Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 507.786.6674

shaines@bethelnorthfield.org www.facebook.com/bethellutheran http://bethelnorthfield.org/bethel-banner-newsletter/

Adult Education 13

Befrienders 9

Bethel News 5

BWHF 14

Calendar 10

Children 7

Council/Treasury 8

Living Faith 3

Mission Interpreter 12

Mission & Justice 4

Scrip 4

Thank You 19

WELCA 2

Worship Servants 16

YES 6

YouthQuake 6

Nursery 7

STARs 13

Inside this issue:

The Bethel Banner

Volume #476 March 2011

… and much more!

Fill 300 food shelves:

Mission Impossible? Not if you help! The March Food Drive is here again! Throughout the month of March, the Bethel YES team (a.k.a.: an elite group of secret agents chosen for their various abilities) will attempt to take on the challenging task of raising 12,000 pounds and dollars to be donated to the Northfield Food Shelf.

Did you know that Minnesota FoodShare’s March Campaign raises more than half the food distributed annually through 300 food shelves across the state. If this annual food and fund drive did not exist, local food shelves like ours in Northfield would truly be facing “Mission Impossible.” Please join us in this mission and help make it possible!

Our Lenten journey this year will focus on the Seven Last Words of Christ, as they are then paired with the themes of Humility, Endurance, Support and Caring, Racism and Minorities, Mercy and Mission, Self-Denial, and From Sacrifice to Hope. Each week during Lent, Bethel member, poet and St. Olaf emeritus professor of art Mac Gimse will share with us one of his "Cross Conversations." Mac was a National Endowment for the Humanities Visiting Scholar in the South Asian Institute at Columbia University in New York City, and in Chinese Art History at the University of Maryland. The St. Olaf Nobel Peace Prize Forum commissioned him to create sculpture/poetry presentations for Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. His work is included in collections around the world.

Join us for Cross Conversations Mac has been gracious enough to offer his insight to every age here at Bethel! Our elementary children will be following this journey with us in their activities at Bible, Arts, & Music (BAM). Mac will visit with

our middle and high schoolers on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. And, at both our 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday worship services, we will journey together through these "Cross Conversations". We will be visually inspired by one of Mac's

sculptures, enlightened by his words, and sent each week with a blessing, as we go into the world as God's people. Please know you are warmly invited to this journey, as we move from the darkness of Ash Wednesday all the way to the brightness of Easter morning!

X

Three Services on Ash Wednesday On Ash Wednesday, March 9, we will have services with imposition of ashes at 11:30 a.m., 5 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. The 11:30 service will kick off the lunch time Lenten series. The 5 service will be a part of our BAM Chapel. The 6:30 is our traditional Ash Wednesday service. You are welcome to wor-ship at any one of the three services.

Page 2 The Bethel Banner

Notes from WELCA WELCA activities continue as we see signs of spring (hopefully) as our snow piles start to shrink. Our February 8 birthday party at NRC was a wonderful afternoon. We honored three residents with February birthdays and served cake and coffee to 60 people! Thanks so much to the Bethel Men's Quartet and Rhonda for the entertainment; it was great and enjoyed by all! Our thanks also to those of you who came to serve and visit with the residents. It

is very gratifying to see the smiling faces and their sincere appreciation for such a small deed. Dates to remember for March include:

March 7, 7 p.m. - Circle Bible Study Leaders meet with Barb Holm March 8, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Bandage Rolling - We have a small faithful core of women but more are invited to join us for this simple project

March 22, 9 a.m. - Mission Quilters - Many hands make lighter work. Please consider joining these ladies for a good cause and good fellowship. March 24 - WELCA will be serving the Lenten Soup Supper. Workers will be needed from each circle. Please let your circle contact person or me know if you would be available to help.

Blessings, Marcia Omdahl

When the quake hit, your gifts to ELCA Disaster Response enabled the ELCA’s companion church and partners to act quickly and effectively. The ELCA provided coordination among our longstanding partners. The Lutheran Church in Haiti provided food, water, care, and counseling to the nearly 6,000 people who gathered on the church’s grounds. The facilities of The Lutheran World Federation were not damaged in the quake. Staff members distributed health kits, mosquito nets, blankets, tents, and tarps, and established water points and sanitation services. The Lutheran World Federation began services to a 10,000-person camp providing safety, security, and needed shelter.

Haiti Earthquake Update: One Year Later Lutheran World Relief shipped health kits, nursing kits, and quilts from warehouses in the United States, supported by funds from ELCA Disaster Response. Church World Service sent convoys of trucks bearing medical supplies, sanitation equipment, and other necessities into the affected areas. ELCA Disaster Response funds helped ease the impact of the quake in the United States as well. Lutheran Services Florida took a lead role in helping bring back Haitian-Americans who had been caught in Haiti by the quake. Lutheran Services Georgia coordinated a care program for family members of Haitians who had been brought to the U.S. for medical care. Through our companion and partners, with the support of generous and

compassionate Lutherans like you, the ELCA was able to respond quickly to help the people of Haiti in their time of need—and we will be there for as long as we’re needed. People like you have given more than $12.5 million to ELCA Disaster Response to help the people of Haiti in their time of need. Every cent of your gift to ELCA Disaster Response designated for Haiti Earthquake Relief goes to support our effort there. Your gifts and your prayers are deeply appreciated. Thank you. For more information, see www.elca.org/haiti www.elca.org/haitiinfo www.elca.org/disaster http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse

--from the ELCA Disaster Response submitted by Shirley Gangstad

Do you remember how much fun these folks had last year? Join us this year for Bethel's weekend at Red Barn Campground, near Shell Lake Wisconsin, June 17-19! This is Red Barn's 50th anniversary, so there will be lots of special events for folks of all ages! Look for details in the April issue of the Banner.

March 2011 Page 3

Living Faith

Harold H. Ditmanson, Professor of Religion at St. Olaf, my favorite ethics prof, wrote Grace in Experience and Theology. This is a book for the study of the theology of grace. I especially liked Ditmanson's concept of surprise in the Gospels. Being Christian is to be surprised by God's grace in ways we don't expect, nor do we earn, nor question. Then comes Paul Tillich, The Courage to Be, which is an existential look at Revelation. Radical doubt is transformed into ultimate concern for others, which is empowered by our acceptance by Christ. When I was a young student, I heard him

lecture at Union Theological Seminary in NYC, just before he left for Harvard. I was stunned by the depth of his vision and the urgency of his faith, and my life changed forever. Martin Heidegger's Being and Time declared the existential paradox,

Our Lenten journey this year will focus on the Seven Last Words of Christ through the poetry, reflections, and sculpture of Mac Gimse, Professor Emeritus of Art at St. Olaf and Bethel member. I asked Mac about the authors who have influenced his art and faith. When I read his thoughtful reply, I asked him for permission to share parts of it with you. We can look forward to a special Lenten season at Bethel.

"Here are some of the books that have inspired me over the years. These books have been around awhile, but theologically they remain powerful for me…Mac

Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister

786-8951 psanterre@bethelnorhtfield.org

Friends in Christ, It has been a busy start to the year for me and my family, and a few words of thanks are due to many of you and the whole congregation for your support in these last few weeks. We gave birth to our second daughter, Hattie, on January 19, and have experienced much love and joy from you (Please see an extended “thank you” located on page 19.). I was granted four weeks of part-time parental leave which greatly eased the transition of a new addition to the family. Thank you. And I recently used some of my allotted continuing education budget and time to attend an annual Luther Seminary conference in Winter Park, CO, where roughly 30 pastors from throughout the country gathered for a week of studying the books of Daniel and Revelation, worship, fellowship, and recreation. Opportunities like this are so renewing and edifying and they help me to continue to grow as a pastor. Thank you.

Now we enter into March and the 40 days of Lent. Did you know that the word, “Lent”, comes from an old English derivative which means “lengthen” or “spring”? It’s fitting not only because the days will be getting longer and spring is on the way (Finally! Yippee!), but also because Lent is a season in the church in which we are encouraged to broaden our grasp of who God is and who we are in regard to God’s work in the world, and we look forward to the springing forth of God’s greatest gift, Christ crucified and risen. How might you broaden your grasp of God’s work and your need for God’s grace this Lent? The church has a long tradition of highlighting this in our lives. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday (March 9th this year), when we recognize our own mortality and all the ways our lives are broken and in need of God. Then we’ll journey through the days pondering these aspects and yearning for God. Prayer, confession, reading scripture, and giving alms are tried and

true practices of faith during this season (and any season for that matter). Specifically, here at Bethel, we’ll have weekly Wednesday vespers services (at 11:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.) in which Bethel member and renowned artist, Mac Gimse, will present sculptures depicting brokenness in the world. You’ll be able to touch and examine them and together we’ll ponder them in connection with Jesus’ words from the cross and also a word of blessing for us as we go throughout the week. I hope to see you there! However you choose to engage Lent this year, may you be broadened in recognizing your need and yearning for God, may you rejoice in the daily springing forth of God’s provision, forgiveness, mercy, and salvation in Jesus Christ, and may it give you strength to live and serve with love for the world. Peace to you,

From the Associate Pastor...

Living Faith, continued on page 19.

Page 4 The Bethel Banner

From the Scrip Table... The calendar says spring is right around the corner so now is the time to use Scrip to your advantage as you plan your garden, budget for a new lawn mower, or get ready for the Spring sports season. Whether it's plants or tools from Menards, a new lawn mower or tiller from Sears or Home Depot, or patio furniture from Kohl's or Lowe's, Scrip is available to help your dollars work for you as well as to help you budget for your purchases by buying a card or two at a time. Then there is Sports Authority, Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's, or Gander Mountain to equip you for spring sports. Plan ahead for those tournament weekends with motel cards for the Comfort Inn or Marriott. There is still plenty of time to impact your summer trip totals while making your dollars work for you!

competition among congregations, companies, communities, etc. In January, ten more households were added to the number of Bethel households pledging to cut their energy use. Bethel moved up from 6th to 5th place in the friendly competition among over 200 congregations in Minnesota. There are now 124 Bethel households participating, pledging to save $78,136 and cut down on carbon emissions by 865,528 lbs. annually.

Creation Care Tip: You can now bring plastic containers with the number 5 (polypropylene) on them to Just Food Coop for recycling! Yogurt containers, syrup bottles, ketchup bottles, caps, and medicine bottles are examples of containers in this category. The city’s curbside program does not yet collect these containers, so don’t put them in your regular recycling.

Remember those good chocolates we sold at the Alternative Giving Fair? Divine Chocolate is made from fair trade cocoa purchased in Ghana, and sent to Germany for processing. We have ordered a few cases of chocolate bars, and special bags of Easter Candy (bunnies and eggs) which we will sell on April 10 and 17 only. We will add a small mark-up to the price we pay and will donate this money to World Hunger. The Easter offering will be divided between Habitat for Humanity and Ruth's House in Faribault, which provides services to survivors of domestic violence. Watch for more details on this from the Stewardship Committee in the April Banner.

Bethel members continue to take seriously the need to use energy wisely. Bethel continues to do well in the

MNEnergyChallenge.org

On March 6, Ben Casper, local

immigration attorney, will return to talk with us about our questions on immigration law, policy, and practice. He will allow ample time for questions and discussion, so please join us! This is the last in our Sunday forum series on immigration for this year. Join us at 9:45 a.m. in Room 81 B-C in the CLC. Next meeting: Join us on Thursday, March 3, at 7 p.m. in the CLC. We are always interested in new members/new ideas! You have not missed your chance to volunteer at Thursday's Table! Bethel will be helping out quarterly. Please mark the dates on your calendar and join us: April 14, July 28, and October 20.

From the Mission and Justice Committee Vision Statement: Since we believe that service is both an obligation and a privilege of the Christian life,

we seek to provide opportunities for Bethel members to learn about the needs of others in our world and to put their knowledge into action, heeding Christ's call to "Love your neighbor as yourself."

LPGM Minute for Mission The power of relationships: At almost every stop on LPGM's recent trip to India, a former student would approach our group. These students travel many hours by bus from the villages, colleges, or places of work just so they could say “thank you” to someone from the United States, someone who was connected in some way to the person/people who had helped them get a good education. So on behalf of all of those students we say, thank you!

so all can help with the garage sale. Look for a sign-up sheet on the information table.

Bethel News

March 2011 Page 5

Calling All Seniors to Fellowship (Just Follow the Smell of Coffee!) ~ The monthly senior coffee hour will be held on Monday, March 7, at 10 a.m. in the CLC. Bring any leftover goodies to share and join the fun! Questions? Call Mary Nystuen at 645-4011. After saying goodbye to the lovely staff at The Ole Café, the Women of Bethel group has moved to Bethel’s Christian Life Center. We meet every Thursday morning from 8 – 9 a.m. over a cup of coffee and inspiring, spirit-filled readings from a variety of historical and contemporary authors. We will begin a new book on March 17. Please join us!

We have a new ministry at Bethel: Every second Tuesday of the month (March 8 this month), we roll bandages, using clean, used sheets and a nifty rolling gadget. The bandages are distributed by Global Health Ministries to disaster zones and other areas in need around the world. Join us from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Bethel -- let's get rolling! For more information, contact Marcia Omdahl. We're counting down to the annual Bethel garage sale, set this year for May 20-21. As you get started on your spring cleaning, consider setting aside a corner of the garage for working household items, clothing, children's clothing, and other treasures.

Look for more information in the April issue of the Banner. Bethel Women Having Fun will be heading to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater this month for Jesus Christ Superstar! Unfortunately the sign-up deadline has passed already, but women wishing to go can call Lu Lindstrom to be put on the waiting list in case someone who has signed up is unable to go. After looking at the calendar and realizing that our May event is the same week as the garage sale, we decided to change the trip to Winona to see the Watkins Museum to Tuesday, April 19. There will be no event in May

Welcome to Our Newest Members The following folks have joined Bethel recently:

Ryan and Emily Blumhoefer

Merv & Jackie Thompson

Join Us For Soup! During Lent, Bethel has a tradition of serving a simple meal of soup and bread on Wednesday evenings before the Lenten Vespers services. This year we will also have soup available at noon after the 11:30 a.m. vespers service. Why simply bread and soup when we are so used to the Bistro Crew’s wonderful meals? Lent is a more simple, contemplative time in the church year and so we reflect that in our meal choice (and besides the Bistro Crew deserves a break!). Lent Soup Suppers and Soup Lunches will begin on March 16 and we look forward to your participation in these meals. Each week a different group of people will take on the role of cooking, serving, and clean up. Those set to serve are: Youth Ministry, WELCA, one of our ACTS Groups, Children’s Ministry, and Via de Cristo. We have one Wednesday open and the Men of Bethel are considering serving for that!

Bethel Youth Flower Sales Believe it or not, spring is truly around the corner, and it will soon be time for plants and flowers! The Bethel Youth Flower Sale has begun. A table will be located in the narthex on three Sundays in March. Please stop by to place your order, or contact one of our current 8th through 12th graders and place your order with them. All of the proceeds will go toward their summer trips. The last day to order will be Sunday, March 20. Delivery will be on Saturday, May 7. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Adams (663-0254), adamsnk@charter.net or Heidi Muller Peterson (663-6152), randyheidi@charter.net.

We’ll need youth & parent volunteers for three shifts ~

4–5:30 p.m. - Cooking 5–6:30 p.m. - Set up and serving 6–finish p.m. - Clean-up

This is a wonderful service to our congregation, and it gives Ruth and the Bistro Crew a break during the season of Lent. If you’re available to help during any of these shifts, please sign up at the sign-up center between the bulletin board and the counter in the Barb Hanson Youth Center or call or email Barb Farmer. Thanks, in advance, for your time! The last of three 6th Grade Lord’s Prayer retreats will take place in the Barb Hanson Youth

middle school and high school youth are eligible to help with this project. If interested, you and a partner will sign up for two Sundays, then one parent will drive one week and the other parent can take a different week anytime throughout the school year. Right after the second service on your Sundays, you drive to the hospital to pick up the meals and deliver them to about five residents who live near Bethel. This usually takes 30-45 minutes; the route is provided by the hospital. The people are very friendly and really appreciate your service. All Sundays in March and April are open; if your family is able to fill any of these dates, please sign up on the Meals on Wheels sign-up sheet on the large youth bulletin board in the Barb Hanson Youth Center.

Youth Soup Supper ~ The Bethel youth and families have been asked to serve one of the soup suppers during Lent. The date we’ve been assigned is Wednesday, March 16.

Confirmation classes will continue into Lent, ending with the final class of the year the week before spring break - Wednesday, March 23. Y.E.S. (Youth Energized to Serve) Opportunities • March Food Drive ~ Once again,

this year’s March Food Drive is being organized and led by our Bethel Y.E.S. youth and adults. As in the past few years, the need is significant, so their goal of 12,000 dollars/pounds is also a big undertaking. The theme they’ve chosen, - Mission Impossible? Not if you help! - gives us an idea of the fun we’re in for! If you think you can help reach this year’s impossible(?) goal, please contact Barb Farmer or Cindy Kreis. We might all surprise ourselves with what we can accomplish!

• There are openings for Meals on Wheels. If you’ve never delivered Meals on Wheels, it’s simple! All you have to do is deliver meals to shut-ins who live close by the church. All

Page 6 The Bethel Banner

Bethel Youth News

Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries

786-8877 bfarmer@bethelnorthfield.org

Calling all middle and high school youth! Get ready to say "Y.E.S." to

this months opportunities to serve… Every Sunday - Meals on Wheels ~ We are delivering Meals on Wheels for the BLUE Route each Sunday after the second service. Help take part in this easy, fun and helpful service. Grab a friend or go with your family. It takes about 45 minutes and all homes you deliver to are very close to Bethel. Get signed up in the Youth Room or use the link on the continuing page to sign up electronically:

Just Say Y.E.S. … (That's Youth Energized to Serve)

Yes, continued on Page 14

YouthQuake, continued on Page 14

Do you remember the popular spy show of the 60’s and 70’s – Mission Impossible? The series followed the exploits of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF), a small team of secret agents used for covert missions against dictators, evil organizations, and crime lords. The team was made up of part-time agents with a variety of skills who were chosen for each mission, depending on the particular skills needed. Most episodes began with the leader of the IMF getting orders from a hidden tape recorder and an envelope of photos and information which explained the mission. The tape always began with, “Good afternoon, Mr. Phelps. . . ” After a brief explanation of the situation, it ended

with “Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept it, is . . .” and a short explanation. After the tape self-destructed, an elaborate plan of action was put into place, using the various unique abilities of the IMF team. So what a great theme this is for this year’s March Food Drive! I can think of all kinds of analogies that can be applied to this year’s drive based on the television series:

• Just like the IMF, our Youth Energized to Serve team is known by their acronym, Y.E.S.

• The Y.E.S. team is made up of

Agents Needed! By Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries

Agents, continued on Page 18

March 7, if you have not already done so. If you have a 4th grader who did not receive a mailing on this, please contact the church office right away.

4th Grade Holy Worship Retreat – Sunday, March 20, noon-5 p.m. – Please return your registration form by

March 2011 Page 7

ª Select a children's Bible or family Bible and read the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection together.

ª Instead of giving up chocolate this Lent, add a gift of family service.

ª Worship together as a family and enjoy a conversation about what you heard, what you still wonder about, and what it

means in your life.

ª As a family, learn to say, "I am sorry. Can you forgive me?" Teach the response, "I forgive you."

ª Read a book, watch a movie, or talk about what happens when forgiveness is withheld. How does it feel when you hold a grudge or

Marilyn Sharpe is a long-time Christian educator and well known for her expertise in the area of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry. Several of us on staff have had the opportunity to attend workshops and/or conferences led by Marilyn. Following are some of her ideas on how to observe Lent in the family: Lent is a season to prepare our hearts and minds and lives for God's ultimate gift in Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. How might families live this season with a Lent filter?

ª Find a family Lenten devotional book and use it. (Watch the Bethel narthex in early March for several selections.)

stay angry? Forgiveness is as liberating for the one who forgives, as it is for the one who is forgiven.

ª When you hear about someone who is hard to get along with or who has wronged another, pray for that person.

ª Jesus came to reconcile humans to God and humans to one another. In prayer, invite Jesus to do that reconciling work in you.

ª Eat by candlelight each night of Lent, lighting a candle and saying, "Jesus is the light of the world."

ª Share a story about a person who has been the light of Christ in your life.

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. John 12:46

Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries

786-8878 pvig@bethelnorhtfield.org

Children’s Ministry Update

Church and Home Ministry ~ Partners in Faith By Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries

Parents Night Out....also coming sometime this spring :) "A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on." Carl Sandburg

up a "Tell Us What You Think" form. It's a great way for us to continue doing the things that make our nursery so great, but it also helps us to find ways to improve and make the nursery that much better. We value your opinion and would love your feedback. Upcoming Nursery Events:

Nursery Bake Sale....coming sometime this spring!

As the new coordinator of the nursery, I am so excited to get to know all of the littlest members of Bethel and

their families. They say that the easiest way to see God's love is to look into the eyes of a small child, which makes hanging out in the nursery on Sundays a pretty wonderful place to be! If you are a parent of a child who uses the nursery, please stop by and pick

Nursery News

Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator

786-6674 jjenkinson@bethelnorhtfield.org

Jesus came to reconcile humans to God and humans to one another. In prayer, invite Jesus to do that reconciling work in you.

Page 8 The Bethel Banner

Highlights of the January Church Council Meeting The Trustee reported that the new list of chores for 2011 is already eleven items long and they have begun working on them. There has been a lot of snow removal and it will continue. The Treasurer reported that December was a strong giving month with $95,000 collected leaving us 3.2% ahead of last year in spite of our on-going capital campaign. We collected $587,000 on the new capital campaign in 2010. Expenses for the year came in under budget. The Steward reported that they are working on a brochure for special gifts. The Stewardship Committee was pleased with the Christmas offering and will continue to advertise in advance, send a letter, and mention the giving in the offering time at worship. At-Large Member for Visual Arts reported that they are working on a plan for new green paraments. The Nominating Committee is very close to finishing up the slate of candidates for the annual meeting. The Church Council approved the proposed budget for 2011 that will be submitted to the congregation at the annual meeting. The Personnel Committee has approved a four-week paternity leave for Pastor Charlie. The President took time to acknowledge the outgoing Council members. Lee Runzheimer and Jill Eastman were thanked for their leadership and service to our congregation.

Congratulations and a Big Thank You to Bethel's Newest Council Members!

Barb Fowler, Financial Officer KayLee Henderson, At-Large Member

The Bethel Befrienders are offering a forum series based on the “Spiritual Wholeness Wheel”. The

Wholeness Wheel (see graphic) is offered as a visual reminder of the need for balance in the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, physical, vocational, and financial parts of our lives. When one or two of them get out of whack, our lives get out of whack. Martin Luther said, “This life, therefore, is not godliness but the process of becoming godly, not health but getting well, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not now what we shall be, but we are on the way.” With these words Luther gives us all hope. We can’t be “whole” in this life, but we can become acquainted with the wholeness to come, by striving to live well in key aspects of our lives. We realize we are not perfect, nor will we ever be; yet we can strive together to be “good” as Pastor Tim challenged us in a recent sermon. Using the Spiritual Wholeness Wheel as our template, a forum addressing each

Befrienders By Marci Groenewold

Tuesday, March 1, 7 p.m.: This is our monthly meeting and the topic will be “Husband as Caregiver” and Jerry Williams will be our presenter at

Befriender Calendar at a Glance

of the aspects of the Wholeness Wheel will be offered during the adult education hour in the sanctuary, with Bethel members as speakers. (The dates and topic speakers are listed below.) Each speaker will cover their topic and relate it to their spiritual well-being. Each talk will be complete so if you miss one you can still benefit from joining the class. Most speakers will allow time for discussion. During the season of Lent, Christians are challenged to grow spiritually. By attending these forums, it is our prayer that Bethelites can continue to grow and become what God intended us to be. Blessings from Bethel's

Befrienders

† A core Befriender principle: “Nonjudgemental presence “. For more information, call Marci Groenewold, (645-6257), Knight Stanley (645-2512), Jean Miller (645-5353), or the Bethel office (786-6674).

March 2011 Page 9

Devney Hughes building, St. Dominic's. Sunday, March 20, 9:45 a.m.: Please join us in the sanctuary at the forum.

Tuesday, April 5, 7 p.m.: This is our monthly meeting. Our topic will be “Listening”.

All forums will be held in the sanctuary during the Sunday School hour. All are welcome at any and all of these forums. March 6: Jim Dimick will speak on social/interpersonal well-being.

Wholeness Wheel Forum Speakers March 13: Dan Dimick will speak on emotional well-being. March 20: Obie Holmen will speak on intellectual well-being. March 27: Kitty Runzheimer will speak on physical well-being.

April 3: Kaethe Schwehn will speak on vocational well-being. April 17: Justin Stets will speak on financial well-being.

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Calendar — March 2011

Page 10 The Bethel Banner

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Mark Your Calendars April 10 ~ Creation Care Fair April 30 ~Adopt-a-Highway Pick-Up May 1 ~ Plant-a-Tree Sunday May 20-21 ~ Annual Bethel Garage Sale June 5 ~ Senior Sunday at 8:30 a.m. June 12 ~ Summer Worship Schedule June 17-19 ~ Red Barn Campground Trip September 22-25 ~ Bethel Backpacking Trip

March 2011 Page 11

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Page 12 The Bethel Banner

Multicultural Ministries (MM) continues to assist the church in working towards the goal of full partnership and participation of African Descent, American Indian and Alaska Native, Arab and Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Islander and Latino people in the life of this church. The MM Staff is able to do so in partnership with churchwide staff, regions, synods, congregations, colleges and universities, seminaries and institutions. Each ethnic ministry director works in partnership with their community’s clergy and lay leaders. African Descent

The African American, African Caribbean, and African National communities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are gifted and culturally diverse. People of African descent represent 13 percent of the total population of the United States of America. Currently within the ELCA there are 54,189 members of African descent. This represents one percent of the ELCA’s total membership. The ELCA has 252 congregation with at least 25% African descent membership. At present, there are about 242 African descent pastors and 83 African descent leaders preparing themselves for the ministry. American Indian and Alaskan Native

The Lutheran witness with American Indians and Alaska Natives has more than 350 years of history. It is a history filled with hope and broken promises, solidarity and injustice, affirmation and paternalism, strategies and inaction, grand goals and lack of funding. At present time, the ELCA American Indian and Alaskan Native membership is around 6,685. While general ELCA membership declined

From Our Mission Interpreter... By Lois Stratmoen

1.7 percent between 1987 and 1994, American Indian and Alaska Native membership increased by 18.1 percent during that same period. The ELCA has 21 congregations with 10 percent or more American Indian and Alaska Native members. Arab and Middle Eastern

The origins of the Arab and Middle Eastern community within the ELCA extend back many millennia to Mesopotamia, the land “between the rivers,” often considered the biblical garden of Eden and the cradle of human civilization. Passing through this land to Canaan was Abraham, the father through tradition and faith of Jews, Christians, and Muslims and the ethnic father of Jews and Arabs through his sons Isaac and Ishmael. Even in the earliest days of the Christian community, the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was witnessed by Arabs and Middle Easterners along with others living during the Roman Empire in the multi-ethnic Palestine and Fertile Crescent. Today's ELCA members of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage, from such places as Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine, are the descendants of these earliest Christians. The specifically Lutheran presence in the region dates back to the middle 19th century, when English and German Christians began to found schools, hospitals, and churches. The ELCA currently has three Arab and Middle Eastern congregations. At present, there are seven Arab and Middle Eastern pastors. Asian and Pacific Islander

People from Asian and Pacific Island heritages are a highly diverse population within the territory covered by the ELCA. Some have

lived in North America for several generations, while others have more recently arrived. There are about 23,000 Asians and Pacific Islanders in the ELCA. The ELCA has over 100 Asian congregations and ministries. These congregations and ministries are ministering in many languages including: Mandarin, Khmer, Cantonese, Hmong, Taiwanese, Tamil, Korean, Filipino, Japanese, Sinhalese, Laotion, Urdu, Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese, English (Second Generation Ministry). In addition to these 100 congregations and ministries, a number of Asians are members of Anglo and multicultural congregations. At present, there are about 160 Asian pastors and about 30 Asian leaders who are preparing for the ministry. Latino

The Latino community in the ELCA in all its rich diversity is united. We are a “community of communities” that confesses its origin and identity in the creative, redemptive, and sanctifying work of God. The great diversity that characterizes us is a process of continual biological and cultural “mestizaje,” and its center is our unity in the revelation of the Triune God in Jesus Christ. At Baptism, we affirm that we are a part of the larger community of saints – the universal church. The Latino Christian community is an integral part of the universal church, which includes people from all nations and all languages. We must not be divided by racial prejudice, social class, and gender differences. Our community is a true fountain of rich cultural values, traditions, and spirituality. These gifts,

Mission Interpreter, continued on page 13.

March 2011 Page 13

Mondays ♦ 7-8 p.m. - WELCA

Bible Study (first Monday of each month), Fireside Room

Wednesdays ♦ 10-11:15 a.m. - Bethel Bible Series,

New Testament, Bethel Library

Thursdays ♦ 8-9 a.m. - Bethel Women’s Study,

CLC ♦ 8:30-9:30 a.m. - Men of Bethel -

Classrooms 61A & B

Saturdays ♦ 8:30-9:30 a.m. - No Experience

Necessary! Barb Hanson Youth Room, beginning March 12

Sundays 9:45-10:30 a.m. ♦ Mathetes, Fireside Room

Monthly and Semi-Monthly Groups ♦ Membership Matters, a course for

prospective members, offered on May 15, noon, in the CLC

♦ STARS events ♦ Mission & Justice Forums ♦ Adult Retreats ♦ Monthly WELCA circles open to all

women. If you are interested in joining a circle, please contact the church office.

Adult Education

There's more information about these groups on page 15.

Any and all of these adult education groups may be joined at any time. Watch the Weekly Banner for information about additions and changes.

Mission Interpreter, continued from page 12.

which reflect our historical experience of faith, can help enrich the ELCA together with the contributions of other communities within the church. Presently we have approximately 220 ministries in the United States from the state of Washington to Puerto Rico and the Virgins Islands. We continue to grow, thanks to the efforts of the faithful who have decided to be part of the priesthood of all believers. Our leadership at the national office is making all efforts to create and facilitate programs and events to

support our pastors and lay leadership. Let’s continue to be united in Christ for the enhancement and expansion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the promotion of Latino Christian values that unites us as a great family. Each of these ethnic ministries has a newsletter, most published quarterly, which is available online. For further information go to www.elca.org and click on Multicultural Ministries in the box on the bottom of the page.

Submitted by Shirley Gangstad

March Bethel STARS (Seniors Together at Retirement) Luncheon

The Music of Martin Luther March 17, noon – 2 p.m., Bethel Christian Life Center As an accomplished singer, composer, and lutenist, Martin Luther often stated, “Music is a beautiful and glorious gift of God, second only to theology.” Randall Ferguson will give a live performance on the renaissance lute along with a discussion of the music and hymnody of the reformation that later came to be known as the Lutheran Choral Tradition. Randall Ferguson teaches music in the Farmington school district. He also teaches classes on ethnomusicology at Hamline University and plays the classical guitar, flamenco guitar, renaissance lute, and vihuela professionally in the Midwest area. The cost for this event is $7 (cash or checks payable to Bethel Church). Advance registration is needed by completing and returning your registration and payment to the Bethel church office by March 14. You can also stop by and register on Sunday mornings between services at the information table in the narthex.

Yes! Count me in for the March STARS lunch!

Name: ______________________________________

Phone Number: _______________________________

Email Address: _______________________________

Meal Choice: Reuben: _______ or Rachel: ________

Please turn this form in to the church office with $7 cash or check.

May ~ Help with the Bethel garage sale Tuesday, June 15, Vasa Lutheran Church Tour Tuesday, July 19, Lake City Boat Trip Tuesday, August 16, Potluck at Lu Lindstrom’s home

All Bethel women are invited to join in the fun with this traveling monthly fellowship group! Most trips leave in a carpool from the Bethel parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Watch the weekly Banner for updates and details. Tuesday, April 19, Watkins Museum, Winona

Bethel Women Having Fun

The Bethel Banner Page 14

http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/732345631841830094 We have several spots to fill in March and April. We need you to say YES to Meals on Wheels! March Food Drive ~ Sunday, March 6, will be the day when we need

Yes, continued from page 6. as many youth as possible to be at both services to kick off this exciting Mission Impossible! Many of you are already on this secret agent task force and we thank you for you dedication and enthusiasm already! We will continue to need you all month, so

check your Sundays and be ready to help out in various ways. It's not too late to join the fun if you haven't already. Feel free to ask Barb Farmer or Cindy Kreis how you can help.

Center on Sunday, March 20, from noon to 3 p.m. All 6th grade youth are invited; please RSVP by Wednesday, March 16.. Parents, if you are available to help with this retreat, please contact Barb Farmer. 6th Grade Connections will meet on Wednesdays, March 2, and March 16, this month. Hi League will meet at 7 p.m. after Lent Vespers on the 9th and 23rd of this month. Come join us for fun, relaxation, and faith talk in the Barb Hanson Youth Center. 30-Hour Famine ~ All middle school youth will receive information at the beginning of March about this exciting opportunity on Friday evening and Saturday morning, March 18-19, for a night of fun and learning about world hunger. You may sign up at the 30-Hour Famine table in the narthex on Sundays or at the sign-up center in the Barb Hanson Youth Center. You may also call or email Barb Farmer to participate in this meaningful event. Parents, we will need chaperones for this event; please check out the sign-up center or call or email Barb if you are able to help. A High School Fundraising Team meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 21. Summer trippers ~ • Please remember - March 15 is

your next payment date. Financial recaps were sent in the mail

YouthQuake, continued from page 6. to all youth who are participating in a summer trip. The recaps give information about earnings from fundraisers, future fundraisers, and a current balance. If you have not received a Summer Trip Recap or have questions, please contact Barb Farmer.

• Summer Trip Meetings will take place as follows:

8th Grade Mission Trip – Tuesday, March 15, 7 p.m. Christikon – Tuesday, March 15, 8 p.m.

High School Flathead Lake Trip – Thursday, March 17, 7 p.m.

• Fundraiser information ~ Information packets have gone out about our next fundraiser – our annual Plant Sale! A sign-up sheet for helping with the plant delivery and pick-up on Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, will be at the sign-up center in the Barb Hanson Youth Center. You may also call or email Barb Farmer to sign up for these work shifts.

Thrivent deadline Thrivent Choice program lets members recommend where some of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans charitable outreach funds go by directing their Choice Dollars. Thrivent members who were notified that they are eligible for Choice Dollars have until March 31 to designate funds earned in 2010. You may designate Bethel to receive those funds and set it up as a recurring designation for future dollars. Please go online at Thrivent.com or call 800-847-4836.

March 2011 Page 15

March 13: Dan Dimick will speak on emotional well-being March 20: Obie Holmen will speak on

intellectual well-being March 27: Kitty Runzheimer will speak on physical well-being April 3: Kaethe Schwehn will speak on vocational well-being

April 17: Justin Stets will speak on financial well-being

Adult Ed Opportunities Adult Ed Opportunities during the Weekduring the Week

Bethel Women’s Study, Thursdays, 8-9 a.m., Bethels Christian Life Center. Women of Bethel meet each Thursday from 8 to 9 a.m. In our CLC for great coffee and rich conversation. Please watch the weekly Banner for more information. For more information, contact Pam Santerre at 786-8951. Men of Bethel (MOB), Thursdays, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Bethel classrooms 61A & B. We are studying The Reason for God by Timothy Keller. New participants are always welcome. No Experience Necessary! Bible Study – Saturdays 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Barb Hanson Youth Center beginning March 12. Join Pastor Charlie and fellow Bethel members as we start a new study on faith practices highlighted in scripture. A perfect Bible study for people of any level of scriptural knowledge. All are welcome and no experience necessary!

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (WELCA) Bible Study - The 2010-2011 Bible study is “The People of God: Unity in the Midst of Diversity” by the Revs. Linda Johnson Seyenkulo and D. Jensen Seyenkulo. Barb Holm will be leading a monthly study for WELCA circle

Bethel is committed to building and equipping disciples for Christ and His Kingdom through our Adult Education offerings. We encourage every adult in our Bethel community to engage in learning by participating in the forums, classes, and retreats that are offered this year. Please consider the following opportunities in adult education, and check the weekly and monthly Banners and www.bethelnorthfield.org for updates throughout the year.

For all Adults on Sundays For all Adults on Sundays

Adult Ed Classes

Mathetes with Pastor Tim, 9:45-10:30 a.m., Fireside Room. In November, Mathetes began a study of discipleship according to Matthew. Membership Matters – May 15 – 12 to 1:30 p.m. If you are a Bethel visitor who is thinking about joining Bethel, you are invited to join the Bethel staff on the above date for a casual pizza lunch and an informative gathering about Bethel congregation, its mission and ministries, and our hopes and dreams for the future. While not required, MM may help you decide if Bethel is the right congregation for you! Childcare is provided. Adult Faith Forums Sunday mornings, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m., in the sanctuary. Watch the weekly Banner for more upcoming events. The Befrienders will offer a Lenten forum series based on the Spiritual Wholeness Wheel. (For more information, see the Befriender article on page 9.) March 6: Jim Dimick will speak on social/interpersonal well-being

Adult Education Offerings leaders AND anyone else who is interested. They will meet most months on the first Monday of each month from 7–8 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please contact Barb at 507-301-8184 if you plan to attend and need the study materials. Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (WELCA) Circles - Women gather together in their WELCA Circles monthly for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. They are open to all women; Bethel has several to fit any schedule. If you are interested in joining a circle, or would like to begin a new group, please contact Marcia Omdahl at 664-9052.

Workshops, Retreats, Workshops, Retreats, Events, Support Groups Events, Support Groups

For All Bethel Adults

Watch the weekly Banner for upcoming events. Bethel Seniors Together At Retirement (STARS) Quarterly events for 2010-11: The Music of Martin Luther with Randall Ferguson, Thursday, March 17, 12–2 p.m. at Bethel - See details and a registration form on page 18. Memorial Day Remembrance, Thursday, May 26, 12 – 2 p.m. at Bethel - Watch for more information about this luncheon and program.

The Bethel Banner Page 16

March Worship Servants

March 6 March 13 March 20 March 27

Assisting Minister (8:30 a.m.)

Carol Lysne Mike Ahrens Lu Lindstrom Noel Stratmoen

Assisting Minister (10:45 a.m.)

Libby Glimsdal Mike Ahrens Christina Schwietz Knight Stanley

Reader (8:30 a.m.) Kristi Huettl Jim Holden Bethel Youth Curt Johnson

Reader (10:45 a.m.) Janelle Johnson Doug Casson Bethel Youth Marci Groenewold

Sacramental Ministers (8:30 a.m.)

Mike & Sandy Ahrens, Wendell Arneson & Beth Christensen, Carol Cole

Roberta & Gene Ganske, Connie DeGrote, Sandy Ahrens, Carol Cole

Bethel Youth Abbie Meierbachtol, Bob & Thora Phelps, Don Kloster, Marcia Omdahl

Sacramental Ministers (10:45 a.m.)

Jean Mueller, Dan Foley, Marci Groenewold, Pam Vig

Sandy Ahrens, Barb Neitzel, Rosemarie Lewis, Barb Farmer

Bethel Youth Robert & Vikki Van Veldhuizen, Cindy Kreis, Barb Henwood

Acolytes (8:30 a.m.) Brynne Gray, Jacob Halvorson

Cully Hauck, Karl Holman Gabriella Vargas, Grace Carlson

Will Schuerman, Linnea Larson

Acolytes (10:45 a.m.) Mitchell Brachmann, Brandon Foster

Jessica Labenski, Annalee Olson-Sola

Kayla Greden, Garrett Sawyer

Isabel Aylin, Andrew Baumgartner

Ushers (8:30 a.m.) Roberta & Gene Ganske, Ellis Lysne, Tony Huettl

Marilyn & Gordon Kelley, Mac Gimse, Roger Glasgow

Bethel Youth Steve Meierbachtol, Kyle Nordine, Jim Moberg, Jamie Waters

Ushers (10:45 a.m.) Steve & Carol O'Neill, Ryan & Emily Blumhoefer

Carol & Gerry Gengenbach, Marv Farmer, Juley Jenkinson

Bethel Youth Gary Hanson, Chad & Juley Jenkinson, Barry Vig

Greeters (8:30 a.m.) Phil & Barb Holm Van Denison, Mary Loven Judy & Mark Code Carrol Johnson, Ryan & Emily Blomhoffer

Greeters (10:45 a.m.) Chris & Dan Kallman Steve & Carol O'Neill Tom Ett & Libby Glimsdal Sharon Stoeck

Nametags (8:30 a.m.) Judy & Mark Code Gary Miessler & Becky Benedict

Gary Miessler & Becky Benedict

Janet & Tom Pritchard

Nametags (10:45 a.m.) Jim & Dottie Hammer Carrie & Adam Hackney Carrol Johnson, Travis Grant

Tim & Patty Geary

Coffee Servers Jerry & Sandy Germundson, Jim & Dottie Hammer, Chris Kallman (treats only), Mary Loven, Gail & Keith Setterstrom (treats only)

Judy & Mark Code, Gary Miessler & Becky Benedict, Phil & Barb Holm, Val Denison (treats only), Carrie & Adam Hackney (treats only), Gary & Rosemarie Lewis (treats only)

Winnie & Carrol Johnson, Ruth Bolstad & Dave Chapman, Travis & Heidi Grant (9 a.m.), Rose & Dale Turnacliff, Robyn Peterson

Jerry & Sandy Germundson, Winnie Johnson, Kathy Fredrickson (9:30 a.m.), Tim & Patty Geary (treats only), Tom & Janet Pritchard (treats only)

The Bethel Banner The Bethel Banner Page 16

March 2011 Page 17

A Measure of Our Commitment February Worship Attendance average per Sunday

2008 2009 2010 2011

464 516 534 487

Average Year-to-date Worship Attendance

2008 2009 2010 2011

465 513 514 479

* Does not include February 27, 2011 figures

The Bethel Banner is published monthly as a ministry of Bethel Lutheran Church of Northfield, Minnesota. The congregation is invited to submit articles to the church office. Articles are due by the 20th of each month. Questions, suggestions, or comments? Contact editor Lisa McDermott at lmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org, by phone at 645-0740, or call the church office at 786-6674.

March 2011 March 2011

March 6 March 13 March 20 March 27

Altar Care Mike & Sandy Ahrens Lisa Peterson Lu Lindstrom John & Marcia Omdahl

Communion Angels

Alice Dale, Arlene Neil Roberta and Gene Ganske, Larry & Avis Petterson

Carol Cole Elaine Deim, Dick and Orpah Johnson

A/V Room (8:30 a.m.) Seth Hanson Tucker Meillier

Jordan Ett Liam Fisher

Patrick Walker Ben Coleman

Neil Barck Nathan Dahlen

A/V Room (10:45 a.m.)

Neil Barck Mark Lewis

Seth Hanson Ben Coleman

Jordan Ett David Kreis

Patrick Walker Liam Fisher

Service Group Chairperson: Dottie Hammer, 645-7619

Page 17

Year-to-date Benevolences

SE MN Synod 2,083 Lutheran Social Services 916 M/J Honorarium & Creation Care 94 ELCA World Hunger 354 CAC Food Shelf 297 Good Samaritan Funds used 160

$3,904

As of 1/31/11

The Bethel Banner Page 18

Are you having trouble getting ends to meet? Three Rivers Community Action, Inc., offers an Energy Assistance Program to help you with utility bills. Go to www.threeriverscap.org for more information, income guidelines, and an application. Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2011. If you have any questions, call 507-732-7391 or 800-277-8418. You are invited to attend HealthFinders' 8th Annual Gala at the Grand Event Center on March 19 at 6 p.m. HealthFinders Collaborative, the recipient of Bethel's Christmas offering, is a non-profit organization in Northfield whose mission is to provide quality, accessible, and culturally sensitive healthcare services at no cost to low-income and uninsured residents of greater Rice County. The evening will include dinner, a silent auction, and live musical entertainment. Tickets cost $35 per person. For more information, please visit www.health-findersmn.org. To purchase tickets please contact Laurel Kallman at 581-2020 or kallman@stolaf.edu.

News from our Neighbors

For ten years the Job Connections Group has been assisting those who are unemployed, under-employed, or in job transition. Those who attend the meetings participate in workshops designed to optimize the job search process and facilitate effective networking. The meetings are staffed by professional volunteers who are experienced in job search techniques, accessing helpful resources, and all guest speakers offer their services gratis so there is never a cost for any of the job search worships. Anyone currently seeking new employment opportunities is welcome to attend any of the meetings or workshops. Job Connections Group meets Tuesdays, 6:30-8:15 p.m., in the Christian Life Center of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13901 Fairview Drive in Burnsville, directly across from Fairview Ridges Hospital. For more information, visit www.princeofpeaceonline.org/jcg or call 952-898-9388.

Attention Job Seekers

talented youth and adults who come together with their unique skills to accomplish big goals.

• Like Jim Phelps, our Y.E.S. team leader, Cindy Kreis, can’t accomplish this mission by herself. It takes a team of many, including the Y.E.S. team and you and me, to be successful.

• Our goal of 12,000 lbs./dollars may seem impossible in today’s economy. (But remember, we raised even more than that last year!)

Even more impossible is the need our

Agents Needed, continued from page 6. Minnesota food shelves are experiencing due to cutbacks, diminished donations, and increased need, again due to our economy. Going back to the TV series, the thing that made these plots so exciting was the fact that this small, determined team always accomplished their “impossible” mission. And I, along with our Y.E.S. team, believe Bethel has the skill, tenacity, and resources to accomplish ours. We have faced and achieved some pretty daunting goals in the past, and I’m sure we will again.

Thus, the full theme for our drive: Mission Impossible: Not If You Help! Yes, we can tackle and accomplish the seemingly impossible! So I’m expecting great things during the month of March as we undertake this challenging goal. Please join our Bethel Y.E.S. team in taking on this Mission Impossible to collect 12,000 lbs/dollars for the March Food Drive. We may all surprise ourselves with what we can accomplish – maybe even the impossible!

Mark Your Calendars: Habitat for Humanity's Raise the Roof Dinner is set for Sunday, May 1, 5:30 p.m., at the Legion in Faribault. Meet the families, connect with friends, and learn more about Habitat for Humanity. In 2011, Habitat will build two houses in Northfield, one in Faribault, and one in Morristown. For more information, call 507-323-5167 or go to www.habitat-ricecounty.org. Do you have a gently used backpack that you no longer use? Consider donating it to a former patient of the KOLA Clinic, which provides medical services to chronically homeless people, military veterans, and mentally ill American Indians in Minneapolis. Over the past few years, many former KOLA Clinic patients have found stable housing and are ready to move on with their lives. Today these individuals are enrolling in Minneapolis area GED programs and community colleges. They need school supplies and backpacks. Especially backpacks! For more information, please go to www.aicdc-mn.org/node/48 or contact the church office.

March 2011 Page 19

Thank you Bethel congregation for the prayers, celebration, and wonderful gifts upon the birth of our daughter Harriet (Hattie) Ann, and your continued love and care for our daughter Lucy as well! In particular, thank you to any and all of you who attended the baby shower, gave gifts and/or cards, provided food and meals, or have expressed well wishes and congratulations to us in person. Our family certainly has felt the love and care of God through you and the Bethel community. What a blessing! Special thanks to Barb, Gloria, Lisa, Pam S., Pam V., Paula, Sandy, and Rhonda for coordinating, organizing, decorating, and providing such a wonderful event. You are amazing. With much love and gratitude,

Pastor Charlie and Becky Ruud

We have so much to be thankful for...

Thank you to all the people who signed up to become Meal Angels for folks in need in our congregation. There is still time to sign up! Learn more at the information table. As Marie Nordine said when she signed up, "A little bit makes a big difference." (Other teens signed up, too -- hint, hint!)

Mary Nystuen Thank you for your support and for donating to my Girl Scout Silver Award project. Your donations of supplies and your monetary donations have helped me complete 20 camping kits. I appreciate all of your help.

Sandy Carson Thank you for your very generous contribution of $1,154.86 to the Community Action Center of Northfield designated for Food Shelf purposes.

There are people in our community who may not know where their next meal is coming from, and we cannot abide that. Because of your generous partnership, CAC can make the promise that no one goes hungry in Northfield," and no one need even face the insecurity of their next meal. The CAC Board of Directors and I are grateful for your faith-filled support! Thanks, again,

Jim Blaha, CAC of Northfield Thanks to your congregation for continuing to support the work performed by the employees and volunteers of LSS. We appreciate that through your congregation’s giving, LSS is able to play a key role in making Minnesota a place in which people can live in dignity, safety, and hope. 2010 was a dynamic year full of many challenges. We persevered in the work we have been called to do, inspired by the belief that God loves all creation without condition and yearns for us to love our neighbor. With your church's continuing help, we look forward to pursuing our important mission in 2011 and beyond.

Richard Anderson, LSS

X Bethel often receives more thank you notes than we have space available. Some of those published are edited due to space constraints. Thank you for all you give!

where we know we are mortal, but, in order to live life, we deny that we will die. Faith is the leap into not fearing the end game. Karl Barth’s Dogmatics is a dialectical theology of listening to God through scripture, where God is revealed as grace and judgment. Its neo-orthodox approach made me comfortable with my faith at the time. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, and Life Together. Bonhoeffer was martyred in 1945, just 23 days before Germany surrendered. When I was very young I needed to have my faith challenged by someone who understood the struggles inherent in being Christian. He helped preserve my faith while I struggled to keep my spiritual balance.

Living Faith, continued from page 3. Soren Kierkegaard, Fear and Trembling; Sickness Unto Death; and Purity of Heart Is To Will One Thing. A Christian faces the options between despair and faith with almost every waking moment because life is so unpredictable. I needed to focus my faith and my life on the good and gracious and forgiving nature of Christ, because all good and all suffering are in relation to eternity, fused to the self seamlessly and therefore only ONE thing. Hmm...gets a little dense, eh? Lionel Trilling The Opposing Self, and Liberal Imagination. His writing brought me to a place where things get more complicated than I ever dreamed, and by doing so, revealed the virtue of remaining flexible in my thinking about humankind and its religion(s). Peace of the living Christ...Mac

Bethel Lutheran Church is a body of believers redeemed by Christ who Call and welcome all people; Act to serve our neighbors in need; Respond with God’s love to one another; and Encourage spiritual growth.

Bethel Staff Timothy McDermott, Senior Pastor .................................786-6674...........tmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org Charlie Ruud, Associate Pastor..........................................786-6674...........cruud@bethelnorthfield.org Barb Farmer, Director of Youth Ministries .....................786-8877...........bfarmer@bethelnorthfield.org Rhonda Reece, Director of Music and Worship.............786-8874...........rreece@bethelnorthfield.org Sandy Haines, Office Administrator .................................786-6674...........shaines@bethelnorthfield.org Pam Santerre, Pastoral Minister.........................................786-8951...........psanterre@bethelnorthfield.org Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries .....................786-8878...........pvig@bethelnorthfield.org Gloria West, Church Accountant ......................................786-6687...........gwest@bethelnorthfield.org Paula Mathison, Secretary/Receptionist...........................786-6674...........pmathison@bethelnorthfield.org Mike Graff, Custodian.........................................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Ken Hu, Janitor ....................................................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Dan Kallman, Adult Choir Director .................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Jill Mahr, Youth Handbell Director ..................................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Elizabeth Shepley, Children’s Choir Director .................786-6674...........bethel@bethelnorthfield.org Juley Jenkinson, Nursery Coordinator..............................786-6674...........jjenkinson@bethelnorthfield.org Bethel Banner submissions................................................. ...........................lmcdermott@bethelnorthfield.org

Bethel Lutheran Church 1321 North Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 ● ● ● Phone: 507-786-6674 Web: www.bethelnorthfield.org

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