Jaclyn Schnakenberg 5/4 Preston Price 5/4 David Brodahl 5/5 Donna Eliason 5/5 Dustin Chmelka 5/6 Randy Egr 5/7

Chad Koranda 5/7 Jamie Larsen 5/7 Madeline Mann 5/7 Deena Stang 5/7 Caleb Groff 5/8 Jerry Lynn 5/8 Jason Schneider 5/8 Mike Barry 5/9 Fred Braun 5/9 JoAnn Teigan 5/9 Alvina Mumm 5/10 Rachel Barry 5/11 Mallory Lindstrom 5/11 Christine Delozier 5/12 Missy Abbott 5/13 Randall Swartz 5/13 Timothy Falke 5/14 Josh Langemeier 5/15 Scott O’Sullivan 5/14 Liberty Lausterer 5/15 Chelsea Dunbar 5/15 Cassandra Jurgens 5/15 Liberty Lausterer 5/15 Diane Reece 5/15 Connie Syverson 5/15 Ashley Beatty 5/16

Mahala Egr 5/16 Riley Koranda 5/16 Bill Reece 5/16 Stanley Dukolil 5/20 Thad Watts 5/20 Iva Kaiser 5/21

Graham Nutzman 5/23 Maeva Royal 5/23 Jack Sutton 5/23 Dean Biggerstaff 5/24 Robert Christian 5/24 Ryan Ideus 5/25 Sharon Kolterman 5/25 Will Thaheld 5/25 Elsie Vetter 5/25 Julie Borchers 5/26 Macy Cuda 5/26 Daniel Linquist 5/27 Joshua Fox 5/27 Craig Langemeier 5/28 Doreen Muck 5/28 Jayden Beatty 5/29 Colette Rathke 5/30 Zachary Fox 5/31 Erica Miller 5/31

May Anniversaries Chad & Allison Koranda 5/2

Todd & Erinn Blaske 5/3

Chris & Tori Stratman 5/7

Keith & Kristi Obert 5/15

Jesse & Michelle Henderson 5/20

Dennis & Sandra Chmelka 5/25

Craig & Kristin Gottchalk 5/25

Jayson & Lora Iversen 5/28

Adam & Rachel Barry 5/30

Tyler & Annalisa Pacas 5/31

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!

Stewardship - April 22, 2019

Dear Friends in Christ,

We are rapidly approaching the summer months of June, July and August. Historically

Sunday attendance decreases as does sharing Gods blessings in the form of

offerings. The church still conducts worship service during the summer months so

salaries, utilities, maintenance costs, supplies, and numerous other expenses still

occur. The combination of less offerings and continual expenses strains the church

budget. To alleviate this the Stewardship Committee is encouraging members to sign

up for PushPay and use PushPay during the summer months of June, July, and

August. If signing up for PushPay is not a viable option please consider making a

monthly offering at the start of each summer month ie: June 2nd

, July 6th, and August

3rd

. The best way for members to share their gifts is the old fashion way, which God

commands in the Third Commandment, “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

Attend church regularly in the summer months as well as every month of the

year.Stewardship Committee:

Jerry Johnson, Marcia Pearson, Ed Banks, Luke Simons, Jovan Lausterer

Debbie’s Retirement Please join us to celebrate Debbie Bordovsky’s many years of service as our Preschool Director on May 15th 4– 6 PM in the fellowship hall.

Bethlehem’s Blessings Thank you to all who give their Gifts of Time, Talents and Resources!

Everyone who helped with the cross walk.

All who provided Easter lilies.

Our musicians who provided us with special music for Easter.

BLY for providing our Easter breakfast.

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

Bethlehem Women

Eleven Bethlehem Women came out on April 18th to

enjoy Bible study and fellowship.

Arlene Johnson opened the meeting with “The

Welcoming Prayer” that she heard about at Spring

Gathering.

During the business meeting the regular reports were

given and approved. Arlene Johnson and Helen

Hansen provided cookies for the Bloodmobile being

held yesterday and today (Wednesday & Thursday).

Helen, Arlene and Mary McKay gave reports on the Spring Gathering held on April 6th at

Redeemer, Hooper. 61 women were in attendance and all enjoyed the day with singing,

Bible study, the skit we put on modeling aprons of various types and a puppet show.

Next year it will be held at Sinai Lutheran in Fremont.

Arlene thanked Marcia Pearson and Gayle Rasmussen for serving today. A thank you

from Hilary Fick Christensen was read and the new “Interchange” was passed around.

The New Expressions Magazine will come out May 1st and will include requests for

nominations for Synod board and delegates to Triennial in Phoenix in July of 2020.

We received our offerings and had a Bible lesson on “Meetings with Jesus” the fourth

session entitled “Seeing the Risen Christ, coming to faith” led by Marcia. We

concentrated on the meeting of Mary Magdalene with Jesus at His grave following His

Crucifixion.

Following our lesson, Gayle served a refreshing fresh fruit salad.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR:

Tuesday, May14th 9 am Quilting (Old basement)

Thursday, May 16th

2 pm Bethlehem Women (Fellowship Hall)

Lesson: Alvina Mumm Hostess: Darlene Hanson

Tuesday, May 28th 9 am Quilting (Old basement)

May Mission Moments

MISSION Marketplace has reopened with unique items for Confirmation, Graduation, and Mothers Day. A variety of handmade crosses are for sale that can be personalized with a student’s special verse on back. We continue to showcase beautiful, artistic handmade cards (sold only at BLC) plus botanical prints, mini desk posters, jewelry and a new shipment of Fair Trade Coffee. Please stop in and see the donations of our many talented Bethlehem artisans! We can all make a difference in stopping hunger.

Repurposed cement bags from Tanzania. During May and June the special focus is on MOSAIC International. A Serving Arm of the ELCA, this organization was started by a Lutheran Pastor to meet the needs of men-tally disabled children and young adults. You will be hearing more about the work of MOSAIC International these next two months. HOWEVER . . . don’t miss out on the beautiful-ever-so-sturdy repurposed cement bags made by Tanzanian families of disabled children. A limited supply now available in the marketplace, each for a $15 donation.

Tanzania Sponsored Students. I have just received letters and pictures of our students! So very excited to share these with you! Watch for the dis-play and update on this inspiring outreach. Currently I am corresponding on a time for Marty Malley, Tanzanian Coordinator for the NE Synod to come back to give us an update on the work in Tanzania.

Tanzania 2020 – Mid-June deadline is approaching! An incredible once- in-a-lifetime opportunity! See Diane Reece if interested.

Need your input- I would like to do another family/adult mission project this summer helping with flood cleanup. This would involve a one-day flood clean-up outreach. If anyone is: 1. Interested in helping with this 2. Knows someone who could benefit 3. Knows how best to go about it . . . Please let’s do it –

Thankful for our mission minded congregation, Diane Reece, Mission Coordinator

Bethlehem Lutheran Church 504 West 8th St.

Wahoo, Nebraska 68066 402-443-3160

Newsletter mailed 4/29/2019

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 & Bud Larsen 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 June newsletter is May 25th.