Monthly Newsletter for Bethany United Methodist Church • Madison, WI • Vol. 53, No. 12 • December 2019

Children’s Christmas Pageant

Beneath a Shining Star

Sunday, December 15th at 10:00 am

It's dress rehearsal time for this year's Christmas pageant...and the

Stage Manager is whipping the troops into shape for the performance.

They're all here...angels, shepherds and stars. But the one thing miss-

ing is the true meaning of Christmas. Enter stage left, Mary and Joseph

and the Child in the manger for a warm reminder of that first Christ-

mas night.

Christmas Eve Worship

4:00 pm This will be a family style worship service geared toward younger

families and their kids.

7:00 pm A more traditional Christmas Eve worship with familiar carols and

ending with the lighting of candles.

Christmas Cantata

Sunday, December 22nd at 10:00 am

The Chancel Choir will perform John Rutter’s Gloria accompa-

nied by organ and orchestra.

2

Our annual journey to Christmas always includes moments of dis-

ruption: “In those days a decree went out

from Caesar Augustus that all the world

should be enrolled” (Luke 2:1). A govern-

ment edict requires citizens to journey to

census offices to be taxed – even if it is

winter, even if it is dozens of miles to walk,

even if (like Mary) you are months preg-

nant. There are other disruptions as well.

No warm hotel for this transient family as

baby Jesus is born. A violent ruler orders

the slaughter of innocent children. The

family flees as refugees hoping that anoth-

er country will welcome them at the border.

It is a familiar story, both in the Bible and in our world today. We

too know disruptions. Government authorities continue to issue

heartless edicts. Terrorists and gangs inflict violence. Corporations

“reorganize” our jobs out of existence. An adverse health diagnosis

shatters our sense of well-being. The loss of loved ones leaves us

mired in grief.

And we face disruptions in the church as well. We are still reeling

from the narrow decision by our worldwide General Conference

earlier this year, taking a harsh stance against inclusive ministries

with the LGBT community. So many have been wounded by this

decision, and we continue feeling that pain in our own congrega-

tion.

In these painful and disruptive times, remember the hope that is

celebrated in the Christmas story: “And the angel said to them, “Be

not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which

will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of

David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Greg

When Decrees from Caesar (and Others) Disrupt Our Lives

Pondering Peace Gloria Carter, Peace Fellowship

Back in my days of teaching World History to high schoolers, we would inevitably reach the twentieth century in early December. This

meant that during Advent, preparing for the One whose birth was marked with angels singing of peace on earth, I was teaching about World

War I. In my teaching I showed parts of the PBS series, The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century. It clearly depicted the horrify-

ing destructiveness of the war. But there was also one section on the Christmas truce of 1914 when peace amazingly and spontaneously

broke out on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in some parts of the battlefield. Soldiers from both sides would take turns singing carols in

their trenches, and exchanges of gifts and food occurred in some places. For one day they saw each other as people, not as enemies. At the

end of the video segment, the narrator observes that such a thing never occurred in the war again.

I think the story of the Christmas truce of 1914 points to that yearning we all have for peace. The tough part is knowing, and doing, what

makes for peace. In an essay by Harriett Jane Olson, the General Secretary of United Methodist Women, she offers these thoughts: “We

know that Jesus' work making plain the love of God and inviting us to reconciliation is our way to holistic peace in our personal and spiritual

journeys, and we do well to commit to it anew this time of year. We also know that Jesus' coming furthers God's long work, back to the cov-

enant with Abram, for the blessing of the nations. On the global scene, also, we are called to work for holistic peace.”

May we join the angels’ declaration of peace on earth in word and deed.

PASTOR’S COLUMN

Important note: In the aftermath of the General Conference’s

disruptive decision, our Bethany Board has listened carefully to

your concerns expressed in well-attended forums and a survey.

About 80% of you feel that we should send a message by escrow-

ing our General Conference apportionment payments. In 2020,

this is $17,452 (the other $52,076 of apportionments support

local ministries in Wisconsin, and we will continue paying these

100%). The Board hopes that this social justice advocacy will

help influence the General Conference to take a more inclusive

stand when it meets in May 2020. After that session, the Board

will seek your input again, and we hope that we will be in a posi-

tion to resume our support of General Conference apportion-

ments in late 2020.

3

OUTREACH NEWS

Simple Gifts for December — “Allied Eviction Prevention Fund” Simple Gift offerings throughout the month of December are going to support the Allied Eviction Prevention Fund. Simple Gifts can be made

by placing loose coins in the offering plates, or by putting cash or a check in mission envelopes.

This fund is made possible by Allied Partners, an interfaith coalition of congregations — including Bethany United Meth-

odist Church — working together with residents in the Allied-Dunn’s Marsh neighborhood, which straddles Madison and

Fitchburg.

Allied Partners works with members of the neighborhood, as well as with service providers already involved in the com-

munity, to support the neighborhood’s physical and economic health, sustainability and the common good.

The Eviction Prevention Fund assists families in keeping their homes when income is disrupted by sudden emergency

such as sickness, unemployment, or death in the family.

Requests for assistance are screened by the Joining Forces for Families social worker, in collaboration with Madison Area

Urban Ministry staff.

Additional projects supported by Allied Partners include a food pantry operating out of the Boys and Girls Club Family Center, the Allied

Wellness Center, the Allied-Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association, and a Special Projects Fund.

Please give generously — your support will make a difference!

Christmas Eve offering for Global Mission Partners There will also be a special Christmas Eve offering on December 24th for Bethany’s Global Mission Partners in the Dominican Republic and

at Mujila Falls in Zambia.

Bethany United Methodist Church has supported Gordon and Ardell Graners' important

work for many years, and our relationship as a global mission partner continues with their

assignment to the Dominican Republic. The Graners are missionaries with the General

Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. They had served in Bolivia for

23 years and have spent the past six years serving in the Dominican Republic with the Dominican Evangelical Church. For updates and the

latest news, visit the Graner Family website and blog: https://granerfamily.org

Bethany also has long supported the Mujila Falls Agriculture Centre in northwest Zambia. At the farm, men and women of the Lunda tribe

learn sustainable and appropriate methods to grow crops and manage livestock. People in a large area benefit from the eggs and plentiful

food produced on the farm. Mujila Falls is led by Temba Nkomozepi, a missionary with the United Methodist General Board of Global Minis-

tries. To learn more visit: https://www.facebook.com/ MujilaFallsAgCentre/

Up next: Simple gifts in January 2020 will go to support Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens.

Consider Making an Alternative Christmas Gift Are you struggling to come up with a meaningful Christmas gift idea for that special someone who seemingly has it all?

We’ve got a great way to both remove some holiday shopping stress — and warm the heart. Simply check out Bethany’s Alternative Giving

Tree, which makes it easy to make a donation to one of four worthy causes in someone else’s name.

The Alternative Giving Tree is located just inside Bethany’s main entryway, adjacent to the welcome desk and library entrance.

Choose a card from the Alternative Giving Tree to inform the recipient of your gift in their honor to one of four great options.

Forms will be included in church bulletins, where you can mark your giving selection. Donations, with checks payable to Bethany UMC, can

then be placed in the offering plate or dropped off in the church office.

See Page 5 for gift suggestions.

DATE SET FOR BETHANY’S CHARGE/

CHURCH CONFERENCE

Our District Superintendent, Scott Carlson, has set the date for Betha-

ny’s Charge/Church Conference. This year, we will meet jointly with

the Church Conferences of the other Charges in the Madison Circuit.

The meeting will be held on Monday, December 2nd, 6:30 pm, at Sher-

man Avenue United Methodist Church, 3705 N. Sherman Ave. All

Bethany members are voting members of the Bethany Church Confer-

ence. We hope to see you there!

UMW CHRISTMAS POTLUCK

On Sunday, December 1st, following the 10:00 am service, United

Methodist Women will host a potluck lunch in Fellowship Hall. All

church women are invited. Join us as we install our 2020 officers and

kick off the Christmas season with some merry fellowship activities!

Bring a dish to pass and a friend (spouse, daughter, etc.).

UMW SUSANNA CIRCLE

The Susanna Circle of the United Methodist Women will meet on Mon-

day, December 4th, at 1:00 pm in Bethany library. We will do our

annual cookie exchange (bring two dozen cookies to share) and have a

Christmas program. Hostess is Cecile Tuong. Any questions, contact

Cecile at 273-2765.

AGAPE

The December Agape meeting will be held on Wednesday December

11 at 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Please bring an appetizer to share.

We will be singing carols with Sue Lundeen accompanying at the pi-

ano. We will also have a collection for a service project. Women of

the church are invited. Call Sally Gaard (698-5679) or Janet Daniel

(271-3975) if you have questions.

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP

Food and Fellowship will meet Wednesday, December 18 at 12 noon

in Fellowship Hall at church. Lunch will be catered at a cost of $5.00

per person. All are welcome for a festive time of food, fun and fellow-

ship to celebrate the season.

Please make reservations with Betsy at betsy48dunne@gmail.com by

December 15th.

UMW BOOK BROWSERS

On Tuesday, December 17, the Book Browsers of the United Method-

ist Women will hold their annual Christmas party. We will meet at 9:30

in the church library. Please bring a treat to share. We will have a fes-

tive time playing games, sharing favorite Christmas stories and enjoy-

ing holiday treats.

REFLECTIONS BOOK STUDY

Reflections Book Club will meet Monday, December 23rd at 1:30 pm

in the church library. The book for discussion is A Christmas Memory

by Truman Capote. Everyone has special memories of Christmas, join

the group for a lively time of book sharing and reminiscing.

PRIME TIMERS

The December meeting of Prime Timers will be a celebration of the

season. We will meet in The Bob and Jeanne Adams Fellowship Hall at

6:00 pm on Saturday, December 21. After a festive potluck supper, we

will play a fun game of Two Lies and a Truth. We will conclude with

the singing of Christmas carols. Please bring a dish to share and a gift

card (or cash) for the Playing Field's emergency fund. Gift cards from a

grocery store, a gas station, or a pharmacy (in any denomination)

would be appreciated. Everyone is welcome!

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED

We will gather at First Baptist Church, 518 North Franklin Avenue, on

December 6 at 9 am for a time of sharing “Christmas Memories.” We

will share the rich treasures of Christmases past that we carry within us,

from childhood memories to recent celebrations. Our CWU members

are treasure troves of experiences past and present, and that includes

Christmas memories, traditions, and worship. So, let us share these

memories as we enter the Christmas season.

We will remain seated around our fellowship tables and tell each other

our favorite stories, richest memories, funniest episodes. After this

intimate sharing, we will have some speakers who will address the

whole group, as well as invite tables to select which shared memory

they would like to share with all of us.

The ladies of First Baptist will provide refreshments, but you may

choose to bring some special Christmas treat to share. There will be

room on the serving table for your contribution. The parking lot is at

the back of the church. There are three doors. The far-right door fac-

ing the entrance is handicapped accessible.

4

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

5

2019 ALTERNATIVE GIVING TREE OPTIONS

• The Playing Field Family Emergency Fund: Your gift provides a family in need with emergency shelter, food, or transportation. It could go

for basic kitchen items, needed prescriptions and medical supplies, and more. Every cent of your gift

is distributed by staff of The Playing Field to families who otherwise would lack the essentials that

most of us take for granted. The Playing Field, which partners with Bethany United Methodist

Church, is a high-quality early learning center that cares for and educates children experiencing

homelessness right alongside children from more advantaged backgrounds.

• The Healing House: A program of Madison-area Urban Ministry (MUM), this is the only recuperative

care facility for homeless families in Dane County. It is a safe place to go when a member of the

family needs to prepare for a medical procedure, or to recuperate after childbirth, surgery or other health-related issues. Imagine, for ex-

ample, you have just delivered a baby and your family is homeless. The shelters are only open at night. You are on the street with your

newborn and other children for 10 hours a day. You have no safe place for your newborn to sleep. Healing House is staffed by medically

trained volunteers and provides medical respite care to families for up to 28 days.

• Rising Sun Camp: This week-long experience for children of incarcerated parents is sponsored by the Wisconsin Annual Conference and

takes place at Lake Lucerne, near Neshkoro, Wisconsin. The camp provides campers an opportunity to build community of support, learn

leadership skills, and to creatively express themselves through the arts. Campers also work on team-building, conflict management, and

trust building, as well as have the opportunity to experience all of the fun things that camp has to offer — from campfires to canoeing,

nature trails, games, and much more.

• Open Doors for Refugees: This all-volunteer, community supported, Madison-based organization helps refugees make a home in the

Madison area. In collaboration with the local refugee resettlement agencies, Open Doors for Refugees work with refugees from when

they arrive through their first several years here. Most significantly, the organization collects donations of furniture and household items,

and uses them to set up apartments. Open Doors also has teams of volunteers to help with employment, translation, transportation, ESL

and orientation, and provides cost-sharing to help refugees take classes or get training that will help them become more self-sufficient.

LUKE HOUSE NOTES

From Matt Rogge, Luke House coordinator:

The Bethany evening team served 110 people on October 29.

The most people served since Matt has taken over is 144 (by our Bethany evening team in July).

The Southwest chicken casserole that we serve is one of the favorites at Luke House. No other group serves anything similar.

Bethany has been part of this important ministry since its founding in 1983.

Bethany is one of 33 faith communities and churches that volunteer.

Leftover food is either used at Luke House for other meals or is given to Port St. Vincent, a transitional home for men getting back on

their feet.

Additional Bethany volunteers are always welcome - and needed. Please pass the word. To volunteer or for more information, contact Mary

Schroeder (608-497-0106 or email maryvs2043@gmail.com).

4TH SUNDAY BREAKFAST

On Sunday, December 22nd join us for our regular monthly breakfast. As befitting the season and colder weather we’ll be serving Biscuits

and Gravy (both with and without meat). Join us in Fellowship Hall between 9:00 am and 10:30 am for a hearty breakfast and fellowship.

BETHANY NEWS

6

GAME NIGHT

7

CONFIRMATION RETREAT & BIBLE PRESENTATION

BIBLE PRESENTATION Bibles were presented to our 2nd Graders on Sun-

day, November 3rd during the 10 am service.

They dove in right away!

8

CARE CARDS

9

MEMBER CARE

Our Prayers and Sympathies are with…

Jo Hershberger and Katie Neuser and family on the death of their

sister and aunt.

Congratulations to …

Parents Shaina and Alex Flum and big brother Frankie on the

baptism of Macy Adora Flum. She was baptized November 10 by

Pastor Greg.

Welcome to Our Newest Bethany Members…

Aimee Wright, Tam Mayeshiba and Al and Melody Panek were

welcomed into the Bethany family on October 27. Please extend

your warmest greetings to them.

2020 CHURCH DIRECTORY

In early January a new Church Directory will be printed (this is in ad-

dition to the new Photo Directory being done). Please be sure that

the Church Office has your current address, phone numbers and

email(s) that you want listed. The deadline for receiving the infor-

mation is December 31st. The new directory will be printed shortly

after the first of the year.

UMW CRAFTERS

The UMW Crafters does not meet in December. Our next meeting is

scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2020 at Bethany at 1:00 pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

The kids are getting ready for the annual

Christmas Pageant, Beneath a Falling Star,

Pastor Greg displays the banner presented to him

by the Sunday School children. The Thank-You

banner was given during the Children’s Message

at the 10:00 am worship service.

BETHANY NEWS

10

Balloon Class

On Sunday, Nov 27, children (and some interested parents!) learned to make balloon animals, flowers and hats. Thank you to Jim Carter for

sharing his knowledge and expertise.

Sunday Mornings at Bethany

Our youngest members at Bethany bring lots of joy on Sunday mornings. Whether it be in Sunday School, worship, or the time of Fellow-

ship, we are glad to have children as active participants in the Bethany community.

Children’s News For Children’s Ministry information, contact Lisa Weaver, Director of Children’s Ministries

Phone: (608) 238-6381 / Email: childrensministries@bethanymadison.org

11

December Schedule

December is so busy!

Please take the time to reflect on the year’s blessings and enjoy some time with family and take care of yourselves and each other —

#selfcare.

• Hanging of the Greens: Saturday November 30 from 9 am to 12 pm at Bethany.

• Confirmation Class Winter Break is the month of December. Enjoy your time off! Classes resume Jan. 5th. *Mentors please connect

with your students during this time.

• Gift Basket Silent Auction: Sunday, December 8, from 8 am to 11 am in Fellowship hall. This is the first week of the Auction; Final week

of bids will be Dec. 15.

• Cookie Baking and Decorating: Saturday, December 14 from 8:30 am until noon in the kitchen and fellowship hall. All youth encour-

aged to attend and help!

• Family Game Night: Saturday, December 14 from 5 pm until 8 pm in Fellowship Hall

• Gift Basket Silent Auction Final Bidding: Sunday, December 15 from 8 am until 11:30 am. Bidding closes at 11:30 am.

• Annual Christmas Cookie Sale: Sunday, December 15 from 8 am until noon in Fellowship Hall.

• Bethany Annual Christmas Pageant: Sunday December 15 at the 10:00 am Service in the sanctuary.

• Christmas Caroling at Oakwood: Tuesday, December 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm 6225 Mineral Pt Road. Meet at Oakwood Community

Room. Snacks afterward!

• Wing Night for December: Christmas Party, Wednesday, December 18th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Youth Room. Middle and High

school youth welcome!

I am also in need of auction items for the Silent Auction — last year some of you offered up some fabulous items like movie tickets for a

movie night basket, wonderful books for a bestseller book-reading basket, incredible experiences like horseback riding and mountain bike

riding lessons, beauty products, and other gift items that Lisa and I augmented with other trinkets to make fantastic gifts for people on your

Christmas lists! Please consider donating again this year if you are able (we can give an in-kind contribution slip)!

Youth News For Youth Ministry information, contact: Brigit Parlow, Director of Youth Ministries

Phone: (608) 238-6381 / Email: youthdirector@bethanymadison.org

A LOOK AT OUR FAITHFULNESS

Sunday, Oct. 20

8:30 am ................ 23

10 am ................... 91

Total .................. 124

Sunday, Oct. 27

8:30 am ................ 23

10 am ................. 129

Total ................... 152

Sunday, Nov. 3

8:30 am ................ 38

10 am ................. 132

Total ................... 170

Sunday, Nov. 10

8:30 am ................ 59

10 am ................. 137

Total .................. 196

Sunday, Nov. 17

8:30 am ................ 35

10 am ................. 105

Total .................. 140

December 1

10:00a Worship

11:15a Youth Groups

in FH with

lunch

December 8

10:00a Worship

11:15a Youth Groups

in FH with

lunch

December 15

9:00a Cookie Sale

10:00a Worship

11:15a Youth Groups

in FH with

lunch

December 22

10:00a Worship

11:15a Youth Groups

in FH with

lunch

December 29

10:00a Worship

11:15a Youth Groups

in FH with

lunch

Note: No Confirmation Classes during December

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

MADISON, WISCONSIN

PERMIT 803

Banner Assembly Mary Blasdel . Gerry Cotter . Judy Cox . Betsy Dunne . Eileen Dunne

Sally Gaard . Vada Mayfield . Kathy Nelson

Gail Steinhorst . Donna Wold

Bulletin Deadline : Tuesdays at Noon

E-Banner Deadline: Thursday at Noon

Banner Deadline for the January Issue: December 16th

We are a Reconciling Congregation,

welcoming all people to be a part of

our church family.

Information

Office Hours: 8 am - 2:30 pm

Church Office: (608) 238-6381

Email: bethanyoffice@bethanymadison.org

Website: www.bethanymadison.org

Sunday Morning Schedule Worship 8:15 am & 10:00 am

Fellowship & Refreshments 9:00 am—10:30 am

Youth Programming 10:00 am

Children’s Sunday School 10:10 am

Forums 10:10 am

Staff Lead Pastor ......................................................................................... Greg Jewison Pastor of Visitation ............................................................................. Brad Mather Director of Children’s Ministries ......................................................... Lisa Weaver Director of Youth Ministries .............................................................. Brigit Parlow Global Mission Partners .............Ardell & Gordon Graner, Dominican Republic ........................................................... Temba Nkomozepi, Mujila Falls, Zambia Director of Music ........................................................................... Taras Nahirniak Organist .............................................................................................. Sue Poullette Director of Bell Choirs ..................................................................... Nick Bonaccio Director of Children & Youth Choirs ............................................. Lori Nahirniak Office Administrator ............................................................................... Carl White Membership Secretary ........................................................................ Betsy Dunne Financial Secretary ....................................................................... Sandra Arrington Treasurer ..........................................................................................Steven Webster Custodian ............................................................................................ Ron Rebholz