December 2019 - Bethlehem Lutheran
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December 2019
Pastor David Blair • James Hing, Organist & Choir Director
Light … that is the theme for our 2019 Advent and Christmas worship. Light is an important
Biblical theme. Life needs light … our physical lives need the light of the Sun … our spiritual
lives need the light of the Son! Jesus clearly said that HE is the Light of the World. “I am the
light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of
life” (John 8:12). He also said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives
light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may
see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Jesus is saying that YOU, yes YOU (the one reading this article)! You … are HIS light in this
world of ours so filled and permeated with the darkness of our sinful condition.
St. Paul put it this way in his letter to the Corinthians,
“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have
renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with
God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to every-
one's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those
who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbe-
lievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the im-
age of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with our-
selves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of dark-
ness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:1-6).”
LIGHT—Continued from previous page
Join your fellow Bethlehemites this season of Light and be filled more fully with the Light of
the world, Jesus! With his light in your life radiating out toward others in unselfish service,
our heavenly Father will truly be praised! Our prayer is that many would join us in the praise
song that the angels sang so long ago on a Bethlehem hillside, “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).
Pastor David
Call Team Update
Joel Jackman
As you are probably aware, Pastor Miller declined to accept the call we extended in Septem-
ber. He said he really liked our congregation, but felt he was not the right pastor for Bethle-
hem at this time. We trust and believe that he prayed for guidance and received an answer
that was right for him, his family and for Bethlehem.
When President Linnemann was in town for the Circuit Forum, he and Pastor Hulvey, our Cir-
cuit Visitor, met with us to discuss the types of candidates that might be a better fit for Bethle-
hem. He will be working on our next list this month.
We expect that Bethlehem needs someone with several years of experience in a congregation,
but he suggested that we don’t rule out someone with only a few years of experience, even a
seminary grad. President Linnemann will soon be visiting the Seminary in St. Louis to meet
this year’s graduating class. He said he will let us know if he meets someone that seems like a
good fit for our congregation. If he identifies someone, we would discuss it with the congre-
gation. If our members then decide to call a seminary grad, we would have another Divine
Call Service.
Meanwhile, we must continue to trust the Holy Spirit to guide President Linnemann, Bethle-
hem, and of course, the next pastor whom He has called to serve us. Continue to use your
Prayer Guide.
HELP WANTED: We need a newsletter editor for the February 2020 edition.Photo If you’ve
by Dieldagot
experience with Publisher and a few hours in January to put everything together, we would be
most appreciative! We will also need someone to print the finished product. Our copy ma-
chine will do the folding and stapling. Let Dielda know.
2
DECEMBER
We wish you continued happiness and God’s blessings!
Linda Sheets December 8
Deontae Mitchell December 11 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Edward Hughes December 13
Gretchen Engum December 15 Jackman, Joel & Karen December 6, 1969
Beatrice Myers December 15 Happy 50th Anniversary to Joel & Karen!
Agnes Brown December 19
Bruce Feltmann December 19 Stockamp, Carl & Joni December 14, 1968
Virginia Preston December 24 Taylor, Dick & Ellen December 26. 1964
Dolores Fischer December 31 Wooden, Gil & Cathy December 31, 1961
Help us update our records. MILESTONE BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH:
If we don’t have you listed, please let
the office know. Aggie Brown joyfully celebrates 90 years of
living! She was born December 19, 1929.
Updates to our Photo Directory
Marie Teel. Please change her address to 1806 Jones Ave NE, Renton WA 98056.
Sabine Muller is currently in Room 324 at Stafford, 2800 S 224th St, Des Moines WA 98198.
Virginia Preston has moved closer to her daughter. Please contact the office for her current
address.
Changes are coming to the prayer request section on the next page. If you want
your name or loved one’s name in the January edition, please contact
dielda@comcast.net before Christmas.
3
We pray for God’s ongoing mercy to all, especially for:
Our Members:
Gerhard & Sabine Muller, Ray & Gretchen Engum, Cathy Wooden, Joel
& Karen Jackman, Juanita & Bud Reynolds, Kathy Zable, Bob Pankow,
Gary & Kay Hanno, Emma/Mark/LuAnne/Michael Humphrey, Harold
Carlson, Jim & Sharon Buechler, Andrea Mangold, Carolyn Parks-
Hough, Frank & Betty Downing, Marcy Hall, Kerry & Debbie Mason, Amber Wolf, Karen Be-
galka, Jerry Schuh, Jeanne-K Hughes, Ted TeGantvoort, Aggie Brown, Glen Koppelman, Rob-
ert & Janet Lee, Elden & Dolores Fischer, Mardelle Hammond, Cynthia TeGantvoort.
Members Who Can’t Attend:
Pat Boydston, Wanda Brooks, Betty Cowan, Jenny Iles, Evelyn Lundstrom-Weiss, Virginia
Preston, Jean Shaw, Marie Teel, Carolyn Warns, David Willett
Members Serving Our Country in the Military
Alex Murphy (Army), Kyle Murphy (Air Force)
Our friends & relatives:
Randy & Renee Barger: her friend Erin Agnes Brown: nephew Craig, brother Joey
Jim & Sharon Buechler: her uncle Jim, friend Allan, his sister JoAnn, her brother James, his
cousins Leland & Carolyn
Frank & Betty Downing: granddaughter Stephanie, nephew Robert
Ray & Gretchen Engum: daughter & son-in-law Liz & Tracy, granddaughter Kathy, son Dennis
Jesse & Jeanie Hack: his mother Alice, his dad Don, her friend Leslie
Marcy Hall: son Matthew Pat Eskam: daughter Lori
Mardelle Hammond: friend Lynette, sister-in-law Barbara
Edward & Jeanne-K Hughes: son David
Mark & LuAnne Humphrey: friends Debbie, Karen, Alice, Arlene, Jeff, Dr Shields, Donald, Sam,
Ernie
Gary & Joanne Jordanger: his brother Mike
Gene & Donna Kahn: grandsons serving in the Air Force Austin & Garrett
Dielda Kuhlmann: sister Brenda
Christie Lind: her former sister-in-law Peggy, sister Denise
Kathy Logan: her friend Barbara Evelyn Lundstrom-Weiss: sister Eleanor
Andrea Mangold: her brother Charles
Kerry & Debbie Mason: his sister Lisann, her son David, friend Ada
Pat Mortrud: friend Brandi & family, Rev. Richard Flath
Bob Pankow: daughter-in-law Jennifer
Hannelore Payne: her son, Patrick, daughter Becky, friends Greg, Dawn & Ethel
Bud & Juanita Reynolds: grandsons Jacob & Kenneth
Linda Sheets: daughter Corrie, niece Heidi
Dick & Ellen Taylor: grandson Landon, granddaughter Caroline, his cousins Bill & Eileen
Cynthia TeGantvoort: son Victor, son-in-law Keoni
Carolyn Troseth: brother-in-law Tom, sister Viola
Carolyn Warns: daughter Debbie
David Willett: cousin BJ, mom Carol
Amber Wolf: friends Nick and Robyn and their son Gage
Gil & Cathy Wooden: his brother Derlin
Kathy Zable: son John, daughter Margo Passeau, friend Denise, friends Tasha & family
All our friends and family members who are not yet Christians
4
Long time member Laura (Kurtz) Brester passed
away on Friday November 15. She was 94 years old.
Attending church was always important and mean-
ingful to Laura. Her mother, Mary, was a strong spir-
itual influence in her life. One of her fond memories
was walking along a path with her mom and younger
siblings to the Lutheran church in Missoula, Montana
every Sunday.
She met her future husband, Larry, at a rollerskating
rink. They married November 16, 1946 in Montana.
They were together for over 63 years until his death
on January 16, 2010.
Larry & Laura started attending Bethlehem at our old
white building on Sunset in about 1956. Both their
LAURA BRESTER
children, Larry and Sharon, were confirmed at Beth-
August 17, 1925
lehem.
-
November 15, 2019
We remember Laura as a faithful member, active in
the Mary-Martha Society, and always willing to help
out where needed.
Her memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, December 12 at 1 p.m. at
Bethlehem.
HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES
to the Holcomb family on the passing of Shannon Marie Jones. Shannon
passed away November 6, 2019 in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 49. She
was married to Kelly Jones, the second youngest of Cindy Holcomb's seven
siblings. She has 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Her passion was helping
women look their best by styling their hair and offering makeup advice.
to the Knebel/Mangold families on the passing of Andrea Mangold’s sister-
in-law Elaine Knebel.
5
BON VOYAGE,
PAT
We said farewell and safe travels to Pat Mortrud on Sunday, November 3,
her last day with us before moving to Texas. Pat has been part of Beth-
lehem for almost 30 years; her departure was full of hugs, cake, and a
few tears. She was active in Mary-Martha, helped make several banners,
and embroidered the cross on the white cloth that goes over the com-
munion ware. Her common sense matched with her strong faith and a
sense of humor gave her the ability to be helpful and supportive to many
of us. Pat, be sure to come back for a visit! -photos by Dielda Kuhlmann
1 Peter 5:1-4
1
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and
a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the
glory to be revealed:
2
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care,
watching over them-not because you must, but because
you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing
dishonest gain, but eager to serve;
3
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
4
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory
that will never fade away.
The elders of Bethlehem Lutheran Church have been chosen by you the voting
members. This confidence carries with it a great responsibility. We are here to
serve you. Each member is assigned an elder to look to your spiritual needs.
You can contact an elder, who will help you. We are not perfect but are here to
serve God and you. 6
Stewardship Lesson
From the Sermon on the Mount:
Jesus Teaches Us Not To Worry
The heart of stewardship is love, rather than riches or rules. Jesus, in the
Sermon of the Mount, taught the crowds about compassion, being humble
and trusting God in every part of their lives. The opposite of trust is doubt
and where there is doubt, there is worry. When we put all of our energy
and devotion into worrying, we actually are worshipping a false god, in-
stead of trusting God. The god of worry causes us to trust in a lie, rather
than the truth. Instead, we must trust in the one true God, who loves us
and cares for all our needs.
God feeds the birds and clothes the fields of grass with beautiful flowers.
But more than those things, He loves us and gives us whatever we need.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these
things will be added to you," Matthew 6:33. “Ask and it will be given
to you; seek and you will find," Matthew 7:7. Jesus did not come to
earth as a bird or a flower. He came down from Heaven and became a
man: flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone. He is one of us, our brother.
And what did He do when He became flesh to dwell among us? He was
humbly born in a stable, grew up to be crucified for our transgressions and
raised from the dead for our justification. So, since your Father in Heaven
has given His Son to die for us in order that we might live with Him eter-
nally, He also will give us everything we need to support our bodies and
lives. When in the Lord's Prayer we ask Him to "Give us this day our
daily bread," God will respond by giving us food, clothing, homes and
everything else that we need. He especially promises to give us His grace
and mercy in His Son, Jesus Christ. So seek after that. Those who seek
will find. And all the necessities of life will be added to you.
(edited by Karen Begalka from the LCMS
December 2019 Stewardship Newsletter)
7
The Story Behind The Hymn
O Little Town of Bethlehem
. . Bethlehem. . .though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel. . .
Micah 5:2
At nearly six feet six, weighing three hundred pounds, Phillips
Brooks cast a long shadow. He graduated from Harvard University at
the age of 20. He was a native Bostonian, the ninth generation of dis-
tinguished Puritan stock, who entered the Episcopalian ministry and
pastored with great power in Philadelphia and in Boston. His sermons Rev. Phillips Brooks
were topical rather than expositional, and he's been criticized for thin- 1835 – 1893
ness of doctrine. Nonetheless he's considered one of America's great-
est preachers. His delivery came in lightning bursts; he felt he had
more to say than time in which to say it.
During the American Civil War, he upheld the cause of the North and opposed slavery.
Rev. Brooks gave an eloquent sermon on the death of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. His sermon
at Harvard’s commemoration of the Civil War dead later that year also attracted attention na-
tionwide.
While at Philadelphia's Holy Trinity Church, Phillips, 30, visited the Holy Land. On De-
cember 24, 1865, traveling by horseback from Jerusalem, he attended a five-hour Christmas
Eve service at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. He was deeply moved. "I remember
standing in the old church in Bethlehem," he later said, “close to the spot where Jesus was
born, when the whole church was ringing hour after hour with splendid hymns of praise to
God, how again and again it seemed as I could hear voices I knew well, telling each other of
the Wonderful Night of the Savior's birth."
Three years later, as he prepared for the Christmas season of 1867, he wanted to com-
pose an original Christmas hymn for the children to sing during their annual program. Re-
calling his magical night in Bethlehem, he wrote a little hymn of five stanzas and handed the
words to his organist, Lewis Redner, saying, "Lewis, why not write a new tune for my poem. If
it is a good tune, I will name it 'St. Lewis' after you.”
Lewis struggled with his assignment, complaining of no inspiration. Finally, on the night
before the Christmas program, he awoke with the music ringing in his soul. He jotted down
the melody, then went back to sleep. The next day, a group of six Sunday school teachers and
thirty-six children sang "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Brooks was so pleased with the tune
that he did indeed name it for his organist, changing the spelling to ST. LOUIS, so as not to
embarrass him.
8
The hymn focuses on the relative silence of the birth of Christ. Bethlehem was a small
town and only a few people paid attention to the event. It contrasts to other Christmas hymns
that emphasize the majestic glory of God. The fourth and final stanza is a prayer that Christ
would come and transform our lives. It is hymn #361 in our Lutheran Service Book.
4. O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel!
Thanks to Karen Jackman, Robert J Morgan’s book “Then Sings My Soul”, and various in-
ternet sources for information on Rev. Phillips Brooks.
Joy in reaching out to people everywhere with God’s Word
In the Word
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all na-
tions, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14
Of the Word
With the invention of electronic communication via the internet our world is so much more
accessible. Missionaries who were once in very remote places now have access to the outside
world through generator-powered computers.
When Jesus spoke to His disciples about reaching the whole world with the Gospel they must
have thought He was exaggerating. How could this message actually be preached every-
where? Today we see evidence of that message being spread to the outermost parts of the
earth. We may not personally be able to share the Gospel around the world, but we can make
our Christian witness known in our daily lives. We can support our church’s missionary ef-
forts with prayer and financial gifts. What joy we have in knowing God’s Word is reaching
people everywhere.
Walking with my Lord
Heavenly Father, support and strengthen missionaries everywhere as they deal with the hard-
ships and joys of speaking Your saving Word to those still in the darkness of sin. Give me
strength to boldly witness of You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Source—Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou
Meyer, Margaret White. 16/30 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary
Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
9
Melanie Hammond baptism. Photo by Art Wolf We joyfully watched Melanie Rona Hammond, age 26, be baptized on Sunday November 24. She is photographed above with Pastor David Blair and her sponsor Pat Eskam. Melanie was also confirmed on this day. Bethlehem member and Melanie’s great grandmother, Mardelle Hammond shares, “It was a nice ceremony. It was so wonderful to have this happen!” Upstairs in the social hall, there was time for a family photo. Pictured below are her mother Jennifer Hammond, great grandmother Mardelle Hammond, aunt Marilyn Harding, Melanie, her father Todd Hammond and his friend Cindy. All here together to share this special day. We welcome Melanie into a life of following Jesus. Banner Hammond Family photo by Teresa Feltmann Photo by Joel Jackman 10
WELCOME TO OUR
NEW MEMBERS
Pastor David Blair introduces Melanie Hammond Ruth & Fred Schroeder
and Beverly West. Photo by Art Wolf Photo by Dielda Kuhlmann
NEW MEMBER SUNDAY
Four people joined our Bethlehem family on Sunday, November 24.
Melanie Hammond was baptized and confirmed earlier in the service.
Beverly West moved to Renton recently and transfers to us from Zion Lutheran in Auburn,
Washington.
Fred & Ruth Schroeder were unable to attend on this day. They’ve been worshipping with
us for a few months, transferring from Amazing Grace in Renton. They celebrated 67 years of
marriage this summer.
We celebrated with cake and lots of smiles.
We are blessed to have these people at
Bethlehem. God is good.
Cake photo by Joel Jackman
11MISSION BOARD REPORT
We on the Mission Board would like to wish everyone the best of holidays this year.
Safe trips if you are traveling.
Thank you for the great turn out of helpers we had for getting the soft goods on the
truck, and all the work that was done getting everything into the truck so quickly on
Thursday night. Then we delivered and unloaded 2,513 pounds of soft goods and
200 pounds of books on Friday, November 22! We will find out soon how many dol-
lars were raised with this event. All the money goes towards the Mission Budget.
Merry Christmas, everyone!!
LuAnne Humphrey
Gil Wooden, Ron Muller, Ellen Taylor, Michael Humphrey, Pete Maas. The Friday un-
loading team. Photo by Marjie Boydston
Do your shopping at
smile.amazon.com. Select
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
in Renton, Washington as
your designated charity. We
will receive 0.5% of your
purchase! There’s no cost to
you.
12ELECTION RESULTS for 2020
We are blessed and thankful that the following people will be serving as
officers and board members next year. Bold print indicates elected at
our November 3 Annual Meeting.
President Carl Stockamp, Vice President Gary Jordanger, Secretary
Sharon Buehler and Treasurer Kathy Logan.
Board of Elders remains the same as last year—Tracy Brown, Pat
Eskam, Joel Jackman, Ron Muller, Dick Taylor, and Art Wolf.
Trustee Curtis Holcomb was reelected and will continue working with Curtis Boydston,
Tracy Brown, and Jim Buechler.
Newly elected to Board of Education are: Sharon Buechler, Karen Marsyla, and Debbie
Mason. They join Joanne Jordanger on the Board of Ed.
Elected to Board of Missions are: Joanne Jordanger (reelected), Ellen Taylor (reelected),
and Amber Wolf. Returning to Missions are Betty Downing, Marcy Hall, LuAnne Humph-
rey, and Hannelore Payne.
Elected to Board of Stewardship is Karen Begalka. She joins Hannelore Payne on the
board.
Thank you to outgoing officers and board members who served this year: Don and Dielda
Kuhlmann, Pete Maas, and Cathy Wooden.
LADIES SACK LUNCH & BOOK CLUB
RESUMES IN JANUARY
We will discuss Voice in the Wind, the first book
Eat - Pray - Laugh in the trilogy by Francine Rivers.
THANKFUL on THANKSGIVING
We had music for our Thanksgiving worship service.
With no organist or substitute organist available, Ron
Muller was able to play the hymns using the comput-
er upstairs in the choir loft. We thank Ron for his DJ
skills and willingness to serve.
Photo by Teresa Feltmann
13Sun Mon Tue Wed
1 FOOD BANK SUNDAY 2 3
Office hours are 4
CONFIRMANDS
8:30 choir rehearsal meet Monday through Thursday 6:00 supper?
after
8:45 church
Adult every Sunday
Bible Class 6 pm Trustees’ Meeting 9 6:30
a.m. Elders
to 1 p.m.
Meeting No volunteer cook yet
10 in Pastor’s
Worship withoffice.
Holy Communion 7 pm New Purpose 7:00 Advent Service
Guest Organist Linda Knebel “Rising Light”
8 8:30 choir rehearsal 9 10 11
8:45 Adult Bible Class 6:00 supper?
10 Worship 7 pm New Purpose No cook yet
11:15 Council meeting 7:00 Advent Service
“Reflected Light”
15 8:30 choir rehearsal 16 17 18
8:45 Adult Bible Class 6:00 supper?
10 Worship with Holy Communion 7 pm New Purpose No cook yet
11:15 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 Advent Service
“Healing Light”
22 8:30 choir rehearsal 23 24 25
No Adult Bible Class 7 pm CANDLE- 10 a.m. CHRISTMAS
10 Worship with Christmas Program 7 pm New Purpose LIGHT SERVICE MORNING SERVICE
“Eternal Light” “Glorious Light” “Shining Light”
11:15 Worship Team Meeting
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE OFFICE CLOSED DECEMBER 23 through
29 8:30 choir rehearsal 30 31 Jan 1
No Adult Bible Class 2—6 pm New NEW YEARS DAY
10 Worship with Holy Communion and 7 pm New Purpose Year’s Eve Game Rose Bowl Parade with
Hymn Sing Night—Cowboy Lutheran Hour Minis-
Theme tries Float
OFFICE CLOSED DECEMBER 23 through J
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Please note: The office will be closed December 23. It reopens January 6.
14DECEMBER 2019
Wed Thu Fri Sat
5 6 7
upper? 3:30 pm Ladies’ Christmas 10 a.m. carpool to
unteer cook yet Party Puyallup Fairground
dvent Service Victorian Festival
Light” 7 pm New Purpose
12 13 14 8:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast
upper? 1 pm Laura Brester at Plum Delicious.
k yet Memorial Service 3 pm Movie Matinee Miracle on
dvent Service
34th Street
cted Light” 7 pm New Purpose
19 20 21 8:30—1 Private use Social Hall
upper?
k yet 7 pm New Purpose 1st Day of Winter
dvent Service
ng Light”
26 27 28
. CHRISTMAS
NG SERVICE 7 pm New Purpose
ng Light”
ER 23 through JANUARY 5
EARS DAY
owl Parade with
an Hour Minis-
R 23 through JANUARY 5
BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH
1024 Monroe Ave N.E., Renton, WA 98056
blessings@BethlehemLutheranRenton.org 425-255-9772
www.BethlehemLutheranRenton.org
Pastor Blair email: Pastor@BethlehemLutheranRenton.org
15
cell phone: 206-291-4237BAZAAR WINNERS
By Dielda Kuhlmann
Our holiday bazaar brought in almost $2,500 this year. Thanks to everyone for their donations
that helped make this a successful event. Special thanks to Jeanne-K Hughes for making the
quilt, James Hing for his Starbucks basket of goodies, Pat Mortrud for donating all of Ray’s
computer equipment, our dedicated baking team, and our vendors for offering a variety of
handmade items.
16-month old Josiah with a boost from grampa Curtis Holcomb drew the winning raffle tick-
ets. Brent Begalka posed for a photo of the quilt he won. He will be giving it to his mother
for Christmas. She has moved into a retirement home, and it’s perfect for her. His mom loves
the colors. Karen & Joel Jackman were pleasantly surprised to win the Starbucks gift basket.
Josiah draws the raffle tickets A bouquet of Brent Karen Jackman gives a
Photos by Dielda Kuhlmann Quilt Winner thumbs up after winning
the Starbucks basket.
RAVE & THANK YOU to Thrivent Financial for granting us the funds to purchase all the
ingredients for our Bake Sale! This means more money can go to some very worthwhile
charities.
16"MARY CHRISTMAS"!
No I haven't misspelled my greeting! This is the month we get ready
for the Celebration of the birth of Baby Jesus.
We have sent out invitations for you ladies to come and celebrate this
day. We will be having singing, a skit, dessert and a good old time
visiting. Please save Thursday December 5th for us! If any of you
need a ride, please contact the office so we can help you join us for this
occasion! The party starts at 3:30 pm.
On January 16th we will meet on our regular Thursday at 3:30 to pre-
pare for 2020 projects.
Carolyn Troseth, Secretary
Mary-Martha Society
THANK YOU
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped on the Fall
Clean-up. The inside and outside of the Church looks
great. Closets and cupboards have been cleaned out
and new treasures were discovered. Pews have been
vacuumed and wood work was polished. Sidewalks
got a water pressure cleaning and flower beds were
laid to rest until Spring when the first daffodils should
appear. —Your trustees.
RAVE for the new and improved smell on Friday mornings at Bethlehem. Whatever the new
bathroom cleanser the custodians are now using, it has a very pleasant aroma!
RAVE & THANKS to our Christmas committee for getting Bethlehem decorated for
Christmas.
RAVE & THANKS to all who contributed money towards poinsettia plants to adorn our
Advent altar.
17WAITING
Wikipedia defines Advent as a time of ‘expectant waiting.' Now we know that the first
Christmas arrived and brought a marvelous light in the sky, but the people of the time did not
know the outcome.
Yet they waited on God expectantly.
While we know the Christmas story, we have our own ‘expectant waiting’ to get through.
• What will it be like with the new leadership of Bethlehem?
• Who will be our new Pastor?
• What changes (bringing us to a new light) will these events bring?
Remember, we only need the faith of a mustard seed to move mountains. Let us enjoy this
time of expectant waiting with prayer, joy and each other.
Don Kuhlmann, congregational president
ROSE PARADE FLOAT
ANCHORED IN JESUS
Join the Petal Pushers® and help decorate the 2020
Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) float entitled An-
chored in Jesus—the only Christian-themed float in
the Rose Parade. This year, LHM is celebrating its
70th Anniversary of witnessing the Gospel message at
the parade.
On December 28, you will be welcomed to sunny
California and stay at the Holiday Inn West Covina for the next 5 nights. Float decorating
takes place December 29–31. You will be transferred each day by private motor coach to and
from the nearby decorating pavilion. Decorating takes place for three days, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The 131st Rose Parade, The Power of Hope, takes place on January 1. Petal Pushers® attend
the world-famous parade and share an unforgettable day cheering from reserved grandstand
seats along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. What an opportunity it will be to see first-hand
the amazing floats, the precision and music of the marching bands, and equestrian groups.
Imagine what it will be like to see the beautifully decorated LHM float as it passes by and
jump to your feet to applaud, knowing that you have helped make it happen.
In an age that questions Christian values and messages, the LHM Float Committee has re-
mained dedicated to its mission for 70 years. What a way to begin the New Year—making
new friends and taking home the lasting memories of a-once-in-a-lifetime week of new expe-
riences and Christian fellowship. More information at www.petalpushers.org/
18Renton newspaper
from approximately
December 1972
19OUR VETERAN
DAVID WILLETT
On November 10, David Wil-
lett was recognized as Beth-
lehem’s Veteran of the Year.
He spoke about his time in
the Army, shared photos. He
received a wooden medallion
as a thank you for his service,
and a standing ovation.
Here is a copy of David’s
speech:
Most of my time in the Army
was during peace time, so it was a good experience for
me. I joined in 1987 and went to Fort Leonard Wood for
boot camp to become a Combat Engineer.
At the time, President Reagan was in office, and he told
the military to make boot camp really difficult, so I barely
graduated from boot camp. But I did make it.
Banner photo
by Marjie Boydston Then the Army sent me to Germany. I was stationed near
Frankfurt. Germany is a very beautiful country. It looks a
lot like Washington State. Germany was also where I became a Lutheran. I just
walked into a Lutheran church and said I wanted to join, so they said OK and put
me through the Lutheran catechism. I was in Germany for two years. Then I went to
Korea for 14 months.
Now Korea was supposed to be a hardship tour, but I found it to be easy. We did
not do much of anything there. We just sat around, waiting for our time on-duty to
arrive. It was very boring, so I decided to take Tae Kwon Do lessons. I practiced
twice a day for six days each week. And I was able to earn my black belt.
So, when my tour of duty in Korea was coming to an end, I had the choice of get-
ting out of the Army or re-enlisting. When someone joins the military, we are made
to understand that if war breaks out while we are in the military, we would need to
go to the war front. There was no way out of it. So each soldier must take their mili-
tary service very seriously. All we could hope and pray for was that war does not
break out, but if it does, we would need to join the fight as trained soldiers.
20
Continued on next pageI had decided to reenlist when given the chance in Korea. I had an uncle who had
joined the Army and was in it for 20 years without being in a war. So I thought I could
possibly do the same thing; I could serve in the Army and rejoin until it was time for
me to retire after 20 years.
I was wrong. Not long after I re-enlisted, Iraq invaded Kuwait and the next thing I
knew, we were involved in a war. The Army sent me to Saudi Arabia to take part in
Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
When I was in Saudi Arabia, I was assigned to the First Calvary Division. While there,
I was listening to the news on the radio. The press was interviewing a Marine Gen-
eral. The General said, "There are only two kinds of Marines---those who want to go
to Saudi Arabia and are going, and those who do not want to go but are going any-
way."
I was with the Marines who didn't want to go to war, but went there anyway.
During the Gulf War, it was the Air Force that were the heroes of the conflict. The
B-52s bombed the Iraqi Army so much that they had no will to fight any longer, and
had to quit. The Iraqis took heavy casualties. Some of their units were decimated to
only about 29% or even 20% of their original strength. They could no longer fight.
During the ground war, much of the Iraqi Army either retreated or surrendered.
Half a million American Army troops invaded Iraq and trapped the Republican Guard
inside Southern Iraq near the Kuwait border. Then President Bush called for a cease-
fire. The war was over.
I remember when the ceasefire was called, it was
the most moral thing that could happen. We could
have destroyed the whole Republican Guard. They
were beaten. They were nearly massacred, but we
stopped and showed mercy. It seemed like the
right thing to do at the right time.
At the end of the Gulf War, I was transferred to Fort
Hood, Texas and I spent about 6 months there.
Then I was given an early out, and I took it so I
could become a civilian and finish my schooling.
Thank you for your service, David.
David Willett with his Bethlehem
Veteran medallion. Photo by Dielda
21Wellness Corner
By Jeanie Hack
The Light of the Advent Season
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming
into the world. He was in the world, and though the
world was made through him, the world did not recognize
him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did
not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those
who believed in his name, he gave the right to become
children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor
of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among
us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only
Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and
truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, say-
ing, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who
comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness, we
have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Mo-
ses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and
only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him
known. John 1:9-18 NIV
Wishing all of you a blessed Christmas.
Treasurer Report As of October 31, 2019
Total Income $ 127,855.03 69% of budget
Expenses $ 134,177.92 72% of budget
Net Loss $ - 6,322.89
Net loss is due to paying property taxes and insurance payments in October.
Total cash available $55,250.24. We are at 83% of the year.
Submitted by Kathy Logan, Treasurer
22We met for Pinochle on November 15th
with 19 of us. We always have a great time
playing together and enjoying a delicious
lunch with wonderful dessert. Jeanne-K
Hughes and Gil Wooden were the highest
winners. There was 6 double Pinochles.
Joanne Simonton and Gil Wooden both
had 2 double Pinochles each. We also had
a table of 3 playing Hand & Foot. Sharon
MOVIE MATINEE Buechler was the winner.
MIRACLE ON 34th STREET
Saturday, December 14 at 3 pm We have decided that there will be no Pi-
nochle day in December as everyone is
The classic black and white 1947 ver- busy during the month. Our next Pinochle
sion of Miracle on 34th Street will be day will be the 3rd Friday, January 17th.
shown in December. This film has been We have decided to change the time for
preserved in the National Film Registry our Pinochle games to 10:00 am. We will
by the Library of Congress as start to play at 10:00 and then stop for pot-
“culturally, historically or aesthetically
luck lunch at 11:30 am. Hopefully this will
significant”. And it’s a good family-
work better for everyone who has to leave
oriented movie. It does come with a pa-
rental warning that if your kids are too at 2 pm.
young to question the existence of San-
ta Claus, you may not want to open this Please join us. If you don’t know how to
can of worms. play, we would love to teach you.
A Macy hired Santa Claus insists that Have a Merry Christmas
he is Kris Kringle. He is put on trial in a Sharon Buechler
competency hearing, and it’s up to a
young girl and a lawyer to prove that
Santa exists. It is 96 minutes long; its
genre is comedy, drama. It’s been de-
scribed as warm and fuzzy.
Miracle on 34th Street shows the joy
that comes from believing.
23DING DONG
Rain, snow, or shine, we’ve been ringing our bell on Sundays
at 10 am since Palm Sunday 2017.
October 27, 2019 was Jean Shaw’s first Sunday back at Bethlehem since illness struck her
this summer. She joined us using a walker for support but that didn’t deter the Jean Shaw that
we all know and love. She parked her walker at the bottom of the choir stairs and went all the
way out to the roof to see the bell. Months of physical therapy paid off. She was met by bright
sunshine, rang the bell, and was able to make it back downstairs without incident.
Jean rang the bell today in memory of Jim Boydston, her friend who passed away last week.
She wanted to ring it since Jim’s wife, Pat, was unable to attend church today. Jim’s memorial
service was later that afternoon.
November 3 was an emotional day for Pat Mortrud. This was All Saints’ Sunday and she
rang in memory of her husband, Ray, who passed away on March 31 of this year. She also
rang in honor of her church family; this was Pat’s last day at Bethlehem. She moved to Texas
later that week to be close to a daughter.
November 10 was our Veteran Recognition Sunday and David Willett pulled the rope for our
call-to-worship bell and later gave a speech about his military experience and becoming a Lu-
theran. David’s story can be found on page 20.
Pete Maas rang our bell on November 17. It was WSU’s Dad’s Weekend and he is shown in
the photo proudly wearing his WSU jacket. Proud to be a WSU Dad and Granddad, and hap-
py that they won yesterday’s football game in Pullman.
Melanie Hammond joyfully rang the bell on November 24, the last day of the church year
and our New Member Sunday. Melanie was baptized and confirmed as an adult and joined
Bethlehem as a new member today! She loves attending church with her great grandma
Mardelle Hammond.
24Jean Shaw Pat Mortrud Melanie Hammond
Photo by Dielda Kuhlmann Photo by Dielda Kuhlmann Photo by Joel Jackman
David Willett Pete Maas
Photo by Dielda Kuhlmann Photo by Hannelore Maas
25A Victorian Country
Christmas Festival
At the Puyallup Fairgrounds
December 6, 2019
Fun for all ages!
Come and stroll with us as we experience the look and feel of an 1800
Victorian village for Christmas passing by beautiful shops filled with
hand crafted and one of a kind gift ideas. Enjoy musical shows. The
best part of this event is the majestic singing
Living Nativity
Over 100 cast members and dancers bring the story of Christmas to life.
I guarantee you, this will truly put you in the spirit of Christmas.
We will carpool from Bethlehem at 10:00 am.
Cost is: Seniors 62+ $9.50 Adults $10.50 Kids under 5 free
Please sign up if you are interested in going.—Sharon Buechler
OTHER LOCAL EVENTS IN DECEMBER
Our neighbors across the street at the Renton SDA Church have invited us to “Joy to
the World!” A Christmas Concert on Friday, December 6th at 7:00 pm. Refreshments
will be served at the concert. A special offering to be taken for the Vine Maple Place
Homeless Ministry.
Greenwood Memorial Park & Funeral Home is hosting a ‘Night of Remembrance’
on Saturday, December 7th at 6:00 pm. Please see the posting on the bulletin for
more details and RSVP information.
26PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO
THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 LADIES’ Christmas Party 3:30 pm. All ladies
reading this are invited to attend this gathering. We’ll sing carols, enjoy a skit,
eat some food, and have a special worship service, Holy Communion, and
friendly fellowship.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 14 Breakfast. Men meet at 8:30 a.m. at Plum De-
licious for fellowship and food.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 14 Matinee 3 pm Miracle on 34th Street. See
page 23.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 31 2-6 pm New Year’s Eve Game Night
Celebration. The ball drops at 4:27 pm, right at sunset! Bring a
game to play or come to chat and eat. Cowboy hats and boots
would be appropriate for this western-themed event.
KEEP PRAYING! PRAYER GUIDE Volume 9 on green paper was dis-
tributed to Bethlehem members. It contains a different Bible verse and
prayer suggestions for every day from November 12 to December 11.
You are encouraged to say your own prayers also, as the Spirit moves
you. Volume 10 will be handed out in December.
God is so Good!
The Giving Tree will be up Sunday December 1. Two families
were given to us; one with father, mother and 4 children, and a
single mom with four children. Please take a tag off the tree
and purchase the gift. Return the gift with the tag attached
which indicates the family for identification purposes. Wrapping
paper, bows, and boxes are appreciated. Gifts should be re-
turned by Friday, December 13th. Thank you.
27Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1024 Monroe Ave N.E.
Renton, WA 98056
December 2019
Celebrate at Bethlehem
this holiday season
Wednesday evenings 7 p.m.
Advent Services Dec 4, 11, 18
Sunday Dec 22 10 a.m.
Christmas Program
Tuesday Dec 24 7 p.m. Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service
Wednesday Dec 25 10 a.m. Christmas
Morning Service
Tuesday Dec 31 2-6 p.m. New Year’s Eve.
We drop the ball at sunset 4:27 p.m.
Our Vision:
Bethlehem Lutheran Church dreams to be a place of prayer in our community where
the love of God is embraced, the Word of God is proclaimed, relationships with Jesus
Christ are transforming, and the Holy Spirit guides us to shine to our neighbors and
friends. 28You can also read
