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Bethany Lutheran Church, Red Lake Falls, Minn |
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From Pastor Gary
I suppose you've heard about the mysterious woman who lives in my home. A lady I've never met, yet we get mail for her. Applications for credit cards, advertisements for life insurance all come addressed to "Miss Bethany Parsonage". It seems everyone wants to talk to "Bethany"! We laugh at such mail and just smile at the phone calls. But just think if God were that impersonal. The Bible tells us that Jesus knows us like a good shepherd knows his sheep (John 10:4). He knows us by name. He knows us by our aches and pains. He knows us by our joys and sorrows. God knows all there is to know about you and me. God knows us and he loves us. And that means every answer to a prayer is tailor made just for you and just for me. Sometimes the answer might be just what we are looking for. Sometimes God calls us to wait. Sometimes God seems silent But that is answer too. God doesn't send out answers like some kind of giant computer, but instead his answers are personal. One size doesn't fit all. Have you talked to God lately? Have you listened for his call? Prayer isn't rocket science, it's just being open, receptive to the God who loves us and knows us by name.
Pastor Gary
Morning Worship Services will begin at 9:00 am. This schedule will continue to run through the Labor Day Weekend. Be sure to mark your calendars!
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Sunday School Teachers
A big thanks to all our Sunday School Teachers and helpers who made Sunday school such a blessing to our youngsters this year. I'm sure I don't have all the the names but thank you to Mindy Piersol for leading us in music and programs. Thank you 'to Peggy Sandberg, Peggy Nord, Stacy Haugan, Dawn Hawk, Jenny Schmitz, Josclyn Seeger, Maureen Hams, Linda Graff, Peggy Miller, Pastor Gary, Kandee Johnson, D'Anne Johnson Sarah Brevik, Linda Johnston, Nicole Engelstad, and Lisa Lemonds for teaching.
Synod Assembly
Tim and Peggy Nord were our representatives at the Northwestern Minnesota Synod Assembly in Moorhead this May. The two main resolutions that were addressed dealt with the recommendation to allow some churches engage in the blessing of same gender couples and also allow those churches to call gay pastors who are involved in such unions. The assembly voted down this recommendation (by about twenty votes out of some five hundred cast). The second resolution was that such changes should only be allowed by a wide assembly. This resolution was approved by a sixty vote margin out of some five hundred votes cast. Both of these resolutions are non binding "sense" resolutions. They give the national church wide assembly that meets in August a "sense" of what each synod in our church thinks and feels regarding these issues. The church wide assembly that will meet in Minneapolis in August has the final say. Alien Bertilrud will be our conference three delegate at our church wide assembly where again both of these issues will be addressed and voted upon in a "binding" manner. Thank you to Tim and Peggy for being our delegates.
Men's Breakfast and Bible Study
Men's Weekly Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings at 7:30 for breakfast. The study lasts from 8-8:30. Our current study is dealing with the theme of "Self Esteem". How faith can help us to feel good about ourselves. All men of the community are welcome!
Women's Breakfast and Bible Study
In addition to our women's evening Bible studies (which are listed under "circles" on the calendar page), Our Women's Bible Study, which meets on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 AM, will continue to meet throughout the summer months. Our study book this summer will be Pastor Don Piper's "Heaven is Real", a study of his thoughts on faith following a tragic accident and difficult recovery. Cost for the book is $10. Join us for breakfast at 7:30 followed by Bible study from 8-9:00. All women of the community are invited to attend!
Thank you to Youth Group
Thank you to our kids and leaders for cleaning up the Sunday School rooms and also cleaning up the sanctuary pews. Good job kids!
AA Meetings
An Alcoholic Anonymous group meeting at Bethany on Friday nights at 7:00 -8:00 pm. They will be meeting in the first Sunday school room off to right at our Northwest entrance. Call 253-3442 for more information.
Auto Giving
Have you considered "Auto Giving"? Your local bank can set up your account to "automatically give" to Bethany Lutheran. Talk to a teller at Unity Bank North about "auto giving".
QUILTING GROUP
Each Wednesday at 9:00 am we will be looking for ladies to join in on the fun and fellowship while putting together mission quilts. We have material, batting and a few completed tops ready to be made into quilts. (We always gladly accept more materials). You can have your pick of cutting, stitching, tying or even making coffee! A pot of soup will be on the stove and usually other goodies show up. We need your help! Last spring we sent over 20 completed quilts to overseas missions and also a few local needs. Let's do even better this winter. Hope to see you and bring a friend! QUILTING GROUP Let's Start Quilting!
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Confirmation
This year's confirmands were: Sam Brule, Crystal Guenmner, Tyler Hurst, Mikayla Miller and Jennifer Nord. We welcome you into this deeper relationship with your Lord!
June Birthdays
3-Carol Cote, John Solheim; 4-Tim Nord; 5-Wes Largis, Jaydee Sandberg; 6-Carly Kleven; 9-Danny Graff, Casey Lemonds; 12-Phyllis Borg, Bobbi Aakhus; 13-Kristi Kehn, Madilyn Waldal; 15-Julie Beyer-Buse, Avery Vraa; 16-Mike Mohr, Anneke Lacina, Tansa Waldal: 17-A1 Hanson; 19-Kristina Swenson. Chris Nelson: 20-Patrick Leines, Mykayla Peterson, Savanna Nelson; 21-Shannah Guenthner; 22-Trish Seeger; 23-Darold Johnston, Rachelle Tydlacka; 24-Vicki Duden, Jessica Graff; 25-Kris Versdahl; 29-Jerod Olson, Jim Murphy; 30-Alison Lacina
June Anniversaries
2-Ben & Rachael Largis; 6-Steve & Fay Klipping, Brace & Ann Piersol; 7-Clyde & Val Fering; 8-Jason & Bobbi Aakhus, Steve & Renae Philipp; 11-Myron & Carol Cote, Ed & Joanne Dahle, Erwin & Marilyn Wetenkamp, Tim & Janeen Brule; 20-21-Mark & Melissa Peterson, Seth & Nicole Ellefson; 27-Mike & Jana Dodds; 28-Randy & Kris Versdahl; 29-LeRoy & Linda Hoffinan, Charles & Debra Boyle; 30-Gary & Linda Graff, Keith & DeeAnn Leines
Graff Anniversary
Pastor Gary and Linda will be celebrating 25 years of marriage on Sunday morning June 28th. The congregation is invited to join with them at a "brunch" following worship.
Marriage Announcements
Congratulations to Cole & Hannah (Pahlen) Seeger who were married at Bethany on May 30th. Also, congratulations to Mike Olson and Marcia Erickson who will be married at Bethany on June 13th and to Angie Tydlacka and Collin Simmons who will be married on June 20th.
graduates
The following young people from our congregation received their high school diplomas: Dakota Erickson, Keith Herberg, Derrick Jewel, Kristi Kehn, Amanda Myhre, Stephanie Wold. Congratulations to you all!
Baptized
Baptized May 31st was Joseph Paul Jacobs III, son of Joseph and Krista (Lee) Jacobs. Joseph's sponsors were: Brian & Angie Mercil. Welcome to the family of God Joseph!
June Beacons
Leaders: Kevin & Sarah Brevik/David & Peggy Miller Jason & Bobbi Aakhus, Rhonda Bach, Sheri Baird, Harvey & Nina Bakke, Myron & Carol Cote, Todd & Lynelle Doyle, Perry & Laurie Duden, Kerry Erickson, Brent Guenthner, Nancy Hofstad, Darold & Linda Johnston, Lynnae Larson, Sharon Loerzel, Bev Lyons, Kevin & Sheila Reich, Pam Schmidt, Lynn & Nancy Seeger, Jeff & Lori Vigstol
New Tables and Stoves
Speaking of new projects., our council voted to begin buying some new tables for the parish hall. Our current tables are rather banged up, heavy, and dark. The newer tables are lightweight, cream colored, and less prone to nicks and scratches. Perhaps you've seen tables such as these at the community hall or in other churches. The cost is around a $125 per table. We hope to raise some of the money for these tables through donations. Perhaps your group or organization would like to donate one. We will use some of the left over money from the lighting project as well. Our goal is to purchase at least ten tables and sell the old ones. Watch for the Thermometer in the parish hall for more details. We will also begin looking for replacement stoves for the kitchen. These stoves have been around for more than twenty years (some think since 1967!) and are showing a lot of wear and tear. They have served us well. But as with anything, it is time for a replacement. We are still in the shopping phase but will use some of the left over money from the lighting project for this.
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Bethany Lutheran Church Council
May 13, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm by President David Miller. Opening devotions by Pastor Graff.
Members Present:
Mike Seeger, Tania Waldal, Roger Harmoning, David Miller, Bob Harmoning, Darold Johnston, Roger Dupont, Kathy Murphy, Sandy Klein, Pastor Graff, John Columbus, Steve Hams, Alien Bertilrud, Lynn Weisser, Tim Nord, Carol Seeger, DeeAnn Leines.
Members Absent:
Kurt Ellefson, Steve Hams
Council Minutes
Tania Waldal moved, Tim Nord seconded to approve the April 2009 meeting minutes. Motion carried.
Old Business:
Tables - A donation of $125.00 will purchase 1 table. A poster has been made. Donations have been made to purchase 3 tables. Weed Whacker - Motion made by Tim Nord, seconded by Mike Seeger to put $400.00 toward the purchase of a new weed whacker. Shingles - The shingles for the parsonage garage are in. The roof will be worked on June 6th & 7*, alternate weekend June 20-21. Weather permitting. The youth group will be invited for clean-up duty. Mike Seeger has a truck for clean-up. Will request use of the scaffolding.
New Business:
Summer Fest - Summer Fest Committee has sent a request to sponsor Summer Fest this year. Council declined this year. Lawn - A request has been made to have Bethany's lawn sprayed for $100.00. Motion made by Tim Nord, second by Roger Dupont to spray for dandelions. Motion carried. Synod Assembly - Four resolutions are being voted on at the Synod Assembly in May. Tim Nord requested input on the resolutions. The first resolution regarded Lutheran Mission Fund to reach young adults. The second and third resolutions regarded a proposed resolution to stay status quo on a resolution to ordain gay or lesbian pastors. The third resolution to support a 2/3 majority vote. Tim and Peggy Nord will represent our congregation. Adventure Group - A request has been made for Bethany Lutheran to sponsor a new adventure group. This will involve, both boys and girls, teenage to young adult (14-20). They will participate in lots of activities: camping, scuba, shooting sports, outdoor cooking, and outings at cabins. They will do service projects: bike safety, helping at Sunview Center. The request was presented by the five charter members and two leaders. Motion to sponsor the adventure group was made by Cheryl Matzke, second by Tim Nord. Motion carried.
Reports
The Deacons met with the Confirmands twice. Cheryl Matzke felt it was a very worthwhile meeting.
Pastor's Report:
Pastor Graff thanked Kevin Our delegates for the Synod Assembly are Tim & Peggy Nord. They have asked for congregational feedback on the resolutions. Pastor Graff thanked David Miller, Tim Nord and Darold Johnston for attending the stewardship workshop last month. They have some new ideas for confirmation for next year. The Men's Group purchased a new riding lawn mower with their Bible Study funds. Thanks to all our Council members who attended the meeting with our Bishop last month. Pastor Graff reminded Offering Counters to include a copy of the checks and total page for our Treasurer. Pastor Graff will be starting a New Member's Class soon. Don Johanneck is working on our sign and it will be in place soon. Wedding coming up: May 30th - Cole Seeger and Hannah Pahlen; June 13th - Marcia Erickson and Mike Olson; June 20* Angie Tydlacka and Collin Simmons. Pastor Graff has a nephew getting married in August. Family Picnic will be held at the church June 14*. Reich and Darold Johnston for installing our new fans in the Fellowship Hall.
Treasurer's Report:
* Motion to approve check #9292 - 9311 made by Tim Nord, second by Sandy Klein. Motion carried. .
Offering Counters:
Offering Counters: May 24th - Kathy Murphy & Darold Johnston; May 31st -Cheryl Matzke & Roger Dupont; June 7lh - Tania Waldal & DeeAnn Leines; June 14th - Carol Seeger & Bob Harmoning.
Meeting was closed the Lord's Prayer at 8:45 pm. Kathy Murphy, Secretary
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