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From Pastor Gary
Can you imagine what would happen if God were to "take the day off'? You wake up in the morning and no sun! You step out of bed and no gravity! You "float" into the kitchen and no water, no food, no light or electricity! Can you name anything that God isn't ultimately responsible for? We live in a world of grace. Yet, seldom do we notice this. God takes such good care of us, that unless there is a mini or major catastrophe, we simply do not notice him. God is quietly serving us all the time. God never takes a day off! But what about us? In Canada they have one long weekend every month. We have Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, and Labor day. Some people also have their birthday and/or anniversary. Taking a day off restores our energy and enthusiasm. Those who are "all work and no play" soon exhaust themselves. We take a day off and need a day off! We take a day off from work. We take a day off to rest. But do we ever take a day off from God? Like the air we breath and food we eat, God is not a luxury. His guidance and help offer us life in abundance. This summer, take a day off from work, but don't take a day off from God! Like the air we breath and food we eat, God is necessary for healthy living! Have a good summer, but don't forget to worship!
Pastor Gary
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5th Grade 1st Communion
First Communion for fifth graders will be celebrated on May 4*. Taking their First Communion will be: Jack Hanson, Amanda Hawk, Travis Kehn, Tristen Knott, Andrew Nord, Alexia Olson, Jaydee Sandberg, Kristina Swenson.
Men's Evening Bible Study
Our monthly "Men's Evening Bible Study" will meet Wednesday May 21st at 7:00 pm. We'll be studying the Psalms. Come and enjoy the hour long study and fellowship!
Summer Schedule
Beginning May 25*, our 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!
Pastor Mujahid El Masih at Grace Lutheran-Erskine
Pastor Masih loves the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, Pastor Masih loves the United States of America and thanks God for the freedom and liberty here in this country. There is no freedom of religion in his native country nor in any Muslim country around the world. This is why he says, "I love the USA 200%". Pastor Masih has suffered through much persecution in his old country where Muslims burned his town. Fifteen hundred Christian homes and 13 church buildings were burned by Muslims. But he has no anger or bitterness toward Muslims. He says, "I love Muslims, and my prayer for them is that they will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior." He wants to see the church in the USA stand strong and firm for Christ Jesus in spite of persecutions. The Word says "You will know the truth and the truth will make you free". The Word of God also says, "My people perish because of a lack of knowledge." He believes that in order to destroy terrorism, people need to know the truth about Islam: The Qur'an, the Muslim's holy book, talks about violence and killing the Jews and Christians. 60% to 70% of the Qur'an is about violence. Come hear more of what Pastor El Masih's vision for the church in the USA and for the Muslim world is on Saturday, May 3rd at 1:00 pm and Sunday May 4* at 7:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine.
Men's Breakfast and Bible Study
The Men's Breakfast and Bible Study meets on Thursdays at 7:30 am. All men are welcome to come!
Women's Bible Study
Our Women's Bible Study, which meets on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m. Join them for breakfast at 7:30 followed by Bible study.
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"Heart of Worship",
"Heart of Worship", a contemporary Christian performing group from Red Lake Falls, will be having a performance on Sunday May 4* The concert will be at 7:00 pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in RLF. Please join in an evening of beautiful music!
Bridal Shower
There will be a bridal shower for Krista Lee on Saturday, May 10th at 1:00 pm at Bethany. All ladies are invited to attend.
Baptized
Baptized Sunday, April 27th was Cooper Jadan Roff, son of Mike & Jenny Roff. Cooper's sponsors were: Jessica Roff & Dusty Arlt. Welcome to the family of God Cooper.
QUILTING GROUP
Our Sympathy
With Deepest Sympathy Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Barb Harmoning who passed away March 9th. Barb will be^ greatly missed, Also, sympathy is extended to the family of Inga Knutson who passed away the last week of March. May you know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
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May 23rd the following young people from our congregation will be receiving their high school diplomas. Arielle Brevik, Neil Klein, Paul Klein, John Murphy, Jill Rewertz. These high school seniors will be recognized for their accomplishment on Sunday, May 18* during our morning worship Service. Congratulations to you all!
May Birthdays
2-Bev Gilbertson; 3-Dave Lundeen, Sherry Largis, Nick Vigstol; 5-Mark Herberg, Steve Seng; 7-Kristen Slover; 8-David Johnston; 9-Dianna Nelson; 11-Dean Loerzel, Neil Klein, Casen Jewell; 12-Carol Seeger; 13-Cassidy Lemonds; 14-Dennis Piche, Gary Graff, DeeAnn Leines, Lynn Weisser; 16-Madison Schrnitz; 18-Kiara Sauve, Rachael Largis; 19-Mariah Peterson; 20-Roger Harmoning; 21-Sarah Brevik, Julie Steinert; 25-Arielle Brevik, Nancy Vraa, Rylee Ellefson; 27-Ed Dahle; 28-Brad Johnson; 29-Jerry Hinrichs, Aaron Seng; 31-Kathy Murphy, Drake Engelstad, Jewy Schrnitz
May Anniversaries
10-Barry & Deb Rewertz; 15-Jim & Kathy Murphy; 19-Neal & Nancy Vraa, Matt & Tania Waldal; 21-Drew & Lynnae Larson; 22-Tony & Gail Podenski; 24-Dennis & Margaret Lee
Leaders: Eric & Kandee Johnson and Kathy Murphy. Harvey & Nina Bakke, Phyllis Borg, Roger & Cindy Dupont, Kurt & LeAnn Ellefson, Russell & Eunice Hams, Bob & Lola Harmoning, Mike & Lesley Harmoning, Steve & Faye Klipping, Ben & Rachael Largis, Lisa Lemonds, Owen & Dianna Nelson, Keith & Harriet Pearson, Jim & Carolyn Roff, Hazel Schultz, Marie Seeger, Bob Tongen, Neal & Nancy Vraa, Jim & Lynn Weisser.
Synod Assembly
This year's Synod Assembly is May 16th and 17*. Thanks to Bob Knudson for being our delegate.
Care Givers Workshop
The 15th Annual CareGivers Workshop will be held Tuesday, May 13th from 8:30 am-2:45 pm at Mount St. Benedict in Crookston. The cost is $15 per person and this includes materials. Registration Deadline is May 3rd. Call Tammy Sykes at 218-945-6808 for more information.
Our web site, rlfbethany.com
Our site will attempt having an up to date calendar, newsletter and a sermon or two from the pastor. Check it out for the latest info on what's happening at Bethany!
It includes a special page for each of our groups meeting at Bethany (eg. a WELCA page, a youth group page, etc.).
If you would like to put something pertaining to the goings on at Bethany on our web site, e-mail onelson@gvtel.com.
Address/E-Mail Changes
If you have changed your address recently, or have a new e-mail address, please contact the church office so we can remain up to date.
Also, be sure to check your mailbox in the fellowship hall for any correspondence that may have been left in your box.
Help!
Our poor kitchen has been suffering from neglect. Things like ovens and sinks need to be taken care of. Please, if you use the kitchen, clean up when you are done.
Also, during these winter months, thermostats need to be turned down after your group event. There are thermostats in almost every room in the building! Please, if you turn' it up, be sure to turn it down!
Thank you
Thank you to the Youth Group and Parents who served the Easter Breakfast. Also, thank you to all the different groups who served our Lenten meals this year.
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Bethany Lutheran Church Council
April 9,2008
President Mike Mohr called the meeting to order at 8:05 pm. Devotions were led by Pastor Gary Graff.
Members Present:
Steph Oland, Lynn Weisser, Roger Harmoning, Bob Harmoning, Darold Johnston, Sandy Klein, Kathy Murphy, Carol Seeger, Alien Bertilrud, Lorri Ann Hartel, DeeAnn Leines, Mike Mohr, Kevin Reich, Pastor Gary Graff
Members Absent:
David Miller, Kandee Johnson, Bob Knudsen, Kurt Ellefson, Mike Seeger
Council Minutes
Alien Bertilrud moved, Sandy Klein seconded to approve the March meeting minutes. Motion carried.
Old Business:
• A paper shredder for the office has been purchased. • The trim on the kitchen cabinets has been finished by Gerald & Marion Bjorgan, Thank you. • A new range was purchased for the parsonage.
New Business:
• Carol Seeger moved, Lynn Weisser seconded to not have an ad as part of the Red Lake Falls Summerfest campaign. Motion carried. \ • Steph Oland moved, Darold Johnston seconded giving the Knights of Columbus permission to sell Tootsie Rolls on site April 27th. Motion carried. • The Deacons will meet with the confirmands April 16th at 7:00 pm. It was decided not to have a special cake for the confirmands. (After discussing this with some parents the following Sunday it was decided to have a cake in honor of the confirmands.) Confirmation is April 20*.
Pastor's Report:
• Thank you to Peggy Miller and all her assistants for the enjoyable youth activity, Wacky Olympics. It was a great opportunity for the youth and adults to interact and share. • An evening Men's Bible Study will begin April 23rd. The Women's and Men's morning Bible Studies are well attended. The women's Mini ^^|Retreat is scheduled for April 11*. • The busy Lenten season has ended and hopefully the round-robin sermon series including Pastor Reck of Crookston and Pastor Anderson of Fisher was a meaningful experience. • Thank you to all who helped with the funeral for Inga Knutson. Also thank you for the new range at the parsonage. • The lighting campaign for the fellowship hall is off to a good start with several donations.
Treasurer's Report:
• Alien Bertilrud moved, Darold Johnston seconded to approve the Treasurer's Report and the payment of checks 9007 - 9028. Motion carried.
Offering Counters:
• April 20th - Kathy Murphy & Roger Harmoning; April 27th - Mike Mohr & Darold Johnston; May 4th - Carol Seeger & Lorri Ann Hartel; May 11th - Steph Oland & Kevin Reich; May 18* - DeeAnn Leines & Sandy Klein.
The meeting was adjourned by President Mohr. The meeting closed with the Lord's Prayer. Kevin Reich Secretary
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