bethany lutheran church volume 13, issue 5 january 2019...
TRANSCRIPT
Volume 13, Issue 5
The Chimes is published
monthly by
Bethany Lutheran Church
A Great Commission
Congregation
4644 Clark Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90808
(562) 421-4711
www.bethanylutheran.org
Bethany Lutheran Church
Staff:
Kevin Kritzer Senior Pastor
Seth Moorman Pastor of Family Life & Youth
Carol McDaniel Minister of Music
Karl Fink DCE: Care Ministry
Mary Fink School Principal
Mary Wolfinbarger Preschool Director
Kayleigh Lopez Minister of Youth
Submit monthly articles to Aimee Coleman, ext. 20
JANUARY 2019
The Bethany Blueprint
Worship moving to the GYM in January!
It’s this time of year when we recall that a pair of the most poignant worship events to ever take place took place in the most unlikely of places. A barn; that’s right Mary and Joseph couldn’t find a room, were dependant on the empathetic kindness of another who offered them a stable, where Virgin mother would deliver her son. The couple and a crowd of shepherds kneel before to worship and adore Christ the Lord. A shack; well by our standards the young families first home couldn’t have been much more than such. They were, remember, a displaced third-world people living under occu-pation. It was the emperor’s decree that led them to leave their home in Galilee and move to Bethle-hem and its barn. The accommodations they finally found when they no longer slept in the stable surely wasn’t a palace; it was most likely what we would label a shack, and even more likely it was of less value than the gifts the Magi delivered. The couple again and the “Wise Men”, along with any servants that accompanied them on their journey knelt down and presented Him their treasures, the chief of which was worship.
Of course, long before these events God’s people frequented a tent on the day of worship. Tabernacle clearly is a holier name and connotes a wholly more delightful image. But it was, large as it may have been, nevertheless a tent. Yet, there is no question that, a tent was a far more glorious surrounding than the worship space of public executions. There on that hill outside Jerusalem where convicted criminals were hung on crosses to die, worship takes place. “Father, forgive them.” Absolu-tion! “Surely this man is the Son of God!” Confession! These are hallmarks of worship in the most unlikely of places.
Starting in January, for the foreseeable future, we will also worship in a unique place…our gym. Soon after New Year’s, our sanctuary will begin to receive its Renaissance updates. In the end the sanctuary will be beautified, deferred maintenance rectified, the space enhanced for visitors and worshippers to be better edified and once worship begins therein again God shall continue to be glori-fied, in the sanctuary. Until then our worship shall glorify Him in the gym. It’s evident from the Biblical narrative described above that God is glorified whenever and wherever His people receive His gifts and bless His name. Be it a barn or a shack, a tent or a hill; whether a field where shepherds lately knelt or a court where athletes recently ran; whenever and wherever His people receive His gifts and bless His name He is glorified.
Starting on Epiphany Sunday, January 6th, our glorifying gathering will take place in our gymnasium. Worship times will remain the same: 8:00AM, 9:30AM, and 10:55AM. Fellowship, connections, coffee and donuts will still be available in our courtyard. Ushers will usher, lectors will lector, choirs will sing, pastors will preach, worshippers will rejoice and all will be as it has been be-fore, the people of God gathered in an unlikely venue to celebrate and glorify Him.
OF COURSE, WHILE WORSHIP WILL REMAIN WORSHIP – the work that will go into pre-paring for a worship service will increase dramatically. Pews, chancel, sound, pulpit, it’s all already in place when we come into the sanctuary Sunday after Sunday. Starting in January we will need to transform the gym weekly. So, even as life was lived in the tabernacle days we too will need a great deal of hands to get our space ready for lips to sing His praise and hearts be filled with His joy. Thus we are praying that plenty of us would be willing to help. Perhaps you could assist in setting up on a Saturday morning or taking down the “tabernacle” on Sunday so Bethany students can hold P.E. in the gym come Monday. We are scheduling our volunteers electronically. By doing this you will also receive a reminder email prior to the day(s) you selected. Use this link and schedule your assistance: http://bit.ly/blcsanctuary. If you do NOT wish to use this method but would still like to serve you can also call or email PK.
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75 for 75 We are blessed to be at Bethany. As we look around our campus we can see God at work here at Bethany through the Renaissance project as well as in and through the acts of service done by so many of our members. God continues to bless us. In 2019 we will witness God’s blessings once again as we celebrate our 75th year anniversary. Generations have been touched because of what God has done in this place. In celebration of our 75 th year Bethany’s leadership has set a lofty goal of participating in 75 service projects in 2019. The idea has been named “75 for 75.” These projects are designed to give back to our community and essentially give thanks for what we have been given. These are all opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in our community. These events are not about self promotion, but rather fulfilling a portion of the Bethany Blueprint, serving passionately. You don’t have to participate in all the service projects that you are invited to. You may be more passionate about some projects then others. What a blessing it will be to have Bethany members participate in projects throughout the year. Consider how the Lord will work through you in those events in bringing others closer to Christ. You will have several opportunities in January to serve as we launch 75 for 75. Many of the projects will be familiar to you as Bethany already does so much outreach in our community, such as our annual Easter egg hunt or Christmas concerts. Some projects will be new opportunities. Look at January for example. There are five events being planned including serving at the Long Beach Rescue Mission, Meals on Wheels in Lakewood, the Ronald McDonald House, Christian Outreach in Action, and a community prayer walk. We will be updating you in Chimes about these events, but you may also speak to a member of Bethany’s leadership for more information. Please prayerfully consider what role you might play in the coming year. Also, if you have any suggestions for service projects please share them with any member of the Senior Staff or our elected leaders.
Though I’ve never partaken, not out of avoidance mind you but rather because it’s never presented itself as a possibility, Cherries Jubilee sounds to me like a wonderful dessert! A sweet and sultry concoction composed into a celebration of one of my favorite flavors. Not only is that so but who doesn’t love the word “Jubilee”? A Jubilee: a celebration of extraordinary significance, a party’s party, a wingding and shindig all rolled into one grand festival!
Bethany is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee (75th) Anniversary in 2019.
In the Old Testament, the Year of Jubilee was a physical expression of the truths that all things belong to the LORD and that a relationship with Him was more precious than anything—even diamonds. (Or, as we've come to say at Bethany, "Our stuff is not our stuff!" & "We are not our own!") Ira Gershwin perhaps captured this sentiment well when he said, “Life is one long Jubilee.” How true it is that life in Christ is one long celebration; or shall we say an eternally long celebration!
Our congregation’s life span, Bethany’s story, has come to a point worthy of a grand festival. Throughout the year we will find ways to celebrate this milestone. We will have opportunities to serve our community during its 75 th through something you can read more about in this issue of Chimes: 75 for 75. In the days and months to come you will hear about gatherings to celebrate our anniversary, special worship service(s) and ways to support the next 75 years of ministry. One way is by keeping Bethany, its members and ministry in your prayers:
"Dear Lord Jesus, long ago at Bethany you blessed your disciples, more recently at Bethany you blessed me! May future generations of disciples be blessed by you at Bethany to the glory of you name and the 'jubilee' of many. Amen.”
Bethany’s
Diamond Jubilee
PAGE 3 CHIMES VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5
Adult Bible Studies
for JANUARY
Living Way is a weekly study that includes home work and per-
sonal reflection in the Word, shared dialogue and group conver-sation about the portion of the Bible and a short lesson on the same text by a lead teacher. We are currently studying Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Questions? Contact Pr. Kritzer at [email protected]. *Living Way resumes January 9 at 7:00PM.
THURSDAY Morning:
Men's Bible Study meets from 6:00-7:00AM in the Parish
Lounge. *If you need to leave earlier for work, no problem! We‘re always looking for new men to join us, so as your schedule allows consider meeting with us as we study God‘s Good Word, fellow-ship, & pray together. We are currently studying the book of Prov-erbs. *We will not meet January 3; we’ll resume on January 10.
Women's Thursday Morning Bible Study: We will resume
our study in the Gospel of Matthew on January 10 at 9:30AM in the Parish Lounge. It is not too late to join us, and it's such a great way to learn more about the Bible and make friends. If you have any questions, please call Meg Velez at (562) 426-4262. *We will not meet January 3; we’ll resume on January 10.
SATURDAY Morning:
Men’s Breakfast/Bible Study: Our January day is set for
Saturday, January 19, 8AM to 9:30AM in the Parish Lounge. We will continue our study on the Gospel of John. Please pray about your participation in this group and consider joining us…and bring a friend! If you are interested in providing any part of our breakfast, please contact me as able! – Karl Fink
Another Study Opportunity: Read the Bible in 2019! Make a New Year’s resolution this
year that can change your life. Challenge yourself to read the entire Bible in 2019. It will take hard work and discipline, but the benefits are eternal. Just purchase The One Year Bible in a ver-sion that is easy for you to read. These books arrange the text of the Bible into 365 daily readings. Each day in The One Year Bible you will find a selection from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, a portion from the Psalms, and a selection from
the book of Proverbs. Each week there will be a study posted on the Bethany Blog (www.bethanylutheran.blogspot.com) to help you stay on track and to communicate insights or ask questions. Need more information? Contact Pastor Seth Moorman at [email protected].
SUNDAY Morning/Afternoon:
Lessons of the Day: Every Sunday morning with John
Schinnerer at 9:30AM in the School Library. This study highlights the readings/lesson of the day.
WellSpring: A Spiritual Formation Class for Women led by
Mary Kay Esswein & Randa Pearson in the Multipurpose Room (Room 215), this study began October 21. Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice: Experiments in Spiritual Transforma-tion by Dallas Willard and Jan Johnson. Book cost is $12. To
participate in this study you must sign up. Wellspring: Watering souls with the Word and Spirit as He conforms us to the image of Christ.
Adult Bible Discovery Study: The Old Testament book of Ezekiel—This study continues this month and is taught
by Michael Couey in the Choir Room (Room 130). The book of Ezekiel was written during the years of captivity in Babylon but prior to the first destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC. The Jews, still shaken from their loss of freedom and captivity held out vain hopes that Egypt would come and fight against Baby-lon and free them to return Judah. The problem was a skin-deep acknowledgement of God but a gut reliance on the world to solve their earthly problems. While the first part of the book focuses on sin and judgment, it finishes with a message of hope and joy. The Lord God promises His people that He will save them with His own right hand! Find out why this book is as rele-vant today as it was when it was first written and discover some of the amazing prophesies that are being fulfilled in our time.
GriefShare: This study resumes January 6 at 1:00PM in the
Multipurpose Room #215 . Please see article on page 9 of this newsletter for more information on the NEXT session of GriefShare starting in February. – Karl Fink
MONDAY Evening:
Men’s Bible Study Fellowship: We are studying Psalms to
Song of Solomon. You can learn more by going to Bible Study Fellowship website: www.bsfinternational.org. BSF is the parent organization to our own Living Way Bible Study. The group meets every Monday evening from 6:55-8:30PM in the Choir Room. Questions? Contact Don Baldwin at 562-596-0489 or [email protected] or just show up on Monday night in the Choir Room. *We will NOT meet on April 23, 2019.
WEDNESDAY Evening:
Evening Prayer a time of prayer, singing and communion.
We normally gather on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6:30PM in the sanctuary. You can expect a casual meditative environment with a time of worship that will enrich you and provide respite during the middle of the week. *NOTE: We will resume January 16th.
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Children’s Ministry - Club 35 News Becca Klemm, DCE Intern
All 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students... We have a great beginning to Club 35. We have been learning about the awesome power of God through hands on science experiments. We would love to see all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at Club 35! All Club 35 Events meet on Wednes-day evening from 6:00-7:00PM in the Multipurpose Room (Room 215).
Club 35 Dates for January are: January 9 & 23
Club 35 is looking for adult volunteers to join us! If interested, contact DCE Intern Becca Klemm at [email protected]
All participants need to have completed their 8th grade year by the summer of 2019. If you have any questions, please contact Kayleigh Lopez
Please note the following dates:
Tuesday, January 15 - DUE: LCMS Gathering
Payment of $220.
Tuesday, January 15 – Youth Gathering Team Meeting from 6:30-7:30PM in the Youth Room; this meeting is for the Bethany Youth Participants attend-ing the Gathering. Please put on your home calendar these additional Team Meeting dates on Tuesdays:
February 19, April 30 and June 25.
Friday, February 15 - DUE: LCMS Gathering
Payment of $220.
Saturday, April 6, 2019 – SAVE the DATE! Join us for our Auction/Dinner Event to help support our partici-pants in their efforts to go the Gathering! More INFO
coming soon!
July 11-16, 2019 - 2019 Gathering in Minneapolis,
Minnesota
Confirmation News:
It’s not too late to enroll you child in Confirmation. Please contact Kayleigh.
*Registration Packet can be downloaded on Bethany’s website. If reading this electronically, click HERE.
Classes resume on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 6:30PM.
Happy New Year!
May God bless you as you begin the a new school year and as you continue in your faithful
worship of our Heavenly Father!
Kayleigh Lopez, DCE [email protected]
PAGE 5 CHIMES VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5
Bethany Youth Ministry News...
MSG (Middle School Group 6th- 8th Grade) We are in FULL swing and there are many opportunities offered to the Middle School Group for Spiritual Formation & Fellowship. All info for these events can be found on the Bethany Website.
Every Sunday morning - MSG Bible Discovery (9:15-10:30AM) in Youth Room/Hensley Square Balcony
Wednesday, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 - Confirmation Class (6:30-8:00PM)
Tuesday, Jan. 8 - Game Day (3:30-4:30PM)
Thursday, Jan. 10 & 24 - MSG Lunch Bible Study (12:30-1:10PM)
Friday, Jan. 25 - MSG Dance (7:30-10:00PM)
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 - Confirmation Class (6:30-8:00PM)
Tuesday, Feb. 12 - Game Day (3:30-4:30PM)
Thursday, Feb. 7 & 28 - MSG Lunch Bible Study (12:30-1:10PM)
All information for these events are on Bethany’s Website.
High School Youth Group (gr. 9-12) *Sunday morning we meet for breakfast, highs & lows, and a Bible study in Youth Room.
*Sunday evenings for Youth Group we meet in the Youth Room or an otherwise noted location. There will be a more in depth study accompanied by food, bonding, games, etc. You are welcome to join us anytime and are encouraged to bring friends.
JANUARY 2019: Sunday, Jan. 6 - High School Bible Discovery (9:15-10:30AM); High School Youth Group (4:00-6:00PM)
Saturday, Jan. 12 - High School Hike (More info to come!)
Sunday, Jan. 13 - High School Bible Discovery (9:15-10:30AM); High School Youth Group (4:00-6:00PM)
Sunday, Jan. 20 - High School Bible Discovery (9:15-10:30AM); High School Youth Group (4:00-6:00PM)
Social Media Website: www.bethanylutheran.org Facebook: High School - Bethany Lutheran High School Youth
College - Anchor *Both can be found through Bethany Lutheran Church’s Facebook page.
Apps: Church - Bethany Lutheran Church - Long Beach
School - Bethany Lutheran School - Long Beach *Both apps can be found in Googleplay or the App Store
High School Youth...Other Social Media: Instagram: Bethany_hsg Twitter: Bethany_hsg
WhatsApp: I’ve started a “WhatsApp” chat for the High School Youth Group. “WhatsApp” is a free messaging application on Smart phones that will allow for the user to send and receive text messages, calls, photos, videos and voice messages. Please consider allowing your child to download and use the “WhatsApp” so that this line of communication may continue. If you have any questions about this App please feel free to email, call or text me.—Kayleigh Lopez
Kayleigh Lopez—Minister of Youth, (562) 421-4711, ext. 18
*Preferred Method of Contact -*Text Messages or Call this
number: (309) 397-6583; [email protected]
Sunday, Jan. 27 - High School Bible Discovery (9:15-10:30AM); High School Youth Group (4:00-6:00PM) *Game Night location TBD.
FEBRUARY 2019: Sunday, Feb. 3 - High School Bible Discovery (9:15-10:30AM); High School Youth Group (4:00-6:00PM)
Sunday, Feb. 10 - High School Bible Discovery (9:15-10:30AM); High School Youth Group (4:00-6:00PM)
Sunday, Feb. 17 - High School Bible Discovery is an All Together Event at 9:30AM, you are invited and encouraged to attend this with your family. (9:30-10:30AM); NO High School Youth Group * Presidents’ Day Weekend
Sunday, Feb. 24 - High School Bible Discovery (9:15-10:30AM); High School Youth Group (4:00-6:00PM) *Game Night location TBD.
*Dates & events are subject to change. You will be contacted with any of those changes.
ATTENTION: MSG & High School Youth The forms for the NEW school year are available for DOWNLOAD from Bethany’s website and are on each of the youth groups’ webpages on our site. There are two forms: the Yearlong Youth Ministry Permission Form (Sept2018-Aug2019…needed for youth to participate in ANY youth ministry event) and the Use of Personal Automobile Form (for parents who might drive at events). Please turn in all forms to Kayleigh.
Anchor (College Age) Anchor…If you would like to receive an update via text or social media, please contact me. We meet from 6:00-7:00PM in the Youth Room. –Kayleigh Lopez January 7 & 21 February 4 & 18 March 4 & 18 April 1, 15 & 29 May 13 June 3 & 17
What is your Baptism Date?
MSG and High School Youth...Please email Kayleigh at [email protected] the date, month and year of
your child’s Baptismal Date. Thank you!
PAGE 6 CHIMES VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5
Bethany’s Preschool: Tricycle Tidings Bethany Lutheran Preschool exists:
“To provide quality Christian early childhood education in a safe, loving and caring atmosphere; daily teaching God’s forgiveness and love through our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Mary Wolfinbarger, Preschool Director, ext. 22
If you know of anyone who would benefit from our Christ-centered developmentally appropriate program, please have
them contact the director, Mary Wolfinbarger, for more information on the center or to schedule an appointment for a
tour, at (562) 429-7335 or [email protected].
You can also visit our website at www.bethanylutheran.org.
Happy New Year and Blessed Epiphany to everyone! We enjoyed sharing the Gospel or good news of Jesus’ birth at our special Christmas Service which was attended by about 600 people. If you missed it, you can order a DVD of “The ABC’s of Christmas” from Felix Rivera for $10. This month we will be talking about Jesus’ Baptism and learning about each child’s special Baptism. If you would like to know more about the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, please contact the director or the church office.
We also have the opportunity to celebrate our Lutheran School where each year we are able to teach His love and forgiveness and share His light with the children and their families.
National Lutheran Schools Week provides our network of nearly 2,300 LCMS preschools, elementary schools and high schools with the public opportunity to proclaim and celebrate God’s work among us in Lutheran schools. We thank God for the opportunity to provide excellent academic preparation for the children we serve. We are most grateful for the opportunity to share Jesus’ amazing love with children and their families. National Lutheran Schools Week gives us an opportunity to proclaim these great blessings within the communities we serve. Our schools are amazing incubators for faithful witness of God’s love for us through Christ by teachers and students alike.
Upcoming Dates at the Preschool: January 7 Preschool resumes January 21 Preschool closed in observance of M.L. King Day January 27 – February 1 National Lutheran Schools Week
Bethany Lutheran School News... Dr. Mary Fink-School Principal, ext. 17
*Christ-centered *Academically Strong
*Respectfully Operated *Fully Accredited
PAGE 7 CHIMES VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5
Happy 2019!
National Lutheran Schools Week National Lutheran Schools Week is January 27-February 1. This year’s theme is “Real.Present.God.” the same theme as the National Youth Gathering and Bethany Lutheran School’s theme for the year. We are looking forward to celebrating this special week with our sister Lutheran schools across the nation and celebrating Ms. Imes, Dr. McDaniel, Mr. Fink and Dr. Fink for their years of service in Lutheran schools. Japanese Students Bethany Lutheran School will be hosting a group of Japanese students in late March/early April. We will need host homes! This is an opportunity to be a foreign missionary right in your own home as you share the love of Jesus with students. Host families are compensated for hosting. Contact the school office if you are interested in hosting. Enrollment We expect to have waiting lists for some grades next year. Now begins the time when families start consider-ing their child’s schooling. Your positive “word-of-mouth” is our best advertising! If you know of any fami-lies we should contact with information about our school, give us a call or stop by to pick up a brochure. Finally…
"I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in Him you have been enriched in every way-in all your speaking and in all your knowledge-because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." I Corinthians 1:3-9
It is joy to serve with you! Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel.
Dr. Mary Fink
Principal
PAGE 8 CHIMES VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5
Family Ministry Moment Pr. Seth Moorman-Pastor of Family Life & Youth, ext. 13
As the New Year begins it's a time for many to make resolutions. Now, I am not really a big fan of resolutions because they often come with not much grace. It’s a lot of law and when you fail at your goal it can come with some negative emotions. So often resolutions are focused inwardly on self. This year I would like you to consider making some outward resolutions but only if you promise me that when you fail…because you will, you will not be hard on yourself and find grace in the moment and move forward in life…deal?
I cam across an article on the Focus on the Family website titled “8 Small Resolutions that Can Change Your Family.” Now, we don’t have time to go over all of them, and honestly, you do not want to try to accomplish all 8 in one year but I thought there was some value in a few of them that I would like to highlight. If you want to read the whole article, here is the link: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/new-years/8-small-resolutions-that-can-change-your-family
1. Have dinner as a family- From —Joanne Kraft, author of The Mean Mom's Guide to Raising Great Kids
Small change: When our children were young, we began to see that our captivity to activity was keeping us from eating meals together. We ate anywhere but together, often with the television blaring. My husband and I decided that having meals together as a family was one change worth fighting for.
This change required intentional planning. We had to turn down activities that would keep us away from home at dinner-time. Menu planning was essential. My Crock-Pot became my best friend. And we made it an absolute rule that the TV was turned off before we sat down.
Lasting difference: Most of my kids are now out on their own, but it always surprises me how they still look forward to lunch or dinner at home. I'm also amazed at all the old stories they still talk about, stories that happened around the family dinner table. It's the place Grace held her nose with one hand and shoved broccoli into her mouth with the other under the watchful eyes of her father. It's the place where arguments have erupted — and forgiveness has been extended. The place where we laughed and cried and celebrated all of life's little accomplishments.
2. Offer grace in frustrating moments- From —Susan Allman Trevathan
Small change: One change in my parenting came the day I started hugging my children when I really wanted to yell at them. My kids are only small for a short time, and I had to recognize that the little mishaps and careless decisions they make will not matter much in 10 years. So I look them in the eyes and hold them and give them all the love and grace they need in the moment. When the incident fades a bit, we talk a little about how we can learn from it.
Lasting difference: It's true that children need to learn from their mistakes and understand how to make better choices, but I became a better mother when I recognized that this goal is much bigger than the moment at hand. What truly matters in those times of frustration is how I treat and nurture their hearts. It takes just a few minutes to clean up spilled milk, but much longer to mend a broken spirit.
3. Pray for your kids- From —Brooke McGlothlin, author of Praying for Boys
Small change: Coming to terms with my own inabilities has been a powerful difference maker in my parenting. I've always dreamed of having boys, but I had to recognize that I really have no idea how to raise men who will be respecters of women and lovers of God. I know nothing about raising protectors, promise keepers and peacemakers. But I do know how to cry out to God on their behalf.
About four years ago, I began praying Scripture over my children. Since then, it has become a passion of mine. I love to take the Word and substitute my boys' names when I can, asking God to bless their lives and their decisions. God's Word is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of mar-row, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). Lasting difference: Like many parents, I've been overwhelmed and exhausted, seconds away from defeat. Prayer is the missing piece of the puzzle. I've learned that parents who pray for their children recognize their own inability to change their children's hearts, putting their faith and hope in the God who can.
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GriefShare: This study resumes to finish our Fall sessions on Sunday, January 6, 1:00PM in the Multi Purpose Room #215. I will then begin the next sessions on Sunday, February 3, 12:30PM in the same location. The Griefshare program is a DVD/discussion based 13 week series which helps those who are working through the grief over a loved one’s death. Bethany has been offering this program for 13 years now, and I have personally been involved with it the entire time. It is extremely beneficial and I would encourage anyone experiencing grief to join the group. Should you have questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or on my office phone at 562.421.4711 ext. 19. May our great God comfort you during your journey of grief...
Brianna Esswein Memorial Golf Tournament News: The Brianna Esswein Memorial Golf Tourney is Friday, March 22, 2019, Lakewood Country Club. Shotgun start is at 1:00PM, so make plans to get there early for various contests offered on that day. Cost is $125/golfer. Look for fliers to be out and available in the coming weeks! We will be celebrating 20 years this year for our tourney! There will be special contests planned before the shotgun start, so you will really want to get to the course early to participate. Also, the committee is requesting that ALL of us do the best we can in getting a full compliment of players playing this year, so start NOW in getting your groups together. We want to fill the course! Finally, if you work for a
company that will sponsor the event this year, please get them on board early so many can benefit from whatever monies are
raised. We are looking forward to a great day, as always!
In Christ,
Karl Fink Director of Christian Education and Care
Karl Fink-DCE, ext. 19
[email protected] DCE Care Ministry News
We’re waiting for you. Bethany Lutheran School has an opening for the ‘First Face of Bethany’. Are you an efficient, professional, flexi-ble, multi-tasking kind of person who loves Jesus, people in general and especially children? Can you plan, organize and communicate, exercise discretion, be the first contact for our school office and exhibit mastery of office machines and computer programs? Can you dispense good advice and band-aids? Can you provide multi-dimensional support for the School Administrator, teachers, students and families? Can you breeze through correspondence, bank deposits, a million questions, work well under pressure, demonstrate initiative and underscore all of your actions with the love of Jesus? Are you a champion for Christian education? If so, we’ve got a job for you as our Administrative Assistant. This position is full time, 12 months, 7:45AM-4:30PM on our school campus. Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement program, vacation, sick and holiday time, as well as reduced tuition for your children enrolled in our school, PS-8. Salary range is $17.41-$24.34 per hour based on experience. Position is supervised by the Principal and reports to the Board of Schools. Best benefit is the opportunity to work in a Christian environment where we talk about Jesus every day!
Interested? Please submit your resume to Dr. Mary Fink, [email protected] . Full job description is available on the school website: www.bethanylutheran.org/school/info/
CHIMES PAGE 10 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5
Annual Campout Retreat:
Bethany's Annual Family Campout Retreat is February 16, 17 and 18 at Mobiland RV Park in Ocotillo Wells. Bring your special dish for Saturday's pot luck supper, something for Sunday morning brunch, Sunday evening hors d'oeuvres and some firewood for the campfire. A worship service will be held Sunday morning at 10:00 AM. Maps will be available in the church office. For questions or reservation please call Philip Lopez, Wagonmaster at (562) 416-5960.
Online/Text Giving: In an effort to be faithful stewards with what God has entrusted us with, there is a new service we are using to help with our call-ing of being generous believers. We now offer online and text giving to our congregation. The hope and prayer is that offering online and text giving will allow us to accomplish a couple of things: 1. Provide flexibility for our members to give how they want to, regardless of day or time. You’ll be able to give your tithes and
offerings in several different ways. We have a link on our website where you can give. You can also give via text message. Our text message number is 562-210-0463 (see next article below). You can also give with a credit card or debit card with any of the giving mediums mentioned above.
2. Second, it will help all of us better develop a habit of giving regularly. Online giving is going to help us be better stewards of affording you the opportunity to give on a regular basis. You will be able to set up recurring tithes and offerings.
You are encouraged to visit Bethany’s website. Pray about how God is calling you to give and be a faithful and obedient steward in our mission of making disciples. If you have any questions, please contact Maraley Shaeffer at [email protected] or (562) 421-4711 or Teresa Ivins at [email protected] or 562-577-2271. We have added Text Giving as a way for you to donate. It’s incredibly easy and secure to give. Here’s how to set up text giving on your phone:
Step 1 – Text the donation amount that you want to give to (562) 210-0463.
Step 2 – Fill out the brief, one-time form to safely link your card to your account.
Step 3 – you donation will be processed! It’s that easy. You can also text the amount and the fund name where you want to give (such as 100 Renaissance).
Mission Alaska 2019:
Plans are underway for a return trip to the land of the midnight sun to serve as short-term missionaries in Alaska. Tentative travel dates are July 26- August 5th. An Informational Meeting is planned for Sunday, January 20th at Noon(ish) in the Youth Center. Partici-pants should be in 8thgrade this year or older and families are encouraged to serve together on the team. Come and find out how you can be a short-term missionary in Alaska in 2019.
For God so loved the world that he
gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not
perish but have eternal life.
—John 3:16
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been
justified through faith, we have
peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ...
CHIMES PAGE 11 VOLUME 13 ISSUE 5
Additional News & Notes:
Church Offices Closed: New Years Day on Tuesday, January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 21
FEBRUARY Newsletter Deadline: Articles are due by Tuesday, January 15th. Send articles to Aimee Coleman ([email protected])
Electronic Giving: By giving electronically, the amount you designate will be withdrawn automatically from your checking or savings account on the date(s) you specify. You can ensure that Bethany gets your contribution on a regular basis, even when you're on vacation. To sign up, go to www.bethanylutheran.org, click on "Giving" on the top
right side of the page. Then follow the easy prompts.
Please join the
Board of Evangelism
in praying…
As Christians, we are called to pray for one another. The Board of Evangelism asks the congregation of Bethany to please pray for the following mission partners this JANUARY:
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Lutheran Braille Workers
Thrivent Financial
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
“I thank my God every time I remember
you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always
pray with joy because of your partnership in the
gospel from the first day until now, being confi-
dent of this, that He who began a good work in
you will carry it on to completion until the day
of Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 1:3
Family Ice Skating: Save the date for our annual Family Ice
Skating event will be on Saturday, February 23rd from 1:00-3:00PM at
Paramount Iceland.
More information will be coming soon.
Are you receiving
the Bethany Bullet?
The Bethany Bullet is a weekly capsule of worship high-lights and big information that your brain may or may not have 'downloaded' from the prior Sunday.
The purpose is to bolster you in faith, build you up in the key Biblical themes shared the previous Sunday in worship, to bring to mind the important issues on Bethany's plate and to broaden your awareness of opportunities of service to your Lord, your church, and your community.
Tell a friend about the Bethany Bullet!
If you would like to receive the Bethany Bullet please email Aimee Coleman ([email protected]) with your name and email address.
NAMES OF GOD:
Jehovah (Self Existent One);
Jehovah Shalom (Lord of Peace);
Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Heals);
Jehovah M’Kaddesh (Lord Who Sanctifies);
Elohim (The Triune God, Creator);
El Elyon (The God Most High);
El Shaddai (The Almighty, All Sufficient God);
El Olam (The Everlasting God);
Adonai (The Lord and Master);
Abba (Father)
4644 Clark Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90808
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHU RCH
*Please see the JANUARY Calendar for
important dates/times.
*An updated weekly calendar
is printed in each Sunday bulletin!
Inside this Issue:
—Worship in Gym, p.1
—75 year Diamond Jubilee, p.2
—Bible Studies, p.3
—Youth Ministry News, p.4-5
—Preschool & Day School News, p.6-7
+So much more!!
Join us at Worship!
Sunday: 8AM, 9:30AM, & 10:55AM
Inside this Issue...
Phone: 562-421-4711
FAX: 562-429-1693
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Dated Material—Please Expedite
We are on the WEB! www.bethanylutheran.org
Mailing Address Line 1
Mailing Address Line 2 Mailing Address Line 3
Mailing Address Line 4
Mailing Address Line 5
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Long Beach, CA
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JANUARY 2019