april 2015blclindsborg.org/beacon/2015-04.pdf · pastrix: the cranky, beautiful faith of a sinner...
TRANSCRIPT
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APRIL 2015
THE CROSS BEFORE THE THRONE
“Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!” With these words, the Christian Church has for
centuries welcomed the Day of Resurrection of our Lord. With those words, we too will
begin our celebration of another Easter Sunday on April 5. We will restore the “Alleluia” to
its place in our worship services. Praise the Lord!
As I write these words, however, it is still the season of Lent, and Holy Week has not yet be-
gun. I am reminded again that we cannot move so quickly to Easter, for we first must focus
on the Cross of Calvary. It is that Cross which holds the key to our relationship with Al-
mighty God. It is the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ that enables us to receive the gift of salva-
tion and that restores us to a new relationship with God. It is God’s love for the human race
that is revealed conclusively by the death of Jesus on that Cross. St. Paul wrote, “While we
still were sinners, Christ died for us.”
Yes, Easter will come—and on April 5 we will observe that day with great celebration. After
all, Jesus’ Resurrection shows God’s power even over death. That Resurrection brings the
promise that we too will have eternal life. Yet, we can never lose sight of the fact that the
Cross always comes first, in the life of Jesus our Savior—and in our lives as well.
Pastor Loren Mai
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BETHANY CHURCH NEWS Building on the Past – Confident in God’s Future – We make Christ known
Messiah Festival of the Arts March 28-April 5, 2015
All Events Free to the Public, unless Tickets are Indicated.
MAUNDY THURSDAY AFTERNOON April 2 FREE
2:30pm – Student Honors Recital, Presser Hall
GOOD FRIDAY April 3 TICKETS 7:30pm – Bach’s “Passion According to St. Matthew”, Presser Hall, Tickets $17 or $22
EASTER SUNDAY April 5 TICKETS
3pm – Handel’s “Messiah”, Presser Hall, Tickets $17 or $22
February 1 April 19 Midwest Art Exhibit, Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery March 27 April 6 Juried Student Art Exhibit, Mingenback Art Center Third Annual Art Installa-
YOUTH TO RECEIVE FIRST COMMUNION
On Maundy Thursday, April 2, at the
7:00 p.m. service, several young mem-
bers of Bethany Lutheran Church will
receive the Sacrament of Holy Com-
munion for the first time. These youth
have participated in classes on Sunday
mornings in preparation for partaking of
the Sacrament. Please pray for this
group, as these members of Bethany
are welcomed to the Lord’s Table.
Thursday, April 2, 2015 @ 2:00 pm
Program:
Mental Health
by Ericka Lysell
Hostesses: Darlene Handlin, Joan Hopp,
Doris Stump
Special Offering: Mental Health
Department
Bring: Wide-toothed Combs
Leader: Wilma Larson
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HOLY WEEK @ BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH THURSDAY, APRIL 2 TO SUNDAY, APRIL 5
THE THREE DAYS
As the Christian Church begins April, we find ourselves entering “the three days,” which comprise the “Easter act of salvation.” We move from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday to the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. Following is the schedule of services:
Thursday, April 2 5:00 & 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Services of Holy Communion at Bethany Church; First Communion for youth at 7:00
Friday, April 3 12:15 p.m. Community Good Friday Service at Evangelical Covenant Church (sponsored by TACOL)
Friday, April 3 7:30 p.m. Bach’s Passion According to St. Matthew; Presser Hall, Bethany College
Sunday, April 5 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Festive Easter Services of Holy Communion at Bethany Church Youth serve Easter brunch from 8:45 until 10:15 a.m.
Sunday, April 5 3:00 p.m. Handel’s Messiah at Presser Hall, Bethany College
SMOKY VALLEY CLUSTER MEETING WOMEN OF THE ELCA
SATURDAY
APRIL 11, 2015
Elim Lutheran Church,
402 N. Lincoln,
Marquette,
KS
"AND THE DANCE GOES
ON” with "IT IS WELL WITH
MY SOUL”
Dress casually for the day
FEE - $ 5.00 @ registration
(includes lunch) See full schedule on Bulletin Board
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LIBRARY CORNER
NEW BOOK Our newest acquisition is Pastrix: the Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint, by Nadia Bolz-Weber, founding pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints, an ELCA mission church in Denver, Colorado. She came to Lindsborg in early February and gave a public address in Presser Hall, an event sponsored by Bethany House of Studies and Bethany College. Anyone in attendance that evening would find addi-tional insights about her unusual calling as a pastor by reading this compelling mem-oir.
P.S. Please, please, please . . . whoever out there brought home My Friend Jonah--and Other Dogs I've Loved by Herb Chil-strom and didn't sign and leave the check-out card, would you bring it back? It's too good to lose.
BETHANY FAMILY
CONFIRMATION PROGRAM NOTES
The Confirmation program for Bethany and Messiah Lutheran Churches is drawing to a close for this year. A big THANK YOU is in order: to students for faithful participation, to parents for support and helping with K.I.C.K. meals, and to mentors for mentoring and supporting the students. Several events and activities are still to be completed in the next month. Please note the following:
Wednesdays, April 8 and 15 at 6:30 p.m. Classes for 7th and 8th graders
Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11 Spring Class Retreat (7th and 8th graders) (Friday at Bethany, 6:00 – 9:30 p.m.; Saturday at Messiah, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. Orientation for Service of Affirmation of Faith (8th grade) Messiah Lutheran Church (Finish work on faith statements)
Sunday, April 26, 5:00 p.m. (note change) Confirmation Banquet, Bethany Fellowship Hall (7th and 8th graders, parents, families, mentors and spouses) (Also invited are Baptismal sponsors and Council members)
Sunday, May 3, 10:30 a.m. Service of Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) Class picture in sanctuary at 9:15 a.m.; Reception in Fellowship Hall at 9:45 a.m. Prepare for the processional, 10:20 a.m.
June 21-26 Confirmation Camp at Camp Tomah Shinga Students entering 7th and 8th grades are encouraged to attend; those entering 9th grade are invited to attend Please contact Phil Hett for more information
Students and parents are encourage to take note of this schedule and plan to attend the
events!
A memorial service was held for Lora
Malm on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 1:00 pm. Burial was a Bridgeport Cemetery, Bridgeport, KS. Lora passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. We ask God's comfort for the family and friends of Lora Malm.
On Sunday evening, March 22, 2015,
Alexus Marie Patterson and Memphis
Lane Patterson, daughters of Brooke Pat-
rick-Patterson were wel-
comed into the family of
God through Holy Bap-
tism. Sponsors were Na-
tanya Ramsey and Curtis
& Jill Barnes.
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APRIL Birthdays & Baptisms
BIRTHDAYS: Evan Bishop 04/01 Becky Chambers 04/01 Noel Eshelman 04/01 Elizabeth Myers 04/01 Brooke Pearson 04/01 Evelyn Phillips 04/01 Janet Malpert 04/02 Sydney Johnson 04/03 Holly Rasmusson 04/03 Kaden Sare 04/03 Tylor Blevins 04/04 Trayton Miller 04/04 Cynthia Woodard 04/04 Richard Damm 04/05 Delilah Roraback 04/05 Olivia Bengtson 04/07 Jan Michael 04/07 Cody Pearson 04/07 Delaney Johnson 04/09 Charlene Martin 04/09 Erin Murfitt 04/10 Craig Nelson 04/12 Raymond Mai 04/13 Philip Orr 04/13 Diane Fiedler 04/14 Vicki O'Steen 04/14 Leah Schrader 04/15 Michael Bell 04/16 Brad Bengtson 04/16 Brian Bengtson 04/16 Amy Dreier 04/18 Iladene Nelson 04/18 Scott Nelson 04/18 Bernice Peel 04/18 Kaden Bishop 04/19 Herbert Johnson 04/19 Linda Klatt 04/19 Lynette Landgren 04/19 Laura Emler 04/20 George Griffith 04/21 Bertil Malm 04/22 Colin Parks 04/22 Joshua Nelson 04/23 Doris Stump 04/23 Joan Hopp 04/26 Jeanette Peterson 04/26 Karen Stugelmeyer 04/26 Mika Hopp 04/27 Larry W. Johnson 04/27 Yvonne Gottschalk 04/28 Darlene Handlin 04/28 Jan Turner 04/28 Justin Kelling 04/29 Haven Lysell 04/29 Denise Sanderson 04/29
Mary Parker 04/30
BAPTISMS: Betty Finney 04/01 Anita Sutton 04/01 Per Nelson 04/02 Joyce Staggs 04/02 Linda Lungstrom 04/03 Tiffany Dauer 04/04 Shannon Train 04/04 Cheryle Train 04/04 Dorothy Bengtson 04/05 Jay Myers 04/05 Natalie Nelson 04/05 Courtney Bryan 04/06 Shannon Everhart 04/06
Tanner Luttig 04/06 Ella Patterson 04/06 Julia Train 04/06 Julia Hudson 04/07 Colin Finney 04/08 Rose Marie Wallen 04/08 Brandon Whetstone 04/09 Nadia Armbruster 04/10 Steve Gustafson 04/10 Ron Michael 04/10 Cathy Whetstone 04/10 Caleb Sare 04/11 Taylor Whittaker 04/11 Julie McCullough 04/12 Sarah Woodard 04/12 Kymani Miller 04/13 Lynette Jones 04/14 Jeanette Peterson 04/15 Tamara Arnott 04/16 Royce Geiman 04/16 Barry Finney 04/17 Janet Malpert 04/17 Beth Crouse 04/18
Jodi Gawith 04/18 Madison Archuleta 04/19 Autumn Blaylock 04/19 Ed Leonard 04/20 Sheila Leonard 04/20 Monica Blaylock 04/21 Kim Dahlsten 04/21 Cassidy Hornbacher 04/21 Darwin Nelson 04/21 Darrell Malpert 04/22 Elizabeth Myers 04/23 Ann Ylander 04/23 Bernita Dauer 04/25 Margaret Anderson 04/26 Vance Eckstrom 04/26 Maridene Lundstrom 04/27 Kaitlyn Rose 04/27 Evelyn Phillips 04/28 Jay Emler 04/30 Carolyn Sue Gillberg 04/30 Sawyer Lysell-Alkire 04/30 Morgan VanDerWege 04/30
W/ELCA SPRING FLING
Messiah Lutheran Church
Sunday, April 26, 2015
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
ALL WOMEN INVITED
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World Malaria Day, April 25
“And we are turning this day into a special
week focusing on the works of the ELCA Ma-
laria Campaign.” (from the Lutheran, March
Edition).
Many campaigns to change the world never get
beyond the bumper sticker stage. Not the
ELCA Malaria Campaign. From the start, the
campaign has been enthusiastically supported
and implemented by committed Lutherans.
Global efforts to fight malaria have slashed the
death rate from malaria in Africa in half. The
ELCA Malaria Campaign supports the work of
Lutheran Churches and organizations in 13
countries. The program in the southern regions
were the first to begin.
There is a goal for our ELCA to reach $15 mil-
lion by January 31, 2016 (the end of the ELCA’s
2015 fiscal year). This campaign began at the
2009 ELCA Church-wide Assembly.
Our Bethany Congregation has given a total
of $727.46 since the Malaria Campaign be-
gan. On Sunday, April 26, there will be an op-
portunity to give gifts again. There will be a
glass jar in the narthex and another in Trinity
Hall for this purpose.
During the months of April, May and June
our mission envelopes will focus on our Russian
Missionary, Pastor Bradn and Natasha Buerkle
and family.
GLOBAL MISSIONS & LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
When LWR distributes Personal Care
Kits, it’s often to people who have lost
everything. In the wake of an earthquake,
or having fled from violence as their
homes were overtaken, they clasp a tow-
el from a faraway place, with a bar of
soap, a toothbrush…and washing up,
they know that they have not been for-
saken by the world. The very simple ges-
ture of giving a Personal Care Kit can
give someone the encouragement to
start anew, starting with a bath. You can
share God’s grace and love by providing
that simple comfort.
This Lent we're joining Lutheran World Relief's Baskets of Promise campaign. Each week we'll col-
lect a different item that we'll use to assemble Personal Care Kits that give people around the world
tools to stay healthy in life's most challenging situations. Please watch the bulletin/yellow pages.
where you will find a list each week of items to be collected.
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NEW STEPHEN LEADER TO BE TRAINED
In April, Jim Nelson will take part in a seven-day Stephen Series Leader's Training Course in St. Louis, MO, where he will learn how to help organize and direct our Stephen Ministry at Bethany Church. He will be commissioned as a Stephen Leader when he returns.
Jim has served faithfully as a Stephen Minister since May 2011. Please lift Jim up in your prayers for a safe trip and a Spirit-filled learning experience.
AREA 3 GATHERING
Dear People of Area Three Ministry, It has been many years since we as an area have gathered to study, discuss and act upon things that affect our joint ministry in this part of our synod. Many years ago a system was put in place so that, hopeful-ly, the area would grow in its relationship with one another. It is not that we haven't joined together. Some have come to locally sponsored events, some have come to Reformation festivities, the clergy and some lai-ty regularly meet to study.
In this area we consist of 25 (plus one as we move to include Junction City as
well) congregations plus Bethany College and Bethany Home and Bethany House of Studies. We represent small towns, rural and city congregations with various outlooks but a shared vision of Jesus Christ and him Crucified and Risen for our sake.
As your Dean, I am calling together an evening of entertainment (invitation to Redeemer Lu-
theran's Concert Series-Treblemakers: April 19, 2015, 4pm to 5:30pm.) The freewill offering for this event goes to Camp Tomah Shinga and is matched by Thrivent Financial. This connects to our area focus. After the concert pastors and lay-rostered, PMAs , and assembly voting members (along with anyone else that is interested) are then invited to come to Redeemer's fellowship area where we will meet to discuss:
1. The area Focus that came out of the area meeting with Bishop Gustafson and staff.
2 Resolutions that have come forward from our area. (sent out by their respective proposers)
3. Election of area three officers.
4. Discussion over needed synodical positions, either at large or area specific.
5. A time for some Fellowship and light meal (cost $7) Hopefully many of us will come so that as we gather in June at Bethany College we will know one another better, but we also will be an area jointly welcoming other area ministries and their assembly voting members into our midst. In Christ, Rev. David Strommen-Area 3 Dean. Redeemer Lutheran Church 743 E. Magnolia, Salina, KS 67401
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Summer Camp 2015 Schedule CAMP TOMAH SHINGA
Family Camp 5/29/15 to 5/31/15, Friday-Sunday $135 Mini-Camp 1 5/31/15 to 6/3/15, Sunday-Wednesday completed 1st through 6th grade $200 Confirmation Camp 1 5/31/15 to 6/5/15, Sunday-Friday $350 Traditional Camp 1 6/7/15 to 6/12/15 ,Sunday-Friday completed 4th grade through 12th grade $350 Confirmation Camp 2 6 /14/15 to 6/19/15, Sunday-Friday $350 Adventure Camp 1 6/14/15 to 6/19/15, Sunday-Friday completed 9th grade $350 Confirmation Camp 3 6/21/15 to 6/26/15, Sunday-Friday $350 Adventure Camp 2 6/28/15 to 7/3/15, Sunday-Friday completed 9th grade $350 Mini-Camp 2 6/28/15 to 7/1/15, Sunday-Wednesday completed 1st through 6th grade $200 Confirmation Camp 4 7/5/15 to 7/10/15, Sunday-Friday $350 Traditional Camp 2 7/12/15 to 7/17/15, Sunday-Friday $350 Horse Camp 7/19/15 to 7/24/15, Sunday-Friday $450 Traditional Camp 3 7/19/15 to 7/24/15, Sunday-Friday completed 4th grade through 12th grade $350 Please remember that we will not turn anyone away due to financial hardship! Please call or e-mail
Jamie if you would like a scholarship. Registrations are first come first served so please register early. If you have any questions about regis-
tration don't hesitate to call or e-mail with questions. Go to www.tomashinga.com to register. As we try to be good stewards of our resources both financially and environmentally we are encouraging individuals and congregations to register on-line. Please help us to achieve our goal of reducing cost and reducing how much paper we use! Just go to our website and click on "Register Now" and follow the prompts. Thank you!! Jamie Ryan, Associate Director, 785-375-5233, [email protected]
APRIL Birthdays
COME AND HELP CELEBRATE SPECIAL
BIRTHDAYS
Everyone Welcome!
On Saturday, April 25, 2015, Doris Stump will be celebrating her 90th birth-
day in Fellowship Hall from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.
On Sunday, April 26, 2015, Darlene Handlin will be celebrating her 80th
birthday at the J. O. Sundstrom Conference Center in downtown Lindsborg
from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.
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Bethany Church Council Minutes - February 11, 2015
Bethany Lutheran Church Council-Minutes of February 11, 2015 Present: Josh Nelson, Mike Dreier, Brandie Nelson, James Nelson, Justin Mader, Marlin Johnson, Mary Parker, Merle Larson, Matt Stula, Kathey Bengtson, Pastor Mai, Phil Hett Absent: Donna Ruble, Jane Anderson, Dan Norden, Inge Esping, Lois Larson. We wish Dan Norden well as he is home recovering from an accident last week. The meeting was called to order by Justin Mader. Phil Hett gave devotions.
Minutes of the January Council meeting were reviewed and it was MSC to accept the minutes. The minutes of
the Annual Congregational meeting on January 25, 2015 were reviewed and MSC to accept the minutes. Matt Stula's financial report is attached and notes that the contributions for January were about $6,000 less than budget and $3,000 less than last year. Expenses for January were $3,500 less than budgeted and $2,300 less than last year. The
resulting January net income of -$4759 was $2,600 less than budgeted. It was MSC to accept the financial report. Mike Dreier continues to work with Dirk on the Church's insurance policy and hopes to have a final quote soon for re-view.
Informational Reports Pastor reported: Ash Wednesday is on February 18. This year’s theme with Messiah Lutheran Church will be The Tree of Life. Three memorial services were held in our Church recently. John Murphy-January 24, Emma Sundberg-February 5 and Pauline Nelson-February 10. On Monday February 16 our area ministry will host Bishop Roger Gus-tafson here at Bethany Church. Pastor will be serving on the Synod Assembly Planning Team for the June 4-6 Synod Assembly held at Bethany College.
Old Business Property-There are concerns regarding potholes in our parking lot. It will be an expensive fix and will need to be dis-cussed at some point in the future. Credit Card up-date-The credit card application has been completed and submitted. We will need to decide who will be authorized to use the card. At this time it was decided it will be Matt Stula and the Office Staff. Communications-Matt Stula has requested that software be purchased so that CD's can be burned at the Church office by office staff. Right now he has been burning them at home. With the up-dated technology of recording the Church services he sees a need to have one in the office that Gretchen or other staff could utilize. The software should not run
over $100.00. It was MSC to allow Matt to purchase and install the CD burning software up to $100.00. New Council Members did receive their Council notebooks tonight.
New Business
The Lenten meal hosted by Bethany Church is on March 18. It was MSC to donate proceeds to our Youth Program
for the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit, MI.
It was MSC to approve the Easter Offering for ELCA Disaster Response. Manfred Brockman of the Companion Synod Team in Russia, would like to attend the Synod Assembly at Bethany Col-lege in June. He is asking for contributions to fund his trip to the U.S. Discussion followed. The Noisy Offering in May has already been designated to ELCROS (Russia Far East). We could use the noisy offering for May
towards this request. It was MSC to designate the May Noisy offering towards travel expenses and supplement
the donation out of the Global Mission fund so we could make a commitment of $500 towards his travel expens-
es. Two requests for Facility Use were reviewed for Bethany House of Studies on March 7 and Swedish Folk Dancers on
March 29. It was MSC to approve the facility requests with fees as noted on the requests. A concern mentioned that Potluck Sunday is usually the last Sunday of the month. Ordination Anniversaries celebrated this year for Rev. Ray Mai-55 yrs. and Rev. Ron McClennan-45 yrs. Pastor will be in charge of those celebrations. Voting members so far for the Synod Assembly in June will be Josh Nelson and Jim and Donna Ruble. First Communion class will start on March 1. Looks like a class of up to 10 students. They will make their First Com-munion on Maundy Thursday. Bethany Church will be hosting the Lenten Meal on March 18. We will need to decide on a menu and will ask for volun-teers to work and clean up that evening. Kathey Bengtson and Donna Ruble will co-ordinate the meal. The Stewardship/Finance Committee will be hosting a "Thank You" meal on Sunday, Feb. 22. They would like to know if Council Members would help with serving and clean up. Thanks to Brandie Nelson, Justin Mader, Josh Nelson, Marlin Johnson and Merle Nelson who volunteered to help. There were concerns expressed about the large blue spruce tree that used to be lit for Christmas. It does not look very healthy and may need to be looked at closer for possible removal. Bethany Church is on Facebook and we should be reminding members to 'Like Us on Facebook" in the Bulletin and in the Beacon. Brandie Nelson is our Facebook Facilitator and does an excellent job of up-dates and posting photos. Thank you Brandie. Matt Stula is our Bethany Church website facilitator and we thank him for the up-dates and posts he makes to our website. Respectfully Submitted, Kathey Bengtson, Secretary
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A WORD FROM PHIL “Choose this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my household, we will serve the
Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
This is one of the greatest ultimatums in the Bible. After the Exodus from Egypt and after the Israel-ites had wandered in the desert for 40 years, Moses died. It was up to his successor, Joshua, to lead the Is-raelites to victory in conquest of the Promised Land. We can read about those conquests in the book of Joshua. At the end of the book of Joshua comes this familiar verse, “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). After conquering the Promised Land, Joshua gathered all of the tribes of Is-rael together at Shechem, which would later become a center of worship. In his speech in chapter 24, Josh-ua reminds the people of their covenant with God. Joshua begins by reminding the people that God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This same God led them out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. Joshua then challenges all of those gathered by saying you must chose which God you want to serve, the foreign gods or the one true God who keeps the promise, covenant with his people. Joshua then says this famous line, “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
We live in the same covenant with God. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is our God. The promise God made to them is the same promise God makes to us, the promise that God will be with us al-ways. How do you respond to that promise? Which God do you serve? Do you serve one of the many false gods in our world or do you serve the one true God? I cannot answer for you but “as for me and my house-hold, we will serve the Lord.”
This past March, along with a group from Trinity United Methodist in Salina, four of us from Bethany Lutheran Church went on a mission trip to Puerto Penasco, Mexico. You will get an opportunity to hear about this trip in an upcoming forum. We did several things in Mexico but one of the things we did was build a house for a needy family. This Bible verse is on a plaque given to this amazing family and now hangs on the outside of their new home. It is a reminder to them of the God they serve. They serve the God who made a promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They serve this same God who made a promise to us, a promise sealed by Christ’s blood on the cross. What God do you serve? Place a plaque on the door of your heart to always remind yourself which God you serve. The world has many gods, many chances to lead us astray. “Choose this day whom you will serve…”
CHURCH HISTORY
When the Bethany Oratorio Society held the “Messiah” rehearsal in the Bethany Lutheran Church sanctuary
this year (March 22, 2015) the choral group was back in its place of origin. “The Messiah” was first presented
in this sanctuary 133 years ago, March 28, 1882. At that time, Bethany Church had two balconies, one at ei-
ther end of the sanctuary. The pipe organ was located in the front balcony over the altar and pulpit.
Rehearsals began soon after an initial meeting at the parsonage on December 8, 1881. Alma Swensson, the
22 year old wife of Pastor Carl A. Swensson, undertook the challenging task of training the singers from
Lindsborg, Bethany Academy, and area churches, many of whom spoke mostly Swedish and didn’t read mu-
sic.
The first concert included 50 or more choir members who sang eight choruses. Joseph Osborn, the perfor-
mance director, came from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, and brought along a 13-piece orches-
tra. Pastor Olaf Olsson, former pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, and at that time a professor of theology
at the Augustana Seminary, served as organist. Alma Swensson, soprano, was one of six soloists for the
performance. This group presented “The Messiah” five times in seven days ¾ in Lindsborg at Bethany Lu-
theran Church, at Salemsborg Lutheran Church, at the Salina Opera House, at the McPherson Opera House,
and at Fremount Lutheran Church. The musicians traveled by lumber wagon and by train to these concerts.
Bethany Lutheran Church remained the location for the “Messiah” performances until Bethany College Old
Main was completed in 1887; the concerts were then moved to the chapel.
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APRIL 2015 Youth Events
Jr. and Sr. High Youth
Sunday, April 5 Easter Brunch served at Bethany Church. All
NYG’ers are asked to bring one bread item, two pounds of fruit,
and one item for the Bake Sale. The work schedule is as follows:
Messiah Youth 8:15 -9:25, Bethany Youth 9:15 – 10:30 or until all is
cleaned up!
Jr. High Youth
Friday, Saturday, April 10-11 Confirmation Retreat, watch
for information from the Pastors.
Friday, Saturday, April 24-25 8:00pm – 8:00am Lock In at
Messiah Church. There will be a parent/youth basketball game at 7:00am to close out the lock
in. All parents are invited to come participate or “cheer on” the teams!
Sr. High Youth
Sundays, April 12 & 26, 6pm Sr. High meet at 6pm at Messiah Church for supper and les-
sons.
Sunday, April 19, Paintball - $5.00 deposit is due on April 5. Pre-registration and a deposit
is a must. Bring your deposit to the Easter Brunch or give to Jeanne. Watch for more details
after the deposit is made.
Looking Ahead
May 26 – 29, 9:00 – 11:30am Help is needed at VBS. Please check your schedule and let
Joyce know if you can help.
Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in
every leaf in springtime. Martin Luther
Phil Hett Jeanne Lucas Joyce Peterson
620-212-3931 785-212-1846 227-2201
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APRIL 2015 Christian Education Page
Easter - We celebrate the day of Easter on April 5; however, Easter lasts more than one day. In fact, the
season of Easter is celebrated from Easter Sunday to the Day of Pentecost, a week of weeks-fifty days
in all. Easter is the oldest festival of the church year. The Great Fifty Days has been celebrated much long-er than some other liturgical seasons, like Advent and Lent. The color of Easter is white and the symbols associated with the season are beautiful and bright. Everything about the celebration points to the glorious resurrection of Jesus. (“Before and After Easter” by Debbie Trafton O’Neal)
On Easter Sunday, the younger grades will be having Sunday School class time from 9:00-9:30, followed
by the Easter Egg Hunt from 9:30 – 9:45 for preschoolers through 6th grade. All parents are welcome to the Egg Hunt. At 9:45 all families are encouraged to eat at the Easter Brunch in Fellowship Hall. The Jr. and Sr. High youth will be serving the brunch. All are welcome.
The Sunday School Lessons for the younger children are as follows:
April 5 The Empty Tomb Luke 24:1-12
April 12 The Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13 - 35
April 19 The Holy Spirit Acts 2:1-4, 36-42
April 26 Early Believers Act 2:43-47; 4:32-37
Looking ahead – May 17 will be the last day of Sunday School. A park party is being planned again. Food is needed. If you would like to bring an egg dish, bread items, juice or fruit, please call or email Joyce.
Adult Forums are offered each Sunday in Fellowship Hall.
April 5 No Forum You're Invited to Easter Brunch
April 12 Mexico Review Phil Hett, Rhea Mader, Joyce Peterson, Nate Woodard
April 19 Al Anon Al Anon speaker
April 26 The Future of Food Jim Richardson
Camp Tomah Shinga Now is the time to think of summer camp. Registration is available on line. http://tomahshinga.com/new-page-1 Bethany will pay half of the cost of camp. Parents are asked to register their child, pay the deposit and then get a voucher from Joyce to help with the costs. When you get ready to
register your student, please be ready to pay the deposit with PayPal or a credit card. The confirmands will
attend the week of June 21-26.
Mexico Mission Trip Thanks to the Global Mission for helping with the March 11 Lenten Meal. During spring break week, Phil Hett, Rhea Mader, Joyce Peterson and Nate Woodard traveled to Mexico. Come
hear about their trip at the April 12 Forum. Meet in Fellowship Hall to see pictures and hear about the trip.
Women’s Monthly Bible Study – April 9, 7pm, Are you interested in an evening, monthly bible study? If so check out the Bold Cafe Bible study; it is based on the monthly article http://www.boldcafe.org/. (2nd Th of each month, 7-8pm) There is nothing to read ahead of time. Come early and get something to eat or drink. Kim Hett leads this group.
KICK – We are now finishing the 4th Quarter of KICK. Sincere thanks to all who helped by leading a class, donating food or money to this mission of Bethany Church. We are so thankful for you. The last week of KICK will be April 22. All workers and their families are invited to a dinner on May 6th at 5:30pm at Messiah Church. (Joyce Peterson and Mijkin Haxton)
VBS – “Power Lab-Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power”, May 26-29 Vacation Bible School for age 3 through 6th grade will be held at Bethany Church this year, Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 – 11:30. Volun-teers are needed. Parents, if you can’t help during the week of Bible School, please check with Joyce about a “behind the scene” job. Please call one of the directors to volunteer. (Jessica Bengtson 785-643-9240; Aubrie Ellis 785-227-7090 and Joyce Peterson 785-227-2201) Submitted by Joyce Peterson, Christian Ed Director, 227 2201, [email protected]
14
SERVING BETHANY CHURCH IN MARCH
SUNDAY APRIL 5 EASTER SUNDAY, 2015 8:00 a.m. Ushers Don & Kathey Bengtson 10:30 a.m. Ushers Karl & Wanda Esping Dan & Katie Hawkinson Acolytes 10:30 am Drew & Sophie Nelson Nursery 10:30 am Bruster Bengtson
SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2015 8:00 a.m. Ushers Jolene Reese & Ervalene Johnson 10:30 a.m. Ushers Mark & Nancy Lysell Daryl & Marie Shields Matt & Karen Clark Acolytes 10:30 am Jessica Kelling & Logan Spencer Nursery 10:30 am Jessica Kelling
SUNDAY APRIL 19 2015 8:00 a.m. Ushers Ron & Jan Michael 10:30 a.m. Ushers Ron Rolander, Dan Norden, Brandon & Brandie Nelson Bruce Harding & Alan Leaf Acolytes 10:30 am Haven Lysell & Quade Leonard Nursery 10:30 am Amanda Reilly
SUNDAY APRIL 26, 2015 8:00 a.m. Ushers Jim & Cindy Copple 10:30 a.m. Ushers Nate Woodard, John Bengtson, Warren Webster, Merle & Terri Nelson, Joel Woodard Acolytes 10:30 am Lana & Paige Clark Nursery 10:30 am Helayna Reilly
FIFTH SUNDAYS 8:00 am Ushers Mark & Jim Parker 10:30 am Ushers Dirk Durant Willis & Lois Larson Darrell & Janet Malpert Acolytes Nursery
Sacristans: APRIL Rick & Ann Johnson
Altar Guild: MARCH & APRIL Karen Carlson & Susan Lundstrom
Offering Transfer: 8:00 a.m. Mary Parker, James Nelson 10:30 a.m. Daniel Norden, Lois Larson
Communion Ushers: Donna Ruble, Matt Clark, Mike Dreier, Merle Larson
Ushers: Please hand out bulletins, count the attendance accurately, and help to collect the
offering. IF you are unable to serve on your scheduled date, PLEASE CONTACT SOME-
ONE IN THAT CATEGORY AND MAKE A TRADE. Please call the church office by noon on
Thursday so that changed information can be included in the bulletin.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SERVING YOUR CHURCH!!!
15
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thus Fri Sat
APRIL 2015
1 NO Week Day
Church School
NOON Am Scan Assoc. FH
3 pm Book Signing, Small World Gallery
3:30 pm KICK @ MELC
NO MEAL
7:00 pm Bach
Dress Rehearsal
2
2pm
W/ELCA Fellowship Hall
5 & 7 pm Holy Com-munion (1st Communion @ 7)
6 pm Chancel Choir
310 am Svenska
Vänskapsgrup pen MLR
12:15 pm Good Friday Service @ Covenant Church
7:30 pm Bach @ Presser Hall
4 7 am Men's Bible Study @ Bethany Home
5 EASTER
8 am Worship/Communion
8:45 am Brunch
9:30 am Easter Egg Hunt
10:30 am Wor-ship/Communion
3 pm Messiah
6 11 am Staff
6 pm Steward-ship/Finance Committee
6:30 pm Stephen Ministry Training
7 pm Boy Scouts
7 8:30 am Pray-er Group
4:30 pm Out-reach
8 8:10 am Week Day Church School
3:30 pm KICK @ MELC
5:40 pm Meal
6:30 pm Confirma-tion @ MELC
7 pm Men's Choir
7 pm Christian Ed
8 pm Church Council
9 9 am Piece Artists
7 pm Ladies Bible Study @ White Pea-cock
7 pm TACOL @ MELC
10 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen MLR
6-9:30 pm JR.
HIGH CONFIR-
MATION RE-
TREAT @ BLC
11 7 am Men's Bible Study@ Bethany Home
9 am W/ELCA Cluster Meeting, Elim, Marquette
8:30-2 pm JR.
HIGH CONFIRMA-
TION RETREAT @
MELC
12 8 am Worship
9 am Forum, Sunday School
10:30 am Wor-ship
6 pm Sr. High @
MELC
13
11 am Staff Meet-ing
6:30 pm Stephen Ministry Training MLR
6:30 pm Global Missions
7 pm Property Committee
7 pm Boy Scouts
14 8:30 am Pray-er Group
2 pm Library
Committee
5-9 pm Smoky
Valley Music
Festival, Sanc-
tuary
156am-5pm SVHS 8:10 am Week Day Church School 9:30 am Sarah Circle
3:30 pm KICK
5:40 pm Meal
6:30 pm Confirma-tion @ MELC
7:30 pm Stephen Ministry, PR
7 pm Chancel Choir
16 9:30 am Naomi Circle
2 pm Rebecca Circle , MLR
7 pm Miriam Circle
17 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen MLR
18 7 am Men's Bible Study@ Bethany Home
9-3 pm Stephen Ministry Training
2 pm Elsie Mealiff Viola Recital, Sanc-tuary
19 8 am Wor-
ship/Communion
9 am Forum, Sunday School
10:30 am Worship /Comm
4 pm Area 3 meeting in Sa-lina
Sr. High Paint-
ball
20 9 am Handyman Committee
11 am Staff Meet-ing
7 pm Boy Scouts
21 8:30 am Prayer Group @ River-view Estates in Marquette
1:30 pm Visita-tion
22 8:10 am Week Day Church School
3:30 pm KICK @ MELC
5:40 pm Meal
6:30 pm Confirma-tion@ MELC
7 pm Men's Choir
23
7 pm Archives
24 10 am Svenska Vänskapsgrup-pen MLR
6 pm JR. HIGH
LOCK-IN @
MELC
25 7 am Men's Bible Study@ Bethany Home
2-4 pm Doris Stump Birthday Celebration, FH
268 am Wor-
ship
9 am Forum, Sunday School
10 am Senior Recognition Coffee
10:30 am Wor-ship
2-4 pm Darlene Handlin B-day, Sundstrom
6 pm Sr. High @ MELC
5 pm Confirma-tion Banquet
27 11 am Staff Meet-ing
6:30 pm Stephen Ministry Training MLR
7 pm Boy Scouts
28 8:30 am Pray-er Group
29 8:10 am Week Day Church School
NO KICK
7pm Chancel Choir
30
VALBORGS-
MÄSSO-
AFTON
16
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH
320 N MAIN
LINDSBORG KS 67456
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
LINDSBORG, KS 67456
PERMIT NO. 04
THE BETHANY BEACON A monthly publication of Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, KS 67456
Church: (785) 227-2167 [email protected]
VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE: http://blclindsborg.org/
APRIL 2015 Issue No. 4
Bethany Staff
Rev. Loren Mai, Pastor Home (785) 227-2807
Phil Hett Lay Associate Cell (620)212-3931
Gretchen Esping Administrative Assistant
Butch Gibson Building Manager
Joyce Peterson Christian Ed./Youth Dir.
Matt Stula Treasurer
Carolyn Gibson Financial Secretary
Genevieve Bishop Organist
Leah Ann Anderson Men’s Choir
Steve Gustafson Chancel Choir
Lori Nelson Children’s Choir
Bethany Church Council
James E. Nelson..........................227-3639
Justin Mader...........………………....212-1111
Danny Norden............................227-2879
Donna Ruble …………………………...227-2258
Marlin Johnson…………………..…...227-3920
Jane Anderson ……………..………….227-3783
Mary Parker……………………………..227-2623
Merle Larson…………………………….227-7046
Josh Nelson……………………………...227-2555
Matt Clark………………………………...227-2218
Kathey Bengtson (Sec.)……………. 227-2615
Mike Dreier…………………………..….227-5525
Brandie Nelson ………………… 785-817-2119
Inge Esping ………………………..620-213-2992
Lois Larson ………………………………..227-2681
Pastor Loren Mai………………..……..227-2807