The Bethany Herald January 2021 - Bethany Lutheran Church
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The Bethany Herald
January 2021
Inviting People to Experience the Grace of God through Jesus Christ & Be Transformed
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Volume 01-21
Handy ‘clip & save’ box with contact NEW YEAR GREETINGS FROM PASTOR JEFF
data and other useful information.
Happy New Year and welcome to 2021! I am
looking forward to what good things are in store for
2021, and I am hopeful for the year ahead. We are
coming off of a holiday season that looked and felt
different then in times past. But I think that we
were able to see the Light of Christ shining too.
Bethany Lutheran Church - ELCA I read a devotional out of the Word in Season recently. The reading
15 W. 14th St. Spencer, IA 51301 that was assigned for the day was part of the Transfiguration reading,
Phone: (712) 262-2327
Mark 9:9-13. The Transfiguration had just happened, where Jesus is seen
www.bethluthspencer.com
alongside Elijah and Moses. In this reading, Jesus and the disciples are on
FACEBOOK SITES: their way down the mountain. The reflection that followed talked about
Bethany Lutheran Church, life being full of joyous mountaintop occasions that are good, and times
Spencer IA-ELCA that are tough and challenging where we might feel like we are in a low
Spencer Bethany-Youth
spot. I’m sure that many of us are thinking about how 2020 has affected
BLC Spencer Music Ministry
BLC Spencer Sunday School us. But the devotion continued. The author tells us that we may not
understand or comprehend what is going on in that moment. But, with
STAFF: time, and as we allow Christ to help us and lead us through life’s
Pastor: Jeffrey Geiger transitions, understanding can come. The author says, “even when we
pastorjeff@bethluthspencer.com don’t understand, we can trust that God is guiding us on our journey.” As
Coordinator of Children, Youth & we enter 2021, have hope. God continues to guide us and lead us,
Family Ministry: Lynn Egesdal whether it is one of those joyous mountaintop experiences, or a dark
Lynn@bethluthspencer.com valley. Through all of life’s transitions, God’s hand will be on us and Christ
Director of Worship and Music: walks alongside of us. May the peace of Christ go with us and bring us
Elina Leander Ozolins hope as we enter into the New Year!
sveiks@mediacombb.net PR. JEFF GEIGER
Visitation Minister: Onalee Wright
onalee53@gmail.com 2020 ANNUAL MEETING
Secretary: Mary Ann Quail The annual meeting of the Bethany
bethany@bethluthspencer.com Lutheran congregation will be held on the
Custodian: Lois Becker third Sunday of January, as per the Bethany
sp2whlgrs@gmail.com Constitution. It will be held following our
CHURCH COUNCIL: worship service that day – about 10am.
Randy Riecks, President At the time of printing of our newsletter,
Matt Kuehler, Vice-President the logistics of the meeting are unknown.
Sheryl Thu, Secretary More details will be communicated soon.
Sandi Schmidt, Treasurer So, for now mark January 17 on your calendar with “BLC Annual Meeting”
Council members at large: and stay tuned to the E-Blast newsletters and watch your snail mail for a
Jim Rusk, Ann Lohman,
postcard with details on how you can attend.
Mary Marske, Jamie Rusk-Blume
THE BETHANY HERALD – JANUARY 2021 PAGE 1Please make note these new addresses for Bethany
Listed below are current prayer concerns members who have recently moved:
along with those from over the past Lloyd Senne
month. Thanks for your prayerful support c/o Jim Senne
for these individuals and their families. If 2137 Valkyrie Ct NW
you have a prayer request, let us know.
Rochester, MN 55901
Health Concerns: Geraldine Senne
Larry Anderson, Jed Cameron, Laura Dietrich, c/o Bernice Fife
Shari Emmert, Eileen Harkema, Bill Hemme, 848 Highway 71 S
Mary Rose Hemme, Donna Koester, Gerald Koester, Jackson, MN 55143
Linda Kunzmann, Bess Madsen, Sandy Manwarren,
Kim McCune, Don Moore, Marsha Nelson, Steve Salts, POINSETTIAS FOR THE SEASONS
Geraldine Senne, Lloyd Senne, Lyle Youngdahl; Bethany Altar Guild thanks the
Joel Meyer (Marilyn Meyer’s son); following individuals and families for
Ida Syvertson (John Syvertson’s mother);
sharing a poinsettia to decorate the
Ken (Doc) Manwarren (Greg Manwarren’s brother)
sanctuary for the Seasons of Advent
Patricia Bentsen (Missionary to Madagascar)
& Christmas:
Those who mourn:
Gary & Denise Tolzmann in
The family of Lois Christensen (Sherrie Green’s sister)
honor of brothers and sisters in Christ at Imalinyi
The family of Dale Wright (Russ & Ken Wright’s brother) Parish, TZ and
The family of Rodney Peterson (Marcia Christy’s brother) in memory of loved ones
The family of Alex Jacobsen (Dave Jacobsen’s son) Dave & Carol Anderson in memory of loved ones
The family of Elsie Mae Jones Randy & Sue Riecks in memory of their parents
The family of Eugene Johnson Pixie Jensen in memory of her parents
The family of Mitch Baker (Mary Marske’s brother-in-law) Roger and Jackie Mann in memory of loved ones
The family of Miles Rohan (Kevin Rohan’s father) Nola Harper in memory of her grandmother,
The family of Bill Stoffer Dorthea Erbs and in memory of her parents,
The family of Lois Simmons (John Simmon’s mother) Ralph & Dorothy Strawn
Cindy Heiter in memory of family
Valorie Van Ampting in memory of her son,
Marcus Van Ampting
Kent Baker in memory of Connie Baker
To the people of Bethany, Pastor Jeff Geiger in memory of loved ones
Thank you all for the Christmas gift! Thank you! Gary Lundquist
Pastor Jeff Don & Sylvia Moore
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Kirk & Sue Anderson
The staff at Bethany Lutheran Church extends a huge
thank you to the Bethany congregation and friends for the
gifts, goodies and many acts of kindness shared at the
holidays. And, many, many thanks to volunteers who have
given several hours to facilitate our worship services both CHOICE DOLLARS AT WORK AT BETHANY
online and in-person when we were able to have them. A huge thank you to Thrivent members who directed
We appreciate your generosity and support! Thrivent Choice Dollars to Bethany this past year. Some of
Pr. Jeff, Lynn, Elina, Onalee, Lois & Mary Ann the ways your donations impacted our church in 2020
include:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Parish Education Outreach Project: Covering the
SEEKING CHAPLIN shipping cost of Operation Christmas Child boxes
St. Luke Homes and Services of Spencer, Iowa, is seeking Properties Landscaping Project: Purchasing a tree for
qualified candidates for a half-time chaplain. Must have the prayer garden on the south side of the church
an M.Div. and experience working with the elderly is a Stewardship: Purchase of farewell gift for Pr. Jen &
plus. Please contact Greg Meeter at 712-262-5931 for Jerry’s retirement
information and an application form. Churchwide Relations: Monetary gift supporting the
recent St. Luke Chaplain appeal
RECENT CHANGES OF ADDRESS
THE BETHANY HERALD – JANUARY 2021 2ST. LUKE BIRTHDAY PARTY
REMINDER: The Women of Bethany
host “birthday party” at St. Luke Home on
Monday, January 18. Although we cannot
be there, we can help provide the items RAISING OUR VOICES FOR IOWA CHILDREN
that are needed for their celebration. Can AND FAMILIES
you help provide an angel food cake or Families struggling without access to mental healthcare.
two dozen white cupcakes? Give a call to Human services providers overworked and underpaid.
the church office to let us know. Thanks for helping! Former refugees and immigrants striving to build new lives.
These are all issues faced by Iowans. Help us ensure their
voices are heard at the Iowa State Capitol. This legislative
session may look different from past years. But now more
than ever, Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) will be advocating
for our community members who are so often overlooked
JANUARY WORSHIP & LECTIONARY READINGS in our society. Join in this important work. Visit
Once again we begin the month with in-person worship LSIowa.org/advocacy and sign up for our Advocacy Alerts.
services suspended. Be sure to stay tuned to our E-blasts Learn more about the legislative process, issues impacting
and announcements on our website and social media pages your neighbors and your role as a citizen in helping to
for church council action regarding this matter. We will amplify their voices. For more information, contact Deb
continue to offer a live-stream service on Sunday mornings. Whitford, Director of Philanthropy and Church Relations, at
Services in January, along with the scripture readings, will Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org or 563-676-2065.
be as follows: LSI Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of
JANUARY 3 – SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS Jesus Christ through compassionate service. LSI is an affiliated
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA
Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:1-18; (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA
(Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all
JANUARY 10– BAPTISM OF OUR LORD ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national
Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more
Mark 1:4-11; at LSIowa.org and facebook.com/LSI.iowa.
JANUARY 17 – SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY Compassion During Crisis
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; Across the state LSI team members work with families
1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51; at risk of child abuse or neglect connecting them to the
Annual Meeting will follow worship service. tools and resources they need to keep their children in their
homes whenever safely possible. One of the critical
JANUARY 24 – THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY programs available to parents is the Strengthening Families
Scripture: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12, program. The program typically provides 14 weeks of in-
1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20; person parent group work, family activities, and a family
meal to enhance child development, help parents create
JANUARY 31 – FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
their own support network, and reduce the likelihood of
Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111;
child abuse or neglect.
1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28; When COVID-19 created challenges to this in-person
model, LSI did not give up on the families who relied on this
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH FINANCE SUMMARY important service. Instead, LSI’s Behavioral Health
Intervention Services team has gone virtual. Maria, a
Year-to-Date Revenues.................................... $359,196.36
program supervisor with LSI, has been leading a virtual
Year-to-Date Expenses ...................................... 363,260.42 version of the program this year, where families join a Zoom
Year-to-Date Net Loss ........................................ ($4,064.06) meeting and use “breakout rooms” for individual sessions.
-- As of November 30, 2020 – Meals are purchased from Hy-Vee and delivered the night
of the session, so families are still able to celebrate their
We are grateful for the many folks who have continued to tradition of eating together each week. This year has
financially support Bethany Lutheran Church through-out created several challenges for all of us, but LSI continues to
the uncertainty of these times. We have been blessed by answer the call and provide the high-quality care and
your gifts and thank you for your generosity. services Iowa children and families deserve.
THE BETHANY HERALD – JANUARY 2021 3Non-Profit
US Postage Paid
Spencer, IA
Permit No. 150
15 West 14th Street Spencer, IA 51301-3536
Telephone 712.262.2327 Fax 712.262.1635
www.bethluthspencer.com
Address Correction Requested
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
WOMEN’S BOOK STUDY VIA ZOOM
A new women’s book
study will begin on Weds.,
January 13. The book is
“Golden Fruit” and each
Bethany’s rental house located at 1418 First Ave
session focuses on one fruit
West is available for rent. It is a four bedroom (2 up, 2
of the Spirit and considers
down) 2 bathroom home with a two stall garage. Stove,
how the lives and stories of
refrigerator, washer and dryer are furnished. Rent is
nine biblical women convey
$800/month. Interested parties should call the church
that characteristic. We will
office at 262-2327 for more details. If you know of
meet via Zoom at 7:30pm.
someone looking to rent, please let them know.
The beauty of zoom is we can be anywhere and still be
together. Oh and we won't have to go out in the cold JAN-MAR CHRIST IN OUR HOME DEVOTIONALS
and snow! Cost of the book is $6. Let us know by
It’s here! The January – March 2021 issue of Christ
January 4 so we can have enough books available.
in Our Home devotionals has finally arrived. Also
Please consider joining this group. Not only is it is a
available are new issues of The Lutheran Digest and The
great opportunity to learn more about Bible stories, it
Lutheran Journal. Swing by the church to pick one up in
is a wonderful way to share fellowship with other
our drive up devotional box by the parking lot door.
women, hear their insights on Bible study and prayer
Typically the box is available 24/7 (unless there’s a
and grow your faith. Consider giving something new a
raging blizzard!) with bulletins, devotionals and other
try in 2021! If you have questions or to sign up, give a
items of interest. If you are unable to get out to pick up
call to the church office (262-2327), Susan Geiger (330-
a devotional booklet and would like one, give us a call
304-7171 geiger.susan2@gmail.com,) or Sue Boblit
and we can drop one in the mail for you.
(712-260-2258, sdboblit@gmail.com).
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