THE STAR November 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

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you

face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing

of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance

finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not

lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should

ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and it will be given to you.” James 1:2-5

Dear Members and Friends of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Wahoo… Why? This three- letter adverb defined as “for what cause, reason, or purpose”

by Webster, is used countless ways in our conversations and often what we ask

ourselves. Children are some of the biggest users of this adverb… “Why mommy and

daddy?” It is a sincere question seeking an answer; it is a sincere question seeking an

understanding; it is a sincere question wondering the purpose of a gambit of things.

So…why? And why this article about ‘why’? I hope to be able to answer the question I

have posed…especially as it pertains to our faith, our lives, our church, the ‘why’ of what

we are trying to do here.

Why church? With the startling fact that on any given Sunday only 25% of

Americans who identify themselves as Christians attend church services the question of

why is front and center. Bethlehem matches up very closely with that statistic. Here’s

where pastors ask why. Why church? Plain and simple…we need it. We need to take

the time to worship our Lord. We need that time to sit with others in reflection, in song,

to hear God’s Word, to share in the sacraments. It is church where consistency and

stability are offered…where perspectives are offered…where grace, acceptance,

forgiveness, and a greater understanding is offered. Where else in our daily lives is

such essentials offered? Church is a place where answers are offered which offers

guidance as to how best honor our God and live our lives. Church is where we come,

where we turn for help in our deepest grief and our greatest joys.

Why Wednesdays? In a sincere concern and effort to reach and offer God’s

goodness to our congregation and community, we are conducting worship services on

Wednesday evenings along with Christian education for all ages. Why? Because of the

lifestyles so many of us lead; because of the other activities that occur on Sundays;

because it is another opportunity to join as the community of believers; because if we

don’t at least try to reach those of us who have Sunday conflicts, are we as a church

doing enough? In the survey we asked you if a Wednesday service would be of value to

you and your family and large percentage of you said it would be. We are offering the

service…please take advantage of the opportunity.

Why so much focus on the Bible? I have been asked that question in reference to a church the questioner had attended where the Creed, Lord’s Prayer, and Scripture were not a part of the service, replaced by a 45 minute ‘talk’ from the presider about living a good life and the rewards associated. As Lutherans, we are people of the Bible. It is our basis…it is our guiding principle as so stated by Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms where he stood defending his writings. The Bible is our story; the characters we read of in the Bible are no different in intelligence, character, desires, needs, and short-comings than any of us. We need to know our Bible so that we know ourselves. The Bible guides us through this life with God’s loving instructions on how to live, how to live with one another, how to aspire and appreciate God’s Creation. Why Sunday School—Wednesday Night School? Much like the previous why…our children need to know the Bible and for the same reasons. We need to know the stories…our stories. From which again, perspective and the realization that others from the very beginnings have had the same struggles and questions, hopes and desires. Our children need to know the Lord. Knowing the Lord helps to make good decisions; to live honorably; to treat one another as the Lord teaches. And Wednesday night…again, to provide an opportunity for those who cannot attend on Sunday. Where else will our children learn of God and His love for them? Why Fellowship? As brothers and sisters in Christ, we have an inherit need to be social, to know our neighbors, to know those we worship with. In a world of electronic social media, where else is there much of an opportunity over a cup of coffee to meet and greet people you may only know by facial recognition? The joy in learning about each other is a blessing. Stop by the fellowship hall before or after service and find out for yourselves. Why do we pass the clipboard so much? Plain and simple, we need your help. You are valuable in so many ways…we want everyone to take ownership in our church…to be a part…to contribute not only your financial offerings; but offer yourselves and your skills. This is not just for the ‘seasoned veterans’ of the church…this is for everyone. From our newest members to our long-time members, everyone has a place, everyone can contribute, everyone can grow within the church. Remember, this is Christ’s Church and He seeks joyful volunteers. Working together builds relationships which build life-long friendships. Why is ‘why’ the focus of this article? Far too often, those of us who are actively involved forget to share the joy of ministry; we forget that not everyone knows what is going on; we forget that there are questions that often go unasked. We invite the ‘why’ questions simply because we do not want to be misunderstood or come to the realization way late and then live to regret the failure to communicate and share. Bethlehem has so much to offer…but I feel we have so much more to offer, to grow, to become. God is calling us and when you are called, first ask ‘why’ and then answer. You just may find that the answer resides in you. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Blessings…Pastor Bob

Middle School Ministry

This year we have over 40 students studying the Old Testament. Our first few

lessons have been somewhat in the abstract and admittedly a bit difficult to wrap our

minds around, but that basis and foundation will pay dividends as we begin learning the

rich, rich stories of the Old Testament and the central figures in those stories. We began

with The Canon, The Hebrew Bible, and Genesis. In the near future we will be exploring

Exodus, Leviticus, Judges and the wonderful story of Ruth. Also on the 7th of November,

half our young people will be serving at Matt Talbot. The other half will serve in January.

We simply and thankfully have too many students to all go to Matt Talbot at once. Thank

you as always to the parents who provide the meal and the parent-teacher guides who

help with the lessons.

Wednesday Night Worship and Christian Education

We have completed six Wednesday services and are hoping that more of you who

are unable to attend on Sundays will take the opportunity to worship on Wednesday. The

service begins at 6:30 p.m. and is completed right at 7:00. Following the worship, our

Middle School Ministry begins, education for our younger students, and adult gatherings

are held.

We are using the Narrative Lectionary which is a more chronological journey

through the Bible. We began with Noah and the flood; the call of Abraham; Joseph, son

of Jacob and multi-colored coat fame; to the Exodus and crossing of the Red Sea; the 10

Commandments; to Joshua, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land; to David and

Bathsheba and on October 31st, have or will visit about the 501

st anniversary of the Refor-

mation. If you have not attended, please give this service a visit. We continue to ‘tweak’

the service and evaluate…like everything it is a work in progress.

Thank You All So Much! Cindy and I were so surprised and grateful for the many cards, notes, and gifts you

showered upon us on October 14 in recognition of Clergy Appreciation Day. It is our

pleasure and privilege to serve you and this congregation. You are all needed in our joint

ministries and are appreciated for your involvement in the life and future of Bethlehem.

The cake and reception was delicious as well!

Bethlehem Women

October 18

th at 2 pm was the regular meeting of

Bethlehem Women. Arlene Johnson opened the

meeting with the devotional from “Christ In Our Home”

for this date entitled “Luke, Evangelist” since our lesson

today quotes Luke.

During the business meeting the regular reports were

given and Mary McKay reported that we have completed

the number of quilts and kits for LWR that we planned at

the beginning of the year. They will be displayed and

dedicated on November 4th during the worship service

followed by an appreciation brunch to thank the

congregation for their support of this effort.

Mary and Arlene reported on their attendance of Autumn Renewal in Hastings and

said it was a beautiful day – inside and outside!

Cookies for this month’s bloodmobile were provided from items brought for Daryl

Swanson’s funeral which several of our ladies helped serve.

Arlene passed around a signup sheet for our November Thanksgiving meeting at

noon on the 15th. Pastor will have our lesson that day and we will all host. Arlene

thanked Helen Hansen for leading our lesson today. Arlene served. Arlene also stated

that registration blanks for Winter Retreat in January are now available.

Helen led the 2nd

lesson in our series on Repentance entitled “Turning to others” based

on various verses in Luke, Matthew, I Corinthians, Romans and I John. Our first session

related to Repentance and us personally, the second related to our relationship with

others and November’s third session will be our relationship with the World.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR: Sunday, November 4

th Dedication of the Quilts and Kits and Brunch

between services Tuesday, November 13

th 9 am Quilting (old basement)

Thursday, November 15th

Noon Bethlehem Women Thanksgiving Celebration Thursday, November 22

nd Thanksgiving

Mark Your Calendars

Acolyte Schedule: November 4th 9:00 AM - Braylon Iversen & Lilly Harris

11:00 AM - Lilly Obert & Gabe Harris

November 7th 6:30 PM - Jonas Schnakenberg and Alyssa Havlovic

November 11th 9:00 AM - Alex Borchers and Samantha Sutton

11:00 AM - Dawaon Rafeseth and Sawyer Lavaley

November 14th 6:30 PM - Madeline Swenson and Harper Hancock

November 18th 9:00 AM - Aubrie Pehrson and Barrett Lavaley

11:00 AM - Graham Nutzman and Marke Zeleny

November 21st

Thanksgiving Eve 6:30 PM - Branden Koranda & Alexis Pehrson

November 25th 9:00 AM - Gage Cooney and Marshall Strom

11:00 AM - Griffin Lausterer and Lily Rafteseth

November 28th 6:30 PM - Carter Ricks and Kylie Warford

Bethlehem Singers and Alma Lutheran

Church Bell Ringers will present a saintly blend of

sound at our worship service on Sunday, November 4 at 9:00

am (it's All Saints Sunday).

November Meals for Middle School Ministry November 7th - Kim Schnakenberg and Sarah Harris

November 14th - Julie Borchers and Tara Cooney

November 21st - No Class

November 28th - Catherine Rafteseth and _________________

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.

November Birthdays

Sara Rosencrantz 11/1

Theodore Amheiser 11/3

Samuel Biggerstaff 11/4

Whitney Fletcher 11/4

Angela Olson 11/4

Amy OSullivan 11/4

Katelyn O’Brien 11/5

Diann Chvatal 11/7

Kimberly Brodahl 11/8

Laurie Pearson 11/8

Jennifer Peterson 11/8

Cindy Hayden 11/9

Leroy Novotny 11/9

Samantha Grandgenett 11/11

Logan Scott 11/11

Robbie Koranda 11/12

Emmett Pokorny 11/12

Sierra Duckworth 11/14

Helen Hansen 11/15

Matthew Harris 11/17

Joshua Abbott 11/18

Betty Edstrom 11/19

Stevie Nelson 11/19

Kailey Strait 11/19

Bill Iversen 11/20

Chandler Buch 11/21

Jerry Johnson 11/23

Curtis Koehler 11/23

Taylor Luben 11/23

Connie Hageman 11/24

Roger Fisher 11/25

Renae Feilmeier 11/26

Hannah Marks 11/29

John Sutton 11/29

Vicki Simons 11/30

November Anniversaries

Kevin & Colette Rathke 11/6

James & Kristine Peterson 11/7

Dave & Jordan Rasmussen 11/11

Jarred & Brenda Royal 11/18

Steven & Angela Olson 11/25

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

4 All Saints Day

9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School / Appreciation Brunch 11:00 AM Worship

5 6:30 PM Boy Scouts

6

11 Veteran’s Day Service 9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School / Fellowship 11:00 AM Worship

12

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

7:00 PM Music & Worship Mtg

13

9:00 AM Quilting

18

9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School / Fellowship 11:00 AM Worship 12:00 PM Council Meeting

19 9:00 AM WIC

6:30 PM Boy Scouts

20

25

9:00 AM Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School / Fellowship 11:00 AM Worship *Newsletter article deadline

26 6:30 PM Boy Scouts

27 9:00 AM Quilting

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

November 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 7:00 PM AA Meeting

2

3

7 Wednesday Night Lights! 6:00 PM MSM 6:30 PM Worship 7:00 PM Christian Education

8 7:00 PM AA Meeting

9 Krazy Quilters

10

14 Wednesday Night Lights! 6:00 PM MSM 6:30 PM Worship 7:00 PM Christian Education

15 12:00 PM WELCA

7:00 PM AA Meeting

16

17

21 Thanksgiving Eve Service 6:30 PM Worship

22 Thanksgiving 7:00 PM AA Meeting

23

24

28 Wednesday Night Lights!

6:00 PM MSM 6:30 PM Worship 7:00 PM Christian Education

29 30

November 2018

Marketplace Holiday Open House Friday 4-8 PM and Sat 9 AM—4 PM

October 17, 2018 - 7:30 PM Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Council Meeting

Members Present: Julie Scott, Ryan Ideus, Mike Christen, Luke Simons, Michelle Koranda, Colette Rathke and Pastor Bob Hayden Excused Members: Chad Fox, Jarred Royal, and Missy Abbott, 1. Call to Order: President Ideus called The Council Meeting to order at 7:42 p.m.

September Minutes: September 2018 minutes were presented for council

consideration and approval, with an amendment to reflect it is the 135th church

anniversary. Motion to approve by Rathke and seconded by Koranda. Motion was approved.

Review of Financial Reports: Church Council meeting was moved up to October 17

th

to discuss the current state of the Church’s Financials. As chair of the Stewardship committee, Jerry Johnson joined the Council meeting for the discussion. September financials were reviewed and discussed. Motion to approve the September financials by Simons and seconded by Scott. Motion was approved.

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

September. Motion to approve the report was made by Christen, seconded by Koranda. Motion was approved.

5. Committee Liaisons Reports:

Education (M. Christen) - Discussion continued around numbers enrolled in pre-school, expenses and potential opportunities to seek new enrollees.

Property (L. Simons) Discussed concerns and costs to address broken organ. Endowment (R. Ideus) – No update Scouts (J. Scott) – Update found within New Business section of minutes. Evangelism (J. Royal) – No update Finance (L. Simons) – No update Stewardship (L. Simons) – A letter will be sent to members informing them

about individualized giving. Long-Range Planning (C. Fox) - No update Women of the Church (M. Koranda) - No update Men of the Church (L. Simons) - Members have painted the fellowship hall and

are going to paint a couple other areas of the church. Worship & Music (C. Rathke) – The committee is going to assist with providing

Reformation luncheon. The committee has begun to gather attendance numbers to look at potential trends regarding attendance with the addition of the Wednesday service.

Mission (C. Rathke) – Local mission outreach has consisted of: A collection of diapers and monetary donations for the Freely Give Clothes Closet, pancake feed in partnership with BLY and random acts of kindness (RAK), which consisted of delivering handmade cookies to various individuals. Outreach from Oct-Nov will have a global focus, including efforts to support the ministry in Tanzania. A reminder that a noisy offering (donation of loose change) will be collected on November 4

th.

Mutual Ministry Committee (C. Fox) – No update. 7. New Business:

Due to the Church’s current financial status, a motion was made by Scott and 2nd

by Christen to authorize Jerry Johnson to establish a $20,000 line of credit at First State Bank on behalf of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Motion was approved.

Addition: After conferring with First State Bank, an email motion was made on October 22nd by Simons and seconded by Koranda to add Jerry Johnson as a signee to the line of credit. Motion was approved via email on October 22

nd.

Organ Repair – It has been determined that the blower on the organ will need to be

replaced. The council requested that exploration begin to identify the best po-tential options to the replace the blower. Due to the current financial status, a capital campaign my need to be organized.

The Council and the Congregation extend special acknowledgement and

appreciation to Matt Harris, who volunteered his time in spending numerous hours exploring the electrical components of the organ and the West door.

Scouts/ Community Chest Funds – Rachel Stone, pack leader, thanked the

Council for supporting the inclusion of Girls into the Scout program. Pack 140 has nine girls in the program, which is the currently largest in the state. Community Chest has again agreed to provide funds to support our local community Scout program. Scott will draft a letter thanking the Community Chest for supporting the Scout program.

8. Old Business:

Final Member Archiving – Council approved the final member archiving as completed by the Stewardship Committee. Simons made the motion for approval and Rathke provided the second. Motion was approved.

Pushpay/Online Giving –As discussed last month, online giving process continues

to move forward. Letters have been written to members who were using the previous Vanco online payment system informing them of how to switch to the new Push Pay system.

**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 set-ting up your account. https://pushpay.com/g/bethlehemlutheranwahoo?src=hpp You can also set up your account by texting BethlehemLC to 77977. Adjournment: President Ideus adjourned Meeting at 8:58 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Julie M. Scott Council Secretary Tanzania Update *Asante sana Yesu, Asante sana Yesu, Thank you thank you Jesus, Thank you thank you Jesus

Asanta sana Yesu moyoni Thank you thank you Jesus in my heart. *African Children’s song taught to kids by Marty Malley on Sunday, Oct. 21

st

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tanzania Scholarship Thanks to the Oct. 7

th Noisy Offering, Marketplace sales, and an individual donation, as

of Oct. 23rd

, we have raised enough money for 5 scholarships, HOWEVER as Marty Malley, stated there is a waiting list of 25 kids. This mission outreach continues through the month of November.

How Can I help, you ask . . .

•Support our Sunday School Kids: The Sunday School students will be making items to sell in the Marketplace to raise money for their brothers and sisters in Tanzania to go to school.

•Shop the Marketplace. All proceeds through the month of November will go to our Tanzanian Scholarship fund.

•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.

•Fund a Scholarship as a family. You will be able to share photos and letters. What a great way for your child to learn empathy and caring for all God’s people.

Working through Martin Malley, Nebraska Synod Tanzania Coordinator, Bethlehem will be raising money to provide scholarships. We will partner with Marty and the Nkuu Kati Lutheran Parish, which is in a very poor rural area of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Many children there are unable to attend school because their families cannot afford the school fees. The fees cover uniforms, school lunches, and basic supplies. A committee of elders at Nkuu Kati nominates the families needing support. The elder's confirm that the need is genuine, and follow up to ensure the child is attending school. Fees are paid directly to the school. The uniforms and supplies are purchased by the parish.

Scholarships are $100 for Primary and $125 for Secondary. The school year begins in January 2019 (to put into perspective: an average wage per day is $3.00, thus $1095/year, which equals aprox. 1/10

th of their yearly earning to send a child to elementary

school.)

NOISY Offering!!! Next Sunday – Nov. 4

th Save your CHANGE to make a CHANGE in someone’s life

The Mission Marketplace is participating in the Community’s MERRY MARKET.

Several local shops will be kicking off the Holiday season on Friday, Nov. 9

th 4:00-8:00 PM and Saturday Nov. 10

th 9:00-4:00 PM

Remember to support the Marketplace and the Wahoo Community.

Unique and Meaningful gifts right in your own town.

Please join us for the ninetieth birthday of

Helen Hansen Sunday, November 18th 1:00-3:30 PM

Bethlehem Lutheran Church 504 West 8th st

Wahoo, Ne

Middle School Ministry 6th—8th Grade

The Middle School Gathering is a highly interactive experience for youth in grades 6-8 and their adult leaders. Each year, the Middle School Gathering is held on the Saturday and Sunday immediately before Martin Lutheran King, Jr. Day. The ministry event lasts about 28 hours, but the memories last a lifetime.

Why does the Middle School Gathering happen? A group of adult leaders recently answered that question with these statements:

• "Connections to the larger church happen."

• "It’s leadership development for the young people."

• "It’s easy to participate."

• "Groups are fortified and experiences get taken back home."

• "A community is created where everyone can be in God’s love."

• "All are outside their comfort zones, so people can be authentic with each other."

• "Youth get to practice independence and learn life lessons together in a safe place."

• "The MSG grows the “faith web” for each youth with additional caring adults."

The next Middle School Gathering will be held January 19-20, 2019, at a location still to be determined. More information and online registration can be found here when it becomes available.

Howard Hanson October 28th was the 122nd birthday of Howard Hanson. Baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem. Pulitzer Prize winner. President of Eastman school of music in Rochester, NY.

Matt Harris for all the electric work for the automatic door, lights and trouble shooting the

organ.

The Evangelism Committee for all their hard work with the pictorial directory.

Martin Malley, for coming to talk to us about Tanzania.

It is in blessing others that we are blessed

with a precious blessing of our own~

Bethlehem’s Blessings

On November 11, 2018 we will honor veterans at both services. Anyone who likes to sing, but is short on time, please join the "Drop In and Sing" choir. We will rehearse America the Beautiful at 8:30 am in the choir room in the basement and sing at the 9:00 am service. Let's pay tribute to our vets with some glorious music.

Drop in and Sing!

Mark Your Calendars—Sunday, November 4th Display and dedication of quilts and health care, baby care and school kit before packing for Lutheran World Relief. Appreciation Breakfast / Fundraiser for LWR shipping costs. This takes the place of the previous dinner held. It will be between services. Sponsored by Quilters, Bethlehem Women, and Thrivent. All are invited!

Bethlehem Lutheran Church 504 West 8th St.

Wahoo, Nebraska 68066 402-443-3160

Newsletter mailed 11/1/2018

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: 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 December newsletter is November 25th.