THE May STAR 2021 Bethlehem Lutheran Church A Place For You 504 W. 8th St., Wahoo, Nebraska
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THE May STAR 2021
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
A Place For You
504 W. 8th St., Wahoo, Nebraska
Ph# 402-443-3160
Pastor Bob Hayden-rbhhayden@reagan.com
Ph# 402-672-1345
Church office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Church website: bethlehemlutheranwahoo.org
Church email: wahoo.bethlehem@gmail.com
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the
From the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
Pastor… plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will
con on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen
to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek
me with all your heart.” –Jeremiah 29:11-13
Dear Members and Friends of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Wahoo…
At the time of this writing in the 4th week in April, the uncertainty of a
favorite topic in Nebraska is at the forefront…you guessed it…the weather!
During the month of April we have had abundant rainfall; we have had
temperatures reaching the lower 80’s and for the last couple of days, over night
lows in the mid 20’s. So much so that on this early morning hour, I gaze out the
office window and see sheets spread over the first-of-the-seasons’ annuals as
they bravely but treacherously awaken from the long winter yearning for the
warmth of spring but are in great danger from the frost. Gardeners and farmers
don’t know what to do…take the chance on planting or wait until the
temperatures moderate into what we think anyway is a normal range. One
plant that hasn’t suffered are the darn dandelions…they are everywhere!
This hesitancy to move ahead with normal spring activities is also a
condition our church finds itself in concerning the lingering effects and
concerns of covid19. We have for the most part removed the seating
restrictions in the sanctuary while reserving the ‘over-flow’ area for those who
are vulnerable or rightly cautious about their health situation. We have re-
opened the fellowship hall for post service coffee and treats; we are step by
step opening the church for more normal activities and meetings…while still
requiring at least in the near term, the continuation of mask usage.
As a council, we have had numerous conversations about a number of
topics in the past year with the key one centered around ‘returning to normal’.
The more we thought and discussed this return, the more it has become
apparent that what was normal 15 months ago likely will not be normal moving
forward.
Currently much of our discussion has to do with re-starting our various
operational committees and organizations. Having laid relatively dormant for
well over a year and with some hesitancy, hesitancy I will always respect, to fully
engage and pick up where we left off is likely to be a step-by-step process. I,
we respect the decision many of you family-aged and health-vulnerable
members have made in worshiping via livestreaming. I, we respect the decision
and reality that our family-aged members have been exposed to various
aspects of life and do not want to possibly bring covid19 or the flu to those
among us with health concerns.
With all this in mind, we as a council have taken this year plus to consider
and evaluate how we operate and in an age of fluidity…be fluid while at the
same time prepare structure to our work. For instance, do we continue with live
steaming our services in a hopefully post-covid era? How do we welcome back
and invite the many families and individuals who have not worshiped live or
participated in church activities? How do we communicate the need to gather
as a congregation? How do we encourage everyone to lend their talents and
skills and presence to the life of Bethlehem? How do we communicate that as
full a participation in the life of Bethlehem is what is desired and needed
throughout the church? When will we be comfortable bringing back pot-lucks
or pancakes or hot dogs and burger feeds?
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I and I think I speak for the church council as we continue to ask for your
patience and support as important decisions and adjustments are made with
the full intention of being welcoming and seek greater church-wide
involvement. There are many areas where individual skills and interests are
needed…quite frankly in all areas including sharing your musical gifts or leading
worship in music…we appreciate our current worship leaders for sure but are
also seeking and working on inter-generational worship teams in the near
future. This is your invitation! In addition, in almost every operational
committee or ministry, would welcome and appreciate new membership and
idea.
It is time to re-start our engines in a re-engaged manner, possibly
approaching our church life in a different manner. More information will be
coming forthwith. Blessings everyone and please get engaged and re-engaged
in the life of Bethlehem.
Pastor Bob
Middle School Ministry
On May 2 , at our worship service, nine of our middle school students
nd
will affirm their baptisms. All students have completed three years of our
program, completed their papers and assignments and are prepared for the
next stage of their Christian life.
Like they and classes before have heard me say countless
times…confirmation is NOT graduation, but the next step in their faith lives.
Some of the many tools these nine will need and use in their lives have been
given and earned. Our faith is an on-going process. We can never know
enough about our Lord or church. These nine are now assuming personal
responsibility for their faith life and of course with the support, encouragement,
and love of their faith family.
Our nine are: Alexander Joshua Borchers, Gage Regis Cooney, Alyssa
Lynn Havlovic, Brayden Blaine Hayden, Braylon Thomas Iverson, Sawyer James
Lavaley, Graham Allan Nutzman, Marshall Griffin Strom, and Audrey Marie
Waido.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank our Middle School Parent
Teachers. Their care, concern, and love for our kids and our Lord has been on
display throughout the year. Please thank them when you see them: Julie
Borchers, Lori Mortensen, Corky Forbes, Cindy Hayden, Tara Cooney, Trina
Christen, Amanda Price, Michelle Vybiral, and Heather Kirchmann.
Thank you all and congratulations.
BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
APRIL 18, 2021
Present: Dean Biggerstaff, Stacy Koehler, Jamie
Schnakenberg, Nicole Josephsen, Michelle Vybiral & Pastor Bob
1. March Meeting Minutes:
- Minutes were reviewed no further discussion
- Michelle Vybiral motioned to approve the minutes; Jamie
Schnakenberg second motion- all in favor to approve minutes from
March 21st council meeting
2. Financial Review:
- March appears to have more income than budgeted due to farm rent
coming in (this occurs twice a year)
- QuickBooks implementation in process
o Started paying for QuickBooks in April
o Waiting for Stewardship committee to meet to get some
answers to setup QuickBooks in regards to accounts
§ Need more controls around accounts tied to the church
- Michelle Vybiral Motion to approve; Nicole Josephsen second
approve of financials – all in favor to approve financial report
3. Pastor Report:
- Pastor provided a report from March 21st - April 18th of activities
- Stacy Koehler motioned to approve Pastors Report; Jamie
Schnakenberg second motion- all were in favor to approve Pastor’s
report
4. Old Business:
- Tape was removed from pews and Bible and hymnals placed in pews.
o Continue to follow school rules and wear masks
- Worship with the Music Director Conversation; separate discussion
was scheduled on Tuesday April 20th @ 6:30 to review changes to
position
5. New Business:
- Vacation Bible School (VBS) scheduled July 12-15th
- Ice Cream social July 15th – in progress
- Technical Coordinator
o Remove one online service per month
o Discussion around benefit of this and what is the most
cost/time effective
- Property Review
o There is property management that needs to be completed;
need to review budgeting for needs of the Church
§ Examples Back windows need seal, need new gutters ,
front entry way wood needs replaced , concrete needs
to be poured
o Lawn care- working on getting a signup
- Farm contract need to review
Submitted by: Michelle Vybiral
Bethlehem’s Blessings
Thank you to all who give their gifts of time, talents and resources!
Thank you the Schnakenberg, Biggerstaff and Homes Families for lawn care.
Thank you Rose Sutton for helping with the stoles.
Thank you to all our Sunday School Teachers & Middle School guides this year!
Thank you to Julie Borchers for taking the Confirmation pictures!
Thank you to all the Sunday School Teachers who taught this year!
May 2nd is the last day of Sunday
School!
A big thank you to Alicia Holtorf, Director
and all our Sunday School Teachers!
Christy Urban, Alyssa Nelson, Julie Warford, Holly
Meiergerd, Jen Kaminski, Tricia Ostransky, Ashley
Sharpe, Julie Lausterer, Michelle Vybiral, Lindsey
Havlovic, Tracy Larsen, Andrea Parson and Tiana
Strait. We appreciate them for taking the time to
teach our little ones about their faith!
Are you Spring Cleaning?
Would you like to donate those unwanted items to a good cause?
The church will be hosting a garage sale at the Parsonage on
Saturday, June 12th 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM with all proceeds to benefit
the general fund of the church. Please bring your already priced
items to the Parsonage Garage on Sunday, June 6th 11 AM – 2 PM;
Wednesday, June 9th 5-7 PM or Friday, June 11th 3 – 6 PM. Any
unsold items will be donated to a local charity.
BETHLEHEM WOMEN
Eight ladies studied the final lesson on
“Journeys with Angels” on April 15th led by
Sherry Hageman in the absence of Marilyn
Volin. This fourth lesson included feasting,
funny, alleluia angels and the focus verses
were Psalm 148: 1-2: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise
him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; Praise him all his host!
We heard again the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Lot (from the city of Sodom),
Gideon, Elijah and the angel or angels at Jesus resurrection.
During the business meeting Arlene Johnson opened with a reading from
“Every Morning New” entitled “It’s all about the Resurrection” written by
former Bishop Herb Chilstrom.
We had our regular reports and received our offerings. Arlene closed with
prayer and turned the meeting over to Sherry.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR:
May 2nd Confirmation
May 9th Graduation
May 11th Tuesday – Quilting 9:00 am (Old basement)
May 20th Thursday-Bethlehem Women 2:00 pm (Fellowship hall)
Lesson Leader – Mary McKay
May 25 Tuesday-Quilting 9:00 am and 1:00 pm (Old basement)
th
May Birthdays
Sebastian Lausterer 5/01 Jerry Lynn 5/08 Thad Watts 5/20
Melissa Morris 5/01 Jason Schneider 5/08 Iva Kaiser 5/22
Kristi Obert 5/01 Mike Barry 5/09 Maeve Kaminski 5/22
Landyn Holtorf 5/02 Fred Braun 5/09 Luke Sears 5/22
Michaela Miller 5/02 JoAnn Tiegen 5/09 Graham Nutzman 5/23
Dawn Arduser 5/04 Brad Brester 5/10 Jack Sutton 5/23
Amanda Christian 5/04 Rachel Barry 5/11 Dean Biggerstaff 5/24
Dani Groff 5/04 Mallory Lindstrom 5/11 Robert Christian 5/24
Michael Luben 5/04 Christine Delozier 5/12 Ryan Ideus 5/25
Hudson Meiergerd 5/04 Michelle Abbott 5/13 Sharon Kolterman 5/25
Preston Price 5/04 Randall Schwartz 5/13 Will Thaheld 5/25
Jaclyn Schnakenberg 5/04 Timothy Falke 5/14 Elsie Vetter 5/25
David Brodahl 5/05 Josh Langemeier 5/14 Julie Borchers 5/26
Donna Eliason 5/05 Scott O’Sullivan 5/14 Macy Cuda 5/26
Megan Mattson 5/05 Kay Johnson 5/15 Daniel Lindquist 5/26
Dustin Chmelka 5/06 Liberty Lausterer 5/15 Joshua Fox 5/27
Randy Egr 5/07 Diane Reece 5/15 Craig Langemeier 5/28
Chad Koranda 5/07 Connie Syverson 5/15 Jayden Beatty 5/29
Jamie Larsen 5/07 Ashley Beatty 5/16 Colette Rathke 5/30
Madeline Mann 5/07 Mahala Egr 5/16 Zach Fox 5/31
Deena Stang 5/07 Riley Koranda 5/16 Marah Kaminski 5/31
Daryl Swanson 5/07 Bill Reece 5/16 Erica Miller 5/31
Caleb Groff 5/08
Our members actively
Happy Anniversary! serving in the Military
Chad & Allison Koranda 5/02 Laura Barry – Air Force
Todd & Erinn Blaske 5/03 Braedenn Olson – Air Force
Chris & Tori Stratman 5/03 Jordan Thorson – Air Force
Keith & Kristi Obert 5/15
Jessie & Michelle Henderson 5/20
Dennis & Sandra Chmelka 5/25
Craig & Kristen Gottschalk 5/25 Our members at the Care Centers:
Jayson & Lora Iversen 5/28 South Haven: Robert Peterson
Adam & Rachel Barry 5/30 Care Center: Bill & Jenny Iversen
Tyler & Annalisa Pacas 5/31
Please let us know if you are going to the hospital
or having a procedure done. HIPAA rules prevent
hospitals from calling us.
First Step Preschool News Where did April go??!! It was definitely the fastest month of the year. The kids worked so hard and we were able to get the year wrapped up with great success. We started off April by learning about the weather. We learned about the different types of weather and what happens in the sky to create the weather. The kids loved talking about how the weather happens. We then moved on to our Zoo week, which is a huge week here at preschool. The kids love talking about and learning new things about the different animals at the zoo. We created a zoo in our classroom to add a little extra fun. We ended our alphabet lessons with X & Y. The most difficult letters of the alphabet in terms of activities for kids. We managed to have lots of fun with xylophone snacks and yarn. Our final week of April is being spent getting our year end assessments finished and reviewing all the letters and numbers we have learned. The 3/4 class is keeping very busy as our year comes to a close!! They worked very hard this month to finish up their alphabet letter units. They learned about the letter U and how fun umbrellas can be. Letter X brough some fun X-ray pictures and activities. Their V week was the study of vegetables and how they grow. The kids each were able to plant their own vegetable. They also learned about the weather and loved the tornado tube!! The letter Y had them learning about all the things around that are yellow!! They ended their month with the letter Z and their study of the Zoo. To say our classroom has been a ZOO this month would be an understatement. We hope your April has been as fun and busy as ours!! We are looking forward to our last week with the kids and celebrating their graduations the first week of May!! Enrollment has started for the 2021-2022 school year. Any interested families can contact Jen Kaminski at firststeppreschoolwahoo@gmail.com or at 402.443.3160. Sincerely, Jen and Julie
Congratulations
Confirmation Class of 2021!
Alex is the son of Josh & Julie Borchers.
His sponsors are Wendy Martin and Jake
Borchers. He was baptized at Christ
Lutheran in Lincoln by Pastor Luke
Schnake on August 20, 2006.
Bible Verse: Genesis 28:15
Gage is the son of Ronald & Tara
Cooney. His sponsors are Nola Yonkers
and Jeff Yonkers. He was baptized at St.
Alex Borchers
Wenceslaus in Wahoo by Father
Townsend on August 26, 2007.
Bible Verse: Joshua 24:15
Gage Cooney
Alyssa is the daughter of Andy and
Lindsey Havlovic. Her sponsors and
Brett Holtorf and Brandon Holtorf. She
was baptized at Edensburg Lutheran in
Malmo by Pastor Garton.
Bible Verse: Isaiah 43:1
Brayden is the son of Jennie Hayden.
His sponsors are Jeff & Kara Hayden. He
was baptized at St. Mark’s Lutheran in
Alyssa Havlovic Valley by Pastor Bob Hayden on June 3,
2007.
Bible Verse: Isaiah 46:4
Brayden HaydenBraylon is the son of Jayson & Lora
Iversen. His sponsors are Martin and
Carol Barry. He was baptized at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church by Pastor
Carl Kramer on October 23, 2006.
Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 9: 24
Sawyer is the son of Brandon & Marnell
Lavaley. He was baptized at Grace
Lutheran in Sutherland by Pastor Judy
Braylon Iversen
Gifford on April 18, 2010.
Bible Verse: Isaiah 12:4
Sawyer Lavaley
Graham is the son of Matthew Nutzman
and Alissa Nutzman. His sponsor is
Janice Kalkwarf. He was baptized at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church by Pastor
Carl Kramer on December 3, 2006.
Bible Verse: Matthew 4:4
Marshall is the son of Chris & Katherine
Graham Nutzman Strom. His sponsors are Betsey & Luke
Florell and Danny Norton. He was
baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church
by Pastor Carl Kramer on August 5,
2007.
Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:25
Marshall Strom
Audrey is the daughter of David and
Chrissy Waido. Her Sponsors are Anna
Waido, Nicki Bordovsky, Michael Waido
and Thomas Waido. She was baptized at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church by Pastor
Carl Kramer on February 11, 2007.
Audrey Waido Bible Verse: Genesis 1:31May 2nd we will celebrate our Confirmands
May 9th we will celebrate our High School Graduates and
our Mothers.
Confirmation
9 AM
Worship
10 AM
SS / Coffee
Grads/ Moms
9 AM Quilting
Worship 9 AM
10 AM
Coffee
9 AM WELCA
Worship WIC 2 PM
10 AM 9 AM
Coffee
9 AM Quilting
Worship 9 AM
10 AM
Coffee
Memorial
9AM Do you have a college graduate? Let Amy know
Worship
10 AM and we will celebrate them in the June STAR!
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