THE STAR February 2019 - Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Worship
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THE STAR February 2019
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
A Place For You
Wahoo, Nebraska
Ph# 402-443-3160
Pastor Bob Hayden-rbhhayden@reagan.com -
Ph# 402-672-1345
Church office hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Church website: bethlehemlutheranwahoo.org
Church email: wahoo.bethlehem@gmail.com
“Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the
Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law
tested him with the question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest
commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord
your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with
all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two
commandments.’”—Matthew 22:34-39
Dear Members and Friends of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Wahoo…
February, the month that has become synonymous with human love is upon us.
Greeting card makers, fancy chocolate makers, florists, restaurants, jewelers, and gift
shops will likely be very busy with special ‘valentine’ creations from countless smitten
lovers as they express their love. Seemingly every retailer tries to get in on the act as I
recently saw an advertisement suggesting an expression of love was purchasing power
tools for the ‘loving handy man’ in your life. Another one suggested a new car was an
ideal expression and still another said, ‘no greater gift of love than an estate plan and
will.’
The Matthew text I shared comes following an interrogation of Jesus from the
Temple officials…the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Each group of ‘lawyers of the
Temple’ spent much time doing their best to ask ‘lawyerly’ questions of Jesus… that is
questions that could be interpreted in different ways in order to build a case against
Jesus. For Jesus was a real threat to these ‘synagogue watchdogs’ as Jesus dispelled
the many false notions of what the Temple had convinced the people what Moses’ Law
actually said and meant. Not by accident, these interpretations usually favored the
Temple officials and excused them from their real duties…in their eyes at least.
So once again I find it interesting to note that even the human emotion of love is
often used by some to misconstrue and complicate religious matters…seemingly nothing
is out-of-bounds when evil people get involved in something as sacred as human love
and love of God… doing their best to confuse the situation.
At Bethlehem we try our very best to not complicate matters and instead work in
transparency to bring our worshipers and members together. We do indeed try very hard
to ‘love our neighbor as ourselves.’ True love is a trusting love. A love built on respect
and consideration is a love that lasts through the ages. It is never a perfect love because
as human beings we will fail in love matters. Love is also forgiving and Thank God for
that!
Our Lord has such great mercy that even when we fail miserably, we are still welcome to
humbly repent and be welcomed back into our Lord’s loving arms. It is in that realization
that we can as Paul writes in his letter to Corinth truthfully and whole heartedly say and
believe: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It
does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record
of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. It always protects,
always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”—1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Bethlehem has many extra activities during the month of February, including
‘Friendship Sunday’ on February 10th. Special food, activities, and fun is planned. Bring
a friend, bring someone you love to church not just on the 10 th, but every Sunday. Your
love for Christ will fill your heart.
Blessings---Pastor Bob
Middle School Ministry
We are continuing in our study of the Old Testament and I feel a greater
perspective and appreciation for the stories of our Biblical ancestors is being gained. The
second group of students served dinner at Matt Talbot in Lincoln on January 16 th while
the other half of the class sat in a church council meeting. Our hope is to introduce our
young people to the inner workings and their place in the functioning and supporting of
the church.
A number of our Middle School students also attended the Middle School
Gathering in Kearney where they got to know themselves better, got to know other kids
their age, and had the opportunity to become acquainted and bonded with residents of
care facilities in Kearney. New relationships were gained and all were rewarded. Thank
you to our adult sponsors and parents who allowed their kids to experience this great
event.
Wednesday Night Lights
We have changed our scripture source a bit from the Narrative Lectionary to a
series approach. We have been talking about the various “I AM” sayings of our Lord and
will continue with that series through February. We feel this has been a better and more
palatable series topic. The “I AM” series will end on February 27th and the next
Wednesday, March 6th begins the Season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Again if Sunday
attendance is a problem for you, our mid-week service is here for you.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council Minutes
January 16, 2019
Members Present: Julie Scott, Ryan Ideus, Mike Christen, Luke Simons, Jarred Royal,
Michelle Koranda, Colette Rathke, Chad Fox, and Pastor Bob Hayden
Excused Members: Missy Abbott,
1. Call to Order: President Ideus called The Council Meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
December Minutes: December 2018 minutes were presented for council
consideration and approval, with an amendment to reflect adjournment time of
9:05. Motion to approve by Rathke and seconded by Royal. Motion was
approved.
Review of Financial Reports: Strong giving at Christmas was received to repair
the church organ. Further discussion regarding financials and Motion to approve
the December financials by Fox and seconded by Simons. Motion was
approved.
Pastor’s Activity Report: Pastor Hayden presented his activity report for the month
of December. Motion to approve the report was made by Christen, seconded by
Koranda. Motion was approved.
5. Committee Liaisons Reports:
• Education (M. Christen) - Discussion continued around numbers enrolled in
pre-school, new education components to be developed over the summer.
Council also entertained discussion about increased tuition to coincide with new
program components being developed and to come alongside the tuition at
other community preschools.
• Property (L. Simons) No update
• Endowment (R. Ideus) – No update
• Scouts (J. Scott) – Boy Scouts are preparing for an upcoming camp out at
Moses Merrill. In February, Boy Scouts will be allowing troops to involved;
currently there are two girls interested in crossing over into Boy Scouts. Scouts
are getting an estimate to replace the toilet and floor in the Scout House; the
Scouts will be paying to the replacements.
• Evangelism (J. Royal) – Looking to have a special event every or every other
month; February 10th – Friendship Day and maybe corn beef and cabbage on
March 17th.
• Finance (L. Simons) – No update
• Stewardship (L. Simons) – Brief discussion about financial giving; Luke Simons
will be presenting an updated “Temple Talk” to the congregation to
• Long-Range Planning (C. Fox) - No update
• Women of the Church (M. Koranda) - No update
• Men of the Church (L. Simons) – Group hasn’t been meeting regularly;
reexamining how to rejuvenate group.
• Worship & Music (C. Rathke) – Continuing to look at numbers for Wednesday
night services.
• Mission (C. Rathke) – Taking a break to restock the Mission Market
• Mutual Ministry Committee (C. Fox) – No update.
7. New Business:
Pre-school tuition increases – Discussion items included in Education
committee report.
Unlimited Texting though Breeze – Discussions about how messages could be
sent to members of the church using text messaging through Breeze.
Getting additional clarification on number of texts that can be used/sent.
Copier – Issues with copier being able to meet printing needs. Taking a look to
see if contract can be adjusted to get previous model to meet printing needs.
8. Old Business:
Organ Repair Update – parts have been ordered by Bedient. The giving campaign
during the holidays was successful.
Employee Reviews – Reviews have been discussed and compensation reviewed.
Pushpay/Online Giving –As discussed last month, online giving process continues
to move forward. Letters have been written to members who were using the
previous Vanco online payment system informing them of how to switch to the
new Push Pay system.
**Reminder: Members, who were using Vanco, will need to let Amy know when they
have signed up for Push Pay, so the outdated Vanco account can be deleted. Anyone
wanting to sign up for Push Pay Online giving can click on the following link to begin
setting up your account. https://pushpay.com/g/bethlehemlutheranwahoo?src=hpp You
can also set up your account by texting BethlehemLC to 77977.
Adjournment: President Ideus adjourned Meeting at 8:58 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Julie M. Scott
Council Secretary
Acolyte Schedule:
February 3rd 9:00 AM - Mason Koranda and Kailey Strait
11:00 AM - Myranda Lihs and Sam Biggerstaff
February 6th 6:30 PM - Lukus Forbes and Marke Zeleny
February 10th 9:00 AM - Aubrie Pehrson and Madeline Swenson
11:00 AM - Mason Koranda and Zach Fox
February 13th 6:30 PM - Lilly Harris and Lilly Rafteseth
February 17th 9:00 AM - Ava Lausterer and Harper Hancock
11:00 AM - Marshall Strom and Easten Faris
February 20th 6:30 PM - Sawyer Lavaley and Branden Koranda
February 24th 9:00 AM - Griffin Lausterer and Graham Nutzman
11:00 AM - Lilly Obert and Alyssa Havlovic
February 27th 6:30 PM - Samantha Sutton and Gage Cooney
Middle School Ministry gathers together at 6:00 on Wednesdays to dine
together, to worship at 6:30 and to a whole-class gathering 7:00—7:45 PM.
February Meals for Middle School Ministry
February 6th - Lori Mortensen and Kristi Obert
February 13th - NEED 2 Families! Please let Amy know if you can help out!
February 20th - Melissa Simanek and Laurie Pehrson
February 27th - Julie Warford and NEED 1 Family to help out! Please let Amy know!
Bethlehem’s Blessings
Thank you to all who give their
Gifts of Time, Talents and Resources! We appreciate you all!
A special thank you to all those who helped get materials
ready for our annual meeting.
It is in blessing others that we are blessed
with a precious blessing of our own~
Kevin Klahn 2/16
Kyan Lausterer 2/16
Melissa Novak 2/16
Samuel Flores 2/18
Ardis Grieser 2/18
Jared Pehrson 2/18
Steven Olson 2/20
Michelle Henderson 2/21
February Birthdays Shandah Mensik 2/21
Ashlen Groff 2/1 Tatum Watts 2/21
Tobin Harris 2/1 Rob Miller 2/22
Taylar Shull 2/1 Brian Schmidt 2/22
Audrey Waido 2/1 Gentry Holtorf 2/23
Arthur Gerdts 2/2 Stacy Ideus 2/23
Deyo Anderson 2/3 Jack Beatty 2/24
Lukus Forbes 2/3 Braden Storm 2/24
Michelle Libal 2/3 Darian Coffey 2/25
Colton Nutzman 2/3 Cynthia Gerdts 2/25
Dillon Duckworth 2/4 Elaine Hennings 2/25
Anna Gottschalk 2/4 Maizielyn Josephsen 2/25
Jacee Price 2/4 Carleigh Olson 2/25
Macy Homes 2/6 Marshall Strom 2/25
Jerry Volin 2/7 Ethan Urban 2/25
Matthew Jonas 2/8 Trevor Urban 2/25
Braden Harris 2/9 Seth Syverson 2/26
Lucas Simons 2/9 Ty Syverson 2/26
Gadreal Zeleny 2/9 Amy Groff 2/27
Lucy Defoil 2/10 Cortney Spangler 2/27
Vicki Grandgenett 2/10
Kevin Stukenholtz 2/11
Joseph Carr 2/12 February Anniversaries
Tom Josephsen 2/12
Jay and Michelle Wilt 2/17
Braegan Barry 2/13
Alicia Holtorf 2/13
Brandon Lavaley 2/14
Morgan Novak 2/14
February
Sunday Monday Tuesday
First Step Preschool
M/W 9:00 -11:00 AM
T/TH 9:00 -11:00 AM
MWF 12:30 -3:00 PM
3 9:00 AM Worship 4 5
10:00 AM Sunday School /
Fellowship
11:00 AM Worship 6:30 PM Boy Scouts
12:00 PM Dinner by BLY
12:30 PM Annual Meeting
10 11 12
9:00 AM Worship 9:00 AM WIC 9:00 AM Quilting
10:00 AM Sunday School / 6:30 PM Boy Scouts
Fellowship
11:00 AM Worship 7:00 PM Music & Worship Mtg 6:30 PM E-team Meeting
*Annual Reports Due
17 18 19
9:00 AM Worship
10:00 AM Sunday School /
Fellowship
11:00 AM Worship 6:30 PM Boy Scouts
12:00 PM Council Meeting
Bowling Bonanza 7-9 PM
24 25 26
9:00 AM Worship
9:00 AM Quilting
10:00 AM Sunday School /
Fellowship
11:00 AM Worship 6:30 PM Boy Scouts
2019
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
6 7 8 9
6:00 PM MSM 9:00 “Truth Project”
6:30 PM Worship Bible Study 9:30 PM Krazy Quilters
7:00 PM Christian Education
7:00 PM “Stuff” Bible Study
7:00 PM AA Meeting
13 14 15 16
9:00 “Truth Project”
6:00 PM MSM Bible Study
6:30 PM Worship
7:00 PM Christian Education
7:00 PM “Stuff” Bible Study
7:00 PM AA Meeting
20 21 22 23
9:00 “Truth Project”
6:00 PM MSM Bible Study First Step Preschool
6:30 PM Worship *Newsletter article
MWF deadline
8:30
–11 AM
7:00 PM Christian Education 2:00 PM WELCA 12:30 - 3:00 PM
7:00 PM “Stuff” Bible Study
7:00 PM AA Meeting T/TH 9:00 - 11 AM
27
6:00 PM MSM
6:30 PM Worship
7:00 PM Christian Education
7:00 PM “Stuff” Bible Study
From our Mission Coordinator... In January a new school year started at the Nikuu Kati Lutheran Parish School in Tanzania . . . And fourteen students will be attending the school because of your support! So….. THANK YOU to those who dropped your coins in the NOISY Offering cups OR made items to sell at the Marketplace OR who purchased those items. THANK YOU to the Sunday School kids who made holiday items to sell. THANK YOU to those individuals who gave scholarships. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU On February 3rd Marty Malley will be leaving for Tanzania, leading a Synod sponsored Vision Trip. He will be visiting the school and he will tell them about Bethlehem. Tanzania Vision Trip 2020 Dear Members of Bethlehem, When I was at your church in October, there were at least a couple of people who expressed interest in a summer Vision trip. I'm trying to ascertain if I can get enough interest to make it work in 2020. Here is the plan: I put a "Tentative" trip on the Synod site for July 13-28, 2020. (http:// nebraskasynod.orgministries/globalmission/tanzania/tanzania-vision-trips.html) I need to put money down a year ahead on safari rooms, and don't want to do that if I don't have enough people to make a trip work. So, I am going to publicize the trip as "tentative" until mid-June 2019, and if I get at least 12 registrations by then with deposits, I will make the bookings for 2020. If not, I will cancel the trip and refund the deposits. The deposit for the 2020 Trip is $300. The primary goal of a Vision Trip to Tanzania is to learn about the culture of Tanzania and the ministries of the Northern Diocese. A "Vision Trip" is different from a "Mission Trip." We will not step off the plane and set about building a church or a school. We go to learn from our brothers and sisters in Christ, to pray and worship with them, and to bring encouragement, support and love. We will learn to walk in the shoes of our Tanzanian brothers and sisters. Synod-sponsored Vision Trips are a tremendous opportunity to share the Christian faith with people whose lives are very different from our own, particularly in terms of material resources. In many respects, the hardships they face give a depth to their faith and spirituality to their lives that is inspiring. They welcome us to share what little they have with a spirit of hospitality that is simply astonishing. It is one thing to hear that 800 million people in our world are chronically malnourished. It is quite another to know someone personally, to share a meal with a family who may not eat tomorrow, to become friends, to stand in their village and hear about the child who
was taken by malaria and in the next sentence about their vision of creating a trade school at their church. Groups who travel to Tanzania will gain an understanding of what life is like for our friends in Tanzania. We will worship in modest churches and visit villages, hospitals, schools, and homes. We will learn about the economy as well as the educational and healthcare systems. We will experience the breathtaking beauty of the land and the wildlife it supports, especially on our three days of safari to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Costs: The estimated cost is $5,200 for July 2020 (based on double occupancy and depending on airfares), which covers all airfare, transportation, meals, safari fees and visas. The trip includes visits to ministry sites of the Northern Diocese as well as a safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Marty Malley, Tanzania Coordinator for the Nebraska, Synod Middle School Gathering 2019 14 of our middle school youth with sponsors, Tom Zeleny and Lori Mortensen traveled to Kearney in January for the middle school gathering. They had a great experience along with over 200 middle schoolers at the gathering. Angela Olson and Carleigh Olson were part of the planning team for the event. Please ask our youth about their experience!
Annual Meeting
February 3rd at 12:30 PM
The high school youth will be
serving a meal at 12 PM (free-will offering)
College Students
Do you have a college student? Please let the office
know their college address, email and mobile
number. We have a new ministry in
progress to start reaching out to them!The Bethlehem Bowling Bonanza will be held Sunday, Febr. 17th, 2019, from 6:45 to 9:00 PM at The Mark in Elkhorn, NE. So, all of you fun- loving people will want to sign up for the event on Sunday, Feb. 3 or Feb. 10 at church, or you can call Don Fick at 402-443-6975 for your reservation. The cost will be $12 each (includes shoes) for two hours of high intensity, gut wrenching competition in the alley (or in the gutter) as you enjoy your favorite beverage. Payment is required before the event. Don't miss out. The E-Team
BETHLHEM WOMEN—JANUARY 2019
The first meeting of 2019 for Bethlehem Women was
held January 17th at 2 pm. Nine ladies were in
attendance.
Arlene Johnson opened the meeting with the
devotions from the upcoming Expressions magazine.
The Secretary and Treasurer reports were given and
accepted. Mary McKay handed out new sheets for the
needs for our Lutheran World Relief Kits. Helen
Hansen had sent out several birthday, anniversary and
get well cards. We gave away eight poinsettias at
Christmas time.
Several items of correspondence were passed around: Interchange and two thank
yous. Our new yearbooks were also handed out – thanks to Amy Groff.
Arlene and Mary planned to go to Winter Retreat on Saturday January 19 th but it was
cancelled due to the weather.
Sherry Hageman reported that the Evangelism Team for Bethlehem is starting some
new projects: A Drama Team and a “KIT – keeping in touch” with our college students.
Our Midlands Spring Gathering will be at Redeemer in Hooper on April 6th. More
information will come later.
We received our offerings and opened our Bible Study with prayer. This first lesson
was entitled “Come and See: Seeking and finding faith” from the Gospel of John. There
will be four sessions on “Meetings with Jesus.” Sherry gave us a very interesting lesson
and included two video clips on two of Jesus first miracles.
Marilyn Volin served strawberry shortcake with strawberries from their garden.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR:
Tuesday, Febr. 12th 9 am Quilting (Old basement)
Thursday, Febr. 21st 2 pm Bethlehem Women (Fellowship Hall)
Hostess: Alvina Mumm Lesson: Darlene Hanson
Tuesday, Febr. 26th 9 am Quilting (Old basement)
Friday, March 1st World Day of Prayer – Methodist ChurchFIRST STEP PRESCHOOL
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019
We welcomed the kids back to preschool from Christmas break with lots of new things
in the room. A new calendar, a new month, a new year, a new season and new things
hanging up they were so excited!!
During “I” week we learned about ice/igloos. The preschoolers made their own igloos
out of a styrofoam bowl, white frosting and sugar cubes. They got to feel ice & watch it
melt during class time.
During “K” week we learned all about Kangaroos. The preschoolers acted like
kangaroos & got kisses from Kanga, our friend the Kangaroo.
We brought real snow in the classroom from outside & the preschoolers got to play
with in the water table. They loved it!!
L week we learned about ladybugs!
“M” week we will be making our own musical instruments and creating our own
marching band with some real instruments!!
Please feel free to visit our classroom!!
First Step Preschool
Debbie, Jen and Julie
Train up a child in the way
he should go and when
he is old he will not
depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6Bethlehem Lutheran Church Nonprofit Org.
Permit No. 23
504 West 8th St. U.S. Postage PAID
Wahoo, NE 68066
Wahoo, Nebraska 68066
402-443-3160 Return Service Requested
Newsletter mailed 1/31/2019
Let Us Know Your Email Address!
If you would prefer “THE STAR” via email let us know. Also,
having an email address can help us update people faster
and without postage costs. Simply email the church office at:
wahoo.bethlehem@gmail.com and give us your email.
Our Members at the Care Centers:
South Haven: Eunice Brodahl, Robert Peterson & Joe Carr
Care Center: Jenny Iversen
Saunders House: Tom Lindau & Stanley Dokulil
Please let us know:
If you are going to the hospital or having a procedure done please give the
office a call to let us know. HIPAA rules prevent hospitals from calling us.
* Deadline for submitting articles for the March newsletter is February 22ndYou can also read
