Bethel Beacon

BE.THE.Light Volume 54 Issue 2

Pastors:

Julé Ballinger

Erika Buller

Jim Gustafson

Bethel Lutheran Mission Statement

Bethel Lutheran Church is a community of believers called by God to invite all people into a living relationship with Jesus

Christ, build them up in the faith, and send them out to be witnesses in word and deed to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

BE.THE.Love

2015

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From the new desk of Pastor Erika

Lovely to meet you all, thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your community of faith. My

name is Pastor Erika Buller and I am your new associate pastor. By ways of biographical information:

I grew up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. I went to Augsburg College in Minneapolis where I had a

Youth and Family Ministry major and an English minor. I have worked for many summers at camp in

the Great Northwoods of Northeastern Minnesota with Voyageurs Lutheran Ministries. Camp ministry

has been instrumental in shaping my call to ordained ministry. After college I worked as a youth direc-

tor, in retail, and in the corporate world. I started studying at Luther Seminary in 2010. This is also

where I met my husband, Michael. Michael and I have been married a bit over a year; so far we have

faced many challenges together, including this one-- being a pastoral couple in our first calls. Al-

though we are new to North Dakota, we are not new to harsh winters, since both of us are Minnesota

kids. Michael is also quite busy on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights as he pastors a two-point

parish in Abercrombie and Galchutt. We are adjusting to new schedules and a new kind of life to-

gether as a very busy clergy couple.

Just so you know a bit more about me…your new pastor likes: wool socks, being outside, hiking and

canoeing, bright colors, black coffee, travel, reading novels, Dietrich Bonheoffer, kale chips, autumn,

Pinterest, bicycling, BBC television shows, vintage style, knitting Norwegian mittens, poetry, being an

auntie, gummy bears, laughing, seeking beauty in the world and in people I meet. Your new pastor

dislikes: peas, mushrooms, and sharks.

As I have said, this call to serve at Bethel Lutheran as your associate pastor is my first call. What an

honor and a gift! A huge thank you for those members from Bethel who attended my ordination ser-

vice at the end of November, it meant so very much to me for you to be present in that worship service.

Also thank you for the ways in which you “pounded” me with pantry stuffs, office supplies, yarn, as

well as your great prayers and love. Thank you very much, I feel very welcomed indeed.

You know when pastors start sermons “When I was in my first congregation…” and then continue into

a heart-warming story about how the relationship with their very first church formed them as a pastor?

You, dear Bethel, will be that place for me. I believe quite strongly that churches rise up and form

their pastors; I am honored to learn, to serve, and to grow in your company. Let me take the opportu-

nity now to thank you for the lessons you will teach, the grace you will extend, and the many ways we

will share life together in this place. I am excited, I am terrified, and I am hopeful for the great things

God is up to. Thank you in advance for the work we will do together in love for this church, this com-

munity, and for God’s world.

In Christ,

Pastor Erika

CONTACT INFO: Phone 642-4472

fax 642-2477

Pastor Julé: jballinger@bethelwahpeton.com

Pastor Erika: ebuller@bethelwahpeton.com

Pastor Jim: jgustafson@bethelwahpeton.com

Mary Anderson: manderson@bethelwahpeton.com

Alveda Wurl: awurl@bethelwahpeton.com

Jana Olson: jolson@bethelwahpeton.com

Missy Klose mklose@bethelwahpeton.com

Clare Byron: cbyron@bethelwahpeton.com

Lila Gedrose: wschool@bethelwahpeton.com

Building Hours

7am-5pm Monday-Friday

9am-1pm Saturdays

7am-1pm Sundays

Financial Update as of December, 2014

Year to date Income $449,862.78

Year to date Expenses $451,395.51

Deficit - $ 1,532.73

http://bethelwahpeton.com

or

www.facebook.com/bethelwahpeton

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER?

If you or someone you know desire membership please contact:

Pastor Julé at jballinger@bethelwahpeton.com or Pastor Jim at jgustafson@bethelwahpeton.com

or call the church office at 642-4472.

Dollars for Jesus

In January, 2015, $120.00 was given in

vouchers from the “Dollars for Jesus” fund.

The Board of Stewardship would like to share a few facts about our

congregation’s benevolences and the Eastern North Dakota Synod.

1. The mission of the church is supported by a “proportionate share” of

each congregation’s annual budget.

2. The Synod supports agencies and institutions like Lutheran Outdoor

ministries, Lutheran Campus Ministries, Luther Seminary, LSS, and

North Dakota Conference Churches.

3. The Synod has expenses for the offices of the Presiding Bishop, the Secretary and the Treasurer.

3. The Synod’s 2014 Expense Proposal included the following major purposes:

*Supporting Congregations & Evangelical Outreach

*Stepping forward as a Public Church to meet human needs

*Growing our Global & Ecumenical Companionships

*Bringing Forth Leaders

*Governance Procedures

*Stewardship & Mission Funding

*Coordination & Support of the Work of the Church with Resources.

If you have further questions, check out the Eastern North Dakota Synod website.

http://www.eandsynod.org/

Thank You! I want all of you to know how very grateful I am for the

wonderful retirement party and all the expressions and

well wishes you have shared with Cyndy and I! We are so

blessed to be part of this wonderful family!

Thanks be to God and to all of you!

Pastor Jim

February 18

Supper 5-6:15 pm

Worship 6:45 pm

to brunch

Sunday, February 8

10:00 am—Fellowship Hall

MENU: French Toast, sausage, fruit, muffins, coffee & juice

Free will offering

Provided by Board of Outreach—-EVERYONE WELCOME!

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University

Interest & Preview Meeting

Monday, February 9 at 6:00 pm in the Faith Center

Join us for a special sneak peak at the course, get a chance to ask questions and maybe sign up!

Are you living paycheck to paycheck? Facing an unsure retirement future? Unsure how to set up a family budget?

Want to save for something special?

Join the thousands of people who have graduated from Financial Peace University.

This 9-week faith-based class will give you the tools to take control of your finances. Many of our own congrega-

tion members are successful graduates.

Hope to see you there!

Join us each

Wednesday in Lent 5:00 – 6:15 pm Supper in Fellowship Hall

6:45 pm Lenten Worship in the Sanctuary

“God’s Work, Our Hands” Bethel Lutheran 125th Anniversary!

~ Quasqui-Centennial ~ 1890-2015

Guest Pastor

Rev. Jim Bjorge

FEBRUARY 8, 2015

9:00 & 11:00 am

Attention parents!

We are offering parents of our Wednesday school

kids a place to relax, unwind and enjoy fellowship

with other parents.

Join us in Bethel’s Gisvold Lounge

Wednesday nights

from 5:30 to 6:30pm

for coffee, snacks and conversation.

LENTEN SUPPERS 5:00–6:15 PM

Everyone Welcome—Free will offering All donations will go toward our camperships fund.

February 18 Taco Boats — Board of Christian Education

February 25 Scalloped potatoes/ham — Board of Property

March 4 Chili & White Chili — Board of Lay Ministry

March 11 Loaded Potatoes — Board of Outreach

March 18 Soup, breads — Board of Stewardship

March 25 Chef’s Choice— Executive Committee

PLEASE SIGN UP TO BRING A PAN OF BARS TO SHARE.

Sign up sheet is located outside the church office.

Bethel Members

During this Lenten season the “Noisy Offering” will be used for the purchase of

a well through the ELCA World Hunger’s Walk for Water project. This project

helps provide clean water to those in need in 60 countries around the world, in-

cluding the U.S. Your efforts are always appreciated.

If you wish to give by check, please make check payable to Bethel

Lutheran Church with “WALK FOR WATER” noted in the memo line.

BeFrienders is hoping to add an additional

group this year. If you are interested in becom-

ing a BeFriender please talk to Pastor Jim! We

are hoping to train this Summer.

Also, if you yourself would

like to have a BeFriender, or

know someone who would,

please talk to Pastor Jim.

Take Stock In Our Youth—Youth of Bethel Stock Sale

You are invited to participate in a special fundraiser supporting our youth. Our

Senior High youth are asking for your support for their summer mission trip by

inviting you to become shareholders in their service, learning, and leadership.

Benefits of being a stockholder include: special news updates from the youth

before and during their trip, an invite only Stockholders Banquet to be held after

their return, and the confidence your investment in your youth will bear much fruit.

Watch your mailboxes for more information coming out the end of February and

you can expect a phone call the middle of March. We thank you for your support!

~Bethel Youth

Evening Book Club

The Evening Book Club met on Tuesday, January 20 to discuss Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy,

and Hard Times by Jennifer Worth. We rated the book with 4 out of 5 stars. This book provides a very good

depiction of the times and events that took place during the 1950’s. The author provided vivid accounts of the

life and hardships of those living in poverty-stricken London at the time. We discussed interest in reading the

other two books that are part of this series and watching the television show which has been broadcast on BBC

television and PBS.

We will meet again on February 17, at 7:00 p.m. in the Gisvold Lounge. The book selection for February is

The Mulligan by Nathan Jorgenson. Please come and join us!

Bethel’s Daytime Book Club

On January 13, the Daytime Book Club met to discuss the book “On Hummingbird Wings” by Lorraine Snel-

ling. This is a story of a hypochondriac mother & two daughters; one lives in the same town as Mom, and the

other comes from New York. We all enjoyed this easy read and related to many of the personality frictions that

occurred while Gillian (from NY) is trying to get her Mother out of bed & back in the world of the living.

February 10 Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. This is the classic tale of romantic

suspense. The second Mrs. De Winter walks in the shadow of her

mysterious predecessor, Rebecca. She is determined to uncover the

dark secrets and shattering truths of her husband’s first wife.

March 10 The Walk by Richard Paul Evans. The Walk is the first of an unfor-

gettable series of books about one man’s search for hope; a life

changing journey, both physically & spiritually. This series (5 books)

is in the church library.

2015 would be a great year to join a book club if you’ve had the thought. We always welcome new members.

Reserve the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. and join us for a fun-filled morning!

“ The more that you Read, the more things you will Know. The

more that you Learn, the more places you’ll Go.”

~ Dr. Seuss ~

Adult Education

Sunday mornings in March in the Faith Center. Who is this Man? The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus

Join us this Lenten season for this five-session DVD-based study based on John Ortberg’s book.

Jesus' impact on our world is highly unlikely, widely inescapable, largely unknown, and decidedly double-edged.

He is history's most familiar figure, yet he is the man no one knows. And yet . . .you can miss him in historical

lists for many reasons, maybe the most obvious being the way he lived his life. He did not loudly and demonstrably

defend his movement in the spirit of a rising political or military leader. His life and teaching simply drew people

to follow him. He made history by starting in a humble place, His influence has swept over history bringing

inspiration to what has happened in art, science, government, medicine, and education; he has taught humans

about dignity, compassion, forgiveness, and hope.

We will meet at 10:10am Sunday mornings in March in the Faith Center.

Sessions:

March 1- The Man Who Won't Go Away March 22 - Why It's a Small World After All

March 8 - A Revolution of Humanity March 29 - Three Days That Changed the World

March 15- The Power of Forgiveness

Once again it is time to write a new Beacon article. I hope everyone has had a pleasant

January. As usual the weather has been unpredictable. Like we say in this area, “if you

don’t like the weather wait ten minutes it will change.”

The 3rd graders and their parents attended Bible instruction classes January 7th and 14th.

On January 14th they received their Bibles at Worship services that evening. It was very touch-

ing and special to witness such a holy occasion.

We have also been blessed to have Alicia Bertram become our new 3rd-6th music director. We are so happy to

have her and her family join our community!

February 18th the Board of Ed will be serving our 5:00 supper. The menu is “Taco Boats” so I hope you will

all come.

February 22nd Pastor Erika will be installed and a potluck will follow. Seems like this article is all about food.

We have had a lot of changes lately and they are all good.

Blessings to you all,

Lila Gedrose

REMEMBER THE “SOUPER” CHALLENGE

Please bring cans of soup for the Richland/Wilkin Food Pantry

Library Notes. . .

Some authors whose materials are in the Bethel Library are very popular, and these are circulating all the time.

Below are titles these authors have written out of their usual genre.

B Albom, Mitch, who is known for his fiction such as Five People You Meet in Heaven, first

921 wrote Tuesdays with Morrie, a true story about Albom's getting to know his dying college

AL professor.

FL Karon, Jan, best known for children's books and the Mitford Years series, has compiled a

082 journal of inspirational quotes, common sense, profound wisdom, and

KA good humor for uplifting reading.

FL Kinkade,Thomas, the famous artist and author of such fiction as Harbor of the Heart and The

232 Way Home, wrote Touched by the Light, a collection of inspirational reflections.

KI

B Kingsbury, Karen, whose fiction fills two Bethel Library shelves, in 2014 published The Family

921 of Jesus, a collective biography of those closest to Jesus, for example Joseph, Elizabeth, and

JE Mary.

FIC Lucado, Max, who has written at least one book for almost every category of the Dewey

LU Decimal System, has written a beautiful Christmas story, The Christmas Candle, which has also

been made into a movie, which Bethel Library has on DVD.

FL Macomber, Debbie, the popular dimestore novelist whose fiction fills a shelf at Bethel Library,

241.4 has written an inspiring study of the joy of giving, One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of

MA Generosity.

For the month of February these titles will be displayed on the shelves in the northwest bookcase. After that

you will find them in their respective sections. FL's are arranged in numerical order in the north wall book-

cases. B's are in the lower shelves of the southwest bookcase in numerical and then alphabetical order. F's are

in the south wall bookcases in alphabetical order by the author's last name. Bethel Library enjoyed a stellar

circulation record in 2014. Keep reading! It's what keeps we librarians working.

February Schedule:

Feb 4 7th and 8th Grade Sm. Group/9th Grade Lg. Group (10 Commandments)

Feb 11 7th and 8th Grade Lg. Group (Judas Iscariot) /9th Grade Sm. Group

Feb 18 7th and 8th Grade Sm. Group/9th Grade Lg. Group (10 Commandments) – Ash Wednesday

Feb 25 7th and 8th Grade Lg. Group (Pontius Pilate) /9th Grade Sm. Group

March Schedule:

March 4 7th and 8th Grade Sm. Group/9th Grade Lg. Group (10 Commandments)

7:30 pm – 8th Grade Funeral Mentor Event – At Willow Creek Chapel

March 11 7th and 8th Grade Lg. Group (Mary Magdalene) /9th Grade Sm. Group

March 18 7th and 8th Grade Sm. Group/9th Grade Lg. Group (10 Commandments)

March 25 7th and 8th Grade Lg. Group (Thomas) /9th Grade Sm. Group

ANNUAL 9TH GRADE RETREAT. . .

On January 1st & 2nd we took fifteen 9th Graders to Bear

Creek Lodge in Verona, ND for the annual 9th Grade

retreat. This retreat was a great experience and I believe

the youth had just as good of a time if not better than

the adults. The youth were outstanding and I am very

proud of them. They also gave Pastor Erika a nice warm

welcome, which may have included a little basketball

competition later in the evening. The 9th graders also had

their Mentor event on January 21, 2015 which covered

the book of Mark with Pastor Jim. They have had a busy

month!

Youth Mission Trip News:

Due to scheduling conflicts we unfortunately had to cancel the Fish Fry we had planned. The

youth are still working hard on putting together their next Fundraiser. The time is sneaking up

on us quickly!

On Sunday January 18th we had 30 kids come out to

Three Rivers Gymnastics to Break the Freeze and

blow off some energy! It was a great time had by all

and bonus, No one got hurt!!

Bethel Church: IN MEMORY OF RUBIE MAKASH given by Marcia Pederson

IN MEMORY OF BROOKE BASSINGTHWAITE given by Deb Tobias

IN MEMORY OF REUBEN JOHNSON, father of Renee Speidel, given by Ken & Erlys Skoog

IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE given by Bruce & Linda Christianson; Fern Anderson; Mark & Wanda Sherven

IN MEMORY OF RODNEY HINGST given by Dennis & VonDaLee Grandalen

Bethel Choir: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE, mother of Denise Miller, given by Paul & Char Oehlke

Landscaping

Fund: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE given by Art & Linda Grochow; Geri Coyne; Esther Krause

IN MEMORY OF GRACE PATTERSON given by Monica Zentgraf

IN THANKFULNESS given by Stan & Marilyn Sirek

IN MEMORY OF RUBIE MAKASH, mother of Colleen Krohn, given by Ron & Kate McBeth; Carol Manock; Karen Lutz

IN MEMORY FO DR. PERRY ENGSTROM, father of Pam Erlandson, given by Ron & Kate McBeth; Carol Manock;

Keith & Nadine Torgerson

Faith Tool Boxes: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE given by Sonja Christensen

IN MEMORY OF RODNEY “RAY” HINGST given by Sonja Christensen

IN MEMORY OF RUEBEN JOHNSON, father of Renee Speidel, given by Carol J. Manock; Donna Marohl

Children’s

Library: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE given by Bob & Jeri Oscarson

Youth: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE given by Bev McRoberts; Paul & Sybil Jacklitch

IN MEMORY OF BROOKE BASSINGTHWAITE given by Paul & Sybil Jacklitch

Endowment

Fund: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE, given by Dee Jensen

Global Missions: IN MEMORY OF ROSE PAPKE, given by Doug & Judy Peterson.

The Memorial Committee’s main objective is to be the resource for any one person or group of people

that would like to give a memorial, honorarium, or commemorate an occasion to Bethel Lutheran

Church. It is the committee’s responsibility to formulate a catalog of specific items, keep a record of all

memorials and to acknowledge those that have given gifts.

If you have any questions regarding memorial items or wish to give a memorial item or honorarium

please contact one of the committee members: Doug Peterson@642-6776; Corrine Romereim@6426038;

Luther Sannes@642-5140; Mark Stone@642-2377 or Bev McRoberts@642-6745.

The committee thanks the members of Bethel for their continued support.

About BeFriender Ministry:

The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing not curing, not healing, and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is the friend who cares. --Henri Nouwen in Out of Solitude

Everyone is, at times on a difficult journey and needs a caring companion to listen without judgment and provide support. That, in a nutshell, is what BeFriender Ministry is all about. Bethel's leadership team attended a week long ecumenical training in Fargo and has, in turn, trained seventeen members of our congregation who are ready and willing to provide a listening ear to anyone in need.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A BEFRIENDER VISIT YOU,

CONTACT PASTOR JIM AT 642-4472 or jgustafson@bethelwahpeton.com

These are the people known to have birthdays in February If you have a birthday

in February and your name is not listed, we do not have your birthday in our church

records. Please contact the church office with your birth date so we may have it for our

records.

MAY EACH OF YOU HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

2/1 Kari Cvancara

Emily DeVries

Sara Gerdon

Michael Grefsrud

Linda Kocher

Charlene Oehlke

2/2 Jacob Goltz

Pam Hendrickson

Jaden Zaun

2/3 Evelyn Erickson

Richard Opoien

Ivy Schulz

2/4 Thomas Bernotas

Jon Doll

2/6 Bjorn Birkelo

Roy Hofmann

2/7 Terry Dohman

Brady Grefsrud

2/8 Alyssa Amos

Kevin Berger

Harriet Bjorke

Autumn Rossow

2/9 Justin Birkelo

Kyler Flack

Laikyn Marohl

2/10 Adam Erickson

Arline Hudson

Isaac Prochnow

Bryce Smith

2/11 Alex Johnson

2/12 Dale DeVries

Medora Good

Colette Leinen

Alice Myhra

2/13 Darci Eggen

Joann Ham

2/14 Lachelle Bumgarner

Doris Holen

Kijia Homes

Aaron Stone

2/15 Mike Munter

Catherine Prochnow

2/16 Alvin Eckre

Wyatt Meyer

2/17 Tenley Hills

Bailey Long

Brian Uhlich

2/18 Michelle Anderson

Lisa Bassingthwaite

Sonja Christensen

Kyla Knudson

Karen Pausch

Caitlyn Pithey

Brittany Scott

2/19 Deborah Loberg

Felisa Mastel

Donna Sherven

2/20 Bob Asche

Jessica Mastel

Ryland Pauly

2/22 Mark Long

2/23 Ashlyn Johnson

2/24 Gregory Buboltz

Terra Gregor

Maggie Hendrick-

Shannon Herman

2/25 Eric Christianson

Erick Erickson

Michael Kemmet

Joncy Mastel

Ethan Petersen

2/26 Myron Braun

Kelsey Darwin

Abigail Tschakert

2/27 Matthew Berger

Callie Knudson

Hailey Knudson

Jay Townsend

2/28 Jace Johanson

Lori Meyer

Worship VOLUNTEERS

If you are unable to serve on the assigned date and cannot find a replacement please call:

USHERS —Linda Miller -899-3479 COFFEE SERVERS—Carol Sturdevant -642-4355

READERS & COMMUNION ASSIST—Doug & Judy Peterson at 642-6776 or 640-7010 Please notify the church office of the change at 642-4472.

9:00 am Service

If you are unable to serve on the assigned date please try to find a replacement. READERS please call—Doug & Judy Peterson at 642-6776

or 640-7010 . Please notify the church office of the change at 642-4472.

11:00 am Service

February 1 February 8 February 15 February 22

Reader Sheila Dolan Dee Jensen Esther Braaten Jeff Hage

Ushers Wayne Braaten;

Sonja Christensen;

Harvey & Gale Link

Linda Johnson;

Deb Loberg;

Steve Hendrickson

Dennis & VonDaLee Grandalen;

Marty & Dianne Skramstad

Charlene Clute;

Patrick & Vicki Trappen

Communion Assist Gil & Esther Braaten N/A Luther & Barb Sannes;

Blake & Tracy Peterson

N/A

Coffee Servers Rhonda & Scott Thiel;

Sonja Christensen

Brunch provided by

Board of Outreach

Gloria & Terry Dohman;

Beth & Robb Dohman

Judy Koppang;

Inez Lunde

February 1 February 8 February 15 February 22

Reader Jane Berndt Jessie Tschakert Kelly Voss Brian Quamme

Ushers Paul & Char Oehlke Bob & Ginny Buck Jay & Rikki Townsend & family Greg & Darcy Meide

Communion

Assist

Linda Miller;

Kathy Hammer

N/A Pam & Alex Hendrickson N.A

Coffee Servers Kathy Hammer Kathy Johnson Bob & Crystal Asche

March 1 March 8 March 15 March 22 March 29

Reader Bonnie MacIver Norma Nosek Cyndy Gustafson Cindy Borchert Karen Nelsen

Ushers Clint Gilbertson;

Cyndy Gustafson;

Dee Jensen

Marilyn Anderson;

Linda Azure;

Larry & Norma Bontjes

Randy & Jean Hoerer;

Clare Byron

Gil & Esther Braaten;

Arlene Bakken

James & Trudy Jacobson;

Geri Coyne

Communion Assist Cyndy Gustafson;

Sonja Christensen

N/A Phil & Bonnie MacIver;

Jane Krump

N/A N/A

Coffee Servers Bonnie & Phil MacIver;

Norma Nosek

Linda & Frank Azure;

Jeannie & Lynn Bjore

Kathy Dimmer;

Janet Farmen

Phyllis & Neal Folstad;

Jody & Gary Friskop

Liz & Ralph Graalum;

Pam Hendrickson

March 1 March 8 March 15 March 22 March 29

Reader Muriel Hedrick Alison Voss Kathy Hammer Linda Miller Emily Hendrickson

Ushers Meryl Hansey;

Bob Buck

Paul & Sybil Jacklitch Bob & Ginny Buck Perry & Denise Miller

Communion Assist Paul & Char Oehlke N/A Jay & Rikki Townsend N/A N/A

Coffee Servers Paul & Char Oehlke Jeff Beyer Kathy Hammer;

Jessie Tschakert

Bob & Crystal Asche Troy & Darla Thimjon