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BETHLEHEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 11608 Lax Chapel Road, Kiel, WI 53042

(920)894-3332

Inside the

SEPTEMBER 2020 Issue:

Randy’s Ramblings 1-2

Bethlehem Information 2-3

Lectionary 3

Consistory Minutes 3-5

Parking Lot Service 6

Baptism 7

Merry Christians 7

Historical Records 7

Missions Mania 8

In Our Prayers 9

Just for Fun 10

Pantry Items 11

Church Events Calendar 11

Birthdays & Anniversarie 12

OCTOBER SPIRIT deadline :

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH

at 5pm. Please submit your

news to

Traci Rabe at

trabefamily5@gmail.com

Randy’s Ramblings:

Greetings, Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

May God’s grace and peace be with you as the summer of 2020 comes to a close. It’s hard to believe the school year is starting already. I ask your prayers for students and teachers at ALL educational levels this fall. It will indeed be different; we are entering unchartered territory and there will undoubtedly be exposures to the virus and complications in the educational settings. I also wanted to take this opportunity to explain MY role at Bethlehem in the coming months. I have tried to be very clear that although I am willing to continue leading Bethlehem in a pastoral role, I cannot be THE pastor at this time. Although I love what I do at BUCC, my family and teaching job have to come first. I don’t want to take on more than I can handle and ultimately be an ineffective leader of this congregation. You, the people, deserve a leader that can fulfill ALL your needs. I met with the placement and transition committee of the Northeast Association. They are the body that ultimately approves or denies my license to serve you as a non-ordained minister. I shared my concerns with them, and they agree: I have to be careful with what I take on at Bethlehem, and you, the congregation needs to know what you can expect and not expect of me. That being said, they have granted me a 6-month conditional license with the following terms:

I will plan and lead worship 2 Sundays a month.

I will teach confirmation no more than 2 sessions per month.

I cannot be the “go-to” person for pastoral care. I am not in a position

to drop what I am doing and come to someone’s side if there’s an

unexpected death or emergency. Depending on arrangements, I may or

may not be available to perform funerals.

I simply cannot be at every church function and /or meeting.

Continued on page 2

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Randy’s Ramblings (continued): I hope this doesn’t come across as me not WANTING to “do things.” Nothing could be further from the truth. But it’s important to me that you know that this is the framework I must work under. I want to make sure that the congregation doesn’t have unattainable expectations for me, thus leading to unhappy “customers.” Therefore, the placement and transition committee is requiring a written agreement with the above terms. I will be working with the consistory to complete that requirement. The NE Association is also encouraging Bethlehem to secure additional pastoral leadership in the form of an interim or part time pastor to fulfill pastoral care needs and lead remaining worship Sundays. I hope this clarifies my role at Bethlehem. Please feel free to contact the consistory or me if you have any questions or concerns. With a little give and take, we can weather though this period of transition. In service to Christ, Randy Randy Koppenhaver, Licensed Lay Minister randynmel5@gmail.com 920.286.2531

_____________________________________________________________________________

Bethlehem United Church of Christ

11608 Lax Chapel Road Kiel WI 53042 Phone: 920.894.3332

Follow Bethlehem UCC on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/bucckiel/

or Bethlehem’s website at

www.bethlehemkiel.org

Randy Koppenhaver, Licensed Lay Minister

Phone: 920.286.2531 or email: randynmel5@gmail.com

2020 Bethlehem UCC Consistory Members Steven Voland - Elder/President

Traci Rabe - Elder

Open Position - Elder

Ross Westphalen - Deacon

Jane Umland - Deacon/Secretary

Rick Rabe - Treasurer

Ruthie Rumpff - Financial Secretary

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SEPTEMBER Lectionary:

September 6, 2020

green

14th Sunday after

Pentecost

Exodus 12:1-14 and Psalm 149 OR Ezekiel 33:7-11 and

Psalm 119:33-40; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

September 13, 2020

green

15th Sunday after

Pentecost

Exodus 14:19-31 and Psalm 114 or

Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21 OR Genesis 50:15-21 and

Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

September 20, 2020

green

16th Sunday after

Pentecost

Exodus 16:2-15 and Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 OR

Jonah 3:10-4:11 and Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30;

Matthew 20:1-16

September 27, 2020

green

17th Sunday after

Pentecost

Exodus 17:1-7 and Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 OR

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 and Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13;

Matthew 21:23-32

Consistory Minutes: August 10, 2020

Present: Joined by Zoom Minutes- Randy Koppenhaver, Steven Voland, Ross Westphalen, Rick

Rabe, Ruthie Rumpff, Jane Umland, Traci Rabe, special guest; Jane Anderson

Call to order: 6:30pm

Opening Meditation & Prayer by Randy Koppenhaver

Pastoral Discussion with Rev. Jane Anderson, Associate Conference Minister – Wisconsin Conference UCC

- Jane Anderson was mindful that Rev. Rebecca Johnston is done and wanted to hear from us as leadership team what had happened and where we are at.

- We explained financial situation was struggling prior to call of a full time Pastor. Members were aware of pay provided. Tension and stress with financial struggling to make ends meet with budget continued after the calling. Lack of offerings and attendance to worship was happening. A survey was sent out to members to get a sense of evaluation.

- We asked how do we regroup and move forward. Pastor Randy has agreed to two Sunday services a month, organize and teach confirmation classes, and some pastoral care.

If you are not able to worship with us on Sunday, you can send your giving

envelope/check to the following address:

Bethlehem UCC

c/o Ruthie Rumpff

11608 Lax Chapel Road

Kiel WI 53042

Or, you can give electronically! It’s simple and easy, just fill out the

Electronic Giving sheet which can be found on the back table in the fellowship hall.

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We are aware Randy cannot fill a full-time position and members of the church have come forward to help with other worship services and pastoral care.

- We don’t want to race into an intern or fill a full time Pastor at this time. - Jane Anderson agreed to proceed carefully. She has the following concerns:

o Without an intern Pastor at the pulpit less stability in connection to congregation o We already have instability with Covid. o The Wisconsin Conference UCC is looking at next year to open church o An intern Pastor working half time with Pastor Randy’s willingness, to help with funerals,

leadership, pastoral care - We added our congregation has a solid leadership direction with Pastor Randy. - Pastor Randy needs to meet with Ministry Committee of Wisconsin Conference on Thursday,

August 13, 2020 to continue his license requirements for Bethlehem UCC. Consistory needs to write a letter on behalf of Randy’s position at our church and requesting the Conference approval. The letter will express how grateful Bethlehem UCC is for Pastor Randy’s leadership and what role he will fill. The consistory is informing the congregation of these changes and are reaching out to the congregation for responses on their thoughts about moving forward at Bethlehem.

Monthly Reports

- Financial Secretary – Ruthie o Month income $6,607.05($3,780.28 below monthly requirement) YTD collection $63,579.15($9,132.18 below YTD requirement) The report is approved as presented (motion approved by Traci and

2nd by Ruthie)

- Treasurer – Rick o Giving’s received in July to date are $6,612.65, bringing the checkbook balance to $23,571.75. Rick said there is an $800 credit on Web Pro Bill if we stay with Web Pro. Steven may shop around cost as owning your own tank may cost less with other carriers.The report is approved as presented (motion approved by Ruthie and 2nd by Traci)

- Secretary – Jane

o July 14, 2020 Minutes are approved as presented (motion approved by Rick and 2nd

by Traci)

o The special meetings; July 29, 2020 and August 4, 2020 minutes are approved as

presented (motion approved by Ross and 2nd by Traci)

- Building & Grounds Updates

o Pressured washed north side of church and parsonage

o Painted basement door

o Quasius Construction to repair leaking window

- Pastoral Reports –Pastor Randy o Officiated two funerals in July; Ken Henschel and Dale Zimmerman o Officiated Baptismal for Mark Thomas Voland o Reached out to couple of members who have health issues o “Loads of Love” is still on hold, once school starts communication may be easier o Mission Committee has lost some members o Since Covid and stay at home, it’s hard to help with the Guest House needs o Reaching out to the family’s for confirmation class

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Old Business - Member outreach update

o 12 cards sent out for sympathy, thinking about you, warm wishes/praying for you, baptismal.

o Many thanks to Ross and Lisa Westphalen for making these cards - Library Doors

o Installation of glass design is scheduled in September - Employee Reviews

o Ross and Steven, President will arrange the reviews with the organist and custodians. Custodians may need help with extra cleaning if church opens.

- Job Descriptions o Move this to next month to discuss digital form of filing job descriptions

- Salary Cut o Back to full pay now

- PPP Loan o Ruthie and Rick will proceed with completing application per requirements from the

bank email. - Radio transmitter – DSR sound

o Louis Bowe is looking into this for possible parking lot worship service - Letter Response

o Consistory members have received some return phone calls from congregation regarding the letter sent on moving forward with Bethlehem. More discussion on this will be during a special meeting by Consistory in a couple of weeks.

New Business - Safe Sanctuary review

o Steven will handle and bring us updates at later meeting - Youth Group / Sunday School Teachers

o Steven will get notes on past and get updates together - Confirmation mentors - Security system checks

o Steven will look into possibilities for our system and estimates to repair or updat - Future services/meetings/going forward

o Consistory will email responses to each other responses as they are received o Continue zoom meetings, cost is $15 month to add this service

- Conference recommendations / Jane Anderson/ Pastor Randy’s License update o We will get cost for part time intern for discussion o We will look into partnering with Ministers at our neighboring churches o Once we hear back from Pastor Randy on our letter to Wisconsin Conference UCC,

Ministry Committee approving him to continue leading our church. We will have more of a direction

- Special meeting set for August 25, 2020 at 6:30pm - Next Monthly meeting scheduled September 8, 2020 at 6:30pm

Motion to adjourn by Rick and 2nd by Ross, all approved

Closing with Lord’s Prayer

Submitted by Jane Umland, Consistory Secretary

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Come as you are and stay in your car! Or bring your lawn chair! YOU are welcome HERE for Sunday Worship!!

Join us for a socially-distanced outdoor service!

Bethlehem United Church of Christ 9:30 am Sunday, September 20th

11608 Lax Chapel Road, Kiel

Bethlehem has purchased an FM transmitter – All you’ll have to do is turn your car radio on! **More details with social distancing guidelines will be mailed to Bethlehem members soon**

Pastor Randy will continue to offer 2 worship services each month which can be viewed on

our website or Facebook page. Please check the Spirit Calendar for dates. You are also

welcome to view any previously recorded services.

Do you know someone who would like to worship with us but does not have internet? We can

make a DVD for them to watch. Let Pastor Randy know if you are interested.

Nobody likes to talk about money, but it's important we

bear in mind that the church still has expenses during this

shutdown. We ask that you PLEASE continue to give by

sending your offerings to the church or by signing up for

electronic giving. (The form was sent to you via mail)

Parking Lot Worship Service

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Brehlon Sol Snyder was baptized in a private family service on

August 27th. Brehlon’s parents are Amber Hoeffner and Jessie

Snyder. Your Bethlehem Family extends a warm and joyous

welcome!

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Bethlehem Merry Christians:

The Bethlehem Merry Christians extend a thank you to those who helped make the annual Bethlehem

Rummage Sale a success. This year we tried several new things: new location, additional days and

hours, and a half price Saturday.

Utilizing the church garage proved very favorable as we raised over

$600. Several ladies brought baked goods which sold out. Customers

welcomed our ample parking as well as our low prices. We often heard

“keep the change”.

We appreciate all the donated items; the variety truly held something

for everyone. We appreciate those who donated their time for set up,

sales and clean up.

In the spirit of “paying it forward” the left over treasures were donated to another faith community

who will hold their own rummage sale this fall.

Start saving your treasures for next year!

Kaye Radder

___________________________________________________________________________

From the Historical Records of Bethlehem U.C.C.:

September appears to be a time of new beginnings for Bethlehem UCC.

The record books show that in 1957, Rev. Carl Fried was installed as our new

pastor. There was a service followed by a social hour.

In September 1968, Rev. Armin Roemer was installed as our new pastor.

In September 1971, Rev. Donald King was installed as our new pastor.

In September 1985, Rev. James Sizelove was installed as our new pastor.

And, In September 1989, Wanda Veldman agreed to be our interim pastor. Her first service was

held on September 17, 1989.

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Missions Mania UPDATE: Unfortunately the Bethlehem Ladies no longer collect the plastic lids and caps for recycling.

The Sunday School collects empty aluminum cans. Please place bags of cans in the

garage located by the parsonage (not by church). Use the door closest to the cemetery.

Thank you for your generosity!

Grocery & Personal Care Item Donations - KIEL FOOD PANTRY If you would like to donate to the Kiel Food Pantry please leave your groceries donations at the church or

you may call Pastor Randy to pick them up from your home. Just leave the bagged grocery items on your

porch and we’ll do the rest.

They are especially in need of the following items. Hamburger Helper

Boxed Mac and Cheese Pasta Sauce

Cereal Rice and rice dishes

Paper products Hygiene Items

Cash or gift cards so they can purchase meat and cheese

You can also drop off your donations at the Kiel Food Pantry Wednesdays from 10am – 1pm.

Can you help the FaceMaskWarriors? Attention all people who sew. Wisconsin face mask warriors is looking for volunteers to make face masks primarily for health care workers. For more information go to the link below and they will get you started.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/WisconsinFaceMaskWarriors/?ref=bookmarks

Spirit articles for the October newsletter are due SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th at 5pm***.

You can email your submissions to Traci Rabe at trabefamily5@gmail.com

One of the Bethlehem Ladies’ Mission Projects is recycling greeting cards. You can

help them out by saving all of your old greeting cards throughout the year and

placing them in one of the Ladies mailboxes at church. The cards are given to

Project Angel Hugs (children with cancer) and to four assisted living homes in Kiel and

New Holstein.

Thank you for your help!

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Families of those entered to life eternal:

Ken Henschel Dale Zimmerman

Mark Blatz

Those struggling with health issues: Jane Markelz

Merlin Ninmer Allen Reichwaldt

Steve Rumpff Dale Horneck

Mike Stephanie Kari Marcotte Olivia Marie

Jessica Horneck Rev. Kathryn Kuhn

Victims of corona virus, influenza and other communicable illnesses

Continue Prayers for: Racial Justice and equality in our country

Health Care workers

Those who continue to work in essential businesses

Those whose businesses are struggling

Those who are out of work

Teachers and Students

People who live in places where violence prevails.

Mexico, Philippines, India

To see what and who our Global Ministries are praying for and the work they are doing go to

https://www.globalministries.org/

We also lift up in prayer our Bethlehem members living in care facilities:

Merlin Ninmer at Field of Dreams, Kiel Doris Mae Ninmer at Field of Dreams, Kiel

Carol Meiselwitz at The Waterford, Plymouth

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Just for Fun:

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We are continuing to look for ways to reach our Bethlehem family and friends.

Here are 3 ways you can participate in worship at Bethlehem:

Our Website – www.bethlehemkiel.org you can find the services in the lower right

hand corner. Pastor Randy will be recording 2 worship services each month.

Facebook – Bethlehem United Church of Christ

DVDS – if you have a DVD player we can deliver a DVD to your home and you

watch it there. If you would like a DVD of our services contact Pastor Randy.

Please Bring: a package of Toilet Paper or Paper Toweling

SEPTEMBER 2020 BETHLEHEM EVENTS

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

30 31 1 2 3 4 5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Worship w/Pastor Randy (BUCC website or Facebook)

Consistory mtg. 6:30pm

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Confirmation class (virtual) 6:30pm

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

9:30am Parking Lot Service w/Pastor Randy (will be posted on website and Facebook) October Spirit articles due by 5pm

27 28 29 30 1 2 3

Confirmation class (virtual) 6:30pm

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

30 31 1 2 3 4 5

Tony Tesch Wyat Snyder Brian Loose

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Destiny Otto Mark & Amber Krueger (2006)

Lori Schmitt Andrew Verhulst Addison Salm Molly Rabe

Traci Rabe

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Ben Jeanty Louie & Kathy Bowe (1973)

Courtney Riesterer

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Bonnie Hoban Jordan Meyer Joshua Wilharms

Ross & Lisa Westphalen (2005)

Robert Schnell Abriella Langdon

27 28 29 30 1 2 3

Jeremiah Krahn Chad Jeanty Dan & Amy Wempner (1995)